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Filipino-American Association of Arizona (FAAAZ)
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It was a successful event! Luke Air Force Base observed the Asian Pacific Heritage (APH) month last May. This year’s theme is “Dreams and Challenges.” Captain Matt Williams, this year’s APH Committee Chairman, did an outstanding job as the emcee of the event with the special guest Attorney Bong Lee, who talked about the contribution of the Asian to the community. To start off the event, Ms. Gabriel Groves, committee member, arranged a brunch for the squadron and group commanders at the Desert Airman Club Luke Air Force Base. A food tasting fundraising headed by Ms. Irene Tan and Singaporean Air Force personnel was a tremendous success. Food was delicious and enjoyed by everyone. It contributed immensely to offset the cost of the event. Capt Scott Sieting set up a bowling tournament as part of fund-raising on May 23. Then on May 25, a luncheon with Asian delicatessen was served while cultural dances were performed by different ethnic groups namely; Thailand, Filipino, and Korean martial arts demo for entertainment. As some members of the Filipino-American Association of Arizona (FAAAZ) are employees of Luke Air Force Base, they supported the event by performing Filipino cultural dances. Three dances were performed by FAAAZ under the untiring instruction of Ms. Alma DeGarriz such as Binasuan, Carinosa, and Tinikling. The lovely Ms. Jennifer Cowles represented Thailand with her graceful Thai dance; special prayers provided by the Thai monks; and last but not least, Korean group demonstrated their martial arts skill. They all received wonderful comments and praises. Same day that afternoon, FAAAZ dancers were requested to perform in front of the young children of the Youth Center. It’s a great achievement to see the amazement on these young ones’ faces while watching the Binusuan dancers performed (a glass with lighted candle on top of the dancers’ head). In addition, celebration of the APH continued in the afternoon where FAAAZ dancers were requested to perform their cultural dances at the Base Exchange at the request of the management. It was a busy day for the FAAAZ dancers but a worth while cause in support to the Base community. Table arrangement spearheaded by Ms. Annie Arizola, with different flags, tropical flowers arrangement, and some recipes were provided at the table. Static display were placed at the Base Library with the help of Ms. Katie Gillen and Ms. Dulce Sullivan, and also placed at the Base Exchange with the help of Ms. Leslie Hall. The support of TSgt Connie Ali from Equal Opportunity office is appreciated. All committee members worked hard to make this happen headed by Capt Matt Williams, Capt Sieting, Ms Gabriel Groves, Ms. Alma DeGarriz, Ms. Irene Tan, TSgt Evelyn Nguyen, SMSgt Dante Ladrido, Ms. Juvy Stallons, MSgt Blue, SSgt Cynthia Chavez, TSgt Eric Wright, Capt Scott Sieting, Ms Annie Arizola, and Ms Frida Linkous. Lastly, a retreat ceremony to conclude the APH observation was held 30 May 06 at the base flag pole.
FOR MORE PICTURES SEE "2006 ASIA PACIFIC HERITAGE" (APH)-Gallery-01 & 02
...by Dante Ladrido & Frida Linkous
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This past saturday, members of FAYA contributed their time and effort to the Andre House of Arizona which is a ministry to the homeless and poor populations of the Phoenix area. Driving into the area and observing the surroundings, FAYA was feeling a little skeptical on volunteering, but knew we had to put our best foot forward and lend a helping hand. Volunteering from 1-3 pm, the time was spent sorting donated clothes, shoes, hats, etc. The volunteers consisted of Halie Velasquez, Ronald Velasquez, Johanna Salumbides, Kimberly Dodd, Len-Len Castillo, Jaymee Castillo, Tracy Montoya, Lauren Franzen, LA Elizaga, and Jans Gesmundo. Everyone kept a positive attitude which made this community service project so successful!
A special thanks goes out to Halie Velasquez for setting up the volunteering and to Bill Dodd for carpooling all of us to Andre House.
I'm so proud of all the FAYA members who dedicated their time to help out those in need in the Phoenix community. You should be really proud of yourselves knowing that you contributed to making someone else's life a little better, especially with the holiday coming up fast.
for pics...see FAYA 2006-01 GALLERY
-Kimberly Dodd
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Ok, the first "Simbang Gabi" on the west side-*(Litchfield Park, Avondale, Goodyear, Surpise & Buckeye areas)was a big success from day one to day nine. It was attended by over 150 devotees on the first day to more than 200 devotees on the ninth day.
For today's (late) news--FAAAZ Christmas/Officer's Induction Dinner-Dance was also a big success. SEE FAAAZ Christmas 2005 Gallery.
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DON'T FORGET...TOMORROW DECEMBER 15, 2005 IS THE START OF THE FIRST "SIMBANG GABI" AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH IN AVONDALE...ON THE WEST SIDE" OF METRO PHOENIX, ARIZONA. FILIPINO STYLE...WITH ALL KINDS OF MERIENDA TO BE SERVE AT THE END OF EVERY MASS. SO PLEASE COME AND JOIN US TO CELEBRATE A GREAT TRADITION...MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
FOR MORE PICTURES OF PAROL PRODUCTION...see the "SIMBANG GABI" picture gallery...
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It has been almost 5 months since FAAAZ collectively spearheaded the Phil. Independence Day Celebration (PIDC) last June 2005. As all of you may have heard,it has been another successful year for the PIDC. There were over 30 vendors who sponsored the Cultural Show on 11 Jun held at ASU. The non-stop show started around 10:00am with a parade of some of the performers and ended around 4:00pm. We were also fortunate to have Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Sheriff, as our guest speaker. Several Filipino-American groups throughout the valley showcased their talents through various Philippine folk dances and songs. One of the highlights during the afternoon show was the talent and national costume competition of the Bb Pilipinas AZ beauty contest, and the question and answer portion. The day's event ended with the talent competition of amateur singers who would eventually vie for the "Pinoy Idol" award. On June 18, 2005, PIDC held its dinner banquet at the Marriott Hotel Airport in Phoenix and was attended by more than 300 people from all over the valley. Our very own FAYA, our Filipino American Youth Association, were among the performers during the gala celebration. Our guest speaker for that night was His Excellency Albert F. del Rosario, Ambassador to the United States of the Republic of the Philippines, who actually flew in from Washington DC on that day. The evening was culminated by the coronation of the Bb Pilipinas Arizona, along with her court and the announcement of the 2005 Pinoy Idol.
The PIDC is an annual event wherein several Fil-am groups in the valley come together and organize several events in celebration of the independence day. The PIDC is always actively seeking for volunteers to assist in the planning, implementation, and coordination of this annual event.
SEE FAYA Gallery.
Alma de Garriz
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Copyright © 2006 Roger. All Rights Reserved