Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA President Sue Ann Estrada-Tumakay confers plaques of Excellence Awards to (clockwise, from top left) Kenneth Puzon Mejia in Public Service, Emeben Baysic-Vales in Musical Theater, Eddie Caguioa Ferrer in Business & Industry, Dan Estabillo Niño in Journalism in Print Media.
Photos by Mike Mandapat
GARDEN GROVE – Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA reaffirmed its significance as one of the leading nonprofit public benefit, 501 C-3 organizations in Southern California with the formal transfer of leadership to the younger generation during the installation of its officers for administrative year 2024-2025, coinciding with its 46th anniversary foundation at Anaheim Marriott Suites.
PB-USA was founded in 1978 by the late Ambassador Armando C. Fernandez who was then the consul general of Los Angeles. He is a native of Dagupan City.
As outgoing PB-USA Board chairman, I presented shoulder souvenir bags emblazoned with our green logo showcasing our provincial map of Pangasinan to PB-USA’s 18th President Sue Ann Estrada-Tumakay whose roots are from Calasiao and San Carlos City; Board Chair Ellen Rodriguez-Swing whose mother is a native of Burgos town; and Executive Vice President Josie Carayugan-Khoo who hails from Bayambang.
I also presented the collectible bags to outgoing President Neil Mandapat Estrada, brother of incoming president Sue Ann and Rey Banaza who came all the way from Dasol town to attend this 46th Foundation Anniversary, Installation of Officers and Gala Night, rolled into one.
Completing the Executive Board are: Board Vice Chairman Danny P. Tejada (Mangatarem), Corporate Secretary Dean Mandapat (San Carlos City), Chief Financial Officer Baltazar R. Tamayo, Jr. (San Carlos City), Auditor Ping Coquia (Dagupan City), JR Araquel (Alaminos City), Marites Orencia-Bautista (San Fabian), Jann Alexa Doctor-Bergado (Santa Barbara), Nieves Cabaliw-Coquia (Urbiztondo, Calasiao, Dagupan City), Noemi Veloria-Dumlao (Bani) and Henry Estrada (Calasiao).
Included in the swearing-in were the vice presidents representing the six congressional districts of Pangasinan province: Perlita Rasing (Alaminos City, 1st District), Leoncio D. Dumlao (Mangatarem, 2nd District), Sunny Quezon (Pozorrubio, 5th District), and Rey Rodrigo (San Nicolas, 6th District). Mac Posadas (San Carlos City, 3rd District), and Lydia Ceralde (Dagupan City, 4th District) were out of the country at the time.
Other officers included Giovanni Javier (Mangaldan, PRO), Carlito Lumague (Pozorrubio, Community Relations Officer), Oscar Camacho (Bayambang, Business Manager), Eddie C. Ferrer (Dagupan City, Controller), Henry Ward (Alaminos City, Peace Officer), Mike Mandapat (San Carlos City, Historian), Mel G. Oxciano (Mangatarem, Legal Counsel), and myself (Mangatarem, Bani, Compliance Officer).
The board and executive officers were sworn in by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Julian C. Recana.
Other highlights of the Gala Night were the presentation of plaques of Excellence Awards by PB-USA President Estrada-Tumakay to five Pangasinenses who have made Southern California their home. They include:
- Emeben Baysic-Vales, former Miss Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA (1990-1992) for Musical Theater and as understudy for the lead role of Kim in Miss Saigon on Broadway and during the national tour as “Ali” in Mamma Mia. Formerly based in New York, Emeben now resides with her own family in Irvine, California. Her Cerritos-based parents, Vangie and Ben Baysic (deceased), are both natives of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Emeben Baysic, an alumna of UCLA, entertained the 140 plus Pangasinenses and their guests during the event;
- Kenneth Puzon Mejia for public service and civic engagement as the first elected Filipino American and first Asian American to citywide office as well as the youngest office holder to assume the position of Controller in the City of Los Angeles. His roots are from Bayambang and Mangatarem;
- Eddie Caguioa Ferrer (roots: Dagupan City) for his achievement in the field of business and industry in custom brokerage and freight forwarding based in Long Beach – for over 39 years of experience handling rail, land, air and sea shipments and serves customers from the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles with worldwide destinations;
- This author for Journalism in Print Media for his lifelong years as freelance journalist. His bylines, taglines and columns appear in various Filipino-American and mainstream newspapers in California, the Philippines such as Asian Journal, Philippine News Today, Weekend Balita, Philippine Post, Philippine Tribune, The US Asian Post, Los Cerritos Community News and Philippine Daily Inquirer. He is also a vlog forum co-host of “Buhay Pinoy sa America” on You Tube; and
- Virman Coquia for Music Industry DJ with the Far East Movement with platinum hits and artist management of various genres such as the Korean rock group, “The Rose” and Filipino superstars such as Liza Soberano.
In her message, Estrada-Tumakay said, “This 46th anniversary milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy and steadfast spirit of our beloved Pangasinense community. I draw inspiration from the collective spirit and unwavering dedication that define our community. I will devote to upholding the noble mission and vision set forth by our founders. Together, we will enrich our initiatives to promote the products from our region and province and continue to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant legacy of Pangasinan.”
PB-USA Board Chairperson Ellen Rodriguez-Swing stated: “Together, with the support of our dedicated team, we are committed to advancing the missions of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA like providing opportunities for personal growth, foster true friendship and promote the unique culture and traditions of our beloved province. As part of the new leadership team, we are fully committed to carrying out our missions forward with passion and purpose. I extend my deepest gratitude to our outgoing officers for their exceptional leadership and to all our members for their unwavering support. We will continue to work for the betterment of our community.”
In his letter on the occasion of this Gala Night, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III lauded his provincemates for their livelihood programs for the province. “Pangasinan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises had been blessed by your advocacy to promote the products of our artisans, entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Your commitment to enable our Pangasinan MSMEs to find their niche in the international market has created jobs, sustained industries and changed live,” he said. “For this, I am truly grateful. I am passionately focused on providing livelihood development programs for our province mates. Please count me in as I pledge to fully support your endeavors to help our kabaleyans and kababayans in Pangasinan.”
In his valedictory message, outgoing PB-USA President Estrada, said, “As I pass the torch to the new officers, I am confident that under the new leadership team, our organization will continue to flourish and achieve new heights. I have no doubt that your vision, dedication and passion will guide our organization towards even greater success. It has been an honor to serve as your president and I will forever cherish the memories and friendships forged during my time in office.”
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