Excitement, camaraderie, and generosity filled the Al Rifaa Ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel in Manama as over 300 participants came together for the Fil-Am Bingo Bonanza Part 2 on 14 November 2025. Beyond the excitement of friendly competition, the gathering evolved into a remarkable display of solidarity and generosity across Bahrain’s Filipino and American community.
Organized by the Filipino American Association of Bahrain (FAAB), the Bingo Bonanza united families, friends, and long-time supporters who were keen to test their luck while aiding significant community projects. Laughter resonated throughout the ballroom as numbers were announced, cards were marked, and cheers erupted with each near-win, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Filipino celebrations back home.
Mercy Brown, 47, Filipina who is married to a British citizen, conveyed her enthusiasm by stating that she “genuinely relished the game and the enjoyable atmosphere of the evening.” She’s seated with her friends as they engage in the bingo game, collectively supporting the event in both spirit and thought for a noble cause.
Encouraged by a friend to take part, Frances Pecson, 49, an accountant at Basichem WLL, joyfully exclaimed “Bingo!” after finishing her game pattern, securing a Kenwood blender as her prize. She characterized the ambiance of the event as thrilling, yet underscored that the real significance lay in the chance to aid a charitable cause and participate in a meaningful initiative.
Steven Madison won a rice cooker during the raffle but generously returned his prize to be raffled again, bringing even more excitement to the event. Steven, together with Filipina entrepreneur Norminda Licban, also sponsored Kate Spade and Michael Kors bags for the raffle. Norminda shared, “We simply wanted to support the cause of Fil-Am. I have been a proud member since 2012.”
Mr. Vic Cabali, Mr. Alex Lamis, and Mr. Alain Buensuceso expertly facilitated the bingo games from calling the numbers to verifying winning cards, adding their own unique wit and charm that kept the crowd entertained throughout the event. Throughout the bingo rounds, the organizers ensured a smooth flow by clearly announcing the numbers and carefully checking the cards before confirming the winners
Excitement soared among the bingo and raffle winners, with the loudest cheers erupting from those who took home the two major prizes coveted 75-inch color TVs one from the raffle and one from the bingo.
Fil-Am supports and will continue to support several charitable causes, including providing assistance to distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), individuals battling serious illnesses and helping children with health and mobility challenges.
Recently, Fil-Am, together with the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain (T2), provided a prosthetic leg to Bismah, the 8-year-old daughter of an OFW. With her new leg, she is now able to attend school and is happily studying at the kindergarten level.
In a setting filled with joy and camaraderie, Fil-Am President Orlando Fontanilla, along with the organization’s officers, conveyed sincere gratitude to all participants and the generous sponsors whose contributions enabled the event to take place.
Serving a dual purpose, the Bonanza functioned both as a successful fundraising initiative and a celebration of dedicated service. It also provided Mr. Fontanilla with the opportunity to recognize and honor members and individuals who have steadfastly supported the organization’s mission throughout his three-year tenure as president. The awardees were:
- Ponciano Cruz Guanlao, President’s Distinguished Chairmanship Excellence Award
- Madeline Yba Despi, President’s Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award
- Grace Bonus H. Estacio, President’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award
- Krisallyn Villamor Santos, President’s Outstanding Social Media and Reporting Performance Award
- Jocelyn Vertudes Pinuela, , President’s Distinguished Top Volunteer Award
- Sarah Fontanilla Rivera, President’s Outstanding Administrative Excellence Award
- Lasheen A P Peedikkal, Owner/Managing Director, Lasheen Jewelry Co.
President’s Excellence Sponsorship Award
- Thomas Chacko, Owner/Managing Director, Evershine Jewelry  Co  President’s Distinguished Contributor of the Year 2025 Award
- Reigna Lou Cruz Gumiran, President’s Distinguished Leadership Performance Award
- Rabi J. Serna, President’s Distinguished Treasurer and Financial
Excellence Award
- Robinson’s Land Corporation & Companies, Manila Philippines
President’s Distinguished Top Sponsor of the Year 2025 Award, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Cecil Vidal Ancheta, President’s Distinguished Top Writer and
Communication Excellence Award 2025
- Ben Ryan J. Sauce, President’s Outstanding Social Media and
Creative Writer Distinction Award
- Arbelle Galarido Sabanpan, President’s Distinguished Top Sales Achiever Award
The achievement of the Fil-Am Bingo Bonanza 2 could not have been realized without the commitment and diligence of the organization’s officers. Their relentless work in organizing, coordinating, and implementing the event provided a smooth experience for all attendees. Through their guidance, dedication, and enthusiasm for the community, the officers persist in advancing the mission of Fil-Am, promoting unity, cultural pride, and support for deserving causes among Filipinos in Bahrain.
The Filipino American Association of Bahrain is guided by a warm and dedicated team of officers who work together to support and unite the community. Leading the group is President Orlando Fontanilla, joined by Vice President for Internal Affairs Joselito Sarmiento. The association’s financial matters are handled by Treasurer Rabi Serna and Assistant Treasurer Joyce Pinuela.
Operations are overseen by Director Aaron De Guzman and Deputy Operations Director Madelane Despi, while Secretary Sara Rivera ensures smooth communication within the organization. Public Affairs Officer Ryan Sauce and Assistant Public Affairs Officer Kris Santos help strengthen connections both inside and outside the community.
The team also includes Grace Estacio, Outreach Chairman; Alain Buensuceso, Sports Commissioner; Malou Jakosalem, Sales, Research and Development Chairman and Jommel Gomentong, Procurement and Purchasing Officer each one playing an important role in serving and uplifting the Filipino-American community in Bahrain.
The event also received support from several distinguished leaders, including Mr. Mitch de Guzman of the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain (T2), Dinah Sta. Ana, President of Pinay Ikaw (PIN), and Cecilia Ancheta of the Filipino Writers’ Circle.
Bingo remains one of the most beloved social and fundraising games worldwide, bringing people together in community centers, churches, clubs, and online platforms.
The Fil-Am Bingo Bonanza 2 shows that beyond the fun and excitement, events like these have the power to bring communities together and champion meaningful causes, reminding us that even the simplest games can inspire lasting change.
