Fil-Am Who's Who, October 2019

fil-am who’S WHo October 2019

The Pillars of NaFFAA-NY

Jan Andrada • Steven Raga • Laura Garcia • Stevenson Van Derodar • Derick Hidalgo

In This Issue. . .

At Your Service • Arturo Romua

4

Rewind Rewind • Event Photos by Rolan Gutierrez A Time to Remember • Sibuyan

8

The Artist • Artemio John ‘Temi’ Tecson Cover Story • NaFFAA

5

10

12

Milestones & Moments • Fr. Erno Diaz Community Calendar

20 21 Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

A Word from The Editor

Oliver Oliveros

Leadership Vision “90 percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.”

– Dianne Feinstein, U.S. senator Well-being, empowerment, and leadership development are what most Filipino Americans, young and old, aspire for in their second home, the United States.

Among the most impactful Filipino American community organizations based in New York, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations-New York (NaFFAA-NY) has been one that helps to actualize these needs.

Thanks to its strong core of leaders: Dr. Laura Garcia, Stevenson Van Derodar, Derick Hidalgo, Janette Andrada, and Steven Raga – self-motivated high achievers yet humble and gracious managers.

For our cover story, Dr. Garcia, chair of NaFFAA-NY, tells us more about the organization’s pursuit of a well-rounded Fil-Am individual and/or association, pages 12-14. Brief profiles of the organization’s current management team are also provided, pages 16-17.

“NaFFFA [continues to serve] as the voice of all Filipinos and FilAms by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy,” Dr. Garcia wrote.

In this issue, our readers are also reintroduced to Arturo Romua, the Philippine Consulate General in N.Y.’s Assistance to Nationals Officer, and singer Artemio John Tecson, multi-medal recipient at the 23rd Annual World Championships of Performing Arts held at Long Beach, California.

A well-deserved tribute, page 15, is also dedicated to the late Consuelo Almonte, founder of the Philippine Center for Community and Services for Aging, who also served the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for more than 40 years.

Further, the impacts of the 1944 Battle of Sibuyan Sea on the tide of the Allied campaign in the Pacific War are revisited, page 8.

Fil-Am Who’s Who accepts news coverage tips, feature article ideas, and event photo submissions; email us at info@filamwhoswho.com.

Five of NaFFAA Board Members

You may also leave us a message on Facebook: Facebook.com/FilAmWhosWho.

We use information sources that we believe to be reliable, but do not warrant the accuracy of those sources. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Fil-Am Who’s Who articles and other information on the website are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the publication date.

fil-am who’s who

STAFF Executive Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Layout Artist & Photo Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Contributing Writer Wendell Gaa • Contributing Writer Jan Andrada • Contributing Writer Rachel Davis • Contributing Writer Ferdinand Esguerra • Contributing Writer Niza Esguerra • Contributing Photographer Miguel Gutierrez • Marketing Executive Cecile Duyongco • Marketing Executive Stevenson Van Derodar • Publisher Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc. Copyright © 2019 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. For inquiries, please email info@filamwhoswho.com or call (917)

502-9887 • (917) 502-9891.

Arturo Romua

At Your Service

Wendell Gaa

An Ally to Filipinos in Dire Need

By Wendell Gaa From 1996 to 2003, he served in his first position as an ATN Officer at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His first foray to New York occurred from 2004 to 2010 when he was assigned as the Administrative Officer at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York.

T

hroughout the nearly six years of his diplomatic posting at the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY), Arturo Romua, or simply known as Art, has been providing his efficient and dedicated service to the Tri-State Fil-Am community as the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Officer, a position through which the Consulate extends its service to distressed Filipinos residing within the Northeast U.S. region. Overseeing matters such as labor and social abuse cases, Art has served as the Consulate’s soft-spoken, warm, and compassionate face giving the necessary hope and aid to Fil-Ams in dire need.

A veteran career diplomatic staff officer, Art was born and raised in the town of Binalonan in Pangasinan province. He attended the historic and prestigious University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, where he earned his AB in Political Science and Bachelor of Laws in his fourth year as a student.

Later in life, Art felt a calling to join the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He remarks about how it was his late father who encouraged him to jumpstart a career with the nation’s diplomatic service. “I was already employed at the Land Bank office in Makati when the then-Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (OPAS) at the DFA contacted me to report for employment,” he says, adding, “while the take-home pay is much better at Land Bank, I decided to pursue my career at the DFA. At a young age, to be a part of an Embassy or Consulate team seemed to be very attractive. And I never regret that I made such a decision. I find fulfillment in all the tasks that I fulfilled with the Foreign Service in various capacities, as an ATN Officer, Protocol Officer, and Administrative Officer.”

Art’s lifetime career (which is now in its fourth decade) has indeed brought him to diverse parts of the globe, all the while performing diverse duties in different positions. His first overseas adventure took him to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore where he served as a Consular Assistant/Attaché from 1985 to 1990. He was then cross-posted to the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia where from 1990 to 1993, he was a Political Assistant/Attaché.

4 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Art’s current position with the New York Consulate began in December 2013. When asked about what he feels has been his greatest achievement during his tenure with the Consulate, he simply states: “I have been assigned at PCGNY as ATN Officer since Day 1 to the present. ATN work is indeed a very fulfilling job to me; the results of one’s efforts are very tangible. Assisting distressed Filipinos especially those who are victims of human/labor trafficking, to those who are in dire need of financial assistance from the Department, or to any distressed kababayans who need advice on anything. Empowering our kababayans to know their basic rights, and to ensure that their rights are well protected are the very essence of ATN work. At the height of the ICE-CBP campaign against illegal immigrants, ATN has worked double time in coordination with Fil-Am lawyers and members of the Filipino community to ensure that the rights of Filipino immigrants are well protected.

“The institutionalization of the Geographic Warden System is a very effective instrument in extending the Consulate’s assistance to our kababayans who are adversely affected by any man-made or natural calamities. In all the 10 states that are under this Post’s jurisdiction, there are assigned wardens, our Filipino community (FilCom) leaders in the area, who are equally dedicated to aid our kababayans and regularly report to the ATN section.”

Art’s impending completion of his New York tour of duty, as well as his retirement from the diplomatic service, is scheduled for next year in October 2020, a thought which leaves him with bittersweet feelings. He notes how New York has been a major chapter in his lifetime career with the Philippine Foreign Service, having served both at the Philippine Mission to the UN and the Consulate General for over 12 years.

“The Philippine Consulate as a whole is just one big family headed by the Consul General serving the Filipino community in the areas covering the 10 Northeast U.S. states under its jurisdiction,” he comments, “In my role as ATN Officer, it is in this field where one could fathom the true meaning of public service. ‘Walk the extra-mile’ so to speak is always the norm of the day, and I found fulfillment in giving such a brand of service to our kababayans who are in dire need of the service of the ATN Section.”

This writer can personally attest to how much of a reliable and stalwart civil servant he truly is, and I’ve had the honor to work alongside him, together with the late beloved FilCom leader Ma. Consuelo “Tita Connie” Almonte back when the Consulate coorganized the Town Hall Forum on “Questions Answered on Parole Visas for Filipino World War II Veterans and their Families” in 2016.

As for his retirement plans, they include among others, traveling around the world together with his wife, focusing on his agricultural farming and managing his piggery and rice mill.

FAPCNY Congen Hour Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez

Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez

Our beloved Consul General Claro S. Cristobal talked to the Fil-Am Press Club of NY members on several topics he is most concerned about. One topic was the importance of Filipinos in the US taking part of the census 2020.

He said that we are the third largest Asian group in the US behind the Chinese and the Asian Indians. And there’s a need for us to show that we are present in numbers. This will give us a political voice...

Consul General Claro Cristobal

october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 5

Dahon ng Lahi Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez

Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez

Ribbon Cutting (L-R): Jose Ramos, Fr Erno Diaz, Artist Fernando Manipon, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Consul General Claro Cristobal

People’s Ball

Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez

Artist Fernando ‘Pando’ Manipon Msgr. Fr, Oscar Aquino and singer Excelsa De Jesus

L-R: FAWW publisher Myrna Gutierrez, Darlene Dilangalen Borromeo of People’s Ball, Rowena Mejia-Randman of SocSkSarGen

6 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

April Talambayan, flutist

Lisa Hulse (center) receives her late mother Dr Felicisima David-Quines posthumous award from Dr. Laura Garcia and Ferdinand Mendez of Fiesta In America.

Filipino Heritage Night at Citi Field Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez

L-R: Mars Derodar, Rosalyn Durana, Gary Abasolo, Myrna Gutierrez, Steven Raga, Jan Andrada, Stevenson Van Derodar

Pastor Roland Maaba, Myrna Gutierrez, Rolan Gutierrez

Dr Kathy Santos (L) and her guest Steven Raga with avid Mets fans

L-R: Gary Abasolo, Steven Van Derodar, Zeeane, Jewel, Rosalyn Durana, Jan Andrada, Gary Fandl october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 7

Battle of Sibuyan Sea

By Wendell Gaa

A Time to Remember Jan Andrada

The writer Wendell Gaa with his late father Ambassador Willy C. Gaa

O

ctober 24, 1944, is a significant day in global naval history, when arguably the greatest naval conflict occurred during the Battle of Sibuyan Sea between the United States and Japan during World War II. Japan’s largest battleship, the Musashi, along with the USS Princeton and USS Lexington, was sunk while the mighty USS Intrepid had survived (now an actual museum in New York).

would only be fitting, especially within October, which is the FilipinoAmerican History Month.

This year’s commemoration, which will feature history and cultural presentations and guest speakers, is meant to foster closer ties and understanding between invited members of the U.S., Philippine and Japanese navies, as well as to invite people from the Fil-Am This paved the way for the successful landing of American General community, including students and teachers, along with members Douglas MacArthur in Leyte Gulf, which occurred four days earlier of the academia and historians with the aim of shedding light on an on October 20, 1944, when he had fulfilled his promise of returning unjustly overlooked chapter in historic Philippine-American military to the Philippines upon its invasion by the Japanese imperial forces ties. in 1941. Yet many may still be unaware of this overlooked yet noteworthy chapter in the Pacific campaign of World War II. My father, the late Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. in Washington D.C. Willy C. Gaa (served from 2006 to 2011), would have been As we approach the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea, proud to witness this commemorative event unfold, as he worked the need to commemorate this important historical event, which relentlessly to broker closer bilateral ties between the Philippines surely had an impact on the tide of the Allied campaign in the Pacific and the U.S., and oversaw several initiatives championing the War, is all the more pertinent, as is the importance of passing on causes of the Filipino veterans who valiantly fought alongside their the knowledge and significance of this historic episode to younger U.S. military partners against the scourge of tyranny in the Allied generations of Fil-Ams and Japanese alike. Spearheading the campaign of the Pacific Theater of World War II. We would, in effort in organizing commemoration events is Janette Andrada, turn, do him much honor, along with the countless other living and National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) fallen Fil-Am war veterans who sacrificed their lives for the cause New York State Treasurer. of freedom, by supporting the 75th Commemoration of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea. This annual event, which jumpstarted in 2015 when it was held at the Philippine Consulate, has been a passion project of Janette for over the past decade now, and she feels that hosting the Battle of Sibuyan Sea commemorations to tour the USS Intrepid Museum

8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Artemio John Tecson Temi’s Passion for Singing

The ARTIST Myrna Gutierrez

By Wendell Gaa

S

erenading the Fil-Am music community in New York with his melodious voice is singer Artemio John Tecson, better known as Temi. Many have known him through his frequent open mic shows at local establishments such as the Promdi and House of Inasal restaurants in Queens.

Since 2017, Temi has been an Outstanding Filipino (TOFA) artist, as well as a resident artist of Reagan John Productions.

Born on 8 March 1993 in Parañaque City, Philippines, Temi is the youngest son of five boys of Milagros “Miles” Dela Cruz.

He first visited New York in 2007, and in 2010, in spite of the thought of permanently leaving his home with a heavy heart, he finally decided to join his mother and stay in the United States for good.

Singing has been his constant passion since his pre-school years. He began singing even before he could directly understand what the lyrics meant, though his supportive mother would constantly coach him. It all began in his elementary years by joining the St. Andrew School Boys’ Choir. He shortly thereafter performed at several functions such as birthdays and weddings at the Manila Cathedral and Santuario de San Antonio Church in Forbes Park, Makati.

He also joined the St Andrew Cathedral Choir in Parañaque and the Shrine of Jesus at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

These public exposures helped to provide him the necessary confidence and passion for singing. He soon competed in local media contests, notably Second in ABS-CBN’s “Duet Bulilit,” and became a member of one of Asia’s youngest boy bands, XY Kidz & CY Voice, and toured all SM Mall and Robinson’s Galleria branches throughout the Philippines.

Since residing in New York, Temi has displayed his musical talent at several notable shows and concerts held throughout the Northeast U.S., including the 7th The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, the OPM Hitmakers at Resorts World in New York, the Bryan Magsayo Show at the Melrose Ballroom, the OPM Hitmakers in Atlantic City, the Sarah Geronimo concert at Queens College, the Martin Nievera concert in Atlantic City, the Gabby Concepcion Show at the Sheraton La Guardia Hotel, and the Vice Ganda concert at the Newark Symphony Hall.

Additionally, he has performed the U.S. National Anthem for the National Basketball Association (NBA) games held at the Barclay Center and Madison Square Garden.

This year has been extra fulfilling for Temi as he represented the U.S. at the 23rd Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at Long Beach, California on 12-21 July 2019. Competing against 65 countries, he won as a semifinalist, earning three gold medals and two silver medals.

When not performing in gigs, Temi devotes himself to a media advertising and investment company as a concierge supervisor, a position he has held for the past three years, booking corporate rooms for conference and private meetings.

His short-term goals in life include returning to school to study culinary arts.

10 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Photo courtesy of Miles Dela Cruz

National Federation of Filipino American Associations – New York By: Laura Garcia

NaFFAA - NY Gives Voice to Filipino American Communities

T

he National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals. NaFFAA has been the standard-bearer for the promotion of the well-being of four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States since 1997.

NaFFAA also serves as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.

In New York, the NaFFAA-NY continues to support issues that matter, especially affairs about leadership development, civic engagement, political involvement, and national advocacy.

Some of NaFFAA-NY’s activities in the past two years included partnerships with the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), which defended the Asia American Voting Rights during the elections. On 26 October 2017, NaFFAA, along with Consul General Tess de Vega met with New York Lt. Governor and former Congresswoman Kathleen Hochul to work on the information dissemination initiatives for the newly-arrived Filipinos in New York.

Further, in 2018, NaFFAA-NY released its Position Statement regarding the 3 June 2018 Independence Day emphasizing solidarity and commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day. On 30 June 2018, Chair Dr. Laura Garcia and Advisor Ma. Consuelo Almonte joined the rally in New York to end family separation in the border. In September 2018, the organization also celebrated the revival of the “Twelve Outstanding Fathers of the Year” (TOFY) and the induction of its new officers for the 2017-2019 term.

This year, NaFFAA-NY has assisted the Office of the Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer in disseminating information regarding the new rule concerning Public Charge. It has also collaborated with Marivir Montebon, organizer and chief operator of the Women’s Immigration & Communications Cafe (WICCAFE), to engage in the project “Women’s Immigration Education and Advocacy” (WIEA) for one year. Its programs include the Immigration Education Forum, Immigration Legal Assistance Network, and Entrepreneurial Support to Immigrant Women.

Currently, the organization is actively involved in preparing for the 2020 Census.

NaFFAA-NY has been a recipient of the Mets Spirit Award given at the Mets Stadium.

12 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Join NaFFAA-NY and get involved in leadership development, civic engagement, political involvement, and national advocacy. Contact Laura Garcia, Chair – NaFFAA-NY at laugarcia10@yahoo.com or tel. no. (908)-627-1954.

For more information, visit naffaa.org.

Steven Raga at the TOFY Awarding

At the Fiesta In America

NaFFAA-NY participates in the Census 2020.

NaFFAA-NY is a recipient of the Mets Spirit Award.

At the office of Gale Brewer after disseminating information on the New Public Charge october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 13

Photo by: Rolan Gutierrez

Photo by: Rolan Gutierrez

Consul General Claro Cristobal inducts State Board members.

L-R: Dr Laura Garcia, Stevenson Van Derodar, Derick Hidalgo,Jan Andrada, Consuelo Almonte (deceased)

Photos courtesy of NaFFAA

Photo courtesy of NaFFAA

Meeting with Lt. Gen. of NY L-R: J.T. Mallonga, Esq, Dr Laura Garcia, Lt Gen Kathy Hochul, Ambassador Tess Dizon de Vega, Consul Arman Talbo

Filipino American History month at the White House L-R: Dr Aida Rivera, Brendan Flores, Dr Laura Garcia, Fernando Mendez, Derick Hidalgo, Dr Rommel Rivera, Christopher Rivera

With Congresswoman Judy Chu (center) at the National Empowerment Conference in Carson, CA

With the Empowering Pilipino Youth through Collaboration (EPYC)

14 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Consuelo Almonte In Memoriam

By Oliver Oliveros

W

ell-loved by the Filipino American community, Consuelo “Connie” Almonte, a Filipino American national and community leader, who also served the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for more than four decades, passed away last March 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

She was an alumna of the University of the Philippines; she studied humanities and social welfare in the 1960s.

She began her professional career as Trust Officer of Soriano y Cia, managers of San Miguel Beer, in the early ‘60s until she migrated to the United States to complete her Master’s Degree program at Hunter College in Manhattan.

It was in the late ‘60s when she began working for the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations, which eventually earned her the “Tamgha-eKidmat” (Meritorious Service to Pakistan), the seventh highest honor given to military persons or civilians who served for Pakistan.

Her professional life as a public speaker, strategic planner, and personnel trainer opened more creative challenges that expanded her horizons and selfless advocacies for a great number of seniors living in New York City. She was the founder of the Philippine Center for Community and Services for Aging.

Also, her contributions as Executive Advisor to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations-New York (NaFFAA-NY), which champions for the well-being of Filipino Americans, were truly indispensable.

An Outstanding Filipino and Icons of Impact (JCI Philippine New York) awardee, Connie was married to Mark Shaffer, also deceased.

She is sorely missed.

october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 15

Laura Garcia, DNP, RN State Chair, NaFFAA-NY

Stevenson Van Derodar is a physical therapy professional for nearly a decade and a real estate consultant in New York City. He is an alumnus of Project REAP in 2016, a diversity program for professionals backed by the industry’s best of the best in Commercial Real Estate in N.Y. He also represents leading real estate developers from the Philippines, which are offering investment opportunities to key US markets as he is the founder of Phil House Hunters Consulting Network. Prior, he was an International Property Specialist of Ayala Land International Sales assigned to New York and New Jersey in 2008.

His community affiliations started with a local chapter of the Junior Chamber International, JCI Philippine-New York, which eventually made him a JCI New York State President after nine years.

With over a decade of exposure to community needs by doing projects through JCI platforms, he has been able to collaborate with various organizations and developed young leaders through community engagement. He has also assisted other non-profit, civic, and service-oriented organizations.

Stevenson is a recipient of numerous accolades from JCI such as The Most Outstanding Local Chapter President in JCI New York State in 2016, Don Cavalli Memorial Award and Charles Kulp Jr Memorial Award for JCI USA in 2016, Heidi Juttner Memorial Award as Outstanding Local Vice President in 2012, and Wayne McCall Memorial Award as Outstanding Member in 2011 and 2013.

Additionally, he is a recipient of Pan-American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL)’s award as Stevenson Van Derodar Young Professional, Philippine American Communities of the East Coast’s Young Community Leader, PT/PTRP Executive Director, NaFFAA-NY Team United Maharlika Foundation’s Young Professional, Universal Peace Federation’s Ambassador for Peace, Office of Mayor, Cebu City Government’s The Outstanding Youth Leader, Rev. Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal of the Archdiocese of Cebu’s Dugong Kabataan Sugbu-anon Awardee, and Ayala Corporation’s Ayala Young Leader. .

Stevenson has been honored with a lifetime membership as Governor 364 of the New York Junior Chamber.

Derick Hidalgo is a devoted and well-experienced Registered Nurse at Veterans Health Administration at James J Peters Medical Center – Emergency Department in the Bronx, New York.

He is an active community leader and a great supporter of Filipino organizations such as the Ilocano American Association Inc., where he currently holds the position as the Vice President, and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York where he is the State Secretary.

He also has collaborated with the Junior Chamber of Commerce International (JCI) Philippines New York to create the Bronx Youth JCI Philippines-New York, which was launched last February 2, 2019.

Derick has great leadership abilities, positive empowerment, as well as highlydeveloped preceptor skills, which he make use in educating new and crosstraining staff, and nursing students from various colleges in New York City.

Derick Hidalgo, RN

Executive Secretary, NaFFAA-NY

16 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

His life mission is to help everyone connect, inspire each other to discover the best version of themselves, and build together a strong, loving, and caring world.

He is driven by his life experiences and inspired by the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” Derick believes that teamwork is vital to embrace a shared purpose that is making this world a better place to live in.

Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez

Dr. Laura Garcia was born and raised in Butuan City, Philippines. Her parents were originally from Ilocos Sur. Her mother raised nine children all by herself, while her father passed away shortly after she was born.

There were two defining professional choices in the family: education and health careers. Dr. Garcia pursued both: she became a nurse and ultimately taught nursing.

She is more like her mother – an independent woman and a risk-taker. Her mother, Teresa, left her hometown in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur to find greener pastures in Mindanao, as well as to “escape the limelight” - to be recognized as Teresa Garcia and not as the “the daughter of their city’s mayor.” Similarly, Dr. Garcia migrated to the United States to seek greener pastures and shy away from the shadow of her politically-involved in-laws.

Although while growing up, Dr. Garcia didn’t want to be involved in politics, she still has her grandfather’s genes. She is the State Chair for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York. NaFFAA focuses on issues that are important and valuable such as leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacies - all of which has political pathways.

Community service and participation in her community have held an equally significant place in her life, in addition to her achievements as a clinician and educator. As with many worthwhile endeavors, there exists a political element and, as we know, in the real world, if you stay silent you are not heard. For the same reason, if you don’t stand up for what you believe in, you cannot be counted.

Dr. Garcia has been active in various Filipino and non-Filipino community projects. Last August 2017, she accepted the invitation to be a member of the Advisory Council for New York State District 30 from the office of New York State Assemblyman Brian Barnwell. This year, the Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, appointed Dr. Garcia to the Community Board District Five.

Janette Andrada is the New York State Treasurer for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York. A strong advocate of World War II Philippine history, particularly on the Battle of Sibuyan Sea. She currently owns and operates Kalinga ng Ina aromatherapy and Aromatouch and works as a newborn care specialist.

A native of Baguio City, she is a BSN, RN graduate of Saint Louis University.

Before moving to New York, she was a nurse manager of MegaClinic (Urgent Care) at SM Megamall in Manila and previously worked at the city’s Philippines Graphic and InFlight magazine.

Among her other past occupations in the Philippines have been Executive Director for JOBS Foundation (for OFWs), a Secretariat member of the National Prayer Breakfast, Head Coordinator of the Fullgospel Businessman Fellowship International Ortigas Chapter during the Presidency of Congressman Sid Aligada Overseas Filipino Workers Representative in the 10th Congress, staff member at Oversight for OFW Affairs at Philippine Congress, and Event Coordinator for the 2011 Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez painting exhibit at Hotel Palazzio, Las Vegas. She is the Vice President of International Women Artists in New York City.

Laura Garcia, Jan Andrada

Executive Treasurer, NaFFAA-NY

Steven Raga

Photo courtesy of NaFFAA

Chief of Staff at NYS Assembly Executive Advisor and National Board of Trustees

Steven Raga currently works as a Chief of Staff at the New York State Assembly, being the first Filipino American to serve in that role at the State Legislature. He is also a Board Member of Queens Community Board 2 (Transportation and Environmental Committees) and a NY State Advisory Committee Member for the US Federal Commission on Civil Rights appointed under President Obama. Steven has also been serving as a Committeeman of the Queens Democratic County Committee since 2016 and in 2018 was the Campaign Manager for Assembly member Brian Barnwell’s successful re-election campaign to the NY State Legislature.

For the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York, Steven has served on the National Board since 2014, with previous roles being the NY State Chairperson and the Northeast Regional Executive Director. Steven is also the founding Vice President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York, sits on the Board of Trustees for Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), which he founded in Woodside, Queens in 2009, and serves as Board Member for both Woodside On The Move and Queens LGBT Pride.

As a student, he was the Co-President of the Society for Asian American Graduate Affairs (SAAGA) and an active member of Asian Pacific Americans for Action (APAA) at Cornell University, the National Chairman for Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND Inc.), the President of Philippine United Student Organization (PUSO) at Stony Brook University, and represented the American University in Cairo in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Steven holds an MPA from Baruch College, a Graduate Diploma in International Human Rights Law from American University in Cairo, an MPP/BA in Political Science from Stony Brook University, a Professional Certificate in Global Affairs from New York University, and recently finished the Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program from Harvard University.

Jose Ramos

Executive Advisor, NaFFAA-NY

Dr. Angie Cruz

Executive Advisor, NaFFAA-NY

october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 17

“Quality Care with Love”

Hello, Welcome to the Family Here at Sixtieth Family Dental we look after our patients as if they were our own family. Our experienced dental professionals are dedicated to giving you the best treatment possible! Combining our wide experience in different aspects of the field, we aim to provide you a complete array of quality dental services with a personable touch. Each time you get our best.

We offer the following services:: • Comprehensive Check-up • Cleaning • Whitening • Extractions • Fillings

• Gum Treatment • Implants • Invisalign and Braces • Root Canal Treatment • Dentures and many more services

We accept most insurance No insurance? No problem, we offer payment plans to make your treatment possible.

We also offer payment plans through Carecredit and other options.

Have friends and family that live in Woodside? For a limited time refer 5 friends to receive a gift!

New Patient Special (limited time only*)

Exam/X-rays/Cleaning $60

60-19 Roosevelt Avenue Suite 225 Woodside, NY 11377 585-358-3388 Open 7 days a week

Fr. Erno Diaz

50th Anniversary of His Ordination

Milestones & Moments Myrna Gutierrez

Fr. Erno Diaz

Anniversary Mass was celebrated at the Epiphany Church.

Paulinians gathered to celebrate Fr Erno’s 50th jubilee.

20 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

october 2019

Community Calendar

Oct. 20, 2019 Christine Allado Stars in Cinderella In Concert London’s West End star Christine Allado plays the title role in “Cinderella: In Concert” at the Cadogan Hall in London.

Featuring the music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, “Cinderalla: In Concert” is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle. Get tickets from CadoganHall.com.

Oct. 20, 2019 Karilagan’s Coronation Event Ginang Karilagan 2020, Ginang Karilagan USA 2020, Ginang Karilagan Philippines 2020, and the very first Grand Matriarch 2020 will be crowned at Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, New York) at 2 p.m. Buy tickets ($85) at the venue. Each ticket is inclusive of parking, open bar, sit-down dinner, and lots of dancing to the lively music by DJ Ernie and Malou Bugarin.

Oct. 25, 2019 Faith, Hope and Love Concert with Kirby Asunto, Jared Martin Kirby Asunto and Jared Martin sing songs of faith, hope, and love for their friend and health warrior Leani “Nikki” Auxilio.

Reserve tickets c/o Juliet (917) 267 0221.

Oct. 26, 2019 9th TOFA Awards The annual The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards starts at 8 p.m. at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall (154 W 57th St., NY). Get your tickets from CarnegieHall.org.

Nov. 1, 2019 Just Do It with Jo Awayan Queens Asian Fest presents Jo Awayan in “Just Do it,” together with guest artists Cutuy Herrero, Geuel Penalosa, and Neeko Delos Santos. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at D’Haven (58-01 37th Ave., Woodside, NY). Buy tickets from Cecile (619) 518 6864 or Jo (347) 965 2668 or Pasha (646) 250 1520.

Opinons expressed above are of the advertisers and not of Fil-Am Who’s Who.

SHOOTER’S TIP I took this photo of my beautiful model Evelyn Love at a Japanese motif birthday party.

According to Evelyn, she based her costume and looks on photos of Japanese women found on the internet.

I edited the photo using lightroom and did my usual style of vignette to highlight the subject.

Shot with my point and shoot Panasonic Lumix 100 on Auto.

Keep on shooting!

october 2019

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 21

IT’S SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR OVER-ACHIEVERS. truSculpt® flex is a personalized muscle building treatment that adjusts to your fitness level, shape and goals to strengthen, firm and tone your muscles.

The unique Multi-Directional Stimulation (MDS) technology delivers three treatment options by replicating intensified crunch, squat and twisting actions.

It’s the edge you need to look and feel your best.

Personalized for fitness level, shape and goals

3 treatment options

Treat 8 areas simultaneously

Learn how truSculpt flex can help you achieve your goals at truSculpt.com.

Schedule your free consultation today!

MARISSA T. SANTOS, MD 718-478-5600 69-14 41st Ave., Suite C2 Woodside, NY 11377 MarissaSantosMDNY.com

Model; Not actual patient. © 2019 Cutera, Inc. All rights reserved. AP002723 (07/19)

Elizabeth Avaricio MD, PLLC Where your child’s health comes first

Sports/camp physicals School and WIC forms Ear piercing Screening for lead poisoning and anemia Asthma management ADHD/ADD evaluation Hearing test Vision screening Childhood vaccinations Ear irrigation Separate well and sick rooms

Dr. Elizabeth Avaricio BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRICIAN

OPEN 7 DAYS

Monday 9am-7pm Tuesday 9am-7pm Wednesday 9am-7pm Thursday 9am-12pm Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-1pm Sunday 9am-12pm (sick visits only)

95-11 101st Avenue Ozone Park, NY 11416 Phone 718•848•1806 Fax 718•848•0569

Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC Caring for Every Beat

Dr. Michael L. Avaricio

Our multi-lingual professional staff and technicians will gladly assist you... we speak Tagalog, English, and Spanish.

ALL MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Affiliations with: NYU Tisch Hospital New York Hospital of Queens Long Island Jewish Medical Center North Shore University Hospital of Manhasset

Complete Cardiovascular Evaluations Done on Premises: . Stress Test (Nuclear & Echocardiograms) . Peripheral Vascular Exams . Cardiac Electrophysiology . EKGs & T Wave Alternans . Pacemaker & Defibrillator Check Ups . Cholesterol & Hypertension Screenings

718.360.5060 www.BestCardiac.com

SERVING THE TRI-STATE AREA

95-11 101 Avenue, Ozone Park NY 11416

. COURTESY TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY