Press Release
The Filipino Friendship Society (FFS), one of the oldest organizations of the Filipino American community in the western suburbs will celebrate its 37th anniversary on Sunday, September 9th, at 5 p.m., at the Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75th Street, Downers Grove, IL. The celebration will be highlighted by the induction of its incoming officers and the coronation of its muse and her court for the years 2012 to 2014.
The new set of officers and governors of member communities will be inducted by Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim. They are: Tony Amante, president; Delia de Guzman, 1st vice president; Lourdes Bersamin, 2nd vice president; Edith Amante, secretary; Nenita Caballes, assistant secretary; Florence Palmaira, treasurer; Estrelita dela Vega, assistant treasurer; Margie Boerema, auditor; Virginia Carino, assistant auditor; Ray Baguilat, Richard Shroyer, and Michael Palmaira, PROs. Fil Am area governors are: Telly Yumping, Aurora; Eduardo Mejia, Berwyn; Aurelia Villas, Aurora Quejadas, and Loreta Maglaque, Bolingbrook; Nell Frias, Carol Stream; Jun Deato, Chicago; Ricardo Dangalan, Crest Hill; Rudy Gutierrez, Darien; Antonio Uy, Jr., Downers Grove; Merly Perricone, Elmhurst; Adeline Fajardo, Glendale Heights; Maureen Devlinger, Joliet; Angie Francisco, Lincolnwood; Geraldine Gaden, Naperville; Arnold Noble, Oakbrook Terrace; Toto Baronia, Plainfield; Lina Ramos, Willowbrook; George Boerema, Woodridge.
To be crowned Miss Philippines FFS during the anniversary is Janelle Villas, a talented high school student of the Bolingbrook High School. She will be escorted by her brother, Jordan Joseph Villas. Her court includes Jana Alyssa Azarcon, Miss Luzon FFS; Abigail Marie de Vera, Miss Visayas FFS; Jestina Armamento, Miss Mindanao FFS; and Crystal Panganiban, Miss Manila FFS. Janelle will be crowned by newly-elected president Tony Amante and outgoing FFS muse, Jillian Villas. Janelle and her court will also receive a scepter, trophy, bouquet, and sash from their parents and sponsors.
Local talents Lou Maningas-Cabaluna, Jing Wenghofer, Jennifer Villas, BPD DanceForce, choreographed by Katrina Amante, dance program coordinator of the Bolingbrook Park District; and Janelle Villas herself will provide the entertainment at dinner time. Coronation coordinator is Margie Boerema. Emcees are Delia de Guzman and Richard Shroyer.
The FFS will lead the celebration of the Filipino American History Month in the southwest suburbs on October 20, 2012 at the Living Water Community Church in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The celebration will consist of informational/educational presentations in the morning and a cultural variety show in the afternoon. The FFS which counts 22 past presidents was founded by its first president, Nick Palmaira, and other early Filipino American residents of Bolingbrook in 1975. For more information, please call Tony Amante at 630-202-9824 or email FFS7712@gmail.com.
