SoCal Phil-US Veterans Association Celebrates Anniversary Ball at CCPA

The Southern California Philippine-US Veterans Association celebrated its 37th Anniversary on last month at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. 

During its anniversary celebration on Sept. 22, the organization also swore in its newly elected officers, the Ladies Circle Auxiliary Unit and their respective Board of Directors for the 2012-2013 year. ABC School board member Lynda Johnson administered the oath of office to the incoming officers.

The 2012-2013 Officers inducted were:

President – Pedro Dionisio
Vice President – Gani Azucenas
Secretary – Tante Camanag
Treasurer – Ted Quibrantar
Auditor – Andy Sangria
Parliamentarian – Wens Bantad
Sergeant at Arms – Gene Ines and Jess Matias

Board of Directors:

Chairman – Jess Gatdula
Members: Gani Azucenas, Billy Balmaceda, Tante Camanag, Pete Dionisio, Cesar Doma, Ted Quibrantar, Romy Ricarte, Ed Saclolo, Andy Sangria and Bob Van Patten

Ladies Circle Officers:
President – Ely Yapo
Vice President – Lilia Alog
Secretary – Mely Bantad
Treasurer – Lily Solis
Auditor – Bella Angeo
Adviser – Lily Castelo

Board of Directors:

Chairperson – Gloria Magadia
Vice Chairperson – Lorna Dionisio
Members: Remy Azucenas, Betty Balmaceda, Nellie Bustria, Ely Doma, Agnes Esteban, Dina Gatdula, Julie Nulod, Fely Quibrantar, Toni Skiles and Dove Sonza.

The event also featured special guest speaker Cerritos Councilman Mark Pulido, who gave a personal donation to the Phil-US Veterans Association. Attendees were also entertained by the the Ladies Circle Dance Troupe, who wore traditional Maria Clara outfits while performing a Filipino folk dance entitled “La Jota”. 

A portion of the evening was also spent recognizing three students who were lauded for their academic efforts and individual successes. The scholarship recipients were:

• Keanu Andico – Santiago High School graduate who is currently attending UCLA and majoring in Biochemistry.
• Ryan Flynn – Esperanza High School graduate who is currently attending Cal Poly Pomona and majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
• Nicolas Popoy – La Mirada High School graduate who is currently attending California Maritime Academy and majoring in Facilities Engineering.

The Phil-US Veterans Association was founded 37 years ago to help reunite old shipmates and friends that have served in the United States armed forces. In addition, the group is social and civic-oriented and focuses on charitable efforts. Their youth scholarship program has awarded thousands of dollars to young individuals to help them with goals of higher education.

The Phil-US Veterans Association, along with the Ladies Circle, continually supports city-initiated programs such as the City of Cerritos Festival of Friendship and the Halloween Festival.

The organization meets every 1st Friday of the month at Liberty Park at 7 p.m. For additional information on joining the organization, please contact President Pedro Dionisio at (562) 881- 3480.