PHIL-AM FRIENDSHIP DAY and ANTHONY CASTELO CONCERT
The FIRST Philippine-American Friendship Day in the Treasure Coast, which was held at the Port St Lucie Community Center on Saturday, April 11, 2009, was a HUGE SUCCESS! The event, which was sponsored by the St Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council and St Lucie Kidney Care, showcased the Filipino cultural heritage, featuring authentic Filipino cuisine, jewelry sales, arts and crafts, folk dancing, music and fun.
Likewise, the Anthony Castelo concert in the evening was a success as well. Castelo entertained long time fans from local Pinoys as well as PhilAms from as far as Sebring and Orlando. Castelo not only amazed the audience with his songs but also entertained them with his comedic ability.
Most importanly were the volunteers who spent time and tremendous efforts not only in their preparation leading to this event but also the long hours spent manning the food line while serving the guests. For that, on behalf of the Association, we would like to thank the VOLUNTEERS who made this event a HUGE SUCCESS. When everyone comes together...great things happen. This event is an example at its best! It would be a tremendous disservice to these people if we failed to mention their names (names will be added as we gather the list). We would like to start from the bottom: The Clean Up Crew: Felix Carpio, Bobot Ragamat, Aris & Ofie Mancao, Anje & Marjorie, Lydia Cabansay, Norma Nycum ...more names to be added later...
Our evening MC's Jess and Ellen accompanied by friends. L to R: Jessica Sukmana, Dennis Rodriguez (The Phil-Am A-Rod), Dr. Sam Razuman, Ellen Bernabe, Marjorie Deocampo, Cecelia Guevarra, Norma Nycum, Cynthia Lucero, Tess Goodall, Elsie Bedome.
The MAN from Okeechobee, Bobot Ragamat (the BBQ King) and Lydia Cabansay...members of our clean up crew.
Platinum Sponsor : $ 1,000.00 & above Drs. Antonio and Manon Manahan Drs. Gerard Q. and Ma. Teresa E. Flores
Gold Sponsor: $ 500 to 999.00 Phiippine- American Medical Society of Florida,.T.C. (Dr. Trinidad E. Garcia – PRESIDENT of PAMSF) Mr. & Mrs. John W. Nycum,The Aguirre Family & the late Grandma Roselyn Mr. & Mrs. RJ Garcia (Kris-Ann Jewelry)
Silver Sponsor: $ 100- 499.00 Mr. & Mrs. Francis & Maricor Frias (Florida Medical Claims, LLC) Drs. Mike & Leni Espiritu Mr. Neil Manahan Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Mangonon Dr. Tristan Pangilinan & Dr. Mercedes Borromeo
Cash Donors to the Scholarships Program Dr. & Mrs. Alfredo Gonzales Dr. & Mrs. Hien O’Grady & Family Dr. & Mrs. Kim Nguyen Mr. & Mrs. Anje Deocampo Mrs. Mechie Deguzman
Masters of Ceremony: Ellen Bernabe & Jessica Sukmana
Star Spangled Banner: By Jessica Sukmana, accompanied by Mr. Joe Denara Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang”: by Mr. Edmund Nalzaro President Mrs. Norma Ibanez Nycum Chairman of the Board Dr. Gerard Flores Chairpersons: Drs. Tony and Manon Manahan Co-Chair: Dr. Ma. Teresa E. Flores
Invocation By: Pastor Alex Lucero Duet by: Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Nalzaro Music by: Mr. George Go Special Presentations: Ms. Karen Walters & Dr. Tony Manahan- Fox Trot Mrs. Cheryl & Tom Isola - Cha Cha Judy Go and George Go - Argentine Tango Mr. Joe Denara - Piano Performance Mrs. Jan & Arpad Rajki - Bolero Mrs. Louise & Kevin Payne - Waltz Dr. Manon Manahan & Spas Skalev - Int. Rumba & Jive Medley Vocal Solo by: Mr. Dennis Rodriguez Committee Members: Felix Carpio, Marie Grass, Marie Krueger, Elsie Bedome, Puanani Lee
FEBRUARY 7, 2009 AT THE PELICAN YACHT CLUB AT 7:00 PM. Click Here for more photos. Left to Right: Felix Carpio, Lorna Aguirre, Tess Flores, Marjorie Deocampo, Norma Nycum, Marie Krueger, Ellen Bernabe, Jessica Sukmana, Elsie Bedome, Marie Grass, Dennis Rodriguez
Left to Right: Dr. Trini Garcia, Marjorie Deocampo, Dr. Glroia Aragon, Dr. Candido Aragon, Dr. Mike Espiritu
PhilAm kids (see attached photos) did a community outreach activities at Life Care Assisted Living and Tiffany Hall Assisted Living. They cheered the residents with Christmas Carol and they made a personalized Christmas cards for each residents. Michael McGinnis & Ysabella Ventulan made a personalized christmas card to the residents of Life Care Assisted Living.
Sitting in bench:(Tiffany Hall) From Left to Right: Humsa Razuman, Joshua Ecarma, Jeremy Villarasa, Raffi Razuman and Vince Ventulan. Sitting at the back: Ysabella Ventulan and Michael McGinnis
(Left to Right Front Row): Matthew McGinnis, Humsa Razuman, Ysabella Ventulan, Michael McGinnis & Joshua Ecarma. (Standing From Left to Right) Erin McGinnis, CJ Villarasa, Talor Reid, Vince Ventulan, Alec Ecarma, Raffi Ruzuman & Jeremy Villarasa.
ENTRANCE: Mrs. Elsie Bedome, Mrs. Barbara Algin, Mrs. Huin O'Grady, Mr. Anje Deocampo
DECORATIONS: Dr. Sam Razuman, Mrs. Norma Nycum, Mr. Bobot Ragamat (manger), Ms. Sheena Ragamat, Mr. Elj Cabansay, Mr. Felix Carpio, Mr. Aris Mancao, Mrs. Ophie Mancao, Matt Bedome, Hamsa Razuman, Jeremy Villarasa, Mrs. Puanani Lee
MUSIC By: Marie Davis and Dennis Rodriguez
FOOD: Dr. Gemma Mendoza, Mrs. Puanani Lee, Dr. Dominador Maranon, Mrs. Marilyn Maranon, Mrs. Chari Mendoza, Mr. Vic Mendoza, Mrs. Marjorie Deocampo, Dr. Tess Flores, Mr. Felix Carpio, Mrs. Victoria Leighton, Mr. and Mrs. Lappie, Mrs. Lola Rosa Managuit, Dr. Tita Garcia, Mrs. Cynthia Lucero, Mr. Bing Lucero, Mrs. Ophelia Mancao, Mr. Aries Mancao
GAMES: Mrs. Daisy McGinnis, Mrs. Pinky Villarasa, Mrs. Eleanor Repedro, Ms. Malu Reid, Mr. Eric Luyao, Dr. Sam Razuman, Mrs. Rachel Levesque
SANTA CLAUS: Mr. Gary Goodall
ASSISTANT SANTA Mrs. Daisy McGinnis, Mr. Mike McGinnis, Mr. Dennis Rodriguez, Mr. Felix Carpio
YOUTH GROUP "OPERATION BAKING 2008": Mrs. Ellen Bernabe, Brandon Goodall, Bernard Goodall, Rexon Mancao, Kyle Bernabe, Mrs. Tess Goodall, Mrs. Vickie Leighton, Mrs. Michelle Aldana, Dr. Tess Flores, Mrs. Marie Grass, Mhay-Ann Prietos, Jade Graves, Rondrea Noble, Mrs. Marjorie Deocampo
GIFT BASKET FOR RAFFLES: Mr. Elj Cabansay, Ms. Sheena Ragamat, Mrs. Maricor Frias, Mrs. Norma Nycum, Dr. Tess Flores, Mrs. Ophie Mancao, Mrs. Ellen Bernabe, Mr. Paco Bernabe, Mr. Benjave Parenno, Mrs. Tess Goodall, Mrs. Marie Grass, Mrs. Sweet Krueger, Mrs. Lorna Aguirre, Drs. E.Z. and Malou Benemerito
ARTS & CRAFTS: Cj Villarasa, Samreen Razuman, Erin McGinnis, and the Parents of the Nativity participants & friends behind the scenes
LOOT BAGS and LECHON: Dr. Tess Flores and Genevive Flores
PRIZES for the GAMES: Mr.&Mrs.John Nycum, Dr.Tess Flores, Mrs. Lorna Aguirre, Kristine Aguirre, Mang Lolog, Mr. Eric Luyao CLEAN UP: Mr. Aris Mancao, Mrs. Ophie Mancao, Mrs. Victoria Leighton, Mr. Geoff Villarasa, Mr. Jack Cabansay, Mr. Anje Deocampo, Mrs. Rosa Managuit, Mr. Eric Luyao, Mr. and Mrs. Lappe, Mr. Rommel Ecarma, Mr. Bobot Ragamat, Mr. Vic Ventulan, Mr. Benjave Pareno, Mr. Mike McGinnis, Mr. Monti Luciano, Dr. Dominador Maranon, Mrs. Marilyn Maranon, Dr. Peter Aldana, Mrs. Michelle Aldana
SANTAS CHRISTMAS: Mr. and Mrs.Melnicoff, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham, Mrs. Jay Schneider
By "The Dover Court Kids"
SANTA: Sammy Abraham REINDEER: Taylor Melnicoff SANTAS ELVES: Tyler Melnicoff Jessica Abraham
NATIVITY PLAY
JOSEPH: Michael J. McGinnis Jr. MARY: Ysabella Ventulan
3 Wise Men MELCHOR: Vince Ventulan BALTAZAR: Alec Ecarma GASPAR: Jeremy Villarasa
Shepherds: Joshua Ecarma, Matthew J. McGinnis, Carl Zimmerman, Aiden Birmingham
Angels: Eric Matamoros, Kai Kennedy, Loraine Zimmerman
Innkeeper: Ryan Birmingham
Story by:Michael and Daisy McGinnis
Narrator and Director/ Music Arrangement :Daisy McGinnis
Costumes: Mrs. Winnie Ventulan, Mrs. Eleanor Repedro, Mrs. Pinky Villarasa, Ms. Malu Reid all the Parents & Friends who donated the materials
If I missed to mention your name above, it was purely unintentional. Last but not the least, I would like to thank the people who brought food to share with others. Most importantly, I would like to thank the people who renewed their membership fee for 2009.
Our 2009 Xmas Party will be on December 19 at the same place. Once again, Thank You Everyone.
Our 2008 Thanksgiving sponsors: Ellen Bernabe and Marie Grass with Ellen's son, Zack.
The Thanksgiving Choir headed by Ari Reyes
PGA at St. Lucie West. The husband and wife team of Maricor and Francis Frias joint efforts culminate into a very successful fund raising event for the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast for 2008. This is the third time that the duo headed a golf tournament to benefit the IRSC scholarship foundation and to raise money for the Phil-Am general fund.
Maricor and Francis were able to recruit players and acquired sponsorships, with the help of Jessica and Ervin Sukmana and other officers and members of the Phil-Am Association, despite economic difficulties. As a result, the mini-golf tournament held at the PGA at St Lucie West netted over $3500.00.
We would like to thank all the participants for supporting this event. Likewise, we would like to congratulate the two top scoring teams: The team of Mr. Vic Ventulan, Dr. Javier Prado, Dr. Silviano Matamoros, and David Prado, took the 1st place with a combined score of 64. The 2nd place went to the team of Jacob Frias, Francis Frias, Jeremy Fiel, and Travis Stoeling. They also had a combined score of 64.
Also, we would like to acknowledge the sponsors for this event. Without their monetary support, this fund raising event would not have been as successful as it was. The following individuals and businesses have made contributions to this fund raising event:
Seacoast National Bank Nephrology Associates Florida Medical Claims The Pension Source Indian River Exchange Cynthia Rogers, MD (Dermatology) Tristan Pangilinan, MD (Urology) Norma Nycum, Phil-Am President M T Flores Good Flowers Golds Gym Sabene Groves
Additionally, we would like to thank the president of the Phil-Am Association, Norma Nycum, and its officers Ofie Mancao, Jessica Sukmana, Marjorie and Anje Deocampo for their assistance during the event.
We surely had a fun day at the PGA at St Lucie West with plenty of food, prizes and giveaways!
Dancing with the Stars of Phil-Am and Friends
Dr. Manon Manahan and Mr. Robert Scott performing Waltz.
The Dancing with the Stars of Phil-Am and Friends held on July 18, 2008 at the Pelican Yacht Club to raise funds for the scholars of the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos in Bacolod City Philippines was a huge success. Thanks to the diligence and perseverance of the President Mrs. Norma Ibanez Nycum, Drs. Gerry and Tess Flores and of course, the couple who started it all, Drs. Manon and Tony Manahan.
Also as important as the people who plan for this event are the donors and sponsors and the members of the different committees. Congratulations for a job well done!
Ms. Karen Walters & Dr. Tony Manahan – International Tango
Bobot Ragamat in action!
Presentation of $15,000 check to the IRC Endowment Fund. Flanked by former presidents of the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast (Dr. Bobby Maranon, Mrs. Mien Maranon, Dr. Malu Benemeritu, Dr. Tita Garcia (PhilAm Founder), Mr. Ari Reyes, Dr. Gerard Flores), the outgoing president, Mr. Vic Ventulan and the incoming president Mrs. Norma Nycum, presented the check to Mrs. DePriest of IRC. The childrens are from L to R: Bea Reyes, Julia DeMott, Alec Ecarma, Vince Ventulan, Jeremey Villarasa, Raffi Razuman, Ysabella Ventulan, Erik Matamoros
Invitation Mrs. Ellen Bernabe and Mr. Anje Deocampo
Cultural Presentation Executive Producer: Mrs. Daisy McGinnis Director: Mr. Ari Reyes Dance Coordinator: Mrs. Maita Reyes Dance Instructors: Banga: Mrs. Malou Librando, Karatong: Mrs. Regina DeMott, Mrs. Jeanette Reyes Lulay: Dr. Rolando Mendoza Muslim Dances: Ms. Angela Reyes Props: Mr. Jack Cabansay, Mr. Felix Carpio, Mr. Bobot Ragamat
Welcome/ Registration Mrs. Lydia Cabansay, Mrs. Ellen Bernabe, Mrs. Tess Goodall, Dr. Sam Razuman, Mrs. Vicky Leighton
Scholarship Dr. Trinidad Garcia, Mrs. Theresa Canoy, and Dr. Gerard Flores
Set Up/Decorations Mrs. Norma Nycum, Ms. Kristine Aguirre, Mrs. Marjorie Deocampo, Mrs. Puanani Lee, Mr. Bobot Ragamat, Mr. Aris & Mrs. Ophelia Mancao, Mr. Jack Cabansay, Mr. Anje Deocampo, Mr. Felix Carpio, Mr. Geoff Villarasa
Kids and Children Committee Mrs. Winnie Ventulan, Mrs. Eleanor Repidro, Mrs. Pinky Villarasa
Program Dr. Gerard Flores, Mr. Vic Ventulan, Mr. Anje Deocampo, Mrs. Kathy Rembert
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To the Easter Committee Members...Thank you for a Job Well Done! Thanks to all who shared their delicious food.
All the President's Men and Women.....Receiving Line......Click to see more pictures..
L to R: President Vic Ventulan (06-08), Cynthia Lucero (02-04), Norma Nycum (08-10), Dr. Dominador Maranon (96-98), Ari Reyes (00-02), Dr. Roly Mendoza (98-00), Dr. Sam Razuman (10-12)
A once-in-a-life-time appearance of the Sining Palawan Dance Troupe at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida on Friday, September 28, 2007 was by far the best show the Filipino community in the Treasure Coast had experienced. The cultural presentation by a group of college students from Palawan State University in the Philippines gave the Treasure Coast a glimpse of what makes the Filipinos unique. The show was sponsored by the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast in partnership with the Indian River Community College Foundation and Global Initiatives. Part of the proceeds went to the IRCC Foundation.
What a huge success! The event, which was part of the Dance Troupe's 2007 US Tour, was their second performance after a quick stop at the University of Houston. This was also the second time that these multi-talented college students from the province of Palawan, Philippines toured the US.
Over three hundred Filipino Americans and local residents enjoyed the two-hour show filled with colorful costumes and sounds from different musical instruments representing the native cultures, music, and folk dances from different tribes in the Philippines.
Likewise, the success of the show was not only attributed to the Sining Palawan Dance Troupe great performance in presenting the Filipino cultural heritage with their display of charm and grace but also, and most importantly, due to the effort put in by each of the board members, officers, and volunteers in their preparation for this event. Granted, some did more than others and no doubt it was difficult but at the end their hard work had prevailed.
Accordingly, each volunteer knows how much effort and time each of them contributed to make this event a success. And it would be an injustice if their hard work, no matter how small or to what degree is not recognized and appreciated. With that said the Phil-Am Association thanks everyone involved for a job well done. Each volunteer certainly deserves a pat in the back.
At the end, the show also highlighted a unique Filipino trait -- to live the Bayanihan Spirit. When everyone pitched in - things happen!
PhilAm Elects New Officers
The Philippine-American Association of the Treasure Coast elected a new set of officers during the pre-Labor Day picnic on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at the Jessica Clinton Park Pavilion in Port St Lucie. The 2008-2010 officers will serve for two years after the induction ceremony in May 2008. Also, a President Elect position was introduce after the the by-laws was ratified.
The picnic was a huge success. Everyone had fun and enjoyed all the delicious food that each members had brought in. Also, the newly formed PhilAm Women's Group did their first successful fund raising during the picnic by selling halo-halo (a very special refreshment from the Philippines that have different type of fruits, sweet beans, with macapuno, milk,and sweet banana) & snow cone.
After the election of officers, members paired to play double tennis tournament. The event was presided by the president Vic Ventulan while Ari Reyes welcomed the visitors and the new members. It was a smooth election as well as a great day to see old friends and share countless of exotic yet delicious gourmet of food.
Thanks to the PhilAm Womens Auxiliary Group for their hard work in keeping the Halo-Halo going. The picnic was an all hands event.
The Newly Elected Officers for 2008-2010: Click here to see Daisy's article.
President: Norma Nycum President Elect: Dra. Sam Razuman Vice President - Port St. Lucie: Daisy McGinnis Vice President - Indian River County: Dra. Gemma Mendoza Vice President - Fort Pierce: Ofelia Mancao Vice President - Okeechobee: Bobot Ragamat Treasurer: Lydia Cabansay Asst.-Treasurer: Dra. Theresa Flores Secretary: Ellen Bernabe Asst.-Secretary: Tess Goodall Auditor: Nimfa Maderal Asst.-Auditor: Exor Basan P.R.O's Port St. Lucie: Marjorie Deocampo Port St. Lucie: Welvin Lucero Indian River County: Dr. Rolando Mendoza Ft. Pierce: Felix Carpio Okeechobee: Jack Cabansay Martin County: Jessica Sukmana
Creation of Philippine-American Women's Group -- click here to see article by Daisy McGinnis
Congratulations to our 2007 Graduates
Catherine C. Lucero - Doctor of Medicine - Miller School of Medicine - University of Miami Catherine is the eldest daughter of Bing and Cynthia Lucero. She has a sister, Cecille, who also graduates this year from University of Miami and a brother, John who is at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Having finished medical school in 6 years was the greatest achievement Cathy has accomplished. Hard work and sacrifice not having summer breaks was part of her journey to her degree.
While at the Miller School of Medicine, she was an Assistant Director of the Academic Society, participated in Project Medi-Share, was in Haiti twice for Medical Mission and volunteered in numerous health fairs in Key West and Miami. She was also an active member of the UM Filipino Student Association where she participated in folk dances and as an emcee during a cultural presentation.
Catherine will be moving to New York this June to start her residency at NYU. Her ultimate goal is to provide health care to the underserved population.
Marie Canoy Macias Master of Science in Nursing Florida Atlantic University
Marie is the oldest daughter of Chet and Theresa Canoy. She has been employed at Martin Memorial South Hospital since June 2001 as Orthopedic and ICU nurse. Following her graduation in August 2007, Marie will start her new position at Martin Memorial North Hospital as Clinical Nurse Leader.
Angela “Gela” Reyes - BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - University of Miami Gela is the eldest daughter of Ariosto and Maria Reyes and sister to Santi (18), Claudia (9), and Beatrice (7). She has been a member of the Phil-Am since the age of four.
Angela graduated Cum laude with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minors in Biology and Theatre from the University of Miami. GO ‘CANES! She was a researcher at the Miller School of Medicine in Developmental Biology and volunteered at Miami Children’s Hospital, the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. In her spare time she was the president of the Council of International Students and Organizations, a group with over 2000 members. Furthermore she was previously both dance captain and president of the Filipino Student Association. This past school year she was nominated for the Edward T. Foote II Award for Leadership as well as initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa: The National Leadership Honor Society and Iron Arrow Honor Society: The Highest Honor Attained at the University of Miami.
She plans to pursue a career in medicine.
Cherry Laruya - B.S. in Biomedical Sciences - University of South Florida Cherry Cherry is the youngest daughter of Drs. Prudencio and Erlinda Laroya and sister to Dr. Aileen Laroya Infante. She has been a member of Phil-Am for 16 years, and probably most memorable for her first performance in the “itik-itik”.
This spring she graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. During her undergrad she was a member of the Association of Filipino Students, Pre-Dent Society, and Pre-AMSA. She has done volunteer work at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and worked as a medical office assistant at her father’s pediatrics office. In addition to being involved in clubs and in the community, Cherry played intramural volleyball and worked as a research assistant in her school’s chemistry department. She was also awarded with the USF Scholars Award and accepted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
This fall Cherry will be going to medical school at the American University of Antigua.
Cecille Lucero - University of Miami Cecille Lucero believes that faith in God, a strong support system, and perseverance are essential to achieving one’s dreams. She is the daughter of Bing and Cynthia Lucero, who are both employed at Lawnwood Medical Center in Fort Pierce. Cecille has two siblings: Catherine who is graduating from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Welvin John who is finishing his first year at West Point Military Academy.
During her studies at the University of Miami, Cecille was committed to attaining a well-rounded education in preparation for a career in law. She double majored in English Creative Writing and Political Science in pursuit of her passion to promote social consciousness through the written and spoken word. As a member of the Honors Program, she supplemented her majors with seminars in law, ethics and race. In addition, she co- founded the spoken word community Screaming Monkeys. Her accomplishments include recording two CDs of her spoken word poetry and organizing open mics to raise campus awareness of Asian American issues. She also was a news reporter for The Miami Hurricane, where she wrote articles on political issues such as military recruitment and the emerging progressive left movement.
In an increasingly globalized world, Cecille considered her studies abroad and in the nation’s capital to be a crucial part of her undergraduate education. First, she studied European politics and British literature at Queen Mary, University of London. However, her most important achievement was receiving the Dean’s Scholarship to intern and study in Washington D.C. As an investigator for the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia, she conducted one on one interviews with clients and then testified for them in court. Exploring the institutions and meeting the practitioners who determine federal judicial policy inspired her to choose government law as a vocation.
Cecille is graduating with General Honors from the University of Miami. She will be working for a year while applying for law school next fall. Ten years from now, Cecille would like to see herself as a woman of God dedicated to her family and public service. Her dream is to be a successful government attorney in Washington, D.C. “I am determined to use my God given talents to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
The son of V. Francis Frias, President of Florida Medical Claims and Maria “Maricor” Frias, Senior Vice-President of Seacoast National Bank, Matthew is a senior at the A+ rated Lincoln Park Academy (LPA) where he ranks 6th of 227 highly competitive students. Matthew, who has a 5.7 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, will be attending the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Legal Studies and a minor in Economics.
Matthew is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities as a: district-champion LPA Boys Varsity Golf team player, National Honor Society member, Beta Club member, LPA Math Team member, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematical Fraternity member, Governor of “Student Athletes Making a Difference”, Vice-President of the Key Club, Academics Team member, and Christian Association (Campus Life) member. Matthew also co-chairs the Philippine American Association’s Youth Division.
Matthew is Lincoln Park’s 2007 Young Floridian candidate for Social Studies, LPA’s 2007 High-School Student of the Year finalist, LPA’s December 2006 Student of the Month, 2003-2004 Economics Pre-IB Student of the Year, High Honors recipient for 2004-2007, scored a perfect score on the 2006 Advanced Placement Psychology Exam, awarded a Pegasus Gold Scholarship to the University of Central Florida, qualified for the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars Award (Florida Medallion Scholars Award), nominated to Who’s Who Among American High School Students, recipient of the Outstanding Performance Award for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in Mathematics, inducted into the exclusive Mu Alpha Theta Mathematical Fraternity, the LPA Beta Club, and the LPA National Honor Society.
Matthew is a dedicated community volunteer in LPA and in Saint Lucie County, logging countless hours in Lake Forest Park Retirement Facility, Garden City Elementary, National Honor Society tutorial program, Saint Anastasia Parish, March of Dimes, and the Philippine-American Association’s various charitable endeavors.
Matthew is an avid golfer and a recreational acoustic guitar player, with interests in archery and basketball. He also enjoys spending time with younger brother Jacob, who is a third grader at St. Anastasia Catholic School.
The PhilAm of the Treasure Coast Youth Group Welcomes You
Once again, the PhilAm Ball and the Memorial Day Picnic were both a huge sucess.Thanks to the leadership of Vic Ventulan, PhilAm Officers, members and its supporters.
"It is technology that helps us reach out to each other through near instantaneous communication. Tell your lolos and lolas, moms and dads, your siblings, your friends, and whoever you love or have fallen to ... join us. We welcome you to our home: The Phil-Am Association of the Treasure Coast." -- Dr. Gerard Flores (President 2004-2006)
Thank you for visiting our new Internet site. We want to give you the opportunity to stay in touch with your fellow Kababayans, our activities and upcoming events.
We look forward to hearing from you. A directory of officers is available by clicking on the Mission link to the left.
The association was established in 1982 and continues to serve Filipinos in the Treasure Coast and outlying areas.
Contact Anje at deocampo@bellsouth.net for questions or suggestions regarding our site and/or The PhilAm Association of the Treasure Coast.
The FIRST Philippine-American Friendship Day in the Treasure Coast, which was held at the Port St Lucie Community Center on Saturday, April 11, 2009, was a HUGE SUCCESS! The event, which was sponsored by the St Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council and St Lucie Kidney Care, showcased the Filipino cultural heritage, featuring authentic Filipino cuisine, jewelry sales, arts and crafts, folk dancing, music and fun. 
Our evening MC's Jess and Ellen accompanied by friends. L to R: Jessica Sukmana, Dennis Rodriguez (The Phil-Am A-Rod), Dr. Sam Razuman, Ellen Bernabe, Marjorie Deocampo, Cecelia Guevarra, Norma Nycum, Cynthia Lucero, Tess Goodall, Elsie Bedome.
The MAN from Okeechobee, Bobot Ragamat (the BBQ King) and Lydia Cabansay...members of our clean up crew.
FEBRUARY 7, 2009 AT THE PELICAN YACHT CLUB AT 7:00 PM. 
PhilAm kids (see attached photos) did a community outreach activities at Life Care Assisted Living and Tiffany Hall Assisted Living. They cheered the residents with Christmas Carol and they made a personalized Christmas cards for each residents. Michael McGinnis & Ysabella Ventulan made a personalized christmas card to the residents of Life Care Assisted Living.
Sitting in bench:(Tiffany Hall) From Left to Right: Humsa Razuman, Joshua Ecarma, Jeremy Villarasa, Raffi Razuman and Vince Ventulan. Sitting at the back: Ysabella Ventulan and Michael McGinnis
(Left to Right Front Row): Matthew McGinnis, Humsa Razuman, Ysabella Ventulan, Michael McGinnis & Joshua Ecarma. (Standing From Left to Right) Erin McGinnis, CJ Villarasa, Talor Reid, Vince Ventulan, Alec Ecarma, Raffi Ruzuman & Jeremy Villarasa.
Our 2008 Thanksgiving sponsors: Ellen Bernabe and Marie Grass with Ellen's son, Zack.
The Thanksgiving Choir headed by Ari Reyes
PGA at St. Lucie West. The husband and wife team of Maricor and Francis Frias joint efforts culminate into a very successful fund raising event for the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast for 2008. This is the third time that the duo headed a golf tournament to benefit the IRSC scholarship foundation and to raise money for the Phil-Am general fund.
Dr. Manon Manahan and Mr. Robert Scott performing Waltz.
The Dancing with the Stars of Phil-Am and Friends held on July 18, 2008 at the Pelican Yacht Club to raise funds for the scholars of the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos in Bacolod City Philippines was a huge success. Thanks to the diligence and perseverance of the President Mrs. Norma Ibanez Nycum, Drs. Gerry and Tess Flores and of course, the couple who started it all, Drs. Manon and Tony Manahan.
Bobot Ragamat in action!
Presentation of $15,000 check to the IRC Endowment Fund. Flanked by former presidents of the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast (Dr. Bobby Maranon, Mrs. Mien Maranon, Dr. Malu Benemeritu, Dr. Tita Garcia (PhilAm Founder), Mr. Ari Reyes, Dr. Gerard Flores), the outgoing president, Mr. Vic Ventulan and the incoming president Mrs. Norma Nycum, presented the check to Mrs. DePriest of IRC. The childrens are from L to R: Bea Reyes, Julia DeMott, Alec Ecarma, Vince Ventulan, Jeremey Villarasa, Raffi Razuman, Ysabella Ventulan, Erik Matamoros 
To the Easter Committee Members...Thank you for a Job Well Done! Thanks to all who shared their delicious food. 
A once-in-a-life-time appearance of the Sining Palawan Dance Troupe at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida on Friday, September 28, 2007 was by far the best show the Filipino community in the Treasure Coast had experienced. The cultural presentation by a group of college students from Palawan State University in the Philippines gave the Treasure Coast a glimpse of what makes the Filipinos unique. The show was sponsored by the Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast in partnership with the Indian River Community College Foundation and Global Initiatives. Part of the proceeds went to the IRCC Foundation. 
Catherine C. Lucero - Doctor of Medicine - Miller School of Medicine - University of Miami Catherine is the eldest daughter of Bing and Cynthia Lucero. She has a sister, Cecille, who also graduates this year from University of Miami and a brother, John who is at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Having finished medical school in 6 years was the greatest achievement Cathy has accomplished. Hard work and sacrifice not having summer breaks was part of her journey to her degree. 
Marie Canoy Macias 
Angela “Gela” Reyes - BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - University of Miami Gela is the eldest daughter of Ariosto and Maria Reyes and sister to Santi (18), Claudia (9), and Beatrice (7). She has been a member of the Phil-Am since the age of four. 
Cherry Laruya - B.S. in Biomedical Sciences - University of South Florida Cherry Cherry is the youngest daughter of Drs. Prudencio and Erlinda Laroya and sister to Dr. Aileen Laroya Infante. She has been a member of Phil-Am for 16 years, and probably most memorable for her first performance in the “itik-itik”. 
Cecille Lucero - University of Miami Cecille Lucero believes that faith in God, a strong support system, and perseverance are essential to achieving one’s dreams. She is the daughter of Bing and Cynthia Lucero, who are both employed at Lawnwood Medical Center in Fort Pierce. Cecille has two siblings: Catherine who is graduating from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Welvin John who is finishing his first year at West Point Military Academy. 
Matt Frias 
Santi Reyes
PhilAm Holds Tennis Tournament in Okeechobee, March 3, 2007
