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CRUZ, SUHSD Teacher of the Year 2024

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  CRUZ, SUHSD Teacher of the Year 2024 ni Gng. Mendoza March 13, 2024 | Rizalyn Cruz, Otay Ranch High School (ORHS) Teacher of the Year 2024 and widely known as “Ginang” by her students at ORHS, was selected as one of Sweetwater Union High School District’s  (SUHSD) Teacher of the Year 2024. Prior to this, Gng. Cruz also received the prestigious California Language Teachers Association (CLTA) Outstanding Teacher Award in 2022. Rizalyn, as she is fondly called by her friends, has long taken an active role in the World Language teachers’ professional organizations. She had been a teacher trainer for the Southern Area International Languages Network and one of the Board Members of the Foreign Language Council of San Diego (FLCSD) for a long time now. She is also a Board Member of the Council for Teaching Language and Culture (CTFLC) and its immediate past President (2020-2022). She also plays the bandurria in the CTFLC Rondalla. Currently, she is the chairperson for the CTFLC Advocacy and

21st Annual Magkaisa Filipino American Student Parent High School Conference

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21st Annual Magkaisa Filipino American Student Parent High School Conference  October 28, 2023 |Gng. Mendoza| Otay Ranch High School hosted the Magkaisa Conference 2023 last October 28, 2023.  This is the 21st Anniversary of Magkaisa Filipino American Student and Parent Conference: Keeping our Culture and Identity Alive Through Art.   True to its theme, this conference provided workshops  that focus on careers in the field of art and Filipino culture and traditions. For example, Jo Ann Atwood shared her path as a tattoo artist. Also, Dr. Catherine Sy Luib introduced Filipino Medicine and native “Hilot”, which is an ancient Philippine healing.  Furthermore, even youths were empowered to speak  and share their experiences such as AJ Miranda who spoke about discovering his roots as Filipino-American through film making.  Kenneth Barlis, a fashion designer, was the keynote speaker. His accomplishments in the fashion industry inspired youth to express their creativity and passion. The highl

2023 FIL-Am Friendship Festival

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FIL-Am Friendship Festival July 30, 2023 NTC Park Liberty Station Ni Gng. Mendoza CTFLC joined the celebration of FIL-AM Friendship Festival last July 30, 2023 hosted by Joan Fields, a  local leader in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community.  CTFLC Rondalla, headed by Dr. Julita Biares, joined the parade and performed Filipino folk songs highlighting “Bahay Kubo” and “Atin cu Pong Singsing” Moreover, the CTFLC general membership put up a booth where students’ projects were displayed showcasing Filipino culture.

Dr. Atilio Alicio’s Retirement Speech

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  Dr. Atilio Alicio’s Retirement Speech I was delighted when I came across a passage in the Holy Bible - Proverbs 3:6: "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Yes, TGIF…..  that is, Today Is God First! Magandang umaga sa iyong lahat!  I am humbled and touched that so many of you considered my retirement celebration worthy of your time. We all have gathered to be part of this bittersweet, yet very special moment for me. It is so heartwarming to celebrate my retirement with you all; it made me feel like a celebrity! I am so thrilled that you all took time out of your busy schedules to come and celebrate this memorable occasion. Thank you to CTFLC headed by our President, Farah Mendoza, through the Socials Committee and everyone for organizing this grand event in my honor. Thank you so much for the invitation extended to my family who have joined us today and do allow me to introduce them:  my wife, Carmencita ‘Menchie’

Celebrating a Life of Service and a Life Fulfilled - Dr. Atilio Alicio

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CTFLC HONORS DR. ATILIO V. ALICIO  Celebrating a Life of Service and a Life Fulfilled  By: Salvador S. Idos  Dr. Atilio V. Alicio, an icon in the academia and a notable community leader,  retires from UCSD and SDSU after 50 years of dedicated and fruitful service to the  youth and language learners.  In honor of Dr. Alicio’s remarkable career, the Council for Teaching Filipino  Language and Culture (CTFLC ) headed by its President, Farah Mendoza along with  the designated various committees and members, tendered a truly joyous and  spirit-filled retirement celebration cum program at the Bay Terraces Community  and Senior Center, San Diego, on Feb. 25, 2023.  Dr. Alicio, fondly called “Tily” by people close to him, is a native of Cataingan,  Masbate, the southernmost part of the Bicol Region. He belongs to a family of  teachers whose both parents and three sisters started to work in the field of  education.  Dr. Alicio obtained his Ph.D. degree in Modern Language Studies from the  Unive