Written by: Freddy Burke
The Philippine American Friendship Community Inc. is proud to present the 2023 Induction and Turn Over Ceremony. Celebrating 33 years since its inception, PAFCOM continues to strive to be a force for good in the community. Held at Hank Gallo Community Center in Jersey City, over 100 attendees came to support PAFCOM’s Induction and Turn Over Ceremony. To kick off the program, Master of Ceremonies Edynne Baclay-Loquellano of CEBU. Inc. welcomed the exuberant crowd before all partook in the sumptuous lunch. Krizia Daya of International Women Artists led the National Anthems of the U.S and Philippines. followed by an Invocation by new PRO Freddy Burke. The Chairman’s report by Dr. Connie Uy, M.D and Treasurer’s report by Mrs. Maria Pilar Monje showed that PAFCOM is a strong organization with its values at its center and financial reporting is transparent to the public.
PAFCOM’s 2022 President, Lea Frain now passes the gavel to 2023 President Roxanne Cajigas, Ph.D along with a new executive board and committee. In her thank you speech, outgoing President Lea Frain congratulated PAFCOM in their recognition of the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (Banaag Award). In her valedictory message, Dr. Roxanne said “that this year 2023 we will better serve the community in need and improve their quality of life as we soar higher.” The incoming PAFCOM board and officers were individually called up for the induction led by Consul Ricarte Abejuela III from the Philippine Consulate General in NY.
President-Elect 2024 Maricar Taino presented the honorary grand marshals for the Philippine American Friendship Community Inc. They are Mrs. Maria Pilar Monje, Professor Ismael Jampayas, Atty. Ferdinand Suba, and Dr. Cris Fernandez. The incoming 2023 Honorary grand marshals are very accomplished in their fields of work. The 2023 Grand Marshal for the Philippine American Friendship Community Inc. is Dr. Dely Go, presented by Dr. Connie Uy, M.D. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Dely Go said that it is an honor to have been considered as grand marshal and after observing PAFCOM as a group, she wants to support them. Dr. Dely will also be the 2023 PIDCI Grand Marshal and she is willing to accept the responsibilities. Dr. Dely was serenaded by a performance by CEBU. Inc Tribu Cebuano dancers.
New Auditor Shiran Ybanez presents the incoming 2023 PAFCOM muses. In Shiran’s own words the ‘Miss Universes’ of PAFCOM. The Master of Ceremonies Edynne Baclay-Loquellano revealed to the audience that she is the 2023 Mrs. PAFCOM. Krizia Daya will be the 2023 Miss PAFCOM, Adreinne Lacorte-Mercado is 2023 Miss Teen PAFCOM, Little Miss PAFCOM 2023 Kendall Hermosura and Miss PAFCOM LGBTQIA 2023 is Natalie Strider. Shiran added that this year’s muses are multi-talented in their own right.
Following the presentation was the pinning and oath taking of several new members of the Philippine American Friendship Community Inc. followed by the community singing together the song “If We Hold on Together”. Closing Remarks were made by President-Elect 2024 Maricar Taino. If you wish to be a part of the activities, join the PAFCOM family today!