Highlights of the 36th FACC Gala

 

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

(All photos sourced from Tonette Asay, Elsie Maurice and online photos of event)

ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—It’s been barely over two weeks since it was held but it seems as if the dust had yet to settle over the latest 36th Grand Gala of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

It was spectacular to say the least for all attendees but unknown to many, the FACC board of directors led by FACC President Marissa Olarte and the gala chairperson Edelweiss de Guzman and Vice Chair Dr. Louie Anquillo launched preparations for the event since last June. Since that month, all three were kept busy thinking of ways to make the 36th FACC Gala the best ever.

What stood out is their decision to adopt as a gale theme a return to Philippine history through the epic novel of the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal which is still very relevant for this time. 

There is no denying that not all had read about Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, much less knew about Dr. Rizal himself.  

So the venue for the gala was perfect for what was envisioned and the walkthrough from the registration area to what looked like Luneta Park where Rizal was executed was 100 meters in length more or less.

PHOTO BOOTHS

There were photo booths that each contained significant locations and time periods in Rizal’s history: His autobiography, the area when he wrote Noli Me Tangere (Eilleen de Guzman as Maria Clara greeting the guests), Dapitan (where Rizal was exiled by the Spanish authorities) and Luneta Park where Rizal was executed. 

It was a perfect day for a stroll through Philippine-Spanish era history with the guests carrying parasols, dainty bags and women in their finest Filipiniana (modern, hybrid or classic) and male guests clad either in Barong Tagalog or coat and tie. 

The ladies looked like members of the ‘illustrados.’  Edelweiss said she remembered that as a kid she went to Intramuros a few times during field trips.

‘I visited Intramuros again  two years ago with my family.  I took photos (displayed there) and hired a tourist guide (for my nephews and sister-law were there too),’ she said.   For the display, Edelweiss used combination of online photos and her own photos. 

At Station 2 is a recreation of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere novel complete with hand-painted props and visual elements. 

‘My vision for this station is to evoke a library setting—a space that reflects Dr. Jose Rizal’s deep love for writing, knowledge, and storytelling. This is our tribute to his mind, his message, and his enduring legacy,’ Edelweiss said.

The third Station housed mementoes of Dapitan which depicted Rizal’s life in exile.  All the photos and historical materials were graciously shared by Maribel Langford who visited Dapitan and even attended the school built by Rizal’s first pupil. 

This station reflects Rizal’s dedication to education, community and service—even in isolation.  

PROGRAM PROPER

And so while everyone was busy talking, meeting old friends and new acquaintances in the gala venue, the Purple Remedy Band played for the guests.

Upon entering, the guests were greeted by simple, yet elegant decor that the 2nd VP had spent many nights before conceptualizing before deciding on those that pop out and immediately grab attention. That and a spacious venue that was ready made for dancing and everything clicked into place. 

The guests were treated into six parts of the program proper:

Opening program: 

Gospel song performed by Ranilo Perez Jr., and the opening invocation for the FACC Gala 2025 by Elsie Maurice.

The U.S.National Anthem was done by Rommel Olarte while the Philippine National Anthem was by Marissa Olarte.

Cultural performances:

Started at 6:30 pm up to 6:45 pm and consisted of performances by the Dance Philippines of the Carolinas of Tonette Asay, Vibrant Threaded Tradition: Tribal Vogue- Kultura Filipina Couture by Beth Kremer and then followed by Asheville Performing Artists of Brian Rodriguez and FASU.

Awards and Recognition:

With NC House Representative Maria Cervania including a message by FACC President Marissa Olarte and the awarding of the FACC members of the month:  Adelia Fallar for February, Dr. Ki Hyun Chun for March, Susan Palmes-Dennis for April, Margie Javier for May, Maria Corazon Ducusin for June and Florami Lee for July.

For August, there were the vendors VJ Chicken INasal, Pinoy Plates, Leslie’s Kitchen and Annie’s Kitchen and Dimple Maturan for October. Dr. Eumelia Nini Bautista was given the Legacy Award for this year 2025. 

Also awarded was Cadence Arcales Neely who won the Mi Ultimo Adios Declamation Contest while Alex Romero won the Noli Award.

Then at 7:15 pm up to 7:30 pm a depiction of Chapter 16 of the Noli Me Tangere that portrayed the life of the tragic character Sisa was enacted courtesy of Connie Vitug. The presentation ended with Audrey Baran of Bad Kids and the singing of ‘Bayan Ko’ by Yael Pineda-Hall. 

Wrapping up the 36th FACC Gala was the open dance at 7:45 pm onwards with each guest dancing up a storm for the evening,

This year’s board of directors for the 2025 FACC were:

Marissa Olarte-President 

Louie Anquillo- 1st Vice-President 

Edelweiss Vogel- 2nd Vice-President 

Tess Olarte- Garcia- Secretary 

Maribel Lankford- Treasurer 

Dhi Villapando-Public Relations Officer

Ranilo Perez JR- Auditor

Evelyn Glass- Area Representative 

Marilou Vitug- Area Representative 

Erce Cobile- Area Representative 

Sophie Mack- Area Representative 

Elsie Maurice- Area Representative 

Dr. Edward Tautjo- Ex Officio and Secretary General.

Spotted during the gala were Ann Gonzales, President and CEO at Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce along with Agnes Higley, the founder of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina. 

Also in attendance were guests from across North Carolina and even outside the state South Columbia of South Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania.  

Overall, the 36th FACC Gala was a clear success for it was an all around team effort led by the FACC board of directors. Kudos to everyone present who made it all happen and to better FACC Galas ahead!