The Big Bend Filipino-American Association, Inc. is a 501(3)c registered non-profit organization.
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BBFAA Membership Form (Click here to print form)
Please fill out the BBFAA Membership Form in the link above and mail your check to the BBFAA P.O. Box 227, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0227. Or pay online by clicking the links below or the Pay Online Membership buttons above. Thank you for supporting the BBFAA.
BBFAA News
The New BBFAA eNewsletter is Now Available
Click here to read all about the BBFAA newsletter
BBFAA Appreciates Our Padayaw Sponsors, Volunteers, Host Families
Dance Performances by the Leyte Dance Theatre of Jess de Paz Foundation
The BBFAA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the generous sponsors who made the unforgettable Leyte Dance Performance possible on June 7, 2025, at the Lee Hall Auditorium. This rare and magical event showcased the traditional Filipino dances of the renowned Leyte Dance Theatre (LDT) of the Jess de Paz Foundation. A special highlight was the presentation of a Proclamation from Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey to the members of LDT, recognizing their cultural contribution to the city of Tallahassee. We deeply thank the host families for their warm hospitality and for opening their homes to the dancers during their stay. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the dedicated volunteers, supportive attendees, and our venue partner, Florida A&M University. Salamat to the amazing intermission performers and visiting Fil-Am groups from Pensacola and Bay County, as well as Tallahassee’s own Folklorico Filipiniana, BBFAA Cultural Group, and Grady Jefferson/TSC. Lastly, we are grateful for the beautiful memories captured through the lens of Master Capcap Aparente. Maraming salamat po!
Below is a list of our generous Padayaw Sponsors and Host Families. This event would not have been possible without their support.
Congratulations to BBFAA’s Jaymie Strickland!
2025 Miss Philippines Earth Fire
FMSU Miss Earth Florida
On August 10, 2025, our own BBFAA Miss Tallahassee Jaymie Strickland placed in the top 5 at the 2025 Miss Philippines Earth pageant competition and was crowned the 2025 Miss Philippines Earth – Fire. BBFAA Charity Miss Jaymie Strickland won the Best in Swimsuit at the Miss Philippines Earth competition and prior to that won the Fiesta mo sa USA competition in Kissimmee as Ms. Florida to represent Florida. Jaymie Strickland hails from Fil-Com Tallahassee, FL as a college student with an environmental advocacy that focuses on ocean conservation through reducing plastic waste. She believes that maintaining healthy oceans is crucial for a healthy planet, as they play vital roles in climate regulation, biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods. BBFAA appreciates Jaymie for representing BBFAA Tallahassee and to all the BBFAA members for their generous support to Miss Jaymie Strickland. We congratulate Jaymie Strickland 2025 Miss Philippines Earth – Fire!Introducing Our New BBFAA Secretary – Vina Lade
Please welcome Ms. Divina “Vina” Lade as BBFAA’s new Secretary. Vina was voted in by the Executive Council Members. Vina hails from the Southern part of the Philippines and has been a BBFAA member for the past two consecutive years. She has an extensive educational background and experience. She has also been active in creating and developing the new Tambuli e-newsletter, deepening engagement with the Association’s mission, members, and initiatives. Please welcome Ms. Vina Lade to the Executive Council!
Fiesta Mo Sa USA 2024
Fiesta mo sa USA, is a yearly event for Filipino American communities in Florida and lately any states can join as well. They choose their representatives who participates in this Pageant for a Cause on the category of Queen, Mrs, Miss, Teen, Princess and Prince.
Candidates joined this pageant to fundraise thru ticket sales to help support Bantay Bata (Child Watch). Bantay Bata 163 is a social welfare program of ABS-CBN Foundation which aims to protect disadvantaged and at risk children in the Philippines through a nationwide network of social services.
BBFAA had been sending candidates to FMSU’s Pageant for a Cause for 7 years now. Tallahassee had been known to garnered top titles and special awards from our BBFAA candidates.
Last July 27, 2024, FMSU had celebrated 15 years at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Our very own BBFAA Miss Tallahassee, Jaymie Strickland won the top award of Miss Earth Florida 2025. She also earned several special awards, namely, Best in Gown, Best in Swim wear, Best in Cocktail dress and Best in National Costume. She will go to the Philippines to compete for Miss Earth Philippines scheduled for Aug. 9, 2025. Miss Earth Philippines will compete to Miss Earth International in another country in November 2025.
Another candidate represented BBFAA at the last Pageant in July 27, 2024. Our BBFAA MRS. 2024, Ohna Guisadio Koontz competed at the Fiesta mo sa USA, Pageant for a Cause. She received special awards of Best in Gown and Best in Runway. Her beauty and stage performance is a standout at the Pageant.
BBFAA is proud of these empowered women representing our Association and Tallahassee. A once in a lifetime experience that will always be treasured.
BBFAA Appreciates Our Valentine’s Party Sponsors
BBFAA held a Valentine’s Party fundraising event on February 8, 2025 at the American Legion. We are proud to introduce our new 2025 BBFAA Charity Candidates: BBFAA Charity Miss – Izzy Alacantara and BBFAA Queen Vilma Chambers. Please support our candidates as they raise money for a good cause. BBFAA would also like to express our appreciation by recognizing the following sponsors for their kind generosity:
$200 Sponsors
- Premier Medical Clinic
$100 Sponsors
- Alex and Amy Cardona
- Angie Christoff
- Louis & Chris Almanzor
- Hosea & Lili Battles
- Boyette & Lilith Salvador
- Maribel & Marilyn Ramos
- Joey & Lally Mosley
- Treasured Luxury
- Jim Spalla & Joice Washington
- Albert & Lexi Foz
- Sonny & Gigi Abad
- Tri Star Facial Massage & Spa (Gloria Aggabao- CEO/Owner
BBFAA Outreach Program
BBFAA held a Halloween Costume Party fundraising event for Hurricane Relief. Thank you to the BBFAA Officers and Board Members for their hard work and continued support. For donations to the hurricane relief you can pay online in the link below or issue a check to BBFAA. Mail to P.O. Box 227, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Or click on the Pay Online link on this website. For more details, visit the BBFAA Facebook profile.
Council of Cultural Arts Grant
BBFAA has been approved to receive $1260 in Cultural Grant and $360 Marketing Grant for FY24 in COCA Grants. The Cultural Grant (City Grant) has not been finalized in which BBFAA requested $10K. We will hear more information soon as we have just submitted the FY2023 Final Grant Report.
Thank you for your support! – Click here to view the 2022 BBFAA Pista sa Nayon Patron Sponsors and Businesses/Organizations.
Pista sa Nayon – Filipino Festival
This year’s Annual 2024 Pista sa Nayon will be held at Tom Brown Park on Saturday, November 9th from 9 am to 4:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. This event is sponsored in-kind by the City of Tallahassee.
Please join us and enjoy Filipino culture!
Last year, the Annual 2023 Pista sa Nayon – Filipino Festival was held on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. where BBFAA showcased its Filipino traditions, food, and performances. This cultural festival is sponsored by COCA grant and the City of Tallahassee. Our major sponsors included Florida Blue, Sanista, HCA Healthcare and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Special thanks to our food vendors: Acosta’s Kitchen, Murillo’s Kitchen, Eat’s Pinoy, Real Sarap, Filipiniana Cafe, Josie’s Kitchen, and Tarty’s Enterprise ETC.
FSU Volunteer Concessions: Game Day + Fundraiser
Date/Time: Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 9 am to 5 pm
Location: FSU Doak Campbell Stadium. Pick up at TCC Parking lot.
Details: Be a part of the BBFAA FSU Concessions stand crew and click the SignUp logo above to volunteer. High school students can earn Bright Future Scholarship hours. Join BBFAA for our biggest fundraiser at the FSU vs. Alabama. At 10 am, meet at the TCC Parking lot. Gates open at 12 noon. Kickoff is at 3:30 pm. Please wear black or khaki pants or shorts, and closed-toe shoes. BBFAA will provide a t-shirt and hat.
Contact: Lally Mosley at (850) 766-0281 for more information.
BBFAA's Healthcare & Loyalty Appreciation Gala
Date/Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 6 pm to 11 pm
Location: American Legion, 229 Lake Ella Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32303
Cost: Couple – $35 member/$40; Single – $20 member/$25; Family – $50 member/$55; Student – $10 member/$15; Kids ,10- FREE. There is an additional online fee payment per ticket. Write check to BBFAA or Zelle to Treasurer, Josey Bass Jones at 860-295-5463.
Sponsorships: Diamond – $300 with 7 tickets; Gold – $200 with 5 tickets; Silver – $100 with 2 tickets.
Details: Attire is semi-formal. Bring your dancing shoes!
Filipino Mass - Every 2nd Sunday of each Month
Date/Time: Every second Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm Mass
Location: St. Louis Catholic Church Mass, 3640 Fred George Rd., Tallahassee, FL
Details: We appreciate Father Alberic Lazerna for celebrating the Mass for us and St. Louis Parish for hosting us. We thank our BBFAA Choir Director Barbara Reyes for providing the Filipino Church music for the mass. Come join us for a Fellowship Lunch after the mass at the Parish Hall. We encourage everyone to share their best dish. The link to sign up can be found in your emails from the BBFAA listserv.
BBFAA Leadership 2023 - 2025
BBFAA Executive Council
- President Sonny Abad
- Vice President Michelle Riley
- Secretary Vina Lade
- Treasurer Josephine Jones
- Auditor Joanne Skelton
- Public Relations Officer Odyssy Pastrana
- Chairman of the Board Arneil Reyes
- Vice Chair Board Member Lally Mosley
- Board Member Romeo Aggabao (Past President)
- Board Member Earl Campos (Past President)
- Board Member Albert Foz
- Board Member Father Alberic Lazerna
- Board Member Nelly Guarda
BBFAA US Educational Grant $500
Attention, High School Seniors and College Students! The BBFAA US Grant Essay Contest is Now Open!
Click this link for the BBFAA Essay Contest Application, Rules, and Guidelines
The BBFAA US Grant Essay Contest is now open to all high school seniors and college students! This essay contest is for students of all ethnic backgrounds. The BBFAA will award an Educational Grant to financially assist senior high school students and college students in the local Florida area. The deadline to submit your forms and documents has been extended to June 20, 2025 by 11:59 pm ET. The grant(s) are valued at $500. For more information, contact Chair Michelle Riley email: mich04_june@outlook.com.
Civic Center Concession Volunteer Opportunities:
BBFAA is giving more opportunities for High school students (Age 16 and above) to receive Bright Futures Scholarship service hours by volunteering at the Civic Center Food/Snack Concessions stands during special events, basketball games and concerts. This is also an opportunity for members to start building up concession hours for a complimentary dinner at the 2024 BBFAA Christmas Party in December. Sign up at BBFAA.org or please contact Lally Mosley to volunteer at phone: 850-766-0281.
Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the BBFAA $500.00 U.S. Educational Grant!
- Marie Baes – Tallahassee State College (TSC)
- Zoe Hearns – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
- Anton Abad – Florida State University (FSU)
- Charlotte Alcala – Florida State University (FSU)
- Saima Khan – Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Co-chair: Hosea Battles
BBFAA FSU Volunteer Concession
Sign up to be a BBFAA Concession Stand Volunteer
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- All volunteers must be over the age of 18 years and take a 2 hour training.
- Please meet 4 hours before kickoff. Transportation at Olive Garden.
- Dress code: Black or khaki pants/long shorts. No jeans or leggings. Non-skid shoes with covered toes and clear bag policy.
Click on the logo below to sign up as a volunteer
2025 FSU Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| Saturday, August 30, 3:30 pm kickoff | FSU v. Alabama |
| Saturday, September 6, 12 noon kickoff | FSU v. East Texas A&M |
| Saturday, September 20, TBD | FSU v. Kent State |
| Saturday, October 4 | FSU v. Miami |
| Saturday, October 11 | FSU v. Pitt |
| Saturday, November 1 | FSU v. Wake Forest |
| Saturday, November 15 | FSU v. Virginia Tech |
