Get to Know Us

     The Mabuhay organization originated from the Filipino-American Sampaguita Club of
Tucson (FASCOT). During the term of Susan Liang, as the Sampaguita Club President in 1987, I proposed to name the cultural arm of FASCOT, "Mabuhay." I was inspired by my husband's military friends who always greeted me "Mabuhay" as a new resident in Tucson. Mabuhay, literally means "Long Live." It also means "Welcome," "Cheers," "Good Luck," "Congratulations,"
and "Godspeed."
     The Mabuhay Dance Troupe of the Sampaguita Club presented a 2-hour cultural show in 1988, during the term of Cynthia (Arcala) Pascual. It was co-sponsored by the Cultural Exchange Council. It was the first-ever Filipino cultural event produced in Tucson. It was a huge success, thanks to the efforts and support of Cyl (Knauss) Gomez-Andersen, Susan Liang, Cynthia Pascual, Esperanza Gutang, and many others. Choreographers, Neneng and I worked with eager, young, and adult dancers for several months, practicing and training them every weekend for the show and beyond.
     In March of 1989, after much deliberation, Cyl, Susan, Neneng, and I decided that Mabuhay was ready to become an independent entity. We then became incorporated in November 1989. By this action, we were able to raise funds to supply our performing members with free costumes. In 1994, we met a multi-talented lady and her husband, Cecille and Jerry Muller. Cecille became Mabuhay's Musical Director. She sings and plays several musical instruments. She conducts our choral group, and she created a youth and adult orchestra, the Rondalla. Mabuhay has performed in public schools, church social functions, nursing homes, the UA, and Pima College. It continues to
participate at the annual "Tucson Meet Yourself" festival, a multi-cultural celebration in downtown Tucson. Mabuhay also performs for our mother club, FASCOT at their Pista sa Nayon celebration.

     In 2000 and 2003, Mabuhay co-sponsored, with the assistance of Cecilia Gomez-Andersen, the Tucson performances of the world-renowned, University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. In 2014, it co-sponsored another world-famous group, the Leyte Dance Theater, through the efforts and support of Imelda Cuyugan and Pima College. In 2010, Mabuhay acquired its 501(C)(3) status through the diligent and vigorous endeavor of
Mr. Russel Sumpter. Its official name is the Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation of Tucson (PMCFT).

     Worthy of note is the tremendous effort of Trini Sumpter who made gorgeous costumes
provided by Mabuhay to its performers who have grown by leaps and bounds. Choreographers, Cecille Muller and Manol Oswald welcome an accredited lady, Geraldine Sy-Constante to join us in training, teaching and inspiring enthusiastic dancers to be ready for events and invitations. The combination of time, effort, and willingness of each member to train hard makes for a successful performance of MABUHAY!