Launching of the Filipino School


On Saturday April 26, 2015, The Filipino School had its grand opening at 1:00-3:00 PM and Open House from 4:00-6:00 PM. It opened its portal to the community inviting everybody who is interested in learning more about the Filipino history, culture and language. This Filipino School “takes students on a journey-starting from their current level of knowledge, and building upon that base level of understanding and self-awareness of being a Filipino.” Its main purpose is for the participant to understand his/her own roots in order to find self-identity. They will understand history, embody Filipino values, and communicate in Filipino. Eventually, each one will find self in this journey.


Photo credit: Jacqui Magat-Lapid

At 1:00 PM, Fr. Lauro Minimo of St. Michael’s Church, officiated the blessing of the school. The program, emceed by Ms. Francine Maigue, started with the Welcome Address by Mr. Tony Olaes, Founder and CEO of OMD and The Filipino School. This was followed by the Keynote Speech of H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States, as introduced by Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. Amb. Cuisia, along with Congressman Scott Peters of District 52, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzales of District 80, Assemblymember Rob Bonta of District 18 and the first Filipino American State Legislator in the history of California, Supervisor Dave Roberts of SD County 3rd District, and Mr. Audie de Castro, Phil. Honorary Consul for San Diego, spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by presentations from local officials, community leaders, resource persons and staff to formally unveil the space. Councilmember Chris Cate of Council District 6, City of San Diego, likewise graced the occasion.

At the 4:00 PM open house, more visitors came to witness the official launching of the Filipino School. Mr. Tony Olaes made a presentation of the Fil-Am Model of Nation Building Concept and spoke how the school came to be and stated that “The Filipino School exists to lay the foundation of who were are, and we believe education is the key in bridging the gap.” Dr. Estela C. Matriano, Co-Founder & Executive Director of The Filipino School welcomed everybody with a bright promise of the commencement of The Filipino School.

Erin Nicole Vedar and Savannah Durso, who were students of Dr. Alicio at SDSU practically journeyed to the Philippines in order to “know where they come from.” They came back with renewed self-identity. This proves that in order to complete one’s self, a person should establish connection to his/her roots. For them, this Filipino School is an avenue for understanding one’s self and culture.

Mr. Olaes introduced the Founding Instructors & Administrators, namely:

Elementery School (7-10 years old)
Mryna P. Ablana, MEd
Jessica R. Mercado, BA

Middle School (11-13 years old)
Mary Rose L. Peralta, MA
Jacquilin Magat-Lapid, MA


High School (14-17 years old)
Rosalina V. Idos, MA
Salvador V. Idos, MA

College and Professionals (18 years old and above)
Atilio V. Alicio, PhD
Felix A. Tuyay, MA


The Founding Administrators are:
  • Executive Director: Estela C. Matriano, EdD
  • Administrative Manager: Carole I. Caparros, MEd
  • Business Manager: Rey I. Monzon, PhD
  • General Manager: Rico M. Luancing, BSC

Classes will officially start on May 9, 2015. Currently, the school provides Orientation Sessions on May 2, 5, & 7, 2015. They offer Saturday and Summer classes.

A Social Hour ensued and Refreshments were served to cap the day’s event.




The Filipino School
9845 Erma Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92131

For more information, please contact:

Carole I. Caparros
Tel: 1-888-691-0799 Ext. 1
Email: info@TheFilipinoSchool.com

TheFilipinoSchool.com

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