Anecita Alvizo Missouri State Chair, NAFFAA

By: Ryan Tejero

 

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is fully recognized by the White House as the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations and individuals. Its thirteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, the Marianas Islands, and American Samoa. Every state in the US is set up with a structure headed by a State Chair. NaFFAA in Missouri is barely new. It was formally organized in 2011, with the appointment of its State Chair in the person of Anecita Alvizo. Since 2011, Anecita has networked and travelled to other parts of the State to create NaFFAA representation and to educate other Filipino American organizations about the organization. She was successful in creating venues to assist Fil-Ams on questions about US citizenship and dual citizenship issues; campaigning to go out to register and vote during local and national elections and get counted; has continued to be active as election judge in every election in Missouri; assisting and supporting to form the new FIL-AM organization at the Lake of the Ozarks; advocating and collaborating with other local Fil-Am and mainstream organizations, and organizing events that lead to increased NaFFAA visibility. Currently, Anecita leads the Filipino American community in organizing Filipino American History Month celebration, Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo celebration and Multicultural Celebrations in the Diocese of Jefferson City. In 2015, Anecita plans to organize and host consular outreach for the benefit of Fil-Ams who are seeking for consular services. It is planned to be held in the Isle of Capri Casino – Boonville, MO. This place is very accessible for Fil-Ams from all over the state because it is located along I- 70, between Kansas City and St. Louis, MO. NaFFAA MO has started one of its major events which is the Filipino American History Month (FAHM) celebration in October 2013. Anecita’s goal is to engage in socially relevant activities that interest many Fil-Ams in Missouri. This year, the 2nd annual celebration of FAHM is going to be extra special. No less than the new Philippine Consul General Chicago Generoso Calonge is gracing the event. There will be other guests coming from Chicago, New Mexico and Washington, DC. There will be performances both from local and outof- state talents. Anecita expects any Fil-Ams will grace the event. It will be held on October 11, 2014 at the St. Peter’s Gymnasium in Missouri’s city capital of Jefferson City. This event will feature dinner, dance and lots of entertainment. Anecita is backed by her good track record of professional and community leadership. She is currently employed as Financial/Operations Analyst at the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel in Boonville, MO. She has worked with the Isle of Capri for 16 years and 4 months. She started as Slot Attendant for about 7 months, then got promoted to various managerial positions until she got her present position. To further enhance her skills, Anecita has attended various leadership training. She is currently a member of Toastmaster International Club 4492 where they meet weekly. She graduated the Boonslick Leadership Class 2012. As an active community leader, Anecita is involved with the following organizations: Vice- President of Boonslick Habitat for Humanity; United Way Cooper County Advisory Council Member; Love Notes Performer by River Rats for the Arts; Missouri River Clean-Up and Festival Organizer; Past President of FIL-AM Cultural Society of Mid-MO; Boonville Annual Pick-up Organizer; Multicultural Committee Member/Organizer, Jefferson City Jefferson City Diocese; and Isle of Capri Community Aces Committee Member. Anecita hails from Sogod, Southern Leyte. She humbly recalls, “I come from a poor family of three brothers and three sisters. Fortunately, God gave me a precious gift of having a good brain and received a full scholarship in high school at Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy, then proceeded to Cebu City to complete my college education. I was a working student in college with the Aznar family where I owe most of my success in acquiring my college education. I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Major in Accounting at Southwestern University, Cebu City.” Anecita is married to Juan Alvizo, a construction worker, and they enjoy their beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Isabel. Isabel is attending Kindergarten at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Boonville, MO. One exciting event that happened to Anecita and her daughter this year was when they both auditioned and actually got the roles for the King and I stage play. The play was shown at the Arrow Lyceum Theater. Anecita said that “it was her experience of a lifetime to play with her daughter in the same stage, and working with professional actors, actresses and directors who came mostly from New York and other countries. She said that they became instant celebrities as they got the opportunity to get featured in a local newspaper. She recalled that people stopped her and her daughter in public places for autograph. For Filipino Americans in Missouri, Anecita leaves her message, “Whatever you do for our country and fellowmen, ultimately contributes to the welfare of our beloved motherland. I wish that you are willing to stand up and be counted. NaFFAA is here to guide and assist you to make a difference.” You can reach Anecita through email at anecita_sancho@islecorp.com.

Anecita’s beautiful family picture with husband, Juan and daughter, Isabel.

 

Local newspaper in Missouri headlining Anecita and her daughter, Isabel as casts to the stage play, The King and I.