Opening Keynote Speaker: Ray Obispo

Mr. Obispo continues to be a FANHS National Trustee since 1999. Since 1994, he teaches Sociology and History at Salem High School in Virginia Beach. In 1994, he became the founder and adviser of Salem High School's student organization, Filipino American Cultural Society (FACS). FACS is nationally recognized on creative ways to teach and learn Filipino American history. Through dramatic skits and spoken word performances, students learn how one’s identity is connected to the Community. By having students take responsibility in recognizing and cherishing this bond meets the ultimate goal of all community-based organizations…to make society a better place for all to live and enjoy.

Mr. Obispo received the 1998 Philippine American Literary Sports and Arts Foundation Award, and the Human Rights Award in Virginia Beach, 2003. He co-authored the FANHS-HR Filipino American history book…”In Our Auntie's Words: The Filipino Spirit of Hampton Roads” (2004) and helped produce a second book…”In Our Uncles' Words: We Fought For Freedom” (2007). Mr. Obispo directed the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Showcase in October 2007. Throughout the years, he has played an active role in many youth summits, student lock-ins and workshops for both students and educators. He is considered nationally as an icon for future Filipino American educators who are committed in building Community.

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Closing Keynote Speaker: Allan L. Bergano, DDS

Allan is a second-generation Pinoy, born and raised in Seattle, Washington. For almost 40 years, he continues to be involved in programs dedicated to increase Filipino American consciousness through active involvement for the betterment of one’s community. By being a delegate at the 1st Filipino Young Peoples Far West Convention held in Seattle of August/1971, he became one of the founders of the Filipino American movement. Although he has never taken a class as a student, he was a featured lecturer in the first Filipino American Studies Class at the University of Washington in 1974. In the February, 1980 Seattle-King County Dental Society Journal, he was featured as “society’s future dentist”, one who is rooted in developing one’s community. In 1981, he became the first Pinoy to graduate from the UW school of dentistry. In 1983, he opened his dental clinic and became the first Pinoy dentist in private practice in the state of Virginia.

With his wife Edwina, they both founded the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS-HR) in 1990. This Chapter is the first one established on the East coast, the 4th oldest among 26 chapters nationally and the oldest chapter east of the Rockies. Through the years, FANHS-HR developed youth summits, symposiums and published two Filipino American history books featuring pioneers of the 757…”In Our Aunties’ Words: The Filipino Spirit of Hampton Roads” (2005)…”In Our Uncles’ Words: We Fought For Freedom” (2007).

In the 1990s, both became founding mentors of various Filipino American college and high school student organizations on the east coast. Some of those include: FASA (ODU and VT), FIND and FACS.

Allan is a published writer on colonial mentality and identity. He is a nationally known lecturer, motivational speaker…an accomplished musician and marathon racer…avid golfer and perpetual promoter of Filipino Americanism. Among his peers, he is fondly referred to as “Da Truth”. Currently, he is finishing his first novel…”The Last Pinoy”.