Hercules on May 7th. We also participated in the Philippine Independence Day Celebration at the Hercules Library, on June 11th coordinated by Mr. Cip Ayalin, a Board of Director. Mr. Ernie de Paz, a Director and our Historian, spoke of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, his works and writings and why he was the National Hero of the Philippines. FACCC, AFAH and Hercules Lions contributed to providing free snacks and refreshments served to about 150+ attendees. The group also participated at the 4th of July Parade in Hercules. Our Board Chair Mr. Lito Villanueva and his wife Mandy, a retired registered nurse, volunteered to set up a First-Aid station at the Refugio Valley Park during the event. JOJO: What were the highlights of Fil-Ams of CCC for the year 2016? VICKY: • A fund raising event ie.- Casino - proceeds for scholarships and general fund. • We recognized 3 deserving students with 3.5 GPA and higher. They were presented with Certificates of Recognition for o utstanding Academic Achievement and small monetary award. • Participation is open to a maximum of 10 children or grandchildren o FACCC members who can present a proof of honor roll status. • Mr. Frank Palomares is our chairperson for our cholarship committee. • Picnic and election of 2016-2018 officers on July 23, 2016. • Our Inaugural Dinner-Dance and Christmas party was held on Dec. 11, 2016 at the Rockefeller Lodge in San Pablo. JOJO: What is the group’s objectives for this year 2017? VICKY: • Pursue an on-going search for a place to call our FACCC community center or headquarter (in place of the current McDonald’s) where a group of members who call themselves “MacDo Boys” gather each morning. • Our COB, Mr. Lito Villanueva can elaborate on the subject as progress develops. • We aim to increase active membership roster and establish a Mutual Assistance Program. • We will continue to assist members who are in need of moral and spiritual support. • I am registered with various organizations in and out of the West County, ie: Richmond Commission on Aging- ie. info I receive are passed on to membership, ie: scholarship and grant sources from Richmond School District are passed on to our PRO, to be disseminated to members with children or grandchildren graduating from high school. • We will continue to assist members in securing their Medicare/Medical coverage and other SS benefits; helping them in filing for immigration documents; give them review materials for preparation on driver’s license renewal and other help as occasionally needed. • Mr. Ernesto de Paz, our Historian, will continue to conduct instructions on Tagalog or History lessons to among interested youth. • Continue participation in Feeding the Hungry Program. • We have a general fund, wherein we send help to the Philippines at times of a national disaster. FYI • On January 14, 2017, our very own member Mr.Janny Ruiz, a 98 year-old, received special recognition from Mayor Myrna de Vera and the Hercules City Council. He survived the Bataan Death March, a Korean Vet while serving the U.S. Army earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In 2015, he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, a United States’ highest civilian honor. The occasion was well attended by FACCC members. Our aim this year is to “Give back to our Filipino Community, and together we can do it.” If you wish to get involved here is each city’s district coordinator’s information. Hercules Cip Ayalin (510) 478-3759 Frank Palomares (510) 846-7805 Richmond Nemy Bautista (510) 222-3890 El Sobrante Romy Serranzana (510) 223-2630 Pinole Rollie Rosete (510) 329-4734 Rodeo Ernie de Paz (510) 799-6182 Other Cities Lito Villanueva (510) 222-7514
Contra Costa Marketplace - March 2017
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