Makabayan Georgia, Inc. (MGI) was established in May 12, 2008 to empower Filipino Georgians and friends, to make a difference in their communities, in the Philippines, and elsewhere in the world. All contributions to MGI are tax deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code as a Public Charity entity with 501 (C) (3) tax exempt status.
MGI supports the annual June 12 celebration of the anniversary of Philippine Independence from the Spanish rule, to showcase the Philippine culture and heritage thereby providing prospective supporters a better perspective of where their contributions go. The MGI livelihood programs empower even the most needy, to become productive citizens and make a difference in their own communities.
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DIDI O'CONNOR Chairman of the Board 678-923-2027 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Didi’s passion to share, promote and preserve the Philippine culture and heritage, was apparent early on her community involvement from 1985 to 2000, holding positions with the Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta as Folk Dance Director/Instructor, Culture Chair, and Debutantes’ Ball Program Director/Choreographer. Community Involvements:
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MAYETTE P. BAYANI Corporate Secretary 404-316-9238 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Marianne Pedrezuela Bayani, Mayette for short is a Senior Corporate Tax Accountant for Heidelberg USA Inc. She graduated from UST with honors and once was the youngest professor at the same university. An alumna of Indiana University Institute of Professionals in Taxation and UCLA Masters in Accounting. She worked public accounting in Los Angeles before moving to Georgia in 1993 to join AT&T as a Tax Accountant. Mayette is also the manager and the lead vocals for the JAMMRS Band. She helped several charitable organizations obtained their 501C3 status. She is also a licensed Notary Public. Mayette is married to Art with two sons Avery and Jason. Community Involvements:
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DODDY WARD Finance Director 404-932-4090 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Doddy Ward is a well-traveled entrepreneur who truly understands “world affairs” both on the business and political perspective. She graduated from Misamis University, Ozamis City, Philippines with a degree in Accounting and an M.B.A. She also worked at the same university as an Internal Auditor. Doddy moved to Hong Kong to work as a personal accountant for the British Trade Commissioner. She was once an accountant and Logistics Executive Coordinator for the British Ambassadors to Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Canada and France. After 13 years of crossing the continents, she got a job as a Staff Accountant for Ernst and Young in the Bahamas for 7 years. Doddy has a passion for helping people in need. This led to her new- found career in Home Health Care, which she finds very fulfilling despite the long hours, but satisfies her desire to help others. Working with people is her forte, so in Atlanta she got involved in the Fil-Am community and sharing a similar passion to help others, she and 4 past Fil-Am presidents established in 2008 Makabayan Georgia, Inc.
Community Involvements:
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ELEANOR MAE PASCUAL Community Affairs Director 404-683-0606 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eleanor Mae Pascual is a native of the Philippines and has been a Georgia resident since 1979. A familiar face in the Asian American community, Eleanor shares much of her time, talent, and resources in promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Filipino culture. She relishes the role of “bridge-builder” between the Fil-Am community and the larger Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Georgia and is an active and tireless volunteer for AAPI causes. Eleanor recently retired as a litigation paralegal with the Corporate Law Department of State Farm, after 22 years. A musician by avocation, Eleanor also served in music ministry for many years – as soloist, choir member, organist/pianist, and music director. She currently serves as church pianist at Clarkston International Bible Church and enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Eleanor is married to Alex Pascual, a structural engineer, and they are blessed with three children (Andy, Jonathan and Eileen) and ten beautiful grandchildren. Community Involvements:
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WILLY BLANCO Information Director 770-331-9540 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Willy Blanco is married to Edwina Hilario, and father to Nicole and Kevin. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia from the Chicago area, in October of 1991 when he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager for Beckart Environmental, Inc. for the Southeast territory, USA. Willy has been with the same company since 1988.
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WILLEE BONUS CEO Emeritus 678-471-4893 wThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |