2011: A New Dawn for PASO
2011 was a very busy year for PASO and with a committed Board, everything went well.
AKSA – Aawitan Kita Concert
We hosted the first US concert for AKSA (Aawitan Kita sa America) 2011. Led by the wonderful Armida Siguion-Reyna, theA� group played to a sold out audience of about 400 enthusiastic fans and brought tears and longing for the old country to many. Truly, an unmitigated success despite the short 3-week preparation.
Pista sa Nayon (Annual Summer Dinner Dance)
The 2011 Pista sa Nayon celebration thrilled the crowd with a bevy of Folk Dances (Carinosa, Binasuan and Salakot dance) followed by a melodious Harana complete with the Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut). Kudos to all cultural performers who performed with grace and style. The lechons were delicious.
Gazebo and San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine
The long awaited home for San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila was finally blessed and inaugurated at the Cultural Center Gazebo. It was witnessed by aA� large crowd. The Blessing and Holy Mass were Officiated by Fr. Judes Angeles. This event was sponsored by PAM (Philippine-American Ministry) under the leadership of its President Charlie Flores. PASO is indeed very happy to bring this project to completion in collaboration with PAM.
Renovation Cultural Center
We are in the initial phases of planning for the Cultural Center Renovation project. We encourage your ideas and suggestions as these changes will help preserve our Philippine Cultural Heritage. This initiative is spearheaded by Marina Velmin, President of the Womena��s Auxiliary to the PASO. We need and value your input in this and other PASO endeavors.
Walkway to Cultural Center
We have collaborated with Cleveland Metropark System to develop an elevated walkway to the back portion of our property. This will allow us to use and enjoy the marsh areas and give us access to Metroparka��s parking areas and trails.
Outreach programs led by APPO Auxiliary
The Womena��s Auxiliary to PASO has done some wonderful outreach programs for the community as well such as computer classes, Empowerment Programs and Domestic Abuse seminars. See the summary of the computer classes here.
Health Fair in collaboration with PNAO and APPO held twice. The most recent was at the PASO picnic and benefits the community with health screening education and consultations.
Younger Generation Participation
The past few years brought about some exciting, yet fundamental changes for PASO especiallyA� with our younger generationa��s participation and leadership roles. Your PASO board continually promote a more inclusive and transparent administration. Moreover, we actively encourage participation in leadership roles for every segment of our community, especially our younger generation. We fully recognize our youth as our hope for the future and under Phil Bautistaa��s leadership, we have sponsored networking events to promote PASOa��s goals and objectives.
Awards
As PASO continues to draw unprecedented support from a wide spectrum of groups within our community. I am continually amazed by the new faces and people we have yet to reach. PASO is very proud to recognize outstanding members of our community who has excelled in theirs endeavors. Please inform us of any such individuals in your group. The PASO scholarship program will continue to recognize and support deserving students. During our July 2011 Pista sa Nayon festivities at the Holiday Inn, Dr Juliana M. dela Cruz was presented with the 2011 Recognition Award for the Outstanding Educator by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for 2011.
Scholarship Awards were given to four outstanding students from the Class of 2011:
Dennis D. Silva
Paul Joseph Krause
Kristina Padolina
Elizabeth Oa��Neill.
Ethnic Diversity
As we march into the future, PASO will to be strong advocates for ethnic diversity and contribute to the greater good of the Asian American Community in NE Ohio. We will promote greater collaboration and unity among all Filipino-American organization in this region.
Constitution and by Law
The Board ratified the Amended Code of Regulations (Constitution and Bylaws ) which will help determine our future direction and objectives.
PASO Family Picnic:A� September 11, 2011
Mass service by Fr. Nacorda. There was entertainment, bake and food sale including the famous Halo-Halo.
Reverse Raffle:A� October 7, 2011
Held at the Double Tree Hotel with a chance to win $2,000. Proceeds went to the renovationA� of the Philippine Cultural Center.
Induction of Officers and Holiday (Christmas) Ball: December 3, 2011
Held at the Double Tree Hotel, we enjoyed a most wonderful evening of fun and camaraderie to welcome the Holiday Season.
With a committed Board and support of the Philippine-American Community, the futureA� is indeed brighter for all of us.
Armando B. Damian,MD., PASO President
