SOCSKSARGEN USA CONVENTION CELEBRATES COMMUNITY, CULTURE & COUTURE
he spirit of heritage, culture, and community came alive on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as SoCSKSarGen USA, Inc. held its 3rd International Convention and Reunion at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in Flushing, New York.
Bringing together members, families, community leaders, supporters, and friends of the organization, the gathering was more than an evening of celebration. It was an opportunity to celebrate culture and heritage, reconnect with shared roots, recognize accomplishments, honor service, welcome new leadership, and celebrate the continuing work of the SoCSKSarGen community.
Carrying the theme "Witness the Tapestry of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region: Where Culture Meets Couture," the convention placed the rich cultural identity of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City at the center of the celebration. Through fashion, cultural presentations, fellowship, recognition, and the induction of officers, the evening reflected both the traditions of Southern Mindanao and the continuing growth of its Filipino-American community.
WHERE CULTURE MEETS COUTURE
One of the distinctive highlights of the convention was an evening fashion showcase celebrating Filipino artistry and the cultural heritage of Southern Mindanao. Creations by Jay-R Gamboa Flores of Sultan Kudarat were worn and presented on the runway by members of SOCSKSARGEN USA, turning the gala into a vibrant celebration of Mindanaoan culture through contemporary fashion.
rawing from indigenous textiles, handwoven craftsmanship, and traditional artistry associated with communities such as the T'boli and Maguindanao, the ethnic garments and wearable art reflected Flores's contemporary interpretation of Mindanao's cultural heritage.
The fashion segment gave special meaning to the gala's theme, "Where Culture Meets Couture," demonstrating how Filipino heritage can be celebrated not only through music, dance, and food, but also through textiles, design, and fashion.
A NIGHT OF RECOGNITION AND NEW LEADERSHIP
mong the significant moments of the convention was the induction of the SoCSKSarGen USA, Inc. officers and leadership team for the 2026-2028 term. The induction marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organization as its incoming officers, directors, advisers, and program support members formally took on their respective responsibilities.
Jelin Dohina Asamoah was inducted as President, with Luisa F. Millone as Vice President-Internal and Maria Cora C. Tito as Vice President-External. Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan assumed the role of Secretary, while Lodar D. Escobillo serves as Treasurer.
The leadership team also includes Mandino Ballicud and Margaa Empress, Public Relations Officers; Fermin C. Fruylan III, Business Manager; and Project Managers Ana Marie Escobillo and Lara Athena Escobillo.
Members of the Board of Directors are Julius V. Estucado, Matabay S. Siong, Jobert J. Tan, Janette P. Oliveros, Sarah Siao, Carra T. Forgea, and Bituin Palarion, Adolfo Costas, Immediate Past President, continues to provide experience and support to the organization.
The newly inducted officers of SoCSKSarGen USA Inc. for 2026-2028, before and after their formal induction by New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga
The Executive and Program Support team includes Rowena M. Randman, Executive Director; Darlene D. Borromeo, Executive Adviser; Prima G. Hower and Lulut P. Chan, Advisers; Rowena O'Mary, Choreographer; Armando Nicolas PJ, Website Manager; and Nasrullah L. Ali, Journal Graphic Artist.
The induction gave the evening a sense of continuity, formally recognizing those entrusted with carrying the organization's programs and mission forward during the new term.
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE
he celebration also formed part of the 2026 commemoration of 250 years of American independence, and made space to recognize military personnel and the families who stand beside them, highlighting a legacy of service and sacrifice across generations.
Under the theme "A Legacy of Service," the tribute honored veterans, active-duty service members, and those whose commitment to service continues to shape their families and communities. The veterans section recognized individuals who served in the US Army, US Air Force, and Peace Corps, including Corporal Stephen Jesse Randman, US Army, recognized posthumously, as well as Alvin Hower, a Peace Corps volunteer.
The Active Duty section recognized service members representing the United Nations Force, US Navy, US Air National Guard, and US Air Force. Among those featured were Senior Officer Bernabe Gonzalez, Petty Officer First Class Marco Paolo Ramirez, Technical Sergeant Rachelle Russel, Technical Sergeant Shane Russell, Senior Airman Julian Dexter Estocada, Senior Airman Angelica Ramirez, and Airman First Class Ted Daniel Estocada.
The tribute also recognized the important role played by military families. Parents, spouses, children, siblings, and loved ones often share in the challenges of military life, including relocations, long separations, changing schedules, and uncertain moments. Their support is an integral part of the story of military service.
The gathering honored those who have answered the call to serve, those who continue to serve, and the families who have supported them throughout their journeys. It celebrated not only the duties performed, but also the sacrifices made in pursuit of service and the freedoms shared by their communities. In doing so, the tribute underscored a lasting legacy of courage, discipline, responsibility, compassion, and dedication—values that can continue to influence families and communities across generations.
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE
The evening also featured the SoCSKSarGen USA, Inc. Awards of Recognition, honoring individuals whose achievements, leadership, and service have contributed to society and to the SoCSKSarGen community.
The 2026 awardees were: Angelo Antonio Maristela, Contemporary Visual Art; Elaine Joy Edaya Degale, Film and Literature; Mario "Boyet" Albenio, Community Service; Cheryl Ann Fox, Healthcare; Charito Banquerigo, Child Development & Education; and Arlene Piang Toole, Cultural Preservation.
Representing diverse fields including the arts, medicine, literature, culinary arts, humanitarian service, and cultural preservation, the honorees reflected the many ways members of the SoCSKSarGen community contribute to society.
Their recognition was one of several moments during the evening that emphasized the organization's appreciation for achievement, service, and contributions to the community.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT BEHIND THE CELEBRATION
While the convention's program brought officers, honorees, military personnel, families, and guests into the spotlight, the evening was also the result of extensive work behind the scenes.
The organizing committee and volunteers contributed to overall coordination, production, venue arrangements, registration, refreshments, communications, and physical setup.
Among those recognized were Rowena Mejia Randman, Overall Chairperson; Jelin Dohina Asamoah, Assistant Overall Chairperson; Empress Margaa, Programme Director; Rowena O'Mary, Production Director; Fermin Fruylan, Technical Director; Mandino Ballicud, Physical Arrangement; Nirvana Alpha Vita Gumana Fruylan, Awards Committee Chairperson; and Sara Siao and Janette Oliveros, Registration Committee. Matabay Suib Siong and Janice Ando served as Masters of Ceremonies.
Their efforts underscored the collaborative nature of the celebration—an event made possible not only by those who appeared on stage, but also by the many people who worked before and during the evening to bring it together.
CARRYING THE HERITAGE FORWARD
By bringing together cultural celebration, community service, military recognition, awards, and the induction of new leadership, the 3rd International Convention and Reunion captured many of the dimensions of SoCSKSarGen USA, Inc.'s work in a single evening.
The gathering celebrated where the community came from while also looking toward where it is going. From traditional weaving and cultural celebrations to humanitarian initiatives, community partnerships, recognition of service, and the induction of a new leadership team, the evening reflected an organization working to keep its heritage connected to the present.
For those gathered in Flushing, the convention was a celebration of roots, service, achievement, leadership, and belonging—and a reminder that preserving culture is not simply about remembering the past, but about carrying its traditions forward.
PRESERVING HERITAGE, BUILDING COMMUNITY
At the heart of SoCSKSarGen USA, Inc. is a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Southern Mindanao while strengthening the communities connected to it.
Rooted in the traditions of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City, the Filipino-American organization seeks to create opportunities for generations—particularly younger Filipino Americans—to learn about and appreciate the traditions, stories, and cultural practices of their ancestors.
Its cultural programs encompass traditional textiles, music, dance, cuisine, community celebrations, and educational initiatives. Particular attention is given to the diverse traditions of Southern Mindanao, including T'boli and Ilong weaving, as well as the cultural heritage of Maguindanao and other communities whose knowledge and traditions form part of the region's rich cultural landscape.
For SoCSKSarGen USA, cultural preservation is not simply about looking back. It is also about creating meaningful connections for the next generation and ensuring that heritage remains a living part of community life.
FROM CULTURAL PRIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
That commitment to community extends beyond cultural programming.
SoCSKSarGen USA has also undertaken humanitarian initiatives and partnerships serving communities in both the United States and the Philippines. One example highlighted during the convention was the Bangon SoCSKSarGen Benefit Concert, held in New York in July 2026 to assist communities affected by the Mindanao earthquakes.
Post-show pictorial of all performers and the different behind-the-scenes personnel who collectively made the Bangon SoCSKSarGen benefit concert a resounding sucsess
Artists, community leaders, organizations, businesses, volunteers, and supporters came together for the benefit effort. The initiative raised more than $42,000 for earthquake relief.
The effort reflected the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—people coming together to help one another in times of need. For an organization built around cultural connections, service provides another way of keeping those connections meaningful.
BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS COMMUNITIES
SoCSKSarGen USA's work also reaches across geographic boundaries.
The organization supports the Historic Sister City relationship between General Santos City and Jersey City, helping promote cultural exchange and community engagement between the two cities. Such relationships provide opportunities for communities in the United States and the Philippines to maintain connections through shared culture, education, and civic activities.
Another signature initiative is the organization's annual Tuna Festival celebration, which brings the heritage and identity of General Santos City to the Filipino-American community. Through food, fellowship, culture, and recognition of General Santos City's renowned tuna industry, the celebration provides both a gathering place for the community and a connection to home.
These initiatives provided an important backdrop to the convention itself, which brought together the organization's cultural mission, community service, recognition, and leadership in one evening.
Proud of our roots. United in service. Connected by culture. Together in community. (APJ)