Gia Janella Padiernos is crowned Miss GAPASCA.
CERRITOS – The scholarship program of the Gapan City Association of Southern California (GAPASCA) got a big boost last August 9 during the inaugural ball of the new organization at the Cerritos Sheraton Hotel.
Following the inspirational speech by GAPASCA chairperson Nimfa Castro, three benefactors contributed $1,000 financial grant each before the night ended. With the added funds, GAPASCA will be able to sponsor 12 graduating students from various high schools in Gapan. Each scholar will be given financial assistance of up to P40,000 each towards tuition.
Castro said some officers and members of GAPASCA will hold a banquet for the scholars in March 2015 in Gapan. She thanked the members and benefactors for their overwhelming support to the scholarship program.
The successful inaugural ball was full house and attended by Gapanenses from all over California. They were joined in the celebration by town mates from other states and from the Philippines. Gapanenses from different generations participated in the program and the inducted officers were also multi-generational.
Nueva Ecija Vice Gov. GP Padiernos, a former LA resident and a native Gapanense, was the guest speaker.
Larry Camus, president, and Nimfa Castro, chairman of the board, led the officers who were inducted by Vice Consul Mary Joy Ramirez.
The first set of GAPASCA officers with Nueva Ecija Vice Gov. GP Padiernos and Vice Consul Mary Joy Ramirez.
Also inducted were Gina Patulandong, VP Budget & Finance; Marissa Yamsuan , VP Membership; Ramil Garcia, VP Ways & Means; Vangie Garcia, VP Programs; Cindy Garces, treasurer; Marlyn Reams, secretary; Armahn Tinawin, auditor; Agnes Nerona, PRO; Steve Johnson and Germelie Morales, affairs coordinators; Randy Estrella, Veta Garcia, Rolly de Guzman, and Adoracion Palisoc, advisers;
Tipin Johnson, board secretary; Teofilo Estrella, Percival Garces, Emmanuel Liwag, Gener Nerona, and Wilfredo Ongpauco, directors.
The night was also highlighted by the coronation of Gia Janella Padiernos, daughter of Vice Governor Padiernos, as Miss GAPASCA.
The young group has already launched two projects this year – the PABASA, last April and the Divina Pastora Fiesta last May. It also participated in the celebration of Philippine Independence in Cerritos last June 14 as donor and partnered with the Philippine Society of Southeast Los Angeles (PHILSELA) in running the refreshment booth. To learn more about GAPASCA, please visit www.gapasca.org.