2021 & 2022 PACCAL Awards

Due to the pandemic

BRIEF HISTORY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

In the 1970s, a big influx of Filipino immigrants arrived in the state of New York. Because of its proximity to New York City, Jersey City became an immediate refuge. Fast forward to the early 90s, Jersey City had the largest concentration of Filipinos in the State of New Jersey.

Filipino professionals in various fields of education, medical, engineering, business, and other professionals started calling Jersey City home thereby contributing to its economic renaissance.

Filipinos started organizing the community but while there were numerous Filipino organizations in Hudson County most of them were focused on helping the Philippines.

Linda Mayo, the first Asian elected official in Hudson County and former Jersey City Deputy Mayor recognized the need for a culturally competent non-profit organization. Linda Mayo pioneered the founding of PACCAL in October of 1992 with the help of a group of World War II veterans headed by the late Sir Col. Mariano S. Aureus. Linda held the role as PACCAL’s President for twelve years and since then became the Executive Director implementing programs and services.

Linda is also the founder and former President of the Ladies for Rizal, Inc., New Jersey Chapter in the USA, an official affiliate of the “Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc.,” an international organization with headquarters based in the Philippines.

The first issue tackled by PACCAL is housing for Filipino seniors. They helped seniors in the process of applying in different Jersey City Senior Housing buildings. The first successful applicants PACCAL helped in Harborview Senior housing were WWII veterans and through them other Filipinos followed suit. PACCAL was the first support group of PAVO, Inc. in its fight for equity. The next project was The Voters’ Registration and Citizenship Drives to empower the Filipino community.

PACCAL, with Linda’s efforts, also partnered with Sir Dennis Hayes, the Director of the Jersey City Public Library from 1994 - 1996 to build a collection of 500 Philippine books in the Jersey City Public Libraries. The collection ranged from current form of government and economy to history, culture, arts, and heritage.

The PACCAL Neighborhood Center has been a haven for Filipinos in Jersey City needing information and referrals to City & County government services as well as other provider service agencies. Some of the services are information and referrals on senior entitlements; referrals to affordable medical check-ups and health services; social and recreational activities for seniors; youth classes on Philippine history, values & culture, and folk arts programs; substance abuse education & prevention; domestic violence prevention; educational forums and workshops or youth and family. PACCAL has also helped many Filipino women who are victims of domestic violence.

PACCAL is a member of the Hudson County HIV/AIDS Planning Council with voting members since 2001 and has an HIV/AIDS outreach and support group.

PACCAL is the current recipient of grants from the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Aging. And works with the various local organizations for the Healthy Heart Healthy Family Program for the Oldr Adults in our community.

PACCAL is a community partner of Asian American Federation for the US CENSUS 2010 and 2020; NYU-Project AsPIRE and Kalusugan Coalition in the study of hypertension in the Filipino Community in Jersey City in early 2010s, and in the NYU’s grant study for Oral Health Care and Frailty in 2021.

Up to date, Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) continues to hold a 501(c3) non-profit organization status and holds the distinction of being the only Asian provider Agency recognized by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Aging.

.

MISSION STATEMENT

PACCAL is a multi-service 501 (c3) organization founded in 1992 to assess and address the HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE needs of Asian Americans as well as devote CULTURE PROMOTION of Asian Heritage through community needs-based programs and initiatives. Most programs are primarily serving the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Promote the development of New Jersey residents and communities, primarily Asian-Americans, by providing a comprehensive access to health and human services initiatives.

CULTURAL

To provide New Jersey’s Filipino and Asian heritage through culturally competent and community needs-based programs and initiatives

PACCAL NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER SERVICES

• Referrals and information on senior entitlements

• Social and recreational activities for seniors

• Youth classes on Philippine History

• Cultural and folk arts programs

• Substance abuse prevention program

TARGET POPULATION

• HIV/AIDS Outreach and support group

• Voters’ Registration and Citizenship Drives

• Referrals to affordable medical check-ups, and health services

• Philippine books available for on-site reading

• Basic computer and smartphone tutorials

• Health fairs

The Elderly. Economically disadvantaged and deprived, at-risk youth. Difficult-to-reach communities. Newly arrived immigrants. Second Generation Filipino-Americans who wish to learn about their roots.

SENIOR OUTREACH PROGRAM/HEALTHY AGING

PACCAL’s Healthy Heart Healthy Family is partly funded by Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services –Office of Aging. (Activities include: Healthy topics to remain fit and healthy with light exercise Socials and recreational activities for seniors to diminish their isolation and loneliness.)

NEW PROGRAMS STARTING 2022.

SWEETLY FILIPINIANA

GOLDEN ELEGANCE

Learn more about these new programs

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Hudson County HIV/AIDS Planning Council

Ladies for Rizal, Inc. New Jersey Chapter

Junior Chamber International – New Jersey State Team United Maharlika Foundation Inc.

MILA Foundation Inc.

UNIFFIED NJ United Federation of Filipino American Educators

Junior Chamber International – North Jersey Chapter Catholic Action of Mary

Greetings my friends!

It is an honor to once again serve the community as PACCAL’s President for the second term after my 2012-2013 term and provide health and human service needs to the Filipino, the Asian-American, and Pan-American community.

As one of the charter officers of PACCAL back in the 90s, I have seen how the organization has grown. PACCAL’s journey through the years is not without challenges but PACCAL has continued to be blessed with dedicated community leaders, service-oriented volunteers, and a staff who ensures our program continue despite global predicaments.

Secondly,my warmestgreetingsand congratulations to all PACCAL Awardees who are all deserving for the recognition being bestowed to all of you tonight. Your achievements are an inspiration not only to the Filipino community but especially you are the models for our youth who are the “The hope of tomorrow”.

PACCAL is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has served the community for over 28 years, now going on its 29th year as we celebrate our anniversary this month of October 2021. PACCAL conducted its initial projects and programs by collecting funding through its members and then through various community fundraisers. I remember that there were times that we would open a flea market stand at the Jersey City parks and once in a while at Atlantic City trips. And although we now receive grants from the Hudson County Department of Human and Health Services Office of the Aging which helps provide the necessary funding to serve the seniors in our community, we need to continue with various fundraisers to help the other programs.

I thank all of you who are present tonight for supporting these wonderful individuals as our community progresses throughout the years. Our community will not be where it is for without such hardworking individuals who provide unrelenting efforts to make our community better.

Thanks to our volunteer board members who joins us on our meetings to discuss how to make our programs better; to our staff who implements all the programs on behalf of PACCAL; and to all our members for supporting our endeavors throughout the year especially during these challenging times.

Maraming salamat at Mabuhay tayong lahat! JUNE 2022, New Jersey, USA

It is with honor and pride that I join the leaders and members of PACCAL at the 2021 PACCAL AWARDS as we honor these amazing men and women whose wondrous personal achievements have contributed to the upliftment of our community. From the time the committee received numerous nominations… to then reviewing each narrative…to the interviewing phase... finalizing the names of the honorees and… then progressing to the actual presentation Each stage of this process has been truly rewarding. Each of these individuals possessed the amazing virtue of resilience and strength in spirit as they sort through the various challenges of life and achieve their goals amidst the odds. We are proud to meet and present these individuals whom we are hopeful that the future generation can look up to and learn from.

We thank the family and friends of the honorees for joining us today and to PACCAL’s families, friends and supporters for being our backbone of this beautiful event.

Additionally, allow me to take this opportunity to thank PACCAL’s 2021 Executive Board and Board of Directors led by President Rose P. Javier for their commitment in continuing the mission of PACCAL We also wish to thank Hudson County’s Health and Human Services – Office of the Aging whose grant approval help in delivering our services to the seniors.

This year, PACCAL continued its flagship program “Healthy Heart Healthy Family” which provides health topic review about diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and many more and it is followed by a light exercise program to provide our seniors with stamina for the day. PACCAL also initiated the “Medicare Merienda” during the summertime to help our seniors understand the various programs and determine the best plan within Medicare.

PACCAL also partnered with several organizations to accomplish local community projects. This year, PACCAL partnered with SCI (Senior Citizen Incorporated) for the Liberty Park Picnic, with JCI Jersey City (Junior Chamber International) and Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan De Oro for the “Riceof-Love Tabang Kagay-Anon” which is a Rice Relief effort for families in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines, with Phenom, FABLLI and UNIFFIED for the procurement of a multi-purpose printer for Cagayan Do Oro School to serve 6000 students. Locally, we worked with NYU and Kalusugan Coalition for their research on Oral Health Care and Frailty for the Filipino seniors, and with the Department of Health for the Tuberculosis info-session.

We are indeed very blessed to have our board, staff, members and volunteers that help serve community. And we look forward to hearing and meeting new faces.

June 2022, New Jersey, USA

Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League 380 Monmouth St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

FACES OF PACCAL

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PACCAL launched it’s first membership initiative called the 100 Faces of PACCAL to allow a more solidified partnership with the families in the community. We are delighted to receive such a positive response from a diverse age group and from different walks of life. We look forward in learning more from each other and discuss how we, as a group, can discuss better ways to support the local community.

Annual Membership $20. Email us at paccaljc@gmail.com with your full name.

FACES OF PACCAL

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PACCAL launched it’s first membership initiative called the 100 Faces of PACCAL to allow a more solidified partnership with the families in the community. We are delighted to receive such a positive response from a diverse age group and from different walks of life. We look forward in learning more from each other and discuss how we, as a group, can discuss better ways to support the local community.

Annual Membership $20. Email us at paccaljc@gmail.com with your full name.

FACES OF PACCAL

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PACCAL launched it’s first membership initiative called the 100 Faces of PACCAL to allow a more solidified partnership with the families in the community. We are delighted to receive such a positive response from a diverse age group and from different walks of life. We look forward in learning more from each other and discuss how we, as a group, can discuss better ways to support the local community.

Annual Membership $20. Email us at paccaljc@gmail.com with your full name.

PACCAL PROGRAMS 2021

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

January to December 2021

Monthly Board Meeting

Healthy Heart Healthy Family Monthly Program

Monthly Outreach Calls to Older Adults

Weekly Committee Meet for WHM Gala

Monthly Members’ Meeting

Covid Advisories (continued)

Women’s History Month Awards Gala via Zoom

Zumba & Dance via Zoom

PACCAL Time, Coffee Time (Feb 13)

Medicare Basics

Memorial Day Recognition for 96 yo veteran

Capt Pablo Barros (Jun 12)

Farmer’s Market Outreach

Picnic in the Park with SCI and LFR

OralHealth Survey with Dr. Ea

Global Outreach Book Drive

October PACCAL Awards

Christmas Luncheon with Harborview Seniors

Christmas Party at PACCAL

Fundraiser for Typhoon Odette Victims

Community Christmas at Cabalen - **X

**X – canceled due to omicron

SUPPORTED

Bergenfield’s Candlelight Vigil (Mar 27)

Stop Asian Hate Rally (Apr 10)

Meeting ConGen Elmer Cato (Apr 26)

JCI New Jersey Innovation Awards (Apr 30)

Issue’s & Inspiration Mother’s Day w Ms Lumen

Castaneda, Past Pres PACCAL (May 7)

PIDCI’s Virtual Commemoration (Jun 6)

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification’s 1st

Knights of Rizal and Ladies for Rizal’s 160th Bday

Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal (Jun 19)

FABLLI’s Bisekleta Mo, Kinabukasan Mo (Jul 23)

Phenom and FABLLI’s Golf Tourney (July 24)

Guesting at KapTV (Jul 31)

Attended JSQ Association (Aug 9)

Ati-Atihan’s Hawaiian Event (Aug 21)

JCI Senate of NJ + JCI NJ Camp Jaycee Picnic (Sep 11)

KOR’s Summer Event (Sep 11)

JCI Jersey City “Rice of Love” for Cagayan (Sep 14)

PAFCOM’s Western Party (Oct 2)

Mass for Ms. Luningning Ambrosio (Oct 10)

KOR’s 5th Jose Rizal Circle of Excellence Awards (Dec 5)

PCGNY Virtial Town Hall (Dec 30)

RECOGNIZED

Filipino Heroes Award (May 30)

FIESTA Awarding (Aug 22)

JC Office of the City Council (Oct 31)

PACCAL PROGRAMS 2020

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

January to December 2020

Atlantic Day Trip (January)

Weekly Committee Meet for WHM Gala

Healthy Heart Healthy Family Program

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA

Monthly Outreach Calls to Older Adults

Monthly Members’ Meeting

Atlantic Day Trip (March) **X

Covid Advisories (StartedMid March)

Women’s History Month Awards Gala **X

Fundraiser for Frontliners and Seniors

Census Initiative with AAPI

PACCAL created masks for the Community

Food delivery to Davita and Christ Hospital

Mask Initiative Give-Away

Signing MOA with JCI New Jersey (Aug 18)

Thanksgiving Package to Seniors

October PACCAL Awards **X

Free Covid Testing Initiative with Hudson

Medical Plaza

Christmas Giving

**x – Canceled due to Pandemic

SUPPORTED

CAM’s Acquaintance Dinner (Mar 8)

Dedicationand Blessing of the Blessed Mother Statue at Our Lady of Victories (Aug 15)

JC Census FB Live 2020 Forum (Sep 9)

Zoom with Con Gen Petronila Garcia (Oct 28)

RECOGNIZED

FIESTA IN AMERICA’S Great Filipino American Outdoor Event (Aug 16)

PACCAL PROGRAMS 2019

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

January to December 2019

Atlantic Day Trip

Weekly Meet for WHM Gala

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA OCTOBER 2021

Healthy Heart Healthy Family Monthly Program

Monthly Outreach Calls to Older Adults

Monthly Members’ Meeting

Women’s History Month Awards Gala

Census Meeting with AAPI

Mask Initiative Give-Away

October Anniversary Gala

PACCAL PROGRAMS 2018

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

January to December 2018

Zumba Fundraiser

Atlantic City Day Trip

Weekly Meet for WHM Gala

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA

Healthy Heart Healthy Family Program

Monthly Outreach Calls to Older Adults

Monthly Members’ Meeting

Women’s History Month Awards Gala

Census Meeting with AAPI

Mask Initiative Give-Away

Hudson County Senior Cruise

October Anniversary Gala

2021 EVENT PROGRAM

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021 (ONLINE)

2021 PACCAL GALA STEERING COMMITTEE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021 (ONLINE)

Honoring Women for their Exemplary Service

PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE

Event Chair Lumen Castaneda

Vice Chair . Ramona S. Gapasin

Project Coordinator……......... Ria Serrano

Project Adviser Rose P. Javier, Ramona Gapasin

Collection & Accounting….…. Becky Samanyaphon, Joyce Andes-David, Jenny Castaneda

Event Production and Set up….RL Samson, Ria Serrano

Advisory Board……………...… Linda M. Mayo, Lumen Castaneda, Rose P. Javier

Journal………………………….. Ria Serrano, Freddy Burke Steering Committee is a governing device used to organize key project stakeholders and empower them to “steer” a project to successful conclusion. Steering is not managing…

Managing gets the job done but Steering determines what the job is to be done. So, the duties of the Steering Committee are to deliberate, make decisions, advise, provide strategic oversight, and to serve as the primary “advocate” for all the assigned initiatives. The Steering Committee aims to ensure the successful delivery of the project with productive results to benefit the organization.

2021 PACCAL ONLINE AWARDING CEREMONY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

ALYSSA SHOEMAKER

SONGSPELL PHILIPPINES

RENE BALLENAS EXEC DIRECTOR RIA SERRANO USA ANTHEM PHILIPPINE ANTHEM INVOCATION PROGRAMS REVIEW

JOCELYN BERNAL WELCOME REMARKS

LUMEN CASTANEDA EMCEE PACCAL PRESIDENT 2020-2021 INDUCTION OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

ELIZABETH PETERSON CATALINA SUERTE

IMELDA MACALINDONG

TESS MEDINA DNP, MAS, RN, BC

2021

HISTORY MONTH

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

ELIZABETH PETERSON NUCLEAR ENGINEERING PROFESSION

Throughout Elizabeth Peterson’s engineering career, she has encouraged girls to reach their full potential and live their dreams by recruiting and retaining them in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. She accomplished this by working locally as an elected official, lobbying Congress, regularly participating in the Society of Women Engineers collaborative programs with Girl Scouts and FIRST Robotics, and teaching high school math and college physics.

Her current gender equality volunteer work with Soroptimist International includes Dream It Be It career support program empowering high school girls and Live Your Dream academic award for head of household women who are working on degree or certificate programs to achieve economic independence. She works globally offering the same high school mentorship and head of household awards for females residing in the Philippines, South Korea and Japan. In March 2020, as a United Nations Delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women, Elizabeth composed international government policy recommendations for the Women and Water Partnership.

Elizabeth focuses on educating and training women and girls to help raise stronger, healthier families, allowing them better access to healthcare which makes them less likely to live in poverty, be less vulnerable to sex traffickers, and more likely to muster the courage to leave a domestic violence situation and not return.

From the University of Connecticut, Elizabeth earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and she received a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of New Haven. She has worked in the commercial power generation industry as a nuclear engineer, in the construction industry as a project manager, and currently as a problem resolution engineer manufacturing submarines for General Dynamics – Electric Boat.

Additionally, she earns money as a public speaker, singer and Justice of the Peace. She has been honored by Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund with One Woman Makes a Difference award, the Connecticut Technology Council’s Women of Innovation and Dominion Energy’s Volunteer of the Year.

Currently, she is on the Board of Directors for Connecticut Lyric Opera and is Soroptimist Northeast U.S. Region’s Governor-Elect. Charles Peterson and Elizabeth have been married for 30 years and have two sons, Charles and Clark, and reside in Gales Ferry, Connecticut.

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

VALERIE WEST YOUNG ACHIEVER

Valerie West is a 17-year-old singer aspiring that someday her brand of music could impact people around the world. Valerie started singing when she was 7 in a competition called Delco Idol Jr… and since, she has competed in various vocal competitions, such as Sea Isle City’s got Talent, Yachstock Rising Stars, and My Three Roses in Medford, NJ. Winning overall champion in each of them. Valerie has performed at prominent venues such as The Hard Rock Cafe, Ardmore Music Hall, World Cafe, The Apollo Theater, The Trump Plaza, the annual Yachtstock Riverjam fundraising event, and many other stages. She especially enjoys singing for special need kids and elderly residents when given the opportunity.

Recently she has started accompanying herself with her keyboard. In addition, Valerie has expanded her musical repertoire by being the lead singer of 3 different classic rock bands. In March of 2016, Valerie had the pleasure of training with the Kidz Bop Kids as their understudy for their national Life of the Party Tour, performing and rehearsing around the country. Apart from singing and playing, she also dances, acts, is a nationally competitive martial artist, and participates in pageantry. Currently a Taekwondo red belter, she is on track to achieve her black belt in the upcoming year.

During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Valerie was named the Overall Intermediate Champion of the East Coast Sports Karate League. She was crowned Miss York County’s Outstanding Teen 2017, a preliminary pageant in the Miss America System. As of October 2017, she was crowned Miss Luzerne County’s Outstanding Teen and later crowned Miss Wilkes-Bare/Scranton’s Outstanding Teen in 2018. Valerie went on to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen pageant in June of 2017, 2018, and 2019, where she placed Top 5 in the state for two years in a row and 1st runner up in the recent 2019 competition.

Valerie enjoys advocating for her platform, “Music: the Fabric of Life”, raising awareness for the importance of music in everyday life and for the therapeutic benefits of music. She has had on more than 50 appearances over the past 3 years, advocating for this issue at venues such as the House of Representatives, Shriners Hospital, CADES, Harris School, etc. Additionally, in honor of her participation in the Miss America Organization, Valerie organized 2 open mic event fundraisers for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Shortly after her last year as a titleholder, Valerie returned to the Philippines to represent the US in GMA7’s The Clash, a nationally televised vocal competition. Out of 12,000 auditioners, Valerie made it to the Top 32 of the competition, spending a total of 4 months in Manila. Currently, Valerie is focusing on completing her senior year of high school and is in the process of choosing where she will spend her next 4 years as a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major.

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

CATALINA SUERTE TEACHING PROFESSION

Catalina Suerte has been in the teaching field for 37 years (23 yrs. in the Philippines & 14 yrs. Here in the US) while simultaneously involved in various civic organizational activities like the United Federation of Filipino- American Educators, New York chapter where she holds the Executive Vice-Presidency post.

According to her principal here in the US, Catalina is a dedicated, intelligent and professional instructor (who is) committed to children and their academic progress. She has demonstrated her creativity and energy by working on additional projects both in the school and in her classes throughout the years. She has been actively involved in the different activities and celebrations in school. Miss Suerte has contributed many of her ideas while sitting on a number of committees but not limited to instructional groups.

Catalina’s knowledge of student’s learning styles and needs has helped her to teach with confidence and competency. A positive learning environment for all students is provided through her effectual classroom management techniques and self-articulated creative style. In addition, she is a motivated teacher who is sensitive to student’s needs and welcomes the challenges that teaching brings. As a dedicated pedagogue she demonstrates an eagerness to learn for advancement by way of attending school and city-wide initiated workshops to ensure (that) she is “up-to-date” on providing students with the best teaching methods and techniques.

Innately enthusiastic with an amiable personality that blends well with her colleagues and administrators Catalina is a person who is willing to go above and beyond her duties. On various occasions, she has conducted demonstration lessons for teachers who need professional development in their areas of expertise. Catalina Suerte is a quintessential paragon and model teacher… indubitably an asset to the school and the community where she belongs.

Lucky, Indeed, (as her last name implies) are those whose lives this unflinchingly enthusiastic educator had directly or directly impacted and touched.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA –

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

ANITA BORJA MOST REVERED SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The eldest of five children from Tagbilaran City, Bohol… Anita finished her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Cebu Normal University and her Physical Education course from Rizal Memorial University in Manila. Her passion for education was eeply rooted since childhood constantly stirred and driven by her own family’s creativity, innovation, dedication, patience, and joy derived from teaching. For Anita, teaching could be invigorating… revitalizing…and enriching… offering her that distinctive sense of purpose while enhancing her own professional development in leadership, and community building. Her genuine desire for education has been instilled in other educators who will endure to relinquish the very essence of imparting knowledge to ignite the fire of learning for the benefit of the new generation.

Blissfully married to Ricardo Fama Borja, a co-Boholano and an Agriculturist and blessed with six professional children: Clemence (Linguistics), Raymund (Registerd Nurse), Miguel (Registered Nurse), Mildred (Medical Technologist), Milvian ( Registered Nurse), and Mylah (Physical Therapist); and four equally professional grandchildren: Roland (Culinary), Christian Joseph (US Army), Arvid Rolf (Registered Nurse), and Sascha (Business / Marketing).

Deeply devoted to her religion with compelling credence and commitment that led her and her family toward the right way of life, Anita has been and relentlessly an earnest enthusiast of religious and community affairs. She has chaired and spearheaded fundraising events that funded significantly vital projects, held top posts in various organizations, and had been involved in numerous Medical and Humanitarian missions in the Philippines.

With her mounting accomplishments and escalating figures of achievements, being recognized and honored won’t be remote. Aside from several community service-related accolades and professional appreciations, Flora was once crowned as Ageless Grand Dame of the Fil-Am Society by the Service Care Missioners Group -New York and also a recipient of the Outstanding Wife & Mother Award from the same award-giving body.

Back in 2012 the Taghap-Borja couple grandiosely threw an ostentatiously celebrated occasion to commemorate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in their hometown (Bohol) that was well attended by family and friends… and still looking forward to much better years to celebrate their Diamond Nuptial Anniversary.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

PIA PASCUAL VOCAL PERFORMER

Versatility is one of the peculiarities that gauge a singer’s well-rounded malleability and ultimate vocal pliability to suit any style or genre of music. This same distinctive trait could easily be ascribed to fast-rising singing sensation Pia Pascual… ‘though it won’t be surprising at all since Pia was born to a musically inclined family. It was actually her mom who trained her at a tender age of five and learned to embrace it since. And just like any topnotch recording artist, Pia’s early public exposures were in the church choir where she was a member of the Music Ministry. At seventeen she became an integral part of a band that determinedly performed in various entertainment venues around Laguna and Metro Manila areas. Her escalating professional experiences and idiosyncratic vocal style brought her to Shanghai, China and a singing stint in a cruise ship prior her New York destination.

Pia’s talent is justifiably equating with power, an enticing appeal, and a face that admissibly deserves a queenly title… and accurately enough, she was crowned Miss PWU 2007 and Miss NAFA 2019 in Jersey City.

As a testimony to her singing capability Pia, through Whatsonfilam Music and record producer Jeremy Newcastle, enthusiastically released her maiden single, “Palm Tree.” Which can be downloaded in all major digital platforms like Itunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Beezer, and CD Baby.

After hearing Pia rendered several ditties, I observed that this world-class artist could hit every note with ease and diligently mastered her own vocal range… be it in a low-toned bar or a high-pitched note, she could make them seemed cool while exhibiting a relaxed and effortless bearing.

She’s in total control not only of her vocal aptitude in “attacking” a song’s mood but also her audience. Her veritably captivating stage presence, aside, of course, from her innately enthralling voice, is more than sufficient to hold the crowd under her spell and keep them breathlessly in awe. Fittingly dubbed the “Bossa Nova Princess,” Pia’s pliable body coordination and slithering locomotive nuances are unquestionably her distinguishing assets that make her performance even much more electrifying. And not to forget her statuesque deportment that cannot be easily ignored.

As if her thriving career wasn’t enough to prove her worth in the field, she joined the 2019 WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) where she finished as a silver medalist in her category… indisputably, an effectual morale booster to her intensifying career. There seems no stopping this latent superstar of the local entertainment arena. Just last December 7, 2019, Pia bigheadedly hugged the limelight once more but that time via a concert, aptly tagged “Simply Pia,” at the JC Underground (@ 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302) that was produced by Ruffy Ronas’s Kalye Solutions, LLC.

The low-key Ronas readily gambled and invested in the said event all because of his intuitive self-assurance in Pia’s genuine talent that he profoundly attested. He was even quoted openly that the svelte singing sensation has got what it takes to be a big celebrity… that she’s aptly armed with that enticing stage appeal, that magnetic personality, and a wellassessed aptitude that could, in all possibilities, attract a large audience.

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

MIKAELA MIRANDA CLASSICAL BALLET PERFORMER

Mikaela Thereze Miranda or simply Mika is a statuesque classic beauty innately equipped with that distinct terpsichorean prowess. Born and raised by a Filipino family in Hillsborough, New Jersey. At a young age, Mikaela has come to terms with her aspiration that one day she becomes a professional ballerina, God-willing. Since freshman she has been juggling between schools as a dual student in Hillsborough High School (HHS) and The Gifted and Talented High School Honors Dance Program at Somerset County Vocational & Technical School (SCVTHS) in Bridgewater. A diligent student and consistent lister in the Principal’s Roster of Honors at SCVTHS and promoted to top Level 3 in her dance program, she also goes to advanced ballet classes at night and professional training at Ballet Central New Jersey allet NJ) in Hamilton.

At SCVTHS, she takes ballet, tap, modern, jazz and Pilates training, while simultaneously an active member of Tap Co, a touring tap company that resembles the popular NYC Rockettes with spectacular costumes, timeless music and iconic choreography. She performed with the company at preschools, senior centers, day care facilities, and various community events in the county during the holiday season. She was also inducted to the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) during Dance NJ Festival last January 2020 held at Montclair State University. Each school year, she volunteers her time teaching pre-school aged kids for creative movements and dance as part of The Little Steps community program Mikaela started dancing at 7 years old as a form of positive recreation to channel her hyper energy and upon turning 13, she auditioned for ‘Clara’ and got the coveted role where she performed the lead character in the Nutcracker production of the New Jersey Youth Ballet (NJYB). Every holiday season, NJYB brings magic to young audiences across Central Jersey, with eight performances in three theaters. She started performing on pointe at 14 with various soloist roles and classical variations like Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, and Raymonda to name a few. Soon after Clara, she evolved into many Nutcracker soloist roles such as Ballerina Doll, Soldier Doll, Arabian Princess, snowflakes, flowers, Mouse Queen and Snow Queen. At 16, she was chosen to be the Sugar Plum Fairy, the most sought-after role within NJYB's Nutcracker ballet. As Sugar Plum Fairy, she moves gracefully en pointe, and smile as she bids farewell to Clara and the Nutcracker in the Land of the Sweets, it was a bittersweet goodbye, as her final 2019 season ends with NJYB.

Last summer, Mika participated in Model United Nations Institute and received her diplomat and ambassador certificate from Best Delegates. It was a great learning experience for her to meet international students, debate world issues, visited United Nations, and enjoyed the beautiful grounds of Georgetown University and Columbia University. Also tried Filipino pageantry, professionally trained by Bobby T. Yalong in pageantry and modeling in New York City. Won her first beauty title as Miss Philippines-America 2019 with FSCNY in Astoria World Manor in New York. Mikaela said she has gained more confidence and learned to believe more in herself. To highlight the artistic quality of Filipino music and dance, together with her ballet mistress, she created an original choreography of the beloved Filipino folk song "Paru-Parong Bukid". Her folk-classical ballet variation won ‘Best in Talent’ during the pageant and has won the hearts of audiences where she performs this variation in Filipino-American community events.

After winning Miss Philippines-America 2019, she enrolled to a summer intensive 2019 training with BalletCNJ in Hamilton. The artistic director already observed her artistry, her potential, and her bright personality that she brings in the studio on her first day in class. At the summer performance, she was awarded a director’s scholarship for a 5Week Summer Intensive in 2020 and an invitation to join their full-time professional training division. On her first month of training, she was encouraged to audition for a few international ballet competitions and got accepted for her very first solo competition against ballet dancers around the world. Competing in Miami-IBC and New York-YAGP Semi-Finals provided her more training and to be more visible in the ballet world. It is like an open audition in front of international ballet masters from the most renowned companies.

Being a classical ballerina is a huge commitment as ballet is hard, the training is strenuous, the hours are exhausting, but the joy it brings her is noteworthy. Whenever Mikaela finds the time, which is rare these days, she likes to spend time with her friends and relax on the beach down the Jersey shore. At home, she loves cooking her own meals, baking, piano playing, singing and crafting.

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

ADELA SERRANO MOTHER OF THE YEAR

Adela Serrano, Adé for short, is a retired Montessori teacher for 25 years. She is the wife of Engr. Fernando G. Serrano, owner of Filipinas Inspection Incorporated, and a mother to 3 successful children: Ada, Ria, and Ian.

Ade started her career as a Montessori school teacher in White Angels’ Elite School in San Juan Rizal back in the 70’s teaching young kids in Pre School & Grade School especially on good manners, proper etiquette and good conduct. She also taught various subjects including her specialization in English. She was also leading the Girl Scouts organization in school and getting involved in various civic projects and camping activities of the Girl Scout of the Philippines.

As the school evolved, so did Ade’s career. The school transferred to Cainta Rizal and has now been called Morning Dew Montessori. She moved to various positions as the school’s guidance counselor and got promoted at one point as the school directress of Morning Dew Montessori. However, in the late 90s, she, together with her family, had to immigrate to New York City, U.S.A.

Meantime, her children Ada, Ria, and Ian sought their careers in different fields. Ada, the eldest, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines. Currently, she works as an Associate Director for the Portfolio Management at Sun Life Financial Asia Service Center Philippines. Ada is married to an IT director, Eric David and has two daughters namely Therese Marian and Clarissa Isabel.

Ria, on the other hand, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and is currently a Software Administrator at Q4 Designs LLC. Ria is married to Sergey Ivanovich, an IT Project Management Professional.

While Ian studied in De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde for Business Management and had worked for the popular coffee shop Starbucks Inc. for about 20 plus years. Ian is married to Susanne Meehan, deputy sheriff of Suffolk County NY and has two daughters namely Sara Mae and Zoe Lei.

Adé has eventually retired in 2012 due to an accident that left her with a bilateral femur fracture. Nevertheless, she continued to volunteer her services to various organizations like the San Juan Elementary school where she spearheaded some outreach projects: Brigada Eskwela every May and Handog Pasko Para sa Mga Bata every December. Various endowments came from soliciting funds from her local and global batchmates, organizing reunions with Grade School and High School batchmates, and donations from generous friends who believe in her advocacy.

Currently Adé finds joy and unprecedented gratification in spending time with her granddaughters and occasionally travels to the Philippines and back to New York as a breather.

Adé adheres to this bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 “ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” She is truly a remarkable individual and most of all, the best mother she could possibly be to her children and the best Nana as she is fondly called by her grandchildren. Indeed, Ade’, now in her 70s is beyond blessed.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

LADIES FOR RIZAL, NJ CHAPTER OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

The Ladies for Rizal New Jersey Chapter, USA, is a Foreign Chapter of the Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc., an international organization headquartered in Manila, Philippines. The female counterpart of the Knights of Rizal New Jersey Chapter, it was organized with the objective of uniting all Filipino women, as well as women of other ethnic background, who are in sympathy with the beliefs and principles of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and are willing to uphold the same.

A civic, patriotic, cultural, non-sectarian, non-partisan and non racial organization, the Ladies for Rizal New Jersey Chapter was established in 1998 by a group of women led by the then Jersey City Deputy Mayor Linda M. Mayo. The founding members included Carmen Flores, Mely Corpuz, Betty Buenviaje, Eloisa Porto, Rose Estrellado-Murjani, Marilou Songco, Nita Fernandez, Dorothy de Jesus, Zeny Valerio (deceased), and Agapita Aureus (deceased). Lady Linda Mayo served as the President from its inception until 2009 followed by Lady Betty Buenviaje from 2009 to 2012, Lady Eloisa Porto from 2013 to 2017. Currently, Lady Lumen Castaneda holds the Presidency.

A patriotic organization, the “Ladies” joined the Knights, through the leadership of Lady Linda Mayo, in the pursuit of obtaining a place for Dr. Rizal’s monument. Named “Plaza Rizal” in honor of the Philippines national hero, the memorial statue is located at Columbus Drive and Brunswick St. in Jersey City. The “Ladies” and the “Knights” support each other in projects such as the celebration of Dr. Rizal’s birth anniversary, commemoration of his martyrdom and any other projects that either of the association deem necessary. In the civic and cultural aspects, the “Ladies” had organized numerous activities. To name a few: a Musical Concert held in 1999 that showcased Philippine music and the singing Knights and Ladies from both New York and New Jersey Chapters, research and studies on the lives of women in the life of Dr., Jose P. Rizal, a declamation contest based on Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” in 2014, and in 2015, a Youth Cultural & Arts Workshop was done in collaboration with PACCAL.

Moreover, the chapter had indirectly participated in the Headquarter’s (Kababaihang Rizalista) annual Christmas projects for children by contributing to its funding. The “Ladies” is also a consistent participant in the PAFCOM annual Independence Day parade. A non-racial organization, “Ladies” welcomes not only Filipinas but non-Filipinas, as well, to its membership.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

TESS MEDINA DNP, MAS, RN, BC NURSING PROFESSION

Tess Medina has been a nurse for more than thirty years, having had worked in the OR, PACU, L&D, Med-Surg, ED, Employee Health, and Psychiatry in various leadership roles. Currently, the Assistant Vice-President of the Behavioral Health Services at Clara Maass Medical Center while simultaneously an adjunct faculty for the School of Health and Science at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, New Jersey, and Felician University.

Aptly armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Saint Jude College in Manila, Philippines, Tess earned her Master in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Tess recently earned her doctorate in Nursing Practice at Capella University in December 2020. She holds a certification as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse from the ANCC.

Tess is the 2020-2022 President-elect for PNA NJ; she currently chairs the By-Laws Committee and the PNANJ Nursing Excellence Committee. Tess is a member of the NJHA Behavioral Health Nursing Advisory Council and the NJHA Behavioral Health Constituency Committee. Tess is an active member of the Professional Advisory Board for Eastern International College.

Tess is an honoree for the 2021 NJSNA/IFN for Excellence in Nursing Administration. She was the 2017 PNAA Nurse Administrator of the Year Award and 2017 PNAA Scholarship award – DNP Category. Tess was awarded the 2016 NJSNA/IFN Diva Award for extraordinary contribution to the nursing profession. She was awarded the 2011 Hannelore Sweetwood Mentoring Award by Sigma Theta Tau – Lambda Delta Chapter in 2011 for her outstanding work in mentoring new nurse leaders. Tess continues to mentor young leaders to date to ensure their success.

Tess is a devoted parishioner at Saint Nicholas Church in Jersey City, serving as a church lector and Eucharistic minister while managing the church's Fundraising Committee. Tess currently serves as a member of the Saint Nicholas Finance Council. In 2019, the Saint Nicholas bell tower was in dire need of repair and was on the verge of collapsing; the church needed $120,000 to repair the tower. The Archdiocese of Newark provided the church with a loan to pay for the repair. Tess spearheaded a fundraising drive that raised a whopping $42,000.00 that covered most of the loan.

She is a fierce mental health advocate who works tirelessly to push services to benefit the mentally ill population. She works tirelessly and collaboratively with the community and state stakeholders to advocate for their needs. She is known for her skills in program development and program redesign; she has a can-do attitude which she attributes to having inherited from her mother. Tess’s favorite quote “Things do not happen. Things are made to happen – JFK”

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

IMELDA MACALINDONG 2020 HONOREE – FAITH BASED

Imee started her faith-based advocacy when she was about 17 yrs old. After attending her first charismatic seminar sponsored by tge Northeastern Mindanao Colleges, she became a frequent attendee of prayer meetings, which led to her active involvement in the church and eventually paving the way for her non-religious parents to take their matrimonial sacrament.

Imee started her first mission in Dinagat Island Surigao Del Norte by bringing them together to pray every night. She believes that spending time th God through prayer and His word is a prerequisite for having a great life and fulfilling our purpose. After graduation, she started her first mission in The Monastery of the Poor, in Surigao City to care for the blind, aged, disabled, and the poor. When her mother got sick, she left the monastery to care for her. Her initial plan was to stay for a short vacation but she heed on her calling. She went to visit her birthplace in San Francisco and Patinay Agusan Del Sur and organized a group Servants of Jesus and Mary (SJM) now Servants of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (SJMJ). Concurrently, she noticed that a growing number of young men undergoing drug addiction. She felt the need to continue her apostolic work and nurture the delinquents for better life. The Governor Valentina G. Plaza noticed her advocacy and gave her a job at the government and this made her decision to stay. With her gift of healing, she had visitors coming from other provinces to get help. She also visited places to heal people. She also gave lectures for the kids, prisoners and the military.As years passed, she went back to the convent but joined another congregation at the Oblates Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Paranaque and stayed there for 3 years. This time, her father had become ill. And being the eldest in her family, she had to come back to Surigao to support and help the family. Eventually, she got marred and lived in Palmera Woodlands Subd. While being the President in the village, she initiated Masses, novenas, Santacruzan, and other religious activities. However, her marriage did not work. Amidst this challenge, she believed that the Lord had different plans for her. She met her second husband and lived in Bayonne, New Jersey. But her husband passed on after 6 years. She stayed resilient and continued her advocacies.She created an SJMJ chapter in Bayonne, NJ and continues to run on its 18th year. She helped initiate 3 chapters in Arkansas. She helps in various religious activities like Sinulog, the biggest celebration for the Santo Nino. Imee constantly travels to fulfill her advocacy work in Arkansas and other places. She goes for pilgrimages to the Holy land, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, etc… This led her to opening her own business, the JMJ Travel and Tours where she sets aside 10% of her income to be used her mission. “In everything she do she do it for the Lord with the help of her SJMJ community and fellow pilgrims.

Imee practices the seven corporal acts of mercy : to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to give shelter to travellers, to visit the sick, to visit the imprisoned, and to bury the dead. She saves enough money to purchase personal hygiene products like toothpaste and toothbrushes, food, clothing etc... for the poorest in her hometown, the prisoners in the Surigao City Provincial Jail, the children of the rebels, and the fishermen who hardly make ends meet. Together with Agusan Media Club, she help their mission for the poor.Having been inside the convent also , she knows the needs of the seminarians and to those who wants to become a nun. She also helped in re-structuring small bridges in her area when the local government takes long. She helps kids get to school through scholarships. Every Christmas, she starts putting a package together for rice, bread, butter, milk and coffee and etc...for the poor. During Holy Week, they pray the PABASA or PASSION OF CHRIST. And in every Wednesday, they do the novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help and every Friday a Devotion to the Santo Nino. On every First Saturday, the 2000 Hail Marys which start in the morning and end in the evening. Before Pandemic they had monthly thanksgiving Masses and celebrated some Feast of The Saints. Recently they did the 9 nights novena in Devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and just recently just done the nine day novena for the feast to St. Joseph.

Imelda loves to sing too and recently created a group called SFIC, SMULE Friends International Community. This is a group of OFW around the globe and she takes about 2 hours to listen to their concerns. Recently, she was appointed as US Ambassador for Maharlika Nation Tribe and got installed as one of their BAE, one of the Queen of the tribe. She was recently appointed by Agusan Media Club or AMC as Overseas Secretary of Affairs . She does what she can with the time she has silently.

But as she says, in her heart, she really wants to become a Nun.

CHESKA ZUASOLA 2021 HONOREE – BUSINESS

Young as she may be, Cheska Zuasola, at the prime age of 22 is the co-owner of the Zuasola Funeral Homes of New Jersey, LLC, The first Filipino-owned Funeral Home based in the Garden State.

As Cheska narrates, she came to the United States on May 2013 together with her father Francis Zuasola and brother Chesko while her mom and other siblings continued to stay in the Philippines. With her father managing their family-owned funeral business back home, her father dreamed of having his own funeral business also in America. And so upon her father’s encouragement, Cheska went to study at the American Academy Mcallister Institute of Funeral Service on April 2019 and works with her father at the Funeral home on the remaining days.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, The Zuasola Funeral Home faced the crucial experience of having to deal with a multitude of families in the lowest turning point of their lives. Their funeral homes accommodated the increasing numbers of needing families to the best of their capacity during the critical months of the pandemic with the additional integration of sending remains back to the Philippines. On regular day in their kind of business which would run 24 hours and 7 days a week, Cheska would be the primary person to meet the family and discuss the information needed. She takes care of paperworks and the obituaries, ordering needed the supplies, scheduling the church and cemeter or crematory, but on top of it all, her priority is ensuring that the families’ wish is being taken cared of. On the other side of the business, her brother Chesko would be tasked to pick up the remains, guide guests where to park on viewing days, and at times would be driving the hearse for the beloved. Her father, she adds, continues to be their guide for various tasks and responsibilities needed to be fulfilled especially as they meet families who needs their assistance.

As Cheska co-owns the family business, she shared these thoughts “There is a certain comfort in working together especially when we experience being shorthanded. We know each other's strength, weakness, traits and styles. However, work always follows at home or everywhere. I can't call in sick when they know I'm not. But other than that, I love our team work especially how we got each other's back.”

When asked if she was looking for a different work in a different industry, Cheska replied “I tried to work in a different kind of field but funeral home is my calling. I can't see myself now not working at the funeral. Although this is an unusual business for most people, there is the warmth to every family we serve; at an unusual setting, we are creating new friends and family.”

2021 PACCAL HONOREE

YAS SANCHEZ-HEREIRA 2021 HONOREE – LAW

Yas is currently an Associate General Counsel at NYC DoITT (New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications) and NYC Cyber Command, Of Counsel for Gulapa Law (with offices in Manila and New York), and Legal Consultant for PatentProse Philippines.

As a lawyer who is licensed in both in NY and the Philippines, and with 8 years of law practice, Yas has accumulated experience in a mix of corporate and commercial transactions, contracts, intellectual property and information technology (IT) law, media/entertainment and data privacy law. She currently focuses on IT contracts, and has extensively (software and cloud licensing agreements, service agreements, etc.) with various technology vendors for the City of New York, including vendors for NYC 311, data center and cybersecurity upgrades.

In addition to her legal practice, Yas is also an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law, New York, teaching a course for LL.M. students called "Perspectives in U.S. Law." She is also a legal consultant for PACEC (through her work as Gulapa Law Of Counsel).

Yas graduated from Fordham Law, New York with an LL.M./Masters in Intellectual Property and IT Law (cum laude). She obtained her J.D. (with Honors) from Ateneo Law School, and graduated with a degree in A.B. Communications (cum laude) from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippine.

Earlier in her career life, Yas thought that being a lawyer was not the right path for her because she is a friendly and outgoing kind of person – opposite from the tough and intimidating personality she thought a lawyer needed to have. With that in mind, she took advertising and worked as an account manager in a multinational advertising agency. However, she had a yearning to find fulfillment. With her father being in the field of law, and with his persistence, she took law. Her father encouraged her to find creativity while studying law. She remembers her father telling her that instead of using her talent to sell products, she should take law to sell an advocacy -- with the genuine need to help people who do not know how to use their voice.

While in Ateneo Law, she represented the Philippines in the 2012 Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, and the 2010 Philip Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington D.C., where her Jessup team garnered the award for 5th Best Team. She was also part of the teams that won the awards for Best Team at the 2010 Human Rights Moot Court Competition and Best Memorial at the 2008 Ateneo Society of International Law (ASIL) Colayco Cup Moot Court Competition.

One of the projects that Yas is proud to have assisted in during her career was the new e-Passport Project with the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has helped to improve and expedite the processing and delivery of passports for the community.

HONOREE

EDELLE RAPADA LITTE MISS PACCAL

Edelle Cayla Mourad Rapada is a vibrant and full of life six-old girl from Elizabeth, New Jersey. She is the 4th child of Emiljun and Christine Rapada, a Filipino and Lebanese couple. Edelle is currently a first grader at the Dr. Albert Einstein Academy, a magnet school in the City of Elizabeth. Academically, she scores excellently having awarded the highest recognition as a consistent Superintendent’s Scholar. She was also awarded as ‘Student of the Month’ besides having a perfect attendance in school. Her teachers call her a teacher’s helper as she is always willing to help her classmates with class works.

Edelle loves to sing. She is a member is the Elizabeth Family Church Children’s Choir and had performed to famous venues such as the Manhattan Center in New York City and the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. She has also been into hip-hop dancing since she was four but tried ballet and tap dances as well.

Edelle also landed on several photo commercial ads, video shoots with The Laurie Berkner Band on Youtube.

But the most amazing part of her life at a young age is acting on the biggest performing arts stage in the world, Broadway, when she played the role of ‘Tam’ on the revival of the Westend musical Miss Saigon in 2017-2018. Her performance prompted her recognition by the City Council of Elizabeth as well as the Elizabeth Board of Education. She was also featured at the local TV channel “This is Our City” hosted by Mayor Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth City.

Having selected as the 2020 Little Miss PACCAL is definitely an additional accolade to her already colorful and promising life. Together with her family, it was such an honor to be among the league of beautiful and extraordinary women.

Elizabeth Peterson’s engineering career, she has encouraged girls to reach their full potential and live their dreams by recruiting and retaining them in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. She accomplished this by working locally as an elected official, lobbying Congress, regularly participating in the Society of Women Engineers collaborative programs with Girl Scouts and FIRST Robotics, and teaching high school math and college physics.

2022 EVENT PROGRAM

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

National Anthems

Star Spangled Banner (USA Anthem)

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA – OCTOBER 2021

Lupang Hinirang (Philippine Anthem)

Invocation by Joyce Andes-David, PACCAL’s Assistant Treasurer

Welcome by Rose P. Javier, PACCAL President

Special Message from Consul General Elmer Cato

Induction of New Board and Members

Presentation of Honorees - Part 1 2021 Honorees

Presentation of Honorees - Part 2 2022 Honorees

Lady of Ceremony: Jocelyn Bernal - Music by DJ Ed Mc’Donnell

Official Photos by Paula Morandar

Pictures are available via Facebook PACCAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AWARDS

2022 PACCAL GALA COMMITTEE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

EVENT CHAIR

Lumen Castaneda

VICE CHAIR

Ramona Gapasin

PROJECT COORDINATOR

Ria Serrano

HONOREE SEARCH

Rose Javier

Lumen Castaneda

Ramona Gapasin

Ria Serrano

Becky Samanyaphon

VENUE

Rose Javier

MENU

Rose Javier INVITATION

Ria Serrano

RB Tamayo

FLOWERS

Rose Javier

JOURNAL

Freddy Burke

Ria Serrano

Kay Habana

Rheanne Lagman

Majay Sianoya

STAGE

Rose Javier

Majay Sianoya

Arman David

Rolando Javier

STAGE PLANTS

Rolando Javier

FASHION SEGMENT

None

PLAQUE

Ria Serrano

BANNERS

Ria Serrano

WELCOME

Marietta Lamar

Merlyn Loja

Susan Liguori

SAME-DAY COLLECTION

Becky Samanyaphon

Joyce Andes David

Maria Nucum

Majay Sianoya

Freddy Burke

ACCOUNTING

Becky Samanyaphon

Joyce Andes David

POST EVENT COLLECTION

Freddy Burke

Ria Serrano

ADVISORY

Linda Mayo

HONORARY GUESTS

Rose Javier

Rolando Javier

Marietta Lamar

SPECIAL GUESTS

Rose Javier

Betty Buenviaje

Marietta Lamar

Luchie Vivas

PACCAL continues to look for members of the community who can join to volunteer with us on various committees. Would you like to be part of the committee for the next GALA EVENT? Message us at paccal380@gmail.com Or contact any board member or committee

2021-2022 PACCAL AWARDING CEREMONY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

COMBINED 2021- AND 2022-WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2022

INVOCATION

WELCOME

REMARKS GUEST OF HONOR JOYCE ANDES-DAVID PRESIDENT ROSE JAVIER VP MARIETA LAMAR NAVY COMMANDER JESSICA MC NULTIY

EMCEE SERENADE

SUSAN LIGUORI KAY HABANA RIA SERRANO JOCELYN BERNAL DR. FRANCIA DE VERA PROG MGR HEALTHY HEART PROG MGR SWEETLY FILIPINIANA EXEC DIRECTOR

2021-2022 PACCAL AWARDING CEREMONY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

COMBINED 2021- AND 2022-WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2022

`

2021-2022 PACCAL AWARDING CEREMONY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

COMBINED 2021- AND 2022-WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2022

2021-2022 PACCAL AWARDING CEREMONY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

COMBINED 2021- AND 2022-WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2022

SWEETLY FILIPINIANA

INAUGURAL PROGRAM PRESENTATION OF YOUNG GIRLS AND BOYS

PROUDLY WEARING BARONGS, TERNOS, BARO’T SAYAS AND FILIPINIANAS

2022 PACCAL HONOREES

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

AWARDING CEREMONY

PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES WITH DISTINGUISH PRESENTORS AND CURRENT PRESIDENT ROSE JAVIER AND VICE PRESIDENT MARIETA LAMAR PRESIDENT ROSE JAVIER

NORA GALLEROS

LAARNI FLORENCIO, MSN, RN, CNL

ATTY. ANGIE CORDOVA

CHAO SIOSON

LOREN SANDIEGO

JOSIE ZIMAN

2022 PACCAL HONOREES

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

AWARDING CEREMONY

PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES WITH DISTINGUISH PRESENTORS AND CURRENT PRESIDENT ROSE JAVIER AND VICE PRESIDENT MARIETA LAMAR

COMBINED 2021 AND 2022 WHM HONOREES WITH PACCAL’S BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF

2022 WHM HONOREES

MARS DERODAR

SHARI MAY GUIRAO

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

MARCELA “CELY” DEAUNA WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Marcela “Cely” Deauna a retired bank executive (TD Bank Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager) is Bergenfield’s doyenne of community service. Cely’s background in volunteerism is well known among her peers and the community.

Cely was the past President of the Board of Trustees of the Bergenfield Public Library and still serves on the board as Treasurer. She is the current treasurer of the Democratic Party in Bergenfield. She has been consistently the treasurer since the political campaign and election of then Mayor Robert C. Rivas. She was past president of Catanduanes International Association where she led 2008’s highly successful medical mission in the Philippines and was the Overall Chairperson of the same organization `which held its 10th year medical mission last January 2020. She was the former State Chair (NewJersey) and Treasurer of National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA Region 1). Director and treasurer of Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund. A non-profit organization that provides pro-bono legal services to Filipino-American Community.

She is the current President of Friends Indeed USA. In January 2019, this same organization was a recipient of the Presidential Award from the Philippine Government because of its humanitarian achievements. In October 2019, Cely was appointed member of the Bergen County Asian Advisory Board.

Received a proclamation from former Governor James McGreevey, State of New Jersey, for outstanding service to the Filipino-American community. An awardee of the “Mabuhay Award” for exemplary leadership from National Association of Filipino Americans.

Cely is married to Councilman Salvador “Buddy” Deauna of Bergenfield. They have four children and six grandchildren. She is currently serving as Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield. She is a long-time member and former Chair and Co-chair of the Filipino Apostolate of St. John.

She is a graduate of Philippine College of Commerce with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majored in Finance. Cely is considered one of the most respected, successful and influential Filipinas in the Eastern Seaboard.

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

NORA GALLEROS HONOREE FOR ACCOUNTANCY

A manager plays many roles. Protector of values… Architect... Educator… Planner… Delegator… Sounding board… Financial wizard... These roles require business acumen, tact, leadership, foresight, courage, inspiration, interpersonal skills and a great sense of humor. It’s rare to find all those skills in a single individual but in the opinion of “powers that be” Mrs. Leonora Tinio exemplifies all these qualities and skills.

Despite her humble beginnings, Nora has risen to the top of her profession, became a CPA in USA in 1993, became the first woman partner in 2001 of Watson Rice LLP, has served in various capacities in both Chapters, New York and New Jersey and at the national level of the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) and she is the current president of this organization. She gave pride to Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental for being the first Gingoogan CPA in USA. She became the first woman partner in 2001 at Watson Rice LLP and also the first minority and woman Partner of Asian descent at O’Connor Davies LLP, a large regional Firm.

Mrs Tinio’s contribution is world- wide. She is an inspiration and role model to Filipino workers, minorities and women that through hard work, and determination one can accomplish so much regardless of race, origin and gender. She has been instrumental in bringing in fifty accountants from the Philippines and that means that Philippine graduates are capable of rendering quality services comparable to local talents. She also recruited early childhood teachers from the Philippines to fill the need in the Early Childhood Program at Mid-Bronx CCRP affiliated to Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council, Inc. where she sits as one of the Board Members. Nora loves to volunteer her service as an accountant in several NGOs and she organized her Kababayans from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. She gives priorities to the people back home the blessings her family has.

Nora, to her friends has received the Most Outstanding Gingoognon Award, Leadership Excellence, The Lifetime Achievement Award of Councilor, Graduate Fellow Award from Fairleigh Dickinson University, One- year Paul Harris Scholarship from the Rotary Foundation and featured in Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities.

This fifty year old lady is married to Mr. Jonel Tinio and the couple has Brian Alberto Tinio. The Tinio’s are residing at 115 Davis Station Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

CHARON ‘CHAO’ SIOSON HONOREE FOR EDUCATION

Charon J. Sioson is a science educator recognized by her genuine passion and dedication to make a difference in the lives of her students. She taught for eight years in the Philippines before being recruited by the New York City Department of Education in 2006. This is her sixteenth year in the NYCDOE system and currently teaches at The High School of Fashion Industries. Charon obtained her Master’s Degree in Science Education (Biology) at Lehman College through Teacher Education for Advanced Science Preparation Program Scholarship. She finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Major in Biochemistry at Colegio de la Milagrosa, as a fulltime scholar of the Philippine Government Private Education Student Fund Assistance.

Believing that learning is lifelong, Charon has been trained for Advanced Placement Environmental Science course, International Baccalaureate Biology courses, School Based School Sustainability, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Program recipient and Comprehensive Science Institute (CSI) 3-year Professional Development Grant participant. She was a recipient of a four-year Fellowship as a Master Teacher for Math for America (MfA) for New York State Science Teachers Cohort 1 (20132017) and to this date serves as an Emeritus Member of Master Teacher for MfA. In addition, Charon has been part of the Zuckerman Institute of Teacher-Scholar and BioBus Inc Teacher Council at Columbia University from 2018 to 2020.

Outside the realm of school, Charon is actively involved in community service both here in the U.S. and the Philippines through the UNIFFIED organization initiatives. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of UNIFFIED NY Chapter and the Secretary of NY/NJ UNIFFIED Cooperative.

She believes in the power of developing meaningful relationships as critical not only to successful learning, but in attaining the goals of an organization.

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

ATTY. ANGIE CORDOVA HONOREE FOR LAW

Currently a practicing board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner in the City of New York, serving the homeless and impoverished mentally ill population in the Bronx area. She is also the Director & Founder, A-Z Advocacy Services, New York, New York, served and provided pro bono advocacy services via AZ Advocacy Services related to the Filipino-American Community in the Tri-State Area from 2001 – 2021. A Philippine attorney having passed the Philippine Bar in Sept. 1993, she worked as Graft Investigation Officer I at the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; served as Public Attorney III at Public Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, Hall of Justice, Davao City, Philippines and also worked as Attorney III, at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region XI, Davao City, Philippines. She was a Pro Bono Lawyer for the poor and the underserved in Davao City, Philippines from 1994 through 1999. As a Radio Anchor in DXRP Radyo Pilipinas Program for Davao City’s Underserved Residents, she provided pertinent free legal advice to the underserved residents of Davao City in 1996, with the then Atty. Rufino Ferraris,Jr. of the PublicAttorney’sOffice, nowRegional Trial Court Judge of Davao City, Philippines. She taught as an Associate Professor in the College of Criminology, the University of Mindanao, Davao City, from 1994 through 1999, where she taught criminal law, criminal procedures, and legal forms to young criminology students, who wanted to become police officers in the Davao City Region. She also taught as an Adjunct Instructor/Professor in the National Police Commission Training Center, Region X1, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines from 1994 through 1999.

Her postgraduate education includes a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), City University of New York, Hunter College, New York, New York; a graduate of Master of Laws specializing in Environmental Law, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2001. She is also a graduate of Juris Doctor, Ateneo De Davao University, Davao City, Philippines. She currently is a Ph.D. student in Nursing Leadership & Management at Philippine Christian University, Manila, Philippines.

Her community service work has included, participation in Medical Mission Trip to The Republic of Haiti (February 2015) in Collaboration with CAPRACARE & Monroe College, Bronx, New York, helping the poorest population of Fonfrede, Haiti, who were post-earthquake victims. She participated and served in Community Health Fair under the auspices of Office of Adult Continuing Education, New York City Department of Education, Brooklyn, New York. She also participated in Blood Drive under the auspices of New York Blood Center and the Office of Adult Continuing Education, New York City Department of Education, Brooklyn, New York.

She continues to serve the community as a member of United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, NY & NJ Chapters; Compliance Officer, NJ Chapter; Member International Community Outreach Program, UNIFFIED NJ Chapter and member of UNIFFIED-New Jersey Disaster Response Team. Most notably she is a member of the Board of Director, 2022-2023 United Federation of Fil-AM Educators, Cooperative. Her other affiliations include, current member of Sigma Theta Tau Int’l. Honor Society of Nursing, Alpha Phi Chapter at Hunter College, CUNY; current member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Life-Time Member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Davao City Chapter, Philippines Member, Fraternal Order of St. Thomas More at Ateneo De Davao College of Law, Davao City, Philippines.

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

JOSIE MORALIDAD ZIMAN HONOREE FOR JOURNALISM

Josie Moralidad Ziman, 49, is the President/Founder of the Filipino American Cancer Care which she founded in 2020 along with good friend Edward Logan. The mission of the Filipino American Cancer Care, Inc. (FACC) is to C.A.R.E. about Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and anyone that is medically underserved in the Philippines and United States by assisting those impacted by cancer. Josie is a breast cancer survivor and was diagnosed in 2018. She is a radio journalist and White House Correspondent for Radio Mindanao Network, Iloilo City, Philippines.

Josie was a staff writer for a now defunct Manila Mail newspaper in the Washington DC. She is the author of the book “The Filipino-American Journey” published in 2019. The book is a collection of inspirational stories that highlight the qualities and values that are synonymous with the Filipino people: hard work, resiliency in the face of adversity, faith in God and in family, enriched with the nurturing bonds of community. Josie anchors a weekly radio program “Pilipinas sa Amerika” featuring the life experiences, survival and success stories of Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans in the United States. The radio show is broadcast every Saturday from 10:30-11 pm (Eastern Time) and Sunday from 10:30-11 am (Philippine Time). It is live stream online and on Facebook. She also anchors the radio show in PHLV Radio Las Vegas, Nevada “On the Air With FACC” along with FACC Board of Directors Richie Vicente and Edward Logan.

In 2018, she was given the recognition and award for being an outstanding community leader by the United Federation of Filipino American Educators in the United States or the UNIFFIED. Josie was and born and raised in Iloilo City, Philippines and she has an identical twin sister named, “Juvy Gibson” who works at Naval Crime Investigative Service (NCIS). Josie arrived in the United States in May 2002 with as a journalist. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her adorable dog “General” Ziman and husband Barry Ziman who is a Director for Government Affairs at the College of American Pathologists in Washington D.C.

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

LAARNI FLORENCIO, MSN, RN, CNL HONOREE FOR NURSING

Laarni is currently the Program Director for Continuing Education at New York Presbyterian (NYP). She oversees the nursing continuing education for all 11 New York Presbyterian campuses including the well renowned NYP Cornell and NYP Columbia University Hospitals. She also collaborates for Nursing and Interprofessional Continuing Education courses with Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia Medical schools, both Ivy League recognized Medical Schools in New York. Since joining NYP in 2017, Laarni has been responsible for the successful launch of over 600 Continuing Education courses throughout their healthcare organization

As a global nurse leader and reputable influencer, Laarni has spoken in several international and national speaking engagements advocating for the application of innovative practices to elevate nursing as a profession. She earned her Master's Degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and her postgraduate certificate degree in Evidence Based Practice from the University Of Maryland School he currently maintains her certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is currently enrolled in her Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree at Case Western University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, one of the top nursing schools and globally recognized DNP programs in the country. She was recently inducted as Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine and is the sitting Vice President and Education Chair for the Philippine Nurses Association of New York ad the Education Co-Chair of the Philippine Nurses Association of America.

Laarni has received multiple recognitions for her work as a nurse leader and various accomplishments from her diverse nursing experience and community work. She assumes many significant roles. Other than being a credible nurse leader, Laarni is also a very reputable nurse educator. She is a courtesy instructor for New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing and preceptor for the Chamberlain University for their MSN Informatics Program. Her wide array of nursing experiences and impressive titles and responsibilities such as systems wide nurse orientation coordinator for Lifebrigehealth in Baltimore, Maryland and Product Management manager at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in the past have provided her the global perspective that makes her a trustworthy and relevant nurse leader

She has affiliations with the American Nurses Association (ANA), Maryland Nurses Association (MNA), the Association of Nursing Professional Development (ANPD), the American Nurses Organization of Leaders (AONL), Sigma Theta Tau, New York Academy of Medicine, Philippine Nurses Association and her Nursing Alumni Association.

She has been featured in various news articles relevant to her causes and as of late, was featured in the New York Times on a nationally released article detailing the impact of the pandemic among Filipino Nurses. She also co-authored a chapter on the book, the PEACE Model, EvidenceBasedPractice Guide for Clinical Nurses.Thebook isused by NYPand otherhealthcare organizations for EBP implementation and is currently sold online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

SHARI MAY GUIRAO HONOREE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

In 2012, at the age of 27, Shari Guirao lived the American Dream. In the span of a few months, she married her best friend from highschool with a cash wedding, had a dream honeymoon all over Hawaii, put a down payment on their first home in New Jersey and was working on her nursing career as a dialysis nurse. Like so many other people, she knew how to work hard and save money. It wasn't until a friend from highschool started talking to her about investing and showed her a fundamental money concept called "The Rule of 72", that she realized she never learned how to make her hard earned money work for her. Over the next few years she made a conscious decision to switch her career to the financial industry.

Currently, Shari is a financial adviser representative with PFS Investments, licensed to help families all over the United States including California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. She partners with some of the most recognizable investment companies in the industry, including AIG, American Century Investments, American Funds, Brighthouse Financial, Cuna Mutual, Equitable, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Horizon Investments, Invesco, Lincoln Financial, Lockwood Advisors, Meeder, Morningstar, Sage and Voya, among others.

For over 10 years she has enjoyed empowering families with financial literacy and works in partnership with them to reach their financial goals and dreams with their own unique customized plan. More importantly she sees the importance of developing future leaders in the financial industry who will be an important community resource. She recruits, trains, licenses and develops new representatives in the financial industry and guides them with career advancement and leadership skills. In 2018, she was recognized locally in her New Jersey and New York offices with the 2018 Impact Player Award. She was also awarded the Futures Award and recognized nationally as being one of the Top 150 Financial Adviser Reps in 2018. She is on track in 2022 to become a Regional Vice President, managing her own branch office with over 30 licensed representatives. Her goal is to teach more families the importance of becoming properly protected, debt free and financially independent - the true American Dream.

2022 PACCAL HONOREE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 AND 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

MARS DERODAR HONOREE FOR MOTHER OF THE YEAR

Mars Derodar is a loving mom to seven kids who has set noble examples for her family and a role model in the community.

Mars finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce Major in Accounting at San Jose Recoletos in 1975 in Cebu City and has served in Government Service for 37 years, particularly, with the Cebu City Government’s Cebu City Medical Center where she became the Head of Medical Records and consequently the Head of the Billing Department. In recent years, due to her dedication to duty, she was recognized by CCMC for its financial growth due to improved multi-million collections from agencies largely by Phil Health, etc.

Mars was able to pursue graduate degrees in Masters in Public Administration in 1989 and Masters in Business Administration in 2017 in between her schedules while also attending to their Fish Brokerage and Financial Services business to more than 30 local businesses in Cebu City.

In the community, while raising her kids, and spanning 3 decades she continually engaged in the charitable organizations and volunteer opportunities being a Past President of the local chapter of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in the 80s - an organization committed to a fairer, more equal society; a person-to-person contact, with families, children and young people, adults, the homeless, the sick, refugees or immigrants. The organization is involved in projects for international cooperation and development aid; Secretary at the Sto Nino Parish Pastoral Council and President of a Parents Teachers Association in the 90s; Member of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa or Pacification Committee helping effect extrajudicial settlement of minor cases between barangay residents in the village in the 2000s, which had her elected Secretary of the Liga ng mga Tagapamayapa in the entire Cebu City comprising of 80 Barangays.

At one point, Mars despite her busy schedule agreed as approached by a school principal to teach at the Night High School teaching Secondary Mathematics which lasted for 3 years, which she considered it as a fulfilling experience something she is able to share her knowledge to night high school students who try hard to finish wth their schooling while working during the day.

As a mother, she has demonstrated compassion for the community true to Frédéric Ozanam’s “We must live for the good of others. Let us do whatever good lies in our hands”. Mars has 7 children which includes a Physical Therapist, two Nurses, a teacher, IT and Finance professionals. When her husband immigrated to the U.S. in mid 90’s, Mars kept her home fires burning and led the family praying the rosary together and provided guidance and encouragement to kids to their chosen fields. Mars recently immigrated to the United States and has 3 grandchildren. She is currently involved as International Associate Sales Director of SMDC, the Philippines leading real estate developer.

LOREN SAN DIEGO HONOREE FOR PIANO TUTELAGE

Loren San Diego was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at the age of 12. In 2014, Loren founded Piano Playground to pursue her love of classical piano music and her passion of teaching little children.

During the past 9 years, over 165 students have passed through the doors of Piano Playground, and performed at over 12 piano recitals in both New Jersey and New York. Five years after its establishment, Piano Playground expanded to include a Paint & Sip Program for those students who are interested in combining art and music. Every month, these students get together to make unique paintings, which are then displayed as an art exhibit at the piano recitals.

During the pandemic, Piano Playground also opened up to virtual students from states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, etc.

In addition, Loren continues to be a student pianist of the New York Conservatory of Music, and with the guidance of her mentors, was given the opportunity to perform at various events and venues in Manhattan. She hopes to continue learning and teaching for the rest of her life.

2021 ADVERTISERS

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Love from Ricardo Fama Borja

Rian and Ernst Hauser, Raymund and Elma Borja, Miguel and Helen Borja, Mildred Borja, Milvian and Glen Karaan, Mylah Borja

Richard Angelo Borja , Arvid Rolph Johnsen, Christian Joseph Borja, Sascha Hauser

You deserve this recognition and your fellow Boholanos are proud of you

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

Tess Medina, DNP, MAS, RN, BC

PACCAL Honoree 2021 for Nursing

GREETINGS FROM Ada Mae David, Eric David, Reese and Hershey

Ria Serrano and Sergey Ivanovich

Ian Serrano, Susanne Meehan, Sara Mae and, Zoe Lei

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

CONGRATULATIONS TO LADIES FOR RIZAL, NEW JERSEY CHAPTER, USA

Honoree as Outstanding Organization

PACCAL 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH and to its President, LADY LUMEN CASTANEDA

Greetings from:

LADY ELOISA A. PORTO

Past President & Adviser

Ladies for Rizal, New Jersey Chapter, USA

SIR ARMAND M. PORTO, KGCR

Area Commander – Eastern USA 1

2008-2010

Knights of Rizal New Jersey Chapter

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021 VIRTUAL AWARDING CEREMONY

CONGRATULATIONS TO LADIES FOR RIZAL, NEW JERSEY CHAPTER, USA

Honoree as Outstanding Organization

PACCAL 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH and to its President, LADY LUMEN CASTANEDA

Greetings from:

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2020 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2020

From: RESERVED PAGE From: RESERVED

From: UNIFFIED

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2021

PACCAL 2022 Honoree for Vocal Performer

2022 ADVERTISERS

PACCAL COMMUNITY GROUP

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE, IN.

PACCAL SENIORS PROGRAM

PACCAL MEETINGS AND MEMBERS

PACCAL AWARDS

PACCAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

PACCAL SWEETLY FILIPINIANA

IN RECOGNITION

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 20-29 YEARS IN PACCAL

WE PRAY FOR GOOD HEALTH FOR THE PIONEERS OF OUR ORGANIZATION

LINDA MAYO

MERLA FAVILA

ARMAN PORTO

MARILOU SONGCO

IN MEMORIAM

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

WE PRAY FOR OUR DEARLY BELOVED FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WE LOST DURING THE PANDEMIC

LADY ROSE AQUINO

ELSA SARROSA

ALPHAEUS MANUEL AMANTE

ROB RAY

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

VIRGIE ALVAREZ

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA –OCTOBER 2021

RUTH SA-ONOY

BETTY BUENVIAJE

JIMMY BUENVIAJE

ELOISA PORTO

IRENE ZAPANTA

CAROL DORICO

CORA BISOGNO

ANA GATDULA SERRANO

CELY DEAUNA WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

CELY DEAUNA WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

MARCELA ‘CELY’ DEAUNA RECOGNIZED AS WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA – OCTOBER 2021

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN

MARCELA ‘CELY’ DEAUNA RECOGNIZED AS WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

Families of Davao, Cotabato, and Panabo, Philippines

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE

2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA – OCTOBER 2021

Shari Guirao, 2022 Honoree for Young Professional Freddy Burke – PACCAL Board Director

Ria Serrano- PACCAL Executive Director Rose Javier – 2022 PACCAL President

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2022 PACCAL’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH GALA – JUNE 2022

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE 2021 PACCAL AWARDS & ANNIVERSARY GALA – OCTOBER 2021

SPONSORS

MR. JONATHAN HERMOSURA AND MS. KIM ACOSTA

CONGRATULATES

PAN AMERICAN CONCERNED CITIZENS ACTION LEAGUE INC. AND THE HONOREES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH MARCH 2021 via online

JUNE 2022 onsite at THE HOLIDAY INN HOTEL