Virgie
and Frankie Palisoc are the 1996 Hermano and Hermana Mayor. Individually and
together, they exemplify the best in the Filipino American community.Both are active members of the Pacific Northwest Pangasinan Association, Washington State Pangasinan Sister State Association, the Filipino American Community of Seattle, and the Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington. According to Frankie they are active in the community because "it's important to do things that enhance the image of Filipinos." Added Virgie "It is the right thing to do when you try to help other people." Frank and Virgie met in Seattle in the late 60's. Both were single professionals - Virgie an architect and Frank an engineer, and both from the same province of Pangasinan. At that time, the U.S. was aggressively pursuing highly skilled workers to meet the demands of a booming economy. Virgie ended at NBBJ, a Seattle architectural firm (and most recently chosen as architects for the new outdoor Mariners Stadium). Says Virgie, "they are also the same firm that designed the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial." After several years, she moved to the Port of Seattle where she has been for the last 20 years. She is responsible for doing complex projects involving real estate sales, construction real and noise abatement.
Frank landed at a Bellevue based engineering firm where based engineering where he helped in the design of roadways and transportation projects. He took a job with the City of Bellevue where he has worked for the last 21 years doing engineering and public works.
They met at a Filipino community social function for young, new immigrants sponsored by the Luzviminda organization. They have two daughters. Grace graduated from the University of Washington witlh a business adminsitration degree specializing on information systems. Daughter Arlene is a senior at Arizona State following mom’s footstep in Architecture.
At Pista sa Nayon, you see these two talented, professional couple pounding nails, setting up booths, hauling debris and garbage, cooking, selling, collecting dues, and registering people to vote. No tasks too demeaning do. They simply get the job done.
"We've been involved with Pista from the beginning", said Frank. "I enjoy it. It's fun and I love the camaraderie." This year they've added fundraising to their multiple tasks. In typical fashion Virgie says, "We have to be at a Filipino community meeting tonight but we’ll get the list of Hermana and Hermano to you later." And at 11:00 p.m. during a work week, they came to my door, still working and ensuring the every Hermano and Hermana received acknowledgement. Hardworking and dedicated, they embody the true spirit of Pista and the Filipino community.