On Saturday, May 18, 2019, PAFC, in collaboration with cohosts, the Philippine Embassy and FIlipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland, College Park, held its 2nd Annual Pinoy Graduation Showcase DC (P-Grad).
In its second year, P-Grad DC aims to recognize graduating Filipino Americans in Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia and connect them to the greater Filipino American community, its organizations, and resources. This year, the graduation opened its applicant pool to include middle schoolers and anyone graduating from a program, such as a certificate program or armed services training.
We would like to congratulate the 32 Pinoy graduates for the class of 2019:
Middle School:
Joseph Conaty, St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
Nathaniel Dalisay, Parkville Middle School
Allaine Estabillo, Frost Middle School
Lean Andre Madarang, St. Mary's Catholic School
Arabella Palor, St. Columba School
Alyssa Soriano, St. Columba School
Jasmine Young, Theodore Davis Middle School
High School:
Katherine Argente, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Gerardo Ballesteros, Wheaton High School
Erma Blanco, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Justin Francis Tablang Bustamante, Georgetown Preparatory High School
John Carlo Caculitan, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Wildredo Augusto Cadacio III, Walter Johnson High School
Gema Esguerra, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Melissa dela Cuesta, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Andreana Faye Fillar, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Joseph Arcelius Gabriel Leyes
Nicholas Manzo, DeMatha Catholic High School
Christus Quidlat, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Frances Nicole Quijano, Laurel High School
Joselle Quijano, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Marcelo Soriano, North Point High School
Joanna Tanap, Ocean Lakes High School
Undergraduate Degrees:
Lianna Cerenio
Bachelor's of Science in Family Science & Minor in Asian American Studies
University of Maryland, College Park
Gary Crisostomo
Bachelor's of Arts in Studio Art, Graphic Design
University of Maryland, College Park
Alexandra Gavino
Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology
Katherine Kate Medina
Bachelor's of Science in Accounting & Minor in Asian American Studies
University of Maryland, College Park
Jasmine Nicole Namata
Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral and Community Health
University of Maryland, College Park
Caryn Pasking
Bachelor's of Science in Information Sciences
University of Maryland, College Park
Pamela Tarectecan
Bachelor's of Science in Biology & Bachelors of Arts in Secondary Education for Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Graduate Degrees:
Zowee Aquino
Master's in Social Work
Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Marlon Tingzon
Master's in Business Administration
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
P-Grad celebrates not only the importance of education, but a the importance of the community in supporting the development and empowerment of rising Filipino American youth leaders. This year, P-Grad garnered the support of over 20 community organizations and 50 committed volunteers, including Keynote Speaker and renowned public speaker, Sonia Aranza. The event concluded with a community fair highlighting the various community partners in the area. For more information about the event and those involved, you may review the event program here.
PAFC would like to thank co-hosts, the Sentro Rizal Center at the Philippine Embassy, the Filipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland, College Park and the following sponsors and community partners for their contribution to the event:
Kaibigan Sponsors
Fil-Am Community Church
Kapitabahay Sponsors
High Bridge Foundation, Inc
Mabuhay, Inc
Ladies Auxillary Fleet Reserve Association, Unit 4/Branch 4
National Federation of Filipino American Associations
Rita M. Cacas Foundation
Yo-Yo, Inc
Community Partners
Asian American Lead
Bistro 1521
Filipino American Basketball Association
Filipino American Youth Basketball Association
Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia
Filipino Young Professionals DC
Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project (pending)
Katipunan of MD
Manila Mail
Manila Mart
Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce DC
P.U.S.O Foundation
Refinery Hair Salon
Tanghalang Pilipino
The Worxx by Maia
Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Recipients - Patrick Aguda, Sarah Menchavez, and Ashley Cabanayan Shrestha
Masters of Ceremonies - Eliza Romero & Brian Marana