Filipinos love food! I truly believe our love language is food! "Kain tayo!'", "Mangaon ta ninyo!", "Let's eat!". This is not just an invitation to eat but an invitation to a relationship.

Yesterday, our community: Filipino-American Association of the Lower Cape Fear or also known as Filipino Americans of Southeastern North Carolina (in Facebook - please like and follow) celebrated our Annual Spring Picnic. The Association provided the Letchon (roasted pig), rice and drinks and all members brought side dishes and dessert. Because of this sharing mentality, we always have abundance of food! The proof? "Balutin mo ako..." Filipinos know what I am talking about. After the party is done, everyone is given a plastic container to bring "home" some of the leftover food. Everything is shared and none is wasted! You will never go empty handed!

But the most important thing we shared is the love of community and service to our fellow kababayans. We exchanged hugs and smiles, and we got to know new faces who just moved to the US recently. One of them was Mariel who just came from Southern Cotabato in October of 2024. We also support each other by highlighting each other's talents. Not one but two book authors sold books at the event. One was Ate Leilani Hamm who was inspired to write books in Tagalog geared to share the love of the language to the next generation. And the second author was yours truly! I shared the book I published in Amazon called Rise with Purpose: A Biblical workbook For Building Resilience, Growing in Faith and Living our God-given calling.

We also elected the new set of officers for 2025-2026. Archee Ong, DPT, the outgoing President of the group (who is now a part of the Board of Directors) has led this group with integrity, hard work and true service for the Filipino community. We are excited and hopeful for the next year with the amazing set of new officers. If you are in the Wilmington, NC area, Brunswick/Hanover county, please follow our official page in Facebook. We would love to welcome you and your family!

Thank you for listening to today's episode and continue to support and follow this podcast for more encouragement and inspiration of the lives of the Filipino-Americans who have brought so much talent, skills and hope to this country. Maraming Salamat po!