07/30/2024
Happy Tuesday! πβ€οΈπ
I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the huge success of our 126th Philippine Independence Day Gala and Coronation event last Saturday, July 27 at the Talking Stick Resort - the biggest Filipino American gathering in Phoenix! As Chairperson of CFO-AZ, I extend my sincerest appreciation to the 37 organizations under our umbrella for their tireless efforts in making this event a triumph. Please know that your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and I'm honored to have shared this experience with each of you
Your contributions, whether big or small, have made a significant impact on the celebration of our Filipino heritage. I thank each and every one of you for your selflessness, dedication, and passion.
To my Executive Board: Vice Chair/Pageant Chair Fleur Magbanua-Mansur Treasurer Ethel Luzario Secretary Nattie Cura
Our CFO-AZ Board of Directors: Cynthia Vilar, Alma Goldschmidt, Liesly Sandal Susan & Edwin Bulos, Joey Vibal Balasta, Jess Siozon, A-Jay Manabat and Fernando Bancod, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and exceptional leadership in making our PIDC Gala a tremendous success! Your valuable contributions, expertise, and dedication were instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
To our generous sponsors, your support has been invaluable. Your investment in our community's success is truly appreciated. Major Sponsor Ramon Martinez Casino Arizona & Talking Stick Resort, Diamond Sponsors: Marivic Acosta Eric Dimaiwat Megaworld Intl Chris Amado Roldan Megaworld International, Jess Siozon Trinity Caregiving Services, Ricky-Aileen Llave TAG Saladmaster, Richard & Cindy Moussopo PADUK, Dr. James Campbell & Priscilla Inday Ho, Christina Laguna CallChristinaNow, Marie Cunning AZ Discount Flooring, Kay Oballo & Minnie Palis Care Partners Health Services, Charmel Dela Cruz FABCCA East Valley, Platinum Sponsors: Marc & Alma Rodilla Goldschmidt M&A Gold Productions, Meridian Health Care Providers, Gold Sponsors: Richelle BC AllyxCally, Maria Bradburn Country Financial, Silver Sponsors: Natividad Cura DeFrances LoveJoy Couture, Omegalife Hospice of AZ, Cyche Luarez Johnson CyβChic Fashion Boutique, Maks Teresa Bondaryev The Next Genesis, Official Photographer: Ihman Basas Esturco Photography, Media Partners: Michael & Jennifer Del Mar Lewis Chikka Magazine, Leo Aromin Fil-Am Journal, F Magazine, Rhia Luz Buhay Buhay sa Amerika, On Point with Jovie Calma, AZ Unlimited Productions, LARAS Media, Technical Production, Cecille & Reynaldo Rosario Pinoy Elegance Stage & Photo Booth Decorations, DJ Jude & Alma Basiga Sound System & Lights, Joshua Dela Cruz Technical/Production Asst and to all our PIDC & Gala Table Vendors, Pageant Sponsors, Print Ad Sponsors Pageant Practice Venue Sponsors: Jun Saez, Ricky & Aileen Llave, Alma Goldschmidt. Thank you so much! β€οΈ
To our dynamic Gala emcees Jovie Calma Je Tolentino John Saavedra, PIDC emcees Ben Barranco, Suzanne Kennedy, Jemimah dela Cruz, Pageant coordinator Nathalie Velasquez, Board of Judges: Christie Lukes, Junelle Cavero, Richard Moussopo, Wesley Spencer, Liz Blalock, Anton Vu, Tabulators A-Jay Manabat, Susan Bulos, Sarah Arabit, pageant committee John Saavedra Jocyl Kennedy Nattie DeFrances, judges coordinators Joan Anderson, Mercedes Velasquez, inspiring guest speakers Fil-Am AZ State Representative Junelle Cavero Harnal Jessica Cox, talented performers DJ Jude Basiga Marian A Pierce Catherine Kata Rochefort, ASU PASA, Jhen Facto-Aquino Victoria Angela Phoenix Asian American Lions & Leos Club 2016 Miss Teen Philippines AZ Megan Diefendorf, 2016 Miss Teen Philippines Luzon Jemimah Dela Cruz, 2015 Miss Teen Philippines AZ Suzanne Marge Celine Kennedy, our 2023 Mrs. Philippines Arizona Leizel Anyayahan & her Court: Mrs. Philippines Luzon Riz Valerie Syzemore, Mrs. Philippines Visayas Daisy Lloyd, Mrs. Philippines Mindanao Rusci Oleksy, Mrs. PIDC Mary Gloan, all behind the scenes committee leads and hardworking volunteers Ron Smith MarieCharmz Villareal Maribel Concordia-Dillard MJ Barjose, Edward Lago, Roxanne Sapno, Rudy Sanchez, Oscar Arabit, Zoe Panganiban, Don Monaco, Frank Rosales, Emma P Rosales Aice O. Giddings Maricar Antivo, Pancy Gilbert, Evelyn Flores, Vaneza Hodges, Maribel Biso, Julie Martinez, Lynnerose Morris, Laura Carson, Evelyn Casuga, Santy Melchor, Billie Sparenga, Ghiezl Cacnio, Mabing Navarro, Richard Navarro, Maria Luisa Padilla, Arjay Ybanez, Dionisio Flores, Hank Martin, Willietess Poirier, Marinor, Condes, Rizza Ditchella, Robert Baysan, Renato Gamboa, Romeo Carbonell Jr., Christian Ramiscal, John Ramiscal, Maria Cabrera Areno, Cha & Jong Silfavan, Joanne Dela Rosa Pena, Achelle Arciaga, to all the Usherettes & Marshalls, your time and energy have made a lasting impression on our guests.
And to the newly crowned Miss Teen Philippines Arizona 2024, Fhrancess Marie Cabuslay, and her royal court: 1st runner up Miss Teen Philippines Luzon Atara Macy Andrews, 2nd Runner Up Miss Teen Philippines Visayas Athena Abrugena, 3rd Runner Up Miss Teen Philippines Mindanao Trisha Jennings, Miss Teen CFO-AZ Asia Schildt, Miss Teen PIDC Chantel Thomas, Miss Teen Pearl of the Orient Kystina Krocka, Congratulations on your well-deserved win and recognition! May this achievement inspire you all to continue making a positive impact in our community.
Maraming salamat to everyone involved. I apologize if I missed your name π Let us continue to work together in fostering unity, promoting our culture, and empowering future generations.
In closing, I am so grateful to my family, for their love and support: Marie, Joshua & Ana, Jazmine & Nathan, Jedidiah, Scarlett, Jemimah, Jean, Jardine and Lovel. To God be the glory! π
Sincerely,
Charmel Dela Cruz
Your CFO-AZ Chair