Andy Z. Edralin

Ferdinand "Andy" Z. Edralin, a Filipino-American photo-journalist is the Co-Founder, President Emeritus and Chairman of the Board of the Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA). Some of his achievements are the establishment the FAPCCA Scholarship Program for journalism students and the FAPCCA Media Awards to honor the Fil Am media practitioners' contribution to society. He is also a commissioned California Notary Public and is an accredited Notary Public for the Philippine Consulate of Los Angeles. A licensed real estate agent in the State of California, he also is an agent for Megaworld International selling real estate residential and investment properties. Born in Quezon City on June 23, 1961 to Max J. Edralin, Jr of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and Fe Zoleta Edralin of Marinduque, Andy grew up in Makati. He studied kindergarten to high school at St. Anthony School in Manila, where he earned a silver medal in the oratorical contest and graduated with a loyalty award. He graduated with a Degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Marketing at San Juan de Letran College. After passing the Civil Service Exam, he landed a job at the Bureau of Foreign Trade. Andy traveled to the United States in 1986 and married his sweetheart to start a family. In 1988 Andy started working as a journalist/clerk at the Phil Am Free Press based in West Covina. After getting his real estate license and working as a Realtor in 1989 he bought his first home. He tried his hands in different careers and worked as a Realtor, a Certified Nurse Assistant, an accounting clerk and a medical claims examiner. As a born-again Christian Andy became very active at Cornerstone Int'l Christian Church and volunteered in the choir, the band, as Board of Trustee member and as the Assistant Editor of Cornerstone Chronicle. His interest in the bible led him to complete a course in Christian Apologetics at Biola University. He also studied systematic theology, philosophy and church history and taught at a local bible study group.. He also became a coordinator of the National Life Chain Pro-Life Movement La Puente Chapter until 2009. Andy took photography classes at Tri-Community Photography School in Covina, California and rejoined the media in 2010 as member of Press Photographer of the Philippines USA. He later joined the Fil Am Insider Newspaper as the Photo Editor and became a contributor to many other newspapers. He started his own firm Aze Media and co-produced the Star Magic Concert at Shrine Auditorium in 2011 and jazz artist Boy Katindig's concert in 2014. Andy is involved in many volunteer roles in different organizations like the Filipino American Press Club of California - Board Chairman; Philippine Cultural Center of America - Board Member; Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County - Board member; NUJP-USA member; ABS CBN Foundation Int'l; Philippine News, Fil Am Insider; MISS Magazine, Manila Up Magazine; Aze Media; Mission Aid Foundation, and many more. He was bestowed with Awards and Recognitions: The Outstanding Pilipino in Los Angeles TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Media Relations 2016; Excellence in Media from Assemblywoman Young Kim 2016; Certificate from the Philippine Dept of Tourism LA 2015; Recognition from Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti 2015; City Recognition from Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido 2015; Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ed Royce 2015; Ambassador of Goodwill from Historic FilipinoTown Foundation 2014; Certificate from ABS CBN Bantay Bata 2014; Recognition from Fil Am Chamber of Orange County by Assemblyman Rob Bonta 2013; Gawad Amerika Award for Community Ambassador 2013; LA County Sheriff Indo-American Advisory Council 2012; Excellence in Photo Journalism Award from WCW Foundation 2012; Gawad Amerika Award for News Photo Editor 2012; International Noble Award for Photo Journalism 2012; Recognition for Filipino Heritage Month from Carson City Mayor Jim Dear 2011; Certificate of Achievement in the Study of Christian Apologetics at Biola University 2009; and more. Andy derives his inspiration from the teachings in the Holy Bible and from his dad Max Edralin, who is also journalist and a pioneer in public relations in the Philippines. Authors like Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey, RC Sproul, Robert Kiyosaki, Conrad Hilton, etc. have also been a good inspiration in his life. He credits all his life's blessings and accomplishment to the Sovereign God, whose grace is sufficient in all of life. Andy firmly believes that all glory and honor, dominion and power belong to God and God alone.