1971

Please join us on For Fil-Am Friendship Day at Redwing Park, Virginia Beach…

We encourage you to contact us if you would like more information about FAFD or if you are interested in becoming a Participating Organization, Sponsor, or Vendor.

You may reach us by contacting:Joseph Ortega – Chairman FAFD
… 949 Lym Drive
Virginia Beach, VA  23464Email: jcortega611@cox.netTel: 757.581.48912010 FAFD Calendar2.18.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC
3.11.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC
4.08.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC
5.06.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC
6.03.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC
6.24.10 FAFD Meeting 7pm at PCC7.3.10 Sat. FAFD 2010 9am Redwing Park, Va. BeachSee More

-Philippine Independence Day History-On the Fourth of July, we celebrate American Independence. July 4th is, however, also a day to celebrate the beginning of the modern Philippines. July 4th has become known as “Filipino American Friendship Day”, the day the Philippines celebrate independence from Japanese occupation and American colonization. Since the Philippine Islandsare also one of the partners in the effort to bring terrorists to justice, it is even more important this year to remember our friendship and alliance with the people of the Philippines.Ferdinand Magellan landed on an island called Homonhon in 1521 and found a land filled with white beaches, unexplored isles, untouched forests, rich lands, and a spectacular climate. Magellan claimed it and named it “Felipinas”, after the King Philip of Spain.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they began converting and colonizing the people of the islands. They found the islands were a cultural melting pot, with well-developed business settlements with Chinese, Arabs, Japanese, and other Islamic seafaring merchants. In 1571, the Spaniards established a colonial government in Manila and ruled the country for over 300 years.

In 1896, Filipinos rose up in rebellion and successfully led Asia’s first nationalistic revolution. After several attempts, they freed themselves from the yoke of the Spanish rule. On June 12, 1896, the people of the Philippines enjoyed their first Independence Day. For many, that date remains the actual Independence Day for the Philippines.

While they were freed from Spanish rule, after the Spanish-American War, the Philippines fell under the colonial rule of the United States. The Americans did, however, introduce democratic processes and public education, and they developed infrastructure throughout the islands as well.

Japanese rule until 1945, when American and Filipino-American forces liberated them. Only July 4, 1946, they were declared an independent nation for the first time since 1571.

Reformist President, Diosdado Macapagal, returned Philippine Freedom Day to the June 12th date. He felt that the Fourth of July activities in the United States overshadowed the Philippine independence celebration, so he declared July 4th Filipino American Friendship Day” in the islands.

-2010 Officers & Committees-* Check back – still updating-Past & Current FAFD Executive Chairman/women-

*Filipino American Friendshipday* From 1994 thru Present

Chairman: Joseph Ortega 2004-Present

Chairwoman: Beth Reyes 2002-2003

Chairman: Gil Zulueta 2001

Chairman: Romy San Antonio 2000

Chairman: Ron Villanueva 1997-1999

Chairman: Ed Primm 1996

Chairman: Diego Rubio 1995

Chairman: Romy Villanueva 1994

Co-Chairman: Nony E Abrajano 1994 Edit Text

PACT *Philippine American Community Of Tidewater* From 1971 thru 1993

Sylvia Nery-Strickland 1993

Angel Delloro 1992

**Alberto Asercion 1991

Gene Bariso 1990

Tess David 1989

Sarita Ranger 1988

Tessie Villaflor 1987

Levy Paler 1986

Ed Gamao 1985

Armando Placides 1983 -1984

**John Teves 1982

Hercules Enriquez 1982

Resty Serrano 1981

Mark Villaflor 1980

Dr. Juan Montero II 1979

**Pete Escucha 1978

*Bernie Punsalan 1977

Virgilio Fernandez 1976

*Mcking Alanis 1975

**Col. Leon Punsalan 1974

Dr. Honesto Vargas 1971-1973

* Out of State ** Deceased