FMOC: Springing By Leaps and Bounds on their 5th Year

By: Lou Maningas Cabalona

 

Springing back from a successful 2017 that concluded with the highly popular launching of “Namamasko Sa Tahanan Nyo” (Caroling In Your Home) where professional singers performed a program of American and Filipino Christmas carols during the holiday season at homes and establishments like Seafood City Chicago, the Filipino Musicians of Chicago, Inc (FMOC) is very excited to celebrate their 5th year anniversary in 2018!

As they gear up for their first big annual event, President Rudolfo “Rudy” Campos, a 2016 Chicago Filipino American Awardee reflects on the past year “We had a lot of sad news last year, some of our brothers were sick — Mike Vallejo, Randy Mayuga and Danny Ayam. We lost our brothers Ricky Calma, Armando “Chubby” Aguas, Winnie Nigosa and Albert “Castie” Castillo. May their souls Rest In Peace”.

He focuses, however, on the bright side especially with the big milestone ahead. “Hard to believe that FMOC will be five years old in October, the critics and non-believers thought we won’t last. We are still standing and getting stronger every year… the core members still believe in our mission. Our camaraderie, helping fellow musicians in need is our motto! Last year alone FMOC gave over $2,000 to musicians in need and their families”.

FMOC is a registered 501(c)3 non for profit organization formed by a group of Filipino musicians and singers based in Chicagoland in 2013. Over the years, through the many successful shows that highlight the talent of Filipino musicians and singers in Chicago, they have been able to support FMOC’s numerous projects that provide financial assistance to members in cases of unforeseen medical emergency need(s) and bereavement.

FMOC is also dedicated in building a better camaraderie among musicians through events and benefit shows just like annual Spring Jam scheduled on May 19, 2018 this time to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Schaumburg with the most talented Filipino entertainers in the Chicagoland area. Campos adds, “We will have the beautiful and gracious Miss Girlie Pascual as Masters of Ceremonies, great food and lots of dancing and live music”.

And, this is only the beginning of the yearlong festivities!

On June 9, 2018 the newly formed FMOC Band will be one of the highlights at the Piyesta Pinoy in Bolingbrook, the biggest Filipino Festival in Illinois gathering over 7,000 attendees a year. In July of this year, they plan to expand their reach to more members of the community in Chicagoland by offering Summer music workshops for children of all ages as well as adults interested in learning how to play musical instruments! And there’s still a lot in store for all members and patrons of FMOC during their Anniversary event in October!

To support their growing organization, FMOC has recently announced additions to their core – Associate Members, Allen and Rose Tom, James DC, Merla Fertig and newly appointed Board Members, Girlie Pascual and Roniel Ramirez.

With the help of a strong group of core members under the leadership of Campos, FMOC is moving ahead strong and steady and he is grateful for their support. “I would like to thank the people who are always there who come to practices and meetings even though they played a gig the night before and are tired and drove great distances. Thank you for all your sacrifices. We’re all in this together! God bless you all and God bless FMOC!”

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Mark your calendars! Join FMOC at the Spring Jam on Saturday, May 19th at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg at 1800 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg with lots of dancing, a sumptuous Dinner (entree options are available!), and powerhouse live music showcasing our talented local bands and vocalists featuring No Limits Band, Gr00ve Time, Muzik Engine, 2855 To Go, Young Once, TNT and Ms. April Garcia. Limited tickets are now on sale for only $60! Please come and support the Chicago Filipino Music Community, while enjoying a fancy night out on the town!

To purchase tickets or for more info about Spring Jam and other activities slated this year, call Baron at 312-593-5154, Patty at 708-609-9844 and Rudy at 630-701-4007 or check out, www.facebook.com/filipinomusiciansofchicago.

Louella Maningas Cabalona is a singer, actor, and Senior Manager for Business Analytics, Sears Holdings. She is the lead singer of the Filipino Folk band, SamaSama Project; an active Board member of the League of Volunteers for Relief Expeditions, FYLPRO, the Young Business United, the Filipino Musicians of Chicago and is one of the inaugural delegates of the FYLPRO Immersion program of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. She is passionate about sharing Filipino culture in the modern world and actively supports all outstanding Filipinos around the globe. If you would like to connect, email louellarose@gmail.com

Newly founded FMOC’s first Christmas Party in 2013

FMOC Guests and Performers in their best Halloween Costumes in 2014; Top picture features winners of the Best in Costume Award

In 2016, “Let’s Band Together” recognized 3 outstanding musicians who are pillars of the Filipino American band scene. (Bottom right) Bert Velarde and Rowell Reyes pose with their Certificate of Recognition from FMOC; (Top and Right) President Rudy Campos awards Velarde with the help of Arthur Jimenez and Reyes and Rudy Ollero. Awardee Armando “Chubby” Aguas was presented with his Certificate at the hospital.

FMOC’s “Caroling In Your Home 2017” at the Leegard Home and a special caroling show at the Seafood City Chicago

Musicians and Singers of FMOC’s Spring Jam in 2017 (top) and 2016 (bottom)

A Great musical Lineup for Spring Jam 2018 hosted by Ms. Girlie Pascual on May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg