Iskolar 2012

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF AFS IPP

Bonnie Guerra, AFS Phi Partner Chair, was elected as the new AAI president at the AAI (AFS Asia Pacific Initiative) Meeting held at Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand From left: Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra (AFS PHI Part- last May 6-8, ner Chair/AAI President), Apithai Buranasiri (AFS 2011.

Also THA National Director), Elizabeth “Beth” Eduave dur(AFS PHI Acting National Director), and Chanes elected Nakawit (AFS THA Admin and Activity Director) ing the meeting were 2 vice presidents -Mr. Reg Smith (Australia) and Ms. Meng Yang (China); two secretaries – Ms. Divya Arora (India) and Ms. Atty Sulaiman (Malaysia); and Treasurer – Mr. Yuzo Takada (Japan). Bonnie is the 2nd president of AAI after the tenure of Mr. Bin Sato (Japan).

AAI was created to provide regional governance amongst the eleven member partners so as to enrich and enhance closer regional cooperation and understanding between the AFS partners, including the Boards and other recognized member organizations in the region of Asia and the Pacific.

The eleven member partners are Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand.

During the meeting, AFS Phi was also represented by Atty.

Manuel L. Ortega, AFS Phi Board Member and Ms. Elizabeth V. Eduave, National Director.

VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2012

Starting this 2012 Cycle, AFS Philippines will implement the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP), a project of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The project is directed by CSEAS Associates Dr. Susan Russell (anthropology) and Dr. Lina Davide-Ong (International Training Office) of lead grantee, Northern Illinois University (NIU).

There will be 27 youth and adult leaders to participate in the program during the period April 14 to May 17, 2012.

AFS Philippines held three selection camps in three major cities in Mindanao. Shorlisted applicants were invited for personal interviews and group activities.

In Cagayan de Oro City, the selection camp was held at the American Corner of Xavier University Library on December 1, 2011. While in Davao City, it was conducted at the Institute for Indigenous People’s Education on December 8, 2011. Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter hosted the selection camp in Zamboanga City at Garden Orchid Hotel on December 15, 2011.

Representatives from the Public Affairs section of the US Embassy in Manila – Atty. Niel Pacamalan and William Cocks actively collaborated with AFS IPP to ensure success of the selection camps.

Indeed this is one big step for AFS IPP to achieve its goal in becoming the intercultural exchange leader in the country and a partner of choice in the network as well as by local institutions.

Eduave Appointed AFS IPP National Director

K-L YES 2012-2013 National Screening and Orientation

AFS PHI held a national orientation and screening for K-L YES 2012 last November 20-23. Out of 295 applicants, only 70 were shortlisted and invited for the screening.

From Left: Arbaya Boquia (Sending Coordinator Cotabato Chapter), Hadijah Odoya (President, SOCSARGEN Chapter), Elizabeth Eduave (AFS IPP National Director), and Jose Paulo Dela Cruz (Hosting Coordinator, SOCSARGEN Chapter)

From Left to Right (standing): Eduardo Assed, Pablo Vinas, Adolpho Fernandez, Rune Fimreite, Daphne Sazo, Fabrice Gonet, Miklos Fulop, Dominick Scherrer. From Left to Right (sitting): Snorri Gissurarson, Elizabeth V. Eduave, Liesbeth Molenaar, Lisa Cohen

AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines (IPP) Board Members appointed Elizabeth Eduave (Elmhurst, Illinois, USA 1968-69) as the new national director of AFS IPP, and was formally introduced to the AFS community during the Chapter Conference on September 2011 at Pinoy Pamilya Hotel, Pasay City. Eduave first served as the Volunteer and Chapter Development Manager and as Acting National Director before her appointment for the position.

Prior to her appointment, Eduave attended the Leadership Transition Training for Partner Directors last February 20-24, 2011, conducted by AFS International, held at the AFS International office in New York City. She was one of the eight partner country representatives that participated and completed the said training.

Other partner directors in attendance were Mr. Fabrice Gonet- AFS Belgium French, Mr. Adolpho Fernandez- AFS Brazil, Mr. Miklos Fulop- AFS Canada, Ms. Daphne Sazo- AFS Guatemala, Mr. Snorri GissurarsonAFS Iceland, Ms. Liesbeth Molenaar- AFS Netherlands, and Mr. Rune Fimreite- AFS Norway.

Also present at the event was the former AFS International President Mr. Tachi Cazal. On one of the sessions, he shared the AFS Vision and Mission and what it hopes to achieve by 2020 as an international organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to people around the world.

Members of the consulting team who conducted the training program included Dominik Scherrer, Eduardo Assed, and Lisa Cohen. Also part of the team was Mr. Pablo Vinas, an experienced partner director from the Dominican Republic.

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The objective of the orientation/screening was to select the top students to participate in the 2012 edition of K-L YES Program. The camp was designed not only as a venue for interviews but also for leadership training.

It was attended by William Cocks and Neil Pacamalan of US Embassy PAS-CAO, Hadija Odoya - AFS SOCSARGEN Chapter President, Elizabeth Eduave - AFS PHI National Director, K-L YES Alumni, and AFS PHI Sending Team and Volunteers.

Activities included medical exams, proctored essay, panel interviews, group activities (LEGO), SLEP Test, orientation on Full Application, and movie showing (included reflection paper writing).

The camp ended with a closing program that was graced by both Mayor Darlene Custodio and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Nograles of General Santos City. The program included cultural presentations of students showcasing the rich cultures of Philippine regions, and a “community singing” of Bruno Mars’ Today My Life Begins.

Now Full Partner in AFS IPP International Network AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines was recognized as a full partner in the AFS international network during the world congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 22, 2010. “Growth Now” was the theme for the AFS World Congress where 50 countries were represented by 143 delegates. 16 Board of Trustees were in attendance and the event was supported by twelve staff from AFS International. AFS IPP was represented by four AFS IPP Boards, namely: Rahiema Guerra, Hector Dimacali, Manny Ortega, and Leah Ponio.

The world congress was very productive, motivating and reinvigorating where the AFS staff, leaders, and volunteers connected in person to reinforce the bonds and mission that unite the AFS network and responded to the invitation to sound and to respond to the increasing need for more international education and understanding. Congratulations AFS Philippines!

AFS IPP Hosts First AAI Exchange Journalist On June 14, 2011, AFS PHI welcomed Mariana Marcaletti, the AAI (Asia and the Pacific Initiative) Journalist Scholar from Buenos Aires, Argentina hosted in the country for three weeks with Media Partner ABS-CBN. She was hosted by the Dimacali family in Manila and the Lim family in Palawan. During her stay, she visited Palawan and stayed for one week for a series of intercultural engagements. Among her activities were radio (DYEC) guesting simultaneous with TV (Channel 6) coverage, travel to Puerto Princesa City Hall, Courtesy call and interview with City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, Travel to Planting Site, Maoyon River Cruise and Bamboo Rafting, and visit to the Underground River/Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Phils. It features a spectacular limestone that contains an 8.2 kms long underground river.)

During her last two weeks in the country, she was hosted by ABSCBN as the media partner. ABS-CBN is the Philippines' largest media and Mariana Marcaletti (1st from left) with ABS- entertainment CBN News and Current Affairs Staff conglomerate.

In an article she wrote for ABS-CBN, she mentioned how responsible the journalists are and says, “I have been observing the reporting methods in ABS-CBN Corp. and what caught my attention is how responsible journalists they are when it comes to deciding how to deal with information.”

She was full of gratitude saying, “I came to the Philippines thanks to a scholarship by AFS (www.afs.ph) inter-cultural Exchange programme to carry out an internship in local media, and ABS-CBN Corp. welcomed me in their family.”

Mariana left the Philippines on July 23.

Mariana Marcaletti with ABS-CBN News Anchor Karen Davila

Mariana with her host mother Mary Grace Dimacali.

AFSBids Goodbye JENESYS Program

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n its fifth year of implementation, AFS JENESYS bid goodbye but embraced thousands of talented and deserving students from different countries.

In line with this, AFS Philippines welcomed 61 participants of the 2011 JENESYS VS (very short) Program from all over the country at the Pre-Departure and Re-entry Orientations held at Pinoy Pamilya Hotel, Pasay City.

This group of students/educators have undergone a rigorous screening process. Part of their journey on the program was to attend series of orientations and workshops designed to prepare them for their 12-day intercultural experience in Japan and for their return in the country and to their local communities. It included presentations on Becoming an Ambassador of Goodwill, The Japanese Experience, Practice Basic Nihonggo & Helpful Tips; AFS Organization, Policies, & Standards; The Filipino Identity; Travel Orientation (forms and procedures); Intercultural Learning (ICL) Workshop; and Opportunities after the Program. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan were present during the orientations. Kiyoshi Takeuchi (Director, Japan Information and Culture Center) delivered a message, while Yusuki Takagi (Adviser, Japan Information and Culture Center) gave a talk on Introduction about Japanese Culture.

Indeed, JENESYS Program has provided hundreds of Filipino students the opportunity not only to travel abroad but also to learn about Japan- its culture, history, and people. And as the program waved goodbye, the alumni will continuously send messages of gratitude and appreciation for a wonderful mark that the program has left in their lives. But the real meaning lies with the hope that as the door closes, another one opens.

Mariana with AFS IPP Chair and AAI President Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra (1st from left), former AFS International President Tachi Cazal (2nd from left), AFS IPP Vice-Chair Hector Dimacali (2nd from right), and AFS IPP National Director Elizabeth Eduave (far right).

Mariana with her host siblings in Palawan.

Kiyoshi Takeuchi and Yusuki Takagi join AFS PHI Staff and the 61 AFS JENESYS Participants

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K-L YES 2010-2011 Philippines Re-entry Orientation

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n July 2-5, 2011, AFS IPP welcomed the 40 K-L YES 2010-2011 alumni who successfully completed their one year- scholarship in the U.S. as exchange students. The re-entry orientation consisted of different workshops like drafting of community project proposals, re-entry concerns and solutions, elections of batch officers, citizen empowerment training, etc. One of the most important parts was the discussion on the cycles of re-adjustment, as the alumni were very interested in knowing the challenges they might encounter when they return to their respective communities.

The 40 K-L YES alumni were welcomed by the older alumni with a video presentation showcasing the various alumni activities such as tree planting, feeding program, school renovation, and others. The students were chaperoned by Leslie Walter of AFS USA -Wisconsin.

AFS USA Volunteer/Chaperone Leslie Walter (1st from left) joins the K-L YES 2010-2011 scholars.

AFS IPP Vice Chair Hector Dimacali (1st from left) leads the oath-taking of the batch officers.

Hector Dimacali (AFS IPP ViceChair) delivers his inspirational message to the new set of alumni.

K-L YES scholars show their signature friendship smile.

Alumni from Cotabato Chapter present their action plan and future activities

K-L YES 2011-2012 Philippines Pre-Departure Orientation

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he K-L YES 2011-2012 Philippines Pre-Departure Orientation was held on July 31-August 7 at Pinoy Pamilya Hotel, Pasay City. The 27 K-L YES students were welcomed on the first day of the orientation by Ms. Elizabeth Eduave – National Director Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra (AFS IPP with welcome remarks, and Chair and AAI President) welcomes the 27 K-L YES scholars to the Pre- inspirational message from Departure Orientation Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra AFS IPP Partner Chair and AAI President.

Throughout the orientation week, the students underwent US Visa interviews; Intercultural Learning (ICL) workshop; and lecture on Philippine culture, identity, and history facilitated by Elmer Albacete, a professor from University of Perpetual Help Laguna. In addition, students were also oriented on American culture, Ramadhan in the USA (Practicing my faith in the USA) and what to expect during their exchange year. The students also enjoyed workshops on letter writing (letter to Mom and Dad), elevator speech, vision of my K-L YES year, hosting information (line of communication).

To experience the Philippine culture at its finest, the students were brought to Philippine Women’s University to witness the Bayanihan Dance Company Friday Specials (featuring several Philippine folk and cultural dances) and to tour at the Art Gallery and Museum of Costumes and Folk Arts.

Also part of the orientation was a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Manila where the students listened to the talk on alumni network and opportunity and online services of US embassy given by William Cocks, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer and Atty. Neil Pacamalan, Cultural Affairs Specialist for Mindanao Public Affairs Section; and a tour around the embassy.

Rudy Eduave, AFS volunteer, delivers a lecture the alumni on Citizenship Empowerment.

K-L YES Scholars chill out on their way to the US Embassy for visa interview

Leslie Walter, AFS USA Volunteer, joins the new alumni in planning for their community project.

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Bonnie Guerra (1st from right), Hector Dimacali (2nd from left), and Leslie Walter (2nd from right) join AFS IPP Staff at dinner.

K-L YES Scholars pose with a Bayanihan dancer after the cultural show

K-L YES Scholars pose with their Filipiniana and Barong costumes.

Professor Elmer Albacete conducts workshop on Filipino Identity.

AFS PHI Alumni Go Abroad, Once Again!

Being an exchange student means living abroad with a host family and studying in a host school. AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines, through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (K-L YES) program has been providing such opportunity to deserving young Filipinos since 2004.

K-L YES program is a one year full scholarship to the U.S., an initiative by the U.S. State Department after the 9-11 incident to send students from countries with predominant Muslim population, with the hope of bridging the gap between the

United States and other countries.

After their exchange year in the U.S., the returnees/alumni are closely monitored by the AFS IPP for different alumni/ post program activities. In other words, recipients of this scholarship are provided with opportunities even after the duration of the program. In 2011, some K-L YES alumni were given another chance to travel to the U.S. for diverse reasons.

GLOBAL UGRAD

GLOBAL VILLAGE 2011

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program provides scholarships for one semester or one academic year of US study in a nondegree program aimed at providing a diverse group of emerging student leaders from non-elite and underrepresented groups in East Asia, including the Philippines, with a substantive cultural and educational exchange experience at a US college or university.

Global Village is an applied leadership and cross cultural training program. It offers various learning experiences including interactive courses; networking with peers, discussions with executives and business leaders; participation in business trips; participating in business consulting projects with a multinational team; and various cultural experiences.

Last year another K-L YES returnee has been chosen to participate in the 2011 Global UGRAD. She is Amon Jadeedah Pacasem. Amon Jadeedah is now enrolled at Endicott College in Massachussetts for one academic year.

During her AFS exchange year, she was hosted in Florence, South Carolina in 2006.

We are happy to announce that Muhammad Ashraf Sarip was selected to participate in Global Village 2011. It was the first year that an alumni of K-L YES Philippines has been chosen for the scholarship. He received a full-tuition scholarship in the amount of $6,500 USD. He studied at Lehigh University for a period of 6 weeks. Sarip is an Alumnus of the AFS K-L YES program 2004 and was hosted in Nashville, Tennessee.

Amon Jadeedah is not the first K-L YES alumni to have received such scholarship. In 2008-2009, several alumni went to the US under this scholarship, they were Marlon Pura, Rochelle Poras, Norodin Pangilan (all K-L YES 2004) and Allen Gabriel Inigo (K-L YES 2005); while in 2009-2010, there were Ridwan Landasan and Sarah Mae Ismael (both K-L YES 2005).

Aside from the three above-mentioned opportunities, AFS IPP also has constantly sent K-L YES alumni abroad for a variety of alumni activities, such as Training for Trainers (TOT), AFS USA YES Abroad, Educational Cultural Affairs (ECA), and End-Of-Stay (EOS). They are Armieyah Ayob (both K-L YES 2004), and Carlou Ochigue (K-L YES 2007) for ECA; Intejar Julkiram, Marlon Pura, Don Michael De Leon (all K-L YES 2004), Ridwan Landasan (also participated in World Congress in New York, 2007), Rajeev Omar (K-L YES

AFS USA Summer Internship 2011 Every year, AFS USA offers summer internship jobs to select AFS (K-L YES) alumni.

The chosen interns are assigned to different AFS offices in the US such as in Portland, New York, Minnesota, and Baltimore. For the first time, a K-L YES alumnus from the Philippines was chosen for the internship job. He is Froskhan Bucoy Abdurahim, a K-L YES alumnus 2005. Froskhan is a Nursing graduate from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. He was assigned to the AFS office in Baltimore, Maryland, and stayed with a host family for the summer of 2011. He was hosted in Florence, South Carolina in 2005.

2006), Faizah Tejero, Nur Maba, and Maan Espinosa (all K-L YES 2005), and Fatiya Abubakar (K-L YES 2010) for TOT; Nurhata Saji, Rochelle Poras (both K-L YES 2004), and Guil Marc Mariano (K-L YES 2007) for EOS; and Mahid Macadato (K-L YES 2004), Froskhan Abdurahim (K-L YES 2005); Carra Trisha Tito, Renelyn Lastimosa (both K-L YES 2007), and Anwar Alauya (K-L YES 2008) for TOT, YES American Abroad and ECA.

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AFS IPP holds 2011 Chapter Conference AFS Intercultural Program Philippines held the 2011 AFS

Chapter Conference on September 21-24, 2011 at Pinoy Pamilya Hotel, Pasay City. It was spearheaded by the Volunteer and Chapter Development Program, with Intejar Julkiram – Volunteer and Chapter Development Coordinator, Lucas Hengstenberg – IJFD Intern from Germany, and Elizabeth Eduave – National Director.

The conference started on September 21 with a welcome program and training overview. Throughout the event, there was a series of workshops such as Intercultural Learning, Sending Program Development, Introduction of New Programs, etc. There were also forums on ICL (Intercultural Learning) and hosting chapter concerns, incorporating ICL on Sending Program activities, and team building activities. The conference commenced with a recognition night, where deserving and outstanding chapters and volunteers were recognized. Outstanding volunteers were: Anwarudin Emblawa of Cotabato Chapter (Mindanao), Dawn Chan of Tacloban Chapter (Visayas), and Rosanna Baluyot of Puerto Princesa Chapter (Luzon).

The theme of this year’s conference was “Turning Places into People through Volunteerism.” VolDev believes that participants and volunteers can live, work, learn and exchange each other’s culture. The places we only see on the map are best represented by people with a concrete physical façade

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thus being the best example in contributing to make the world more open-minded, feasible for integration. All these exchanges are made possible by the hardwork and determination being put by the volunteers of AFS around the globe.

AFS PHI conducts Chapter Conference for volunteers once every two years. Participants are mostly officers and volunteers of AFS local chapters across the country.

One of the essences of this conference is to bring the local volunteers in a gathering. Knowing the geographical barriers among them, this will help them develop network and learn from each others’ best practices.

AFS IPP Celebrates “Intercultural Evening with Tachi Cazal” AFS IPP staff and board members, partner organizations, as well as representatives from different embassies, gathered

for one night to celebrate “Intercultural Evening with Tachi Cazal” – a celebration of culture, food, and friendship on June 15, 2011 at Manila Polo Club, Makati, Philippines. The said evening was graced by none other than the former AFS International President, Francisco Tachi Cazal. In his speech, he mentioned about his childhood experience, coming from a not-well-off family and having strived hard to reach his goals. A certificate of recognition was also given that evening recognizing AFS IPP as full partner in the AFS global network. The evening was full of bliss and flair; everybody received the warmth of Filipino hospitality, the flavors of Filipino feast, and the shades of Filipino diversity. Truly, it was an evening worth remembering.

Francisco “Tachi“ Cazal

Alan Holst

Sakura Holst

From Left: Tisha Lee Eduave (Programs Manager), Ashraf Sarip (K-L YES 2004), Leah Ponio (AFS IPP Board), Tachi Cazal (Former AFS International President), Elizabeth Eduave (National Director), Angie Omar (AFS IPP Board), and Mariana Marcaletti (AAI Journalist Exchange Scholar).

Francisco “Tachi” Cazal – Former AFS International President joins Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra – AFS IPP Chair and AAI President (1st from left), Mariana Marcaletti – AAI Journalist Exchange from Argentina (center), Hector Dimacali – AFS IPP Vice Chair (2nd from right), and Elizabeth “Beth” Eduave – AFS IPP National Director (1st from right).

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad

Rochelle Poras (K-L YES 2004) and Froskhan Abdurahim (K-L YES 2005)

AFS Alumni and Staff pose with AFS IPP Chair/AAI President Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra.

AFS Staff and Volunteers join AFS IPP Chair/AAI President Rahiema Bonnie Guerra (5th from right) and AFS IPP National Director Elizabeth “Beth” Eduave.

From Left: Regienaldo “Regie” Tolentino, Zonette Villavelez, Former AFS International President Francisco “Tachi” Cazal, and Nelia Regala-De Jesus (AFS batch 15) strike a pose for NCDA.

Tisha Lee Eduave (Programs Manager) performs a traditional dance from Mindanao Host of the evening Mahid Macadato (K-L YES 2004) with Former AFS International President Tachi Cazal

Armieyah Ayob (K-L YES 2004, Hosting Coordinator) with representatives from different local partner organizations.

AFS IPP Board Members present token of appreciation to the evening’s special guest – Francisco “Tachi” Cazal (former AFS International President)

Invited guests sing the Philippine National Anthem.

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Who is

Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra?

Wherever she has lived, Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra has been an active member of the community.

She attributes this to her family upbringing and her AFS year in Pryor, Oklahoma which she considers an inflection point in her life. During this same year, she met her husband Frank, also an AFS returnee who went to Massachusetts. Beginning as an AFS couple, they have continued to become active citizens of the world. During the past 23 years, Bonnie has lived in Bangkok, Shanghai, Racine (Wisconsin) and Manila; now lives in Bangkok. She is frequently traveling to satisfy business needs and personal wanderlust.

Bonnie was the founding Program Manager for the AFS Yes Program 2004-2006 in the Philippines. Today, she is a five term current Board Member and Partner Chair of AFS Intercultural Program Philippines, an active volunteer and continues to champion the YES Program, now named the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program. In July, 2006, she was a Group Leader at the 2005/06 end of stay sessions in Washington, DC. She successfully conceptualized and implemented a benefactor program tapping successful AFS returnees.

Also in 2006, Bonnie was appointed National Director for Howard Scholarships at Xavier University, a private college scholarship program. She also provides scholarship for young deserving high school students to study abroad (USA) for one year as an exchange student through the Frank and Bonnie Guerra Peace Scholarship.

She is also a volunteer for PYLP, a US State Department Program for students and adults from Mindanao. A budding entrepreneur, she is actively involved in small business ventures as President of Makopa Art Gifts International and Corporate Secretary of GranVin Wines.

Prior leadership roles include: Executive Director of Shanghai Sunrise; Board Member of Shanghai American Women’s Club; Chairperson of SCJohnson International Welcome Club in Racine, Wisconsin; and President of the Filipino Community in Thailand. She received government recognition and awards for her work in China and Thailand.

Editor in Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor Publisher Adviser

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: : : : :

Mahid A. Macadato Armieyah D. Ayob Tisha Lee V. Eduave Elizabeth V. Eduave Rahiema B. Guerra

All inquiries may be addressed to: AFS IPP, Unit 1607 16/F Antel Global Corporate Center No. 3 Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center 1600 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines Telefax: (+632) 584 2002 Email: phi.communications@afs.org Visit our website at: www.afs.ph

From the desk of the National Director ‘I believe that diversity in all aspects of an organization is a key principle for effecting change’.

- Anne Firth Murray I consider myself a very fortunate and blest person. Given my AFS student-exchange experience in the past, plus the countless opportunities to interact with diverse people and cultures, I’ve come to the point in my life where my attitude has progressed into gratitude.

ELIZABETH ‘ Beth’ V. EDUAVE National Director

This, I believe, is the reason I love and enjoy working in AFS Philippines. I get to interact and relate with my peers and the countless volunteers in mutually supportive and learning-filled ways! I am certain, helping young people and stakeholders/partners achieve their fondest dreams – to include intercultural learning, impacts positive human relationships towards better/greater understanding among all of us.

I find it deeply satisfying and worthwhile to encourage, educate, involve and engage as many individuals in many communities within the Philippines in the work that we do. That is why AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines (AFS IPP), will focus on broadening strategic and collaborative partnerships with various groups and institutions in promoting AFS as an organization that ‘provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world’.

Thus, the challenge and critical task before us is indeed how to sustain our present momentum, speed it up, expand it, and enrich it, without sacrificing quality and accessibility, capable of reaching and touching as many Filipinos, particularly the youth and their families, in our archipelago of 7,100 islands.

Creating and building up socio- cultural relationships will connect us, enable us to learn skills and broaden experiences, but most of all, in my heart, I hope and dream that all the efforts, initiatives and resources we put into our work, will produce/result in more committed individuals, groups and communities to contribute their fair share towards a more, peaceful, viable and wonderful world.

Mabuhay to AFS Philippines!

AFS IPP Installs 16th Chapter by: Lucas Hengstenberg

Having recognized the three new chapters AFS Naga Chapter, AFS Puerto Princesa Chapter and AFS Subic Bay Chapter in 2011, AFS PHI is proud to announce the recognition of a new local chapter, in the Summer Capital of the Philippines - Baguio City. The chapter was finally recognized on September 10, 2011 becoming the 16th to be installed nationwide under the supervision of the Volunteer and Chapter Development Program with Intejar Julkiram - VolDev Coordinator and Lucas Hengstenberg - IJFD intern from Germany.

Baguio City is a big city in the Northern region of the Philippines. Baguio is hailed as the summer capital of the Philippines. Many foreigners visit the place during February because it is the month in which the famous and luring Panagbenga Festival or Flower Festival is held. But with its rich culture and the stunning views at the cordillera, Baguio attracts both Filipino and international tourists also during the rest of the year. Therefore, National Hosting Coordinator Armieyah D. Ayob is looking forward to implement the hosting program in Baguio: “We are hoping that in 2012 the first hosted students can enjoy spending their exchange year in Baguio.”

“AFS. We are one. We are one in humanity. We are one.”

Quoting the AFS Philippines’ anthem, Joseph Cornell F. Gutierrez points out the importance of this event as it marks another achievement in the field of volunteerism. We are happy that AFS is growing and expanding nationwide bridging the gap and even geographical barriers amongst people.

AFS Philippines Regional Chapters: • • • • • • • •

Bacolod Baguio Batangas Cagayan de Oro Cebu Cotabato Davao Iligan

• • • • • • • •

Iloilo Naga NCR Puerto Princesa Socsargen Subic Bay Tacloban Zamboanga Peninsula

The chapter recognition followed a program that includes the introduction of the volunteers (there were 21 local volunteers in attendance), election and oath taking of officers and the recognition proper. It was also attended by Tisha Lee Eduave - Programs Manager.

Our appreciation goes to the volunteers in Baguio, which made the recognition a grand success. Over 25 high school and college students have registered with AFS. An impressive number for one evening that promises a great future for AFS Baguio City. In particular the work of Joseph Cornell F. Gutierrez, Chairperson of AFS Baguio City and his officers: Camille Uy, Aizer Vicente, Rhoda Hernandez, and Ivan Layugan.

Lucas Hengstenberg (2nd from left), Intejar Julkiram (3rd from left), and Tisha Lee Eduave (center), and Joseph Cornell Gutierrez (Chapter President) with the chapter alumni and volunteers during the Baguio Chapter recognition.

AFS IPP Students Soaring High Kaerels Fernandez (K-L YES 2011) featured on YES Website Kaerels Fernandez (from Zamboanga City, hosted in Wisconsin) was featured on the YES Porgram website and Wisconsin State Journal. In an article entitled Muslim Exchange Student Promotes Intercultural UnderstandKae answers questions from Poynette ing, Doug Erickson of Elementary School students during a presentation on her faith and culture.

Wisconsin State Journal describes the presentation made by Kaerels about the Philippines and Islam religion.

The article tells how Kaerels has been living the exchange student life in the US as a Muslim. She said, “People have been really nice to me, in and out of school. If I'm by myself at a cafeteria table, people will invite me to sit with them.

They don't let me eat alone."

Stephanie Abila (YP 2011) featured on Swedish Newspaper

Stephanie Abila, from Bacolod, who is on the Core Program, is the first Filipino student to be hosted in Finland. She was featured on a Swedish newspaper, telling her experience in Finland as a Filipino exchange student.

Abila is hosted by a Swedish-speaking family so she is now learning Swedish and Finnish at the same time.

Congratulations and goodluck on your exchange year!

So far, Fernandez has given eight presentations on her faith and country to students and community members, and she plans more.

Kudos Kaerels Fernandez!

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AFS SOCSARGEN AWARDED BEST CHAPTER 2011 The AFS SOCSARGEN comprised of South Cotabato, Saranggani and Generel Santos City, recognized as a full chapter on February 2009 was named as the 2011 Best Hadija Odoya (AFS SOCSARGEN President) reChapter during ceives the Certificate of Recognition and trophy for Best Chapter. the Chapter Conference held at Pinoy Pamilya Hotel, Pasay City on September 21-24, 2011.

The chapter, through a triumvirate leadership, Hadija Subi Odoya (Chapter President/Social Worker, Protection of Women and Children Division of City Social Welfare), Jose Paulo Dela Cruz (Local Hosting Coordinator/Educator, Mindanao State University) and Dollie Piamonte-Mamasabuayan (Local Sending Coordinator/Treasurer/Entrepreneur) has championed best practices in support of the AFS programs, with an impressive record of about 40 Filipino participants sent through AFS full and partial scholarship programs, seventeen (17) hosted foreign participants, and more than fifty (50) active volunteers.

with other Local Government Units recognizing the chapter as a lead organization dedicated in promoting intercultural awareness and understanding has conferred their full support in the implementation of all AFS programs in the city.

This is evident with the City Government’s annual release of a resolution declaring hosted foreign participants as adopted sons and daughters of the city, the presence of key city officials in chapter events and the given privilege for the chapter to use public facilities for AFS programs and activities.

Dela Cruz commended AFS alumni who have demonstrated ardent involvement and volunteerism being an added value substantial to the success of their chapter. According to him AFS intercultural program immersion doesn’t only provide opportunities for participants to broaden their horizon, but it encourages amongst them responsible citizenship through volunteerism.

The yearly search for best chapter was introduced in 2010 by the Volunteers and Chapter Development (VolDev), to acknowledge outstanding contributions of chapters pursuant to the realization of the organization’s mission and vision. This is determined through the operation, program management and services’ effectiveness and efficiency as well as the dynamism and innovativeness of chapters in implementing AFS programs according to the national and international standards of AFS Intercultural Programs.

In furtherance, the General Santos City Government along

AFS SOCSARGEN Chapter Gliding Fast (FROM THE EYE OF A SOCSARGEN CHAPTER VOLUNTEER) by: Sittie Amelah Odoya (K-L YES 2008)

AFS Socsargen Chapter first started in 2008 by the parents of the Alumni from Batches 2005 and 2008, and some invited volunteers.

It started as an interim group composed of six (6) members with different values, outlook in life, profession, family background and priorities, all engrossed to help the children/students of Socsargen. On the same year, our chapter was accredited, and officers were inducted by Ms. Rahiema Guerra - AFS Philippines Partner Chair/ AAI President.

As of today, our chapter has been able to send 13 YES Exchange Students to USA; 14 students for JENESYS; 2 Educators for JENESYS; 11 YP Foreign Exchange Students.

We successfully reached this performance with the help of our 121 volunteers composed of alumni/returnees, parents and siblings of the alumni, and host families.

Organizing a chapter is indeed not easy as it requires patience, dedication, money, time and effort. Our chapter's main principle is valuing trust, respect and equality among the members; performance first before privileges and opportunities. This attitude inspires us to work hand in hand to achieve our goals.

Hosting foreign students gives us the chance to learn and adapt to the intercultural differences they bring to the chapter. In the same manner, they also learn to adjust and encounter different tricky circumstances amidst the cultural diversity. Hence, the chapter ensures warm reception and re-

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lationship because in that way we can easily discuss issues and problems with them.

In the chapter, we usually come up with a list of acAFS SOCSARGEN alumni and volunteers come tivities for 10 together for tree-planting activity. months, which is then presented on the hosting orientation before the arrival of the hosted students to avoid conflict in schedules between the school, host families and AFS national activities. The chapter will link with the other AFS chapters or Social Welfare Offices in the country for the possible travel of the hosted students to ensure that they will be properly guided and accommodated.

It is very hard yet fulfilling to see that at the end of the program year, despite the manifested behaviors shown both by hosted students and host families, we all look back to the very first day of arrival orientation and say, “what a wonderful year it has been.”

Together, we are connecting, sharing cultures!

Forum with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Mahid Macadato

K-L YES 2005 / IT & Communications Specialist

One of the activities held during the two-day visit to Manila last month of US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was a forum with student leaders, campus journalists, bloggers and selected media guests at the National Museum last Nov. 16, 2011.

The US Embassy in Manila, together with a news network, invited a sampling of the youth, bloggers, online personalities and celebrities to a forum dialogue discussion entitled "US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Conversation in Manila," which was aired live on GMA News TV and live streamed on GMA News Online.

At the beginning of the show, I was randomly asked by one of the hosts, "What Filipino food would you like Secretary Clinton to try?" I replied, "First I would like to take her to Mindanao (the southern island of the Philippines), Mindanao is a beautiful place, I am from there. And then she would get the chance to taste an authentic Maranao food."

I was fortunate enough to have been invited, representing the alumni of US government programs, to what was tagged as a “ground breaking” event. According to the US Embassy, it was a first for the US State Department to allow cellphones to be brought in an event. It was also the first time they are doing this format: using social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, Skype, etc, together with a town-hall style interview and discussion.

The forum covered a wide range of topics that included the European debt crisis, US immigration policy, human trafficking, Philippine economic growth, social media, Mrs. Clinton’s political future, and her views about work-life balance.

The one-hour informal forum ended in an upbeat mood, in contrast to more serious and formal press conferences where Sec. Clinton is peppered with policy questions. For the mostly young audience in the room, it was a rare chance to get to know a world leader up close.

AFS IPP Sends Students on Different Scholarships AFS Mabuhay Scholarship AFS Mabuhay Scholarship is sponsored by the AFS Returnees Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ARFPI) in partnership with AFS IPP. On its first year of implementation, two deserving, talented, and well-rounded students won the scholarCarlo Brion ship and are now com- Julio Del Prado pleting their one year program in Thailand. They are Rey Carlo Brion from Claret School of Quezon City (now hosted in Bangkok, Thailand), and Julio Luis Del Prado from Christian Harvest Academy (now hosted in Nan, Thailand).

Frank and Bonnie Guerra Peace Scholarship This scholarship is sponsored by Francisco “Frank” and Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra who both went to the US on AFS program in 1970. Frank Guerra is a former member of AFS International Board of Trustees, while Bonnie Guerra is the AFS IPP Partner Chair since 2007. Both have been dedicating much effort and time for AFS IPP and sending deserving students to the US since 2010 through AFS. On its second year, the scholarship was won Datu Norhamidin

by Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged from (left) with his friend Cotabato City, now hosted in Monson, during winter.

Massachusetts. In 2010, the scholarship was awarded to Daniel Doydora from Cagayan de Oro City and was also hosted in Massachusetts, USA. Leighton Scholarship This is a target scholarship sponsored by Leighton Contractors Philippines in collaboration with AFS Philippines. Lester Iligan, from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental received the one year full scholarship. He is the first Filipino student on AFS program to be hosted in Dominican Republic.

Lester (1st from left) with other AFS students during an AFS camp.

1956 Japan Returnee “Arigatou Gozaimasu” Scholarship This is a scholarship fund established by a Japanese returnee group to USA in 1956. This returnee group has been supporting a YP student to JPN each year from diverse countries who shows high academic performance and is highly motivated to study and live in Japan, and this year they decided to support AFS IPP. On its first year, this scholarship is awarded to Joseph Bernabe Ragaza from Cebu City, and will begin his AFS journey in February 2012.

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AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines Board of Trustees Ms. Rahiema 'Bonnie' Bagis-Guerra Background: Industrial Biology, Entrepeneur, Management, Leadership, Fundraiser, Global Citizen AFS IPP Chair, AAI President AFS Student to Oklahoma, USA, 1970

Mr. Hector Dimacali Background: Engineering, Entrepreneur, Fundraiser AFS IPP Vice-Chair AFS Student to Pennsylvania, USA, 1967

Ms. Elizabeth Venzon-Eduave Background: Government and Community Service, Human Resources, Management AFS IPP National Director (ex-officio board member) AFS Student to Illinois, USA, 1968

Ms. Lina Inigo-Winebrenner Background: Actuarial Sciences, Performing Arts, Diversified Business AFS IPP Board Member AFS Student to USA, 1956

Mr. Manuel L. Ortega Background: Law, Education, Entrepreneur AFS IPP Treasurer AFS Student to Missouri , USA - 1964

Mr. Arturo B. Valdez Background: Government Service, Explorer AFS IPP Board Member AFS Student to Ohio, USA, 1965

Ms. Ma. Teresa D. Lazaro Background: Foreign Service, Law AFS IPP Board Member

Mr. Jose Mari 'Joey' G. Pelaez Background: Education – Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneur AFS IPP Board Member Adult Leader - JENESYS 2007

Mr. Edilberto I. Dames Jr., ARFPI President Background: Events Management, Sports Enthusiast, Marketing AFS IPP Board Member AFS Student to Missouri, USA, 1976

Ms. Rossana M. Baluyot Background: Government Service, Eco-Tourism AFS IPP Board Member

Ms. Angeline B. Omar Background: Education, Government Service, Entrepreneur AFS IPP Board Member

Mr. Froskhan B. Abdurahim Background: Nursing/HealthCare, Peace Advocate AFS IPP Board Member YES Student to South Carolina, USA, 2005

Who’s Who in AFS Philippines National Office?

Elizabeth V. Eduave – National Director

Tisha Lee V. Eduave – Programs Manager

If AFS is a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “It would be a clock--requests, inquiries, issues and concerns must be responded accordingly and on time; and we're always on the go!!!!”

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “AFS is already in my bedroom closet in the form of a huge collection of t-shirts!”

Intejar S. Julkiram – Volunteer and Chapter Development Coordinator

Mahid A. Macadato – I.T. & Communications Specialist/ Alumni Coordinator

Armieyah D. Ayob – Hosting Program Coordinator

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “It would be a pair of eye glasses, because it made me see the world clearly.”

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “It would be my favorite book The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini. Like the book, AFS taught me great lessons about family, friends and life”.

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “Mini black dress—working in AFS can be classy and sexy (sometimes)”

Lucas Hengstenberg – IJFD German Intern, VolDev

Danette Z. Rico – Admission and Compliance, Sending Program

Nur Hussain S. Maba – Hosting Program Support

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “It would be a window, it shows a view of the world”

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “SHOES – It gives me self-confidence, brings the best in me, and takes me to different places.”

If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “It would be a diary—it brings back memories.”

Grace C. Tarun – Admin & Logistics Coordinator If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “Cellphone (with the alarm ON). I have to be on time all the time.”

Zonnette P. Villavelez – Finance Officer If AFS would be a thing in your bedroom, what would it be and why? “Calculator.

Like the numbers on the calculator, each AFS Program is vital”