Mele Kalikimaka Spreading Christmas cheer, Hawaiian style

By Ethel Clemente Fernandez

The Fourth Annual Christmas Party of the FMC-APEGM held on December 20th at the Canton Food Gallery brought Hawaii’s aloha spirit to Winnipeg. Guests came dressed in their best Hawaiian attire; and each member was welcomed with a single-colour lei representing an engineering discipline.

The incredible showmanship, infectious humour and great energy by Edwin Yazon and Nancy Santoyo as hosts, kept the party alive and going.

Annually, the announcement and presentation of the chapter’s newly registered Engineers-In-Training (EITs) and Professional Engineers (P.Engs) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM) is one of the event’s highlights. This is to recognize their achievement and to provide inspiration to student members and lay associates.

The chapter also granted its first Ako ang Susunod na Pinoy Inhinyero bursary award to two deserving student members – Robin Allan Banaag and Roy San Buenaventura who are both pursuing academic credentials recognition in Civil Engineering. It is the chapter’s goal to continually provide financial assistance to student members through fundraising and support of its sponsors.

Great food, raffle draws, awarding of the best Hawaiian attire, games and networking infused with the Hawaiian theme made this event a hit with everyone.

Joules Masalunga, a newcomer and first-time attendee remarked, “Everyone I met was very accommodating, including the chapter president. They are very willing to help in case I decide to pursue my academic requirements. I observed the spirit of unity, meeting and serving others while having fun.”

This was is one of the many positive examples of feedback that will further inspire the chapter to provide better services to Pinoy inhinyeros in the coming year.

The Executive Committee of the FMC-APEGM would like to thank the following bursary fund sponsors for their generosity and support: Canton Food Gallery, Cairo Engineering, Ltd., Mance Financial Services, Mr. and Mrs. Arnel and Elena Oberez, P.Eng, Edwin Yazon Financial Services, Steinbach Prints Unlimited, Jocri Windows and Doors, Jim Gauthier, Jackie de Quiroz (Realtor), Nestor de Quiroz (Mortgage Consultant), Blue Lake Construction Corp. and Genesis Tuazon (Pinnacle Wealth Brokers).

Ethel Clemente Fernandez is a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM). She currently works for a federal crown corporation and is serving on the Executive Committee of the Filipino Members Chapter (FMC) - APEGM. For inquiries, please e-mail fmc_apegm@yahoo.ca.