Category Archives: History

  • April 24, 2017
  • -

Filipino Week at UNM Gallup

Category : History , Uncategorized

The Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG) participated at the first Filipino Culture Week (April 10-13, 2017) at the University of New Mexico Gallup on April 11, 2017.   FANHS RG members were guest speakers:  Pearl King who discussed about Migration of Filipinos to the US and ultimately to NM, Tessie Greenfield talked about the Philippine – New Mexico Connection and played the kulintang with some student volunteers, Cris Underwood about his journey as an adopted child, and Al David, author of The End of the Trail, a 96-year old Bataan veteran.  Mr. David was honored by some veterans before his speech.

Thanks to Dr. Shirley Heying, Karla and Jonathan for inviting us.  Also to Agaton, a trained Filipino chef from Arizona for serving a variety of Filipino food.

Back to HOME.

  • April 14, 2017
  • -

Filipino Performing Arts Group

Category : Culture: Music and Dances , History , Uncategorized

FPAG

The Filipino Performing Arts Group (FPAG) aims to share Philippine history, language and/or culture through performing arts specifically music and dances.  It also focuses on the importance of appreciating and understanding multicultures in New Mexico. (We welcome members of other nationalities who are interested in our culture.)

NOTE:  To view full images, double click on the photo and click again for large image.  (Photos at Santacruzan – courtesy of Kathy B. and Norma D.)

In addition, we are Filipino Americans living in the US, a nation of immigrants.  As such, it is important for the next generations to know their identity from both cultures, American and Filipino. If we don’t share our Filipino culture and heritage to our children, especially those who were born here, they will slowly fade away and be forgotten.

FPAG was established in February 2017 as an independent group.  Majority of the members have been performing with the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico Cultural Dance Group for more than five years.  (The Cultural Group was dissolved in February 2017 to give autonomy to different groups.)  You can view recitals and performances (both kulintang and dances) from www.youtube.com/puppetnettes.

 

To view full images, double click on the photos (and double click again for enlarged images).  (Photos courtesy of Maricar.)

Kulintang Music

Kulintang musicians (from left): Miracle, Malaya, Jasmine & Justine with instructor, Tessie.

Kulintang, an indigenous (percussion) instrument from Southern Philippines, is the main instrument in a kulintang ensemble.  It is composed of 8 gongs in graduated sizes.  The other instruments are:  agong, dabakan (drum), and babandil (see second photo below). (We also use the bamboos and will be using the gandingan, 4-gong set, in the future.)  Special thanks to a) Dr. Dely Alcantara and Dr. Ted Jojola who got the grant in 2004 to bring kulintang to New Mexico Filipinos;   b) New Mexico Arts Apprenticeship Program for training Miracle (2014-2015) and c) Filipino American Community Council (and City of Albuquerque City Council) for the grant that extended instructions to our three youth, Malaya, Jasmine & Justine (2016-2017).

 

 

Mindanao including Sulu Archipelago

Southern Philippine (Mindanao) Dances

  • Janggay
  • Kini Kini
  • Maiden Dance
  • Sagayan

Plus Instrumental piece:

Sinulog A Kamamatuan

(See dances from Visayas at the bottom.)

Choreographer:  Tessie

 

Janggay

Kulintang Music:  Pangalay Ha Janggay (Composed by Tessie), Origin of dance: Sulu Archipelago

At Cesar Chavez Day 2017. From left: Justine, Gloria, Miracle, Krystal, Mary, Jasmine Q and Sandy.

Janggay dancers at FAFNM Xmas 2016

Janggay (also called Igal Janggay or Pangalay) is a set of extended metal fingernails worn by female dancers from the Sama-Badjao tribe and Tausug people in the Sulu Archipelago. To showcase the long nails’ beauty, the hand movements include flicking, flipping and cupping of fingers. The janggay also represents the claws of the Sarimanok, a mythical bird and the headdresses represent its expanded wings.  Sarimanok, from the words sari (cloth) and manok (chicken) is a reincarnation of a goddess that loved a mortal man.

About the People:  The Sama-Badjao or just Badjao (man of the seas) is a tribe also known as sea gypsies because they live in small houseboats called vintas and they seldom stay in one place.  They are usually fishermen and sea divers.  They inhabit the shores in Sulu Archipelago in Southern Philippines.  Some dance movements mimic the rolling waves as oceans play an

Ashley

essential part in the lives of sea fearing people.   Tausug (people of the current) which stands for tau (people) and sug (sea current) is the numerically dominant group of Sulu Archipelago.  The Tausug people who are land-based are mostly sailors, pearl divers and traders.  Jolo Island strategically located near the heart of the archipelago constitutes the cultural and political center of Tausug society.

Kini Kini

Kulintang Music:  Kanditagaonan, Origin of dance:  Maranao province (LANAO)

Kini Kini dancers 2017

Kini Kini from the word kini (the royal walk) shows the elite upbringing of the Maranao women in Mindanao.  Using decorative umbrellas and scarves (two items in a hot weather), they walk gracefully to a wedding.  This version of the dance is a combination of Kini Kini (scarf) and Kinakulangan (umbrella), without the male attendants.  The music is called Kanditagaonan which means I cannot go to a wedding because I have no malong (a tube skirt).

Maranao means the “people of the lake” referring to Lake Lanao (principal town is Marawi City) in the province of Lanao del Sur and has its own language. The other Maranao provinces are:  Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi Tawi and cities of Marawi and Lamitan (see map).

Maiden Dance from Singkil

Kulintang Music:  Kasayaw sa Singkil, Origin of dance: Maranao province (Lanao)

Maiden Dancers at Cesar Chavez 2017

The Maiden Dance is performed by the maidens that accompany the princess in the dance called Singkil, name of the anklet worn by a princess.  This version does not include the princess.  Singkil originated from the Maranao people.  It recounts a 14th century epic, Darangen, about a princess caught in the forest during an earthquake caused by the fairies of the forest.  The fans represent the ferocious winds during a scene in the epic.

 

 

Sagayan

Music:  a fusion of two kulintang pieces: Tagonggo and Adongkodongkogakit, Origin of dance:  Maranao and Maguindanao

Sagayan dancers from left: John, Angelo, Franz, Marc, Zeke, Latrell & Sean (2016)

Sagayan is a warrior/healing dance that is performed by both Maranao and Maguindanao male dancers.  It depicts the steps of their war hero, Prince Bantugan.  The kasity (headdress), kampilan (sword), klong (shield) and the three-layered skirts are inspired from the hero’s attire.  The male dancers are projected as fierce warriors ready to defend their master as they dance and pray before going to war.  Another version of Sagayan is a healing dance, showing trance-like movements believed to banish the evil spirits (or negative energy) while welcoming good fortune or omens.  (Assistant choreographers: Angelo and Zeke.)

 

Instrumental Piece (No Dance):

The late Danongan Kalanduyan came to Albuquerque to introduce kulintang music in 2004.

Sinulog A Kamamatuan (Sinulog old style), Version 1. Sinulog is from the Maranao word sulug or people of Sulu. (NOTE: Sinulog as in Sinulog Festival in Cebu means sulug or current in Visayan language.)  A Kamamatuan means older, traditional style derived from the word “matua” meaning old.  The musical notation of Version 1 was from the late Danongan Kalanduyan, kulintang master from Cotabato who lived in San Francisco, CA.  He came to Albuquerque in 2004 to teach kulintang through a grant obtained by Dr. Dely Alcantara for the Filipino community.  This piece is a tribute to him for his contribution in bringing this indigenous music to the Filipinos in New Mexico.

 

Dances from Visayan Island

Visayan map

Ati-Atihan

Origin: Kalibo, Aklan in the island of Panay

Ati Atihan means pretending to be Ati, one of the first people that inhabited the Philippines.  Long before Spaniards came to the Philippines in the 17th century, light skinned immigrants from Borneo and Indonesia arrived in the island of Panay.  The dark-skinned inhabitants of Panay called the Ati, lived in the upland part of the mountains where they planted rice.  The Atis sold to the immigrants small pieces of land and allowed them to settle down in the lowlands.  One day, heavy rains ruined the Atis’s crops.  They starved.  They came down to the lowlands and were fed by the people.  As a gesture of gratitude, the Atis danced for joy in the streets.

 

As a gesture of unity, the lowland people covered their faces with soot or wore black masks to look like the Atis and celebrated with them in the streets. When the Spaniards settled in the Philippines, the Ati Atihan festival, which is also a celebration of rice and unity, became part of the celebration honoring Santo Nino (Little Jesus).  After several centuries, the festival is still celebrated in Aklan every January. (Choreographer: Tessie; Assistant choreographers: Angelo and Zeke.)

Arnis: Lester, Lyle, Franz, Zeke, Angelo & John

Sayaw Arnis (Arnis Dance)

Music:  Over 7000 Planets (Ron Quesada, Kulintronica based in San Francisco), Origin of Arnis:  Cebu

Arnis, also called Eskrima (fencing) or Kali (KA from the Visayan words KAmot or hand and LI from the word LIhog or motion) is the national sport and Martial Arts of the Philippines. It is a stick (made of rattan), knife or sword fighting art.  It includes hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques.

Arnis at Cesar Chavez

The dance movements focus on rhythmic calisthenics of basic strikes and blocks for beginners using one stick.

Ron Quesada, kulintang musician, from Kulintronica composed “Over 7000 Planets”, the music used in the Arnis dance.

Arnis, (from “arnes,” an old Spanish word for armor) was founded by the Indonesian inhabitants of the Srivijayan Empire that ruled most of Southeast Asia in the 13th century.  They were overthrown by the Majapahit Empire from Eastern Java, Indonesia.  Forced to flee, the Srivi refugees settled in Cebu, central part of Visayas, where they introduced Arnis.  During the Spanish colonization that lasted more than three centuries, the practice of Arnis was forbidden but practitioners trained underground with sticks and bolos.  When the Americans colonized the Philippines, the practice was allowed openly and Arnis flourished. Arnis, which has big tournaments all over the Philippines, is also offered as a PE class in some universities.  (Choreographer:  Tessie, Assistant choreographers: Angelo and Zeke.)

Children’s Group

Children lined up with salakot

Paru Parung Bukid: Joshua, Jordyn, Kai, & Mia.

Many of the small children are on break in the first half of 2017.  Children’s Dances such as Paru Parung Bukid will be revived. (Choreographer:  Maricar)

 

 

Contact artistic directors/choreographers:  Tessie at puppetnettes@gmail.com or Maricar at marikang7777@gmail.com.

We welcome new members by September or February when we teach new dances.   (For children, please contact Maricar.) Thank you.

Back to HOME.

 

  • February 28, 2017
  • -

Surrender of Bataan 75th Anniversary

Category : History , Uncategorized

To view full images, double click on each photo and double click again for larger image.

 

The Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico (BCMFofNM), in cooperation with the City of Albuquerque, the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico (FAFNM) and Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG), hosted the 2017 Bataan Memorial Ceremony on April 8, 2017 at the Bataan Memorial Park, Albuquerque.  The keynote speaker was Col. Steve Garcia.  The Gallup and Crown Point Dance Group performed Philippine dances.  The event at the Bataan Park was attended by around 300 people.

Gallup & Crown Point dancers A

Gallup and Crown Point dancers

The dinner banquet that same day which was held at the Sandia Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, was attended by 450 people.  The keynote speaker was Lt. Gen. (Ret) Edward Baca.  Guest speaker was Deputy Consul General Ambrosia Brain F. Enciso III.  Entertainment was provided by Jam Morales, Ethan Sabay Philippine Folkloric Dance Group and several bands.   The events were chaired by Maj. Richard Luena, USAF (Ret.), vice president of BCMFofNM and assisted by Nelo Edillon and Kathy Bartnick of FAFNM.  Dr. Dely Alcantara, president of both BCMFofNM and FAFNM assisted in getting grants for the event.

The events honored veterans from the New Mexico’s 200th and 515th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft) regiments (see below) and New Mexicans from other units.  It also honored a Bataan survivor, Al David, now an Albuquerque resident, who was with the 33rd Infantry, 31st Regiment, Philippine Division, USAF (Far East).

 

The New Mexico’s 200th and 515th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft) regiments fought in the defense of Luzon, Bataan and Corregidor in the opening days of World War II, and with their courage and sacrifice, for over five months, gave Our Nation time to arm and prepare a defense which would lead to ultimate victory in the Pacific.

This year, 2017, marked the 75th anniversary of the April 9, 1942 surrender of Bataan and the May 6, 1942 surrender of Corregidor, after which American and Filipino troops would fall behind a shroud of silence, enduring brutality and privation as prisoners of war.

Bataan Survivor Bill Overmier

Only 988 of the original 1,816 men of the 200th & 515th Coast Artillery men

Bataan Survivor and author Al David

would survive 3-1/2 years as prisoners of the Japanese. Today, only 11 of these men are still living.  Two of the Bataan survivors who attended the events were Mr. Bill Overmier and Al David, 96, who just published his book “End of the Trail”, a novel of the Philippines in World War II.

Back to HOME.

 

 

 

  • December 21, 2015
  • -

2015 in Review

Tags :

Category : History , Uncategorized

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015

Goodbye 2015!

Miss Universe

To start off, on the INTERNATIONAL scene, a Filipina-German, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, was crowned Miss Universe 2015.  Pia is one of the 12 Miss Philippines who won international beauty contests.  See list: Filipina Women who won WORLD BEAUTY Titles.

LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 20: Miss Philippines 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (R), reacts as she is crowned the 2015 Miss Universe by 2014 Miss Universe Paulina Vega (L) during the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miss Colombia 2015, Ariadna Gutierrez (not pictured), was mistakenly named as Miss Universe 2015 instead of First Runner-up. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP.  See VIDEO.

IN NEW MEXICO (2015)

Pearl King

Pearl King

Pearl King, FANHS RG President, graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE from New Mexico Highland University in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (among the many degrees she has).  She works as a nurse at the VA Hospital.  Congratulations, Pearl!  You deserve it!

 

December:  This month was the busiest for the Filipino community, particularly for the members and friends of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.

  • Christmas Party, Dec. 12, Marriott at the Pyramid.  The new FAFNM Board of Directors were inducted by Consul Mary Jo Ramirez. Kudos to the organizers:  Cindy Aragon, Ligaya White and the BODs.
Christmas 2015 with Al David, 94 and Chito Zafra, 93.

Christmas 2015 with (seated) Al David, 94 and Chito Zafra, 93 and FAFNM members.

  • Consulate Outreach, Dec. 12, Marriott.  The Philippine Consulate staff was in Albuquerque to provide consulate services (passport renewal, dual citizenship, immigration issues among others) for Filipinos in New Mexico and surrounding states.  FAFNM has been hosting for several years.  Thanks to Ligaya White, Emilie & Cris Underwood and the BOD’s for their assistance.
  • Caroling:  This is an annual fund raising project (mainly for Scholarship funds).  Thanks to all the hosts and donors, carolers and coordinators/musicians: Myrna Samson, Jim Custodio, and Robert Divero.
  • Simbang Gabi (Evening Mass Celebration): Filipinos and families celebrated this Filipino tradition for three Thursdays at the Sangre de Cristo Church.  Thanks to Fr. Joel Bugas who drove 10 hours (round trip from Clayton) to be with us during his off-days.  Thanks to the carolers who provided the music and to Emilie Underwood for consistently coordinating this event every year.
  • Lighting of Luminaries: The Bataan veterans lighted the luminaries at the Bataan Park, an annual tradition.

We thank the 2015 FAFNM Board of Directors for a job well done.  We acknowledge the dedication of the outgoing president, Ligaya White who held the position for two years (2014-2015).  She revived the Young Professional and Youth Committee and the Senior’s Group.  (As you also know, we are grateful to our seniors who have also been the prime movers of many activities for many years:  Santacruzan, Simbang Gabi, and Caroling, among others.)

NOTE:  To see full view of photos in the gallery, double click on each photo, then double click again for larger view.  To return to text, click on the (<) arrow at the top right corner of the screen.

September:

The FANHS RG celebrated the biennial event, Pamana Awards Night, honoring New Mexicans, not necessarily of Filipino descent, who had substantially contributed community service to Filipinos here and in the Philippines.  We also recognized the Manoa Youth recipients.  See list and photos of awardees: Pamana Awards.

  • Scott Berry (Educate Bohol), one of the Pamana Awardees this year, went back to the Philippines with his wife, Zela in October.  We are grateful to Scott for changing the lives of many poor children in Bohol. He is very much a part of their lives now. See video: 2015 Educate Bohol.

 

July:

Crista Harner represented New Mexico at the Miss Philippines USA in Los Angeles.  She is the beautiful daughter of international singer, Jam Morales Harner and granddaughter of Carmenia Alfonso.  The title went to Chrystelle Joyce Volkmann of Missouri.

Miss Philippines USA contestants with Crista Harner (farthest left)

Miss Philippines USA contestants with Crista Harner (farthest left)

May (Asian/Pacific Heritage Month):

Graduation with top honors:  Carlo James (CJ) Aragon graduated Magna Cum Laude, University of New Mexico (UNM), Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Political Science and Foreign Languages.  He was the 2011 Manoa Youth and Outstanding Asian American Youth Awardee.  He is the son of Cindy and Cel Aragon.

Awardee:  Bianca White received the Outstanding Asian American Youth Award at the Asian Festival of Cultures sponsored by the Asian American Association of New Mexico and FAPAC Rio Grande.  She also received the Manoa Youth Award.  See Pamana Awards.  She is the daughter of Ligaya and Jery White.

Santacruzan:  Aside from our annual celebration (Mass, Procession and Cultural Show) which is co-sponsored by FAFNM and the City of Albuquerque Cultural Service, this year’s Santacruzan was specially memorable.

  • Chito Zafra, 93, was recognized for introducing this event in 1977, making Santacruzan the longest (almost four decades) tradition the Filipinos have celebrated in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Thanks to organizers (past and present): Heddy Long, Cora Romillo, and now Myrna Samson.
  • Chuy Martinez, our great supporter of the Filipino community, retired from the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services.  He has been an advocate of many Filipino activities, particularly the Santacruzan.  He received the Community Service Award from FANHS Rio Grande in 2011.  This was his last Santacruzan as a staff of the Cultural Services.  Thank you, Chuy!  You will always be a part of the Filipino community.

Others:

  • The annual Bataan Ceremony in April at the Bataan Park was attended by the Philippine Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and his wife.  This is a joint project of FAFNM, FANHS RG and the Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of NM (bcmfofnm).  Thanks to our FAFNM liaison members: Richard Luena, Chris Zafra and Dr. Dely Alcantara (also the president of bcmfofnm).
  • The first eBook, The Filipino American Experience in New Mexico, by the FANHS RG was released early this year.
  • Miracle McCastle performed her Kulintang Recital in March at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Rio Rancho (her alma mater).  This was the final requirement of a 6-month project for the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program of the New Mexico Arts (a division of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs) obtained by Tessie Greenfield, the kulintang instructor, to pass on the music of an ethnic instrument (from Southern Philippines), kulintang, to only ONE young apprentice.  Thanks to Dr. Dely Alcantara of FACC for introducing the grant.  Miracle is the youngest kulintang musician in New Mexico where there are only five who play it: Cristal Everette, Jenny DeBouzek, London Cabada, Tessie (all members of the Kulintang Ensemble of Albuquerque, 2005 – 2009) and Miracle.  Dustin Haberman who also plays it has moved out of state.  See samples on video: Kini Kini and Maiden Dance.
  • The FAFNM Cultural Dance Group performed twelve shows this year.

Businesses Owned by Filipinos that opened this year

Kristelle - Albuquerque Journal

Kristelle (bottom, center)

Deaths:

  • Marita Tambunting Tengco, passed away after a lingering illness.  She is survived by her husband, Tom Stewart, and daughter, Mirinisa Stewart-Tengco.  We thank Myrna Samson and the senior’s group for hosting the Novena in her honor.

    Marita Tengco

    Marita Tengco

  • Leon Padilla, a close friend of the Filipinos and the Bataan veterans also passed away.  He was the secretary and vice-president (different periods) of the Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of NM, whose father was a Bataan Veteran.
  • Cesar Guevarra, a singer and member of the defunct Maharlika Rondalla, passed away while on vacation in the Philippines.  He will be remembered for his Filipino love songs at the Pista sa Nayon and FANHS RG Book Launching.

If you have any Filipino activity or a milestone (wedding, births) in 2015 that we missed or posting here that needed to be corrected or included, please email puppetnettes@gmail.com or fafnewmexico@gmail.com.

 

  • December 4, 2015
  • -

Filipino American Experience in NM Book/eBook

Tags :

Category : Book/eBook , History

Filipino American Experience in New Mexico

The book was published in October 2014 and the eBook was released in January 2015.

The Filipino American Experience in New Mexico is the first book and eBook about Filipinos in New Mexico by the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande Chapter (FANHS RG). It is also the first eBook produced by any chapter of FANHS (which has 30 chapters all over the United States). This project was done in memory of our departed FANHS RG members and was dedicated to the next generations of Fil-Ams in NM.  Click on: Departed FANHS RG members.

The book, which was conceived in 2006, tells the history of how Filipinos came to the US and, ultimately, to New Mexico. The contributions of Filipino Americans to NM are documented into five categories: agriculture (Balido, Galbiso, and Gorospe families), education (Dr. Dely Alcantara, Nenette Boucher, Helen Manzanillo and Myrna Tsinnajinnie), medicine (Chol Aquino, Dr. Jose Martinez and Dr. Faith Ventura), military (Cris Underwood and Chito Zafra), and religion (Sr. Josephine Gorostiza, Heddy Long and Fr. Gil Mangampo). An added article highlights the Military legacy between New Mexico and Philippines with a particular emphasis on the 200th (a New Mexico National Guard Unit), and 515th Coast Artillery during World War II.  It also features Al David, a 93-year-old Bataan survivor (at the time book was released) and George Curry, governor of three provinces in the Philippines and in New Mexico (before its statehood).

 

Book Project MembersThe book was launched on October 25, 2014 at the Student Union Building University of New Mexico attended by 82 people.  The event was co-sponsored by the UNM Filipino Student Organization through the help of their president, Shaine Sagisi.

Photo shows the Book Project members (from left):  Tessie Greenfield, Dr. Dely Alcantara, Heddy Long (representing her late husband/writer, Dick), Pearl King (FANHS RG president), Evelio Sabay, Bob Tsinnajinnie (representing his late wife/writer, Myrna), Cris Underwood, (behind- Rod Ventura) and Aggie Dagucon.

The eBook version is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Apple iBooks Store. (See links below.)  The people behind the book project, which was completed after 8 years, are:  Book Project Members.

NOTE:  To see full view of photos in the gallery, double click on each photo, then double click again for larger view.  To return to text, click on the (<) arrow at the top right corner of the screen.

 

eBook (electronic): Price:  $4.99

ISBN: 9780692263044

  • The same text as the book (see below) with fewer photos (18 photos).
  • 85 pages including front cover, NO back cover.

The eBook is available from:

  • Amazon
  • Barnes and Noble
  • Apple iBooks Store (You have to login to Apple iBooks and type the title to get the information about the eBook).

Book (printed) version: ALL SOLD OUT as of Feb. 2017.

For any question, please contact Emilie:  crisunderwood@hotmail.com.

Back to HOME.

  • December 1, 2015
  • -

Filipinos in New Mexico

Tags :

Category : History

With New Mexico’s 2 million population, there are 4,647 Filipinos (one race) (Reference: ACS_13_3YR_B02015 NM) or 8,074 Filipino Americans (combination of races) (Reference: ACS_13_3YR_B02018 NM) in New Mexico, according to the US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 3-year (2011-2013) survey estimate.  Also see:  Cities with the highest percentage of Filipinos in NM.

NOTE:  To see full view of photos in the gallery, double click on each photo, then double click again for larger view.  To return to text, click on the (<) arrow at the top right corner of the screen.

 

Filipino American 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Albuquerque, NM:

  • Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico (former Filipino American ASSOCIATION of NM) or FAFNM is an independent organization founded in 1973.  It is the MAIN organization where majority of the Fil-Ams participate.
  • Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG) is one of the 30 chapters of FANHS all over the US.  (It is a different organization from FAFNM although all of the FANHS RG members are also with FAFNM.) All the chapters meet biennially in the FANHS National Conference.  The 2016 FANHS Conference will be held from June 22 to 25 in New York.  FANHS focuses on the history of Filipino Americans.  FANHS RG, the 20th chapter, was founded in 1998 by Dr. Dely Alcantara and David Galbiso.
  • Filipino American Community Council (FACC) is an umbrella organization and the main purpose is grant-seeking for the benefit of the Filipino-American community and other Filipino organizations that serve the Filipino-American community.  Although the council was formed in 2012, some of the members, specifically Dr. Dely Alcantara, had obtained several grants for the Filipino community in New Mexico several years before.
  • Others:
    • For UNM Students, check out:  Filipino Student Organization at UNM.
    • For Christian groups, check out your churches for Couples for Christ and Youth for Christ.  Many members are Filipinos.
    • See “Where to Find Filipinos in NM” below.

Affiliations

The Filipino community is represented in many organizations and/or has participated in activities in the state.  Many Filipinos have served/are serving as presidents or organizers.

Hosting National/Regional Filipino American Events in Albuquerque:

All these major events were chaired by Emilie Underwood.

  • 2003:   FANHS National Trustees’ Meeting, UNM Zimmerman Library.  Host:  FANHS Rio Grande.
  • 2005:  Filipino and Asian American Conference and National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Regional Meeting, Marriott Convention Center.  Host: Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.
  • 2012:  FANHS National Conference (attended by members from 30 chapters all over the US), Marriott Hotel. Host:  FANHS Rio Grande.

Outstanding Filipinas in New Mexico

Celia Ruiz Tomlinson

Celia Ruiz Tomlinson

Dr. Dely Alcantara

Dr. Dely Alcantara

Did you know that:

  • The first registered female professional engineer in New Mexico is a Filipina?  She was also the first minority to found and own an engineering company, Rhombus which existed for 25 years until 2008.  Read about her memoir,  Celia Ruiz Tomlinson.  Learn more:  Celia in Filipinas Mag
  • Dr. Dely Alcantara founded the New Mexico Asian Family Center which has helped a lot of Asians
  • Two Filipinas received the Governor’s Award for New Mexico Outstanding Women sponsored by the Women’s Commission:

Filipino students who graduated with honors (& doctorate):

  • 2017:  Ronadel Joy Ronquillo graduated with a Doctorate of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota.
  • 2017:  Princeton Early King graduated again with high honors (4.07 GPA), Masters in Business Administration, Finance, at UNM Anderson School of Management.  It took him a little over a year to complete his masters.  See below.
  • 2016:  Princeton Earl King graduated summa cum laude from UNM with Business Administration in Financial Management.  He is the son of Pearl King who also graduated summa cum laude (see below).
  • 2016:  Ace Leonen graduated cum laude from UNM with a degree in Biology.  He is the treasurer of the FAFNM Young Professional and Youth Committee (dissolved in 2017).  He is the son of Dale Leonen, brother to Lyle and Ashley and grandson of Vicky Adaoag.
  • 2015:  Carlo James Aragon graduated magna cum laude at UNM, Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Political Science and Foreign Languages.  He is the son of Cindy & Celedon Aragon.
  • 2015:  Pearl King, FANHS RG President, at 65 years old, graduated summa cum laude, Nursing degree, NM Highland University.
  • 2014:  Ardee Napolitano graduated summa cum laude, from UNM with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Communication Arts) and French.  He is the son of Domingo and Ruella Napolitano.

(NOTE:  We just started this list in 2015.  If you know any Filipino college student in NM who graduated with honors in the past or whom we missed here, please email fafnmewmexico@gmail.com.  Thanks.)

 

Where can you find Filipinos in New Mexico?

  • Albuquerque:  May is the Asian/Pacific Heritage Month.  The Filipinos celebrate the annual Santacruzan (FAFNM) at the Old Town Plaza (usually on the third Saturday of May, 5:30 pm) and the Filipinos perform at the Asian Festival of Cultures.  You will also find Filipinos in Catholic Churches like the Prince of Peace where you find choirs and Couples for Christ.  In December, FAFNM members and friends attend the Sambang Gabi (Evening Mass Celebration), raise funds through caroling and celebrate their annual Christmas Party.  Go to EVENTS.
  • Espanola: Many of the school teachers at the Public Schools are Filipinos.  Photo shows three sets of Filipino twins from Espanola:  Sagisi (Sharmaine & Shaine), Germino (Guillmer and Guillian) and the youngest set: Kinglet (Rio & Crio).  (The photo was retrieved, with permission, from Shaine Sagisi’s FB.)
    Three sets of twins from Espanola

    Three sets of twins from Espanola

    Many of the Filipino teens/young adults from Espanola are founders of the Filipino Student Organization at UNM.  They usually participate at the annual FAFNM Santacruzan.

  • Las Cruces.  The Filipino American Association of Las Cruces celebrates Valentine’s Day, Independence Day and Christmas days.  President:  Tommy Tomenbang.
Members of the Fil-Am Assn. of Las Cruces, Valentines 2016

Members of the Fil-Am Assn. of Las Cruces, Valentines 2016

Tommy Tomenbang, pres. of Fil-Am Assn of Las Cruces with Tessie

Tommy Tomenbang, pres. of Fil-Am Assn of Las Cruces with Tessie from Albuquerque, Feb 2016.

Support our Filipino American businesses:

Highlights on the Philippines-New Mexico Connection

  • Philippine Mexico stampThe first Filipinos came to New Mexico in the 18th Century.  They came as sailors with the Manila-Galleon Acapulco Galleon Trade.  According to the 1790 Spanish Census, some of their descendants became teachers who settled near Isleta Pueblo.  In 1910 Census, there were 10 native born Filipinos.  In 1930, the number increased to 27. Now, we have more than 8,000 Filipino Americans.
  • Our Philippines and New Mexico histories (both under Spanish colonization) have a lot of similarities, as highlighted in the FANHS RG 2005 brochure: Philippine NM Connection.
  • On December 8, 1941, the 200th New Mexico Coast Artillery engaged Japanese bombers at Clark Field and Fort Stotsenberg, Philippines.  The 200th, composed of 1,800 men, became the first unit to go into action in defense of the United States flag in the Philippines.  Visit:  Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of NM.
  • George Curry was the governor of three provinces in the Philippines (Camarines, Isabela and Samar) during the American occupation.  He also became the governor of New Mexico before its statehood.
  • Read more about the history of the Filipinos in NM in our book/eBook:  The Filipino American Experience in New Mexico (2014).

If you want to add anything here, please contact fafnewmexico@gmail.com.  Thanks.

Back to HOME.

Topics

Posts
Topics
Philippines
New Mexico

FAFNM, FANHS RG & FACC are all 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations.|Albuquerque, New Mexico