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History of PAANO
Over twenty years ago, a group of Filipino-Americans from the Tulsa
area decided to meet and do something
for the good of the Filipino community. It was from this core of people
with foresight who formed the
Philippine American Association of Northeastern Oklahoma, or
PAANO.
That original group was composed of Luis Gorospe, Margo Caros, Hermilo
and Aurora Docto, Delfin and Linda Tetangco, Joe and Sophia Del Rosario,
Fred and Patsy Rillo, Jess and Linda Gono, and Mr. & Mrs. Rene Lopez.
Initially, they used their homes as their activity venue. Then they
formalized the organization with the ratification of the Constitution and
By-laws and the election of Luis Gorospe as the founding President.
As stated in the constitution, PAANO’s purpose as an organization
is to “promote a social and
civic organization that will foster closer fellowship” among members and
friends. Also, “enhance appreciation and preservation of the best of the
Filipino heritage”. Since it’s founding, PAANO (thru it’s able officers
and devoted members) has done its best to serve the organization’s
original purpose and objectives.
Past Presidents of PAANO
1979
– Chito Gorospe
1980
– Hermilo Docto
1981
– Merli Fermo
1982
– Nestor Guzman
1983
– Mandaogh Gadallah
1984
– George Wilkom
1985
– William Jones
1986
– Nanding Fermo
1987
– Leon Curva
1988
– Sonia Gorospe
1989
– Nolie Osea
1990
– Al Erwin
1991
– Aurora Docto
1992
– Don Bailey
1993
– Renee Lopez
1994
– Andrew Santos
1995
– Doug Josserand
1996
– Luther Mooris
1997
– Don Bailey
1998
– Emma Grimes
1999
– Aurora Sibala
2000
– Nora Rull
2001
– Bing Adkins
2002
– Marlo Bautista
2003
– Johanna Villanueva
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