What I Learned About Community at FANOGCS' 6th Anniversary Celebration

An Evening of Leadership, Gratitude, Service, and the Bonds That Bring People Together

 

When A-Jay Manabat invited me to attend the Filipino American Nurses Organization of the Grand Canyon State (FANOGCS) 6th Anniversary Celebration and Induction of Officers, I honestly didn't know what to expect.

I didn't know many people attending.

I wasn't familiar with the organization's history.

I simply wanted to support a community event and learn more about FANOGCS.

What I didn't expect was to leave feeling inspired by the strength of a community that has built something truly special over the past six years.

From the moment I walked into the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler, Arizona, I could feel the energy in the room. Nurses, healthcare professionals, community leaders, family members, and supporters gathered together to celebrate not only an organization's achievements but also the relationships that have helped make those achievements possible.

More Than a Nursing Organization

 

Founded in 2020, FANOGCS was built on a mission of Knowledge, Empowerment, and Service. The organization supports Filipino American nurses through education, leadership development, mentorship, community involvement, and humanitarian outreach.

But after spending an evening with its members, I realized that FANOGCS represents something even greater.

It represents connection.

Throughout the night, I listened to stories about mentorship, volunteer work, healthcare outreach, scholarships, professional growth, and lifelong friendships. What stood out most was the genuine support members showed one another.

In many organizations, people come together because they share a profession.

At FANOGCS, it felt like people stayed because they had become family.

You could see it in the conversations.

You could feel it in the laughter.

And later in the evening, you could see it in one unforgettable moment that brought the entire room together.

The celebration included the induction of officers for the 2026–2028 term and the official transition of leadership from outgoing President Alain De La Cruz to incoming President Janice Desiongco.

As the evening moved toward the Passing of the Nurse's Lamp and Gavel Ceremony, the atmosphere became more emotional.

Before the formal transfer of leadership, the officers gathered around Alain.

What happened next revealed everything I needed to know about FANOGCS.

The officers began singing Bruno Mars' Count On Me.

There was no need for elaborate speeches.

No need for grand gestures.

The song itself said everything.

As they sang, you could see the appreciation in their faces. The respect. The friendships. The memories they had built together through years of service and leadership.

Then Alain became emotional.

And so did many others.

Including me.

I found myself wiping away tears as I watched a group of people openly express their gratitude to someone who had invested so much of himself into helping the organization grow.

What moved me wasn't simply seeing a president being honored.

What moved me was seeing the culture that FANOGCS has built.

The tribute wasn't really about one person.

It was about a community that values service.

A community that remembers those who helped build it.

A community that understands leadership is not about titles but about lifting others up.

The appreciation shown to Alain De La Cruz reflected the impact he made during his presidency. The respect in that room had clearly been earned through dedication, humility, and genuine care for the people he served.

At the same time, the evening was also about looking forward.

As Alain passed the Nurse's Lamp and Gavel, he officially entrusted leadership to Janice Desiongco, who begins her term as President for 2026–2028.

What I appreciated most about the transition was the sense of continuity.

This didn't feel like an ending.

It felt like a new chapter.

The foundation built by previous leaders now continues under Janice's leadership, supported by a dedicated team of officers and members who share the same commitment to FANOGCS' mission.

Watching Janice step into her new role, I could feel the excitement and confidence from those around her. The support from members was a reminder that strong organizations are never built by one person alone. They are built by communities working together toward a shared vision.

One thing that impressed me after the event was learning more about the organization's impact beyond Arizona. FANOGCS has organized healthcare outreach programs, educational conferences, scholarships, volunteer initiatives, and international medical missions. Through these efforts, the organization continues to live out its mission of Knowledge, Empowerment, and Service while making a difference both locally and globally.

For those interested in learning more about FANOGCS and its work, you can visit:

• Official Website: https://fanogcs.org

• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FANOGCS

• Organization Highlights: https://fanogcs.org/highlights/

• President's Message and Mission: https://fanogcs.org/presidents-page/

By the end of the evening, I understood why FANOGCS has grown and why so many people are passionate about being part of it.

The awards were wonderful.

The celebration was beautiful.

The entertainment was fun.

But what stayed with me was something much simpler.

It was the kindness between members.

The respect shown to leaders.

The friendships that have been built over time.

And the commitment to serving others.

When A-Jay first invited me to this event, I didn't know many people in the room.

By the end of the evening, I understood something special about FANOGCS.

It wasn't the size of the organization.

It wasn't the awards or the accomplishments.

It was the people.

The way they support one another.

The way they honor their leaders.

The way they celebrate service and community.

Watching the officers gather around Alain De La Cruz and sing Count On Me wasn't just a tribute to one leader. It was a reflection of the culture that FANOGCS has built over the last six years.

I arrived as a guest.

I left inspired.

And that's a feeling I'll remember for a very long time.

Congratulations to outgoing President Alain De La Cruz for his dedication, leadership, and service to FANOGCS. The appreciation shown throughout the evening was a testament to the positive impact he has made on the organization and its members.

Congratulations as well to incoming President Janice Desiongco and the entire 2026–2028 Board of Officers. As you begin this new chapter of leadership, may you continue to build upon the strong foundation of Knowledge, Empowerment, and Service that has guided FANOGCS from the beginning.

Wishing all of the newly inducted officers success as they serve, lead, and inspire the FANOGCS community in the years ahead.

Thank you, FANOGCS, for allowing me to witness such a meaningful celebration of leadership, service, and community.

Photo Credit

📸 Event photos featured in this blog are courtesy of Eddie Tabarangao, 7th Stranger Photography. and a proud FANOGCS Board Member (2026–2028)

Thank you for capturing the special moments, emotions, and memories from the FANOGCS 6th Anniversary Celebration and Induction of Officers.

Be sure to follow and support 7th Stranger Photography on Facebook:
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