IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
L.A.’s longest running Filipino press club, The Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA), inducted its new set of officers and Board of Directors in a gala night filled with excitement and hope for a new administration at the Doubletree by Hilton in Whittier this past Sunday, March 30.
Officially installed last January, FAPCCA’s new leadership includes a new breed of administrators with President Adrian Lecaros at the helm; a trio of Vice Presidents such as Vice President for Southern California Jackie Dayoha, Vice President for Northern California Don Orozco, Vice President for Overseas Sam Azurel, Secretary Flordeliz Ross; Treasurer Mic Diaz; Auditor Roy Barnes; Public Relations Officer Tony Garcia; Media Relations Officer Reggie Pacal.
FAPCCA’s Board of Directors include its Chairman of the Board Lissa Pacheco Chow, Directors Celia Abuel, Abby Amores, Rudy Autor, Elijah Booth, Katie Ortiz Enriquez, Leonard Espra, Eliza Leigh Serna, Lydia Soriano and Anna Lyra Venaglia.
The organization’s advisory board consists of Co-Founders Thelma Calabio and Andy Z. Edralin and President Emeriti Isidric Panganiban, Benny Uy and Thelma Sugay.
What looked like the biggest induction gala that FAPCCA has ever held with more than 200 attendees and participants was attended by Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles Adelio Cruz and several elected officials in Southern California such as Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles Adelio Cruz, City of Cerritos Mayor Frank Yokoyama, City of Carson Councilmember Jim Dear, City of West Covina Councilmember Ollie Cantos, L.A. County Commissioner on Human Relations Frederick Sykes and City of Walnut Senior Commissioner and Rowland Unified School District School Board of Education Member Agnes Puno Gonzalez.
Organizations championing Filipinos and Filipino-Americans such as the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) led by Noel Omega and Mary Ann Omega, Philippine Independence Day Foundation led by Fred Docdocil, Kalayaan Inc. led by Moises “Jun” Aglipay and Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) led by Trinity Foliente were present.
This year’s gala recognized Filipino-Americans who have contributed to our community immensely with the FAPCCA Achievement Award. Apl.de.Ap Foundation represented by Ted Benito and Audie Vergara, journalist Bobby M. Reyes, Olivia Quido Clinical Skincare and O Skin Med Spa founder Olivia Quido, Merrill Lynch Vice President Ben Crisologo, Rockwell Healthcare owner Evangeline Powell, Co-founder and Co-owner odd L’Aura Wellness Camille Agbayani, Miss Intercontinental 2024 Power of Beauty winner Alyssa Redondo, Miss Young Philippines USA 2023 Kirra Rhein Abarintos, fashion designer Carl Andrada, restaurateur Hera Ramos were among the Achievement Awardees.
Clockwise from top left: Achievement Awardees Bobby Reyes, Ben Crisologo, Evangeline Powell, Alyssa Redondo and Kirra Abarintos. Photos by Romelle Gavin
In his speech, guest speaker Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz exclaimed that the awardees’ achievements are truly a blessing. He also congratulated FAPCCA for “its continued dedication in promoting the highest standards and ethical practices among Filipino-American journalists.” He reminded everyone that just like Councilman Ollie Cantos said, “You have a very powerful voice, but with great power also comes great responsibility. Please help us, guide us in ensuring that what we hear, what we read and what we see are only the truth. I hold you responsible for that.”
Angeli Chaves, Miss World America Stardust People’s Choice winner rendered the U.S. national anthem and the Philippine national anthem. Jamie Bacani, the reigning Mrs. Asia USA led the Miss Asia USA reigning queens perform “Dancing Queen,” a dance number so fitting, with Virgelia Productions CEO Virgelia Villegas who is also an Achievement Awardee proudly looking on. Zac Tolentino, the reigning Mister Philippines USA winner as well as runners up Dorian Mendoza and Roevee Tisoy were also present.
Actor/singer couple Jojo and Alexis Riguerra, actor Ced Torrecarion and actor/editor/columnist Naia Lajoie performed a splendid job as hosts for the evening. Longtime singer with some of the most powerful vocals in Los Angeles April Velasco with her band performed their signature brand of R&B, pop and disco chart toppers to cap the evening.
In her closing remarks, newly inducted Treasurer Mic Diaz reminded everyone that as an organization, FAPCCA has outreach programs and it fundraises to serve underprivileged communities in the Philippines. She further explained that the new officers and Board of Directors are excited because of the many projects the press club has this year such as fundraisers, dance parties, media awards and other events throughout the year.
