THE  PAAC

 

     The Philippine American Association of Connecticut, Inc. (PAAC) is the oldest Filipino-American association in Connecticut.  It was founded in 1965 by Yale University students and health care professionals with the primary goal of providing refuge to homesick Filipinos who wish to experience the familar traditions and customs of the Philippines.   The PAAC has evolved and today continues to immerse itself in various social, cultural and civic activities but its main focus is the preservation of the rich Filipino cultural heritage.  The association has a Youth Dance Troupe, a Rondalla, and a Choral Group, all have performed at various international fairs in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.  The Youth Dance Troupe has actively participated in many cultural events and diversity programs in schools and institutions in Connecticut.

  

     The PAAC is based in the greater New Haven area and is headquartered at The Clubhouse located at 37 Shingle Hill Road, West Haven, CT.

 

PAAC ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Lillian Quevedo

      It has been a very short two years.  Rudy Mariano, the outgoing president, probably laments, "Has it been two years already?  I'm just starting to have fun.”  

      But it was indeed time for election and the Philippine American Association of Connecticut, Incorporated held one on the afternoon of November 18, 2007.  Inside the Clubhouse in West Haven, a good number of PAAC members managed to stay warm as they patiently waited to cast their ballots despite a chilly outside temperature.

     There were two nominees for President this year: Angie Bartolome and Dr. Gino Ang. Angie has been a long time member of the PAAC and served in various positions in the organization for the past two decades. Just twelve years old when she arrived in the US, Angie has nevertheless been active in the PAAC for most of her adult life inspired perhaps by the examples of her mom, Pess Bartolome, who was elected twice as president of the PAAC.  Angie is the "Ate" of the younger generations who tirelessly organizes the Easter Egg Hunt and the Halloween Party year after year.  She is also very actively involved in the annual Paaralang Pilipino and the Camp Mabuhay projects and is very instrumental in their success. Angie has definitely been waiting in the wings for a very long time.

   Dr. Gino Ang is an anesthesiologist who practices at both the Temple Medical Center and at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  His wife, Alma, is a nurse who also works at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Their oldest son, Algene, is active in the Youth Dance Group and in Camp Mabuhay while their youngest, Aaron, will soon follow in his brother's footsteps.  Dr. Ang is currently organizing a medical mission to the Philippines and will leave in February 2008.  He has been active in the PAAC for several years.

     Because there were two nominees this year, voting was done through secret ballots. Ric Rogayan, the chairman of the election committee was ready with blank ballots perhaps anticipating such a situation.  To no one's surprise, Angie Bartolome won the election easily while Dr. Ang was re-nominated to the position of Executive Vice-President and was voted on unanimously.

    The new PAAC officers for 2008 - 2009 are: President, Angie Bartolome; Executive Vice-President - Gino Ang, M.D.; Vice-President - Irene Punsal; Secretary - Debbie Magno, Treasurer - Cathy Adrada; Assistant Treasurer - Nora Khu; Auditor - Terry Granville; Business Manager - Rey de Jesus.  The Board of Directors are: Chairman-Bert Belleza, M.D. with members, Pess Bartolome, Athena Cabacungan, Terry Cornejo, Carl Gunnefelt, Irwin Goingo, Romeo Goingo, Lillian Quevedo, Enrico Khu, M.D., Randy Schwartz, Ric Rogayan, and Tess Diaz.

    Let's show our support for the newly elected officers by attending the 43th Anniversary and Dinner Dance and Induction of Officers of the PAAC on January 12, 2008 at Fantasia in North Haven, CT.  Live music will be provided by the "Music Boulevard". As usual, it will be a blast. See you all there!