If I could only turn my speech into a dance, it would have been so much easier. Would you believe it took me longer to compose a speech than to choreograph a dance?

Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat! The Honorable Susan Burke, ladies and gentlemen, good evening!

I joined the CSFA through the dance troupe when I arrived in Minnesota in 1996. I was introduced to CSFA by my aunt, Lynn Rios Winick. After learning about my background in folk dance during that first meeting with some of the members of CSFA, I was tapped to choreograph for PAMANA V. And here I am after 8 years, standing before you, accepting more challenges that lies ahead, to continue the legacy of the leaders of CSFA since its inception in 1972.

Juggling between my family, nursing career, and the CSFA Dance Troupe is not easy. I remember Mel (Riel) asking me one time during dance practice, "How do you do it?" My reply was, "I don't know, I just do it!"That might be a familiar answer, don't you think? I am fortunate that I have something to share with the community. And I am more fortunate to feel that I belong. I have to thank my wife, Lita, for being so understanding and supportive.

CSFA has so many things to offer to the Filipino-American community and the general public, all in the spirit of volunteerism. Yearly activities include the CSFA Bowling, Philippine Day, Festival of Nations, Philippine Independence Day Picnic, Camp-out, Christmas Caroling, and Pasko sa Nayon. The Philippine National Red Cross, through the American Red Cross, had been a major recipient of the causes of CSFA.

We are looking forward to the staging of Pamana VII in the fall of 2006. The Filipino-American Youth Conference in 2002 drew a large crowd that it is worth repeating. The Philippine Center of Minnesota has been a major undertaking of different Filipino-American organizations and CSFA has joined them in helping to make it into a reality.

Lastly, thank you so much for the confidence and the multitude of encouragement I received. I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to lead this prestigious organization. With my fellow elected officers, the ex-officio members, members of the CSFA, and the support from the Filipino-American community at large, we will continue to uphold the mission of CSFA which is to preserve, promote, and share valued Filipino custom and traditions through cultural, educational, social and philanthropic activities.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. The music is waiting, let's dance, have fun, and enjoy the night.