VIA Times – July 2017 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
Looking more relaxed after the Gala Night of the Phil-ippine Independence Week Committee 2016, I threw in a quick “how are feeling now”question to Lourdes CorvoLivas, Executive Chair of the PHILIPPINE INDE-PENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE (PIWC) 2017.
With her trademark smile, Lourdes replied: ‘Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the op-
portunity and challenges to serve our Nativeland, the Philippines, as Chairperson of our 119th Philippine Independence Day 2017, under the umbrella ofthe PIWC. Indeed, it is not an easy community service. Hence, my heartfelt thanks to all the PIWC Committee Chairpersons, the human machinery which runs and makes things happen. And, most im-portantly, big thanks to our Beauty Queens and the parents of the Young Beauties who worked hard not only to raise funds but to make our Independence Day celebration more colorful and vibrant. Thanks to our Filpino American community for their patriotic and moral support, and to all our non-Filipino friends and business associates and the donors, who extended their invaluable help. And, of course, to our guests whose presence made our Gala Night and Coronation enjoyable; to PIWC Treasurer Edwin Pineda, who, until now is working diligently to come up with a transparent financial report; and of course, to his equally-hardworking better-half, Neriza Pineda, chairperson of the Beauty Queens Committee.
Last but not the least, I would like to recognize as well as give a “Huge Thank You” to the JOY DANCE CLUB for volunteering at the reception table, they even missed their dinners because of the overflow of our guests. Summing it up, I have learned that to be a good leader is to be patient, to keep calm, and to listen to suggestions. At this time, I am looking forward to see every-one at our forthcoming ‘Apprecia-tion Night’ on July 28, at the Avalon Banquet Hall. We will honor and recognize those who have contributed their time toward the success of PIWC 2017,” Lourdes concluded.
Excerpt from Lourdes’ mes-sage says, :“…I hope to see that our success will not bemeasured by the number of people who attended our gala night… but success in the quality of our celebration… and the positive impression we leave…”.Well said,Madam.
Excerpt from the Message of Philippine President Rodrigo RoaD-uterte: “My warmest greetings to the Filipino Community in Chicago, through the Philippine Independ-ence Week Committee (PIWC), as you celebrate the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence… As heirs to this precious legacy, the lesson of our struggle from a long colonial past should guide us in our pursuit of a better future for our beloved nation… I commend the PIWC for its com-mitment to make this annual event a success. It is truly heartwarming to see Filipinos come together, even in their adoptive country, to celebrate their roots…
Mabuhay ang ating Kalayaan! Signed:
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
Excerpt from the Message of Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge, Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines, in Chicago and the Midwest: “My congratulations to the Philippine Independence Week Committee
(Officers) for their tireless efforts in sharing the positive image of the Philippinesand the Filipinos. Through your vibrant display of Philippine fashion and fabric, beauty, talent and accomplishments, other peoples continue to discover their comparable wealth and heritage of Philippine arts and culture; of what is good about being a Filipino. Rest assured that the Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago is one and united with you in this mission…”
Mabuhay po ang ating Bayan!Signed:
GENEROS D.G. CALONGE, Consul General
Beauty Queens, a Beauty-Full Philippine Tradition Vontrary to the current misconception that it is only a fundraising frail for a crown, in our Philippine culture, being a “Reyna” is an important societal legacy reflective of our Philippine tradition and culture, influenced by Spain which ruled the Philippines for over 350 years. Reyna equates Family Pride. During those days, the crowns only belonged to the
“altasociedad”or “high society” and affluent families. Today, beauty crowns equate not only Beauty in the Face, but Beauty in the Heart which supports humanitarian endeavors through the efforts of the beauty queens. Funds raised by the PIWC support humanitarian causes back home and locally. As Beauty Queens, the ladies are publicly recognized along with their professional contributions to the American Spec-trum as a “Nation of Immigrants.”
Now, dear Via Times Readers, let me present to you our lovely Filipina Ladies and two beautiful Little Girls as PIWC 2017 Beauty Queens 2017!
GERALDINE TAGUBA GADEN, R.N., is PIWC “MRS. PHILIPPINES 2017
She hails from Tumauini, Isabela, youngest daughter of Mr. Mateo and Mrs. Josefa Taguba. Geral-dine is happily married to Wayne Steven Gaden; the couple is blessed with two adult children, Laura and Brian.
A nurse by profession,Geraldine carries so many crowns, firstly as a great Mom, as a Business woman; a fashion model, a community volunteer; and director of the Philip-pine Nurses Ass’n, of Illinois, etc. She is the Administrator and Clini-cal Supervisor of Rainbow Health Care Services. Putting God first
in her life, Geraldine is an officer of various religious organizations. Geraldine’s beauty is reflected in her smiling face at all times.
JOI RUFINA HUNTER,
“MISS PHILIPPINES PIWC 2017”:
Born from anAmerican-Filipino parents, Joi, is a picture of a “dainty, demure Filipina beauty”. Her parents are Andre and Sally Hunter. She is a sophomore student at the Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. Aside from her studies, her interests inclu-dehip hop and contemporary dance, modern fashion and design. She finished her modelling class at the Performing Arts Academy, at John Hancock in,downtown Chicago. Recently, she competed at a the dance contest at the Millennium Dance
Studio in Hollywood, Califor-nia. Joi aspires to be a professional dancer. Her dream is to establish
a fashion make-up company to empower young ladies. Joi is one of the models in a fashion show
on ABCTV Channel 7, last June 17, a Philippine cultural segment produced by this writer (Elsie Sy-Niebar). She modeled one of Mark Lapena’s designer gowns.
ROSALINA MERCURIO GARD-NER, R.N., “MRS PIWC 2017,” is from Lucena City. Rose is a Health-care Professional, married to Robert Gardner; they are blessed with four children and six grandchildren. After a 10-year stint in the Middle East as a nurse, she moved to the United States and worked for severalhospi-tals in Chicago. A loving person who loves life, Rose spoils her family especially their grandchildren. She loves to sing and dance, cook and tend hergarden. Rose is very sup-portive of several community organi-zations which benefit the indigents, locally and particularly those in the Philippines where help is greatly needed. With her husband Bob, they participate in church ministries and other non-profit organizations char-ity work.
KIMBERLY AGUS, “MISS PIWC 2017”:
Kimberly, 19, is the daughter of Jovencio and Cristian Agus. At her young age, she seems to hold the world in her hands. At such a young age, she had traveled to many parts of the world; but picked Paris and Amsterdam her favorites. Born with a passion for communityservice, she has moved to different places around the world since she was little.
Currently, she is a junior at the University of Ilinois, in Urbana, Champaign, majoring in Commu-nity Health Education and Adminis-tration. Kim is the vice-president of her Campus Sorority, Phi Mu, Dance Marathon director for Fraternity service, Alpha Phi Omega. She
volunteers at N.I.C.U. and at a local hospital. Kim hopes to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She is a very good fundraiser for St. John’s Children Hospital, and IlliniThon, philanthropic organizations at the University which raised $300,00+. Kim is most grateful to her parents for “being the great influence and inspiration in my life”, she says.
MARISSA CROME, “MRS. IL-LINOIS PIWC 2017” hails from Cavite City.
She is married to Charles Crome. The couple is blessed with five children and six grandchildren. Currently, Marissa works at Ideal Industries. As a business-minded lady, she is a franchise holder of KangenEnagic, and also works as Jewelry Consultant for Tracilynn. Marissa is a member of the Chicago Filipino Americans Lions Club and JDC Rainbow Foundation. She loves to travel and enjoys dancing and gourmet cooking. Her motto: “When you stumble, make it a part of the dance.”
MELLENCIA “MEL” TOLLEDO, “MRS. CHICAGO PIWC 2017”
As an accomplished young lady, Mel has the longest bio in the sou-venir book. In the interest of space, I picked up only what I consider the “highlights” of her career. A nurse by profession, a business woman, fashion model, beauty queen and multi-award civic and community volunteer. Definitely, a pride of her parents, Mr. Pacifico and Mrs. Ad-elaidaBeltran. Mel had worked for
several hospitals in Chicago and the suburbs. Among her several awards are2011 Excellent Clinical Care” from the Philippine Nurses Asso-ciation of IL; and from theChicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame in Nursing,, plus a lot more. Her “crowning glory”is her only son, 26-year old Donovan, a graduate filmmaker now pursuing Manage-ment Course in Harvard, paid for by the Oracle, his employer.
NAOMI SAJUL POLINTAN LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINE PIWC 2017
“is a sweet, smart, playful and lovable 9-year old pretty Little Girl, daughter of Cherie Sajul and Allan Polintan. She has one brother, 14-yr. old Kenshin, and an 11-year old sister, Kaoru. Naomi is the grand-daughter of Jane Cannon, an active member ofthe Fil-Am Community in Chicago. As a five-grader at the Ad-lai Stevenson Schoolin Des Plaines, Naomi loves to draw, play ball, ride her bike and pose like a model.She is also interested in being a chef.
ALPHA JULIANNE RAMOS,
“LITTLE PRINCESS PHILIP-PINES 2017”:
LPHA or “AJ” is a “Miracle Baby” of Joseph and Chantal Ramos. She is the “Big Sister” of Joshua James, and granddaughter of Lydia and Pastor PascualTayco, and her Lola Corazon. She wants to be a doctor or an artist; loves to read the Scriptures, sing Worship Songs and Bible Study. Her favorite vacation places are Disneyworld, Wisconsin
Dells, museums, Universal Studio, etc. At such a young age, Alpha’s goal in life is to achieve her dreams and to dedicate her life to the Lord with Jesus leading every step of the Way. She is a second grader at the Beaubien Elementary School, the Regional Gifted Program. Wow!Let us give a Round of Applause to our PIWC 2017 Beauty Queens and Little Princesses. They all very well-deserved this Appreciation. Mabuhay! God bless you!
Guest speaker: Raja Krishnamoorthi
In spite of his last-minute accept-ance of BOT prexy Dely Villalon’s invitation, neophyte US Congress-man Raja Krishnamoorthi deliv-eredan inspiring speech at the Gala event.
Kudos to our Philippine Consul Gen. Generoso D.G. Calonge, who delivered his last Independence ad-dress in Chicago, because the Con-Gen is transferring post this coming August. He was introduced by Romy Gumila, a member of the BOT.
Despite some minor hitches which are unavoidable in every big celebration, positive comments over-ride few critics’ view of this year’s PIWC 2017 celebration. Hence, we salute all members of the Commit-tees, the donors, and volunteers who sacrificed their time and money to help celebrate our Philippine Inde-pendence Day! More about PIWC @ Notebook, page 14.
ENJOY the warmth of the Sum-mer Breeze and maybe, dream of your Summer .Love… YESTER-DAY when you were Younger than Springtime!
