CTFLC News & Blog

 It was the most awaited time of the year where moments were drowned with laughter and eternally frozen in photographs.  It was time for CTFLC Christmas Celebration 2016. Last December 10, 2016, the CTFLC organization gathered together at the residence of Dr. Estela Matriano, Member of the Board and Executive Director, World Council for Curriculum and Instruction. With Ms. Carole Caparros as the hosts, they gladly opened her home to Kapamilyang CTFLC: members and their families. At exactly 12:00 PM, our feet carried us to the warm kitchen where Ms. Carole Caparros was busy putting the final touches of our Filipino inspired feast. It was a moment where it felt like we were in the Philippines.  Initially, Dr. Matriano shared a story about the essence of Christmas and Mr. Salvador Idos, a retired Filipino Language Teacher from Morse High School and Member of the Board, led the thanksgiving prayer.  Then, we started the feast. The table was covered with sumptuous food su...

Last December 10, 2016, Mrs. Myrna P. Ablana, Challenger MIddle School Teacher of the Year 2012,  assumed CTFLC presidency for 2017-2019 After the election, the newly-elected officers were immediately sworn into office by Dr. Estela C. Matriano. 2016-2018 CTFLC Officers: President: Mrs. Myrna Ablana - Challenger Middle School President-Elect: Mrs. Maria R. Fontimayor - NSWF Language Program Secretary: Mrs. Salvacion O. De Vera - Montgomery High School Treasurer: Ms. Carole I. Caparros - Alliant International University PRO: Mr. Rey V. Idos - Eastlake Middle & High School Board of Directors: Dr. Atilio V. Alicio - UCSD & SDSU Mrs. Grace F. Almazar - Olympian High School Mrs. Dolores O. Balane - Retired Mrs. Rizalyn M. Cruz - Otay Ranch High School Dr. Ofelia C. Rayos - Southwestern College & Cuyamaca College Congratulations!

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 Ota...

June 18, 2016, Saturday at 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, we, a handful of CTFLC members (Rosalina Idos, Maria Fontimayor, Farah Mendoza, Rizalyn Cruz, Susan Chrismen, Myrna Ablana, Virginia  Ferrer, and Atilio Alicio), attend a workshop on “Effective Presentation and Communication Skills” sponsored by SAILN at San Diego State University Language Acquisition Resource Center.  We thank CTFLC for recognizing our effort in joining this workshop by shouldering our registration fee. First, Sheri Barker Ed.D., SMP, an expert strategic planner, group facilitator, and leadership coach, engages us on how to render an effective presentation through collaborative work.   Then, Dr. Noha Ireiqat, SDSU-LARC Arabic Language Practice Group, Lead Facilitator demonstrates how we could effectively optimize the use of a Power Point Presentation. Both featured speakers shared strategies and tools, among others, on how to: Shape and organize one’s presentation Face an audience with confidence and con...

Last June 10, 2016, Saturday, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County highlighted the initiative and achievements of 10 Outstanding Filipina Women at The Filipino School.  These extraordinary individuals contributed in the fields of arts, culture, health, media, education, and community.  This special event was now known as San Diego’s first-ever Filipina Friday.   Francine Maigue, President, and CEO of FilAmChamber described them as “giving, remarkable, compassionate women in San Diego.”  She added, “They are the pillars of strengths.  They are the source of inspiration.  They do it never for the glory but sheer “bayanihan.”  Indeed, they are Filipino she-roes. Three of these 10 awardees are from Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture (CTFLC), namely: Mrs. Jacquiline Magat-Lapid, President of CTFLC and Filipino Language Teacher at Bell Middle School – Outstanding Filipina Leader Award in Educat...

Kimball Park, National City, California, Mabuhay Foundation with the leadership of Ms. Ditas Yamane, Founder and Executive Director celebrates 6th the Filipino American Community Independence Day on Saturday, June 11, 2016, 10:00 AM – 4:00PM.  This event focuses on the theme “Honoring Philippine Independence Celebrating our Language, Culture, and Diversity.” Mrs. Myrna Ablana, CTFLC President- Elect, with the help of Dr. Atilio Alicio, Mrs. Grace Almazar, Ms. Carole Caparros, and Mr. Fred Zara prepared the CTFLC booth.  Throughout the day, CTFLC members take turn in staffing the booth. Previously, Ms. Yamane asked CTFLC to facilitate the Mabuhay scholarship with the assistance of Dr. Ofelia Rayos, Dr. Dumaran, CTFLC Pres. Jacquilin Magat-Lapid, and Mrs. Germilina Solar.  CTFLC teachers encouraged their students to write an essay to be submitted for the scholarship. Today, the Mabuhay Scholarship recipients received cash, medallions, and certificates.  They are the fo...

Last April 22, 2016 at Chula Vista High School, Mr. Tony Olaes, Founder of The Filipino School, asked CTFLC (Council  for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture) hand in hand to assist his team to administer the San Diego Filipino-American Community Survey Project, which was  released on May 3, 2016.  The Office of the Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego Audie de Castro & himself headed this project.  For this to push through, President-Elect Myrna Ablana was designated to steer CTFLC’s participation.  Mr. Olaes explained that this Community Survey aims to unify the Filipino-American in San Diego Area.  This would bring people into the community together in one portal and would pave way towards connecting with other counties and countries particularly Philippines.  In Consul De Castro’s letter, he stated, “I believe we can be a stronger community if we were better connected to each other.  We will better retain our Filipino heritage. ...