25th Anniversary Messages from PNA-NC Presidents

View our 25th anniversary souvenir program

Thank you for being part of our journey! 💫

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors, esteemed guests, founding officers, former and current officers—your unwavering support and dedication have made this milestone not only possible but truly momentous, memorable, and inspiring.

Because of you, our celebration isn’t just a day—it’s a year-long tribute to our legacy, impact, and bright future. Here’s to 25 years of excellence, and the many more to come!

PNA-NC Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Past, Transforming the Future

Blaise Nieve, PhD Nursing, PhD Education, MA Nursing, RN, CMSRN, NEA-BC

Assistant Secretary and Public Relations, Promotions, and Archives Co-Chair, PNA North Carolina

The Philippine Nurses Association of North Carolina (PNA-NC) proudly marked its 25th anniversary with a grand celebration held on June 21, 2025, at the University Club, Durham, NC. With the theme "25 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Past, Transforming the Future," the event brought together past and present leaders, members, and community partners in a jubilant gathering that honored a rich legacy and cast a bright vision for the future.

The program was gracefully hosted by emcees Reyanne Francia, BSN, RN, and Jay Libutan, BSN, RN, CNOR. The celebration commenced with an invocation by Reynaldo Cuenca, BSN, RN, CNAMB, PNA-NC Vice President, followed by stirring renditions of the Philippine and U.S. national anthems by Mariles Mushet, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, AGCNP-BC, and Christine Malata, BSN, RN, CNOR, respectively.

President Faith Lamprea, BSN, RN, CNOR, welcomed attendees with warmth and gratitude, acknowledging the many hands that built PNA-NC over the years. Warly Remegio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM, PNAA Eastern Region Vice President, gave the opening remarks, highlighting the chapter's enduring impact. A Silver Jubilee Message was shared via video by Dr. Chantal Howard of Duke University Hospital, while a heartfelt message of inspiration from Dr. Ernest Grant of Duke School of Nursing was read by former PNA-NC President Luisito Pascual. North Carolina House Representative Maria Cervania delivered an Empowerment Message that celebrated the contributions of Filipino nurses in healthcare and society.

The evening continued with dinner and musical serenades by Aileen Laczi, MSN, BSN, RN, CNOR, and Christine Malata, BSN, RN, CNOR. Attendees were then treated to a segment recognizing the generosity of the event sponsors and a heartfelt awarding of the PNA-NC Nursing Excellence Award.

A moving tribute was given to the past presidents of PNA-NC who were in attendance. Founding President Gabriel Sapalaran was recognized for his pioneering efforts and continued contributions to telehealth and caring science research. Other past presidents honored included Luisito Pascual, who led the organization during two terms and retired from the Durham Veterans Medical Center; Dr. Jennifer Dizon, currently serving as an Informatics Nurse Specialist at Duke; Helen Rivera and Merly Pascual, both enjoying retirement after dedicated service to surgical and veteran care respectively; Dr. Cristina Hendrix, a tenured professor at Duke University School of Nursing; Fe Praiswater, recognized for her post-anesthesia care at the Durham VA; Aileen Laczi, now a night shift charge nurse at Duke Eye Center; Florenda Asinas, recently retired from Duke’s OR team; and the current President, Faith Lamprea, a dedicated surgical nurse in the Eye Center at Duke.

The celebration also honored the founding officers of PNA-NC for laying the groundwork for the organization's legacy. These included Luisito Pascual (Founding Membership Chair), Angelita Kabigting (Founding Education Chair), Helen Rivera (Founding Auditor), Linda Zaballero (Founding Treasurer), Mauricio Aujero, Jr. (Founding VP for External Affairs), and Dr. Monette Mabolo (Founding VP for Internal Affairs). Each of them played a pivotal role in establishing a strong and enduring chapter. Their professional journeys, from OR nursing to high-level leadership in institutions like Duke and Moses Cone, are testaments to their pioneering spirit and dedication.

Additional recognition was given to current officers in attendance, including Franklin Dominno, Rosanna Engle, Fe Caballero, Ethel Cuenca, Reynaldo Cuenca, Rafael Lorenzo Nuyles, Jay Libutan, Maria Albano, Ben Valente, Doris Benzara, Grace Fabito, Teresa Azarcon, Christine Malata, and Amy Tizon. Their ongoing commitment continues to shape the chapter’s mission.

Aileen Laczi, one of the PNA-NC Former Presidents and the Current Assistant Treasurer and Membership Chair, received the prestigious PNA-NC 2025 Leadership Excellence Award for her exemplary service and leadership.

The evening concluded with the reading of the Vision of PNA-NC by Gabriel Sapalaran, Jr., followed by closing remarks from President-Elect Ethel Cuenca, BSN, RN, CAPA. The celebration culminated in joyous dancing, with PNA-NC officers leading a lively performance to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," followed by a dance floor filled with members grooving to the beat of "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire.

PNA-NC remains committed to honoring its legacy while continuing to uplift Filipino nurses across the state and beyond. Here's to another 25 years of excellence, impact, and transformation!

Exciting News!

The inside PNAA Editorial Board is thrilled to announce the top 3 articles for the PNAA PRIDE Awards in the Best in Feature Article category!

Top 3 (in no particular order)
1. Reflections on Nurse Unseen: A nurse’s perspective on a profound and emotional journey
by Catherine Rubio, MSN, RN, PHN, HFEN
PNA Southern California

2. Transforming Geriatric Care: Implementing age-friendly health systems
by Blaise Nieve, PhD in Nursing, PhD in Education, RN, CMSRN, NEA-BC
PNA North Carolina

3. A mother’s wish
by Dave Rey A. Balbarada, MSN, MPS, APRN, ACNPC-AG, CCRN-CSC/CMC, VHA-CM (Fellow)
PNA Nashville, TN

Congratulations to the top 3! The winner will be announced on July 17 at the 46th PNAA National Convention Networking Night. Don't miss the chance to find out who will take home the award!

PNA North Carolina Hosts 14th Fall Seminar

By: Blaise Nieve, PhD, RN, CMSRN, NEA-NC

We are proud to announce that our article, "Philippine Nurses Association of North Carolina (PNA-NC) Hosts a Remarkable 14th Fall Seminar," has been featured in the November 2024 issue of Inside PNAA—the official newsletter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA)!

The article highlights the success of our 14th Fall Seminar, held on October 19, 2024, with the theme “Harnessing the Power of Collaboration: Transforming Professional Impact and Influence.” This event brought together over 60 nurses and showcased inspiring presentations from distinguished experts in diverse fields, sparking meaningful discussions on collaboration and innovation in healthcare.

A huge thank you to our exceptional speakers, attendees, and everyone who made this event a success! Together, we continue to empower nurses and transform healthcare.

Be sure to check out the Inside PNAA newsletter to relive this remarkable event and celebrate the accomplishments of our PNA-NC community!

Inside PNAA November 2024 Issue: https://www.flipsnack.com/.../inside-pnaa.../full-view.html

PNA North Carolina Extends aid to Hurricane Helene survivors

By: Blaise Nieve, PhD, RN, CMSRN, NEA-NC

We are thrilled to share that our article, "Philippine Nurses Association of North Carolina (PNA-NC) Extends Aid to Hurricane Helene Survivors," has been featured in the November 2024 issue of Inside PNAA—the official newsletter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA)!

This piece highlights the heartfelt efforts of PNA-NC in providing much-needed assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Through the collective generosity of our nurses and donors, we were able to extend warmth and hope to those affected.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who supported this initiative and proud to showcase the bayanihan spirit that drives our community. Let’s continue to uplift and inspire one another as we create meaningful impacts in healthcare and beyond.

Check out the Inside PNAA newsletter to read the full article and celebrate this moment with us!

Inside PNAA November 2024 Issue: https://lnkd.in/egQe53V2

ᴘɴᴀ ɴᴏʀᴛʜ ᴄᴀʀᴏʟɪɴᴀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴏᴛʟɪɢʜᴛ!

By: Blaise Nieve, PhD, RN, CMSRN, NEA-NC

We’re thrilled to share that one of our recent community extension activities has been featured in the latest issue of Inside PNAA, the official newsletter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.! This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our PNA North Carolina family in bringing impactful healthcare services to our community.

Our recent event, held with support from local healthcare professionals and community members, offered free health services like blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose checks, health advice, and other valuable resources. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together for this cause, and we couldn’t have done it without the enthusiastic participation of our dedicated members and volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible! Let’s continue to make a difference and bring health and hope to our communities.

Read the full issue here: https://www.flipsnack.com/.../inside-pnaa.../full-view.html