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Cleared area of the 20-acre property recently purchased by
the Philippine American Cultural Foundation of South Florida,
Inc. is being inspected by Nick Pilan of E&N Construction and
Edwin B. Dominado, PACFSF Chairman. Also on hand were Dr. Trinie
Garcia, Sid Estrada, and Filipino American community members.
The land will be site of the
Philippine Heritage Enrichment Complex.OrganizationsGround Breaking Ceremony Scheduled for 20-acre Philippine Heritage Enrichment ComplexGrit and hard work turn the stuff that dreams are made of into reality.At least that is how The Philippine American Cultural Foundation of South Florida (PACFSF) sees it as it looks forward to the ground breaking ceremony of its Philippine Heritage Cultural Complex on August 1, 2009 at its 20-acre property in Okeechobee, Florida. All told, everything started with a community’s dream to contribute the richness of its cultural and arts heritage in South Florida. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation of South Florida took that dream to become reality when on May 22, 2009 Filipino Americans in South Florida awakened to news that the proposed 20-acre site in Okeechobee has been purchased outright by the PACFSF in cash. Since its establishment in March 2008, the PACFSF had reached out and shared its vision with community organizations to join its mission. Its outreach brought reactions of support and interest from movers and shakers of these communities. Located one–eighth of a mile from the scenic Okeechobee Lake and near its commercial district, the Philippine Heritage Enrichment Complex will add value to the area’s tourism and economic development efforts. The cultural complex will become a fountain of education for the community and increase awareness to the contributions of Filipino Americans in the field of arts. The exotic Philippine Garden will be a key tourist attraction. Fiesta Pavilions and a Cultural and Arts Center will be a huge resource for local performers, artists and the public in general. The ground breaking ceremony starts with a gathering of PACFSF officers and members followed by a blessing. Among invited guests are government officials, members of business and community organizations, members of the media. PACFSF Vice President and Fundraising Committee Chair Elizabeth Marull will open the ceremonies with a welcome speech. Photo opportunities and interviews follow. Right after the ceremonies a luncheon and program hosted by the PACFSF await guests at KOA Hall nearby at 11:30 am. The event will be emceed by Becky Espulgar. Brief remarks from business and community leaders, and government officials follow. Program highlights are cultural presentations of The Kaamulan of Palm Beach County and The Philippine American Association of the Treasure Coast (PHILAM of TC) both acclaimed for their breathtaking original performances. The last segment of the presentation is a Filipiniana fashion showcase from the collection of Fashion Designer Kirsten Regalado modeled by Miss Miami USA, Miss Hialeah USA, and Miss Miami Tropic USA. Invited officials to provide brief remarks are Okeechobee City Mayor James E. Kirk, Okeechobee County Commission Chairman Clif Betts Jr., Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul C. May, Mayor Kevin Burns of North Miami, Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. Key members of the Filipino American community to provide remarks are Norma Ibanez- Nycum, President of PHILAM of TC, Dr. Trinidad Garcia, founder of PHILAM of TC and longtime Okeechobee County resident; Dr. Armando E. Marull of The Wellington Medical Center and Boynton Medical Center; Dr. Joy Bruce, NANAY, Inc. President and CEO; and Claire Ick, PACFSF Consultant. Mr. and Mrs. Sid Estrada, PACFSF Area Coordinators in Okeechobee County will formally open the the event with remarks. Area celebrities expected to attend are Tatiana Santos (Miss Miami USA 2010), Damaris Aguiar (Miss Hialeah USA 2010), Erica Rivera (Miss Miami Tropic 2010). Misses Santos, Aguiar and Rivera are competing in the Miss Florida USA 2010 Pageant, whose winner will compete in the Miss USA 2010 pageant and get the opportunity to win the Miss Universe 2010 crown. Director-Choreographer Desiree Sardo (Miss Puerto Rico 2004) and Miss Miami USA organizer Rosario Ramirez-Martinez will arrive with the entourage. The event will be concluded by PACFSF Chairman and President Edwin B. Dominado. The PACFSF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and welcomes tax-deductible donations for its Philippine Heritage Enrichment Complex Project. It can be reached at 561-371-0825 or through its main office at 675 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, Suite 103, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411. (southfloridaleader.net) Editor's note: More information about the Philippine American Cultural Foundation of South Florida, Inc. can be found on its website: www.philamculturalfoundationsouthflorida.org
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The Philippine American Cultural Foundation of South Florida, Inc. (PACFSF), a South Florida-based non-profit organization announced the purchase of 20 acres of land in Okeechobee, Florida to be the home of its Philippine Heritage Enrichment Complex.
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To dream, the impossible dream;
To beat the unbeatable foe." So the song goes for this man, Edwin B. Dominado whose roots belong in Botolan, Zambales and now a businessman in Palm Beach Island. "It comes to me often when I think about where I have been and how fortunate I have become," he said. "I will never forget the challenges I faced and how they have been overcome."
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