Oceanside CA— The Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO) recently held their Annual Holiday Ball and Hiyas Awards at the Pacific Views Event Center on Camp Pendleton. The event was co-hosted by Alexis Plaisted and Debbie Nicastro with Oceanside Mayor, Jim Wood among the dignitaries in attendance.
The formal gathering celebrated the North San Diego’s County’s most influential and successful Filipino-Americans of 2014 and were presented the ‘Hiyas Award’.
“Hiyas” means precious jewels as those awarded the honor are of highest esteem and have provided valuable contributions to the society.
Standing left to right are; Gloria Ash, Thelma Pantig. Debbie Nicastro was the co-host and a guest singer
Hiyas Honorees for 2015 are:
- Robert Bartolo- Business and Industry
- Katherine Rodriquez- Arts and Humanities
- Dr. Ida Alfonso DDS- Science and Medicine
- Susan de los Santos- Public Service
Executive Officers for 2015 were also sworn in during the Christmas celebration;
- Belle Limoge- President
- Zucette Lumbas- Vice-President
- Jonathan Enerva- Secretary
- Vangie McNeal- Treasurer
FACO Board of Directors for 2015
- Dori Harris
- Malou Hamto
- Wendy Abon-Thrower
- Marilou Dela Rosa
- Virgie Flemming
- Amelia Sivage- ex officio
(L-R) Sabina and Steve Velasco Hutcherson of La Palma, CA, Belle Limoge, and Libby Quitania
