METROVANINDEPENDENT.COM
November 2015
11
COMMUNITY
Featured Association
The Filipino Association in British Columbia (FABC)
“Mabuhay at Magkakaisa Tayong
Lahat”
By Carl J. Pradas, President of FABC
This is the 58th year of FABC’s
existence in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In 1957, FABC was founded by
21 families in Vancouver with some
participation by the Philippines consular
officers and staff. Five years later in 1962,
the first newly elected officers were
inducted and registered with B.C. registrar
of companies.
In January of 1994, FABC earned a
distinction and prestigious status as,
“MOTHER ASSOCIATION, recognized and
proclaimed by then, the Premier of British
Columbia, Honourable Michael Harcourt.
FABC is governed by the Society
Act of British Columbia. A constitutional
committee were convened to draft the
FABC Constitution and By-Laws, the
basis for the promulgation of Rules and
Regulations in the conduct of day to day
business of the association.
FABC is a non-profit organization that
plays an important role in the community.
The main goal of the association is to
provide strong and unified voice for
Filipinos and Filipino Canadians in British
Columbia. Also to promote camaraderie
in the Filipino community. The realization
of these goals will pave the way to pursue
other objectives of the association such as
Board of Officers (2013 - 2015)
President - Carl J. Pradas
Vice President - Juliet Andalis
Secretary - Gina Barqueros
Treasurer - Rayda Jalandoon
Directors: Kerr Tomayao, Ester Viaje,
Felipa Garcia, Rudy Antonio, Mike
Calingo
FABC officers meeting October 31, 2015 - Ester Viaje, Rayda Jalandoon, Carl J Pradas, Gina Barqueros,
Juliet Andalis.
supporting or building a Filipino community
center.
As the Filipinos and Filipino Canadians
population grew in numbers, some form
other groups and later, to an organizations
or associations. FABC had suffered
several failures in realization of its goals
and aspirations. However, it did not deter
it to move on and continue to struggle to
achieve its goals.
The different Filipino organizations were
classified under various categories, such
as by region of origin, age, and by interest
groups.
FABC membership is general and nonexclusive and non-territorial. It does not
discriminate as to faith, origin, sex, age,
scholastic achievement, career or interest.
Dedication and loyalty, the inherent
qualities possessed by Filipinos and
Filipino Canadians created a history and
show a strong leadership in the community.
O n Nove mb e r 28, 2015, FA BC
election of new officers will take place
during the annual general meeting at the
Kensington Community Centre. FABC is
also accepting new members. There’s a
membership fee of $5. Be a member on or
before November 13 to be able to vote at
the upcoming election.
For more information, please contact:
Carl J. Pradas
Tel: 604-251-5097
Email: [email protected]
Gina Barqueros
Tel: 604-625-6214
Email: [email protected]
SPIDS Masquerade
Dinner & Dance Costume Party - November 1, 2015
Friends and supporters gathered at
the Our Lady of Mercy Gym for the Surrey
Philippine Independent Day Masquerade
dinner and dance costume party, last
November 1st. The highly successful event
was the first fundraising for the benefit of
the society for the past 7 years.
Melanie Grace Bennette (SPIDS Queen), Michael
Orendain (SPIDS King) and their daughter Nataliya
Orendain (SPIDS Princess. Photo by Bert Morelos
(From left) Jesse Tanada, Laarni Tanada, Doug
Tingley, Winnie Chan aka Star Bernardo (SPIDS
Stunner 2015), Narima dela Cruz (pres. of SPIDS),
Lowell Jordan (SPIDS Director) & Papa Bear Legaspi
(SPIDS Director). Photo by Diones Lago
SPIDS directors, volunteers, supporters. Photo by Bert Morelos
SPIDS Prince 2015 Tres Gonzales, presenters Jackie
Diy and Luisa Marshall. Photo by Diones Lago
Cecilia Ampeso, Narima Dela Cruz, Luisa Marshall,
Jackie Diy and Beatrice Cabilin. Photo by Diones Lago
SPIDS amazing volunteers. Photo by Bert
Morelos