ISLAND GEMS Philippine Cultural Group is a voluntary, not-for-profit, civic, cultural and transparent association made up of dedicated, Gracious and Ebullient Members (G.E.M.S.) ISLAND GEMS Philippine Cultural Group was spontaneously organized on July 12, 2020, by a group of friends who had strong desires for wholesome, civic and cultural activities for their children: driven by the impulse to belong, to bond together with those who had the same family and community - motivated interests. It is a family oriented group whose activities aim to strengthen family unity by providing support, love and acts of kindness to one another, young and old alike. It finds occasions to spend memorable and happy moments together. This group is motivated to inspire the young, through the good example of their parent-members, to bond with one another into a One Big Happy Family. This motivation and purpose are carried out through cultural presentations and activities like learning how to sing, dance or execute other artistic expressions. It is exciting and nostalgic to behold how the members perform Philippine folk dances and the religious dance-offering of Sinulog in churches, social gatherings and in street parades. These affairs help us reminisce the valued traditions and cultural heritage of our fatherland and how we want to continue to keep them alive here, in our new home, USA. This group also encourages the young members to keep the practice of kissing the hands of the elders, "mano po" , as a sign of filial respect. In this way, we preserve such traditions for the succeeding generation of Fil-Ams. We believe that preserving in these practices and activities, the members get on well together, and a special bond is forged among each other, with the hope that it will be strong and lasting. OUR VISION:
Our vision is focused on our CONVICTION that serving the Filipino-American community in different capacities, would create a spirit of fraternity, unity, peace and goodwill among our associates and others. It is our HOPE that the services we render and the activities we engage in would strengthen the community spirit, would lessen and eradicate racism and other negative forces in our environment. As a result, we would live as brothers and sisters. Our COMMITMENT, the reason we pull our personal resources together: be it our talents and skills, material aid or monetary contribution, has become a key part and a source of community strength. Therefore, by extending a helping hand on a cultural presentation, the effect of our participation becomes a significant and positive influence not only to our immediate audience but reverberates to the larger community. OUR CORE VALUES:
In carrying out our mission and guided by our vision, we advocate the values of SINCERITY, sense of SERVICE, FREEDOM of opinion and RESPECT regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation. We strive to uphold in high esteem our personal DIGNITY at all times and in whatever circumstances we may be involved in. In the same zeal, we acknowledge and respect the dignity of each of our associates and that of every person.
