THE SAMPAGUITA AWARD

Like the lovely white Sampaguita, our national flower of purity of intent

Symbol of pristine love of country and our glorious past,

Like the mystical and enchanting fragrance of the Sampaguita flower,

Emanating from our profound Sense of Identity, hidden in the ashes of colonial past,

A strong boisterous Spirit arises to declare that WE ARE FILIPINOS,

Ready, Willing, and Able to stand with our kindred in America and all Nations.

~Ludy Resurreccion

Las Islas Filipinas.Org, NYC(2015)

Bro. AKA TITO & Dr. Francia DeVera

AKA Tito and Francia, also known as Rajah Humabon and Hara Humani in the Purple Pillars Production of Las Islas Filipinas, “The Coming of the Cross and the Sword.” They have a unique life as husband and wife in both stage and real lives. He is the perfect modern symbol of pre-colonial Philippines’ Rajah Humabon’s strength and leadership. He was once a Battalion Commander of ROTC in the 70’s, a Master Mason from Jose Rizal Lodge No.1172 in 1993, and Grand Army of Princess Royal Escort 32^nd Degree. He is a native son of Sariaya, Quezon from De Chavez-DeVera heritage.

Happily married for over three decades and married three times in different ceremonies, the last of which was held in a great New York City landmark, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on Fifth Avenue in 2016.  This couple has been awarded Father and Mother of the Year Award by NAFFAA in 2012. They are blessed with two beautiful children, Richarleene and Rudner, and doubly blessed with wonderful son- and daughter-in-laws, Ryan Walsh and Raquel Johnson.  

Aka Tito graduated with Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree, but with a very down-to-earth simplicity, practicality and personality, he did a lot of jobs that he really liked most, like cultivating his love of nature, spirituality, and genuine love of people. This person of interest is unique in many ways.  A natural businessman with big dreams, he has partnered with his wife Dr. Francia de Vera to build their own nest egg of acquisitions, cash flows, and wide network. He is the CEO (Cash Executive Officer) of AKA Tito Enterprises doing mostly real estate business, and currently the Marketing Director of Luxury Global Mega World.

Dr. Francia, a native of Batangas, comes from the Virtucio and Holgado families.  Also known as “The Singing Doctor” in the Fil-Am community, she studied Pre-Med at UP Diliman and graduated with Doctor of Medicine degree from Far Eastern University. She specializes in Pediatrics and runs her private clinic in Brooklyn, NY, and is affiliated with hospitals at Wycoff, Lutheran and NYU Medical Centers.

Aka Tito is a wandering Filipino who has travelled most parts of the world and is currently a citizen of three countries: Philippines, United States of America and Canada. His patriotism and love for his native country, the Philippines, has no comparison, as his giving-back mission is to help Filipinos both here and abroad. He was a reliable and devoted volunteer at the old San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Broome St., Manhattan. He now volunteers with Philippine Community Center Services for the Aging (PCCSA), Taalenos of the East Coast, and a newly-minted member of the Knights of Rizal, NJ Chapter.

Aka Tito and Francia are well-loved and well-known members of the Filipino-American community in northeast America.  Among his vast network are included the company of the late Judge Romy Capulong, Judge Puno, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and many more.

MDS 11.19.17

http://www.carlosesguerra.com/