Philippine-American Women's Association of Louisiana (PAWAL)
BAYOU BARKADA: History and Ancestral tours
"Start with your area of influence: demand accountability from power; stand up against bullies; report the lies. Tell your family and friends.
Courage spreads!
Begin by taking care of what's in front of us."
~Maria Ressa
Filipina-American journalist and Noble Peace Prize Recipient 2021
About
I AM A FILIPINO
Iam a Filipino; my blood is noble and free. Natural to my heart, are noble aspirations. For the Philippines that is my country, pure pearl of the Orient, where it is as if all the bounty of the Creator has been brought together. My God-given talents are meant only to do good. For me it is inherent to be caring and loving. I am a Filipino; One nation, one soul is my aspiration. For my country and flag I give my life and soul. I am a Filipino, I am Filipino. My head held high to anyone, the Filipino is me.
Ako ay Pilipino, ang dugo'y maharlika likas sa asking puso, adhikaing kay ganda Sa Pilipinas na aking bayan, Lantay na perlas ng Silanganan. Wari'y natipon ang kayamanan ng Maykapal. Big sa 'king talino, sa mabuti lang laan. Sa aki'y katutubo ang maging mapagmahal. Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino. Isang bansa 'sandiwa ang minimithi ko. Sa bayan ko't bandila laan buhay ko't diwa. Ako ay Pilipino, Pilipinong totoo. Ako ay Pilipino, Pilipinog totoo. AKo ay PIlipino, ako ay Pilipino. Taas noo kahit kanino, ang Pilipno ay aka.
Past Presidents
(1972-1973) * Edna Anderson
(1973-1974) *Fenita Camacho
(1974-1976) *Mely Villanueva
(1976-1978) Anne Ureta
(1978-1981) Nelia Astilla
(1981-1983) Ramona Castillo
(1983-1985) Marling Valen
(1985-1987) * Virgie Salvador
(1987-1989) *Cecile Melendez
(1989-1991) * Rosario Abad
(1991-1993) Emma Sutis
(1993-1995) Evangeline Deiparine
(1995-1997) Marie Torres Schmitt
(1997-1999) Nina Camacho
(1999-2001) Lisa Dolese
(2001-2003) Aida Grace
(2003-2005) * Ramona Ramos
(2005-2007) Evelyn V Escondo
(2007-2009) * Zenaida Bayuga
(2009-2011) * Judy Villa
(2011-2013) Tessie Balan
(2013-2018) Sheila Jumoad Cristina Copping
(2018-2020) Jessica Melendez- Bayuga and Gina Astilla
(2020-present) Jessica Melendez-Bayuga
*Rest in Peace and Power.
History
President: Jessica Melendez-Bayuga
Culinary Chef Lead:
Milkfish: Chef Cristina Quackenbush
BAYOU BARKADA Co-Founders:
Jessica Melendez-Bayuga
Carolyn Sideco
Cristina Quackenbush
Lovella Calica
Tone Sideco
Book Club
Jen Soriano: Nervous