One summer evening in 1953, Benedicto Viloria, Florentino Bigoria, Gaspar Advincula and I went to the Eagle River Bridge area for a simple cookout. We enjoyed the evening and relished the spirit of friendship and camaraderie. We told other Filipinos of the fun we had.

Many Filipinos were stationed at the Fort Richardson and Elmendorf bases at the time. We invited them to our next picnic and they enthusiastically came. As more Filipino families settled in Anchorage, our group increased in number. We learned to depend upon each other and to help one another in time of need.

In summer of 1957, we decided to informally organize and called our group “The Filipino Community of Anchorage and Vicinity”. We celebrated at the event with a Sunday picnic under the Eagle River Bridge. Everyone brought food. Of course, there was “lechon” to highlight the importance of the event. Afterwards, we decided to meet every last Sunday of each month. To fund operating expenses, we agreed to assess a membership fee of $5.00 per person per year. I was informally elected president and Benedicto Viloria served as vice president. Soon, we were participating in some of the City of Anchorage Community events such as United Nations fairs at the Parkstrip, the 4th of July parade and Fur Rendezvous.

In the early 1960’s, we discussed at the possibility of making the FCAA, the voice of all Filipinos in Anchorage. A committee was formed to draft our constitution and bylaws. We agreed to hold elections every year to give everyone a chance to serve as an officer. After 4 years of debates and discussions, we finally voted to ratify our constitution and bylaws in 1965. There were 17 of us who signed the documents and became the official Founders of the Filipino Community of Anchorage. These were Alfredo and Pacita Agron, Toribio and Matilde Andres, Blas and Jean Malasarte, Domingo and Gloria Regal, Frank and Efipania Sabado, Frank and Nina Saturnino, Benedicto and Nemesia Viloria, Gaspar Advincula, Rafael Apostol Sr. and Rae Anden.

On the day that our constitution and bylaws was ratified, we held our first election. I was elected president. I served twice as president. First, during our early formative years and the second, after we became formally organized. I am deeply honored to have this privilege to serve as president of the FCAA. For my wife and I, our membership in the FCAA is a constant source of pride and joy.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the FCAA Inc, I would like to recognize all members, past and present, for their energy and enthusiasm in ensuring the growth and success of the organization.