Philippine Professional & Business Society of Santa Clara Valley, Inc.

The idea of forming the Philippine Business and Professional Society of Santa Clara Valley was conceived by Mrs. Reppie E. Bautista, the late Faustino Gamboa and Dr. Ted Ulanday in late 1962. Subsequently, the three founders and organizers decided to have the first meeting at the residence of Dr. Ted Ulanday at Foxworthy Street, San Jose, California. At that time, Reppie E. Bautista invited the late Camilo Valderrama, who also invited Gil Emata, Sr.  Dr. Ted Ulanday invited Wilhelmina and Francisco Thelmo, who became part of the charter members. After the first meeting, more members were invited and the attendance swelled. The first officers elected were:

                        Dr. Ted Ulanday, President

                        Faustino “Gambie” Gamboa, Vice President

                        Wilhelmina Santos Telmo, Secretary

                        Reppie E. Bautista, Assistant Secretary

                        Camilo Valderrama, Treasurer

                        Gil Emata, Sgt.-At-Arms

Some of the charter members at that time were: Agnes Valdez, Belen Camello, Ron Javellosa and Lucky Amutan.

The first big social function of the Society, the now traditional Anniversary Dinner-Dance (The Big Splash), was held at the Hawaiian Gardens.  It was a Filipino Buffet Dinner prepared by excellent cooks from San Francisco.  Entertainment consisted of Philippine Folk Dances and Hula Dances. The Folk Dance Troupe from the Philippines called “Saniata Ti Amianan” meaning Jewel of the North performed at that night.  Members of the Dance Troupe were the house guests of Reppie E. Bautista.  Although the proceeds from the affair were not sufficient to cover the expenses, the entire membership was more than happy and delighted that the group’s introduction to the American Professional and Business Community was a great success.  Never in the history of Northern California did a start-up service and charitable organization sponsored a Dinner-Dance featuring champagne throughout the evening. The delicious Pampangueno-Tagalog cuisine was very well liked by all the guests. Some American businessmen and doctors, who originally came from other States, were astonished to find Filipinos engaged in business and practicing various professions, such as teachers, accountants, engineers, healing arts and other professions.

The first installation of officers was held at the Gran Oriente Filipino Building at 4^th and Jackson Streets in San Jose, California.  Installing Officer was the late Mr. Ed Levin, Santa Clara County supervisor of District II, who was invited by Reppie Bautista. The charter officers and members were all congratulated by Mr. Levin for the formation of the Society.

The Society was incorporated in 1965, when the Articles of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State in Sacramento, California.  In 1969, the Board of Directors with the approval of the general membership adopted the name “Philippine Professional and Business Society of Santa Clara Valley, Inc.”

Among the primary goals and objectives of the Society are: the development of the youth, promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs, provide assistance to the elderly Filipinos and Filipino Americans residing in Santa Clara County, and to foster enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation in the professional and business community.

We are indeed very proud to say that the Philippine Professional and Business Society of Santa Clara Valley, Inc. have done its share in promoting Filipino recognition and in meeting our community obligations.  We will continue to do.

For these, we salute the founders and organizers who had the foresight to start this great organization and to all the members who have unselfishly contributed their time, resources and efforts to bring the Society where it is today.  Thank you to Reppie E. Bautista, Dr. Ted Ulanday and the late Faustino Gamboa.