People, Events, Places (PEP)

                         f By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—In true Pinoy fashion, a ‘Simbang Gabi’ (literally Night Mass but more accurately dubbed as Dawn Mass due to the time it is actually held) or Misa de Gallo was celebrated a week ago at St. Tomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Raymond Ekosse, parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Many were surprised hearing Fr. Ekosse at the start of his homily saying ‘Magandang Gabi (good evening)’ and this was sufficient to sustain their attention for the rest of the program. Fr. Ekosse talked mostly about Christmas traditions of Filipinos back in the Philippines and explained that the Misa de Gallo endured for Filipinos regardless of where they live in the world. In that respect, Fr. Ekosse encouraged the Filipino-Americans attending the Mass not to be embarrassed about continuing their observance of Misa de Gallo.   He also said the presence of Christ in the Nativity scene embodies the essen

Clad in jeans and a black top, Marissa Olarte-Helbing joins FACC members on the dance floor     By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina--Marissa Olarte-Helbing is one of the area representatives of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC), chosen to represent the Filipino-American community in Matthews town, southeastern   Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to the FACC board of directors. Marissa graduated from St. Louis University in Baguio City, Phillippines. She loves nursing and music and based on her work, both nursing and music love her back. Some of the FACC board of directors for 2023 Volunteering is second nature to this   pretty lady as she generously contributed her time and effort to the FACC including live performances when the occasion calls for it. Marissa is a registered nurse for 34 years of which 32 were spent here in her adopted country. She’s a certified nurse executive and certified DNS-CT Director of Nursing Services. Marissa is

The 'Santa comes to town' portion of the FACC Christmas party. All photos taken by Laren R. Davidhizar by Susan Palmes-Dennis Non stop dancing to live band music capped the annual general assembly cum Christmas party of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) held at Newell Elementary School last Saturday, Dec. 3. Ably hosted by Christelle Angelica Corpin, the event carried the theme ‘Christmas Under the Stars’ and featured music by the Emoji Band whose vocalist Marissa Olarte-Helbing sang hit tunes like ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor.  Chris Helms, husband of Area Rep Jean Helms, led the opening prayer while the Philippine National Anthem and Star Spangled Banner were sung by Emelyn Burgess and Kevin Villanueva respectively. Dr. Ed Tautjo welcomed the FACC assembly while incoming FACC treasurer Elsie Maurice led the prayers before meals. Classic Filipino fare like adobo pork and chicken, pancit (rice noodles) and bitter gourd mixed with scrambled eggs w

Past FACC presidents attending the annual electon of officers and FACC general assembly with 2023 president Dr. Ed Tautjo at the far left side, By Susan Palmes-Dennis Rockingham, North Carolina--A physician was chosen to head the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) Inc. in 2023. Dr. Edward Tautjo, who works at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, was elected FACC president. Having served as FACC second vice president and then FACC first vice president in the last two years, he had more than enough experience to transition to the FACC presidency. Doing so means he will take charge of the FACC’s 34 th Gala in 2023.  FACC 2023 president Dr. Ed Tautjo The incoming FACC president graduated from the Cebu Institute of Medicine after completing his Bachelor’s Degree at Ateneo de Manila University.  Dr. Tautjo completed his postgraduate internship at UP Philippine General Hospital. He loves music so much that his presence is always felt during events of the FACC as he p

By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—The 2023 Unionville Legion Queen is an in-demand guest of local events here as she is fully booked for appearances up to the Fourth of July 2023.  Arden Lee , the three-and-a half little cutie won the 2023 Miss American Legion of Unionville here at North Carolina. She’s the granddaughter of Florami Lao Lee and Wyatt Lee, Florami being a former president of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) back in 2013.  ‘Arden is my son’s daughter,” the proud grandma beamed. Arden will grace the Unionville Christmas Parade on December 4 and the July 4th Parade next year.  Arden likes Edamame (a type of soybeans in a pod) and rice sprinkled with soy sauce. Her favorite color is pink and she likes Disney’s ‘Frozen’ movies .  Arden loves to ride a bike with her brother, enjoys taking ballet lessons and loves to ride horses. Her parents are Kellen and Lindsey Lee. Most of all she loves her Lola (grandma) Florami so much.  Arden is a p