Much like a precocious child, the Philippine Nurses’ Association of Richmond Virginia (PNARVA) cut off the apron strings from her mother chapter, the Philippine Nurses’ Association of Virginia (PNAVA)-Virginia Beach after just a year of being a subchapter. PNAVA, the wise mother that she is, knows when her child is ready to be let go.  Within six years, PNARVA was ready to host the Philippine Nurses’ Association of America’s Eastern Region Convention (PNAA-ERC).

 

It all started when, in October 2007, Marj Mohta attended her first PNAA-ERC at Chery Hill, NJ.  She felt welcomed and was so impressed that when Guia Caliwagan from PNAVA encouraged her to form a group, she was very receptive. Soon Marj called a series of meetings of nurse friends and co-workers around the Richmond area. Her enthusiasm convinced the group of about twenty-one nurses to form the PNAVA-Richmond (PNAVA-RIC) subchapter. And, the first slate of officers was inducted at Virginia Beach on October 2008, by then PNAA President Leo Jurado with Marj as the founding President. 

 

The PNAVA-RIC, though just a subchapter, functioned its first year with very little over sight from PNAVA, fulfilling its mission by giving Education Seminars to nurses, three times that year. Among other noteworthy first-term achievements were the following:
 

 

1. Marched with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research.

2. Fed the homeless at the Hull Street Transition House.

3. Donated money to Ondoy Flood victims.

4. Collected winter coats for the needy in an effort to “Keep Virginians Warm”

5. Coordinated with Dillard’s Department Store and hosted “Dress for Success”, a Fashion Show

6. Participated in the Community Health Fair by networking with the Huguenot Baptist Church and other local organization such as Asian American Society of  Central Virginia

7. Took care of its members’ health while raising funds through our PRO, Dhol Tuason’s Zumba sessions.
    

PNARVA-RIC also had its share of fun Holiday parties. These set the personal yet upbeat tone for the years that followed. Marj and her court were fine role models, indeed, for their successors.

 

PNAVA-RIC was quick to come of age. By the end of their term, having fulfilled all the necessary requirements, including a robust growth in membership from 21 to 41 members, Marj and the Executive Board held a series of meetings to apply for chapter status and to formulate its own chapter by-laws.  During one meeting the name Philippine Nurses’ Association of Richmond Virginia (PNARVA) was chosen by a majority vote. PNAVA-RIC thus forged a new path, and became the PNARVA Chapter.

In November 2010, the second cabinet was inducted by then PNAA president, Rey Rivera with Tita Bonzon as the PNAVA Chapter President. The above activities continued, but Tita’s most noteworthy accomplishment was acquiring 501 C-3 tax-exempt status for PNARVA, allowing the chapter to raise funds without having to pay taxes on those funds.

Then, in November 2012, the third administration was inducted during the 15th PNAA-ERC hosted by PNAVA at Colonial Williamsburg, VA by then PNAA President Vicky Navarro with Clarita Tagle-Fox as the PNARVA President. The PNAA was impressed and entertained by PNARVA’s “Batchata Paso-doble” dance, choreographed by Dhol. During this term also, the achievement PNARVA was most proud of was that thru Zumbathon organized by Dhol and thru other fundraising efforts, it raised over $ 4,600 and gave it to the PNAAF for the relief of Typhoon Haiyan victims. 

 

When the next rotation to host the ERC came, PNARVA had matured to the point that PNAA decided it was indeed right for PNARVA to host the 18th ERC. That flattering suggestion inspired PNARVA to begin preparations to host the upcoming PNAA-ERC early on.

 

The time has finally come to host the 18th PNAA-ERC, which will be held at the Short Pump Hilton & SPA on October 30-31, 2015. The PNARVA Executive Committee with Cora Marasigan as president, and the 18th PNAA-ERC Planning Committee are eager to showcase their talents and hard-work. They have a BIG surprise that is sure to impress and entertain all