LAURA BALATBAT-CORPUZ

My name is Laura Balatbat-Corpuz of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines.

I taught grade school in Bulacan and Caloocan Public Schools before immigrating to the United States in 1969. My first job in Peoria, Illinois, which I had for eight (8) years, was teaching music to Pre-school children.  

I enjoy working at the Bradley University Library where I have been a Circulation/Interlibrary Loan Coordinator for 29 years now even though I am an Illinois certified teacher. My interaction with patrons of different age levels makes my job very interesting and challenging. 

I also volunteer with Radio Information Service WCBU FM 89.9 as a reader to the blind which I have done for almost 2 decades now.  Volunteering with PAFIS (Peoria Area Friends of International Students), for which I served as Host Family Chairman and currently, the Membership Chairman is an excellent cultural experience for me. 

My husband and I have been host family for international students in the past and that opened the door to global awareness and understanding.  Recently, I was elected President of FASCI (Filipino-American Society of Central Illinois).  

My spiritual values get stronger as I perform my duties as a committee member in my Catholic faith.

When it comes to folklore, cultural heritage and ethnicity, I am always proud to speak about our unique Filipino identity.