FIL-AM MEETINGS     OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING - EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.    EVERY OTHER MONTH GENERAL MEETING - On the THIRD SATURDAY OF FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER from 1 pm to 4 pm - Members and guests are encouraged to attend this meeting with the officers and directors of the association.     VENUE FOR ABOVE MEETINGS: COMMUNITY ROOM OF MISSION BRANCH LIBRARY located at 3861 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92055 (between library entrance and Oceanside Police Department)

News & Announcement by ZUCETTE LUMABAS

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to amazing former Mayor Jim Wood for the marvelous support he has given FACO and Hiyas Award through these years. He was presented with a trophy of appreciation on November 16, 2018. I was very glad to see former Mayor Jim Wood, his beautiful wife and lovely sister in law. Thank you all for your awesome hospitality. We are blessed to know you all. By Zucette Lumabas FACO CS & Networking

Coffee with a Cop - 10/31/18

“Coffee with a Cop” hosted by Oceanside Chamber of Commerce was a very successful event. There was a lot of people who connected with our heroes the Oceanside Police Department. We’re thankful to our heroes OPD for everything good they do, protecting lives and properties, keeping us safe. I’m happy to see OPD Chief Frank McCoy with his very sweet smile. I was so glad to see handsome #1 Capt. Fred Armijo who had a very intent conversation with the community. It was great to learn from him. Homelessness is a problem to everyone. We hope to help them in our own way. Lt. Taurino Valdovinos handsome #2 was accepting and friendly, no complaint. Handsome #3 Capt. Sean Marchand said as long as he’s in the single digit he’s fine. He’s confident. When I first came everyone was engaged in deep conversation with the guests. Thank you Officer Adam Stingley for welcoming me. Nice to meet Officer Eugene Gruntowicz motorcycle cop. Officer Tom Cahill Handsome #5 was happy to have a ranking was also busy conversing with the community. It was so wonderful to see them all connecting with the community. Cops had conversation with guests and answered their questions. It was a relaxed atmosphere. One feels protected knowing they’re out there. Our deepest thanks and gratitude! May God bless you and keep you all safe. We also talked about Hiyas Awards Gala. Thank you Sea Jay for taking these beautiful pictures.

6th Annual Hiyas Awards Gala at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa - October 21, 2018

Reported by President:Chair Rein Hanson
Now it can be told, the 6th Hiyas Awards was a huge success and set a record in FACO history with the highest number of awardees, unparallelled glamour, great food and fantastic entertainment. On behalf of the FACO, I would like to thank all the people behind the scenes for the huge success of the Hiyas.

Firstly, from all the 33 honorees who supported, contributed and came from far and near to join in the most prestigious Hiyas Awards ever, with the deepest appreciation we give our Greatest thanks to namely;
Agnes Higley, Alice Vitug, Bernadette Allessandri, Atty Grace Tenorio, Detective James Ferrer and the Oceanside Firefighters Association (OFA) of the Humanity Honorees.
Benjie Benas, Janzel Evangelista, Marie Waite, Baby Go, and Igrafix of the Industry Honorees.

Angelina Flemming, Nathalie Andrei Barry, Allesja Morales, Jeanelle Serquina, Michael Keith of the Youth Honorees.

Jun Guzman, Carl Andrada, Tony Garcia, Malou Toler, William Regular, Alyn Duncan, Eliza Cortez, FACO-CDG, Aljess Bernardo and The 3rd Degree Band from our Arts Honorees.

Catherine Enriquez, Venus Marin, Dra. Susan Lim, Camille Agbayani, Dr. Florante Noble, Rene Pascual Laceste and Dr. Ben Camacho of the Sciences Honorees.
Secondly, to the presenters headed by Mayor Peter Weiss of Oceanside, Marc Manlapaz, Jade Hanson, Miss Filam 2017 Mariah Grace Fulinara, and Mutya Ng Pilipinas SoCal 2018 Allison Lorenzo.

Thirdly, to the hosts and performers led by our very own Mrs Filam 2018 Tiffany Hernandez, Suzanne Perez and Raffy Constantino. With the amazing high caliber performances from Allesja Morales, Joseph Buenaflor, Mayor Peter Weiss, Malou Toler, Jeanelle Serquina, Michael Keith, Jimmy Regino and The 3rd Degree Band.
Of course the ever amazing technical setup by DJ Aljess Bernardo (A8 Creatives), Bobby Crisostomo on photography and Melissa Whipple on videography, media press and other technical volunteers.

Special thanks to ABS-CBN Foundation representatives Jerry Bennet, Maricel Vest and Steve Angeles of Balitang Amerika TFC. Special thanks to Benjie Benas for sponsoring a door prize of a Caribbean cruise for 2 and Debra Ayala of Westin Carlsbad Hotel and Spa for the wonderful service as always.

Last but not least, to the 2018 Hiyas Team. They are the ones who worked so hard from day 1 of planning to the last second of the event, namely; Belle Limoge–co chair and founder of the Hiyas Awards, Zucette Lumabas-the grand slam queen of the night, Dorothy Mahimer, Sheila Butler, Rose Wallace, JM Ureta, Bob Hamilton, Virgie Flemming, Enri Fulmore and Ed Bagon. And of course to my husband Tom Hanson for supporting and letting me work and steal the family time to spend in FACO.

This year’s proceeds were awarded to the Adopt-A-School projects in the Philippines in collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation International represented by Jerry Bennet. One in Calawitan National High School of Idelfonso Bulacan and Looc Elementary School of Balete, Batangas. School recipients received $10,000 each for library projects, which will include the building, books, tables, chairs and computers.
Again, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you very much and May God Bless Us all Always!

FACO celebrates October Birthday. October 9, 2018

Happy Birthday gorgeous Sheila Frances ! We greeted her at the marvelous FACO board meeting presided by our amazing President Rein Hanson on October 9, 2018. It was a very productive meeting, fun, exciting and had great camaraderie.
by Zucette Lumabas FACO CS & Networking Chair

Oceanside Honor Guard event “9/11 Remembrance Ceremony” September 11, 2018

It was a very solemn event by Oceanside Fire Department Honor Guards “9/11 Remembrance Ceremony” held at the City of Oceanside- Government on September 11, 2018. It was very touching remembering those who died, first responders Firefighters, Police, Medical personnel, civilians. A very stirring speech was given by OFD Fire Chief Rick Robinson, gave the meaning of the 3 bells rings x3, amazing Color Guards, bugle played by multitalented FF PM Honor Guard Dan Karrer, marvelous singing by Denise Saiz of the National Anthem, great emcee, attended by our heroes OFA & OPD, Honor Guard Captain Ron Owens, OFD Deputy Chief Joe Brown, Battalion Chief Jess Specht, Captain/OFA VP Tim Scott, Captain/OCFC Director Christian Boulan, Capt. Mark Finstuan, FF PM Kris Kaminski, FF PM Kellen Harris, OFD Andy Stotts, OPD Police Chief Frank McCoy, Capt. Fred Armijo, Capt. Sean Marchand, Officer Bob Moore, Council Members Esther Sanchez, Jack Feller, several city personnel to name a few. by Zucette Lumabas Bsn FACO Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair.

Happy Birthday President Rein Hanson.

FACO celebrated September birthday awesome President Rein Hanson in August at the board meeting. We wish her many returns of the wonderful day. By Zucette Lumabas FACO Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair

Happy Labor Day to OFD/OFA. September 1, 2018

Happy Labor Day to our heroes OFD/OFA.
A very happy birthday to our amazing hero Kris Kaminski! Wow! Awesome Jacob Chambers was really ready and sang in his tenor voice the Bday song! I almost swooned. A big shout out to our heroes OFD/OFA, OFD Fire Chief Rick Robinson, OFA President/OFD Capt. David Overton, FF/PM OFA Treasurer Jacob Chambers, FF/PM Kris Kaminski, Gareth Safe, Kevin Levasque, Capt. Wes McGee, Eng. Corey Hawk, Capt. Blake Dorst, Daniel Browne, Kevin Lewis, Nick, Austin, Scotty, James, Brian, Clint, Derrick to name a few for everything good you do for the community, making sure the community is safe, saving lives and properties, rescue, fire control, teaching us to be safe! Our deepest thanks and gratitude. May the Good Lord keep you all safe always. It was great to see Suzette Kaminski, her daughter and mom Arsie Steele. We talked about the 6th Hiyas Award Gala where OFA had been a great support. They were visited by FACO member Jacqueline Lazaga and Zucette Lumabas FACO CS and Networking Chair.

 

FACO donated to the Oceanside Mission Branch Library
August 23, 2018

Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO) donated to the Oceanside Mission Branch Library to buy tables. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for everything good they do for the community. They provided a place for people of different ages and from all walks of life, a place to learn and enjoy. Our deepest thanks and gratitude for all you have done. By Zucette Lumabas FACO CS and Networking Chair

FACO Cultural Dance Group (CDG) was given a Certificate of Participation by San Diego Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma Foundation Southern California at Liberty Station, San Diego on July 21, 2018. Congratulations and thank you Agnes Fernandez by arranging with the foundation and also performing with Belle Limoge, Enri Fulmore, Esther Adversalo, Rose Wallace, Janice Ureta-Sanchez, Sheila Frances, Lizette Jones, Angelina Fleming, Angie Best, John, Lazarus Boys to name a few. Another stellar performance by the awesome FACO CDG. Reported by Zucette Lumabas Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair

June and July birthday celebrants Bob Hamilton, Belle Limoge and Rica Derosier had a combined celebration at the FACO Board meeting onJuly 2, 2018 at the Oceanside Mission Branch Library.

Fiesta Filipiniana 2018

It was a wonderful day indeed! We watched beautiful, talented, intelligent, great leader, awesome, generous, compassionate, classy Belle Limoge crowned Fiesta Hermana Mayora! Congratulations!!! Congratulations Maireen Barnachea! The FACO CDG were amazing. They wowed the audience. Fresas Flores Balistreri was awesome as the emcee, the program flowed smoothly. Alessja Morales was in her element, emceeing and singing to the delight of the audience. The singers were fantastic. Our prayers for Dr. Yorobe's husband. Still she put out a grand event! It was well attended by dignitaries, officers, prominent members of the community, talented guests, cheering squad. Yummy food by Yolanda Morales, very feeling and delicious, thank you! Congratulations and thank you to the organizers, recipients, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to make the event a success! Kudos! By Zucette Lumabas Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair.

From Belle Limoge:
FIESTA FILIPINIANA 2018 held on June 24, 2018 at the Philippine Library & Historical Heritage Museum in Gaslamp District, San Diego was an event to remember. This is a showcase of Philippine Arts, Culture, History, Heritage & Tradition. Thank you Dra Yorobe, Founder and Executive Director of San Diego Fil American Humanitarian Foundation, Inc (SDFAHF) and the nominating committee for giving me the honor as Hermana Mayora. Congratulations to Dra Yorobe and the Fiesta Filipiniana Committee for a successful event! My deepest gratitude to my family for their love and support Hank and Marc Manlapaz, and to my dear rriends w Dr. Ida Alfonso, Dr Maria Carmelita Galdiano, Zucette Lumabas Bsn, dr Tess Mauricio, Atty Valerie Garcia Hong, Cris Deguzman, Eduardo Bagon, Dra Belen Clark, Esther Francia Adversalo, Alice Marfil Velasco, Mely Sivage, Audie de Castro, Alexis Lauren Plaisted, Jonathan R. Enerva, Enri Pisco Fulmore, Emily Smith, Sheila Frances, Rein Hanson, Zeny Austria Cruz Nowroozi, Rose Wallace, Lennie Pisco and Leny Bulaclac. It was a delight to be part of the audience for the first time and see the FACO's cultural dancers perform. Thank you also for gracing the event Consul Rea Oreta and the Phil. Consulate staff Wilma Bautista, Ana Rose Rivera and Edgardo Lim and San Diego's District 9 Councilmember Chris Ward ; Dr. James Lee, Joe Garbanzos, Florence Garbanzos, Thomas Hanson, Myrna TF Reyes, Dindo de Guzman, Mrs. Fil-Am 2018 Tiffany Hernandez. The space is limited so no. of guests invited is limited . Thank you Yolanda Morales for the outstanding food and to Alessja Morales for being an outstanding performer and emcee! Also commendable are the overall chairpersons - Fresas Flores Balistreri, Juliet Pastor and Julian Oriel. Masters of Ceremony Ms. Fresas, Rosanna Salcedo and Renato Manzano are impeccable. Congratulations too to very beautiful Maireen Barnachea as the Miss Teen Filipiniana 2018 and her equally beautiful mom Mrs. Filipiniana 2016 Vi Rebolledo Barnachea! The same goes to our 2018 Mrs. Filipiniana Maricel Twiford. MABUHAY at maraming salamat po!!!

17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration. June 9, 2018

FACO 17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration was a resounding success!!! Thank you for gracing our event former Mayor Jim Wood and his wife Pamela Wood, Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery, Council Member Esther Sanchez, Council Member Jack Feller, Oceanside Police Captain Fred Armijo, Oceanside Firefighters' Association President David Overton, Color Guard Captain Ron Owens, Color Guard, OFA Director community events PF Jacob Chambers, Oceanside Public Library Director Sherri Cosby, Library Division Manager Brad Penner, Honorary Consul Audie de Castro, Oceanside Seniors Citizen Association Director Jimmy Knott, Cressi........Part 1.....Zucette Lumabas FACO CS.

17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration. June 9, 2018

Random shots. Random shots....... Thank you to our vendors, volunteers, guests and to everyone who made this event a success.

17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration - June 9, 2018

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to the very talented, amazing, outstanding performers of the Pinoy's Got Talent segment at the 17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration held on June 9, 2018 at the Oceanside Civic Center and plaza and the beautiful emcee, professional singer and local actress Debbie Nicastro.

Talents were:
*Ms Jeanelle B Serquina
13 years old, 8th grader at Guajome Park Academy. Won best talent in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Won little miss Filam 2011 and was Pre teen miss Filam 2016 . Won the Mabuhay singing competition in San Diego. Awarded as a 2017 emerging achiever by the San Diego Filipino American humanitarian foundation on March 2017. Guest Performer for Vhong Navarro and Karylle concert in Los Angeles on September 2017 and for Miss Cosmos and Miss teen California on April 2018.
Guest Performer for Jessica Sanchez American Idol 1st runner up in Los Angeles on May 2018
"Ave Maria by Beyoncé "

*Mariah Grace Fulinara, Miss Fil-Am 2017. She resides in San Diego as a full time student in the Department of Nursing. After she graduates school as a Registered Nurse, she aspires to go back to school to earn her MSN and Nurse Practitioner license. She has been apart of pageantry pretty much all her life, been polynesian dancing since the age of four, which was her talent for the Miss Fil-Am in which she won "Best in Talent" and will be performing at the Annual Filipino Cultural

*Realeh Crespin
Miss Costa Mesa Teen USA 2019. Graduate Barbison of Hollywood Acting and Modeling . Honor roll of California Virtual Academy
Sing and dance
"Havana by Camilla Cabello"

*Cris Deguzman from Oceanside CA.
Been a zumba instructor for more than 6 years now.
Teaches Zumba at LA Fitness and Paige Fieldhouse inside the base.
*Cassandra Estrella from Fallbrook.
Been a zumba instructor for more than 3 years now and she loves to travel
Teaches Zumba at LA Fitness and Paige Fieldhouse inside
*Jocelyn Atienza from Oceanside Ca.
She’s registered nurse and she loves to dance.
"Babababoom by MM & MJ Mango"

*Angelica Bonilla-singing
Angelica is 14 years old and is currently attending Fallbrook Union High School. Her love for music started as a toddler and was evident when she would sing along to the tunes on her mother's iPod. Her very first memory of singing was when her Mom would put her in the stroller and Angelica would sing out loud while she jogged around the neighborhood. Her first public performance was leading the National Anthem during a school presentation as a kindergartener!
Currently, Angelica performs with the Warrior Choir group at her high school, to include 4 large-stage productions with solos and at other various school events. She was recently awarded as the "Outstanding Singer" within the Warrior Choir.
"Hallelujah” by/in the style of Alexandra Burke

We're so proud of them! Zucette Lumabas Bsn chair, Dorothy Mahimer cochair.

CDG Presentation - May 24, 2018

FACO Cultural Dance Group (CDG) had a magnificent presentation at the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration. Awesome dancers at Camp Pendleton on May 24, 2018. It was a joy to watch the CDG promote their culture. Congratulations and thanks to the organizers. Thank for your service our heroes the Military! Reported by Zucette Lumabas, FACO CS and Networking Chair

Networking at the Coffee with a Cup - May 24, 2018

The 17th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration on Saturday June 9, 2018 is fast approaching. Everyone is busy promoting the event. Flyers were given to people. The Oceanside Police Department is going to have a booth at the event. Our deepest thanks and gratitude to our heroes Oceanside Police Department (OPD) at the Coffee with a Cop where they connect and interact with the community at Starbucks on May 24, 2018, We're missing handsome #1 and #2. We thank our heroes OPD Capt. Sean Marchand, Lt. Kedrick Sadler, Sgt. Rick Favella, Officer Adam Stingley, Officer Tom Cahill, Officer Tom Wheeler, Officer Jennifer Torres, Ashley Sanchez and anyone I have missed. By Zucette Lumabas FACO CS & Networking Chair

Members' & Mothers' Day Party. May 12, 2018

It was an night to remember!!! Dancing and enjoyment were the order of the day. And it was achieved. Congratulations and thank you to the FACO Members' & Mothers' Day committee chair VP Dorothy Mahimer, Director Virgie Fleming, Director Mely Sivage, Sgt. At Arms Bob Hamilton, Secretary Ed Bagon and officers President Rein Hanson, IPP Belle Limoge, Secretary Rose Wallace, Director Sheila Butler for a marvelous event! Great job! It was a great TEAM work, Bayanihan spirit FACO officers and board of directors! Thank you to Council Member Esther Sanchez, Thomas Krouse candidate for State Assembly 76th District, GL Guadalupe Rios, Queen Victoria David, Leah David, DJ Aljes, Lazarus Boys, Liz Holandez, attendees, prize donors, those who helped even though not the committee, and anyone I have missed!!! More fun to come! Thank you for taking the pictures Thomas Krouse. Great pictures.
Reported by Zucette Lumabas CS and Networking chair.

Fil-Am Cultural Dance Group wowed the church goers with their dance "Bulaclacan" at the Filipino community Flores de Mayo celebration at Mission San Luis Rey on May 5, 2018. Solemn mass followed. May God bless us all. by Zucette Lumabas Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair!

FACO Miss Fil-Am Mariah Grace Fulinara was awesome taping at KOCT about FACO, the 17 Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration on Saturday June 9, 2018 from 12-6pm at Civic Center Plaza and Oceanside Library Center 300 N Coast Highway, Oceanside. Thank you Miss Fil-Am Mariah for representing the FACO at the KOCT. By Zucette Lumabas Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair

We celebrated the April birthday of FACO VP Dorothy Mahimer and Correspondence Secretary Zucette Lumabas at the productive board meeting led by awesome President Rein Hanson. It was fun, with great camaraderie. Thank you Virgie Fleming for this wonderful treat, you're so sweet and thoughtful.

PP Mely Sivage and Dina Chang celebrated their birthday last March 5, 2018. We had fun singing and networking.
By Zucette Lumabas Correspondence Secretary & Networking chair

Luz Hollandez donated a tray of delicious lumpia to Oceanside Fire Department. We thanked Liz for her support to OFD, our organization and community . She has a big heart , generous and hardworking. Visited and thanked our heroes Oceanside Fire Department, Fire Chief Rick Robinson, BC Peter Lawrence for everything good they do for the community, keeping us safe, protecting lives and properties, educating the community, supporting clubs and organization. We're deeply grateful to the OFD and Liz of Mission Asian Market.

FACO ExOfficio Belle Limoge, PP Marilou dela Rosa, and Correspondence Secretary/ Networking Chair Zucette Lumabas were at the successful Annual Carlsbad/Oceanside Salad Luncheon at Junior Essau Ampitheater on February 28, 2018. Wow! It was great to be served by these prominent people at the Soroptimist luncheon and just to be a guest.....not working as a committee member. A shout out to my favorite people our heroes Oceanside Fire Department, Fire Chief Rick Robinson, Oceanside Firefighters Association Director community events Jacob Chambers, Chris Mattia, Nick Kersaw, Kevin Lewis, Daniel Brown, we are thankful to them for serving the yummy food and helping people and everything good they do for the community. Congratulations Soroptimist for a successful event. Yummy food.

Filipino American Cultural Celebration held on June 10, 2017

Pinoy' Got Talent was awesome and one of the segments of the Filipino American Cultural Celebration on June 10, 2017 held at Oceanside Civic Center. Pinoy's Chair was Correspondence Secretary Zucette Lumabas, co-chair VP Dorothy Mahimer and emcee Hula Ramos. Audience danced to the music. Shown here are Philippines Honorary Consul Audie De Castro, Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery, Council Members Jack Feller & Jerry Kern, Fire Engine vintage with our heroes Oceanside Fire Chief Rick Robinson, his wife Cheryl and Honor Guard Captain Ron Owens, Oceanside Police Department display with another hero Officer Adam Stingley, Children's arts and crafts, Oceanside Public Library Director Sherry Cosby and Division Manager Brad Penner received the FACO donation, Editor Steve Marcotte OsideNews.com and picture of the audience.

FACO Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair Zucette Lumabas attended the very successful Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks, Oceanside on January 18, 2018. A lot of citizens came to talk to our heroes OPD. I came to personally thank them for arranging & coming to the FACO picnic last year when I was on emergency "leave". They were friendly, accommodating, gentlemen, interested on what the citizens were telling them, patient, sympathetic. Our deepest appreciation and thanks for keeping us, our properties, our community safe Lt. Taurino Valdovinos, Sgt. Kedrick Sandler, Officer Adam Stingley, Officer Tom Cahill, Officer Tom Wheeler, Officer Gabriel Cobian, Officer Lonny Harper to name a few..... Great socialization.....May the Good Lord keep you safe.

We celebrated the birthday of gorgeous Virgie Flemming on January 9, 2018 at Mission Branch library, Oceanside, CA. Many happy returns of the wonderful day! We wish Virgie happiness, success, good health, richness and contentment! Yeah!

FACO VP/Chair FACO Christmas party Dorothy Mahimer thanked the courageous heroes Oceanside Fire Department for their very important job of keeping our community safe especially during the Lilac Fire during the FACO Christmas Party on December 16, 2017 at Veterans Association of North County. Dorothy in behalf of FACO gave Certificate of Appreciation thanking our hero OFA President/ OFD Captain Dave Overton for his esteemed contributions to FACO programs and events and dedicated service in keeping the community safe, he was assigned to the Lilac fire. I personally would like to thank Pres. Dave for his commitment and invaluable service to FACO for several years. We recognize his zealous work and unselfish dedication not only to Oceanside Fire Department (OFD) but also Oceanside Firefighters' Association (OFA). He's an awesome leader, on top of things, intelligent, great teacher (I learned a lot from him about the firefighters which made me admire our heroes), has firm convictions, he will defend what is right, friendly, gentleman, patient, tolerant, supportive of different clubs/associations, dedicated to his work ( We admire our heroes bc even though they want to eat or rest the people and community come first, they sacrifice their safety and comfort to make sure we are safe) We can't thank them enough. Our deepest appreciation and gratitude to our hero for everything good you do for the community, protecting lives and properties, connecting and teaching people how to be safe, saving lives, properties and keeping us safe. May God bless and keep you safe always. by Zucette Lumabas Bsn FACO Correspondence Secretary & networking chair

From Zucette Lumabas:
It was a marvelous performance by the FACO Cultural Dance Group at the Dental Battalion, Camp Pendleton! The 1st Dental Battalion Commanding Officer Capt. Peter Ruocco was awesome, warm and welcoming. The audience were enthusiastic and appreciative. It was a joy to watch the CDG perform.

From Belle Limoge:
Thank you once again for the dedication of FACO's Cultural Dance Group to spread the Filipino culture in Camp Pendleton this morning. It is always our pleasure to dance and be ambassadors of goodwill. Some of the dancers have to take off from work just to fulfill their mission. Hats off to Enri Pisco Fulmore, Esther Francia Adversalo, Rose Wallace, Janice Z. Ureta-Sanchez, Zeny Austria Cruz Nowroozi, Jonathan R. Enerva, JM Ureta, Lennie Pisco, and two youngest recruits - Angie and Jaymie Bell Best. Our thanks to Zucette Lumabas Bsn for being there all the time to support us and take our pictures. MABUHAY!!

News & Announcement by ZUCETTE LUMABAS |

News & Announcement by ZUCETTE LUMABAS |

From Belle Limoge: |

News & Announcement by ZUCETTE LUMABAS |

FilAm Cultural Organization President Rein Hanson, ExOfficio Director Belle Limoge, Correspondence Secretary Zucette Lumabas, Treasurer Rose Wallace, Director Sheila Butler, Sgt. at Arms JM Ureta, Jackie Lazaga, Alice Velasco, Esther Adversalo, Agnes Fernandez, Zeny Nowroozi, Nellie Davis, Pro Serrato, Janice Sanchez, Bernard Sanchez, Sabrina Ureta, Malou Hamto, Lizette Jones and more members, relatives and friends attended the hilarious, awesome show "Ultimate Laugh Out Loud" (ULOL) Pipay, Le Chazz, Petite, Kim Idol, Matt Gozon at the Jack Tygett Performing Arts, Chula Vista, CA on April 23, 2017. We can't stop laughing. And also handsome, talented, friendly, kindhearted, great singer Daniel Matsunaga. We had so much fun. We went to support the show.

From FACO President Rein:
I would like to thank the Committee of FACO Spring Fling Night headed by Dir. Dori Harris, Dir. Rica Derosier, Treas. Rose Wallace and Sgt at Arms JM Ureta for a job well done. It was indeed an awesome party with full of laughter, food and dancing. And of course to all the members and guests who came and joined in the celebration my sincerest appreciation and thanks!

I also like to acknowledge Ex Officio Belle Limoge and Corr. Secretary Zucette Lumabas for the very inspirational leadership that you have shown for the past 2 years and likewise to tita Mely Sivage. You are all pillars of the association and may you serve as our inspiration and courage to continue the vision of FACO. May God bless us all! Mabuhay and maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

ZUCETTE LUMABAS

  Master Sergeant Patrick Butler retired with 24 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Patrick is the husband of FACO Director Sheila Cabuco Butler. There were FACO officers and members who wished him the best like President Rein & Thomas Hanson, VP Dorothy & Bill Mahimer, Ex officio Director Belle & Hank Limoge, Correspondence Secretary Zucette Lumabas, Zeny Nowroozi, Esther & Tony Adversalo, Shirley Deleon & hubby, Lizette Jones, Analyn Nauta, Malou Hamto, Janice Ureta Sanchez, Sabrina Ureta, and JM who catered the delicious dinner. It was an awesome event.

ZUCETTE LUMABAS

  The FACO Cultural Dance Group (CDG) were awesome entertaining the Women's Club of Oceanside on April 6, 2017 at their clubhouse. They wowed the audience who were enthusiastic and wanted to know how they can be hired. Just go to the websitewww.filamcultural.com and request for CDG. It was a fun afternoon.

Fil-Am Cultural Organization (FACO) officers and members attended the 25th anniversary gala by SD Humanitarian Foundation on March 25, 2017 at Marriot Mission Valley. It was an awards studded event with so many deserving recipients like Alessja Morales as Miss Fil-Am Humanitarian 2017, FACO Miss Pre-Teen Janelle Serquina as Miss Emerging Youth Achiever, Director Femie Cupit and her golf group to name a few, beautiful people, striking costumes, amazing dances, yummy food. We enjoyed the event.

  FACO Cultural Dance Group had an awesome performance at the Lifetime Care
  Center of Vista on February 28, 2017. The audience were receptive, had fun
  and very appreciative.

FACO attends Oceanside Women's Club Chili Cook Off. March 4, 2017 Filipino-American Cultural Organization ExOfficio Belle & Hank Limoge, Correspondence Secretary Zucette Lumabas, Nellie Davis and husband, Jackie Lazaga, Marc Manlapaz, Pam Pahnke, Esther & Tony Adversalo attended the awesome Women's Club of Oceanside Chili Cook Off on March 4, 2017 at their clubhouse. There were a lot of delicious Chilis cooked and enthusiastic guests. Proceeds will go to the Oceanside Firefighters' Association (OFA).The club president Dorothy Arney welcomed the guests. Steve Marcotte OsideNews.com did the publicity.

FACO honored March birthday celebrant IPP/Director Mely Sivage at the lively and exciting board meeting last March 2, 2015 at the Mission Branch Library. From L-R: Custodian Peter Cruz, Executive Secretary Jonathan Enerva, Director Wendy Thrower, Director Malou Hamto, President Belle Limoge, Corresponding secretary Alexis Plaisted, PP Rica Derosier, Director Dori Harris, IPP/Director Mely Sivage, Vice-president Zucette Lumabas, Director Virgie Flemming.

FACO General Membership meeting was held last February 21, 2015 at the Mission Branch Library from 1pm to 4pm. It was successful and well attended. It was made possible due to the collaborative effort of the Executive Board and General Membership committee.

President Belle Limoge inducted Alexis Plaisted as recording secretary at the 1st official FACO board meeting of the newly elected executive directors last January 5, 2015 at the Mission Branch library. At the same meeting the officers sang a resounding happy birthday to the January celebrants Director Dori Harris and Director Virgie Flemming. It was a productive and successful meeting.

FACO Cultural Dance Group Performs at Escondido Public Library Escondido Public Library presents the Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO) Dance Group on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Turrentine Room. The FACO Dance Group promotes an appreciation and celebration of Filipino culture by performing classic Filipino dances in colorful, traditional costumes. This event is a highlight of Escondido Public Library’s partnership with KPBS to promote 2014’s One Book, One San Diego selection, Monstress, by author Lysley Tenorio, a San Diego native. Monstress describes the Filipino experience through a series of heartfelt short stories. The FACO Dance Group shares their talent, serving as ambassadors for Filipino culture through dance. Their performance includes traditional Filipino dances such as "Bulaklakan" and “Tinikling.” The Bulaklakan is the dance of flowers, usually done during the month of May in the Philippines when flowers traditionally bloom. In the Tinikling, dancers imitate the tikling bird's legendary grace and speed as they dance between a pair of snapping bambo Escondido Public Library also presents the following upcoming events in celebration of the 2014 One Book, One San Diego program Aside from Tinikling and Bulaklakan, the FACO Dance Group also performed other dances like Uyaoy, Banga, Bumayah, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Salakot, Carinosa, T'boli, and "Salidumay" dance. Performers are : Enri Fulmore, Belle Limoge, Cita Lime, Esther Adversalo, Rose Wallace, Malou Hamto, Jonathan Enerva, Janice Ureta-Sanchez, Sheila Cabuco Butler and JM Ureta.

MRS. FIL-AM 2014 TOGETHER WITH OTHER BEAUTY QUEENS AND CELEBRITIES GRACED THE GRAND OPENING OF IMAGE SPA IN ENCINITAS, CA Mrs. Fil-Am 2014 Criscelle Santiago together with other beauty queens like Miss Philippines USA 2014, Bb. International 2010 Krista Kleiner (who was also one of the Top 10 in Miss International Pageant in 2010) and other celebrities were guests at the August ribbon cutting of Image Spa in Encinitas, California. Entertainment was provided by renowned singers like Pops Fernandez, Geneva Cruz and Krista Kleiner while Ms. Garrie Concepcion hosted the show. To represent the organization aside from Mrs. Fil-Am 2014 Criscelle Santiago were Directors Zucette Lumabas and Rica Derosier, members Alexis Plaisted, Virgie Martin and Pat dela Rosa.

FACO Cultural Dance Group was Invited to Perform in Several Events On Oct. 3rd, the FACO Cultural Dance Group was invited to perform at a wedding reception in Sheraton Hotel Harbor Drive in San Diego, to add entertainment to the celebration. On June 12th, in a big celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in the US, Sycuan Casino invited the FACO Cultural Dance Group to perform several Philippine folk dances at their lobby. Another event, on May 30th, the Bonsall Elementary School in Oceanside invited the FACO Cultural Dance Group to perform during their Multi-Cultural Night. The dance group performed cultural dances like Banga, Uyaoy, Bumayah, Salakot and Tinikling to the delight of the audience.

PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION WAS AWARDED TO DEBBIE NICASTRO During FACO's May 5, 2014 Executive Board Meeting, Debbie Nicastro, who is a strong supporter of FACO, was awarded with a TROPHY OF APPRECIATION for her dedication as co-chair of fund-raising event for Typhoon Haiyan victims named "Through the Storm: A Concert of Hope" which was held on April 12th at Star Theatre, and for her outstanding services to the organization. Aside from being in charge of entertainment, she also performed as member and soloist of the Through the Storm Gospel Choir and the band Network. She has been providing her time and talents to the organization over the years as guest performer and emcee at FACO's different events. Although, she is not a Filipino-American or married/affiliated to a Filipino, she had shown interest in the Filipino culture and rendered wonderful services to the association.

FACO RAISED FUNDS FOR TYPHOON HAIYAN'S VICTIMS through "THROUGH THE STORM: CONCERT of HOPE" held on APRIL 12, 2014 AT STAR THEATER On April 12, 2014 at Star Theater, two concerts were held - one at 2:00 - 4:30 pm and the other one at 5:30-9:00 pm. The first concert featured Filipino cultural skit and dances and Through the Storm Choir. The second concert started at 5:30 pm which showed three bands performing - Radio-Active, City Reef and Network. Aside from these performers, guests came like Oceanside City Mayor Jim Wood and the Oceanside Sea Lions' Miss Oceanside and Miss Teen Oceanside and their court. More pictures and write-up to follow at the website's gallery page

THROUGH THE STORM: A CONCERT OF HOPE was promoted at the Oceanside City Council Meeting The Oceanside City Council during its council meeting had given the opportunity to FACO, through its representative Sec. Belle Limoge, to promote its fund-raising concert called THROUGH THE STORM: A CONCERT OF HOPE to benefit the Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines. Chair Marilou dela Rosa and Co-Chair Zucette Lumabas also attended the meeting to promote the event.

FACO ADOPTS A ROOM IN THE PHILIPPINES' UP INTEGRATED SCHOOL (UPIS) The Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO), through the generosity of its Hiyas Awardees composed of outstanding men and women in North San Diego County in their field of study, adopted a room in the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) . Since the school is moving to its new location (inside the campus of the University of the Philippines) and with limited budget, there is a need for donation for various fixtures of its classrooms/offices, thus the ADOPT-A-ROOM PROJECT of the UPIS was conceptualized. To adopt a room is to provide the various equipment and furnishings needed for the certain classroom. FACO adopted a room by sponsoring the CA FILIPINO ROOM 1 (Grades 3-6) Room 320. As an acknowledgement, the room was labeled after FACO thru an 8" x 11" bronze plate installed near the door. There are about 10 classes held in the room every week and each class has 35 students. The room was furnished with 46" LED TV, magnetic whiteboard, bulletin cork board, teacher table, 35 pcs. of monobloc chairs, teacher's table and refurbished cabinets. It will also be furnished with computer desktop laptop and display cabinet bookshelf.

FACO SUPPORTS EDUCATION In line with the mission of the organization to support education, FACO donates another $1,000 dollars to Oceanside Civic Library to renovate its branch, the Mission Oceanside Branch Library located at 3861 Mission Ave., Oceanside, California. The branch will be renovating its facilities this month of March. Aside from this donation, the organization donates annually $1,000 to Oceanside Library which is awarded during its Annual Filipino Cultural Day celebration. In addition to monetary donation, the organization donates books to the library procured from the Philippines. The books also come from different Philippine agencies like Department of Tourism, National Historical Institute and others; while most of the children's books in Filipino and English are purchased from Philippine book stores and book fairs.

FACO CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TYPHOON HAIYAN VICTIMS On Dec. 15, 2013, FACO Cultural Dance Group performed at the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Zumbathon Fundraising in Encinitas Community Center. They performed three cultural dances namely, UYAOY, BANGA, BUMAYAH and a fusion of cultural dance and zumba in the pop music "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls. The proceeds will go to Gawad Kalinga to build homes for the typhoon victims of Yolanda in the Philippines. The dancers were Jonathan Enerva, Enri Fulmore, Dulia Candelaria, Esther Adversalo and Belle Limoge.

FIL-AM HELPS PHILIPPINE YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN APRIL 5TH * 6TH GOODWILL GAMES IN NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY     The association gave a donation to help teams of young basketball players from the Philippines to participate in a Goodwill Basketball Tournament in North San Diego County, particularly Carlsbad and Oceanside on April 5th and 6th, 2013. The Philippines National Boys 13U & 14U are coming to Carlsbad to participate in this Goodwill Basketball Games to reach out between this city and the Philippines. Nicanor (Nic) Jorge is the director and founder of the largest basketball program in the Philippines, who brought these two teams to play a few teams from North County.

FIL-AM YOUTH CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT THE 2nd ANNUAL FEAST OF SAN LUIS REY DE FRANCIA ON AUG. 24, 2012     Another great performance of the Fil-Am Youth Cultural Dance Group was on August 24, 2012 at the San Luis Rey grounds in celebration of the 2nd Annual Feast of San Luis Rey de Francia. They performed three Philippine folk dances representing the southern part of the Philippines - "Kapiil sa Munsala", "Pangalay" and "Singkil". Dancers for the "Kapiil sa Munsala" were Maria Concepcion, Melanie Pagayonan, Sage McCray and Tess Concepcion. Solo dancer for "Pangalay" was Felicia Lime Ramos and "Singkil" dancers were Mina Giles, Gloria Giles, Maria Concepcion, Conrad Giles, Marshal Giles, Richmond Pagayonan and Sage McCray. The group was headed by Toni Lime as choreographer and Malou Hamto as co-chair for YDP. The organization has been very active in this festive activity of San Luis Church in Oceanside, California..

FIL-AM YOUTH CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT THE CLOSING AWARDS OF THE OCEANSIDE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AT THE STAR THEATRE     The Fil-Am Youth Cultural Dance Group was invited to perform during the closing ceremonies on August 19, 2012 at the Star Theatre in Oceanside, California. The group performed beautifully to the delight of the audience the Philippine folk dances from the southern part of the Philippines. They performed "Kapiil sa Munsala" and the Muslim-inspired wedding dance called "Singkil". The dancers for the first dance were Maria Concepcion, Melanie Pagayonan, Sage McCray and Tess Concepcion. "Singkil" dancers were Mina Giles, Anthony Pagayonan, Gloria Giles, Maria Concepcion, Conrad Giles, Jr., Marshal Giles and Richmond Pagayonan. The group was inspired and chaperoned by their choreographer Toni Lime and co-chair of Youth Development Program (YPD) Malou Hamto.

2012 APPRECIATION LUNCH TO ALL FIL-AM OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS     An appreciation lunch was given on August 12, 2012 at the West Buffet in El Camino Real, to all the officers and directors who worked so hard for the past year up to the most recent June 9th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration and July Parade. It was a refreshing time for a relaxing get-together among these hardworking executives with their spouses or guests.

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT THE CAMP PENDLETON'S NAVAL HOSPITAL'S MULTI-CULTURAL DAY    On July 25, 2012, the FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group performed at the Naval Hospital of Camp Pendleton, CA in celebration of its 18th NHCP Annual Multi-cultural Day. The group was led by Chair/Choreographer Enri Fulmore, together with Jonathan Enerva, Cita Lime, Dulia Candelaria and Esther Adversalo. A booth for Filipino food was also put up to the delight of consuming public.

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP performed at the Library of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton    On May 17, 2012, the Marine Corps Community Services for Lifelong Learning/Libraries at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA 92055 held their Annual Customer’s Appreciation Day and also celebrated May as ASIAN PACIFIC Heritage Month. To celebrate the occassion, they invited the FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group to perform different Philippine folk dances for their patrons to experience the Filipino culture, among the different cultures in the Asian Pacific region. The group composed of, from left to right, Belle Limoge, Esther Adversale, Dulia Candelaria, Cita Lime and Jonathan Enerva. They peformed Uya-oy, Banga, Bumayah, Itik-itik and T'boli. Joining them as narrator and sound manager is Zucette Lumabas. Also in the picture is Ella G. Fritz, library technician of Mainside Library in Camp Pendleton.

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT KAISER PERMANENTE'S INTERNATIONAL DAY The Fil-Am Cultural Dance Group was invited to perform in San Diego on October 21, 2011 during the International Day celebration of Kaiser Permanente. The group performed several dances like Uya-oy, Banga, Bumayah, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Itik-itik and Carinosa. The pictures showed the cultural dancers like Jackie Lazaga, Mitchelle Rotulo, Malou Hamto and Belle Limoge performing the Itik-Itik (Duck) dance. Other cultural dancers but are not in the picture are Mark Jones and Jonathan Enerva.

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT SAN DIEGO PADRES FILIPINO CULTURAL NIGHT PRE-GAME ENTERTAINMENT ON SEPT. 3RD AT PETCO PARK The FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group, as the ambassadors of the association promoting the Filipino culture and dances, performed at the San Diego Padres Filipino Cultural Night Pre-Game Entertainment on Sept. 3, 2011 at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. The dances performed as seen are Uya-oy, Banga, and Bumayah. Other dances performed are Itik-itik and Carinosa. The dancers are Gloria Giles, Mina Giles, Dulia Candelaria, Cita Lime, Mitchelle Rotulo, Malou Hamto, Belle Limoge, Jackie Lazaga and Enri Fulmore. The male members of the group are Anthony Fulmore, Esteven Gombio, Jonathan Enerva, and Mark Jones. Reigning Miss Fil-Am Dejah Urbanovitch narrated the history of each dance.

FIL-AM JOINS SAN LUIS REY CHURCH IN ITS FIRST MULTI-CULTURAL EVENT ON AUG. 26TH FIL-AM members and Cultural Dance Group joined the San Luis Rey Church in its first multi-cultural event on August 26, 2011 at the grounds of San Luis Rey church in Mission Avenue, Oceanside, California. The FIL-AM members joined the procession of San Luis Rey de Francia wearing Filipino costumes to represent the Filipino community. The Fil-Am Cultural Dancers performed seven (7) Philippine folk dances representing the different regions of the Philippines from north to south. The performers are, from left to right, Jonathan Enerva, Cita Lime, Michelle Rotulo, Belle Limoge, Enri Fulmore, Dulia Candelaria, Malou Hamto and Esteven Gombio. Other performers but are not in the picture are Darrell Fulmore and Ted Lintan. The kids who also performed but not in the picture are Mina Giles, Gloria Giles, Conrad Giles and Angelina Flemming.

APPRECIATION LUNCH An appreciation lunch for the association's officers and directors was held on August 21, 2011 at West Buffet Restaurant located in El Camino Real, Carlsbad. This is in recognition of the time, effort and even monetary contribution that the executive officers had been donating to the association.

ANOTHER CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCE The FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group performed for the 80th birthday of Julie Gilchrist held on Aug. 14, 2011 at the Oceanside Counry Club Senior Center. In the picture are (from left to right) Mark Jones, Belle Limoge, Enri Fulmore, birthday celebrant Julie Gilchrist, Jonathan Enerva, Cita Lime and Anthony Fulmore.

Another Fil-Am Member Made it to the Top Source : North County Times, Sunday, June 16, 2011 For more details, please click image 1 and image 2 .

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCERS PERFORM AT BONSALL WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON JUNE 3, 2011      The FIL-AM Cultural Dancers performed at the Bonsall West Elementary School in Oceanside, California, on June 3, 2011 during the school's Multi-cultural Day. Pres. Mely Sivage represented the group as she did the introduction about the organization and the history and origin of the Philippine folk dances to be performed. The dances that were performed are Banga, Carinosa, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Itik-itik, Tinikling and T'boli. Kids who performed were Angelina Flemming, Conrad Giles and Divina Saguing. Adult performers were Jonathan Enerva, Anthony and Enri Fulmore, Estiven Gombio, Malou Hamto, Mark Jones, Cita Lime, Belle Limoge and Mitchelle Rotulo.

FIL-AM AT THE OCEANSIDE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 1, 2011      The FIL-AM kids, in Filipino costumes, were given the honor by the Oceanside City Council to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during its June 1st council meeting. It was also an opportunity for the association, represented by Pres. Mely Sivage and Sec. Belle Limoge, and the Oceanside Public Library represented by Brad Penner, to promote the forthcoming June 11th Annual Filipino Cultural Day to be held at the Oceanside Civic Center. The children in colorful Filipino costumes are Angelina Flemming, Mona Abrazado, Sivage, Conrad Giles, Mina Giles and Divina Saguing.

FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT CAMP PENDLETON'S MULTI-CULTURAL DAY ON MAY 25, 2011      The FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group was invited to perform at the Multi-cultural Day event of Camp Pendleton on May 25th from 11:00 - 1:30 pm, at the Mainside Library. The performers were Enri Fulmore, Belle Limoge, Cita Lime, Mark Jones, Anthony Fulmore, Mitchelle Rotulo and Estive Gombio. Pres. Mely Sivage gave an introduction about the association and the dances to be performed, namely - Carinosa, Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Tinikling.

Fil-Am Donates More Books from the Philippines to Oceanside Public Library      On May 12, 2011, during one of the organizational meetings between the Fil-Am Cultural Association of North San Diego County and the Oceanside Public Library in preparation for the June 11th Annual Filipino Cultural Day, the officers and directors of the association presented to the Oceanside Public Library headed by Deborah Polich, the donation of historical and cultural books imported from the Philippines to be added to its Philippine collection of books, DVD's and literature. On the picture (standing from left to right) FIL-AM Dirs. James Viado, Dulia Candelaria, Zucette Lumabas, Aida Viado, Enri Fulmore, Sec. Belle Limoge, Library Staff Brad Penner and Marie Town. (Seated from left to right) FIL-AM Pres. Mely Sivage, Library Head Deborah Polich, Staff Monica Chapa-Domercq and Kristine Moralez.

THE FIL-AM CULTURAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO ON APRIL 2, 2011      The Fil-Am Cultural Dance Group performs at the Filipino Cultural Night of the University of San Diego on April 2nd at USD Shiley Theatre . The event was hosted and organized by a young group of Filipino-American students of the university called Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization (FUSO). The dance group performs the dances - CARINOSA, ITIK-ITIK and T'BOLI. Performers are Enri Fulmore, Belle Limoge, Jonathan Enerva, Mark Jones, Anthony Fulmore, Cita Lime, Malou Hamto, Mitchelle Rotulo and Esteive.      Aside from this, the FIL-AM Cultural Dance Group also performs at wedding, birthday and other special occassions. They were last seen performing at a wedding on April 16, 2011 at Pala Casino and Resort in Pala, California.      To contact the group, kindly leave you feedback or inquiries on our website.

FIL-AM DONATED TO OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY ON JAN. 11, 2011      The FIL-AM association gave its annual donation of $500 to the Oceanside Public Library during the Jan. 11th Board Meeting of the Friends of the Oceanside Library. Receiving the check in behalf of the Oceanside Library is Library Director Deborah Polich and Suzanne Williams, President of the Friends of the Oceanside Library. Representing the FIL-AM association are Past Pres. Rica Derosier, Pres. Amelia Sivage, Sec. Belle Limoge, Auditor Dulia Candelaria, Sgt.-at-Arms Buddy Martin, Directors Suzette Lumabas and James Viado, and members Aida Viado and Genevieve Wunder.

AD HOC COMMITTEE AT WORK      On January 8, 2011, the Ad Hoc Committee (comprised of Chair Jun Juguilon and members Dee Weber, Wendy Thrower, Elwin Derosier, Hank Limoge and Asst. Sec. Mark Jones) conducted a mock election at the residence of Hank and Belle Limoge, to put to a test the guidelines and procedures the committee had formulated. It was also a post-Holiday gathering of the officers, directors and members where they had fun at the same time!

FIL-AM JOINS SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE'S CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL AWARENESS DAY      The organization and its Cultural Dance Group was invited to join and perform at Mesa College's Cultural Awareness Day on Dec. 2nd from 11 - 2:00 PM, organized by Filipino-American Cherie Deogracias, Senator/Student Leader of Associated Student Government of San Diego Mesa College. The celebration aims is to inform the students and public about different cultures in the community whereby the association promoted the Philippine culture by putting up a booth with Philippine handicraft and through dance performances. The association's representatives are Dirs. Zucette Lumabas, Dulia Candelaria, Jun Juguilon and the FIL-AM Cultural Dancers composed of Auditor Enri Fulmore, Sec. Belle Limoge, Dir. Cita Lime and Miss Fil-Am 2009-2010 1st Runner-up Tatiana Robinson. Miss Fil-Am 2009-2010 Dejah Urbanovitch was the emcee/narrator for each dance. The cultural dance group performed five Philippine folk dances namely Banga, Itik-itik, Carinosa, Pandanggo sa Ilaw and T'boli.

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS      FIL-AM monthly executive meetings are not complete without the celebration of its executives's and active members's birthdays. There would always be a personalized cake made out for the celebrants. Birthday celebrants for October are Dirs. Dee Weber, Dulia Candelaria, Jun Juguilon and Wendy Abon-Thrower; for November - active committee members Aida Viado, Jonathan Enerva and Mrs. Fil-Am Runner-Up Lucy Awde-Dickson and for December, active committee member James Viado and members Rolly Hamto and Vangie Soliman. It's also one of the many ways the association develops strong bonds and camaraderie among its members. Birthday celebrants like Dir. Wendy Abon-Thrower shared their special moments with their family, friends and loved ones in more ways than one!

SEPTEMBER 26TH ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE PARK AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS     On Sept. 26, 2010, the Annual Picnic at the Park was held to give opportunity for members to get together with their friends and loved ones as they share their favorite dishes. It was held at the Luiseno Park from 12 noon to 4 PM. At the same time, the election of new set of officers and directors was held under the guidance and direction of the COMELEC Committee composed of Pat dela Rosa, Malou Hamto and Nelly Taguba. There was a huge turn-out from the more than 200 members that the association has. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW SET OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS who will serve on 2011-2012!!! For more pictures, please visit the gallery (ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE PARK & ELECTION OF FIL-AM OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012).

FIL-AM 2010 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NEWS      Five (5) deserving FIL-AM scholars received their cash awards on June 12, 2010 from the association - (left to right) FIL-AM Scholarship Committee composed of Asst. Sec. Anthony Fulmore, Dir. Dee Weber, Nelly Taguba, 4th placer Audrey Foronda, 5th placer Isaiah Luzon, 3rd placer Oliver Hamto, 2nd placer Alexandra Tuazon, 1st placer Wade Licup, and FIL-AM Pres. Rica Derosier. The Committee did some fund-raising activities solely for this project like the May 1st and May 29th Rummage Sale.

FIL-AM'S SUPPORT TO THE OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY

FIL-AM SHOWS SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION TO THE OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY BY DONATING ANOTHER $1,500

During the association's APPRECIATION DAY on June 27th at the Community Room of the Oceanside Public Library, FIL-AM showed its appreciation to the Library by giving a donation of $1,500. The Library has been the association's partner for more than eight years in promoting the culture of the Philippines in the community. Shown in the picture at the center is the Oceanside Public Library Head Deborah Polich accepting and thanking the association for the donation, as Library Sec. Cheri Noel and FIL-AM Pres. Rica Derosier listen.

FIL-AM donated $ 1,500 to the Oceanside Library. For more details, please see gallery and click here... .

FIL-AM DONATES PHILIPPINE CULTURAL BOOKS, CD's AND POSTERS TO OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY FIL-AM donated at least sixty (60) different kinds of interesting reading materials, audio and visual aids on Philippine culture, arts, history and children's books. These materials were procured by Asst. Treas. Belle Limoge when she was in the Philippines, in behalf of the association, aside from some personal donation. Many thanks to the Philippine Department of Tourism, National Historical Institute, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts chaired by Mr. Ambeth Ocampo. There are books that show even the history and culture of specific groups like the Ilocanos, the Ifugaos, and others, not to mention some books on the Philippines' World Heritage Sites, culinary and cultural landmarks. Value-oriented and bilingual (English and Filipino) books for children were also donated that depict the Philippine myths, legends, and anecdotes. CD's that show what the 7,107 Philippine islands can offer and some Filipino musical classics are available. Please check them out at the Oceanside Public Library at 330 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054. .

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