“Together We Make A

The Official Newsletter of the Difference” Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia, SC www.FilAmSC.org (A Non-Profit Organization to Promote Inter-Cultural Education and Understanding )

 Volume 19, Number 1  P.O . Box 24112, Columbia, SC 29224  Summer 2009  Marj Pe ña Heads Columbia Mayor Bob Coble To Induct New Officers

FAAGC Executive Columbia Fil-Am Annual Gala To Board for 2009-2011 Benefit Philippine Red Cross, Charities arj Peña, a past two-term FAAGC MSecretary, was voted as Columbia he Filipino-American Association of Gala Program and Tickets Fil-Am President for the 2009-2011 term T Greater Columbia (FAAGC) will The formal affair (coat and tie or ba- during the election conducted at the an- hold its 19th Annual Gala and 13th In- nual Fil-Am annual spring picnic held at rong required) includes a sit-down dinner duction Ball on Saturday, August 29, and an entertainment program that in- the Sesquicentennial State Park on Easter 2009 at the Marriott Hotel of Columbia Sunday, April 12, 2009. cludes Philippine folk and contemporary from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. The venue is dances performed by the Columbia Fil- A blend of experience and new blood, in downtown Columbia at 1200 Hampton the 2009-2011 Executive Board includes Am Cultural Dance Troupe. A highly two past Presidents (who have been also St., Columbia, SC 29201). regarded DJ will provide music for the sustaining charter members since 1991 The formal dinner-dance gala is the listening and dancing pleasure of the at- when the Association was formed), three Association’s main annual fundraiser to tendees. officers from the 2007-09 Executive support its various activities such as the Columbia City Mayor Bob Coble has Board (one re-elected to the same posi- Philippine cultural dance troupe, scholar- tion, two elected to new offices), two informed FAAGC that he will attend the ship fund, charitable endeavors, and other gala; this will be the first time since the other previous officers and five first-time educational and multi-cultural activities in (continued on Page 7) Association was organized that the Co- the Midlands. lumbia Mayor would be in attendance. Filipinos in the U.S. Navy Fundraiser for the Philippine Mayor Coble has been requested to induct by I.C. Go Red Cross, Charities the newly-elected Columbia Fil-Am offi- This year, a portion of the proceeds cers and Executive Board. ast April 2008, as part of a group of Tickets are $45 per person (that's educators from the Carolinas, I was will benefit the Philippine National Red L Cross and other Philippine charities that FIVE dollars LESS than last year's given the opportunity to go on a tour of price) if purchased before August 22 . the San Diego Naval Base. I’ve always FAAGC supports. Helping the needy in known that Filipinos had a presence in the the Philippines is one of the most noble Tickets bought after August 22 or at the U.S. military, but little did I know that and rewarding goals of the Association. door will be $50.00 per person. Student there was a special relationship between Last year’s gala raised funds to benefit tickets are $35 each. Due to hotel require- Filipinos and the U.S. Navy. Philippine calamity victims. Previously, ments for seating and catering arrange- At one of the San Diego Naval Base the FAAGC gala also benefited four Phil- ments, we would like all guests to buy, or mess halls, I ventured towards a table of ippine orphanages and child welfare insti- at least reserve, their tickets by contact- (continued on Page 3) (continued on Page 9) tutions.

▲ The NEXT Gen eration of Columbia Fil-Am Cultural Dance Troupe performers: Giles Rojo, Rina Lo wder, L eigh ▲ FAAGC performers and volunteers pose in front of the Philippine display Apan, Justine Flora, Josh Viray Photo: Mario Viray during the 2009 Columbia Intern ational F estival last April. Photo: Mario Viray PAGE 2 FIL-AM BULLETIN SUMMER 2009

The President’s Corner ...... by Marj Pena How To Reach Us FAAGC is the Catalyst F A A G C P.O. Box 24112 I would like to thank the desserts and delicacies that we have brought Columbia, SC 29224 members of the Colum- with us from the Philippines. Through all of bia Fil-Am (FAAGC) for this, the FAAGC is the CATALYST that www.FilAmSC.org electing me as the next allows these Filipino traditions to be passed e-mail: President of this organi- on from one generation to another and the [email protected] zation. I am humbled by AMBASSADOR that spread awareness of [email protected] JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ your trust and will do my very best, with the Filipino culture within the South Carolina your help, to make this organization stronger community. 2009-2011 EXECUTIVE BOARD and to expand its outreach in the Midlands to This year, we induct a new set of Officers. President MARJ PEÑA all members and non-members alike. We promise to carry on the traditions and to (803) 360-2469 Almost 10 years ago, when our family establish new ones to bring the Filipino com- First Vice-President moved to South Carolina, the Fil-Am organi- munity together . WE CAN NOT DO IT BY CECILLE JACOBSEN zation immediately made Columbia a place OURSELVES! We need you to participate, (803) 494-5613 we can call home. We found life-long friends to contribute your time and most impor- Second Vice-President within the Filipino community and our in- tantly your talents and ideas to make our LISA EDWARDS volvement with the Association has kept our organization better and stronger as we ap- (803) 360-2636 ties with the Filipino culture alive and well. proach our twentieth year in existence. Secretary SHIRLEY MCGUINNESS Although the Philippines is thousands of Yes, there will be disappointments, but (803) 794-3138 miles across the ocean, the Fil-Am family the successes, accomplishments, friendships, Assistant Secretary through its activities and our involvement has and happy memories that we will build to- BAMBI TIJING kept the country that we left behind always in gether will far outnumber that. Many of our (803) 749-2177 our hearts and in our minds. children and grandchildren who are born in Treasurer Over the years, the Filipino community of the will never experience the NIEVES MCNULTY Columbia has continued to expand. Yester- Filipino culture the same way as those of us (803) 781-9509 Assistant Treasurer day’s kids are today’s young adults and new who grew up in the Philippines, but together, WYDA VIRAY parents. New families have arrived to estab- we can share our experiences and keep the (803) 699-5265 lish their homes and history among us. The Filipino spirit alive from our generation to Executive Board M embers: next generation is at hand, ready to learn the theirs. So I invite y’all to be involved! As DANIEL ADCOCK first steps of tinikling , binasuan , singkil and our motto says: (803) 926-5163 all our native dances or to savor the adobo , Together we make a GRACE BALANQUIT dinuguan , pancit , menudo , etc., and the many difference . (803) 419-1345 GRACE COLLINS (843) 808-5740 From The Outgoing President ...... by Alan Geoghegan JOJO FLORA Thanks for the Opportunity to Serve (803) 788-2183 CECILLE GEOGHEGAN Dear Fil-Am friends , lection on a various topics about the Philip- (803) 787-5255 It has been a wonderful pines h ere for man y years, while documenting two years with our Associa- the Association's activities in video and digital FIL-AM BULLETIN tion and I am filled with photography. man y memories of our ac- I am seeing new faces come to our events The Official Newsletter of the tivities and meeting new and I hope that they can be involved in our ac- Filipino-American people. tivities. Do you h ave a talent that may serve our Association of Greater Columbia, SC I am excited b y our in- Fil-Am in a meaningful way? You can contact P.O. Box 24112 coming Executive Board, h eaded b y our new an y of the incoming officers, attend one of our Columbia, SC 29224 President Marj Peña. Marj has previously social g atherings or membership meetings held The Fil-Am Bulletin is one served on the Executive Bo ard and I'm sure she throughout the year. The chann els are open for vehicle of the Association to achieve will do a f antastic job as President. I am loo k- you to be a p art of our Association. There are its objectives and maintain regular ing forward to the next two years. numerous ways to bring us closer to our home communications with its members and A big thanks to our outgoing Executive country, the Philippin es. As potential new mem- interested parties. Contributions of Board who donated mu ch time and countless bers move into the area, I hope that they can be articles (as well as financial ideas to make our Association what it is today. an integral p art of displaying Philippin e culture. donations) are most welcome; I thank them as well as man y of our volunteers W e are seeing a revitalization of our d ance contact the Editor for more details. for their contributions. troupe, which is wonderful. NOEL ALON At our recent memb ership meeting, it was Our annu al fundraising gala is coming up Editor obvious that as our association moves forward, soon this year, I hope you can bu y a ticket and/ Tel. (803) 738-0372 we should listen to what our memb ers want to or consider one of the sponsorship levels, e-mail: FilAmSC @yahoo.com accomplish. If our Fil-Am can involve more which will b enefit a number of Philippin e chari- Helen Alon concretely Filipino s and Filipino-American s, we ties including the Ph ilippine Red Cross. I look Production/Circulation Coordinator will have done a good job. By being a part of forward to seeing you at the gala and at our e-mail: HELENQ [email protected] the larg er communit y in the Midlands, there is other events. much we can share in our area, such as our Than k you for allo wing me serve the Asso- Carlton Edwards, Mike Padua, native dances, food and overall Filipino culture. ciation for these man y years, I hope to see you Dino Panti I have personally b een sho wing my video col- soon. Photographers SUMMER 2009 FIL-AM BULLETIN PAGE 3

M o t I o n s & t r a n s I t I o n s ~ Congratulations ~ W E L C O M E N e w M e m b e r s ® to Ken & Ronelin ) one another.” Zearfoss on the birth of their JIM & RUBY AL- SC. Longtime area residents, son Kenneth John III on April BERT of Columbia, SC. ) MARIA JO NILLEN they have joined the Associa- 16. She is originally from Baguio tion since their daughter-in- (“Jonnie”) CRUZ of Co- ® to Vincent & Ruth City. They hope the Associa- lumbia, SC. From Pineda, law is from Bacolod City. tion can provide them with Pasig City, she is a registered Both are medical technologists Taghap Vogt on the birth of “ fellowship” and “Philippine nurse at Palmetto Health Bap- at Moncrief Army Community their daughter on June 5. She dancing lessons” for their tist. In the area for almost Hospital.. is a former Columbia Fil-Am daughters: Lilly, 4; Elle, 2; and Cultural Dance Troupe per- three years, she has joined ) baby Sophia. FAAGC since she “would BEN & JOCELYN former.

) GLENN & MYLENE really like [her] daughter IVES of Columbia, SC. ® to Wayne Barker on his ANTONIO of Columbia, [Joelle Patricia, 12] to have ) ZENNY KAMMANN marriage on June 13. He is SC. She is a nurse with Vin- lots of Filipino friends.” of Apollo Beach, FL. Tempo- the older son of FAAGC sus- tage Health Resources. Both ) EMIL & ALMA GA- rarily in Columbia for over a taining charter members James from San Manuel, Isabela, NAL of Columbia, SC. A year now, she hails from Pasay & Edith Barker of Saluda, SC. they have three children: An- nurse at Palmetto Health Rich- City and is a programmer on gelo, 8; Geoff, 4 ; and baby ® to Judith Banac on her land, she is originally from contract with a local company. marriage to George Sibert III Julia. Muntinlupa City. A machinist ) ALAN & JENNIFER on June 20 in Spartanburg, ) BILLY & JENNIFER at Accutech Inc., he is from SC. She is a former Columbia Imus, Cavite. In the area for LUCILLO of Columbia, SC. BLACK of Lexington, SC. He is from Irosin, Sorsogon, Fil-Am Cultural Dance A longtime South Carolina nearly three years now, they Troupe performer. think FAAGC should have while she is from Tacloban resident, he is originally from ® Alabama and works at Mich- “ activities for the kids that will City, Leyte. In the Greater to Jessica Cuaresma on elin Tire Corp. She lists let our Filipino culture be Columbia area for over two her upcoming marriage to Cavite City and Manila as her known to them.” They have a years now, they have two chil- David Joshua Todd in Co- hometowns. Joining FAAGC son, Allen Myles, 12. dren: Jial Alain, 11, and Jela lumbia, SC, on September 12. Alaine, 6. A pioneer performer of the to “ have more friends and get ) TOBIN (“Toby”) & involved in its activities,” they Columbia Fil-Am Cultural MARIA PERPETUA ) CESAR & GLADYS Dance Troupe, she is a daugh- hope the Association can SUBIBI of Columbia, SC. In “ recruit more members to raise TRINIDAD (“Che”) GIB- ter of FAAGC past officers SO N of Camden, SC. Newly the Greater Columbia area for and sustaining charter mem- more funds for donation to bers Manny & Leah Cuaresma Philippine orphanages.” arrived in the Greater Colum- nearly three years now, they hail from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. of Columbia, SC. ) ALLAN & SELINA bia area, she hails from Bula- can and is a nurse at Kershaw She is a registered nurse at ® to Rizza Matias Bagnal CAHIGAN of Columbia, Palmetto Health Baptist. on her upcoming marriage in SC. Originally from Sapang County Medical Center. Originally from , he is the ) NOLI & ANNA Alabama in September. A Palay, Bulacan, she is a nurse past performer of the Colum- with Vintage Health Re- SC ENT Sleep Lab director. KATRINA (“Chinky”) She hopes the Association will VICTORIA of Columbia, bia Fil-Am Cultural Dance sources. He is also a nurse Troupe, s he is a daughter of from Dasmarinas, Cavite. In “ welcome [her] family and SC. Ten-year area residents, friends to the community” and they hail from Quezon City. FAAGC past officers and Columbia for nearly three sustaining charter members years now, they hope the As- “have reasonable plan of ac- She is a customer service ac- tion to meet the needs of the count manager with Sentry Ruben and Chari Matias Bag- sociation can “ mentor [them] nal of Columbia, SC. O about things needed for a bet- organization.” Security Systems, while he is a medical technologist with Blue ter future.” They think the As- ) Visit the sociation should “set up com- RON & LEEJO Y Cross / Blue Shield. They FAAGC Website munication strategies to link GO DING of Columbia, SC. have two children: Kevin members” and help “ develop ) FRED & JOANNA Noel, 19, and Katrine Nicole, www.FilAmSC.org harmonious relationships with HO RNICK of Columbia, 15. O forms of advertisements and about the Fil-Am Gala , please Annual G ala ...... (continued from Page 1) donations (see form included in contact Marj Peña at (803) 19th Annual Gala (continued from Page this issue). We request that all 360-2469, Lisa Edwards at ing one of our officers by (803) 771-7000 or go online to: ads and contributions for being (803) 360-2636, or any other August 22. It is possible that www. marriottcolumbia.com a sponsor, patron or donor be officer listed on Page 2 of this due to demand, only a very to make a reservation; mention received no later than August newsletter . In the Sumter area, limited number of tickets may that your stay is in connection 15 to be included in the printed contact Cecilia Jacobsen at be available at the door. with the Columbia Filipino- gala souvenir program. As the Fil-Am Store [(803) 494- Out-of-town guests or mem- American Gala . noted earlier, 50% of donations 5613]. bers wishing to stay at the Co- Gala Souvenir Program will directly benefit the Philip- For hotel directions and lumbia Marriott can reserve a Since the gala is the major pines Red Cross and other updated information, v isit the standard or double room at a f und-raising event of the Asso- charities. Columbia Fil-Am website at special rate of $99 plus tax. ciation, we are also soliciting Contacts www.FilAmSC.org . O Please call the Marriott at all kinds of contribution in the For tickets or more details PAGE 4 FIL-AM BULLETIN SUMMER 2009 * * * A*C*H*I*E*V*E*M*E*N*T*S G*A*L*O*R*E * * * Although the 2009-2010 school year is just getting into full swing, for posterity sake and historical record, we would be remiss if we don’t carry on our annual tradition of recognizing high-achieving children (and adults too) in the extended Fil-Am community during the immediate past school year (2008-2009). Belated this may be, CONGRATULATIONS to the following graduates and awardees — and all others not mentioned here due to our lack of detailed information on their individual accomplishments — despite repeated telephone, e-mail, mailed and verbal reminders, only a few f amilies submitted the needed information and/or photos in time for inclusion in this issue.

) WILLIAM T. “Bill” performer. O made it to the State-level com- ence, Italy, during the 2008 SIMMO NS was recently petitions. Fall semester. A former long- recognized and honored as She received the Academic time Columbia Fil-Am Cul- “one of the Palmetto State's The Graduates Scholar award for excelling in tural Dance Troupe performer finest” for his “ twenty years of yyy both sports and academics and and a 2006 Columbia Fil-Am outstanding military service” C ATHERIN E was one of 39 seniors selected Scholarship recipient, she is and subsequent extensive PACITA GO YENECHE to receive the Outstanding the daughter of Noel & Helen graduated magna cum laude Seniors award. Recipient of Alon of Columbia, SC. O service in veterans organiza- tions and community activities with a Master of Arts in Psy- the SC LIFE scholarship, she ) ELAIZA “Leigh” by concurrent resolutions chology from The Citadel is looking forward to attending (Charleston, SC) on May 10, the Darla Moore School of APAN completed ninth grade adopted by the House of Rep- on the A&B Honor Roll and resentatives ( H. 3981 on April 2009. She is the second Business at USC Columbia daughter of Charles & Bev this fall. She is the youngest received a “ certificate of aca- 29) and the Senate ( S. 780 on demic excellence” from Goyeneche of Hartsville,SC . O daughter of Manny and Leah May 5) of the SC General As- Blythewood High School. A sembly. Cuaresma of Columbia, SC. O yyy JUDITH CHRISTA Columbia Fil-Am Cultural A retired U.S. Air Force yyy Dance Troupe performer, she Master Sergeant and a lifetime PEÑA graduated on Decem- JEFFREY NO BLE ber 14, graduated is the older daughter of Berna- member of , dette Yavis of Blythewood, Inc. (TAI), he was instrumen- 2 0 0 8 on June 5, 2009 from SC. O tal in the founding of and from the served as immediate past U S C Spring Val- ) GLAIZA “Glyde” president of the Spann Watson S outh ley High Sch oo l. APAN completed seventh Chapter of TAI in Columbia. Carolina grade with honors at Blythe- He was one of the honorees Honors With a sen- ior year wood Middle School and re- during the chapter’s veterans College ceived an “ honor roll achieve- awards banquet on May 16 at with a GPA of 3.6, he also par- ment citation” from SC State the NCO Club, Fort Jackson. Bachelor of Science (double Senator Joel Laurie. A Colum- He also served as FAAGC 2nd major in Biology and English). ticipated in football and track and field events. Planning to bia Fil-Am Cultural Dance Vice-P resident (1999-2001) She currently works as man- Troupe performer, she is the and Board Member (1996-97). ager at Miyo’s Gourmet Group become a physical therapist, he will attend Midlands Technical younger daughter of Berna- and is planning to pursue a ca- dette Yavis of Blythewood, ) FAYE CO LLEY was reer in the Culinary Arts. A College, and then USC, to ma- SC. O recently named “ 2009-2010 former Columbia Fil-Am Cul- jor in exercise therapy. A for- Support mer performer of the Colum- tural Dance Troupe performer ) BERNADETTE APAN Employee of and a 2004 Columbia Fil-Am bia Fil-Am Youth Cultural the Year ” Scholarship recipient, she is Dance Troupe, he is the son of YAVIS received a certificate by Harbison the older daughter of Edsel & Marvin & Beth Noble of Co- of award from Midlands Tech- nical College “ in recognition West Ele- Marj Peña of Columbia, SC. O lumbia, SC. O mentary of academic achievement” in S c ho ol yyy JESSAMINE CABAD- The Graduates ToTo----BeBeBeBe the “Part-Time Student Honor Roll” during 2008 Fall semes- (Lexington- ING CUARESMA gradu- Richland a t e d ) ter. A Columbia Fil-Am Cul- AILEEN ALO N com- tural Dance Troupe choreogra- School Dis- fr o m pleted her third year at Win- trict Five). For her accomplish- S pring pher and performer, she has throp University (Rock Hill, also served as a FAAGC Ex- ment, she received a commen- Valley SC) on the Dean's List. In ad- ecutive Board Member. O dation letter from U.S. Con- Hi gh dition to her previous Palmetto gressman Joe Wilson (2nd S chool Fellow and Winthrop Trus- District, SC) and a certificate o n tee scholarships, she re- of honor and recognition from June 5, ceived the A.W. Huckle the SC House of Representa- 2 0 0 9 . Scholarship for the 2009- tives signed by House Speaker C on- 2010 academic year. Robert Harrell, Jr. Earlier, she sistently in the A-B Honor A fine arts student in the was honored as “ Support Em- Roll and she was a member of Honors Program, she stud- ployee of the Month” of Janu- the National Junior Beta Club ied, through the Wells Col- ary 2009 by her school. She is member, she was in the SVHS lege Study Abroad Pro- also a current Columbia Fil- Girls swim team from 7th to gram , at the Scuola The APAN-YAVIS achievers: Am Cultural Dance Troupe 12th grade where she always Lorenzo de' Medici in Flor- Glyde, Leigh & B ernadette SUMMER 2009 FIL-AM BULLETIN PAGE 5 PAGE 6 FIL-AM BULLETIN SUMMER 2009 From the FAAGC Inbox FAAGC By-Laws Amendments churches here in the states have lost their G On July 7, 2009, 10:58 AM, lboat- Possible amendments to the Association [email protected] wrote : vision as far as missions are concerned and our support is on the average of $700 By-Laws are being sought from members to We are Ral ph and Linda Boatwright, a month. That does not go far when we make the FAAGC more responsive to cur- missionaries to Olongapo City, Luzon, pay fi ve salaries to i nclude social security, rent conditions. Philippines. We are home now trying to taxes and Phil-health for each employee. The current By-Laws specifies that raise more support for our wor k. Also, we pay the pastor a sti pend, help “amendments...may be proposed by the By- We have purchased an old buildi ng with the church el ectric bill, have pai d for laws Committee, the Executive Board, or…by there and ar e in the process of renovati ng the five computers that are used to teach it to accommodate our over 125 people any member.” the young children, and buy all supplies For details, contact Noel Alon (738-0372 ; that attend ever y Sunday. We feed over needed for the church, office and semi- 60 to 75 children ever y Sunday. Many nar y. [email protected] ). Copies of the By-Laws come for the food, but some become bor n Will you help us to help those who need can be downloaded from the FAAGC website: again and stay. We feed 15 to 20 at each us most? The Filipinos have become our www.FilAmSC.org meal during the week as many of the children and we want to help them in children can not afford to go to school and ever y way. Please help us to help them. therefore they stay at the church most of You can contact us at (803) 353-8176; FAAGC Member on PBS Show the time to hel p with the wor k of cleaning (803) 586-6286 or (803) 738-5655. the place or pr eparing for church or Sun- Ralph and Linda Bo atwright FAAGC member David Brinkman , who day School each week. “got himself a hobby as ‘amateur historian’,” Our wor k with the Filipinos in Olongapo 317 Willie Wilson Rd., involves ever y aspect and need of their Eastover, SC 29044 as wife Odess Brinkman puts it, will be fea- tured in an upcoming PBS show. lives. We live and eat the same as they ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ do and, in turn, we support many of the G On March 15, 2009, Beatrice Sharp e Based on relics on his property, his theory families by giving our own money to help (Little Mountai n, SC) wrote : about where the original Broad River bridge many with school, food, hospital, doctors, Hi, nice to hear from you. I just want burned by the Confederates to thwart Gen. rent and any thi ng that is needed. We Sherman’s attempt to cross into and scorch- need your help. You, as a Filipino, know to explain why I only want the Fil-Am Bulletin [ and not FAAGC member- and-burn Columbia during the Civil War will the need ther e. be tested on HISTORY DETECTIVES Season We l ove our people ther e and they love ship]. It has Philippine articles that are and trust us with their lives, but there is interesting, especially Imelda Go’s arti- Seven: Episode 711. The show is set to be first onl y so much we can do with our retire- cles. . . I also enjoy the other articles. shown on Monday, September 7, 2009, from ment income and the few dollars that is [The check is my contribution] for 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, on local PBS (ETV) given to us by a few churches. The mailing of the Fil-Am Bulletin. O stations. O

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Toll Free Give us a call and speak to one of our qualified representatives, 111-1---866866866----646646646----01110111 or check us out on our website at Local (803) 466-2129 / (803) 206-4875 www.adobotrav.com Mac & Clarice Galdo SUMMER 2009 FIL-AM BULLETIN PAGE 7 officers. account for that Here’s a quick The 2009-2011 FAAGC EXECUTIVE BOARD purpose. [Such] look at the leaders community center (mostly in their own would be a good words) who will stepping stone to guide the Columbia inspire the Fil-Am Association membership.” for the next two years. NIEVES

MARJ PEÑA MCNULTY President Treasurer Since 2001 when A sustaining she first got elected charter member since as secretary shortly FAAGC was after her family organized, Nieves moved to Columbia, has served two terms Marj has been a very as its President welcome asset to the (1997-99 and 1999- FAAGC. (front row , l-r): Dan Adco ck (Board Member) , Jojo Flora (Board Member) 2001). She has also She was born in (back row, l-r): Grace B alanquit (Board Member) , Grace Collins (Board Member) , Nieves McNult y taught Tagalog Cebu City but grew (Treasurer) , Cecilia Jacobsen (1st VP) , Shirley McGuinness (Secretary) , Marj Peña (President) , Lisa lessons for FAAGC, up in Phillips, Del Edwards (2nd VP) , Cecilia Geoghegan (Board Member) , Bambie Tijing (Asst. Secretary) , W yda Viray chaired the Columbia (Asst. Treasurer) . Photo by Dino Panti Monte, Bukidnon. Fil-Am Scholarship She earned a chemistry degree and operates the Fil-Am Store in SHIRLEY committee, and even from the University of Santo Sumter, SC. choreographed for the dance Tomas, and M.S. (chemistry) She is married to Charles MCGUINNESS troupe. and Ph.D. (biology) f rom Bowling Pete Jacobsen, an electrician Secretary Originally from Quezon City Green State University. She is who is f rom Canton, Ohio. They Shirley has been actively via Lingayen, Pangasinan and an Research Assistant Professor have four children. involved in the Association since La Paz, Iloilo, and a at the Department of Biological Cecilia was a 2007-09 joining in 2007 shortly after mathematics graduate from the Sciences and the Director of Executive Board member. Now, moving here from . University of the Philippines Mouse Research Core at the she hopes to help the She also served as the 2007- (UP), she came to Columbia in Center for Colon Cancer Association “get in touch with 2009 secretary. 1974 for further studies. She Research at USC. other Filipinos” and “get the A f irst generation Fil-Am from received her Ph.D. in In the U.S. for 25 years now, younger people to join.” Wantagh, New York, who has mathematics from USC in 1982. she is married to Edsel Peña, a visited relatives "back home" She has taught math at UP- professor of statistics at USC. LISA EDWARDS three times, she has a BA from Los Baños, USC-Columbia, They have two daughters, Judith Second Vice-President Binghamton University (NY). A University of , University (a past performer of the Born in Gingoog City, paralegal/notary public “hoping of Colorado, UP-Diliman, and Columbia Fil-Am Cultural Dance Misamis Oriental, she lived in to obtain a position in USC-Aiken. Since 1999 she has Troupe and a 2008 B.S. Biology Manila and Naga City. A medical government or in the court been the math department chair and English graduate of USC) technology graduate of Far system,” she is married to Sean at Columbia College. She has and Michelle (a junior at Eastern University (Manila), she McGuinness, a Columbia, SC received numerous professional Columbia University, NY). is now retired, after working at native. honors, awards and grants. In Marj would like the Richland Memorial Hospital for From her past experience as 2001 she was named Association “to be more active in 12 years and at the SC Secretary, she thinks “the “International Professional of the recruiting members and Department of Health and Association does really good Year ” by the Columbia sponsoring activities that will Environmental Control for over things to foster a sense of International Festival. involve more members to get to 18 years. community.” She “would like to She is married to George know each other and more She is married to Carlton see this continue, not only McNulty, a math professor at participation from both members Lewis Edwards, Sr. and they among our fellow Filipinos, in USC who has also served as and non-members.” In addition have two children (who are also Columbia and abroad, but three-term FAAGC Treasurer to continuing the gala, Christmas FAAGC members): Cely n among other communities too.” from 2001 to 2007 and Second party, spring and summer (married to Joseph Szoke, Jr,) She notes that “as one of the Vice-President from 2007 to picnics, “we could start new and Carlton, Jr. (married to first and oldest Asian cultural 2009. They have two sons: activities to foster camaraderie Amy); and seven grandchildren. organizations here in Columbia, Alfred (a 10-year, pioneer and expose the younger Lisa was the 2008-09 FAAGC should be spearheading performer of the Columbia Fil- generation to the Filipino culture Assistant Secretary. Now, she a movement to get an Asian Am Cultural Dance Troupe ) and — dance lessons for young “would like to have more new representative for the State Michael. members, karaoke nights, learn members and more activities for Government's Committee for to cook Fil-Am recipes, Tagalog the young ones to participate Minority Affairs. Currently there MARIBEL TIJING lessons, etc.” There can be and get involved in.” is none. There are Hispanic, Assistant Secretary “more social gatherings for She notes that “we should not African-American and Native Only five years in the area, different age groups.” only meet during the gala or American Festivals for these Bambie considers her family, picnic; we should have at least groups, yet there is nothing which “loves to travel and do CECILIA JACOBSEN have something once in a while listed for Asians.” outdoor activities,” as “diverse” First Vice-Presid ent so that we will meet and know Also, she thinks “we should — she is from Oas, Albay; Originally from Subic, each other. I know everyone actively work towards expanding husband Neil Anthony is from Zambales, Cecilia has been in has a job or things to do, but we our building fund for a Dumaguete City; son Lanz the U.S. for 24 years. She need to take time to get community center of some form Anthony, 10, was born in Al- studied in Trident Tech College acquainted with one another.” for FAAGC. We have a small Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and in Charleston, SC. She owns (continued on Page 8) PAGE 8 FIL-AM BULLETIN SUMMER 2009 daughter Lara Allyson, 6, was to FAAGC by being more born in Savannah, Georgia. 2009-2011 FAAGC EXECUTIVE BOARD proactive in its Board and With an accounting degree (continued from Page 7) through my daughters’ from the Polytechnic University participation in its activities.” of the Philippines, she is a “stay- (2003-2005 and 2005-2007). He member, Grace has served the His wife Joette is a project at-home mom.” Her husband says “will do [his] best in Association in various capacities. architect with Quackenbush works at AT&T as senior RF whichever way [he] can to She has served as an Executive Architects and Planners. Their engineer. support the Association.” Board member (1991-1992), daughter Justine is a f reshman As a new officer, she will “like Dan is a veterinarian with a Second Vice-President (1994- in the Discovery magnet to promote closer fellowship practice in West Columbia. Born 1995, 1995-1996), First Vice program at Spring Valley High between Filipinos and in Alabama, he grew up in President (1999-2001), and School and is a FAAGC dance Americans” and “encourage Louisiana and received his President (2003-2005). But troupe performer. Younger every Filipino in SC to become doctorate degree in veterinary most notably, she was the daughter Jasmine is a 4 th grader an active member and medicine, with honors, from founding director (and once in a at St. John Neumann School. participate in every event or Louisiana State University while, early on, a performer) of activity of the organization.” (LSU). He and Tess have a son, the Columbia Fil-Am Cultural CECILIA GEOGHEGAN Paul, and a daughter, Danielle. Dance Troupe from 1992 to Executive Board Member WYDA VIRAY 2000. Since arriving in Columbia Assistant Treasurer GRACE BALANQUIT A member of the Columbia almost eight years ago, and Since arriving in the area about Executive Board Member International Festival organizing being married to FAAGC five years ago, Wyda and her Originally from Cebu who has committee since it began in immediate past president Alan f amily have been actively been in the U.S. for 20 years 1996, she was named the Geoghegan (who has participating in Fil-Am activities: (and in Columbia for four years), festival’s “ International Volunteer continuously served as a husband Mario served as Grace has been actively involved of the Year ” in 2002. FAAGC officer from 2001 to FAAGC Second Vice-President in FAAGC events since Originally from Pampanga, 2009), Cecille has been (2005-2007) and Board Member becoming a member over two one of the so-called Columbia selflessly immersed in Fil-Am (2007-2009); son Mark, 19, was years ago. She is a regular “origs ” [original Filipino residents activities, including performing president of Ridge View HS Fil- volunteer during the Columbia in the area], and a long-time SC with the dance troupe. Am Youth Club (which is International Festival and has Department of Motor Vehicles Born in Digos, Davao del Sur instrumental in Fil-Am performed with the Fil-Am Dance employee, she has two grown and growing up in Don Carlos, Scholarship fund-raising), and Troupe since last year. children, Ronnie and Mary. Bukidnon, she became a son Joshua is a Columbia Fil- A regular advertiser with the certified nursing assistant at the Am Cultural Dance Troupe Fil-Am Bulletin , she says “that it JOSEPH FLORA St. Luke's College of Nursing of performer. makes me feel good that my Executive Board Member the Trinity University of Asia, Born in Cavite City, Wyda advertising fees goes to a good In the U.S. since 1988 and in (formerly Trinity College of moved to the U.S when she was cause.” As a new officer, she Columbia since 1993, Jojo hails Quezon City). She works as a 11, and attended Skyline College would like the Association to from Quezon City. With a Ph.D. laboratory phlebotomist at at South San Francisco, CA. A continue “touching base with the from the University of Cincinnati, Palmetto Health Richland, while civil service employee for 25 new and old members and he is Associate Professor of Civil taking classes at Midlands years, she is currently employed keeping them posted with our and Environmental Engineering Technical College. at the U.S. Army ‘s Moncrief activities.“ at USC. As a FAAGC officer, she Hospital at Ft. Jackson. With BS in Kinesiology from A FAAGC member since hopes “more Filipino parents and San Francisco State University, 1994 (when he and his wife their kids participate in our DANIEL ADCOCK California, she now works as a briefly became members of Association's activities. I wish we Executive Board Member real estate agent with RE/MAX Columbia Fil-Am Cultural Dance can have a show at Koger Considering himself “a half Real Estate Services. She is Troupe when they performed La Center [again].” Also, she “would Filipino” since he is married to married to Frank Hutchinson. Jota Moncadeña at the 4th like to help my former school in the former Tess Lanuza, a nurse annual gala), Jojo notes “I’ve the Philippines, by, for example, originally f rom Pangasinan, Dan GRACE COLLINS been a member for quite a while collecting and sending them served earlier as a two-term Executive Board Member and I hope to learn how FAAGC used books.” O FAAGC Assistant Treasurer A pioneer sustaining charter works. I would like to give back The Filipino American Association of Greater Columbia proudly acknowledges with gratitude the following for volunteering time, talents, and services to the organization during the 2007-2009 term. The FAAGC certificates of appreciation were presented during the Columbia Fil-Am Annual Summer Picnic and FAAGC Volunteer Appreciation D ay held on June 28, 2009 at the Ft. Jackson ’s W es- ton Lake Recreation Area. Maria Aiken Divina Carter Jojo Flora David Massie Keith Seymour Helen Alon Aurelio Casaje Justine Flora Marissa Massie Rolando Sibug Noel Alon Grace Collins Carmen Funelas Alan Matienzo Lailane Soco Glyde Apan Marilou Cortez Marsha Furagganan Shirley McGuinness Rico Torres Leigh Apan Jessica Cuaresma Leona Galindo George McNulty Gina Velasco Leonardo Arad anas Leah Cuaresma Cecille Geoghegan Nieves McNulty Maya Villanueva Grace Balanquit Ma. Eloisa de Lemos Alan Geoghegan Zenaida Meer Perly Villanueva Judy Banac Sharless Dingman Imelda Go Ma. Lourdes Padilla Josh Viray Ernie Baranquel Roy Duplon Yani Gould Mike Padua Mario Viray Cheryl Bautista Irene Ebite Christy Iguid Dino Panti W yda Viray Jennifer Black Carlton Edwards Cecilia Jacob sen Giles Rojo Precy W alker Cecille Boman Lisa Edwards Jonathan Jacob sen Glyde Rojo Sally Ellis Tessie Kenerson Cecille W essinger Odess Brinkman Marlon Rojo Peter Liunoras Myrn a Whitmire Sunny Burroughs Marybeth Espinosa Neneng Rojo Bing Calalo Joette Flora Rina Lowder Bernadette Yavis SUMMER 2009 FIL-AM BULLETIN PAGE 9

Filipinos in the U.S. Navy . . . (continued from Page 1) Fil-Am Physician to Three U.S. Presidents by I.C. Go five Filipinos. I chatted with them Navy was the only military a bit in Filipino and they said that branch Filipinos could join. r. Eleanor "Connie" American in history to become there were a lot of Filipinos in In 1952, an agreement was D Mariano is a famous a Navy Admiral. In 2001, she the Navy and Filipino civilians in made so that up to 1,000 Filipino American who served retired from the Navy and left the Base. Filipinos could be enlisted in the in the U.S. Navy and was the White House. Today’s statistics ( personal Navy each year. In 1954, this appointed as chief White At a ceremony after her correspondence from Captain agreement was amended so that Ann G. Hammond [Deputy, up to 2,000 could enlist annually. House physician during the promotion to rear admiral, Mariano said, "I am pleased to Diversity Directorate, Chief of Bush and Clinton years. By Opportunities stand before you today as proof Naval Personnel (N134)], March By 1970, there were nearly attending to three sitting American presidents for nine that Filipino-Americans in the 18, 2009) indicate that in 17,000 Filipinos in the Navy. Navy no longer have to go December 2008, there was a During that time, there were years, Mariano is by far the through the kitchen, the back total of 9,994 enlisted Filipino probably more Filipinos in the longest serving White House door or the garage. sailors or 3.5% of the Navy’s U.S. Navy than in the Philippine physician in American history. I came to the White House by enlisted. There were 32 Filipino Navy. For many young Filipinos, She is also the first female way of the kitchen. I come from a Captains on active duty but no enlisting with the U.S. Navy led commander of the White family of Navy stewards. The first Filipino Flag officers. A Filipino is to many opportunities. Even as a Mariano who served in the one who identifies themselves House Medical Unit. recruit, the salary was a lot In 1955, she was born in United States Navy joined in the as Filipino on application f orms. higher than the Philippine local 1920s. At that time and for many The following table describes salary. Recruits could later gain the Philippines in Sangley years thereafter, the only way these Filipinos further: U.S. permanent residence and Point Naval Base in Cavite Filipinos were able to serve in City Her parents, Angel and Percentage Percentage e v e n - the Navy was as stewards. The Number Relative to Relati ve tu al ly Lu Mariano, immigrated to the Mariano men served with pride of Category 9,994 To Total U . S . U.S. in 1957 when she was and accumulated a total of over Enlisted c it i zen - just two years old. Her father 100 years of service among Filipinos Enlisted Enlisted in Filipinos Category ship. was a U.S. Navy steward who them. My father had served six Femal es 1,024 10.2% 2.3% In 1973 retired as a master chef after admirals in their homes. So, 45 F ilipinos years later, f or this to happen in Males 8,970 89.8% 3.7% 29 years of service. Mariano's w e r e my family is quite an honor.” f in al ly four Filipino godfathers were “The Navy meant many things Officers 954 9.5% 1.8% given the also Navy master chefs. She to my family. It meant freedom Female officer 169 1.7% 2.1% right to also joined the U.S. Navy in from poverty, for my father's Male officer 785 7.9% 1.7% enter, not 1977 and she earned her family was very poor. The Navy just as medical degree from the meant the opportunity to stewards, but at any rank for Limited Enlistment Uniformed Services University succeed. The Navy meant hope The ties between the Navy which they qualified by their of Medicine in Bethesda, that one day your children would education, prior experience, and and Filipinos go back more than Maryland in 1981. get an education and perhaps security qualifications. a century ago. There is evidence Following an internship in boldly dream of becoming physicians or naval officers. The that as early as 1898 the U.S. Closure of U.S. Bases Internal Medicine at San Navy began recruiting Filipinos In 1991, the U.S bases (Clark Navy meant all the good things Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Diego Naval Hospital in 1982, America had to offer.” as stewards and mess boys. In Mariano was assigned as the 1901, President William Base ) in the Philippines were In honoring Dr. Mariano McKinley signed General Order closed, which ultimately led to General Officer on board USS for her achievements, the No. 40 , which allowed the Navy the end of the recruitment of Prairie where she served as National Federation of Filipino to enlist up to 500 Filipinos for Filipino citizens into the U.S. the sole physician for a ship's American Associations the Naval Insular Force. In those Navy. Mount Pinatubo, which company of 750 men and was near to both bases, erupted commented that "as the days, the Filipinos could only women. In 1990, she was daughter of a former Filipino enlist with the Navy as stewards in June 1991. The damage f rom selected as the San Diego (that is, domestics or cooks who the eruption was so devastating U.S. Navy steward, she is a that Clark Air Base was declared Naval Hospital's head of living proof that no matter did menial jobs, such as internal medicine. cleaning the galleys, wardrooms, a total loss while the naval base what a person's background is, and officers’ living quarters). sustained heavy damage. The In June 1992, while George we can aspire for top Military Bases Agreement was H.W. Bush was President, leadership positions in the U.S. Recruitment Policies not renewed and the last of the There were an estimated Mariano became the first government." American troops left Subic Bay 6,000 Filipinos in the U.S. Navy military woman in American in November 1992. With that, the References: by World War I. There were history to serve as White From stewards to admirals: policy changes after the U.S. recruitment of Filipino nationals House physician. When ended. Filipinos in the U.S. Navy . granted its former colony, the President Bill Clinton got Retrieved May 5, 2009, from the Philippines, independence as References: elected, he asked her to stay New America Media Web site: the Philippine Islands in 1946. In Filipinos in the United States Navy. and even promoted her as http:// news.newamericamedia. 1947, the U.S. entered into an Retrieved May 5, 2009, from the Senior White House Physician org/news/view_article.html? agreement (Article XXVII of the Navy Department Library Web site: article_id=3aa56896ce0e9bc13f9 Military Bases Agreement) with in February 1994 and director http://www.history.navy.mil/ afc78829530d0 ; ( quick-link: the Republic of the Philippines of the White House Medical library/online/filipinos.htm http://tinyurl.com/pinoy- navy ) which allowed the U.S. to Unit. President’s physician. Retrieved maintain military bases in the Filipino-American in the U S Navy. In June 2000, President May 5, 2009, from the Philippines and to recruit Filipino Retrieved May 5, 2009, from Nestor Clinton promoted Mariano to Txtmania.com Web site: http:// citizens for voluntary enlistment Palugod Enriquez’s Web site: the rank of Rear Admiral, www.txtmania.com/articles/ into the U.S. Armed Forces. The http://philusnavy.tripod.com O becoming the first Filipino eleanor.php O PAGE 10 FIL-AM BULLETIN SUMMER 2009

* * * Just A Reminder * * * Membership renewal for the Fil-Am Asso- ciation Year 2009-10 is now due for many Your Source for Philippine & Oriental Specialty Prod- members. Please check the mailing address label below — if there are three asterisks      ( *** ) on the line above your name, then your Grocery Gifts Balikbayan Box Delivery Money Remittance Phone Cards membership has expired or will expire on the Mallard Plaza - Ste. A Store Hours : date specified after the asterisks. Mon—Sat: 10:00 am—7: 00 pm Your membership renewal and prompt payment 1217 Highway 441 Sunday: Noon—6:00 pm of dues are crucial to the continued operations and Sumter, SC 29154 Tel. (803) 494-5613 Fax (803) 494-3160 success of the FAAGC in our community. Please send your membership dues as soon as possible (see CECILIA JACOBSEN www.FilAmStoreSC.com enclosed form in this issue). Dues can also be paid at Owner [email protected] the upcoming gala. If there are membership renewal questions, con- tact Helen Alon (738-0372; [email protected]). Visit & Bookmark the FAAGC Website O O O O O

The FAAGC 2009-2010 Directory of Members book- www.FilAmSC.org let is currently being revised and will be distributed soon to all members. for the clickable direct links to the websites mentioned in this issue of the Fil-Am Bulletin. Anyone who would like to place a three-line (25 characters per line) business listing (free to mem- Current and some past issues (in color) bers) or a business-card-size ad (for a small fee to of the Fil-Am Bulletin are also available online. help cover printing expenses) in the directory is urged to contact the Fil-Am Bulletin Editor (738-0372; Copies of the By-laws and application forms [email protected]). O can be downloaded from the website.

Fil-Am Bulletin of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia, SC P.O . Box 24112, Columbia, SC 29224  Summer 2009  Volume 19, Number 1 

Reminder : * Columbia FIL-AM Annual GALA will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel of Columbia (1200 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29201)

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