mabuhay!

Welcome to the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia,SC (FAAGC)

Together We Make a Difference

View the 2026 Gala Information Page
Buy Your Gala Tickets Here
Logo of the Filipino American Association Greater Columbia, SC, featuring a handshake over a sun and map of the Philippines, with flags of the USA and Philippines, and the slogan 'Together We Make a Difference'.

Our Mission

The Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia (FAAGC) is an ALL-VOLUNTEER, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization proudly serving the Greater Columbia, South Carolina community, formed in 1991,

We are dedicated to:

  • PRESERVING Filipino heritage through cultural and educational programs.

  • SERVING our community through local initiatives, volunteerism, and humanitarian partnerships.

  • EMPOWERING future generations through scholarships and youth engagement.

FAAGC welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds who share an interest in Philippine culture, community engagement, and strengthening Filipino-American ties.

View our Association By-Laws
Learn more about the Association’s Journey

From the desk of the President

What began as a dream in the hearts of a few has flourished into a vibrant community united by purpose, pride, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia (FAAGC), we honor our members— pioneers who arrived with courage, vision, and resilience, built careers, families, and lives of meaning and gave generously of their time, talent, and treasure to strengthen our Association and uplift our community.

Our members have broken barriers quietly and opened doors widely. They have shown that excellence and compassion can walk hand in hand and through their accomplishments, have become a source of inspiration to others.

We also celebrate the partners, families, friends, and members of our broader community who have embraced Filipino culture, values, and people. Together, we have created beautiful bridges between our communities, raising families that reflect the best of both—rooted in Filipino heritage and thriving in America.

Whether you have been part of FAAGC for decades, recently joined or considering becoming a member, we invite you to be an active part of the community and legacy we continue to build together.

MABUHAY ANG FILIPINO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER COLUMBIA!

Yvonne Brown
FAAGC President 2026-2028

We are deeply grateful to FAAGC’s past presidents, whose vision, leadership, and dedication have guided the Association through each chapter of its history. Their service laid a strong foundation, sustained our mission, and shaped the legacy we proudly continue today.

Our Past Presidents

  • 2024–2026 — Nieves McNulty

  • 2022–2024 — Reyna Funderburk

  • 2021–2022 — Gina Castaneda

  • 2019–2021 — Gina Castaneda

  • 2017–2019 — Gina Castaneda

  • 2015–2017 — Cecilia Jacobsen

  • 2013–2015 — Cecilia Jacobsen

  • 2011–2013 — Marj Peña

  • 2009–2011 — Marj Peña

  • 2007–2009 — Alan Geoghegan

  • 2005–2007 — Alan Geoghegan

  • 2003–2005 — Grace Collins

  • 2001–2003 — Peter Liunoras

  • 1999–2001 — Nieves McNulty

  • 1997–1999 — Nieves McNulty

  • 1996–1997 — Helen Alon

  • 1995–1996 — Helen Alon

  • 1994–1995 — Helen Alon

  • 1993–1994 — Minnie Wheedleton

  • 1992–1993 — Minnie Wheedleton

  • 1991–1992 — Eva Rigney

OUR LEADERSHIP

A group photo of an organizational board with names and titles of members, including executive officers and other members, with headshots of each person.

The 2026-2028 Executive Board

We gratefully recognize FAAGC’s past officers and board members, whose commitment, service, and generous contributions of time and talent have strengthened our programs, preserved our traditions, and helped our Association thrive.

Follow the link below to explore the officers and board members who have served FAAGC since 1991.

View the FAAGC Administrations Since 1991

community events

2026

August 7-9
Dream Asia Festival @ SC Fairgrounds. FAAGC’s Dance Troupe will perform at this vibrant 3-day celebration of Asian culture.

August 15
FAAGC Fundraiser at the US-1 Flea Market, 3500 Augusta Rd., West Columbia.

September 11 - October 30
Art Nelson Left Behind Exhibit @ Richland Library. This exhibition explores Filipino heritage through the preserved family collection of Nelson Baldemor, including works by renowned artist Manuel Baldemor. Curated by Chiara Cox.

September 19
FAAGC’s 35th Anniversary Gala - Gintong Pamana
@ Spring Valley Country Club. This special evening will honor the traditions, values, and cultural heritage that have shaped our community while celebrating the many ways they continue to evolve in the hands of a new generation. Tickets available for purchase now. Doors open at 5:30 P.M.
More information may be found on our Quick Links page.

October 31 - November 1
FAAGC’s Philippine Dance Workshop with Parangal. A 2-day immersive event in culture, dance and tradition. Location to be announced. All are welcome. Free registration for members.

December 5
FAAGC’s Annual Potluck Christmas Celebration @ St. John Neumann

Coming in 2027

FAAGC is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor of a documentary produced in partnership with the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians.

The film shares the little-known story of Filipino fathers who built families within the tribal community in South Carolina’s Lowcountry—and the traditions and identities their descendants carry forward today. Post-production begins in Spring 2027, with a premiere planned for Fall 2027.

Learn more about the project. Support the project.

Woman in a lavender gown with blue embroidery, smiling at a formal event with floral decorations in the background.
Four women in pink traditional dresses with colorful striped sashes, standing side by side, smiling at an event with colorful paper decorations in the background.
Group of people in traditional Filipino attire performing a cultural dance on stage, with some holding bamboo poles and others holding baskets or fans, and a colorful floral arch in the background.
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An elderly woman with white hair, glasses, and a traditional embroidered top playing a percussion instrument at an indoor event, with a percussion table in front and a wooden folding screen behind her.
Group of people in cultural attire posing in front of a large cartoon bear sculpture at an indoor event.
Two woven baskets stacked inside a wooden sled, with a white cord attached to the top basket.
A group of well-dressed people at a formal event, with two women in traditional Filipino attire and two men in formal suits, standing on a red carpet with a green outdoor background visible through a window.
A diverse group of people seated in a conference room watching a performance. Two performers in traditional attire, one kneeling and the other standing, are engaging with a long stick as part of an activity.
Group of people standing and kneeling at a hunger action event, holding signs that promote fighting hunger and taking action, with a banner reading 'Harvest Hope' in the background.
People volunteering at a warehouse, sorting and packing items for distribution, with several individuals smiling and engaging in the activity.
Display of woven baskets, hats, and decorative items on a bamboo wall with floral garland and potted plants nearby.
Four women wearing Santa hats smiling and posing together indoors.
A woman with blonde curly hair, wearing festive Christmas glasses, an orange top, and a Christmas-themed vest, is sitting outdoors with a pained or contemplative expression, resting her chin on her hand.
Group of people standing inside a church holding religious figurines and statues, with a Christmas tree and a crucifix on the wall behind them, decorated for Christmas.
Group of eleven diverse adults, mostly women, standing together at a social gathering, with some holding drinks and smiling, against a red wall decorated with large film reel wall art, a table with snacks and food items visible in the foreground.
People at a parking lot participating in a food or supply distribution event, with carts filled with packages of supplies and bottled water, cars in the background, and trees surrounding the area.
Smiling woman in a light hoodie and a Bob Marley t-shirt, wearing a face mask, preparing sliced bread on a baking sheet in a kitchen.
Three smiling people wearing Santa hats standing together indoors, two women and one man, dressed in colorful casual clothing.
People grilling burger patties and hot dogs outdoors under a wooden shelter, with trees and greenery in the background.
A group of people standing under a blue canopy with a sign that reads 'Department of Public Works & Highways.' In front of them are numerous bottles of water and some packs of supplies, with some individuals wearing volunteer vests and shirts.
Two women in Christmas sweaters and festive accessories smiling at a holiday event, with a gold decorative raffle drum and green tablecloth in front of them.
Two women smiling during a Christmas celebration, one wearing a party hat decorated with Christmas ornaments and the other in a brown suit with a green holiday scarf, with Christmas lights in the background.
A young man with dark hair and a white button-up shirt smiling next to a woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a black and white patterned blouse, both smiling at the camera in an indoor setting.
Older man and woman smiling at a banquet, dressed in traditional Filipino attire, with other guests in the background.
Two women standing outdoors, dressed in white lace tops with purple sashes, wearing pearl jewelry, with greenery in the background.
Three people wearing Santa hats smiling and standing together in a holiday setting.
A group of people performing Christmas carol singing on stage with Christmas decorations in the background.
People serving themselves food at an outdoor buffet with trays of various dishes.
Two women smiling and posing together at a Filipino American association event, standing in front of a banner with the text 'Filipino American Association of Greater Columbia, SC.' The woman on the left wears a red shirt, while the woman on the right
Two women hugging at a celebration, one wearing a yellow dress with floral embellishments and a corsage, the other wearing a patterned top and teal skirt, surrounded by other women in colorful dresses.
Group of five women smiling indoors, wearing colorful tops, with a plain light background and a cardboard box labeled 'PHIL' partially visible on the right.
Two people smiling for a photo, a man in a blue polo shirt with 'Dominion Energy' logo and a woman wearing glasses and a patterned top.
Display of traditional Filipino dolls dressed in colorful clothing on a clear plastic shelf at a cultural exhibit.
An elderly man and woman smiling at a banquet, both wearing traditional cream-colored Filipino attire, with the woman wearing glasses and a pearl necklace.
A group of ten people standing outdoors in front of a large banner for the Filipino American Association of Greater Columbia, with American and Filipino flags on either side. The group is diverse in age and gender, with some wearing yellow or red shi
A smiling man in a white button-up shirt standing next to a smiling woman in a patterned black and white jacket, both posing indoors at what appears to be a social event.
Two women celebrating Christmas, one wearing a Santa hat decorated with ornaments and the other in a brown blazer with a green festive scarf, surrounded by Christmas decorations and a decorated tree in the background.
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Two women sitting at a table wearing Christmas-themed accessories, with a gold raffle drum on the table.
A woman in a white dress sits on a wicker chair in front of a decorative backdrop of straw hats and green foliage, with a blue abstract painting behind her.
Two female students in graduation caps and gowns holding diplomas at a school ceremony with a banner in the background.
Group of six diverse women and one man smiling outdoors, dressed in colorful and traditional clothing, with one woman balancing a large basket on her head.
People playing a traditional game with sticks in a park, with onlookers in the background.
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A collage with a map of the Philippines made of text and images, a man with gray hair, a sign about St. Malo, and logos of Richland Library and Filipino American Association, celebrating an award win and historical information.
Black and white photograph of an elderly man wearing a hat and traditional embroidered shirt, holding a medal or award, with a red and white poster beside him promoting 'The Faces to Remember Project' running from May 16 to June 13.
Poster for the 2026 3rd Annual Tour of Tea, featuring a teapot with a Chinese character, and outlines of Asian countries with descriptions of their unique tea and snacks, along with vendor activities and local artisans, sponsored by Columbia Museum o
Poster for the documentary film 'A Long March' showing a person walking in a dust storm, American flags, and event details, awards, and acknowledgments.
A Filipino woman dressed in traditional attire smiling, promoting a workshop on textiles and culture for Filipino American History Month at Richland Library on October 4, 2025.
Event poster for Filipino American Association's 33rd Fundraiser Gala titled "Fiesta sa Nayon" with a background of a woman in traditional Filipino attire holding a stick, DJ equipment, and event details including date, time, location, and ticket inf
A promotional poster for a Gong & Dance Workshop celebrating Filipino American culture, scheduled for September 21st at 2 pm at the Koger Center, Black Box Theatre in Columbia, SC. The poster features a close-up of a person holding gongs.
Two women in a boat on a pond filled with blooming pink water lilies. One woman is facing away and the other is smiling at her. The water reflects the green surroundings.
Four people dressed in traditional Filipino clothing, standing against a dark background. The image is part of a promotional poster for an event titled 'The Soul of the Filipino Through Mangyan Wisdom', scheduled for October 5, 2024, at 3 pm at Richl
A promotional poster featuring Evelyn Mandac, a Filipino opera singer, with the headline 'Exclusive In-Person Audience' at the St. Andrews Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina. The poster includes details about the event date, time, location,
Poster for KUNDIMAN CONCERT with Michael Dadap featuring Filipino art songs on classical guitar, scheduled for October 27, 2024, at Barnes Recital Hall at 4pm, free entry, with logos of South Carolina Arts Commission, Filipino American Association, a
Poster for an interactive workshop on Filipino identity through music, featuring two Filipino classical guitarists, Michael Dadap and Florante Aguilar, performing on stage with a curtain backdrop, dated October 28, 2003, at Richland Library, with log
Event flyer for a presentation titled 'Philippine Textiles: A Complex Mapping,' by Marian Pastor Roces, held on October 22, 2003, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at Richland Library Main. The flyer includes logos of the Richland Library, Filipino American Assoc
Flyer for the University of South Carolina School of Music promoting a fall 2023 music event featuring Michael Dadap and Florante Aguilar giving an open guitar masterclass on October 27 at 1:10 p.m. in Room 006 of the School of Music, with a photo of
A woman wearing traditional clothing weaving colorful textiles outdoors on a grassy area, using a large wooden loom placed on a woven mat.
Colorful poster for the Dream Asia Festival 2026 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia, SC, from August 7 to 9. The poster features vibrant illustrations including a cartoon character with purple fur and red face markings holding a seafoo
Three women with glasses smiling, posing for a photo against a blue background.

Your faagc membership

Join a welcoming community of more than 150 households connected by Filipino culture, friendship, service and a shared commitment to keeping our heritage strong for future generations.

  • CELEBRATE OUR CULTURE
    As an FAAGC member, you can join the FAAGC Dance Troupe and help bring Filipino culture to life through music and dance. Connect with fellow performers and share our rich cultural traditions at community events and celebrations. Contact filamsc@gmail.com to learn more.

  • GIVE BACK
    Put the Filipino spirit of bayanihan into action. FAAGC members can participate in our volunteer and charitable activities, working alongside others to make a difference in our community. Contact filamsc@gmail.com to learn more.

  • SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION
    FAAGC is proud to invest in the next generation through our scholarship program. Eligible students can apply for educational support to help them pursue their goals.

join or renew today

Joining is easy:

  1. Complete a membership application online or print and fill out the membership form.

  2. Pay your membership dues.

    For your convenience, you can pay via Zelle (search for mwentley88filam@gmail.com ) or pay directly online using Treasure, FAAGC’s payment partner.

  3. A Membership Committee member will contact you to confirm your details.

That’s it—you’re part of the FAAGC community!

Come for the CULTURE. Stay for the COMMUNITY.

Group of nine people, mostly women and two men, dressed in traditional Filipino attire, posing together at a celebration or event with a decorated backdrop.
Group of five people dressed in traditional Southeast Asian clothing against a plain blue background.

Bayanihan

Your donation matters

BAYANIHAN is the Filipino spirit of community. We come together, help one another, and work toward a shared good.

For 30 years, donations have been helping us preserve and promote Filipino cultural activities and build community in Greater Columbia. Your support has allowed us to help those in need in U.S. and the Philippines and provide scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. We welcome all levels of donations*.

The Filipino American Association of Greater Columbia (FAAGC) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

membership Dues
and Giving