FACC caps off 2022 with elections, Christmas party

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 were served along with standard fiesta meals like fried chicken, spaghetti and pasta. Filipino and American sweets were also available. 

Also in attendance were past FACC presidents Wally Penilla, Steve Mirman, Mark Hernandez, Doris Mata, Dell Fallar, Robert Escobal, Susan Palmes-Dennis , Dr. Nini Bautista de Garcia, Tonette Asay and Lynn Lorenzo Polk. 

The 2022 appointed Comelec chairperson Tonette Asay along with members Rose Talley and Letty Waddell (who wasn’t present) announced the 2023 FACC board  of directors who were nominated and vetted a week before the assembly. 

The FACC board of directors 2023 are the following: President Ed Tautjo, Beth Kremer first vice president, Leizel Perez Bell second VP, Aurea Barbee as Secretary, Elsie Maurice Treasurer, Stella Lawsin as Auditor. The area representatives are: Marissa Olarte-Helbing, Janette Byerly, Ces Tautjo, Jesus Yalong and Cora Munsee. 

Outgoing FACC President Yulie Armstrong is an ex-officio member whose vote is important to break the tie of seven officers plus five area representatives. The Comelec members also received recognition from the 2022 FACC board of directors. 

The Emoji Band then sang Christmas songs with the FACC board of directors such as ’Feliz Navidad’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ with the Hula couple Bernie and Angela leading the dancing. 

One of the party’s highlights was the ‘Santa Claus coming to town’ part as kids had a grand time receiving gifts and Ralph Frasca played Santa Claus. Beth Kremer closed the first part of the program, followed by more merriment as FACC members and officials mingled and danced the night away.

The boneless lechon (roasted pig), a standard favorite among Pinoys. 

 


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