Category Archives: History

  • November 5, 2019
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Dr. Adelamar (Dely) Novino Alcantara

Category : History , Uncategorized

(January 19, 1948 – November 3, 2019)

We love you, Dely. You’ve touched our lives. Your legacy will live on.

Mass and Memorial Service

Dec. 13, 2019, Friday

St. Augustine Catholic Church

71 Tribal Road 35, Isleta Village Proper, 87022

Take I-25 South, Exit 213 for Isleta Blvd (NM-314), turn left on NM-147E (Turn slight right to Tribal Road 40, slight left to stay on Tribal Road 40, slight left onto Tribal Road 42.). The church is located at the plaza. Please check your GPS just the same.

10:00 am – Mass

11:00 am – Memorial Service

12:00 noon – Reception

Contact Myrna (505-319-8821) if you have questions about the reception.

Any Memory of Dely?

Check “WRITE AN ENTRY” located at the bottom of this page and feel free to write your memory about Dely. THANK YOU.

In lieu of flowers,

Please make a donation to Adelamar (Dely) Alcantara Memorial Fund, established by the Albuquerque Community Foundation. This fund will be disbursed to various organizations close to Dely. Here is a link: http://bit.ly/DelyMemorialFund

Latest Press Releases and Video Clips:

Albuquerque Journal: Article about Dely, Dec. 8, 2019.

Video Clips of FAFNM Christmas Party honoring Dely:

Dr. Christopher Gonzaga, medical doctor and composer, dedicates song, Di Na Magtatagal (It Won’t be Long) to Dely’s legacy.

Past Presidents of FAFNM Recognized as a continuation of her legacy

A great leader and friend

Written on Nov. 4, the day after Dely passed away, by Kristelle Siarza, siarza.net (Photos from this website, MAJICAL, Norma and friends.)

The world mourns the loss of an amazing woman, Dr. Adélamar (Dely) N. Alcántara. Dely was a smart and dedicated woman who brought vision and passion to all that she did.

At age 71, she passed away on Nov. 3, 2019 while en route home from the Philippines. She was survived by Dr. Theodore (Ted) Jojola, PhD, a Distinguished Professor and Regents’ Professor in the Community & Regional Planning Program, School of Architecture + Planning. She was preceded in death by her son, Manoa Alcántara Jojola.

She was survived by sisters Aurora Alcantara, Digna Pena, and brothers Elilberto Alcantara, and Noel Pedro Alcantara. (She was preceded in death by her brother, Alejandro Alcantara, Jr.)

Dely joined UNM in 1985, served as the New Mexico state demographer for decades, and served as the director of Geospatial and Population Studies since its founding in 2011. She worked well with people of diverse economic, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. She had at least 20 years of community organizing and non-profit management experience, and served as a community advocate for diversity, human rights and social justice.

Dely was the founder of the New Mexico Asian Family Center. She was a leader in the Filipino community, having been president of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico, Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico, and the Filipino American Community Council, and also co-founding the Filipino American National Historical Society – Rio Grande. She received the 2018 Si Se Puede Award from Dolores Huerta at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Cesar Chavez Day in Albuquerque.

In honor of her late son, Dely made significant contributions to the Albuquerque Academy and Tricklock Theater in honor of Manoa. She co-founded the Manoa Alcántara Jojola International Center for Arts & Language MAJICAL Learning Montessori School in the province of Tarlac, Philippines, where she was just visiting to help kick off the school year.

She was a stellar role model and mentor to everyone, with a sharp mind and humorous wit, wisdom, and courage. 

From Dr. Ted Jojola

(Written on Nov. 9, 2019, six days after Dely passed away. )

Dear friends and colleagues:  Thank you all for reaching out.  Sorry I have been so remiss in returning calls and messages, but all of this was so sudden and overwhelming .  They have picked up Dely’s body from the airport now and took it to the funeral home in Chiba (Japan).  

She will be cremated 2 pm on the 10th, Japan time.  So that will be 10pm on 9th for The US.

Our Japanese friend who helped us there said her face is peaceful. Dely was returning home from the Philippines when she had a heart attack in Narita.  She passed away within the hour after she collapsed so, thankfully, she did not suffer.  One of our Hawaiian spiritual friends said, “I tried to ‘feel’ Dely’s spirit after I got your message, but instead I got this powerful vision of your son Manoa reaching out to Dely with a huge smile while she was suffering her heart attack–she left with him instantly!”.  I leave next Tuesday with Dely’s sister Digna to get Dely’s ashes and effects at Tokyo.  Then onto her family in the Philippines on Friday.  I will return with her sister and her husband on the 23rd and bring back some of ashes here as she had wanted.  

I wish you all continued good health.  I have learned the hard way how important this is for all of us.

Thanks to:

Albuquerque Academy for opening the Medicine Wheel area (photo) from Nov. 4 to 7 for allowing the community to grieve and for hosting the gathering on Nov. 8.

Kyoko Sonoda, a family friend who worked at the NM Asian Family Center, for taking care of Dely in Japan where Kyoko now resides.

NM Asian Family Center for co-sponsoring the event on Nov. 8 at the Medicine Wheel at the Albuquerque Academy.

Myrna Samson and Fr. Joel Bugas of the Filipino American Ministry for hosting the 9-day Novenas (Nov. 7-15) at Myrna’s Place.

Kristelle Siarza for writing about Dely (first article above) and for coordinating the communications.

Sheila Jojola and Myrna Samson for coordinating the Memorial service and reception and all those who brought food.

Isleta Pueblo and St. Augustine Catholic Church for the Mass and Memorial service.

Filipino American Foundation of NM (with Dr. Christopher Gonzaga of Gallup) for honoring Dely at the annual Christmas Party (Dec. 7, 2019) by recognizing her legacy.

Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande and the Filipino American Community Council (two organizations Dely founded) for putting together this page (and all the video links).

Thank you to all who came to the events.

  • Dr. Dely Alcantara, 2006
  • Dely with Dr. Ted Jojola at 2018 Santacruzan
Pamana organizers (2017) with Dely. She founded the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (1998) and introduced the Pamana and Manoa Youth Awards (2000).
  • Oct 12, 2019 – with staff of her MAJICAL School in Tarlac.
  • Dely with Ted, strolling in Tarlac, Philippines a month before she passed away.
  • Pearl King, Dr. Ted Jojola & Dr. Dely Alcantara with Manoa Youth runners up, Gabriela & Angelica Velez and awardee, Bianca White (2015)

  • With FAFNM Members at Halle Manoa
  • With State Auditor Brian Colon
  • With Kulintang group from CA and friends

More about Dely:

Dely founded or/and pioneered the following:

  1. Founded the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande the 20th Chapter of FANHS, 1998 in which she introduced the
    • Pamana Awards (for adults), 2000.
    • Manoa Youth Awards, 2000 (co-sponsored by Manoa Foundation) named after their late son, Manoa Alcantara Jojola.
  2. Founded the NM Asian Family Center, 2006.
  3. Pioneered the Filipino American Foundation of NM, 2004 (former Filipino American Association of NM).
  4. Founded the Filipino American Community Council, 2012.
  5. Founded with Dr. Ted Jojola the Manoa Foundation.
    • Manoa Endowment for Cultural Diversity at the Albuquerque Academy, Manoa’s alma mater, New Mexico, USA.
    • A Medicine Wheel was built in Albuquerque Academy in honor of Manoa. See video clip: Medicine Wheel in honor of Manoa.
    • Manoa Teen Apprentice and Ensemble Performance (summer program) with Tricklock Theater Co., New Mexico, USA.
    • Halle Manoa, a building which was used by NM Asian Family Center and Filipino American meetings.
  6. Founded with Dr. Ted Jojola MAJIC Learning Montessori School in Moncada, Tarlac, Philippines, Dely’s birthplace. MAJIC stands for Manoa Alcantara Jojola International Center. Click on: MAJICAL

Awards (See some articles or video clips)

Dely received a lot of accolades we could not keep track of. Among them were:

-Frank Miranda Most Prestigious Human Rights Award, 2001

-Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women by Commission on the Status of Women, 2004.

-Lifetime Achievement Award, FANHS RG, 2007. Read about Dely in the Boomer Magazine (Albuquerque Journal), 2007Download

-Dolores Huerta Award, 2018 (During Cesar Chavez Day). View Dely on YouTube accepting the Dolores Huerta Award.

President of Organizations

Among the many organizations she led were:

-Asian American Association of New Mexico

-Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of NM

-Filipino American Community Council

-Filipino American Foundation of NM

-Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (She also served as Trustee for the National FANHS.)

-Heritage Council

READ article from the book published by FANHS RG, 2014:

Dely in Fil Am Experience BookDownload

Read: Dely (first article after she passed away): UNM ARTICLE ABOUT DELY.

Compiled by Tessie Greenfield (FANHS RG with help from FACC) for this website.

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7 entries.
Mila Anguluan from Espanola wrote on December 8, 2019 at 12:52 pm:
Adelamar is an unusual name for a woman, but being simply Dely as she presented herself in her honest and caring ways, is how Dely will always be remembered. And who is to forget her unusually enormous gifts of community building, leadership, and friendship? Who is to forget the extent of time and effort she gave visiting Espanola with Ted, despite the limitations of her physical condition, simply to express her caring for friends and community? Who is to forget her generous donation, through the FANHS-Rio Grande, to the Center for Babaylan Studies to foster its work on indigenization and decolonization? Who is to forget her seeming tirelessness, her dedication to the Filipino-American cause, and to all communities, in general? Nothing could stop her, she was simply the passionate epitome of “Yes, I can!, Yes, we can!” that I have been fortunate to witness, together with my partner, Rusty who admired her greatly. Dely (with Ted’s constant support) helped facilitate the intergenerational exchange at the University of New Mexico a few years back. It was a cultural exchange that brought together a number of elders and youth from the Filipino American, Native American, and Hispanic communities of Espanola, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, Isleta. and Albuquerque. She helped illuminate the vision of communities learning from and teaching one another, in the tradition of the indigenous core value of “kapwa” in Filipino; which is the ancient wisdom of expressing love through interconnection and interdependence; that all beings, whether human or non-human, are heir to. To you Dely, our “kapwatid”, our sister, you shall live forever within our hearts. Mabuhay ka!
Dorothy L. Cordova from Seattle wrote on December 4, 2019 at 3:43 pm:
Dely was an outstanding scholar, community activist and the founder of FANHS Rio Grande Chapter. She and her husband, Ted, graciously hosted both Fred and I when we first visited Albuquerque in 1997. This has been a sad year or so for FANHS which has lost luminaries - Gil Pilapil, Albert Acena and Dawn Mabalon and now Dely. Please extend Ted condolences and prayers from FANHS National.
Norma wrote on December 3, 2019 at 1:03 am:
Dely was an inspiration to those who knew her. She had a vision, mission, and goals in life. Her passion reflected in the different endeavors she took on. Over the years, both Dely and her husband (Ted) worked on several projects in memory of their beloved son (Manoa). Dely also helped with the different organizational entities adhering and reminding people of its rules and regulations. She was an educator, mentor, supporter, advocate, leader, and a friend. In late 2018, she helped me obtain the Lea Salonga tickets for the 04/09/2019 show at UNM's Popejoy Hall. I will certainly miss you, Dely. Rest In Peace.
Edwina Bergano from Virginia Beach, VA wrote on November 30, 2019 at 7:05 am:
Thank you Dely for your vision and passion to make a better world for us. I'll never forget our visits in New Mexico during our FANHS gatherings. Thank you for sharing these special moments with many of us. You have been my role model to never give up your passion. Rest in peace Dely.
Sima from Los Angeles, CA wrote on November 29, 2019 at 5:37 pm:
Dely Alcantara believed in me so much. Her support, friendship, and scholarship got me to where I am today. My life would have been sooo different without her. I’m so so so grateful to all that she did for me. I’m also so glad she was such a Wonderful friend to my mom. Rest In Peace.
Emilie N. Underwood from Albuquerque wrote on November 17, 2019 at 7:10 pm:
Dely was "our big ideas" source and she had plenty of ideas! She was also very good at finding others who were able to grasp enough of the idea to be able to supply the "nuts and bolts" parts. This made it possible for her to nurture growth in others while working on more than one project at a time. We will never be so blessed as to see the "likes" of her again!
Tessie Greenfield wrote on November 15, 2019 at 8:13 pm:
Dely was unstoppable. She was thinking of running for office when she retired. I told her she was crazy and that if I could not stop her, her gout would. As a leader, she always listened even if I did not agree with her. She valued my opinion and we would come to a solution. Game over and we'd have lunch! Lastly, she was a champion in writing grants, one of which was kulintang workshop. I owed my kulintang skills to her and Ted. She also got me the grant on puppetry for 6 years with the Asian youth through the Asian American Association and later the Asian Family Center. She recognized the value of creative arts. Who will be writing grants now?

Related Events: Visit: Events.

  • July 21, 2019
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2019 Pamana Awards

Tags :

Category : Awards , History , Uncategorized

9th Pamana Heritage Award and Filipino American History Month Celebration

Every other year, the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG) in cooperation with the Filipino American Community Council (FACC) recognizes Filipino Americans in NM who have contributed to our Filipino and/or New Mexico communities beyond the call of duties. We are holding this event during the Filipino American History Month (October) to remember the first Filipinos who landed in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, California on October 18, 1587.  Click on text below for a glimpse of Fil-Am History and the List of Pamana Awardees since 2000.

Standing: Dr. Ted Jojola (Manoa Foundation), Pearl King, FANHS RG President and David Bency, Rio Rancho Councilor District 6. Seated: Manoa Youth Awardee Lester Racca, Pamana 2019 Awardees – Dr. Christopher Gonzaga, Mairi Mahal Nunag, MA NCBT, Atty. Rod Ventura. Watch video clips from YouTube.
Pamana 2019 Awarees with Graduates and their relatives. Watch video clip on Graduates and photos taken by our volunteer photographers..
Filipino American History MonthDownload

List of Pamana AwardeesDownload

9th Pamana Heritage Awards

The Pamana Heritage Awards in conjunction with the Filipino American History Month was held on October 5, 2019 at the South Broadway Cultural Center. Dr. Barbara Gaerlan, FANHS Trustee, gave the welcome address about he Filipino American History Month. See video clip of Dr. Gaerlan.

The Pamana Awardees (adults) received a plaque from FANHS RG. The Manoa Youth Awardee (18 years or younger) receives a plaque from FANHS RG and a scholarship fund ($500) from the Manoa Foundation.  

To emphasize the value of education, we recognized Filipino American graduates from high school, college and masters.  We gave a t-shirt:  “Proud Filipino American graduate” as a souvenir of this event. This is an opportunity for the students to meet others. (NOTE: If you know any graduate, please email Pearl at perlagking@cableone.net or Tessie puppetnettes@gmail.com so that we can start our list before the next Pamana in 2021. Thank you.)

Pamana Awardees (2019)

  • Dr. Christopher Gonzaga (Gallup)
  • Mairi Mahal Nunag, MA NBCT (Albuquerque)
  • Atty. Rod Ventura (Rio Rancho)

Community Service and Advocacy

Dr. Christopher Estabillo Gonzaga is currently the primary care physician and specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Healthcare Services (RMCHCS)-College Clinic in Gallup. For over two decades, Dr. Gonzaga has volunteered his services in the areas of healthcare, the socio-economic and cultural milieu.  He has served as board member to the Cibola Medical Foundation, assisted in fundraising for local schools, and provided flu shots at local homeless shelters for many years.  For eight years now, he has organized the program “Feeding the Homeless” where his wife, Dr. Flor Caballar-Gonzaga, a neurologist, children (Gabe and Astrid) and other volunteers raise funds for the homeless.  They had fundraising events that benefit the Wellness Center, a clinic responsible for the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, and the promotion of general well-being among the population through health education.  For his lifetime of volunteerism and service to the community of Gallup, Dr. Gonzaga received an award from American College of Physicians NM Chapter in 2015.  Other notable accolades included being an honoree in 2016 at the 20thRMCHCS Charity Invitational Fundraising event for the many years of dedicated service to RMCHCS and the people of Gallup and McKinley County.  In the same year, he was also a recipient of the Hope and Healing Honors for his selfless contribution to those whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Dr. Gonzaga’s speechhttps://youtu.be/qzkd0-u3KX0. Introduction by Pearl. Dr. Gonzaga singing his two compositions of Filipino songs.

Mairi Mahal Nunag, MA, NBCT (National Board Certified Teacher), teaches Special Education at the Hodgin Elementary School (Albuquerque) where she also serves as Head Teacher. Her accolades included the 2010 Humanitarian Award by the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers (EBRFT) and in 2012, Teacher of the Year. In 2016, she was the Gawad Amerika Awardee for being “The Most Outstanding Filipino Teacher of the Year”. An activist since her college years, Mairi continued to be a human rights, labor and immigration advocate. She initiated the Filipino Educators Federation of Lousiana (where she taught at Baton Rouge). She is the lead plaintiff in the first ever class-certified case against professionals in the US (Mairi Nunag-Tanedo vs. EBRPSS School Board, et al) which won in favor of more than 340 Filipino teachers. Now in New Mexico, she is helping the new Filipino teachers by connecting them to possible individuals and offices in the US and Philippine governments as well as non government organizations that can help them. See video clip of Mairi and introduction by Evelio.

Roderick Ventura, is an attorney who has practiced environmental law, education law, Indian law and various other disciplines. He is currently the Deputy Director of the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits for 50,000 retired educators in New Mexico. He worked for DNA People’s Legal Services on the Navajo Nation where he handled a case representing two residents of the Crownpoint area of New Mexico who were opposing uranium mining in the checkerboard area of the reservation. He worked for the New Mexico Environmental Law Center where he fought for underrepresented New Mexico communities who were fighting large corporations that were damaging the environment and disregarding local community concerns.  He has served as President of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico, the Asian American Association of New Mexico and as an officer in the Filipino American Community Council.  He was a founding board member of the New Mexico Asian Family Center.  See video of Rod with introduction by Richard.

Manoa Youth Awardee

Lester Racca (Albuquerque)

Lester (Buknoy) Racca will receive the Manoa Youth Award, an award given in the spirit of the late Manoa Alcantara Jojola, son of Dr. Dely Alcantara and Dr. Ted Jojola, both UNM professors, of the Manoa Foundation.  Lester graduated with a cumulative GPA of 4.317 from Eldorado High in May 2019. He has been a performer with the Filipino Performing Arts Group since 2016 which helped raise funds for the scholarship funds of the Filipino American Foundation of NM.  In high school, he briefly joined the Best Buddies program which promotes one to one friendship with Special Ed students. See Lester’s speech and introduction by Miracle.

Filipino American Graduates (Masters, College, HS) Dec. 2017 to August 2019. Watch video clip on Graduates

Masters:

  1. Sheila Aguinaldo – Master of Science in Nursing, Grand Canyon University, Arizona, May 2019.
  2. Izekiel (Zeke) Racca – Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Cum Laude), University of New Mexico (UNM), May 2019.

College:

  1. Renz Bustria – Bachelor of Business Management in Accounting, UNM, December 2018.
  2. Ashley Cabiltes – Bachelor of Science in Music Production (Advance Achievement Awardee), Full Sail University, Florida, May 2018.
  3. Tricia Desquitado-Marx – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, UNM, May 2018.
  4. Jared Fernandez – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Magna Cum Laude) and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Magna Cum Laude), Northwestern University, Illinois, May 2019.
  5. Megan Fernandez – Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, University of California, Berkeley, May 2019. 
  6. Michael Isidro – Bachelor of Science in Nursing, UNM, August 2019.
  7. Lyle Leonen – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Cum Laude), UNM, December 2017. 
  8. Lorenzo Pascual – Bachelor of Science in Biology, UNM, May 2018.
  9. Larriane Jiezel Tan – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, UNM, December 2018.
  10. Rryod Saromines – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Magna Cum Laude), UNM, May 2019.

High School:

  1. Justin Cabiltes – Rio Rancho HS, (3rd Honor), May 2018.
  2. Nicholas Centenerra – Central Bucks HS, Pennsylvania, May 2019.
  3. Anna Cheshire – Eldorado HS, May 2018.
  4.  Angelo Egrubay – Volcano Vista HS, May 2018.
  5. Ashley Hildebrand – Rio Rancho HS, May 2019.
  6. Mary Josephine Hollins – La Cueva HS, May 2018.
  7. Ashley Yssabelle A. Leonen – Eldorado HS, May 2018.
  8. Arianna Lumanog – Sandia HS, May 2019.
  9. Matthew Lloyd Macias – Rio Rancho HS, May 2019.
  10. Miracle Angele McCastle – V. Sue Cleveland HS, May 2019.
  11. Jacob Olaguir – Albuquerque HS, May 2019.
  12. Dominic Joshua Pimentel – La Cueva HS, May 2019.
  13. Lester (Buknoy) Racca – Eldorado HS, May 2019.
  14. Remson Ramos – V. Sue Cleveland HS, May 2019.
  15. Rhudovic Ramos – V. Sue Cleveland HS, May 2018.
  16. Adin Rollins – Cibola HS, May 2018.
  17. India Stokes – Cibola HS, May 2018.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

If you know any Filipino American graduates (from Dec. 2019 onwards) in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and surrounding areas including Santa Fe, please email Pearl perlagking@cableone.net so that they can be included for the next Pamana in 2021!

  • February 11, 2018
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FANHS National Conference 2018

Category : History , Uncategorized

Rio Grande Chapter representatives and founder (from left): Tessie Greenfield, Barbara Gaerlan, FANHS co-founder Dr. Dorothy Cordova and FANHS Rio Grande President Pearl King.

The 17th Biennial National Conference of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) was held from July 11 to 14, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois.  It was hosted by the Midwest Chapter with the cooperation of Greater Chicago and Wisconsin Chapters.  The next conference in 2020 will be in Hawaii.

NOTE:  Click or double-click on each photo for larger image.

The event started with a tour at the Field Museum on July 11, Wed.  Field Museum has over 20,000 artifacts from the Philippines.  The museum has been working closely with the Filipino community in collecting some artifacts.  The main attraction is the Golden Tara which is called “Agusan Gold Image”, a 13th century solid gold statue of the Hindu-Malayan goddess from the Philippines weighing 4 pounds.

Tour Group at the Chicago lake front.

The bus took us to the Jose Rizal park then stopped for a group photo. The hosts treated us to lunch at the Field Museum picnic area and later to the Seafood City Chicago with a fantastic Filipino band, SamaSama Project.  The food made by the volunteers was great. Video clips of the tour and reception can be viewed from our photographer and videographer, Jason DelaRosa’s YouTube channel.  Click: FANHS Tour.  Thanks, Jason. A glimpse of the band can be viewed from the Chicago FB website: Click on: Filipino American National Historical Society – FANHS Chicago.

There were around 180 presenters at the Conference (July 12-14) which started with a plenary session, then workshops/lectures, reports from 35 chapters and capped with a Gala on Saturday. For list of workshop/lectures, click on: Present sched FANHS 2018(4). Tessie taught a samba dance to the music, A Samba Song, as a tribute to Bong Penera, a Filipino Jazz musician based in Chicago.  Pearl and Tessie read the poem about Larry Itliong, the Filipino union leader. The authors displayed their books for sale during the entire duration of the conference.  There was also a bazaar of Filipino books and items. The guest speaker at the Gala was Philippine Consul General Israel Romulo Jr.  The induction of new national FANHS officers was the highlight of the gala.  Barbara Gaerlan, one of Rio Grande members, is with the Executive Committee of FANHS National.

Presenter Potri Ranka Manis (left) with daughter and husband of Kinding Sindaw, Philippine Melayu Heritage Dance Theater

Another Filipino band also played at the gala.  Che Guevarra, daughter of Chari and Cesar Guevarra, who all used to live in Rio Rancho and friend, Jennifer, joined us at the Gala.

After the workshops, we managed to go to the Taste of Chicago Festival in downtown Chicago where you could taste all ethnic and American food.  We also went to a Filipino restaurant, Kusina de Manila.  We had a great time!

Thanks to Jason DelaRosa (photos/videos) and Pearl King (photos).

See you in Hawaii in 2020!!!

 

 

 

 

  • January 30, 2018
  • -

2018 in Review

Category : History , Uncategorized

This page chronicles events that have occurred in 2018.  For upcoming events, click on Events (see top).  For previous years (2015-2017), search by typing the year then “in Review”.

January

Seniors Jan 28 2018

Happy Birthday to our Seniors who jointly celebrated their Jan and February birthdays on Jan. 28 hosted by Myrna Samson.  Photo shows, from left: Vicky Adaoag, Myrna, Celia Wheeles, Bonnie Rogers, Pete Noriega, Armeli Quezon, FAFNM President Gloria Kauz, and Annie Bondoc.

April 7:  Dr. Dely Alcantara received the Si Se Puede Award from Dolores Huerta at the Cesar Chavez Day on April 7 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center for her life long advocacy for social justice, veterans and children’s issues.  Photo shows Dr. Alcantara with Dolores Huerta (holding the award for her).  To view, click:  Dely’s Speech.  The Filipino Performing Arts Group (FPAG) performed including a poetry reading by Ashley Yssabelle Leonen – “A Dollar Forty an Hour” (minimum wage in the 1960’s which the Filipino farm workers fought for), a tribute to Larry Itliong, at the event.  (The same poem was read by Krystal Limalima and Jasmine Quiambao at the Santacruzan).

April 14, Sat.  Picnic Honoring the Bataan Veterans, Bataan Park (photos below).  The Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico sponsored the first Picnic Brunch in honor of the Bataan Veterans.  It was attended by more than 100 people – families of Bataan Veterans, those who served or still serving in the military, and the Filipino community.  The event was organized by Lt Col. Gloria Kauz, president of FAFNM and Maj. Richard Luena (USAF, ret.), liaison to the Bataan Veterans affairs.  Thanks to all those who brought food (like letchon) and volunteers.

April 21, Sat., noon, Private Residence in Santa Fe.  The Filipinos there had a luncheon party hosted by Celia.  A community outreach project of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.  See photos on:  Filipinos in Santa Fe.

May 6, Sun.  Asian Festival of Cultures, Veterans Memorial Park.  The Ethan Sabay Philippine Folkloric Group performed along with other Asian performing groups.  The Federal Asian Pacific American Council members were also there.

May 19, Sat.  Santacruzan, Old Town Plaza, an annual project of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.  Guest speaker:  Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.  Reyna Elena – Catie. To view slide show, click:  Santacruzan 2018.  To view, procession and anthem on YouTube, click on: Pinoy NM and click on Playlist then Santacruzan 2018.

June 15, Fri. 80th Anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Clayton, NM.  FAFNM Board of Directors and members celebrated the event with Fr. Bugas.  Dinner and Dance was held at the Clayton Civic Center.  Sixteen members stayed overnight for the event.  This is a community outreach of the Filipino American Foundation of NM.

Fr. Bugas, who is based in Clayton, has been coming to Albuquerque during the Simbang Gabi in December, driving 4 hours one way three Thursdays.  He’s been doing this for more than five years.  See photos.

Al David

Aug. 23.  Our beloved Atilano David (1921-2018), 97, passed away on August 23.  He was a member of the Filipino American Foundation of NM.

Sept. 22.  Pista sa Nayon at Inn at Rio Rancho, a fund-raising project of the Filipino American Foundation of NM.  Gloria Dalahay was crowned Binibining Pilipinas New Mexico.  See:  PISTA 2018.

October 6, private residence.  Welcome to the 18 Filipino teachers who just arrived in New Mexico.  An article about the Filipino teachers was published on Oct. 15, 2018 on Albuquerque Journal.  Click:  Teachers.

Oct. (don’t have info on the actual date).  Dr. Amor Sacramento Martinez, Dr. Jose Martinez’s mother passed away.

Oct. 13, Hotel Albuquerque.  Our very own, Pearl King and Shiela Aguinaldo, Filipina nurses were two of the three nurses nominated for the prestigious NM Nursing Excellence Awards.  Pearl is the FANHS RG president and FAFNM treasurer and chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.

Oct. 20, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center.  Oral History on Nurses.  The Philippine Nurses Association of New Mexico and the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande celebrated the Filipino American History Month by having an Oral History Lecture about Nurses.  The speakers were:  Florence Sabay, MaryAnn Rodriguez, Yasmine Castro and Leo Santos.  The nurses (from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe) shared their experiences and challenges in their profession with 40 attendees.  Ernie and his brother, Domingo, Quilban serenaded the group with Filipino and American songs.  A solo guitar performance by Ernie was dedicated to the late Dr. Amor Martinez (mother of Dr. Jose Martinez) who passed away two weeks before.

Nov. 16, NM Humanities Council.  The Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble (PKE) of Southern California  kulintang pieces from the Maranao, Maguindanao and Sama-Tausug regions.  The members were attending the Conference for Ethnomusicology at Hotel Albuquerque.  It was attended by 60 people.  We thank the NM Humanities Council and the Filipino American Community Council for sponsoring this event.     (Click photos for larger images.)  More photos on FACC page which has the links for the video clips.

Frank and Pilar Leto

Nov. 16.  Kimo Theater.   Pilar (a Filipina) and Frank Leto, dancer & musician as well as wife and husband team, received the Creative Bravos Awards for bringing multicultural music and dances to the community.  They have an annual show called Carnavale that features Caribbean and Latin music and dances at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in February.  Congratulations.

Nov. 23, WEEKLY TAGALOG LESSONS FOR FREE.  Puppetnettes posted the first of the weekly Tagalog lessons on Youtube, designed for children and taught by puppets.  This is a public service of Kidstale (producer of Puppetnettes) for children who have no access to Tagalog lessons at NO COST and can be viewed anytime at their own pace.  New lessons (5 to 9 min. long) are posted weekly on Fridays (5 pm) on www.youtube.com/user/puppetnettes.  The channel also features Philippine folktales and music performed by puppets.

Dec. 8 and 9.  Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles came to Albuquerque at the invitation of Gloria Kauz, president of the Filipino American Foundation of NM to conduct consular outreach (passport renewal, dual citizenship, and other consular issues).  It was held at the Inn at Rio Rancho.

Dec. 8.  Annual FAFNM Christmas Party, Inn at Rio Rancho.

Dec. 6, 12, 20.  Annual Simbang Gabi, Sangre de Cristo Church, Albuquerque.

  • September 19, 2017
  • -

2017 in Review

Category : History

February

The Cultural Dance Group of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico was dissolved to give different groups more autonomy.  The following groups were formed:  Ethan Sabay Folkloric Dance Group and the Filipino Performing Arts Group.

April

  • UNM Gallup had the first Filipino Week and invited speakers from the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande Chapter.
  • The Bataan Veterans and the Filipino community commemorated 75th Anniversary of the Surrender of Bataan.  Co-sponsored by the Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico, FAFNM and FANHS RG.

May

  • The Filipino American Community Council completed a grant from the City Council during the performance recital at the Santacruzan 2017, Old Town Plaza.
  • Santacruzan, an annual project of the Filipino American Foundation of NM in cooperation with the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services and FACC.

June

3. Independence Day Picnic and FAFNM Membership Drive.

October

21. Wyndham Hotel. 8th Pamana Awards and Filipino American History Month sponsored by FANHS RG in cooperation with FACC. To view photos on youtube, click:  Pamana Slide Show.  Click on Pamana 2017

December

  • 10, Sunday – Christmas Party, Induction of 2018 FAFNM Board of Directors, National Hispanic Cultural Center (Grand Hall).  Project of FAFNM.
  • Simbang Gabi at the Sangre de Cristo Church:  Dec. 6, 14, and 21.  Project of FAFNM.

Graduations

FANHS RG has started recognizing the graduates from 2016 to 2017 at the Pamana Awards ceremony.  We will soon create a Graduation Page for our youth in the future.  Click on:  The Graduates (see bottom of the page on Pamana).

  • December 2017:  Lyle Leonen, UNM, Physical Therapy.

Deaths (of Members, Relatives, and/or Friends of the Filipino community)

Anastasia with daughter, Gloria Kauz.

Anastasia Patino-Guerra (June 14, 1929 – August 23, 2017).  We said goodbye to Nanay (we also call her Mamang), 88, who passed away in Rio Rancho.  She’s the mother of Gloria Kauz, Pearl King and Lydia Diaz, grandmother of Princeton, Michael, Clovis and great great grandmother of Miracle.

Anna Karina Adaoag (1974-Aug. 29, 2017) passed away in Baguio Philippines.  She is the daughter of Vicky Adaoag and sister of Dale Leonen and Marita Racca.

Patrick F. Tyrell (Dec. 18, 1951 – Sept. 1, 2017) passed away in Rio Rancho.  Patrick and his wife, Maiya, are friends of the Filipino community, especially in Rio Rancho.

Patrick Tyrrell

Trebor Divero (Sept. 2017) passed away in the Philippines.  He is the father of Robert Divero, one of our DJs.

Florante Ayap, 44, passed away in the Philippines.  He is the nephew of Cris Underwood.

Teresa Macagba, 87, Myrna Samson’s Mom (Maricar’s grandma) passed away in California on Nov. 17, 2017.

Teresa Macagba

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace, Amen.

 

Art Egrubay, in the Philippines (Christmas Eve).  He is the father of Edna Garcia and grandfather of Angelo Egrubay.

Bido Agustin, in the Philippines (Dec.).  He is the father of Mayette Luena.

  • August 4, 2017
  • -

2017 Pamana & Fil-Am History Month

Category : Awards , History

Pamana 2017: Awardees, Manoa Youth & Graduates

 

Last Pamana (2017):  

8th Pamana Awards (Recap)

We want to thank those who came to the 8th Pamana/Fil-Am History Month event on Oct. 21, 2017, Saturday at Wyndham Hotel.  It was sponsored by the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande (FANHS RG) in cooperation with the Filipino American Community Council (FACC). 

FOR PHOTO SLIDESHOW, CLICK:  PHOTOS AT THE EVENT.

Dr. Dely Alcantara, founder of FANHS RG, gave the welcome address about Pamana and Pearl King, president of FANHS RG, gave a glimpse of history on the coming of Filipinos to the US and NM.  October is designated as the Filipino American History Month when the first Filipinos landed in Morro Bay (San Luis Obispo county, California) in October 1587.

The event was attended by around 106 people including former Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack who assisted Pearl in handing the awards.  Some graduates who were not able to come were those attending universities out of state.  Others who are going to UNM or CNM were either working, having exams, or out of town.  They were represented by relatives or friends who received their souvenir t-shirts.

Thanks to emcees/presenters: Mirinisa and Bianca, invocation leader – Heddy, presenters – Nita, Gloria, & Ted.  The awardees gave their acceptance speeches.

Acknowledgements:  Keanna and Kim for singing the National Anthems (US & Philippines), Filipino Performing Arts Group: Sean, Angelo, Malaya, Mary, Gloria, Ashley, Miracle, Jasmine Q, Franz and John.  Videographers: Scott & Rod, Photographers:  Yssa, Elvie & Jennylou. Soundman: Jimmy. Copy editor – Rand, Ushers: Ednalyn, Vilma, Elvie, & Lee.

Special thanks to Mary Ann Lacida of Print Stop who donated part of the printing cost of the souvenir program.

To the Wyndham Staff:  Dominick Gutierrez and Clarissa Baca and the staff for making extra food and for the efficient handling of the event.

2017 Pamana Awardees:

The awardees (given to adults) received a plaque from FANHS RG.  All write ups were done in 2017, ages have naturally changed in 2019.

  • Perla King – Personal Achievement/Historical Contribution.  Pearl (as she’s known to us), our humble FANHS RG president, has chaired many Pamana Award events during her tenure (2009 to present) and has represented New Mexico in many FANHS National Conferences. This year, the FANHS RG Executive Committee salutes her achievements – a recognition long overdue for a leader who always wanted to be in the background.  It was during her presidency that we accomplished two major projects we thought would be impossible to achieve:  Our Rio Grande Chapter hosted the 2012 FANHS National Conference in Albuquerque attended by Filipinos from 30 FANHS chapters all over the US and the publication of the first book about Filipinos in New Mexico (The Filipino American Experience in New Mexico) which was dormant for eight years and finally printed in 2014. She is also a board of director of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico and chairperson of its Scholarship Committee. At 65, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, among her many degrees.
  • Maj. Richard Luena, USAF (Ret) – Community Service – Veterans Affairs.  Richard has been a board of director of FAFNM and the liaison officer to the veterans, particularly Bataan veterans, for many years.  He is also a member of the Bataan Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico and was the vice-president when he spearheaded the 75th Anniversary of the Surrender of Bataan in Albuquerque which was attended by veterans nationwide.  It was a significant event because most of our Bataan veterans have passed away and this might had been the last event when the remaining veterans from other states came together, a gift of time and comaraderie – the best gift Richard (and other volunteers) could give our heroes. His passion in helping our veterans constantly reminds us that we should never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
  • Jennylou Pangilinan-Riel – Educational Contribution.  Who would have thought that this Filipina Math and Robotics teacher would come to New Mexico and help her robotics team, in a predominantly minority high school in Bernalillo, win first place at the state level in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest?  In the US, we have a shortage of Math and Science majors in college but before we can motivate our students to fill this need, we must have teachers like Jennylou who can inspire and make this happen.  Read more from an article in Albuquerque Journal HERE.

Manoa Youth Awardee/Honorable Mention:

Manoa Alcantara Jojola (1982-2000)

The Manoa Youth Award is an integral part of the Pamana Award event and is given to a Filipino American HIGH SCHOOL  student (14 to 18 years old) in New Mexico. The award is given in the spirit of the late Manoa Alcantara Jojola, son of Dr. Dely Alcantara and Dr. Ted Jojola of the Manoa Foundation.  The awardee must have excelled in academics, community service and/or participated in activities to promote Filipino culture and who demonstrates pride in their culture through expressive and creative arts. The awardee received $500  from the scholarship fund of the Manoa Foundation and a plaque from FANHS RG. The runners up (honorable mentions) received $200 scholarships and certificates of achievement from the Manoa Foundation.

The Manoa Foundation recognized the contribution of five Filipino high school students who were active members of the Filipino performing groups for four to seven years (averaging 40  to 50 hours per year of practices and performances).  They were members of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico (FAFNM) Cultural Dance Group until it was dissolved in February 2017. They were now either with the: Ethan Sabay Philippine Folkloric Group (ESPFG) and/or the Filipino Performing Arts Group (FPAG). As performers, they helped in raising funds for FAFNM, including college scholarship funds, and for disaster relief funds in the Philippines. They were ambassadors of our Filipino community in many cultural events in New Mexico and role models for the community.

Miracle McCastle

 

 

Miracle McCastle – Awardee. Miracle (16, 11th Grade) has been dancing for more than seven years.  She has also participated at the Santacruzan almost every year.  This year, she was the Reyna Elena. For 3 years (from 2013 to mid-2016), she was not only a dancer but also the lead kulintang (an indigenous musical instrument from Southern Philippines) musician for the group.  During that time, she was the youngest (started when she was 12 years old) of the only 5 kulintang musicians (all 4 adults) in New Mexico.  (She is now joined by three new young musicians.)  She was the first and only Filipino to hold a kulintang recital in New Mexico (through the New Mexico Arts Apprenticeship program, see video links) which introduced this indigenous music to elementary students in Rio Rancho. She is a member of both FPAG and ESPFG.  She is also recognized for her leadership (student government) and creative and athletic talents (choir and cheerleading).  She volunteered in distributing care packages for the veterans in the past.

Honorable Mention:            

(NOTE:  We are not including schools and family information for existing students on social media postings.)

  • Angelo Egrubay (17, 12th Grade) has been dancing for six years (now with FPAG).  He was always willing to teach new members the dances he had learned.  He is the assistant choreographer who took over the choreography for male dances when the main choreographer was undergoing medical treatment for months.  He volunteered distributing care packages for the veterans in the past.  He loves boxing.
  • Mary Josephine Hollins (17, 12th Grade) has been dancing for four years (now with FPAG).  She is a co-founder of the Black Student Union at her school. She is a member of the Students without Border Club that discusses world events and raises funds. Last May-June, she was one of the 10 students picked to travel to France.  She loves to run and is a member of the Track Team.
  • Ashley Ysabelle A. Leonen (18, 12th Grade) has been dancing for four years (now with FPAG).  While still in high school, she has been taking college classes at the Central New Mexico (CNM) Community College to advance and get ahead with her college credits.  As an aspiring dentist, she is currently taking prerequisites at CNM for dentist classes at UNM.  In her school, she is the co-founder of the Asian American Club.  This year, they plan on hosting events, partnering with community, opening for cultural awareness and much more.  She is a writer and creates music as well as poetry and is also a guitar player and a singer.
  • Francisco (Franz) Soriano (19 as of Oct 17, 12th Grade) has been dancing for six years (now with FPAG).  He was one of the few Filipino teens in Albuquerque who took part in organizing fund raising projects for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda (which happened in November 2013 in the Visayas, Philippines), on their own (aside from the Benefit Show by FAFNM).

Filipino Graduates of Spring 2016/Spring & Summer 2017

To emphasize the value of education, we recognized our recent graduates from high school and higher education.  We gave them souvenir t-shirts “Proud Filipino American graduate”.

Our proud Fil-Am graduates:

Doctorate

Ronadel Ronquillo, Doctorate of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus), May 2017, (Manoa Youth Awardee, 2005).  Represented by Mom, Edna.

Masters & College

  • Princeton Earl King:   College (May 2016), UNM Business Administration in Financial Management, summa cum laude and Masters (May 2017) – Business Administration in Financial Management, UNM Anderson School of Management, graduated with high honors (4.07 GPA). Now in Texas. Represented by Mom, Pearl.

Masters

  • Michael Natanauan-Lopez – Highland University of NM, Masters in Special Education (Dec. 2016)

College

  • Louis (Ace) Leonen – UNM, Biology – CUM LAUDE (MAY 2016). Represented by Mom, Dale.
  • Ezekiel (Zeke) Racca – UNM, Engineering – CUM LAUDE (May 2017). Represented by Aunt Dale.
  • Shaine Sagisi – UNM, Dental Hygiene (now in Texas) (May 2017). Represented by friend Keanna.
  • Sharmaine Sagisi, UNM, Nursing (May 2017). Represented by friend Keanna.
  • Keanna Salazar – UNM, Nursing (May 2017)  (NOTE:  She passed the NCLEX Nursing Board Exam on Sept. 19 in one take!!!). Keanna sang the US Anthem (Her Mom, Kim, sang the Philippine anthem).
  • Mirinisa Stewart-Tengco – Mount Holyoke (Massachusetts), Mathematics (May 2017) (NOTE: Manoa Youth, Honorable Mention 2011).  Miri was the co-emcee with Bianca.
  • Jeric Hombria Tan – New Mexico Tech, Civil Engineering (now in California) (May 2017). Represented by Dad, Jesse.

 

High School

  • Catie Cheshire, Eldorado HS (now in Colorado) (May 2016). Represented by Grandma, Heddy.
  • Sean Delica, Academy for Technology & Classic (May 2017)
  • Angelica Fasano, Bernalillo HS (now in Virginia) (May 2016). Represented by Grandma, Cindy.
  • Sophia Gonzales, Rio Rancho HS (May 2017). Represented by friend, Hillary.
  • Sandy Guamos, West Side HS (May 2017). Represented by friend, Jasmine Q.
  • Jasmine Herrera, V. Sue Cleveland HS (May 2017). Represented by friend, Hillary.
  • Justin Carl Hontanosas, Rio Rancho HS (now in Colorado) (May 2017). Represented by Mom’s friend, Stephanie.
  • Yoko Kentilitisca, St. Pius X HS (May 2017)
  • Latrell Racca, Eldorado HS (May 2017).  Represented by Aunt Dale.
  • Hillary Ramoso, V. Sue Cleveland HS (May 2017)
  • Sarah Shibuya, Bosque Preparatory School (now in California) (May 2017).  Represented by Mom’s friend, Heddy.
  • John Soriano, Del Norte HS (July 2017)
  • Gabriela Velez, Albuquerque Academy (now in California) (May 2016) (Manoa Youth, Honorable Mention 2015).  Represented by Tessie.
  • Sonja Ventura, V. Sue Cleveland HS (May 2017) (now in Illinois). Represented by Dad, Rod.
  • Bianca White, Eldorado HS (May 2017) (NOTE: Manoa Youth Awardee 2015).  Co-emcee.

For past Pamana events, click on Pamana.

NOTE:  This 2017 Pamana page will be integrated in the Pamana page (past events) in 2019 when the next Pamana will be held.

Press Releases:

Back to HOME.

  • May 2, 2016
  • -

2016 in Review

Category : History , Uncategorized

Events and Milestones that occured in the Filipino community in 2016:

 

Dr. Mila Anguluan

Dr. Mila Anguluan

Events:

April 2, Bataan Memorial, Bataan Park.  The annual event is co-sponsored by the Bataan Corregidor Foundation of New Mexico, FAFNM and FANHS RG.

April 23, Halle Manoa Bldg.,  Oral History: Kapwa:  Connection as Resilience.  Speaker:  Dr. Mila Anguluan (photo).  The event was attended by 26 people.  Sponsored by FANHS RG.

May 21, Old Town Plaza.  Santacruzan 2016.  Sponsored by FAFNM and the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services.

Bianca (Reyna Elena) and Jordyn (Rey Constantino)

June 2016-2017.  The Filipino American Community Council (FACC) obtained a grant from the City of the Albuquerque (City Council) which focused on “Language Acquisition and Filipino History through Performing Arts.” The recital was showcased at the Santacruzan 2017.

June 22-25, 2016: Filipino American National Historical Society Conference in Manhattan, New York was attended by the FANHS Rio Grande members (photo):  Pearl King, Dr. Dely Alcantara, Ligaya (Lee) White and Dr. Ted Jojola (obviously, not in photo).  Next conference will be in Chicago in 2018.

Aug. 6:  Pista sa Nayon (Town Festival) was held at Hotel Cascada.  It is a biennial project of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico (FAFNM) to raise funds for our non-profit organization.  This year’s project focuses on the Filipino beauties who have also helped raise funds.  The Mutya ng New Mexico went to Lina Rollins.  The runners up were:  Christa Harner (first place, Mutya ng Luzon) and Elflor Biddle Lingren (second place, Mutya ng Visaya).  There was no 4th candidate who could have been the Mutya ng Mindanao.

Dec.:  Christmas Party, Simbang Gabi, caroling and lighting of luminaries (with Bataan veterans), annual projects of Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.

Lina Rollins, 2016 Mutya ng New Mexico

Lina (seated) with runners up Christa Harner (left) and Elflor Biddle-Lindgren.

Congratulations:

Princeton King with mom, Pearl

Princeton King with mom, Pearl

Princeton Earl King graduated summa cum laude from UNM in May 2016, with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management.  He started his Masters the week after the graduation at Anderson School of Management (UNM).  Princeton is the son of Pearl King, FANHS RG President, who also graduated summa cum laude in Dec. 2015 with a Nursing Degree, among the many degrees she has.  Like mother, like son!  Visit our Youth Page to see other Filipinos in New Mexico who graduated with honors.

Ace with Gabbi, Angel, Miracle & Bianca (2015)

Ace Leonen (photo) graduated cum laude from UNM in May 2106 with a degree in Biology.  He is the treasurer of the FAFNM Young Professional and Youth Committee.  He is the son of Dale Leonen and brother to Lyle and Ashley and grandson of Vicky Adaoag.

Deaths:

Patricia Anaya Price, in her early 70’s, passed away on January 21.   Pat was an artist, actress, acting instructor, choreographer, dancer, and fashion designer.  She lived in New York before coming to New Mexico.  She is survived by her husband, Alan and her best friend, Cindy Aragon.

Carmenia Alfonso, 74, passed away on April 15.  Carmenia was the FAFNM Treasurer.  She is survived by six children:  Jam, Warlyn, Al, James, Catherine and Steven and eight grandchildren.

Danongan Kalanduyan, father of American Kulintang Music, passed away on Sept. 28 at the Stanford University Medical Center.  Danongan, the kulintang master and a resident of South San Francisco, California, conducted a kulintang workshop in Albuquerque in 2004 through a grant.  Without him, we won’t have our kulintang ensemble now, 2016, or 12 years later.  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.

Dec.:  Christmas Party, Simbang Gabi, caroling and lighting of luminaries (with Bataan veterans) – annual projects of Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico.

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 1, 2015
  • -

Filipinos in New Mexico

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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.

See bottom for the Highlights in Philippine-New Mexico connection.

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 38 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.  (NOTE: Dely passed away on Nov. 3, 2019.  Check: Dely.)
  • Two Filipinas received the Governor’s Award for New Mexico Outstanding Women sponsored by the Women’s Commission:
    • 1993:  Celia Ruiz Tomlinson.  NOTE:  Celia is the first professional female engineer in NM and the first minority woman to own an engineering firm in NM, Rhombus, for 25 years until 2008.
    • 2004: Dr. Dely Alcantara. Learn more: Dely in Boomer Magazine and FANHS RG book/eBook:  Filipino American Experience in New Mexico.  (Dely is a recipient of Human Rights award and Si Se Puede Award (Cesar Chavez NM, 2018).  View her speech:  Dely.

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.
  • 2017:  Zeke Racca graduated cum laude from UNM with a degree in Engineering.  He was the co-chair of the Youth Committee (dissolved in 2017).
  • 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.)

    Twins in Espanola: Sagisi (Shaine & Sharmaine), Germino (Guillmer & Guillian) and the youngest: Cainlet (Rio & Crio)

    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).

To read more about similarities of Philippines and New Mexico histories, click:  Philippine NM Connection

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

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