Thank you for being here tonight and thank you for electing me as your President.

When I was young, I remember going to the fundraisers, the picnics and the days when we used to pick up garbage for the citywide clean up as a service to the community.  These were times that I spent with my parents, my friends and my community.

I am really proud to be carrying on the tradition of participating and being part of the leadership that makes FCAA so special. My mother Betty Bagcal was Treasure of this organization for many years and my late father Adrian Bagcal was an officer.

As a newer generation of leadership I want to say to you that it is important that we give back to the community in which we live. 

We need to do more than just cultural events; we need to have more participation from the community.  For example, my goal is to have a Park Green strip in Spenard named after Thelma Buchholdt a reality and I'll need your support.

As individuals I know that we all do a lot. We work; we have family obligations and community responsibilities.  But as an organization we can do so much more together.  Our members are dedicated, organized and loyal.

There are many organizations that Filipinos can join.

For example, I am also a member of the Filipino American National Historical Society or FANHS.  Our late Thelma Buchholdt founded the Alaska Chapter. She once said, "In order to bring harmony and peace in the world we have to respect each others cultures; and each others cultures is only know if people learn about them."

This July, Anchorage will be the host for the FANHS National conference.  I hope you will participate by attending some of the events or volunteering your time to welcome Filipinos from all over the United States to our city. 

As our organization marks another year and a new administration, together we continue our unique history in the greater Anchorage community and preserve our Filipino traditions.

I appreciate you choosing the original Filipino organization in Anchorage.  I was born into the organization through my parents and I thank you for letting me serve.

Quint Bagcal
FCAA, Inc.President

March 29th, 2008