FFRGOC has gone a long way and was led very well by these past presidents during their terms of office proven with their accomplishments.

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 Group Picture in one of the events (Left to right) :

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 Mr. and Mrs. Lino Aldana, 2010-2013

 Mr. and Mrs. Eli Ruiz, 2008-2009

 Mrs. Zita Sevilla , 2005-2007 (not in picture)

 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Arevalo, 1992-2002, 2002-2005, 2014-2017

 Mr. and Mrs. Mel Gallardo, 1997-1998

 Mr. and Mrs. Art Diaz, 1993-1996

 Mr. Cesar and Mrs. Irene Alzate, 1991-1993

Mrs. Debbie Gonzales, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 (not in picture)

Mrs. Helen Alonso, 2022 - Present (not in picture)

                                            

The track records of these presidents started from 1991. 

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Irene Alzate,  FFRG-LA , 1991-1993

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Irene Alzate is the Director, Orange County Chapter of FFRG-LA when the organization was about to transition as a Federation. During this transition she recognized the possibility of rapid growth and realized that different areas represent varying needs.  She initiated to divide the different areas (19 all together) into different chapters and provide more opportunities for leaders.  Use of clear-cut boundaries, elevation in the stature of the organization and independence from the umbrella of Los Angeles were part of her accomplishments. 

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A proven leader with FFRGOC who had been through the ups and downs of building an organization and tackling the challenges of different personalities and backgrounds, Irene remained to be Mother's Mary's "servant forever" which gives her the drive to give her time and energy in promoting the Blessed Virgin Mary and praying the Holy Rosary which is aligned to FFROC's mission.  Irene is still pretty active serving FFRGOC in the past and present, as Advisor, Socio Director, Officer's Trainor and FFRGOC 20th Anniversary Committee Chairperson.

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Personally, she is married to Caesar Alzate and have three children- Caesar Jr., John Anthony and Marie Jennifer.

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Art Diaz, 1993-1996

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Art Diaz is the first president after FFRGOC became independent from  FFRG-LA.  He oversaw the beginning of FFRGOC as an independent organization with five (5) geographical chapters and 19 areas.  He was co-signatory with Father Juan Caboboy and Irene Alzate in the Articles of Incorporation, separating FFRGOC from its parent organization, FFRG-LA. 

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Art Diaz went through all the growing pains of a new organization during all the years of his term by providing stability and growth.  He also spearheaded the first Rosary Rally held on October 8, 1994 at St. Nicholas Parish Church in Laguna Beach CA with the Most Rev. Bishop Norman F. Macfarland, the Bishop of Orange as the celebrant of the mass.   In 1995, the Filipino Pastoral Ministry, a diocesan organization was formed by the Diocese of Orange to  oversee all the Filipino ministries in different parishes under the diocese  including FFRGOC.  A joint celebration was held for FFRGOC Rosary Rally and inauguration of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry last October 7, 1995 at St. Anthony Claret Parish Church with the Most Rev. Bishop Norman F. McFarland, Bishop of Orange as the celebrant of the mass with other Filipino priests as co celebrants. 

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On a personal level, Art is married to Andrea Pacificar and blessed with three children, Maria Erlinda, Anthony and Michael.  They have also six grandchildren, Virginia, Vanessa and Jared (by Maria) and Brenna, Evan and Andrew (by Anthony).  Art still continues to serve FFRGOC and had been also the chapter director of Central West.

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Mel Gallardo, 1997-1998

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Mel Gallardo is the second president of FFRGOC. He is an avid devotee of Mater Delarosa.  He initiated many programs that up to the present are part of the organization's regular activities and programs. Those are:

• Financial Status Reporting and Seminarian Programs Status Reporting as part of the regular agenda item for the board meetings;

• Establishment of record management systems/ repository of FFRGOC organizational records;

• Establishment of a database of names and addresses of members throughout the county;

• Initiation of the Feed the Hungry and Homeless Program;

• Formal Standardization of the Seminarian Scholarship Program;

• Standardization of the Rosary booklet and distribution to all areas that are currently used in our prayer meetings.

As Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of South Chapter, Area II, Mel initiated the following and have since become a part of FFRGOC's annual program:

• Annual dinner/dance fundraising event;

• Annual Lenten retreat;

• Contribution and support of the FFRGOC Seminarian Scholarship Fund.

As Director of South chapter, Mel also :

• Started the First Saturday Novena Masses at St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods, CA and

• Established the Holy Rosary Philippine Chamber Choral Choir which became formally the official FFRGOC Choir in 2010. 

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On a personal level, Mel is married to Gladella (Deng) Cabrera and have two sons-Radcliffe and Jeremiah and two grandchildren. 

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As a seasoned member, he also chaired the COMELEC to elect the Board of Directors for 2020-2021 and continually provides guidance to FFRGOC when needed. 

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Joe Arevalo, 1999-2002, 2002-2003

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Joe Arevalo is the third and eight president of FFRGOC with deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

 

As a 2-term FFRGOC president , Joe's accomplishments included the following: 

• Created a bi-annual Share-A-Meal program;

• Started the  Annual Christmas with Orange County Home for Children;

• Established Pista ni Maria Novenas in May as well as the

• Nine Novenas for Simbang Gabi Masses from December 15-23 in different parishes;

• Strengthened the "feed the needy and homeless" program by starting a bi-annual FFRGOC Share-A-Meal program and quarterly visits at the Fish & Loaves Soup Kitchen of St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana, CA;

• Amended FFRGOC Constitution and By-laws for the first time;

• Initiated and issued the monthly FFROC newsletter;

• Started the Independence Day Celebration.

 

As the Chairman of the Seminarian Scholarship Program :

• ​Three of our scholars were ordained as priests who are now serving the people and we should be very proud of this accomplishment!

 

On top of his responsibilities with FFRGOC, Joe has been an active member of St. Polycarp Parish and has:

• Initiated the annual fiesta of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the Filipino saint, every September and 

• Weekly Wednesday Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

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On a personal basis, he is married to Violeta (Violy) Domingo and blessed with three daughters (Joy, Jan & Jamie). Jan is married to Cobart Le and have two sons , Hunter and Chase. Joy is married to Edward Weitz  with two children Carter and Emma.

 

Joe and Violy have the dedication and devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary and always support leaders and members to persevere in pursuing more spiritual and charitable endeavors and still very active in FFRGOC charities and programs as much as they can. 

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Jorge Fuentes, 2003-2004

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Jorge Fuentes, an electrical engineer by profession, is the fourth president of FFRGOC. As a leader, prior to becoming president, Jorge was treasurer and vice president of FFRGOC. He was very active in religious and civic organizations in Orange County and  : ​

• Involved in the Diocese of Orange Capital Campaign;

• Did liaison work for the Filipino community at St. Martin de Porres Parish;

• Co-founded the Yorba Linda Investment Club as well as the Tee Bird.

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Jorge also expressed that for the past 20 years, FFRGOC achieved a lot as a prayer group by promoting the prayer of the rosary in our community plus uniting the Fil-Am community in the Diocese of Orange through our rosary groups and earning the trust of our pastors and bishops who have been dependent to reach out to the Filipino community and that is a big accomplishment!

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On a personal level, Jorge is married to Gecila Samontes and they have two children: Joseph Francis and Jennifer Anne and one grandson, Brayden Fuentes. 

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After his tenure as president, Jorge continued to be active with FFRGOC and chaired the FFRGOC's Seminarian Scholarship Program from 2008-2012. During this period, the program has provided support to 16 scholarship recipients and in 2000 and 2001, financial grants were given to 13 poor seminary schools. 

Jorge's wish is for every FFRGOC members to preserve the trust of our Diocese of Orange and its parishes and to continue to be a good steward of God's gifts in our respective community. 

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Zita Sevilla, 2005-2007

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Zita Sevilla is the fifth president of FFROC.  She personifies the mother of FFRGOC and was fondly called Mama Zita. Her accomplishments as a leader and inspiration to FFRGOC are as follows:

• Instrumental in introducing Fiesta ni Maria to FFRGOC;

• Ensured that the Fiesta ni Maria/Flores de Mayo/Santa Cruzan and Salo-salo became annual events at St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress, CA;

• Was a Eucharistic minister and Sacristan, a member of FCF choir, school liaison while overseeing all activities of FCF.

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Zita's message to FFRGOC's 20th anniversary is to congratulate everyone for coming a long way and felt blessed to be able to serve as president and wish all FFRGOC members and officers and board of directors to continue to serve the Lord, our Blessed Virgin Mary and our community as one and united in His name. 

What a great wish and message !

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Eli Ruiz, 2008-2009

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Eli Ruiz, a Licensed Civil Engineer, both in California and in the Philippines  is the sixth president of FFRGOC.  As a leader he:

• ​Analyzed and improved the communications (using the SWOT analysis)  among and between chapters and inactive areas which resulted to a well-attended Lenten Retreat during his tenure;

• Conducted seminars and trainings  with Irene Alzate, for board members, chapter directors and area officers to enhance existing leaderships skills and to increase FFRGOC membership and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary;

• Ensured  consistency in the conduct of various programs, i.e. Rosary Rally, Lenten retreats, May Floral Offering Novena, Christmas with OC Children, Simbang Gabi, etc.  which brought about increased participation among members across Orange County;

• Led the working team who reviewed and amended FFRGOC's Constitution and By-Laws for the first time;

• Initiated the review of tax exempt status of the (Orange County) Federation and identified/requested Tony Quinto, CPA, and member of Area 7, Northeast Chapter to work on FFRGOC's separation from FFRG Los Angeles. Tax exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) was approved by the Internal Revenue Service last January 29, 2015.  

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Before becoming President, Eli was Northeast Chapter Director from 2003-2007. Since 2012 to present, Eli is the Director of the Seminarian Program. He has been managing the program from the recruitment/selection of scholars to funding the education of the Philippine seminarians sponsored by FFROC. Three seminarians have made their vows to the priesthood since his term.  Currently, there are five seminarians undergoing studies in theology proper.  To safeguard the success of the seminarian program and to connect with seminarians and the seminary Registrar/Burser, Eli and Evelyn, went to visit St. John the Evangelist Seminary in Palo, Leyte, Philippines last February, 2019.  That shows commitment !

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Eli is an active parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Placentia. Eli serves as a lector, a GIFT leader and is a 4th degree member of the Knights and Columbus. 

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On a personal level, Eli is married to Evelyn who currently serves as the Director of the Northeast chapter and  have two children. This couple certainly proves to be one of the powerhouse couple serving FFRGOC.  

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Lino Aldana, 2010-2013

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Lino Aldana , a teacher by profession, is the seventh president of FFRGOC and works at the Social Services Agency of Orange County and teaches adult education at Santa Ana College in the evening.  Lino is truly a teacher at heart who teaches everyone regardless of age and culture. 

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Lino is one of those unique president who worked his way up the ranks in the hierarchy of the organization. And that is learning the ropes to the top and for sure, accomplishment on its own! Since year one of the organization, he rose through the ranks as a member, chapter director of Central East, Beads editor, Public Relations Officer and 2nd Vice President.  Outside of FFRGOC, he also started the Filipino food booth at the St. Columban annual fiesta in Garden Grove CA before moving  to St. Callistus. 

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Lino's presidency was:

• First to initiate a complete lineup of candidates to be elected into office;

• Always looking for innovation to improve;

• Whose leadership style was more of coaching, streamlining the organization's programs with the assistance of board members through participatory leadership;

• First to establish an administrative and supervisory oversight of FFRGOC's six chapters shared with the Board under three teams with 2 chapters each and using America's Flag colors as a theme,

  • ​​Red- Lino Aldana team​

  • White - First VP Bert Mones team

  • Blue - Second VP Jom Ison team;

• First to schedule board meetings twice a month and conducted by each team  leader on a rotating basis which allows the 3 teams to oversee their chapters and related areas .

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Results were phenomenal with increased attendance and participation  in succeeding events like 2010 Spiritual Advance, Pista Ni Maria, Summer Picnic, Share-A-Meal, 17th Rosary Rally, Luau, Christmas with OCJH Children and Simbang Gabi. 

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Lino's tenure also had two socio-religious events with the Diocese of Orange Cathedral Fund and raised $10,000 for each event, first on the 18th Anniversary and the other $10,000 for the second on the 20th Anniversary of FFRGOC.  Funds were raised through contribution from benefactors,  guests and members and officers of FFRGOC through these fund raising events.

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On a personal level, Lino is married to Minda Iremedio and have four children: Alvinmar, Marie, Meleah, Melfrancis. Lino and Minda have 12 grandchildren. Both Lino and Minda are still very active with FFRGOC and contribute as much as they can to FFRGOC. 

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Joe Arevalo, 2014-2017

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Joe Arevalo, is the next president whose hard work and dedication to FFRGOC is well known and proven to be well liked by the members and board of directors which accounts for another tenure. 

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He was the two time president of FFRGOC President for 1999-2002, 2002-2003 and after ten years, he came back and ran again for President for 2014-2017 and won. 

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Joe's qualities as a leader is beyond question and accomplished more on his 2014-2017 term:

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• Strengthened the relationship ties with the Diocese of Orange and our area members;

• Added more religious and cultural events such as Philippine Independence Day Commemoration, San Lorenzo Ruiz Feast day, County - wide Picnic, Pista sa Nayon or Luau Dinner Dance fundraisers, and Special Seminarian Scholarship Event spearheaded by Northeast Chapter fund raiser;

• Spearheaded the FFRGOC Website development which was formally initiated and funded. Joe was passionate for the website to be developed and running to enable members for better communications plus to share FFRGOC rich history of accomplishments and endeavors and passed on and continued by future generations.  Under the direction and guidance of  our current president, Debbie Gonzales. and as passionate as Joe,  she continued the project and proud to say, we now have a website developed and live.

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Debbie Gonzales, 2018-2019, 2020-2021

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"Success of an organization depends upon the leadership

of the people behind it.”- Benita R. Delfin

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Debbie Gonzales is the ninth and tenth president of FFRGOC. She has proven to be a true leader of the FFRGOC complete with attestations below from people, who have known and worked with her through the years plus my own exposure and experience.

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 “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.“—Jim Rohn

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The above quote describes her as a leader to a “T”.

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Professionally, she has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and Master in Management.

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She also passed the rigorous certification to be a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) , currently on  Inactive Status and worked her way up in the corporate ladder to various responsible managerial positions. 

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Helen Alonso, our past FFRGOC Treasurer and our current Auditor, provided me with the framework to build a good profile of her background and accomplishments which are as follows:

• Held various positions working her way up from the Southwest  Area Chapter Director  to the Board of Director as an Auditor, Treasurer , First VP then landed to be the President for two terms of FFRGOC;

• Hands on involvement during the Christ Forever Capital Campaign for Christ Cathedral in tandem with FFRGOC 18th Anniversary Ball Fund Raising Efforts;

• Responsible for the planning and creating of the “Most Ambitious FFRGOC Fundraising Campaign “ related to the Commemorative Book in 2013 which also coincided with FFRGOC 20th Anniversary.  Using her expertise in finance and people oriented skills plus dedication and tenacity, this Commemorative Book came into fruition;

• Recipient of the Presidential Flame Award due to her numerous involvement with FFRGOC ever since its inception in 1993;

• Provided pivotal direction to have an existing website today by motivating the right person and have the funds to support the website which has been attempted on several occasions before but only now that our website is live with continued updates and developments.

 

Lorraine Betts, our PRO for FFRGOC, as one of our millennial, describes her:

• To have an infectious laugh and certain calmness which makes her a cool leader;

• Tenacious and forward–thinking in achieving and getting the tasks done and on time and

• Enjoyed working with her in the past four years as the Secretary and Public Relations Officer to keep the legacy of FFRGOC alive.

 

Fely Claudio and Wally Claudio, our current First VP Internal Affairs and Director of Religious Enrichment are very pleased and honored to serve as Officers of FFRGOC and below is what they shared:

• Debbie epitomized a true example of servant leadership with her dedication to our devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary;

• With her leadership, FFRGOC thrives and impacts many lives even in the midst of COVID19 pandemic;

• Keep us all focused to our mission:

  • Promote praying the rosary,

  • Support our Filipino seminarians and local charities like Mary’s Kitchen,

  • Have social activities that enhance our cultural tradition and close relationships with our Catholic Filipino Community like Pista ni Maria and Simbang Gabi.
     

Eli M. Ruiz, our current FFRGOC Seminarian Program Chairman and previous FFRGOC President shared with us his good thoughts on Debbie’s two terms as President as follows:

• Started her first term with the preparation of the grand celebration of the 25th Anniversary started by previous president and guided it to fruition with great success;

• Her first two years was on a “normal” setting which resulted in great participation among Area members in various usual FFRGOC activities including fund raising efforts to support our seminarians.  It was during her term that FFRGOC supported five (5) Seminarians, the most in any given time in the history of FFRGOC.  And that is indeed a record!

• The last two years coincided with COVID19 guidelines affecting everyone but did not stop Debbie to lead FFRGOC through baby steps having zoom meetings to pray and be connected to FFRGOC members . Through her leadership, FFRGOC followed COVID19 guidelines and able to make FFRGOC alive and kicking.

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Mel Gallardo, FFRGOC past president gave us also some insights especially knowing and working with her more than most of us and he shared the following good thoughts about her:

• Debbie has been an active member of FFRGOC since the beginning.

• She was the first treasurer and held other Board member positions through the years until she became President for two terms.

• Her service to the organization has been impeccable.

• The handling and organizing of the 25th year anniversary was the highlight of her achievements but most important is the way she kept FFRGOC together during this pandemic.

• She maintained the traditions and affairs of FFRGOC with steady hands and a true leader indeed!

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Mary Ann and Glenn Puzon, current Director of Social Activities and Director of Charity had this impression with Debbie as a leader:

• A leader with good accounting skills that she methodized the financials complete with projection and actual and amazingly always in order;

• She is just not a good communicator but also a good listener and very positive in her approach;

• As two terms President, she brought people to work well together and able to raise funds despite the challenges of COVID19;

• A great leader and a great friend to boot which I totally agree.

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Lino Aldana, past president of FFRGOC shared his awesome contribution as to her leadership role which is as follows:

• Debbie is a leader and much sought after for her leadership;

• Had been involved with FFRGOC since inception to date in various positions as mentioned above;

• Special mention to her work in producing 20th FFRGOC Anniversary Program where she gave it her best shot;

• A leader that shines when faced with most of uncertainties like COVID19 which she did with persistence and determination to connect members in our faith via Zoom meetings, emails and other mode of communication via social media or print and held events following the strict COVID19 guidelines;

• Appreciate your contribution in total to FFRGOC.

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Boots Mercado, our current FFRGOC treasurer, summarizes her impressions on Debbie’s leadership using her name, DEBBIE, to share her thoughts:

• D – Dynamic ,  a productive leader with continued progress by engaging people with various skills;

• E - Exquisite,  wonderful and nearly perfect leader;

• B  - Brave,  a leader who is not fearful on challenging situations;

• B - Beautiful  inside and out as a person;

• I - Idol, a person regarded by people with admiration, adoration and devotion;

• E – Earnest, a person who is very serious and sincere in what they do.

 

Joe Arevalo, a seasoned FFRGOC President for three terms , shared with us his thoughts on

Debbie's leadership which are as follows:

• A good communicator to people at all levels and at the same token a  good listener ;

• Her idea and innovativeness are ambitious but realistic;

• Very passionate and driven about the work she does;

• Willing to take calculated risk;

• Project and act as a hard working and confident leader. 

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I believe these attestations are more than enough for the readers to know what kind of leader, Debbie Gonzales is. 

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On a personal level, Debbie Gonzales, is married to Elizer Gonzales for forty years. They have one daughter- Desiree Gonzales Rimando and married to JR Rimando and blessed with four children– Alekzander, Ethan, Sophia and Annie.

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As the web administrator of FFRGOC website, I find this quote very apt to describe her as a leader. In my many years of different corporate experience and having worked for a lot of executives and peers with different styles, this is how I describe Debbie.

 

“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” —Theodore Roosevelt

 

Thank you all for your contributions to Debbie’s profile and most of all to Debbie for leading FFRGOC through the years.

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Helen Alonso - 2022 - Present 

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" A true leader directs, inspires and guides people and have the integrity and driven, a go-getter, committed and confident as well as ambitious." by Benita R. Delfin 

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Helen is the eleventh president of FFRGOC and started her role last January, 2022.  She is a seasoned FFRGOC member and officer in different roles for twenty five years and had been involved with all aspects of FFRGOC fund raising activities.   With accounting as her background, she is very good with numbers and in the preparation of financial reports. 

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Initially, Helen's role was tough being a successor of a very good leader, the Immediate Past President Debbie Gonzales.  But soon enough,  Helen warmed up to her new job and carved her own niche and leadership style and worked hard to take over considering COVID19 times was still prevalent. ​

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 Yet, Who is Helen Alonso? 

(Good question by FFRGOC Fely, 2nd VP and Wally Claudio, Director of Charity, contributors)  

 

The answer as aptly narrated by Fely and Wally Claudio is as follows:

• We are honored to work with  Helen leading FFRGOC because she is a pure example of Christian service and generosity.  How?

  • Got to know Helen when we became part of FFRGOC Area 1 South Chapter in 2008. ​

    • She is always welcoming inclusively to everyone and made sure we feel part of the group and invited us to participate actively in the Rosary rally plus introduced us to other members and made us feel a second family building many friendships through the years.  ​

    • She made sure that every member has the sense of belongingness, that whatever we do, we are doing it together  as one faith community to honor the Blessed Mother and our  Heavenly Father. 

    • She is generous and thoughtful with her time, attention and gifts.  When I (Fely) was new at FFRGOC,  I had no Filipina outfit to wear and she gifted me what to wear on several occasions including shoes. We know we are not the  only ones who benefit from her generosity .

    • She treats everyone like her family and she is always there to acknowledge every single member of FFRGOC expressing her appreciation and gratitude.         

  • She is devoted to the Mission of FFRGOC to promote ​ Filipino tradition on our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary including praying the rosary.  As we pray together, we support each other to strengthen the unity  of our familes and communities.

  • Helen's energy is not only focused on prayer but also in ensuring that FFRGOC continues to thrive with charitable efforts to benefit the Seminarian Scholorship fun and feed the hungry locally through the Orange County Rescue Mission in the present and Mary's Kitchen in the past.    

  • Helen is a strong pillar of FFRGOC , a great role model as a servant leader.  And yes, we are blessed to serve with her and know that is a good friend to us and the entire FFRGOC.  

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As the author of this profile,  I have also worked with Helen closely,  as FFRGOC Secretary and Web Administrator. 

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• Helen Alonso is  a true leader as I describe above and considering I have worked with top management of Fortune 500 corporations with different styles of leadersship and parameters.  I retired from a very stressful life and  with God's blessings,  I found an organization. FFRGOC where I can contribute who value my contribution plus I treasure working with talented people who have the same values in life as mine. 

• Helen now has a "dream team" that Debbie started whose projects are always a success i.e.  timely, efficiently run and within budget and benefit people  and can be the envy of all project managers whose aim is to complete each project, big (millions) or small (thousands),  of dollars and on time and within budget and on target! 

• Helen  is a go-getter when she sets goals and I have a first-hand experience with her.  She taps talents of her "dream team" and inspires and motivates each of us to deliver.

• That's a true leader !

  • I am not sure if she knew I standardized Field Accounting Reports for all the financials coming from different countries for a big corporation so the company  can consolidate for US reporting needed for US Corporate Tax Returns and SEC Reports but she requested me to standardize and prepare Agenda and Minutes of the Meeting and Attendance  forms for our monthly Board of Directors meeting and I did.  So our forms are now currently used and looks very professional . 

  • Another instance is when she requested me to make the minute pages as one whole document and really had to think how to do it and while driving, I got the solution in my head and she got what she wanted.  She posed me a challenge that I can do it which at that time I really do not know how to do it but I delivered. 

  • She also have challenged the other members of the "dream team" to deliver what she envisioned and yes they too delivered. 

• Helen also is not afraid to say no when she thinks the proposal does not warrant a yes.

• Helen is humble and generous.  I am also a recipient of her generosity meeting with her and treating me to a restaurant for my birthday.  She becomes not only your leader but your friend.

  • She will have a fund raising  dinner dance on October 8, 2022 on her birthday and will absorb the dinner dance expenses and requested attendees to contribute, voluntarily, to FFRGOC instead of bringing gifts for her. ​ That's generosity. 

  • She was also creative enough to request other people to attend  Pista Sa Nayon  including the clergy so they can enjoy the food and entertainment for paid tickets of friends/families who unfortunately cannot attend. 

• Helen also is a take - charge individual who will assign seats to all attendees of Pista sa Nayon knowing our Filipino culture who usually wants to be seen. 

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• On her professional background, Helen got her degree of Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Accounting at Manuel L. Quezon University.  She currently works with Saddleback Associates, Inc. in Mission Viejo, CA as a  corporate accountant for almost twenty four years doing financials and tax reports.  With heavy responsibilities at work, I am sure it is tough for Helen to meet deadlines plus  running the FFRGOC organization but she handles them with aplomb.  There are times we have our monthly Board of Director's meeting at Saddleback Associates boardroom  and other facilities in the past for dance practice sessions and we thank management for the use through our FFRGOC President Helen Alonso.

• Most important is her family who supports Helen wholeheartedly. Her husband is Jonathan Alonso who also takes great pictures for our events that I use on the website. They have two daughters,  Janice and Jennilee and one granddaughter, Alani.  We thank the whole family for having Helen as our FFRGOC President.

 

Our FFRGOC community is thankful to you Helen Alonso for being our President and may God bless you with good health and ability to lead us ! 

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