Celebrating Filipino Heritage and Leadership: The Philippine Independence Day and Induction Ceremony in Beaumont, Texas

The Philippine Association of Beaumont, Texas (PABT) recently hosted a memorable celebration to mark Philippine Independence Day and the induction of its new officers. The event, held with great enthusiasm and community spirit, showcased the vibrant culture and strong sense of unity among Filipinos in the area. It was a day filled with lively performances, heartfelt speeches, and meaningful connections, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

A Festive Start with Cultural Performances

The celebration began with a captivating opening production. Mark Ones performed the song "Bagani," accompanied by the graceful dances of BISD Filipino teachers who showcased traditional Philippine folk dances. This vibrant performance set the stage for an afternoon rich in cultural heritage and community spirit.

Moments of Reflection and Prayer

Dan Pasay, a Rising Stars Finalist, led the invocation, followed by Father Rodel Faller who blessed the food, setting a reflective and thankful mood for the gathering. The potluck feast featured a variety of Filipino delicacies, lovingly prepared and shared by community members, adding to the sense of togetherness and shared heritage.

Honoring Guests and Welcoming Newcomers

Outgoing Vice President Paul Martin took the stage to recognize guests and newcomers, making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. Board Adviser Jomel Bajar, along with one of the founders, Vic Singson, delivered warm welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of unity and community support.

A Special Message from Mayor Roy West

Mayor Roy West honored the event with a special message, emphasizing the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering community bonds. His speech was followed by a lively group photo session, creating lasting memories for all attendees.

Acknowledging Past Leadership

The valedictory address from Outgoing President Andro Pol Camesa, read by Paul Martin, reflected on the achievements and challenges of the past term. It was a moment of gratitude and acknowledgment for the dedicated service of the outgoing officers.

Induction of New Leaders

The induction ceremony, conducted by Consul Gilbert Segarra of the Philippine Consulate in Houston, was a highlight of the event. The newly inducted officers, led by President Vincent Jaspher Cauilan, are set to bring fresh energy and ideas to the organization:

• President: Vincent Jaspher Cauilan

• Vice President: Cristy Joy Burnham

• Secretary: Maria Charisma Bajar

• Treasurer: Luzviminda Alsup

• Board Adviser: Jomel Bajar

• Board Members: Jina Arribe, Mary Jane Castro, Neil Cordova, Cathy Griggs, Eman Lachica, Leo Lobramonte, Levi de Luna, Paul Martin, Leonila Murray, Camel Perucho, Jay Roco
  

Vision for the Future

In his inaugural address, President Vincent Jaspher Cauilan outlined several exciting initiatives aimed at strengthening the community:

• PABT Community Spotlight: Featuring 2-3 Filipino businesses on the PABT Facebook page every other month to boost community support and patronage.

• Quarterly Welcome Dinners for Newcomers: Fostering a sense of belonging and integration within the Filipino community.

• Bayanihan at Kalinga Project: Providing essential support to Filipinos in need, embodying the core values of community spirit and mutual aid.

• Tagisan ng Lakas: Laro ng Lahi (August 2024): Promoting Filipino heritage and community bonds through traditional Filipino games.

President Cauilan concluded his speech with a heartfelt call to action, urging the community to unite in solidarity, uplift one another, and work together towards a brighter future. He invoked the wisdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, reminding everyone to honor their roots as they strive for a better tomorrow.

Fun and Fellowship

The celebration continued with raffles, games, and delightful desserts sponsored by Sachi Cakes and Desserts Lab. The sound and lighting, provided by Foster Sound Company, created a festive atmosphere, and additional raffle prizes were generously contributed by media partner One Philippines News Texas.

The Philippine Independence Day and Induction Ceremony in Beaumont, Texas, was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of community, heritage, and leadership. As the PABT embarks on a new chapter under the guidance of its newly inducted officers, the future looks bright for this vibrant and close-knit community.

Another Pinay Shining Star

For the record and history.

The First Filipina and Asian #MKCHS Homecoming Queen in Southeast Texas, USA.

Introducing, 2022 Homecoming Queen of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School:

“Queen Kelsy Elgar”.

Kelsy is the daughter of Mr. Kevin and Teresa Elgar. The 2nd youngest of 4, she has two older brothers Kelvin and Keith Elgar, and younger sister Kate. Kelsy is a straight A student, a dedicated Student Body President, as well as Kindness Club President. She is also Secretary of Interact Club, and Historian of Green Team. She is also a part of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Culture Club, Spanish Club, and Retreat Team. She is captain of the MKCHS Swim team, and swims for SHAC that competes in USA Swimming meets.

Kelsy is a 3-time TAAPS Division 1 State Swimming Championship Qualifier, hoping to make her fourth year.

When Kelsy is not helping out at school or swimming, she enjoys making jewelry for her small business, Kind Soul Co. She is an avid sunset lover and loves going on walks and spending time with her family and friends. On the weekends when she is not studying or spending time with her loved ones, she also altar serves at her parish and past school, St. Anne’s. Kelsy’s favorite class is Spanish with the fabulous Senora Brannon. Her favorite movie is “10 Things I hate about you”. Her future goals include graduating from high school, after which she will possibly swim in college. Kelsy’s dream is to have her own dental practice, and best of all hopes to live a long and happy life. Her motto in life is “To be the change you want to see in the world.” Her message to those younger than her is to live life to the fullest, and do not be afraid of new experiences. Make memories, and cherish all of your relationships, new and old. She would also like to say that she loves her family, and that she wouldn’t have made it this far without them.

We are very proud of you !

Mabuhay!

DR. JOMEL BAJAR: A Fil-Am community leader anchored on “bayanihan”

For immigrants like Dr. Jomel Bajar, the need to compete and stand out in an international setting may be a very daunting task to pursue.

He was a fresh graduate of Physical Therapy from University of Santo Tomas in 1995 and already a professor at Angeles University, Pampanga, when he migrated to America at age of 22. Dr. Jomel dreamt of practicing the profession in the "land of opportunity" remained clear in his mind. And so, he pursued further studies, completing his master's degree at TWU and his doctorate in Physical Therapy at MGH-IHP in record time. It was in fulfillment of a promise he had made to his mom.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ANCHORED ON "BAYANIHAN"

One of Dr. Jomel's fondest memories of his early years in America was the warmth with which Filipinos & Americans (many of whom did not even know him) welcomed him and helped him adjust to his new environment. It was initially difficult for him to be separated from his family. However, his ability to adapt to change and focus on his dreams made it easier to transition. Living in America for the past 25 years opened his eyes to the bountiful opportunity it can offer to immigrants and alike.

Today, as an active member of the Filipino community, he "makes it a point to make any new Filipino welcome in my presence", said the doctor cum community leader who constantly espouses and promotes the "Bayanihan" spirit. He slowly developed the gratefulness mindset and practiced it in his personal and professional life. "If there is one value that I can teach a new Filipino immigrant is to be grateful all the time," he further reiterated.

Through his impeccable leadership as President of the Philippine Association of Beaumont Texas (PABT) for the past six years, he's been a shining example of this "Bayanihan" spirit, helping to promote the Filipino culture in Southeast Texas at every opportunity.

Through PABT, Dr. Jomel has undertaken numerous activities to promote Filipino culture, made possible by the renewed vigor and motivation he cultivated among the organization's officers and members. He also emphasized engaging all Filipinos in Southeast Texas, not just in Beaumont. Reaching out to the different organizations to assist Filipino victims during the Taal Volcano eruption and several floodings in the Philippines has been a priority during his leadership.

A DEEP SENSE OF FILIPINO KINSHIP AND FAMILY

Dr. Jomel helped elevate the image of Filipinos in Beaumont. He was the First Filipino featured in Southeast Texas Dancing with the Stars. In addition to his solid civic sense of duty, Dr. Jomel has consistently been an active member & officer of the boards of his children's school, St. Anne's Catholic School and Church.

His eldest son, Jerard, is 19 years old and an Academic Scholar in Engineering at Texas A&M University. His daughter Jianna is 18 and is an incoming nursing freshman at the University of Houston. Both consistently received the highest honors in their classes and are rooted in their Filipino heritage. Aware that raising their children in America can cause them to be uprooted in their culture, they consciously decided to join PABT and be active members. In addition, they go home to the Philippines regularly so their children can fully immerse themselves in Filipino culture and learn the Filipino language.

Dr. Jomel attributes half of his successes and accomplishments to his lovely wife for 21 years, Dr. Maria Luz Aspilla Dayrit, herself a doctor of PT. The two belonged to the same UST class; both manage LiveWell Out-patient PT clinic and Fe-SiO Wellness Living in Beaumont, Texas. Because they arrived in Texas just a month apart, they instantly became best friends. Then, love naturally followed. "We figured out that we were meant for each other … marrying your best friend, I highly recommend it!" said the 48-year-old doctor. The partnership and love they continue to share are the essential ingredients in reaching their goals in life, he said. Even with their busy schedule, spending family time traveling locally and internationally has been their priority. "Our family is our priority, and everything comes in the second," he added.

Dr. Jomel is one of the recipients of the 2021 edition of "Philippine Faces of Success." This year's honorees are a distinguished assemblage of men and women who have made a difference in their chosen fields of endeavor, such as public service, entrepreneurship, entertainment, arts and culture, beauty and wellness, and the championing of Filipino interests abroad. The organization stated that they have been made aware of Dr. Jomel's dedication to the Filipino community in Beaumont and are awed by the personal and professional achievements he has created for himself, thus, another example of Filipino success in America. The search committee measures success not by how much money our awardees make, nor by the people they associate with, but by how each awardee touched the lives of people around them.

We concluded the interview by asking him how this "Bayanihan" champion wants to be remembered by others. His answer is simple: "I want to be remembered as a person who inspires others to achieve their highest potential in life."