People, Events, Places (PEP)

  By Susan Palmes-Dennis   ROCKINGHAM,    North Carolina—The groundbreaking ‘Journey of Hope’    exhibit at the Charlotte Museum of History which showcased the works of outstanding Filipinos and Filipino-Americans along with other Asian and Pacific Islanders that immigrated to the Queen City was a huge success. The Filipino-American community was one of 23 communities who were represented in the exhibit that opened last May 18.   Aside from artifacts and photos briefly detailing notable Asian American figures and landmarks, the exhibit also features speakers who recount stories of survival, hope and perseverance of their respective communities that marked their journey to the adopted land. The Philippine section included the works of artists Edelweiss De Guzman and Malou Tabada Cordery and the books of legal historian Leia Castañeda.     Their works join precious items of historical value like the signed gloves of former senator and worl...

  By Susan Palmes-Dennis ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—The sounds of dancing feet and appreciative voices of the crowd filled the Matthews Playhouse where the 20 members of the Leyte Dance Theater group performed last Saturday, May 27. Not even the inclement weather that day dampened the spirits of those watching the 6 pm show as they showed up either soaked in their jackets or carrying umbrellas.  The Charlotte, North Carolina performance was part of the Leyte Dance Theater group’s ‘Padayon Pagsayaw the USA Tour.’  The 12 pm and 6 pm shows both started with an invocation by Beth Kremer (1st VP of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas or FACC) followed by the singing of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ anthem by FACC area representative Marissa Olarte whose rendition set the mood for the performance. In both shows FACC president Dr. Edward Tautjo gave the welcome address and thanked the community for their continued support.  The 12 pm show was hosted by FACC audit...

ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—For this year’s Spring Fling event sponsored by the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) this coming Sunday, April 23, 2023, organizers came up with a TikTok Challenge using the popular Vietnamese pop song ‘Ting Ting Tang Tang Ting.’ The TikTok Challenge was confirmed by FACC 2nd VP Leizel Perez Ball who said the Vietnamese song is a ‘fun dance number’ that had been popularized by many Pinoy celebrities.   Bell said there’s also a Line Dancing event for those attending the FACC Spring Fling, one of four annual events in the FACC calendar.     The Spring Fling to be held at Clarks Creek Community Park also kicks off the four major FACC events. Live music and fun games will be had while food will be served potluck style. Both attendees and guests will be welcomed by this year’s FACC President Ed Tautjo. Oh and Sir Ed also said a PickleBall tournament will also be held during the Spring Fling picnic./Susan Palmes-Dennis