The Filipino Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Inc., also known as FILAN, aims to achieve its goals by engaging in ACTIVITIES that align with its mission, both directly and indirectly.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
to promote community spirit among Filipinos and Canadians living in Newfoundland and Labrador
COLLECTIVE HARMONY
to stay united and achieve goals common both to members of the association and the community
NEWCOMER SUPPORT
to welcome and assist newly-arrived Filipinos to adjust to life in Newfoundland and Labrador
HeRITAGE ADVOCACY
to preserve, promote and perpetuate the heritage, culture and values of both the Philippines and Canada through member participation in social, cultural, charitable and educational activities
FUNDRAISING MISSION
to raise funds for the administration and operation of the Association and for such charitable purposes as are designated by the Association membership from time to time
Throughout its esteemed history, FILAN has been led by a succession of visionary past presidents, each leaving an indelible mark on our mission and legacy.
| YEAR | PRESIDENT |
|---|---|
| 1967-1969 | Dr. Florencio “Ray” Firme |
| 1969-1970 | Dr. Exequiel Magat |
| 1970-1971 | Dr. Pete Isada |
| 1971-1972 | Dr. Arturo Cruz |
| 1972-1973 | Dr. Roger Lacuesta |
| 1973-1974 | Ms. Gloria Terrenal-Angulo |
| 1974-1975 | Ms. Esperanza Aquino |
| 1975-1976 | Dr. Romulo Magsino |
| 1976-1977 | Mr. Maurice Pasqua |
| 1977-1978 | Mr. Herminio Solidon |
| 1978-1979 | Ms. Zeny Lopez-Lang |
| 1979-1980 | Mr. Dante de Leon |
| 1980-1981 | Mrs. Tessie Kennedy |
| 1981-1982 | Ms. Jean Marquez |
| 1982-1983 | Ms. Zeny Lopez-Lang |
| 1983-1984 | Dr. Mely Cruz |
| 1984-1985 | Mr. Crisanto “Jun” Aguilar |
| 1985-1986 | Ms. Cora Ochoa |
| 1986-1987 | Mrs. Annie Pascua |
| 1987-1988 | Ms. Sophie Corrales |
| 1988-1989 | Mr. Wilfred Riego |
| 1989-1990 | Dr. Florencio “Ray” Firme |
| 1990-1991 | Mrs. Pilar Riego |
| 1991-1992 | Dr. Narciso “Jun” Baldonado |
| 1992-1994 | Mrs. Rose Bourgeois |
| 1994-1995 | Dr. Dennis Sunio |
| 1995-1997 | Dr. Henry Borja |
| 1997-1999 | Dr. Eric Elli |
| 1999-2000 | Mrs. Tessie Kennedy |
| 2000-2007 | Dr. Eric Elli |
| 2007-2009 | Ms. Elisa Mercer |
| 2009-2010 | Ms. Sol Modesto-Vardy |
| 2010-2011 | Richard Salas/Thess Isorena |
| 2011-2012 | Mr. Romel Maligaya |
| 2012-2013 | Ms. Mary Joy Frogoso |
| 2013-2016 | Dr. Eric Elli |
| 2016-present | Dr. Henry Borja |
Meet our diverse and committed directors who are actively organizing community events and initiatives tailored to enrich the lives of Filipinos residing in NL through our organization.
Dr. enrique borja, md
director
Henry and wife, Angie, has been active members of FILAN since 1988. They have made Newfoundland and Labrador their adopted home where they raised their three children and where he worked as a Pediatrician in Clarenville, NL for 25 years.
arnaldo “don” alivio
director
Don, a FILAN member since 1978 and former President, holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. He worked at Davao Light & Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro before joining the federal government. Now retired, he resides in Canada and the Philippines with his wife, Ruth.
michael mercado, rmt
director
Michael, a FILAN Director since 2016, originally from Tondo, Manila, relocated to St. John’s, NL in 2012, where he worked at Tim Hortons. He holds degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Perpetual Help and Massage Therapy from Eastern Academy. He owns Masahe Massage Therapy Clinic.
Romel Maligaya, CPA, CMA
Director
Romel, a FILAN member since 2011, served as President and is now a Director. He holds a BSBA in Accounting, graduating cum laude, obtained his CPA license in 1993, and both CPA and CMA designations in NL in 2015. With extensive experience, including tenure at Transocean, he now serves as Controller for Pennecon’s Industrial Division.