Ellen Tan, Overall Chairperson Philippine Independence Week Committee 2015

By: Ryan Tejero

 

June is the month that the Filipino American community observes the commemoration of the Philippine Independence. This annual historic event has been a long-standing tradition that every Fil-Am looks forward to. Typically, a line-up of cultural activities, highlights the month-long celebration.

In Chicago, the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) has already firmed up and is all set to start its activities. This year 2015, the organizing committee includes the community’s most active and dedicated leaders. The overall chairperson is Ms. Ellen Tan, Ms. Leilanie Magana as Recording Secretary, Mr. Lindy Tan as orresponding Secretary, Ms. Myrna Cordero as Treasurer, Ms. Chris Briones as Auditor, Ms. Veronica Leighton and Ms. Mariano Santos as PROs, and Mr. Art Dilay as Legal Adviser.

Kicking off on May 16, 2015 is the PIWC 2015 Essay Writing Contest which will be held from 10:00 A.M. — 12:00 Noon at the Wright College (Computer Lab). The venue is located at 4300 Narraganset, Chicago, IL. 60634. At stake are the following cash awards: 1st- $250, 2nd-$200, 3rd-$150, 4th-$100, 5th-$50. The following are the rules on the essay-writing contest:

1. Contestant must be of Filipino heritage (at least one parent);

2. Contestant must be a current student (Jr. High to Senior High- 7th -12th grade);

3. Essay writing will be done on the spot with the use of a computer;

4. Topic of the essay will be given prior to the contest period. Lead questions and prompts will be given to guide the contestant on what to write about;

5. The essay, consisting of about 500 words, will be written in English;

6. There will be 3 judges whose decision will be final;

7. There will be a $20 bonus for each essayist;

8. Prizes will be awarded during the Philippine Independence Day Gala Night/Dinner Ball on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Ms. Jo Abaya-Wee Sit is the overall chair of the PIWC Essay Writing Contest.

Other activities scheduled are: Bowling Tournament on May 30 at the Classic Bowl located at 8530 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053; PIWC Picnic on June 7 at the Prossel Park, Lincolnwood; Ceremonial Flag Raising and Cultural Presentation on June 12 in Downtown Chicago; Senior Citizen’s Day on June 12 at the Northeast Senior Center in Chicago located at 2019 W Lawrence Avenue Chicago Il 60625, and the PIWC Gala Night on June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont.

This year’s PIWC overall chairperson is Ms. Ellen Tan. Ellen has been featured in this column previously for her outstanding leadership in Calamba Association of the Midwest. In 2011, she gained her recognition at the prestigious Chicago Filipino Asian Hall of Fame for Outstanding Community Service.

Ellen has a long track record of service to the community here and back home. She is currently involved in the activities of Laguna Association, which brings medical mission to the Philippines annually.

Ellen is also an active member of the Fil-USA Lions Club in Chicago, which raises funds for its charitable projects. Please contact Ellen at ellentan41@gmail.com for your interest in joining this year’s PIWC events.

The Tan Family: Ellen with husband, daughter Leah, husband Gines Montoya and their kids Erick and Megan, Lindy Tan; Ellen, with husband and son Lindy during the PIWC kick-off party held at Wyndham Glenview Hotel last January 2015.

The PIWC officers and committee chairs handing $20 to the participants of essay writing contest donated by the PIWC chairs themselves, l-r: (back) Myrna Mahant, Johnny Tablizo, Tony Silvano, Edwin Pineda; (front) Jo Wee Sit (Chairperson, Essay Writing Contest), Susan Silvano, Ellen Tan (PIWC Overall Chairperson 2015), Vel Guffey, and Myrna Cordero.