PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz
Perry Diaz
Founded in May 2013, Eskwela Natin, in the short period it’s been in
existence, is making a great impact in the Filipino-American community,
particularly among the youth. It has been the dream of Dolores and
Perry Diaz ever since their first grandchild was born nine years ago. Since
then, four more grandchildren were added to their
family. That’s when they thought that it might be a good idea
to teach their grandchildren and other Filipino-American children about the
rich and diverse culture of the Filipino people. They formed a core
group of like-minded people including several Filipino-American teachers who
volunteered their time to teach the youth. They named the
project Eskwela Natin.
The grand opening was held on May 19, 2013 with a
ceremonial ribbon-cutting by then Consul General Marciano A. Paynor Jr.
assisted by Ambassador George Aducayen Jr., former Mayor Ruth Asmundson of
the City of Davis, and Governor Jerry Brown’s Appointments Secretary Mona
Pasquil.
On August 8, 2013, Eskwela Natin was incorporated with the
State of California as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) entity.
On September 22, 2013, the first graduates of
EskwelaNatin, 36 in all, received their certificates of achievement. Robert
Abelon of Assemblyman Richard Pan’s office gave special certificates of
achievement to the graduates as well.
Inspired by the overwhelming interest of Filipino
American high school students, Eskwela Natin held a seminar catered to this age
group. It included a panel discussion on community service, politics and
Filipino culture. Speakers were Mayor Ruth Asmundson, Lions Council
Chairman Derek Ledda and Sinagtala Artistic Director Sonny Alforque with
community leader Josie Patria moderating. The day's busy schedule also
included a jeopardy game on knowledge of the Filipino traditions and current
events, cooking demonstration and tasting of chicken adobo for lunch and a
parol (Christmas lantern) making and contest.
Eskwela Natin also launched the scholarship program
for deserving Filipino American high school graduates. This would become
an annual program reaching out to local high schools in Sacramento. The
scholars were presented at the opening of the summer program.
***
On December 29, 2013, Eskwela Natin and the Friends of
Korus Foundation Inc. presented the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus
(UPCC) in Sacramento. Several other organizations in Sacramento
co-sponsored the event.
Although the UPCC event was started as a major
fund-raiser for Eskwela Natin, Dolores suggested to the Board of Directors to
donate the net proceeds of the event for the benefit of the victims of typhoon
Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines. The net proceeds of more than
$10,000 were sent to typhoon relief efforts through the American Red Cross,
Catholic Relief Services, and the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Second Year
EskwelaNatin’s second year was busier than the first
year. Year 2014 began with 10 Sunday classes from May to
September. More than 40 young Filipino-Americans
graduated. The new Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. gave
the diplomas to the graduates during a ceremony, complete with the traditional
“Pomp and Circumstance” graduation marching song. The students
– with their graduation caps with tassels -- really enjoyed the graduation
ceremony.
EskwelaNatin held several events to raise funds for the
2015 school year. The first was a dinner dance in August at the
Asian Pearl Restaurant. In September, Eskwela Natin was the
beneficiary of the Interclub Golf Tournament in Vallejo,
California. About 120 golfers participated in the tournament. Through
the efforts of Mark and Maryann Bamba more than $5,000 was raised for the
benefit of EskwelaNatin.
In October, which was Filipino-American Heritage Month,
EskwelaNatin worked with the Southgate Public Library to open a section for
Filipino-American books. The grand opening of the Filipino-American
Collection was held on October 3, which also kicked off the month-long
community-wide celebration. Ambassador George G. Aducayen Jr. gave
an inspirational speech during the reception held at the library’s
multi-purpose room.
The display window in the lobby of the library was
decorated to showcase the Philippines. Miniaturized landmarks such as
Intramurous, Malacanang Palace, Quaipo Church, Rizal Monument and Manila Hotel
were part of the exhibit courtesy of the Sacramento Manila and Pasay City
Sister Cities Association. Various Filipino Fiestas and celebrations
depicted were Santacruzan, Christmas with colorful parols, Ati-Atihan and a
chandelier of kiping of the Pahiyas/rice festival. A rare basket
collection complimented the display.
On October 18, Eskwela Natin held a golf tournament at the
Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course in Sacramento. More than 100 golfers
participated and more than $4,000 was raised for Eskwela Natin.
***
EskwelaNatin’s last project of the year 2014 was the Ten
Outstanding Young Filipino-Americans (TOYFA). It was the first
annual event that recognizes outstanding young Filipino-Americans in various
fields. The awards were presented last October 26 in
Sacramento. The recipients were the following: ChenelleCastellano
Aquino (Sports), GamilaSaleh Abad Assad (Community Service), Haley Marie
Bambula (Arts), Jeremiah Calagui (Leadership), Matthew Molina de Guzman
(Sports), Avina B. Kliatchko (Essay Writing), Alfonso Benjamin Reyes (NJROTC),
Chase Santos Mitchell (Sports), Tyler Santos Mitchell (Performing Arts),
JestoniOpinaldo (Sports), and Sarah Joy PolanteSy (Music). A special
award – the Ester Carrasco Community Service Award -- was also given to
Gervilyn Mae TormisCadimas. Ambassador George G. Aducayen Jr. was
the keynote speaker and Bert Melliza, Lions International MD-4 Past District
Governor, was the guest speaker.
Kudos goes to the Board of Directors for its leadership
in fulfilling Eskwela Natin’s mission, which is: “Eskwela Natin exists to
educate Filipino-American children about the rich and diverse Filipino culture,
ensuring the unique traditions of the Philippines are passed on to the next
generation, in a safe and fun environment.”
Congratulations to the members of the Board of Directors
and volunteer teachers for their untiring and selfless efforts to promote the
ideals of Eskwela Natin. The Board of Directors consists of the
following: President Dolores V. Diaz; Vice President Joe Carrasco; Secretary
Gladys Carrasco; Treasurer Josie Canlas; Community Liaison Officer CelsaTaraya;
Public Relations Officer Andrea Diaz-Vaughn; and Board Members Myrna Agbunag,
Sonny Alforque, Mark Bamba, Maryann Bamba, Perry Diaz, DidiLoteyro, Josie
Patria, Ernie Santos, and Ramon Taraya. The Volunteer teachers are:
VangieHinnencamp, Anna Mestidio, and Lilibeth Brewer.
To expand Eskwela Natin’s community outreach, it invited
several outstanding community leaders to join the Board. They are
Pete and Vicky Lumbang, Sarah Enloe (President of the Maharlika Lions Club),
Raul Bernaldez, and Raeselle Lao.
The coming year 2015 should be another exciting year for
EskwelaNatin, especially with the repeat performance of the University of the
Philippines Concert Chorus, which will begin its 2015 world tour in
May.
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