VIA Times – August 2019 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Ryan Tejero
One of the best things of being a Filipino is our strong tendency to cling with people we know have lived in the same place from the Philippines. In fact, each time we see somebody around here in the US, who suspiciously look and talk like Filipino, we always have to ask the question, “where are you from the Philippines?”
Featured this month is an Ilonggo group, the Dumangasanons of Metro Chicago. This is a group of Filipino Americans whose members hailed from their hometown, Dumangas in the province of Iloilo. Since 1984, Dumangasanons has grown, with currently over 50 active families in the group. Most of the members belonged to close-knit families who migrated here to the US, and then later on expanded their families and remained strong in their ties with the organization. Dumangasanons was founded through socialization and gatherings, with intent to rekindle life experiences back home. Its main goal is to preserve the Filipino culture, build and sustain happy memories and strengthening the importance of family life. The first generation of Dumangasanons also wants to be the role models to instill the value of hard work and success for the younger generation.
Over the years, Dumangasanons of Metro Chicago has given back to its hometown. When Dumangas was hit by typhoon and floods, the group collected money among its members and sent out their modest donations to help the development efforts of local government. They had also as part of its development efforts. Years ago, Dumangasanons had awarded scholarship grants to two high school students of Dumangas High School. This past yes, the group raised some funds to donate to the Don Bosco Catholic School in Dumangas.
As a small organization, Dumangasanons collect annual membership dues to sustain its projects. Their main event during the year is the annual picnic where they usually the recruit new members. Their last picnic was held on August 3, 2019 in Bloomingdale, IL. This group has a stable leadership since 2006. The current president, Ava Lumampao Muckerheide has been consistently holding the position for 13 years now. Ava said that “there are no other takers in the leadership and so I took it for the sake of keeping the organization alive. Ava enjoys the full respect of the Dumangasanons of Metro Chicago.
Ava is retired and currently lives in Lisle. She lost her husband Timothy twenty two years ago. Ava is blessed with two sons: Carl Frederick who is a Doctor of Pharmacy. Carl is married to Lyn. Her other son is David who is a Senior Financial Analyst and is married to Jovanna. Ava remembered her last homecoming in Dumangas this year, where she attended the 50th High School Reunion at the Dumangas High School. She said that this is her first homecoming after 19 years.
If you or you know of anyone who is from Dumangas, Iloilo, and you want to join the Dumangasanons of Metro Chicago, please email Ava at avalmuck@ gmail.com.
Ava L.Muckerheide (Retired Healthcare Executive) Outstanding Golden Jubilarian Award-Dumangas, Iloilo
50th HS Reunion, May 2019
Donn David (son) & Wife Giovanna Muckerheide, Lombard, IL
Carl Frederick (son) & Wife Lyn Muckerheide, Rhode Island
Dumangasanon of Metro Chicago Annual picnic, Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve, Bloomingdale, IL
