Maniolas

CERRITOS – Retail executive Nimfa Castro, president, and real estate broker and lawyer Frank Yokoyama, chairman of the board, lead the new set of officers of the Philippine Society of Southeast Los Angeles (PHILSELA) to be inducted at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Cerritos Sheraton.

The event coincides with the 40th anniversary celebration of the premier Filipino organization in the Southeast Los Angeles area and the coronation of 2014 Miss PHILSELA Krisha de Jesus.

To be inducted are: Nimfa Castro, president; Armin Reyes, VP budget and finance; Nicolle Yokoyama, VP membership; Elizabeth Boschma, VP programs; Larry Camus, VP ways and means; Cindy Garces, treasurer; Aurora Reyes, assistant treasurer; Lea Manalad, recording secretary; Noemi Elicerio, corresponding secretary; Mryleane Tamayo, auditor; Monet Lu, PRO; Dolly Serrano and Michael de Jesus, Affairs coordinators; and Ernie Papa and Chit Yokoyama, advisers;

Frank Yokoyama, board chairman; Linda Bautista, vice chairman; Douglas Bautista, Evelyn Carale, Nimfa Castro, Emma Chupinghong, Daisy Pangilinan, and Lini Teal, directors.

PHILSELA was founded 40 years ago by a group of young Filipino immigrants, mostly professionals from the Artesia-Cerritos area and neighboring communities. Annual activities include the Scholarship Program and the Santacruzan. It also sponsors and supports city-initiated programs, including the Festival of Friendship, Let Freedom Ring 4th of July Event, and Halloween Festival. PHILSELA has also participated in the Philippine Independence Centennial celebration, and the Filipiniana Library Project.

The projects scheduled for this year are: Festival of Friendship, Feb. 2; Pechanga Turnaround, March 30; 40th anniversary ball, April 26; Santacruzan, May 31; Scholarship Banquet, June 19; Let Freedom Ring, July 4; Pechanga Turnaround, July 13; Luaua Dinner and Dance, August 30; Picnic, September 27; Halloween Booth, October 31; Christmas Party, December 6; and Simbang Gabi in December.

Nimfa Castro, who is Chief Operating Officer and Controller of a nationwide retail company, was last year’s VP for membership while Frank Yokoyama, a realtor with the Century 21 Wise Ol’ Owl, is a longtime member.

This year’s Miss PHILSELA, Krisha Dianne de Jesus, graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) in 2012 with a BS degree in Biology and works as Lead Clinical Research Coordinator for North America Research Institute. She is a graduate with honors of Brea Olinda High School. Krisha succeeds last year’s Miss PHILSELA, Sarah Serrano Lacson.