PACCAL Celebrates Women Achievers for a Changing World

The 2025 PACCAL Women Honorees with Honorary Chairs Senen Cabalfin and Linda Limcaco, and President Freddy Burke and Rheanne Lagman, 1st vice president | Photo by Rhey Maranan

JERSEY CITY, NJ — The Junior Ballroom of the Newark Airport Mariott Hotel buzzed with energy and crackled with shared purpose. It was the annual Women’s History Month gala of the Pan-American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL), with the theme “Celebrating Women Achievers for a Changing World.” Fourteen women, each a luminary in her own right, were honored.

PACCAL vice president and chairperson of the event, Rheanne Lagman’s welcome remarks set the tone of the day’s celebration with immense pride. She said the event is not just a celebration — “it is a movement, a call to action, and a beacon of inspiration for women who dare to dream, lead, and break barriers.”

“This is a day to honor the incredible resilience, strength, and achievements of women across generations,” Lagman emphasized. “For too long, women have been told to take a step back. But today, and every day, we take a step forward. We celebrate … women who continue to uplift and transform our communities,” she continued. “Empowerment is not just a word; it is a responsibility. It is our duty to support one another, to lift as we climb, and to create opportunities where none existed before.”

Deputy Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in New York Adrian Cruz, the keynote speaker, dovetailed on Lagman’s remarks, saying the honorees are women who are no longer the limiting or stereotypical “behind every successful man there is a woman” type. “Nowadays,” he said, “behind every successful woman is herself — a phrase that reminds us that women are capable of achieving their goals and building their own success stories without relying on others.”

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The speakers’ remarks made some men cringe in their seats, letting the reality of the statements sink into their consciousness. Lagman pressed on, urging women to remember that “we are not alone in this fight. We are surrounded by a community that believes in women’s strength, our contributions’ impact, and our leadership’s necessity.”

Lagman concluded her remarks by enjoining women, “{T}ogether we will shatter the glass ceiling, redefine possibilities, and inspire the next generation to rise with courage and conviction … because when women rise, the world transforms with them.”

Meanwhile, the deputy consul general offered his message to the men in the room instead of the women. “Be her number one fan,” he said, “encouraging her to grow, dream, express herself to you and others, to find purpose, knowing that you are always there for her.” He reminded men to be mindful of their words to women and “to avoid hiding behind your pride or ego,” not hesitating to make amends. “Men must protect the heart of the woman we love …so that she can blossom because she feels safe and secure.”

Like Lagman, Cruz shared his vision about women, which he finds true: “A woman’s heart, when held with care, has the power to change the world.”

As the event went on, the first batch of honorees — Roselyn Clemente-Fuentes, Jade Borromeo Flinn, Jane Concepcion Magno, Noemi Fulgencio, Suzalin Llena, Teresa Damitos, Nikki Schaul — was called on stage to receive their plaques. As they sat in the middle of the room, they were serenaded by Rafael Gutierrez, a local crooner who sang a beautiful rendition of Out There from the musical The Hunch Back of Notre Dame. His solo was filled with hope, yearning, and a romanticized vision of the song with a soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a standout moment of his music.

Gutierrez did the same with the second set of honorees—Elizabeth Cueva, Elaine Magalona Schroeder, Rhodora Villanueva, Mary Ann Rivera, Sally Francisco, and Mary Ann Kapunan—with a more upbeat song from Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning. The smooth and soulful track blends elements of jazz fusion, alternative rock, and blue-eyed soul. The melody is warm and uplifting, with Gutierrez’s vocals adding a heartfelt touch. Some guests were swaying their hips, tapping the floor, and eager to hit the dancefloor.

However, the event was not just about honoring 14 women of outstanding accomplishments; it was also a moment to celebrate and install the newly elected officers and directors of PACCAL administered by Deputy Consul General Cruz. Freddy Burke, president; Rheanne Lagman, first vice president; Florante Coronel, second vice president; Jamie Natividad, corresponding secretary; Aprille Aquino, recording secretary; Becky Samanyaphon, treasurer; Leiz Lacida, assistant treasurer; and Jenny Castaneda, auditor.

Directors include Darlene Dilangalen-Borromeo; Susan Lagmay; Stevenson Van Derodar; Alica Borja, Rachel Beth Tamayo, Jose Mari “Lee” Clemente; and Jose Mayo. They were all sworn into their respective offices.

Lagman also received an award as Event Chairperson.

In closing remarks, Burke also honored his mother, Luz, for “instilling in me the values of our heritage, tradition, and good morals.” The women’s history celebration, he said, is “more than just a date on the calendar; it is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead.”

“Throughout history, women have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations,” Burke noted. “From the pioneers who fought for their rights to the trailblazers in leadership, education, science, business, sports, and the arts—women have continuously shaped our world in great ways.”

He showed his appreciation to all who came and “all women in the room,” saying, “Incredible women here and everywhere, you are seen, you are valued and respected.”

As the afternoon drew to a close, each honoree’s story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Their stories intertwined a testament to the power of women to shape the world. They were nurses, soldiers, mothers, advocates, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, each a thread in the rich fabric of history. They were a reminder that strength came in many forms, that leadership was not defined by power but by compassion, and that the most significant legacy was the lives they touched and the communities they uplifted.

Their legacy would continue to inspire, their voices echoing through generations, a reminder that resilience and compassion can change the world even in the face of adversity.

The words of Deputy Consul General Cruz lingered, mostly to men, as they were leaving the ornate room. “To the men in the room, be the one who is steadfast and determined. Be loving and understanding. Be the one who inspires trust. Be sure that the woman in your life is seen, heard, cherished, and understood.”