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Nympha Medrano-White President, FASCI

Ryan Tejero

By: Ryan Tejero

 

One of the longest and most stable Filipino communities farther down south is the Filipino American Society of Central Illinois (FASCI). It is a 501(3)c organization and a lively community that has grown to over 200 members of families, children, professionals and senior citizens in the area. FASCI’s consistent year-long activities draw more members to support and participate in its activities.

FASCI’s Valentine’s Party came as the first event of the year for FASCI. It was held at the Knights of Columbus in Peoria on February 11, 2017. Highlights of this event included: dinner, dances, raffles and special entertainment performances.

As part of its observance for Easter, FASCI organized once again its annual Easter Egg Hunting for children held at the Valley Lake Center. About 2000 plastic eggs filled with either candies or money were placed around the property for children to hunt and enjoy.

With summer coming in so fast, FASCI’s first half of its picnic was held on June 11th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Grieves Shelter of the Veterans Park along Springfield Road in East Peoria. Featured as highlights of this event included the celebration of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s birthday, Father’s Day, and Philippine and American Independence Day celebration. A short program was organized by FASCI’s officers, with games, entertainments and food for everyone to enjoy.

On July 22nd, FASCI will celebrate an unusual Sto. Nino Festival, which in the Philippines is typically observed in the month of January. FASCI members had moved this event to summer to attract more participation as it is hard to get people to join the procession during the winter time.

The other half of the summer picnic is scheduled in August. Highlighted during this event is the observance of Linggo ng Wika and the birthday of former Philippine President Manuel Quezon. Date and venue will be announced soon!

FASCI’s Christmas Party culminates its long year event. This year it is already booked on December 9, 2017 at the Embassy Suites East Peoria. This formal event attracts more than 200 people to enjoy a sit-down dinner, dance and festive celebration of the holiday season. This is the first time that the Christmas Party is held at said venue.

As part of its mainstream community involvement, FASCI has also been an active participant in IGNITE PEORIA, which is a multi-ethnic festival. The group decorates a Philippine booth and is part of the program by displaying Philippine folk dances and other musical performances.

Although, FASCI does not have a fundraising event at this time, some members still care to contribute and support a scholarship project that helps students who are entering high school by providing grant or scholarship. For over 15 years now, the group has been consistently giving grant money to four students entering the high school, annually. FASCI has a scholarship committee that determines the selection of the recipients.

Currently heading FASCI is the high-energy, very charismatic and competent leader in the name of Nympha Medrano-White. She originally came from Surigao. She graduated from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, with a degree in Accounting. Prior to her migration to the US in 1979, Nympha worked for the City of Bislig as accounting staff. Then she worked in the Philippine Bureau of Immigration in the Accounting Department from 1972 to 1979. After she met her husband, Donald White in 1979, Nympha moved to Grandridge, IL to start her own family. Nympha and Donald have two daughters: Michele, who lives in Chicago, and Diana, who recently got married, and currently lives with husband – Michael, in Minneapolis.

Nympha is actively involved in many community organizations. She was a two-time president, and currently serving as treasurer of American Association of University Women. She has also served as president and treasurer of Peoria Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. This time, she is currently serving the International Chair of this organization. For the Illinois Association of Community Educators, Nympha has served as first vice-president, International Director and Treasurer.

If you have any relatives or Filipino friends in Central Illinois and are looking for an organization to join, please contact Nympha White at (815) 249 6411.

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(L-R) The White family: Michelle, Donald, Diana, Nympha

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