Event Coverage
SILVAR Congratulates FAREPA SV on Installation of 2025-2026 Leadership Team
The Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association Silicon Valley (FAREPA SV) celebrated the installation of the association's 2025-2026 president, executive officers and board directors Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Holiday Inn in San Jose.
The "Halloween Ball"-themed event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and performance of both the U.S. and Philippines national anthems, followed by recognizing public officials and honored guests in attendance. This included Carmen Montano, mayor of Santa Clara, and Otto Lee, board president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Tess Crescini, former president and board director of FAREPA, reflected on the organization's history and legacy.
Representing SILVAR and congratulating FAREPA and its 2025-2026 leadership team were Palo Alto District Chair Alex Lewicki and Cupertino-Sunnyvale District Chair/Education Committee Chair Sunita Merchia.
Jennifer Branchini, the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) vice president of Association Affairs, delivered her keynote address, followed by the installation of officers and board members. Doug Goss, 2025 president of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR), administered the oath of office to 2025-2026 FAREPA executive officers Tigran Bakchagyan, president (KW Silicon City); LJ Grossweiler, vice president and secretary (KeyPoint Credit Union); and Dorotea Tuzon, treasurer (State Farm). Merchia installed 2025-2026 board directors Dan Ramas (KW Silicon City); CJ Javier (CBC Realty); Anne Orozco-Ramirez (Realty World Dominion); Mark Taylan (Capital Advisors 360); Joy Taylan (Rate); Robert Balina (Synergize Realty); Masae Yamazaki (Yamazaki Realty); Sam Liu; Dan Nilsen (Meriwest Credit Union); Kyle Solon (Exertus Financial Partners & Insurance Agency); and Anthony Hovland (Voyager Real Estate).
Lewicki presented a commendation to 2025-2026 President Tigran Bakchagyan and pledged SILVAR's support for FAREPA: "At SILVAR, we applaud FAREPA's unwavering commitment to the real estate industry and its work to help raise the professional standards of Filipino American real estate professionals and affiliates. FAREPA has made amazing strides in advancing the dream of homeownership for so many throughout Silicon Valley and beyond, and the association has promoted the social and economic well-being of the Filipino American community."
FAREPA-SV was founded in 2002 to promote the interests of Filipino American real estate professionals and elevate the level of professionalism within the real estate industry through education, networking and partnership. The group advocates for policies that reduce barriers to homeownership for the Filipino American community. FAREPA offers housing fairs, homebuyer educational programs and has spearheaded community outreach projects and fundraising efforts to serve underserved individuals and families in Silicon Valley and in the Philippines.
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.