15 Years of Partnership: PACCTX Gala Highlights Filipino American Success in Texas

State Secretary Jane Nelson, Rep. Salman Bhojani and Grammy artist Earl Toon among guests at milestone celebration

By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published November 4, 2024.

The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (PACCTX) marked its 15th anniversary on Oct. 18 with a gala at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, celebrating the organization’s achievements and honoring outstanding members of the Filipino American community. 

Hosted during Filipino American History Month, the event underscored PACCTX’s influence in Texas and recognized its contributions to business growth, cultural exchanges, and community service. Keynote speakers included PACCTX State President Alieen Ligot Dizon, City of Carrollton councilwoman Rowena Raroque-Watters, PACCTX Dallas Fort Worth Region Chair Robert Raroque, and Texas State Secretary Jane Nelson.

“We are so happy to have you in Texas, and I am especially happy to have the opportunity to work with you as well,” Nelson said. “It shows that in the work that you do, the relationship between Texas and the Philippines is one of growth. In 2023 Texas trade with the Philippines reached $2.4 billion. We know that electric machinery, mineral fuels, aircraft parts led the way. These numbers represent real partnerships, real jobs and real opportunities that benefit both sides.”

The event also included a message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who praised the Chamber's role in fostering economic and diplomatic ties between Texas and the Philippines.

“Together, Texas and the Philippines can fortify our mutually beneficial partnership,” Abbott said, noting his commitment to fostering international trade and collaboration.

The event featured performances by Grammy-winning artist Earl Toon, a founding member of Kool & the Gang, and saxophonist Ner de Leon. Toon, known for his lively performances, brought energy to the celebration, honoring PACCTX’s achievements with what he called “an uplifting experience for both their ears and soul.” Emcees Rose-Ann Aragon, a former NBC space reporter, and former Miss Texas Averie Bishop, a prominent advocate for Filipino-American representation and democratic candidate House District 112, guided the evening’s program.

In line with PACCTX’s commitment to community and business development, the event included a vendor exhibit that spotlighted Filipino-owned businesses across Texas. PACCTX’s initiatives, support almost a thousand members in regions like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Austin, helping them make meaningful economic and cultural contributions to Texas

 “We’ve dedicated ourselves not just to fostering business growth, but also to building bonds that unite us as Filipino-Americans,” Dizon said in her welcome speech. 

Throughout the evening, PACCTX honored several community leaders with awards for their contributions to commerce, public service, and humanitarian work. Honorees included Lani Cabral Pasao, recognized for her entrepreneurship in senior care; Noravil Tamayo, awarded for her dedication as an RN Charge Nurse with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office; and Emmanuel Malana, celebrated for his role as District AP Precalculus Lead Teacher in Dallas ISD. 

“These awards underscore the resilience, innovation, and dedication that define our community,” Dizon stated, reflecting on the honorees’ impact across various field

PACCTX has long championed initiatives aimed at building relationships between the U.S. and the Philippines. The Chamber’s "Three Pillars of Excellence"—community service, business development, and support for the Philippines—guide its programs. It has hosted consular outreach efforts for over 40,000 Filipinos in Texas, saving them from costly travel to the nearest consulate in Los Angeles. This mission, according to Consul Emerita Ethel Reyes Mercado, who co-founded the organization, distinguishes PACCTX as a beacon of support and empowerment for Filipino-Americans in Texas. 

Looking forward, PACCTX aims to expand its services, encouraging more partnerships between Texas-based and Filipino-owned businesses. The anniversary gala not only celebrated 15 years of achievements but also set the stage for the organization’s continued growth and impact. 

The gala concluded with a dance floor filled with music from Boy Rose and First Choice Entertainment. The evening encapsulated the essence of PACCTX’s work—bringing together Filipino Americans, honoring their achievements, and looking to the future of Filipino American commerce in Texas.