Remembering FFS History
By Alfred Ramel
 |
Past FFS Presidents (Left to Right): Agnesio “Nick”
Palmaira (Founder and 1st President, 1975),
Oscar Valdez (1976), Greg Armea (1977), Jun Flores (1980), Ray Baguilat (1982), Dave Lorenzana (1983), Lando Africa (1984-1986) |
I.
It was in the year 1974 that a handful of civic-minded
Filipino residents of the Village of Bolingbrook visited Nick Palmaira’s family
who has recently moved into their new home. Knowing that Nick is an active
organizer both in Chicago and in the Philippines, this group urged him to form
a Filipino-American organization here in the suburbs. During that time, Nick
was in the process of forming an international organization. He has met with
different consulates presenting his ideas and getting their membership.
Because of the
urging of this group and the advice of his wife, Florence, who said that it
would be better to form a Filipino-American organization first before the
international one, he consented to their implorations. Formulating the Constitution
and By-laws of the Filipino Friendship Society was easy for him, but recruiting
members was a much bigger challenge.
The
house-to-house campaign was usually done in the evening, since most people were
at work during the day. Unknown to many, Nick always brought his family along
on these visits. Florence, who worked as a registered nurse at Cook County
Hospital, and the two children, Michael (7-years-old) and Helen (3-years-old),
would wait patiently in the car as Nick worked at gathering members for what
would become the Filipino Friendship Society of Bolingbrook.
II.
The basic concept of the organization is to have a
united body with membership open to every Filipino resident of Bolingbrook and
the neighboring communities regardless of one’s regional origin, religion, or
professional endeavor.
The FFS “logo”
represents “Togetherness and Cooperativeness” which are the key words for the
success of any organization.
The SEAL of the
firm handshake with the Philippine red, white, and blue flag background represents
the enthusiastic group of Filipinos filled with pride and ambition.
The NAME
Filipino Friendship Society (FFS) of Bolingbrook and the surrounding suburbs
offer hands of friendship to all.
The OBJECTIVE
of the FFS is to participate in the civic and social programs of the community,
and the deeper appreciation of Philippine heritage of which the Filipinos are
always proud of.
III.
The Commendable Accomplishments of the FFS and
Meritorious Services to the Community:
a.
Participation in the “Pathways Parade” won First Place
in the entry, First Place in the non-precision marching unit entry, and for
overall participation, the Grand Marshall Trophy. But of course, winning is not
everything. It is the cooperation and involvement that counts the most – the Bayanihan
Spirit.
b.
The FFS Anniversary Benefit Balls in conjunction with
the cotillions:
i.
An Affair to Remember – Cotillion 1985
ii.
Once Upon a Time – Cotillion 1987
iii.
One Moment in Time – Cotillion 1989
In representing
and enhancing its rich culture and custom, the formal introduction of Lovely
Debutantes through the presentation, a cotillion, a rich Filipino tradition.
c.
Filipino Friendship Society Scholarship Award has 15
recipients, 4 are the following:
i.
1981 – Sam Quiaoit, Jr. (1st Recipient)
Graduated “Salutatorian”
Bolingbrook High School
College –
University of Illinois
ii.
1986 – Peter Singson
Graduated
Co-Valedictorian, Romeoville High School
College - Northwestern University
iii.
1989 - Candy Baguilat
Graduated Top
Ten – Romeoville High School
College –
Loyola University
iv.
1994 – Roman Africa
Graduated
Valedictorian, Bolingbrook High School
College –
University of Illinois
d.
Family Togetherness and Friendship always graced all
functions and activities. There were the Annual Summer Picnics at various parks
as well as the Christmas caroling by members. A well-orchestrated Christmas
Nativity portrayal by the children of the FFS.
IV.
In the United States, the average span of newly formed
organizations is between 3-4 years. The FFS has certainly exceeded this
life expectancy by over three decades
and is
still going strong!
