FilAm group PAFCOM holds news writing workshop
Editor’s Note: A Filipino American organization, PAFCOM, is currently conducting a community news writing workshop, in Jersey City to enhance its capability to document and publish its own events and programs. It is free for the community to join, until the second Saturday of April 2025. We are publishing the news items that the attendees wrote as a result of the workshop on straight news writing. The honor is mine to be the trainer for this valuable project.
PAFCOM NEWS
January-February 2025
PAFCOM NJ holds symbolic toast to welcome New Year
By Jujo Conol
The Philippine American Friendship Community (PAFCOM) hosted its annual handover ceremony at the Hank Gallo Community Center on January 11, 2025, which marked the transition of leadership from outgoing President Maricar Taino to incoming President Joyce Castillo.
The traditional symbolic turnover of the PAFCOM gavel, medallion, and documents was given by Taino to Castillo during the event which was attended by over 60 guests.
In an interview, President Castillo said that her team will focus on the 35th anniversary of PAFCOM and educational series for wellness, finance, and organizational management.
Philippine Consul General of New York Senen Mangalile swore in and congratulated the new officers. He remarked that PAFCOM makes him feel that he is in a community. #
Nora Galleros leads 2025 PAFCOM PARADE
By Connie Uy, M.D.
PAPFCOM’s Grand Marshall for 2025 is Nora Galleros, a prominent community leader in New Jersey and New York. She will lead the traditional annual parade on June 22, 2025, Sunday at Lincoln Park, Jersey City, alongside former NJ Governor James McGreevey, Honorary Grand Marshals Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, Dr. Lorna Avila, Victoria Ray, and Edward Tolosa.
Galleros is the partner-in-charge of Galleros-Robinson, a certified public accounting and business advisory firm. She has over 20 years of experience in performing consulting, financial audits, and compliance engagements serving the public and private sectors.
Galleros has served as president of the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants. She was past president of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. Nora graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Accounting). #
PAFCOM celebrates 35th anniversary in 2025
By Dr. Connie Uy, M.D.
The Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc, (PAFCOM) is now 35 years old, one of the oldest Filipino American community groups in the East Coast.
Founded in 1990, PAFCOM is a non-profit organization with a 501 (c) (3) status serving the people of Jersey City and the tri-state areas with its various charitable and community projects.
To commemorate its 35 years of existence, President Joyce Castillo announced the various projects such as the barrio fiesta-themed Grand Marshal Ball and Coronation of Muses which will be at the Marriott Hotel in Newark Airport on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 6 to 11 pm.
The PAFCOM Parade and Festivity is set for June 22, 2025, Sunday. It will start with a community mass at 10AM, followed by the traditional parade at 12PM at Lincoln Park in Jersey City.
Grand Marshal Nora Galleros will lead the parade. Invited artists from the Philippines will be featured at the festival as well as the presentation of the 2025 PAFCOM scholars. #
To commemorate its 35 years of existence, PAFCOM will hold a barrio fiesta-themed Grand Marshal Ball and Coronation of Muses which will be at the Marriott Hotel in Newark Airport on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 6 to 11 pm.
The PAFCOM Parade and Festivity is set for June 22, 2025, Sunday. It will start with a community mass at 10AM, followed by the traditional parade at 12PM at Lincoln Park in Jersey City.
PAFCOM GALLERY
Cheers! A New Year toast during PAFCOM’s turnover ceremony at the Hank Gallo Community Center on January 11, 2025 was highlighted by the accomplishments of the outgoing administration of President Maricar Taino. Consul General Senen Mangalile inducted the 2025 officers and Board members led by President Joyce Castillo. Nora Galleros was also introduced as the 2025 Grand Marshal during the event.
Pusong Pinoy (Filipino heart), one of PAFCOM’s health and wellness programs, was held at the Bethune Center, Jersey City on February 8, 2025. Attendees had free BP measurements, blood tests, BMI assessment, nutritional evaluation, immunizations, and Zumba dancing.
