Sonya Brown, Arriane Tuason, Mimi Ferrer–Leaders, Filipinos in the FarWest

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Filipinos in the Far West (FFW) is a small community of Filipino Americans in the towns of Sandwich, Plano, and Yorkville, the far western suburbs of Chicago. These places stretch between the counties of Kendall, LaSalle and DeKalb. A considerable number of Filipino American families live in these towns, where they find work around the area as well. Blessed with very simple living, less stressful driving roads, and plenty of recreational and leisure activity options, members of FFW have a lot time to spend time together.

Five years ago, a number of Fil-Am families organized FFW as a social group. They met in Plano in the house of Arriane Tuason. The group talked about inviting other families to its annual Christmas Party and summer get-together events. FFW is growing in number because of its approach to new members. There is no stress in joining, there are no annual dues for membership, and its gatherings are pretty open to anyone.

This summer, FFW members have organized birthdays and picnics. One major event of FFW during the summer is when members plant vegetables in their own backyard or fruit-bearing trees. When it is harvest time, they get together or invite others to give away their produce. Just a month ago, FFW members have given away plenty of pechay, tomatoes, eggplant squash, string beans, green plums, and many others.

FFW members are great supporters of Filipino events, as well as Filipino Americans who are in need. They lend their time and resources readily. These members have been supporting church-related fundraising events. They also help in disseminating information about community services such as food pantry or food distribution in their local areas so people become aware. They also help each other by making referrals on any seasonal or permanent jobs available in the area. When they know anybody who is newlyarrived from the Philippines, FFW members would make themselves available to organize welcome parties to new families. FFW is surely setting a great example of a Filipino American organization that is small, yet big in making a difference in other people’s lives.

This coming December 12th, FFW will hold its Annual Holiday Event at the Lakewood Springs Clubhouse in Plano, IL. This event will be highlighted by gift-giving to children, singing of Christmas carols, dancing, and a potluck of Filipino food and delicacies. This event is open to members, friends and will be an opportunity to bring in new members.

Sonia Brown is from Binangonan, Rizal. She lives with Eddie and their daughter in Sandwich and she works in a social service agency in Sandwich. Mimi Ferrer is from Cebu. She is married to Cesar and live in Sandwich, with their children Paula and Philip. Like Sonia, she also works in a social service agency in Sandwich. Arriane Tuason is from Nueva Ecija. She is married to Ely, and they live in Plano with their son, Enrique. She also works in a social service agency in Sandwich. If you are in Yorkville, Plano or Sandwich area, and you are interested to connect with FFW, please contact Sonia Brown at bpinay67@aol.com.

(L-R) FFW leaders, movers and shakers: Arriane Tuason, Sonia Brown and Mimi Ferrer.

Combined birthday celebration of August born Rosa Bacatan, Joe Mauricio and Robert Chavez. Shown from left: Veronica, Mariquit, Rosa, Joe & Robert.

August birthday celebrant Rosa Bacatan (2nd from left) flanked by sisters Veronica, Neneth & Ikit and auntie Angie Jacala (2nd from right).

VT’s Veronica & Jane Palomar at the Wines of Tejo (Portugal) media luncheon seminar held at Sepia Restaurant in Chicago, exploring a wide variety of distinctive, native varietal red and white wines from the historic Portuguese region of Tejo.and September 17th, respectively, hosted