A FILIPINO AMERICAN SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2025

A NIGHT FILLED WITH STARS AT FAS' GALA

This year, over 200 dazzling guests walked the red carpet at FAS’ 12^th annual gala. The sponsors, board members, volunteers, and performers made the night one to remember.

Special thanks to our guest speakers, Consul General Atty. Melanie Diano of Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and Global 1nspiration Janette Jordee, for sharing their wisdom and inspiring words. We are also grateful to Reverend Sarah Trone Garriott for leading us in prayer and blessing the evening.

Congratulations to our Bayanihan Spirit Award honorees—Tuesday Gig and Steve/Melissa Eckert—for inspiring us all with your outstanding service and leadership.

Cheers to our Best Dressed Award winners and to the incredible performers who received the Heritage in Harmony Award, honoring our shared love of music and culture.

Filipino pride shone brightly that day and we’re so thankful for those who were able to come.

Check out some photos from the gala taken by the incredible Steve Janousek.

MEET MARVIN MANLAPAZ

CO-VICE PRESIDENT

Where are you from?

"I was born in Tanza, Philippines but moved to California when I was just 2 years old. I grew up in southern California up until I joined the Navy at 19 years old. I am currently living in St Paul, MN."

What does FAS mean to you?

"When I first moved to Iowa in 2020 I knew no one outside of a few work mates. I reached out to FAS on a whim right before their annual Gala and I was surprised to find such a welcoming community here in Iowa. FAS reminds me of my Filipino roots especially in the midwest where there is a much smaller population of Filipinos here, community is everything! Since then, I have dedicated much of my free time to helping grow the organization and proudly represent what it means to be a Filipino-American."

What's something you enjoy doing in your spare time?

"In my spare time, you can either find me cooking or playing tennis!"

What's your go-to karaoke song?
"It's one that's not widely known outside of the Filipino community, but my go-to song would be Harana by Parokya ni Edgar."

Upcoming Event: Top Golf for FAS Scholarships

Join us for a Night at Top Golf on October 12, 6-8 pm.

This event is sponsored by the FAS Scholarship Committee and costs $20 per person and $110 per bay (six people).

Buy tickets and learn more about the event here.

Please RSVP by October 6. Thank you for investing in the next generation of scholars in our community.

Happy Birthday Luisita Dona McBurney!

FAS Board president Luisita turned 50 on September 23.

“I don’t want a party or gifts,” Luisita said. “I’m asking friends to donate to the Filipino American Society (FAS)."

Make a donation at anytime! Even $5 makes a big impact!

FILIPINOS IN POP CULTURE

Filipino professional tennis player Alexandra Maniego Eala recently made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match and reach the top 100 of the WTA Tour.

She’s a rising star and a young Filipina to watch!

America's Got Talent 2025 powerhouse singer Jessica Sanchez blew away audiences in Season 1 and returned this year to win it all.

On Sept 24 she was crowned the AGT champion!

Watch her final performance!

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