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Fil-Am fashion designer joins special needs kids fashion show in Charlotte

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By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—Seven kids with special needs and seven adult regular models walked the runway in a fashion show dubbed ‘Inclusion Is In And Ignorance Is Out’ held last Nov. 15 at the Discovery Place in Charlotte. These special needs kids that posed and walked shoulder to shoulder with the regular models were dressed in the creations of fashion designer Malou Cordery, a native of Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental province, northern Mindanao Philippines. Cordery, who now lives in the Carolinas, said her ‘heart is full and grateful’ for having joined the fashion show which carries the motto ‘I’m Possible.’  The show is organized and produced by Kelly Melerine, the father of a child with a severe disability.     Cordery said the show made it possibe for these children to feel accepted, included and most of all, loved. ‘It brings light to individuals that are otherwise left in the dark, like our special needs,’ she said. There were 27 desig...
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FACC Leadership Workshop draws in youthful, elder Fil-Ams in the Carolinas

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  By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—‘When you think of a leader, (can you name) me one (that comes to mind)?’ That’s the question posed by resource speaker Ramon Tenoso during the recent Leadership Workshop sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) at the Asian Library here. Some of the participants like Anna Chua answered ‘Jesus Christ’, son of God and founder of Christianity while Jesett Kelly named ‘Marissa Olarte’, the incumbent FACC president. There were other leaders mentioned such as Dr. Eumelia Nini Bautista de Garcia, an ROTC Commander in high school and George Washington Jr., according to JR Kelly.   Tenoso spoke to the participants through Zoom from London and followed the questions concerning the qualities of a leader.     The participants replied that a leader has compassion and vision which draws followers to them.   ‘Inspire before I expire’ Tenoso then reminded the attendees that leaders are defined diff...
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Ilocano born Fil-Am wins FAS Pasko Sa Parol contest

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By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—Contestant No. 3 Justine Agustin won the grand prize in the Pasko Parol (Christmas Lantern) contest by the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) over the weekend. Agustin’s parol topped 18 other entries to win the top US $1000 prize. Agustin, who works as a teacher in South Carolina spent weeks to complete the lantern. Most of the materials Justine used are organic or recycled and sourced from home. The corn husks, an important local crop in the Carolinas were dyed and incorporated into the design.  The colored plastic cups were repurposed in the spirit of sustainability. For the lighting, Justine used four different types of battery-operated lights, along with Filipino Christmas music to complete the presentation. ‘I dyed the horn husk. Pero yung body ng parol, siguro five days, from the skeleton to covering and lightings,’ Justine said. It’s a labor of love for Justine who would sleep at 3 am after hours of working on his lantern. Crafts...
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Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of NC holds 4th Business Gala, Awards Night

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  By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—Individuals that ‘go above and beyond’ are poised to receive awards at the 4th Annual Business Gala and Awards Night this Saturday (Nov. 22). Agnes Higley, founder of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina, said the 30 awardees have dedicated themselves substantially to community volunteer work, humanitarian efforts and public service both here and abroad in addition to being business owners, entrepreneurs and career professionals.  The red carpet for these awardees and the 400 guests of the gala will be rolled out at 6 pm at the Durham Convention Center. The keynote speaker is Dr. Vanessa Ervin who is recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 50 Influential African American Leaders in Healthcare.   Dr. Ervin is also the author of the book ‘Purpose Before Position’ and served as chairperson of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Authority. She’s also a national trustee of the North Carolina ...
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