By Zucette Lumabas, FACO Correspondence Secretary & Networking Chair

It was an evening to remember, an awesome 40th FACO Anniversary and 5th Annual Hiyas Awards! Congratulations to our Hiyas Awardees and presidents, past & present! It was an elegant affair recognizing the FACO presidents and prominent & successful Filipinos in the community! We’re thankful for the wonderful and constant support of Mayor Jim Wood and his beautiful wife Pamela Wood, Bob & Debbie Mikulay. Mayor Jim Wood stood up for the national anthems, greeted people by name, was conversant and went to other tables to greet! He remembered we have pictures together, so we posed. We’re so glad to see him so much improved. He was greeted with standing ovation! We pray for his continued, safe and complete recovery! the guests didn’t want the event to end so they danced to the max. Excellent production, beautiful table decoration, delicious food, hardworking committee, lovely and enthusiastic guests. It was great to work with this committee, chair Rein Hanson, co-chair Dorothy Mahimer, JM Ureta, Belle Limoge, Sheila Francis, Virgie Fleming, Rose Wallace, Bob Hamilton, Enri Pisco, fantastic team work. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Hiyas awardees, FACO presidents, guests, emcees, entertainers, DJ, committee, volunteers, 2017 winners Mrs FilAm 1st runner up, 2nd runner up, Little Miss, Miss Preteen winners and runner up, MFA winners, hotel management and anyone we may have missed. To all pat your back for a job well done!!!