The AFEW STORY

On March 21, 1993, twelve (12) determined and enthusiastic Filipino engineers met at the residence of Bert Caoili, an engineer from Boeing, to lay out the framework of a professional organization. On that fateful day, the “Association of Filipino-American Engineers of Washington” (AFEW) was born! The group elected the organization’s first set of officers and agreed that its mission shall be to bolster fellowship and networking, improve technical skills, and encourage social interactions among Filipino engineers in the State of Washington. Their goal was to support continuing education and seminars and take active involvement in community service. The group also wanted to create a database of Filipino engineers for business, social and job referrals, and to assist Filipino immigrant engineers in searching for jobs. A year after its incorporation in 1993, through Filipino ingenuity and collaboration, AFEW contributed time and expertise in building a human powered airplane called the RAVEN. In 1995, Past President (PP) #1 Bert Caoili, the late Ben Aguiluz, and Luis Aviado traveled to the Philippines to conduct an engineering seminar at the PHILACOR in Paranaque, Philippines. Through the help of Boeing engineer Dr. Blandino Go, AFEW supported the “Future Scientists and Engineers of America” and made AFEW a part of the Puget Sound Engineering Council (PSEC). The Computer Literacy and the Engineering in Training review programs were among the association’s early successful projects.

In 1997, for “fun-raising” and exposure, the late PP Manuel Balbas and PP Roland Lastimosa paved the way for AFEW members to join the 40ers of the Life After Forty Basketball League (LAFBL) and enjoyed several basketball seasons. Between 2001- 2003, the late PP Aurora Turla established the scholarship program, in honor of her late husband, Joe. To date, AFEW continues to grant annual merit-based scholarships to Washington-based engineering students. PP Rey Delansig and PP Efren Antonio continued to bolster fellowship among AFEW members through annual dinner dance events and other community outreach efforts.

Through PP Jun Aesquivel’s leadership, AFEW sponsored concerts, started the annual summer picnics, participated in the annual Rizal Park

cleanup, provided financial support to aspiring engineering students and sent monetary relief to typhoon victims in the Philippines. In 2010, PP #8 Lou Domingo & Treasurer Dante Worrell met with Ayala Foundation leaders in Makati to explore a partnership in administering AFEW scholarships for qualified engineering students in the Philippines. Giving back to our kababayans has always been a strong part of the AFEW mission.

Through the collaborative work led by PP Noel Aquino, the Manalang Family Scholarship Fund started its annual scholarship grant to deserving engineering students in Washington State. In 2016, the Manalang Family Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Emelita Manalang, loving wife of Engr. Santi Manalang, and mother to Joseph and Susie. Together, Santi and Emelita raised their children to appreciate the virtues of hard work, high achievement, and being charitable stewards of one’s blessings. In that spirit, the Manalang Family has committed to providing meaningful support to the most deserving engineering students of AFEW.

Under the leadership of PP Francis Gaspay, AFEW engineers participated in several community outreach and professional training and seminars provided by our long- time partners and sponsors, such as Rolluda Architects, Sazan Group, SCOPE, King County to name a few. Members have also enjoyed the annual summertime picnics, volunteering in the Philippine Consulate Outreach, Rizal Park cleanup and at the local food banks. During the pandemic in 2021, PP Francis Gaspay, with the support of Easter Solis, PP Jun Aesquivel and PP Lou Domingo, Ruby Dytioco, Jojo Saducos, Kristine Maristela and Loreli Floresca, led the way to incorporate the AFEW Educational Fund (AEF) to become AFEW’s 501c3 nonprofit arm, providing the option to donate funds that are tax- deductible.

In 2022, PP Lou Domingo manifested her call for radical generosity through launching the “Inhinyerang Iskolar Award” -- with the noble objective of empowering and giving recognition to female students currently enrolled and excelling in the engineering field. Also in 2022, President Janice Pelayo, VP Kristine Maristela and Alicia Gilson initiated and launched the Platinum Sponsorship Program for scholars in the Philippines. Alicia and Wayne Gilson of ASL donated $2000 and was AFEW’s 1st Platinum sponsor. Alicia is currently AFEW’s Philippine Scholarship Committee Chairperson. More sponsors have heeded the call for this level of generosity and impactful contribution, and partnered with AFEW, including PP Bert Caoili, Rock PM, Hooli Software, Rolluda Architects, and inspiring alliances among our officers and members.

True to AFEW’s mission to uplift pride in our Filipino-American heritage, PP Janice Pelayo worked diligently to bolster fellowship among AFEW members, incorporated our love for Filipino food and dance into her events and programs, and raised more funds to provide support to aspiring engineering students in the Philippines. Her leadership has helped us exceed our goal— AFEW was able to add 10 more scholars to the program during her 2022- 2024 term.

Today, with the current officers led by President Kristine Maristela, AFEW continues to pursue our mission of inspiring engineering excellence and leadership, bolstering fellowship and collaboration, engaging members in active community service, and increasing our love and pride in our Filipino- American cultural heritage. Thank you for your interest in AFEW, and hope to partner and collaborate with you soon. Mabuhay!