ABOUT PAANC

Our Story:
A Forty-Year Legacy of Heritage and Service

Building a "Home Away from Home" in North Carolina since 1984.

The Philippine American Association of North Carolina Inc. (PAANC) stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and vibrant culture of the Filipino-American community. Established in 1984, our organization was founded with a vision to create a unified voice and a supportive network for Filipinos calling the Triangle and greater North Carolina home. As a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, we have spent four decades evolving into the "mother organization" that bridges our rich Philippine heritage with our active presence in American society.

From 1984 to Today: Our Journey

The history of the Philippine American Association of North Carolina Inc. is one of growth and resilience. What began in 1984 as a small gathering of families has grown into a premiere cultural institution. Today, the organization is comprised primarily of Filipino-Americans residing in and around the Triangle who share a common vision.

The Roots of PAANC

The origins of PAANC date back to two events held in 1983: the first “Fil-Am Picnic” at Camp Durant in Raleigh and the first “Fil-Am Dinner-Dance” at the Green Pines Community Center in Knightdale. Both events drew together various groups of Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and friends from the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill/Hillsborough), the Triad (Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte), and eastern North Carolina (Rocky Mount, Greenville, Fayetteville, and Lumberton/Pembroke).

These informal gatherings of several families in Raleigh, Durham-Chapel Hill, and outlying areas eventually grew to nearly two hundred members and came together as one organization with the formal establishment of PAANC in 1984. In the following years, PAANC supported the foundation of Fil-Am groups in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.

Interested in Membership?

Be a part of the growing Filipino community in North Carolina and foster meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime, while also staying connected to your Filipino heritage.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:
Our History & Mission

When was the Philippine American Association of North Carolina Inc. founded?

Our organization was EST. 1984, as proudly displayed on our official logo. For 40 years, we have served as the central hub for the Filipino-American community in North Carolina, providing a platform for cultural expression and community service.

Is the Philippine American Association of North Carolina Inc. a formal non-profit?

Yes. PAANC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This status allows us to fulfill our mission of humanitarian aid, educational scholarships, and cultural preservation while offering our donors and members the transparency and benefits of a federal tax-exempt entity.

What does the PAANC logo represent?

The official logo of the Philippine American Association of North Carolina Inc. features the PAANC acronym at its center, surrounded by the traditional sunbeams of the Philippine flag. The outer ring displays our full legal name and our founding year, 1984, signifying our commitment to our heritage and our long-standing history of service in North Carolina.

Copyright 2026. Philippine American Association of North Carolina. All Rights Reserved.

PAANC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.