VIA Times Filipino American Lifestyle and Culture in the Greater Chicago Area
Greg Vanderlaan is a Senior Vice President with ARCADIS, a world-wide engineering consulting company. He holds a B.A. in Biological Science from Southern Illinois University, an M.S. in Environmental Science/Air Pollution from Washington State University and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering/Waste Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Over the course of his career, he has provided engineering services to a diverse array of clients from publicly owned transit systems and telecommunications companies to heavy manufacturing industries. He specializes in contaminated site remediation and is considered an expert on the federal Superfund law and its regulations. Greg has been recognized as a loyal supporter of several Filipino American fraternal, civic and professional organizations including the Philippine Engineers and Scientists Organization, Samahan Sa Baryo and the University of San Augustin Alumni Association Mid-West Chapter. He is a long time member of the Tamaraw Golf Club. Recently, Greg and his wife, Mary Pat, toured the Philippines on a one-month “fact finding mission,” accompanied by a number of associates and their closest friends, Edith and Nestor Ardiente. The purpose of the trip was to develop a clearer understanding of and appreciation for the Filipino culture. High points included visits to locations in the Manila area where the famed national hero, Jose Rizal, lived and died, General MacArthur’s apartments at the Manila Hotel, a view of the Malacanang Palace, Intramuros and an exciting calesa ride in some of the busiest streets of the city. They also went on a historic tour of the Corregidor Island. They enjoyed golf at the Tagaytay Highlands, the tarsier monkeys and the chocolate hills in Bohol, Mactan Island and the famous Santo Nino Church in Cebu, the Iloilo Golf and County Club, the Far East’s oldest golf club. Boracay Island was a special treat, and like most tourists they were very impressed with the crystal clear waters, the white sand beaches, the pearl jewelries, the delicious food and the famous Filipino hospitality. In Iloilo, Greg and Mary Pat met with senior clerics of Archbishop Lagdameo’s staff and a visit to the St. Vincent Ferrer’s College Preparatory Seminary. They are long-time benefactors of the St. Joseph Seminary under the direction of Msgr. Eugenio Velarde. Many friends of Filipinos love the culture, the food, the music – but very few, like Greg Vanderlaan, can claim that they love the true Filipino delicacy, balut with San Miguel beer!” Greg was nominated by Mr. Ferdinand Alido
