Philippine Independence Day Celebration ²⁰⁰⁸

Raul S. Estrellado

Raul S. Estrellado is the current President of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDCI) 2008. He is one of the most “seasoned” directors/officers who has served the organization for several years in various capacities since 1997 either as the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations, and Parade and General Services Committee Chairman, where all of his efforts have played a crucial role in the success of the Annual Philippine Independence Day Parade and Street Fair Celebration. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2005.

Part of his initiatives and goals as president is to strengthen the PIDC stature and prestige by pursuing a policy of inclusion, inviting PIDCI member-organizations and the community in planning and execution for greater celebratory participation and to significantly increase Corporate funding achieving financial stability to run successful Celebratory events

As a firm believer in the voice of the youth and the young professionals, Raul will continue to foster and utilize their volunteerism for greater impact and relevance of the celebration to the young generation and aims to provide full support for the Philippine arts, history and culture programs which promotes Philippine Pride in a memorable celebration.

To take the PIDCI to the next level, he would like to implement best practices in management, financial and accounting procedures and utilize aggressive and effective marketing and Public Relations strategies that will promote the celebration and the PIDCI name in the Fil-Am communities and in the mainstream communities

It was 20 years ago that Raul started his public work helping the Filipino community. He established himself as a community server at first. With the knowledge he gained and with his passion for community upliftment, he assumed several community LEADERSHIP roles. This potential was evident in him during his college years as a student leader. In 1971, at the height of the unrest during Marcos Dynasty, he survived the Battle of Mendiola. This experience became his inspiration to devote much of his time to community volunteerism.

Raul has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from FEATI University and Computer Language Programming from the Computer Science and Programming Institute and IBM School of Programming Language He was also the past Lord Grand Archon of the fraternity, Upsilon Phi Sigma.

He is also active amongst his own “kababayans” being a native of the rustic town of Luisiana, Laguna. As the past President of The Luisianians of the East Coast, he relentlessly pursued the organization’s main objective of motivating Luisiana's brightest students to finish high school and overcome their poverty stricken situation by spearheading the fundraising drive to be able to donate books, desks, tables, and computers and to further inspire the students to pursue a college education. Funds are not only raised for the scholars (high school and college), but also for infrastructure building and beautification of their town proper.

As Charter President and currently President of the Laguna Association, he continues to assist his kababayans in fundraising efforts for the “Adopt a Classroom” and “Books for Libraries” projects sponsored by the Philippine Consulate. His passion for his community is reflected in other organizations where he served not only as a Charter Member but in various officer positions. The list includes : Kapihan Sa New York, a Saturday breakfast club that invited dignitaries to update community leaders of latest political and economic news, Katipunan Lions Club, Multinational Lions Club, Knights Of Rizal; Luzonian, FEUINAA Association; Tuesday Club, Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey, Inc., NaFFAA and the PACEC, Inc.

He was the Hermano Mayor of the Santacruzan 2004, sponsored by the Catholic Acton of Mary and most recently, received the Presidential Award of Honor 2006 presented by the Phil-New York Junior Chamber (Jaycees) because of his generous heart, selfless efforts, supportive attitude and true dedication to service, the Mabuhay Award of NAFA 2006 in recognition of his exemplary leadership, outstanding service, commitment and invaluable contribution to the Filipino community. Father of the Year 2007 of NaFFAA, New York and Plaques of Appreciation from PIDC, Inc., Knights of Rizal, Katipunan Lions Club among others. .

Even though Raul is active in the workplace and community, he finds time to relax as well. He is the founder of the Pinoy Pistoleros, in which he is the current President. He created this as a way for Filipinos who are gun enthusiasts not only to compete against each other but also to enjoy a weekend with one of their favorite hobbies. Besides being an accomplished target shooter, Raul is an avid golfer, and a chess player (who as a young student once defeated a Filipino grandmaster in the game of chess!)

Raul’s family is the center of his life. He is married to Erlinda Mesina, a senior registered nurse at Mount Sinai General Hospital in Manhattan and the couple is blessed with two successful sons; Steve, a Rutgers University Marketing major, and Christian, a Rutgers Economics and Math major. Both are now successful entrepreneurs who work together at their own business, Estro Entertainment, LLC.- a full service Marketing, Music, and Promotional Agency that conceptualizes & executes attention grabbing campaigns for their clients. They have been honored as a 2006 New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Success Awardee (NJSBDC Success Awards).

Raul S. Estrellado abides by the saying, "there is no substitute for hard work!" This principle applies to all his pursuits especially in the community where his sense of service is dictated by commitment and dedication.
 

PIDCI EXPERIENCE

Director of Operations
Chairman Parade and General.Services Committee 2007
President Isagani C. Puertollano
Grand Marshal  Manuel M. Pangan, MD

Chairman General Services Committee 2006
President Isagani C. Puertollano
Grand Marshal Dan De Guzman

Chief Operating Officer
Chairman General Services Committee 2005
President Nimia Lacebal
Grand Marshal Linda R. Pelayo, DMD

Chief Of Security 2004
Overall Chairman Lolita Gillberg
Grand Marshal Rudy Quiambao

Director Of Operations 2003
Overall Chairman Nena Kaufman
Grand Marshal  Fe Martinez

Overall Chairman Lee Vargas 2002
Grand Marshal  Jean Lobell, MD
No Street Fair

Chairman General Services Committee 2001
Overall Chairman Lett Dayao
Grand Marshal Dr. Vivi Malantic, MD

Chairman General Services Committee 2000
Overall Chairman Alan Britanico
Grand Marshal Raul Sala, MD

Chairman General Services Committee 1999
Overall Chairman Cora Reyes
Grand Marshal  Joanne D.  Benitez

Chairman Street Fair Special Services 
Vice Chair of Marshals and Security 1998
Philippine Centennial Celebration
Overall Chairman  Ambassador  Willy  Gaa
Grand Marshal Loida Nicolas Lewis

Chairman General Services Committee 1997
Overall Chairman  Nelia Ferrette
Grand Marshal Libertito  Pelayo