Filipino Image Publisher

Bringing us more outstanding accomplishments and honors in the field of cultural dance art is Desiree
Echavez-Alfon. She choreographs each dance step and dances with the group to perfect each of her
performance. Her unique and charming renditions of popular Filipino cultural dances in various community
events in the Quad City Area have truly increased the awareness of mainstream America on the significance
of Philippine contributions to world entertainment. As a two-time president of the Philippine-American
Association of the Quad City Area, Desiree organized and inspired her Filipiniana Dancers to work hard by
opening a stage of music and cultural dancing, both for American and Filipino audiences.

Desiree’s humble beginnings started in her hometown, Aloguinsan, Cebu City. She was born to Saturnino
Echavez and her half-American mother, Grace Triplitt. Her inspiration came from her strict parents who
always wanted her to be on top of her class, if not, the best of her group. As a young child, she was exposed
to the world of politics through her parents. This is where she got acquainted and learned the skill to
organize, lead, and inspire people. When asked about her vision, Desiree speaks of invigorating the
enthusiasm of Filipino-Americans and encourages their active participation in community-building events. It
is also her desire to champion the promotion of Filipino heritage through the art of cultural dancing and
music.

For years now, Desiree’s strong leadership in the Quad City Area has maintained a positive image of the
Philippines. The local newspapers in the Quad Cities has always singled out the exotic display of Filipino
cultural dances as performed by Desiree and her group. The Dispatch and the Rock Island Argus, a local
paper, has headlined “Visit the Philippines without leaving the Quad City,” and shows a picture of Desiree
and her group dancing the Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Subli. In another paper, The Quad City Times headlined
“Sharing traditions of the Philippines,” and shows Desiree and her group performing the most popular
dance of Tinikling.

There is no doubt that Desiree deserves this Hall of Fame Award. The distinction that she brought to the
Filipino-American community through her choreographed performances and shows have become an
institution that plays a major role in educating local schools and businesses through cultural dance
workshops and lectures on Filipino culture. She provided entertainment to a number of nursing homes and
churches in the Quad City Area. Her most remarkable performances were staged at the prestigious
International Cultural Festival in the Quad Cities, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Peoria. She also performed at
the Mid-Autumn Asian Festival in Rock Island and at the World Festival in Peoria. Desiree noted that it takes
a lot of practice to master each piece, and sometimes it is scary, but the joy in the eyes of her audience after
each performance always give her the most of comfort!

Desiree’s academic background is a combination of her degree in Business Management, Nursing, French
and Spanish Languages. Her inclination toward cultural dancing is something that has been transplanted
by nature in her heart - it’s her passion. She is married to Dr. Eric Alfon, who have been an avid supporter of
Desiree since time immemorial. They have chosen to live in Moline, Illinois after exploring the big cities of
Los Angeles and New York for peace of mind. Desiree’s 15-year-old son Marc has also been picking up
some dance steps and performs with her. They, as a family, run the Quad City Clinic in Moline, with Eric as
the Director and Desiree as the Office Manager.

Desiree is also an active member of the Filipino American Historical Society, Filipino American Association
of Iowa, Kalipunan, Conservation Club, Rock Island Arsenal Women’s Club, Snowstar Ski, and participates
in fundraising activities for Habitat for Humanity.

This year’s Hall of Fame for Cultural Dance Art belongs to Desiree Echavez-Alfon - choreographer,
performer, and Filipino’s best.