About Us
What is the Philippine Arts and Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI)?
PACE-MI is a tax-exempt/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Its founders started with one common goal - form a culture learning organization that will be continued forward by the younger generation. Our mission is to provide community-based educational programs and resources on Philippine arts and culture by promoting Filipino heritage through learning of the Philippine Rondalla, Kulintang, and the traditional Folk Dances, and teaching these skills forward to the next generation of learners.
We are inspired by the Filipino ethnomusicology students who have visited our community and left behind not only their Philippine instruments but also a commitment to continue what they taught about Philippine traditional music, songs and dances. PACE-MI is also a continuation of the many community organizations on Philippine culture that had established in this area. Our vision this time is to have a sustainable organization where the younger generation teaches forward what they have learned.
Our main learning outcomes include (1) special concerts, (2) student recitals, and (3) community workshops. Annually, we have averaged over 200 hours of group lessons and practice involving an ensemble of over 30 instruments, 15 performers, and the participation of 20 families. The success and sustainability of this movement depend very much on your generosity and endorsement of our vision.
Links to past cultural groups and PACE-MI performances: in YouTube, in FaceBook, in Google+
PACE-MI is a tax-exempt/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Its founders started with one common goal - form a culture learning organization that will be continued forward by the younger generation. Our mission is to provide community-based educational programs and resources on Philippine arts and culture by promoting Filipino heritage through learning of the Philippine Rondalla, Kulintang, and the traditional Folk Dances, and teaching these skills forward to the next generation of learners.
We are inspired by the Filipino ethnomusicology students who have visited our community and left behind not only their Philippine instruments but also a commitment to continue what they taught about Philippine traditional music, songs and dances. PACE-MI is also a continuation of the many community organizations on Philippine culture that had established in this area. Our vision this time is to have a sustainable organization where the younger generation teaches forward what they have learned.
Our main learning outcomes include (1) special concerts, (2) student recitals, and (3) community workshops. Annually, we have averaged over 200 hours of group lessons and practice involving an ensemble of over 30 instruments, 15 performers, and the participation of 20 families. The success and sustainability of this movement depend very much on your generosity and endorsement of our vision.
Links to past cultural groups and PACE-MI performances: in YouTube, in FaceBook, in Google+
EXECUTIVE BOARD 2023-2024
President Gemma Almendras
Vice-President Gean Almendras
Treasurer Elizabeth Weil
Secretary Cora Yee
Marketing Geordelle Bernardino
Public Relations Neza Frost
Public Relations Jim Sedayao
Artistic Director Benita Murrel
Costumes & Set Design Maritoni Delmar
President Gemma Almendras
Vice-President Gean Almendras
Treasurer Elizabeth Weil
Secretary Cora Yee
Marketing Geordelle Bernardino
Public Relations Neza Frost
Public Relations Jim Sedayao
Artistic Director Benita Murrel
Costumes & Set Design Maritoni Delmar
COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Romulo Aquino
Dr. Christi-Anne Castro
Ms. Susan Go
Rev. Jose Malayang
Ms. Teresita Raveendra
Mr. Joet Reoma
Dr. Quirico Samonte
Dr. Romulo Aquino
Dr. Christi-Anne Castro
Ms. Susan Go
Rev. Jose Malayang
Ms. Teresita Raveendra
Mr. Joet Reoma
Dr. Quirico Samonte
Program Area Directors
Artistic Director for Folkdance: Benita Murrel
Music Director for Rondalla & Indigenous Music: Gean Almendras
Education Director & Coordinator for Indigenous Music: Elizabeth Weil
Education Coordinator for Rondalla: Gemma Almendras
Education Coordinator for Folkdance: Geordelle Bernardino
Artistic Director for Folkdance: Benita Murrel
Music Director for Rondalla & Indigenous Music: Gean Almendras
Education Director & Coordinator for Indigenous Music: Elizabeth Weil
Education Coordinator for Rondalla: Gemma Almendras
Education Coordinator for Folkdance: Geordelle Bernardino
PACE-MI Volunteer Committees
Program Production and Direction:
Director: Benita Murrel
Co-chairs: Gemma Almendras, Gean Almendras and Elsie Weil
Food and Refreshments:
Chair: Maritoni Delmar
Members: Neza Frost and Sean Almendras
Costumes and Stage Set Productions:
Chair: Maritoni Delmar
Members: Gean Almendras and Benita Murrel
Technical and Stage Set-up:
Chair: Sean Almendras
Members: Noel Bernardino, David Murrel and Maritoni Delmar
Publicity and Marketing:
Chair: Geordelle Bernardino
Co-chairs: Jim Sedayao and Gean Almendras
Reception Committee:
Chair: Geordelle Bernardino
Members: Gemma Almendras
Fundraising and Sponsorship
Chair: Gean Almendras
Co-chair: Elizabeth Ordinario Weil and Geordelle Bernardino
Program Production and Direction:
Director: Benita Murrel
Co-chairs: Gemma Almendras, Gean Almendras and Elsie Weil
Food and Refreshments:
Chair: Maritoni Delmar
Members: Neza Frost and Sean Almendras
Costumes and Stage Set Productions:
Chair: Maritoni Delmar
Members: Gean Almendras and Benita Murrel
Technical and Stage Set-up:
Chair: Sean Almendras
Members: Noel Bernardino, David Murrel and Maritoni Delmar
Publicity and Marketing:
Chair: Geordelle Bernardino
Co-chairs: Jim Sedayao and Gean Almendras
Reception Committee:
Chair: Geordelle Bernardino
Members: Gemma Almendras
Fundraising and Sponsorship
Chair: Gean Almendras
Co-chair: Elizabeth Ordinario Weil and Geordelle Bernardino
