PACS equips students with the basic knowledge of the Philippine culture necessary to ensure that the richness of the Philippine heritage is transmitted from one generation to another in order to foster greater harmony in the community by:
Teaching Filipino, the Philippine National Language, history and geography, arts and crafts, music, folk dancing, Philippine cuisine and Philippine literature
Paricipating in Philippine and American events
Working together with other Philippine and American organizations
PACS as a Research and Development center for Philippine and Philippine-American studies shall:
Collect memorabilia
Research, develop and enhance the curriculum for Philippine-American and Philippine studies
Foster closer ties through Philippine dance and music.
To foster and nurture a sense of the Philippine heritage so that the individual may truly share and respond positively without conflicts to the cultures of others; by knowing one's culture, the individual may become intellectually and spiritually free; to offer the younger generation the opportunity to discover its ethnic heritage; and to invite interested adults to share in learning the Philippine heritage in order to encourage closer intercultural relationships.
"Know self and share."
History of the Philippine American Cultural School, Inc. (PACS)
The Philippine American Cultural School, otherwise known as PACS, is a not- for- profit, non-political, tax exempt organization which is based at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. It is sponsored by the Filipino League at Seton Hall, a Filipino student association at the Seton Hall University. It all started when in 1985, Father Lawrence E. Frizzell, Director of Jewish - Christian Studies of Seton Hall University gave a suggestion to Agnes Marshall to found a Filipino organization at the University.
Due to the pressure of motherhood and a teaching career, it was only in April 1993 (10 years later) when Agnes undertook the feasibility study of the need for a Philippine –oriented school. Her study proved to have the need in the community and with her determination and commitment to help the younger generation and adults in the community, met Father Frizzell once again. This time she told him that she was ready to start the organization and so networking began.
Agnes met Mrs. Soledad Garces, Hilda Ureta and Chris Ureta by coincidence at the mall and told them about the feasibility study she had undertaken which is the need of a Philippine cultural organization at Seton Hall University. They (Mrs. Garces, Hilda and Chris) were enthusiastic about it and they started discussing about the possibility of a cultural school and very determined to push through with the idea.
As soon as the idea of a “school” was mentioned Agnes started drafting the school’s curriculum as a start and continued networking. Later she met after the Holy Mass at the Our Lady of Sorrows Church in South Orange, New Jersey Dr. Bienvenido Jongco and Dr. Flor Tecson Tumang. The group increased in number when Agnes met Sofia Sicat, Corazon Custodio., Letty Villar and Dr. Nita Soliven. The group gathered at Seton Hall University on November 13, 1993 and The Philippine American Cultural School was founded.
At the next meeting during the discussion about the school, Corazon Custodio suggested that the acronym PACS be used as it is a homonym of the Latin word “PAX” which means” peace” and since the final the goal of this organization is PEACE and harmony in the community. The group adopted PACS as the school’s other name and made Agnes as the founder with Dr. Bienvenido Jongco, Dr. Flor Tecson Tumang, Sofia Sicat, Hilda Ureta, Chris Ureta, Mrs Soledad Garces as founding members.
October 1985: Fr. Lawrence E. Frizzell suggested the idea of having a Filipino organization at Seton Hall University.
April 1993: A feasibility study on the need for a Filipino-oriented organization at Seton Hall was undertaken by Agnes Marshall.
November 13, 1993: The Philippine American Cultural School was founded.
January 21, 1994: The first/founding officers were elected. Agnes became the first PACS president. Moreover, the group suggested for Agnes be designated as the founder with the following founding officers: 1st Vice President for Academic Affairs: Dr. Bienvenido Jongco; 2nd Vice President for Administrative Affairs: John Sicat; Recording Secretary: Corazon Custodio; Corresponding Secretary: John Lee Tin; Treasurer: Chris Ureta; Asst. Treasurer: Dr. Flor Tecson Tumang; Public relations Officers: Dr. Cecilia Scheurman; Liaison Officer: Liza de Guzman; and Seton Hall University Contact: Rev. Lawrence E. Frizzell.
February 12, 1994: By-laws was drafted by Arnold I. Budin of Budin, Greenman and Greenman Law Firm in Union, New Jersey. Agnes Marshall completed designing PACS array of courses/ curriculum. The Philippine American Cultural School as designed has two Educational Programs: Children's Educational Program and Adult Education.
March 19, 1994: The Philippine American Cultural School, Inc. was adopted as the official name of the organization. At the suggestion of Corazon Custodio, the acronym PACS which is the homonym of the Latin word for "PAX", whci means "Peace" played a significant role in the group's decision having PACS as the other name of the Philippine American Cultural School. Ricardo Tuman designed PACS logo and by-laws was reviewed by the Committee.
April 24, 1994: By-laws was reviewed by the legal counsel, Arnold Budin as preparation for Incorporation.
May 4, 1994: The Philippine American Cultural School, Inc. otherwise called PACS was officially incorporated as a non-profit, non-political corporation on the State of New Jersey.
May 21, 1994: Application for tax-exempt status was filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by Arnold I. Budin, PACS legal counsel.
June 18, 1994: PACS Founding Officers were inducted into office by Rev. Thomas Peterson, President and Chancellor of Seton Hall University. Dr. Grisel Lopez-Diaz, Associate Superintendent, Jersey City Board of Education was the guest speaker. Masters of Ceremonies were Christine Sicat and Oscar Ocampo.
October 1, 1994: First implementation of PACS Children and Adult Educational Programs at Seton Hall University. Corazon Custodio taught Filipino language for children and Agnes Marshall taught Filipino language for adults. Hilda Ureta taught Philippine Folkdances. Atty. Ramiro Garilao taught Introduction on Philippine History and Geography to adults. First PACS students in the Educational Program were Francis Cruz, Matthew Cruz, Mark Napuli, Elenna Canlas, Robert Jongco, angelica Kristin Jongco, Paolo Ontalan, Eugene Pulmano, Emmanuel Samaniego, John Sicat, Jeffrey Sicat, Marie Tumang, Richard tumang, Edward Ureta, Colleen Marshall, Dale Marshall, Robert McIntosh and Carolynn Fries.
October 11, 1994: Carolynn Fries, first PACS Adult School student; Atty. Ramiro Garilao, History/Geography Instructor; Arcadio Agusta, founding member and Agnes Marshall met with Consul General Romeo Arguelles at Philippine Consulate General in New York to familiarize the Consul General with the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the Philippine American Cultural School and to invite him to be our guest speaker during PACS First Christmas celebration at Seton Hall University.
December 17, 1994: First Filipiniana Amerikana Festival in celebration of Christmas was held in Chancellor Suite at Seton Hall University. The Honorable Romeo Arguelles, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in New York, was the Guest Speaker, with John Schering of Saturday Night Live; and Allen Parnell, President of United Way, Montgomery County, Pennyslvania, performed a Magic Show. Performance by the Philippine Dance Company of New York and by the Philippine Martial Arts Academy in Belleville.
March 15, 1995: The Philippine American Cultural School, Inc. was approved as a tax-exempt organization.
April 23, 1995: PACS Adult Education Lecture Series started with Dr. Flor Tecson Tumangs presentation on HIV/AIDS Protection; Marie Sicat on the Portrait of a Filipina Painter and Robert Evangelista on US Immigration Laws Applicable to Immigrants.
June 11, 1995: First Closing Ceremonies held at Seton Hall University with Dr. Peter Ahr, Dean of Freshman Studies at Seton Hall. PACS students performed Philippine Folkdances, Folk songs and Filipino poems. Students were Colleen Marshall, Celeste Tumang, Richard Tumang, Ronna Landicho, Stephanie Cambria, Michelle Katipunan, Emerson Tecson, Christina Villamarin, Lisa Villamarin, Jeff Budd, Jonathan Fernandez, Gregory Fernandez, Lisa de Guzman, Manny Samaniego, Suzette Garcia, Daniel Pascua, John Sicat and Jefferey Sicat.
October 22, 1995: PACS President was invited as one of the speakers at the Filipino American Association of Bergenfield's Annual Symposium (FAAB). FAAB President Oscar Ocampo along with other officers and members expressed interests with PACS to hold filipino language classes in Bergenfield. Dr. James Galish, Superintendent of Bergenfield School district conferred with Agnes Marshall about offering Filipino Language course in the Bergenfield Evening Adult School Program.
December 9, 1995: First Annual Dinner Dance and Christmas Program held at Our Lady of Sorrows School Gymnasium with William Calabrese, President South Orange Board of Trustees, Lily O'Boyle and Gerald Tchir as guest speakers. Hon. William Calabrese gave a Proclamation to the Philippine American Cultural School in honor of its First Annual Dinner Dance and Christmas in whcih PACS students performed Philippine Folkdances and Philippine Tula (poems). Hon. Bill Bradley, Rev. Thomas Peterson, Hon. Milagros Perez and Christine Todd Whitman became PACS Honorary Members.
February 14, 1996: PACS President Agnes Marshall met with Dr. James Galish, Bergenfield Superintendent of Schools to discuss partnership with PACS.
March 16, 1996: Philippine Cooking Class held with Naomi Jongco as Instructor. Cara Chisolm, Mayfield Bradman, Carolynn Fries and Agnes Marshall as first cooking class students.
April 13, 1996: The University of San Agustin artist displayed his paintings along with other Philippine arts and crafts.
April 27, 1996: PACS Second Closing Ceremony held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Gymnasium with Dr. John Forrest as guest speaker. Philippine Folkdances, Folksongs performed by PACS students. Colleen Marshall, Charmaine Vita, Vincent Nalupta, Januel Nalupta, Celeste Tumang, Richard Tumang, John Vincent Chua, Michelle Katipunan, Lora Lynn Sarabia, Jerybell Sarabia, Lenard Sarabia, Emerson Tecson, Allan Abanico, Christopher Abanico, E.J. Baril, Sarah Larang, Sheila Larang, Sean Wright, Danielle Baril, Lei Ann Menina and Ronna Landicho. Certificates issued to students. Dr. Bienvenido Jongco donated all certificates issued to students.
December 7, 1996: Filipiniana Amerikana Festival, 3rd Annual Christmas Celebration held at Seton Hall University. Mrs. Monica Edralin, Cultural and Information Attache of The Philippine Consulate General in New York and Amado Ross Sussmann,
student from Yale University as guest speakers. Philippine Foldances under the direction of PACS instructor Hilda Ureta , Folksongs sang under Dr. Flor Tecson Tumang and Skits in Filipino Language were performed by PACS students Stephanie Cambria, Cindy Cocquia, Michelle Katipunan, Vincent Nalupta, Januel Nalupta, Celeste Tumang, Emerson Tecson, Romel Punzalan, Richard Tumang,January 1997: Election of Officers; President, Agnes Marshall, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr Miguela Paragas , Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Flor Tumang, Vice President for Business Affairs, Dr. Ben Jongco, Recording Secretary< Naomi Jongco, Corresponding Secretary Merle Magpantay, Treasurer, Chris Ureta, Auditors<Nancy Jizdeortega, Rodante Nalupta, Ricardo TumangPRO Vilma Punzalan, Collen Marshall Adelle Vi Sussmann , Liaison Officer & Faculty Contact at SHU< Rev. L. Frizzell, Liaison Officer & Student Contact at SHU Chris Regala Legal Counsel, Arnold BudinSpiritual Adviser < Rev, J. Rebanal & Sr. Regina Bernard, Presidential Advisers, Mr. and Mrs. Fidencio Edralin
April 26, 1997: 3rd PACS Closing Ceremony held at Bishop Dougherty Student Center, Seton Hall University. Rev. Thomas Peterson, President and Chancellor of the University as Guest Speaker. Mrs. Monica Baloria Edralin, Cultural and Information Attache of Philippine Consulate General in New York announced for The Philippine American Cultural School as a model community school in the American setting and around the world. Performances by PACS Philippine Folkdance and Filipino Language. Certificates issued to students.
June 28, 1997: PACS Officers inducted into office by the Consul General of New York, the Hon. Willy C. Gaa at the Wayne Manor, Wayne, New Jersey. Hon. William Calabrese, President of the Board of Trustees of the Village of South Orange gave Proclamation in honor of the Philippine Independence Day and the Filipino people. It was also PACS Closing Ceremony. Philippine Folkdances performed by PACS students, Hilda Ureta , Instructor. PACS student performers were Adelle Sussmann, Celeste Tumang, Richard Tumang, Vincent Nalupta, Januel Nalupta, Romel Punzalan, Emerson Tecson, Ronna Landicho, Charles Jamerlan, Nichelle Katipunan, Jerome Paragas. ,John Jizdeortega, Ingrid Deseze, Michael Fiesta, and Colleen Marshall Certificates issued to students.
December 7, 1997: Filipiniana Amerikana Festival, Christmas Celebration at Seton Hall University,PACS Students danced the Philippine Folkdances and recited the tula (poem) in Filipino. Kristin Jongco was guest Speaker, a student from Yale University.
June 26, 1998: 4th Filipiniana Amerikana Festival- Philippine Centennial Celebration and PACS 4th Closing Ceremony held at the Clinton Manor in Union, New Jersey. Guest Speaker was Alvin Roy Cabrera, a Harvard University student. Philippine Folkdances performed were “Mazurka Boholana”, “Abaruray”, “Jota Cabangan”,” Putritos,” and “Jota Moncadena” Philippine Folkdances were taught by Hilda Ureta. Folkdance students were. Stephanie Cambria, Cindy Cocquia, Charles Jamerlan, John Jizdeortega, Colleen Marshall, Vincent Nalupta and Alexandra Woog. Certificates issued to students.
September 1998: First Filipino Language course was offered as a three credit college course at Seton Hall University. Filipino Language was taught by Mrs Monica Baloria Edralin Seton Hall University Adjunct Professor under Asian Studies.
December 31,1998: PACS members and students participated at First Night Newark. Philippine Folkdances were performed by the students and demonstration of Philippine Arts and Crafts. PACS students, members and officers who attended were Dale Marshall, Robert McIntosh, Florissa Biscocho, Michael Biscocho, Ronna Landicho, Charles Jamerlan, Nancy Jizdeortega, Estella Landicho, Esther Lara Mimi Katipunan, and Agnes Marshall
June 26, 1999: Filipiniana Amerikana Festival , PACS 5th Closing Ceremony held at Bishop Dougherty Student Center, Seton Hall University. Angelica Kristin Jongco was Guest Speaker. PACS students performed what they learned from their cultural classes .for the school year 1998-1999. Certificates issued to students.
November 13, 1999: 1st PACS Founding Day held at the Faculty Lounge, Seton Hall University. Consul Cecilia Rebong of the Philippine Consulate General was Guest Speaker. Exhibited were Philippine Arts and crafts, and Philippine costumes. PACS students and alumni performed Philippine Folkdances, tula (poem) and Folk songs. (FLASH ) Filipino League at Seton Hall, Bryant Aquino, Jessica Palafox, Rachel Rebanal, Jocelyn Dantiis, Cris Regala, students participated. It was a collaborative performances by PACS Alumni from the University of Scranton, Colleen Marshall, Maribel Aviso, Michael Biscocho, and Francis Walsh and from PACS, performers were Joanne Nabong, Nikalynn Lee, Madison Munoz,, Natasha Lumba, Ronna Landicho, Charles Jamerlan , Michelle Katipunan., Mathew Wright and Sean Wright
May 24, 2000: PACS Alumni/ officers members and new members, Ronna Landicho of Rutgers University ,Colleen Marshall of the University of Scranton, Maria Isabel Aviso , Michael Biscocho , Marco Antonio Aviso and Michael Walsh of the University of Scranton , Charles Jamerlan of New Jersey Institute of Technology performed at Fort Monmouth, Department of Army and Lakehurst Naval Station , Dept of Defense performed Philippine Folkdances in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
June 3, 2000: 6th Annual Closing Ceremony held at the Wayne Manor with Consul General Linglingay Lacanlale as Guest Speaker. PACS Alumni and students performed. Philippine Folkdances performed were “Himig sa Nayon”, by Raychiel Bernal , Nikkalyn Lee, Natasha Lumba, Christopher Panlasagui, Erol King De Los Santos, Brigitte Villuga, Krystina Villuga, Charmaine Vita & Kimberly Vita., “Jota Rizal “, “Polka sa Nayon”, “Mazurka Boholana” by Colleen Marshall, Maribel Aviso, Michael Walsh Michael Biscocho, and Marco Aviso. Choral Reading and singing were performed by Raychiel Bernal, Nikkalyn Lee, Natasha Lumba, Christopher , Erol King De Los Santos, Brigitte Villuga, Krystina Villuga, Charmaine Vita, And Kimberly Vita. Raychiel Bernal, Nikkalyn Lee, Natasha Lumba, and Christopher Panlasigui, Erol King De Los Santos, Brigitte Villuga, krystina Villuga, Charmaine Vita and Kimberly Vita performed Medley of Philippine Songs. Certificates issued to students.
December 16, 2000: Filipiniana Amerikana Festival- Christmas Program held at Stillman Hall, Seton Hall University .PACS students Charmaine Vita, Erol King De Los Santos, Brigitte Villuga, Raychiel Bernal,, Natasha Lumba, Krystina Villuga, Madison Munoz, Matthew Wright , Sean Wright and Kimberly Vita.performed what they have learned this fall semester. PACS instructors were Corazon Pedrina, Hilda Ureta, Genevieve Del Rosario and Margie McIntosh.June 22, 2001: 7th Closing Ceremony held at Cryans Restaurant in South Orange, New Jersey. PACS students. PACS students were Daniela Oleas, Jocelyn Oleas, Santos Colon, Zenaida Zuniga, Kimberly Vita, Charmaine Vita . Angelica Kristin Jongco , President of FACES was guest Speaker. Other participants were from Rutgers University, Ronna Landicho, Charles Jamerlan of NJIT, Colleen Marshall of University of Scranton. Certificate issued to students.
December 2001: Christmas Celebration held at Fahy Hall. A small gathering of PACS students, parents, alumni and guests in celebrating Christmas by tasting Philippine Cuisine and a performance by PACS students and Election of Officers for 2002- 2004. Elected Officers were Colleen Marshall, President, Cesar Lumba, Vice President for Vice President for Academic Affairs, Robert Wasserman, Vice President for Business Affairs., Vice President for Foundation Affairs: Michael Walsh Secretary: MargaritaMcIntosh Treasurer: Lilian Vita Asst. Treasurer: Merle Magpantay Auditor Nancy Jizdeortega, PRO Giselle Wasserman Liaison Officer & Faculty Contact at SHU: Rev L. Frizzell, Arnold Budin, Esq. & Francis Walsh Esq.Legal Advisers:, Spiritual Adviser: Sr. Regina Bernard, Mr. Fidencio Edralin & Mrs Monica Edralin.
June 29 2002: Induction Ceremony of PACS Officers held at Bishop Dougherty Student Center, Seton Hall University. Rev Lawrence E. Frizzell, inducted the officers. Guest Speaker was South Orange President of the Chamber of Commerce, Elaine Harris.PACS Officers and members performed the “Rigodon De Honor.” Participants for Rigodon de Honor were Mr. & Mrs. Chris Ureta, Mr.& Mrs. Fidencio Edralin, Mr.& Mrs Robert Wassermann, Mr Arnold Ohanian & Ms. Merle Ohanian, Mr & Mrs Francis Walsh and Mr. & Mrs. Dale Marshall. This was also PACS Closing Ceremony. Students performed cultural dances and songs.Certificates were issued to students.
December 2002: PACS Christmas Celebration held at Fahy Hall. A taste of Philippine Cuisine to celebrate Christmas attended by parents, students and PACS alumni from the Tri-state area. Matthew Wright, Charmaine Vita, Kimberly Vita, Jocelyn Oleas Christian Quintero, Sulerma Villa, and Sheila Hernandez.
November 15, 2003: 10th Founding Anniverary Celebration held at Chancellor Suite, Bishop Dougherty Student Center. Student Performers were Daniela Oleas, Jocelyn Oleas, Nikkalyn Lee, Charmaine Vita, Kimberly Vita and Natasha Lumba., Matthew Wright, Natasha Lumba and Nikkalynn Lee,
June 2003: PACS Closing Ceremony held at Fahy Hall, Seton Hall University. Certificates issued to students, Jocelyn Oleas, Daniela Oleas, Sulerma Villa, Cristian Quintero, Santos Colon,. Matthew Wright. PACS officers and parents attended with Philippine food served and prepared by the cooking instructor., Margie McIntosh.November 13, 2004: PACS 11th Founding Day Celebration at The Wayne Manor. Special guest Filipino Singer Carmen Patena performed. FLASH students (SHU) ,Michelle Alto, Pam Bada, Sarah Gomez and Johanna Quesses, performed Philippine dance, “Itikitik,” and John Amonte, Roman Demaso, Lowell Martin,Arc Rizal, Mark Rizal, Ron Sebastian, Steve Trias, and Shingo Yamada performed, ”Maglalatik.”.
June 11, 2006: The Binirayan Cultural Group of the Province of Antique led by Hon. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez came to perform a glimpse of the regional songs, costumes made from native products of Antique. It was the first stop of their Ambassadors of Goodwill tour in the USA. The first Malayan settlement was in Malandog, San Jose, Antique. Hon. Cecilia Rebong and PIDCI President attended the Binirayan Cultural Group performance. The group was invited for the Filipino and Filipino Americans in the community to have knowledge of the richness of the Philippine heritage and culture is and that the Province of Antique has its own share of history/ heritage and culture. This was part of the networking strategy to show the Philippine American Cultural School community whose members came from different regions in the country, to a wider audience, since it was participated by Filipino, Filipino Americans and Americans in the Tri- State area.May 30, 2009: Consul Leandro Lachica, Esq., Consul of the Philippine Consulate General, New York inducted PACS officers for 2009-2012.at the Faculty Lounge, Seton Hall University. PACS officers were:Victoria G. Marcial, Ph.D, President, Robert McIntosh, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Margarita McIntosh, Vice-President for Adminstrative Affairs, Gemma Clarke, Vice President for Business Affairs, Michael Ross Biscocho, Secretary, 1st Treasurer, Lilian Vita, 2nd Treasurer, Janice Lee, Internal Auditor, Dale Woodruff Marshall, M.Ed, Estella Landicho & Helen Wright, PRO, Rev. Larry Frizzell, D.Phil, Liaison Officer & Faculty Contact at Seton Hall, Matthew Mata, Liaison Officer & Student Contact at Seton Hall, Alan Noel, CPA, Accountant, Alan Budin, Esq. Legal Adviser, Sr. Regina Bernard, SC, Spiritual Adviser, Mrs. Monica Edralin, M.A., Presidential Adviser. Board of Directors, Agnes A. Marshall, M.A., Bienvenido Jongco, MD, Phillips E. Lee, Chris Ureta, LlB, Colleen Marshall, M.A., Robert McIntosh, Nancy Jizdeortega, Barry Wright, & Victoria Marcial, Ex-officio.