CTFLC’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture (CTFLC) celebrated its 15th Anniversary last November 12, 2016 at Clarion Hotel, National City.  This event honored individuals who made an impact in education and highlight endeavors towards CTFLC: the advancement of Filipino Language and Culture.  Hence, the theme: “Promoting Filipino Language and Culture Through the Years.”

Different committees were created to make this occasion possible, with Maria Fontimayor, chair of the Steering Committee giving the Welcome Address, followed by the Greetings from Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego, Audie de Castro.

On the day of this celebration, members of the CTFLC ushered visitors to their tables and the Samahan Filipino-American Performing Arts of San Diego Rondalla ensemble serenaded them with Filipino folk songs.  Others browsed on the different exhibits created by students such as the Parol from Olympian High school and poster projects from Mar Vista High School and Otay Ranch High School.   Also, CTFLC displayed pictures of different activities done throughout the years and awards received in recognition for its contribution to the community.

Ms. Jacquilin Magat-Lapid, president of CTFLC, welcomed all invited guests and honorees to enjoy lunch, which was prepared by Building Lives for Better Future headed by Mr. Jose Chan.  During lunch, Ms. Francine Maigue, District Director for Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, and President of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of San Diego Country, surprised and awarded CTFLC with certificates of recognition. In addition, Pangkat Sayaw from Otay Ranch and the Pan Asian Club of Mar Vista High School entertained the audience with Filipino Folk Dances such as Sakuting and Tinikling.

After lunch, the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mary Ann Lyman-Hager, Director of the Language Acquisition Research Center (LARC), San Diego State University spoke about “Strategic Languages and Language Policy: The `Language du Jour’ and Enduring Filipino Language(s)”.  She talked about how foreign language become an integral part of education.  She concluded that “the energy and the determination of Filipino teachers in San Diego are unparalleled” in making sure that students would learn Filipino language.

Part of the day’s program was the awarding of certificates of Recognition to CTFLC Honorees namely: Margarita Quizon, Lita David, Corazon Rosales-Landry, Christy Nierva Quiogue, Rebecca Sapien-Mechor, Eleanor Castillo, Shirley Horton, Alan Svidal, Gloria Hebron, Chris Brown, Ivy Dulay-Daulo, and the Alliant International University.  

Myrna Ablana, President-Elect paid tribute to the to CTFLC Presidents namely: Dr. Cristeta Dumaran, Rosalina Idos; Mary Rose Peralta; and Jacquilin Magat-Lapid.

To break the ice, Salvador Idos, Fred Zara, Basilio Ablana, and Edison Fontimayor serenaded some of the CTFLC remarkable women to show Harana Filipino culture.  They sang the all-time favorite: “Awit ko’y Dinggin”, “Dungawin mo Sana”, and “O Ilaw.”

Finally, Juanito Amor, Voter Outreach Coordinator County of San Diego, in his testimonial, spoke about how he was inspired and influenced by Filipino teachers he had when he was in high school.

The celebration, emceed by Rizalyn Cruz and Rey Idos, ended with a medley of Filipino folk songs rendered by CTFLC Members and Guests!