DR. PAUL WANG – President, Filipino American Association of Iowa and Illinois in QCA

By: Ryan Tejero

 

One of the most active Filipino American organizations in the Quad Cities is the Filipino American Association of Iowa and Illinois, which is based in the Quad City Area (FAAII-QCA). It is the home of outstanding leaders and dedicated members of Filipino American community in QCA. This organization was founded with the vision to promote and preserve Filipino culture, as well as actively participate in the development efforts of our motherland – the Philippines. Through its dance group, called the Filipino American Performing Artists of the QCA, FAAII has graced numerous mainstream and diversity events in the QCA and out of state. FAAII is a strong partner of other Fil-Am groups in Iowa and Illinois. Over the past five years, FAAII has been successful in organizing its fundraising events. This past year alone, FAAII has the following fundraising events to include: St. Mary’s Parish Fundraiser for Visiting School in Kewanee IL; Santo Nino Festival at St. Maria Goretti Church in Coal Valley, IL; Santacruzan Festival at Christ the King Chapel and Rogalski Center of St. Ambrose University; Bettendorf Library for World Community Institute and World Affairs Council; John Deere Corporate Office, IL at the Multicultural Dance Exhibition, Annual Picnic at Longview Park, Rock Island, IL; St. Mary’s of the Field Shrine, Prophetstown, IL; Annual Fundraiser at Playcrafters Barn Theatre show “Proof”; Halloween Party at the Duck Creek Park Lodge, Davenport, IA; Christmas Gala Party at QC Botanical Center RI, IL, and “Simbang-Gabi” Celebration with Mass and Reception at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Davenport, IA. This 2014, FAAII under the leadership of Dr. Paul Wang, is part of the 2014 Chinese New Year Celebration in Iowa. Dr. Wang, who is currently heading the FAAII, is a Family Physician for Unity Point Clinics at Coal Valley, IL. Coal Valley is small city which is part of Rock Island and Henry Counties in Illinois. He obtained his education and professionally trained here in the United States. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Center for Family Medicine in Fairview General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Wang is married to Vania, who is a Chinese-born Filipino. He said that his marriage to Vania had brought him closer to local Filipino American associations and their friends. Both of them had lived in Canada prior to immigrating to the US. Dr. Wang and Vania are blessed with three children: Nathan (10); Charis (9), and Jordan (6). Other than FAAII, Dr. Wang is also actively involved in Quad City Chinese Christian Church. Please contact directly Dr. Wang to inquire about membership in FAAII-QCA at email: wang535@yahoo.com.

Dr. Paul Wang and wife, Vania

 

FAAII Members with the Filipino American Performing Artists in their Filipino costumes.