From FACC Executive Director

“Let us prove to the whole world that when a Filipino wills something, he can always do it.” “I shall not stop working for my country.” – Dr. Jose P. Rizal

It will be almost year since I was appointed as executive director of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, and resident manager of its Rizal Community Center. In spite of contentious and frivolous litigation by a splinter group, I, together with a core group of forward-thinking individuals, have been busy rebuilding infrastructure, community relations, facilities, and resources. This week, we are honored to unveil together with the Philippine Consulate the establishment of a Sentro Rizal at the Center. It is a collaborative partnership between the FACC, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippine’s offi cial Arts Council), and the Consulate General of Philippines in Chicago, to promote the appreciation and understanding of Philippine and Philippine American art, culture, and language through salon series, presentations, tastings, readings, performance, and art. There are Sentro Rizals at PH consulates worldwide. BUT we will be the fi rst nonprofi t with privately-owned property to be a site.

The following week, we will have a fl oat in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving parade. We will be the fi rst Filipino American group to participate in more than 30 years. We will have participants between the ages of 12 and 81. Fan dancers and Filipino Martial Arts ensemble comprising CPS students of diverse, ethnic backgrounds.

Elaine Lehman

FACC Executive Director

 

Thank You for CPRTV Interview

I think your interview with my son, author Armand Baltazar of “Timeless,” is a great interview! You’re a pro.

I think you brought out information that the audience would fi nd interesting – that Armand is, foremost, a Filipino and a Chicago native; that he wrote an adventure story (actually this is fi rst of three books, part of a Trilogy) with a Filipino boy – Diego – as the hero (inspired by his son) ; that he is an accomplished artist-author whose book is being published internationally (in 16 countries, including the Philippines ) ; and that he’s looking forward to its production into a movie by Century Fox studio.

Most importantly, that you’ve known Dobie since he was a baby and that you like his book! What an endorsement!

Thanks so much for your kind support and promo of my son’s work.

Your Friend Forever,

GRACE HUTTON

Sedona, Arizona

 

FPACC Business Conference & PACGC

The National FPACC Business Conference 21 in Scottsdale, Arizona has been a huge success! The B2B was a huge success!!! There were about 30 delegates from the Philippines’ PCCI and about 12 from Palawan Chamber of Commerce, 3 from Mexico, 1 from Switzerland and 2 from Spain.

Our emphasis is the Cacao, Bamboo and Coconut farming in the Philippines. Davao is already in production and we are promoting it all over the farmers in the Philippines!

The PACCGC (Chicago PhilAm Chamber) was well represented! We have TV/media coverage by Veronica Leighton and Joe Mauricio, Richard Felicelda, a new member (& his family), Joe Flores & me & Jan Paul Ferrer!

I am back in town and just wonder keeping up the momentum of our rebuilding our PhilAm Chamber. I got some lists that I need to rekindle/activate their involvement to our PhilAm Chicago Chamber. This may take a little bit of our time, but I guess it is worth it.

CINDY FLORES

FPACC Treasurer

PACCGC Board Member