Naffaa January Newsletter 2016 by Ryan Tejero

What’s Inside? On January 9th through the 10th, sixty NaFFAA leaders gathered at the Marbeya Business Park in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was in response to the call to action by our National Chair JT Mallonga to mobilize the community behind two significant programs: Filipino American Vote (Fil-Am Vote) and Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVet REP). The former is a NaFFAA program (naffaa.org) and the latter is a national campaign, led by Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), to educate the American public about the Filipino World War II veterans and win U.S. recognition for their sacrifice and service. FILVET REP—January 9, 2016

Las Vegas Summit NaFFAA Iowa Region 8 NaFFAA Missouri Region 3East NaFFAA Ohio NaFFAA Region 1 NaFFAA Regio 8 NaFFAA Region 10 Membership Form

We begun the day with introduction of various community leaders who came from far and wide across the US: Honolulu, Hawaii on the far west, San Diego, California on the south west, Massachusetts on the north east, Jacksonville, Florida on the south east and everyone in between. The age, gender, education, experiences are varied but all have a common goal: advocat-

NaFFAA Summit 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada, January 9-10, 2016 Report by Giselle Rushford, NaFFAA Executive Director

NaFFAA National Vice Chair P. Emraida Kiram, who was appointed last year as NaFFAA’s FilVet REP Chair, was unable to attend due to a family emergency in the Philippines. In her stead, Jon Melegrito, NaFFAA Communication Director, FilVetREP Secretary and Interim FilVetREP Strategist for NaFFAA, presented FilVetREP’s main goal: engage Congress to pass the Congressional Google pics Gold Medal legislation. He showed an 18 minute documentary, which highlighted the service and sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans in defending the U.S. and the Philippines, and the humiliation they suffered when their rightful benefits were denied. It was a riveting film that stirred so much emotion. There was not a dry eye in the room. Everyone had a connection, albeit father, mother, grandfather or grandmother, to the WWII Veterans. In this context, Jon expounded on the need for all of us to ask Congress to pass the two bills: S.B. 1555 and H.R. 2737. At this writing, there are twentyseven co-sponsors of S.B. 1555 in the Senate. We need sixty by March so we are half way there. Afterwards we can focus on the House. For more information, please check filvetrep.org for updated data. According to Jon, the legislation requires Congress to fund the Congressional Gold Medal which will cost $35k and will be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. Each registered Veteran and or their commanding officer will be awarded a bronze replica of the Gold Medal with the Veteran’s name embossed on the medal. The cost for this bronze replica is $50 and will be presented to each Veteran or surviving family member in Washington DC at a ceremony after the Bills are passed and become law. They will, however, not be burdened with the costs. FilVetREP’s fundraising campaign will pay for the replicas and the associated expense of engagement, organization and presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal. 1

Gloria Caoile, a member of the NaFFAA Board of Governors, Fil-Am Vote Advisor and FilVet REP Fundraising National Director, asked NaFFAA members to assist raising funds. We have thirteen FilVet REP NaFFAA Coordinators who are tasked with coordinating their Regions’ engagement with Congress and fundraising for this project. Each Region has representation and will work with his or her respective FilVet REP Regional Director. After the introductions, Amor led us through the anatomy of Fil-Am Vote. According to Amor, we need to get started, get involved, get connected, be engaged and be informed. For more information on Fil-Am Vote, please visit naffaa.org/filamvote/. Two main speakers reinforced these concepts: Rom Sarno and Dr. Vangie Meneses. Rom worked at the County of San Diego, for over twenty-six (26) years, promoting from Administrative Trainee to serving as Acting Director of Human Resources. Rom's work included Personnel Administration, Labor Relations, Risk Management and Benefits Administration. His presentation is on Strategic Plan for FilAm Vote in the San Diego area, which can be applied nationally; full presentation available upon request: Mission Statement: To unite, build and increase political empowerment by engaging Filipino Americans in San Diego County. Vision: The Fil-Am Vote Committee envisions an empowered Filipino-American community that has a proactive representative alliance of educated and informed voters in San Diego County.

Dr. Vangie Meneses has been involved in higher education for over 35 years, having served as a counselor, instructor, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Student Services and Economic Development. According to Dr. Meneses, “Words matter, Words can determine behavior, Understanding context, motivation, and selfidentity may be factors that can be utilized to increase voter turn-out.” In summary, the state of being: I AM A VOTER is more powerful than the action oriented statement: I am going to vote.

NAMES

NAFFAA TITLE

REGION

CONTACT

Aida Rivera

Chair/National Empowerment Conference Host Chair Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

Anrivera01@comcast.net,

harley.barrales@gmail.com,

lidychan@comcast.net,

celydeauna@gmail.com,

Bing Branigin

National Assistant Treasurer/Fil-Am Vote Treasurer New Jersey State Chair/ Fil-Am Vote Coordinator Chair

mcbranigin@aol.com ,

Armin Sayson

Chair/FilVet REP Coordinator

03 E

armin@sayson.net,

Vilma Helms

Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

03 E

vhiehelmsPhd@aol.com,

Jelly Carandang

Chair/Board of Governor

03 W

msjellybeans@aol.com ,

Abbey Eusebio

Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

03 W

abbeygne@yahoo.com,

Cesar Abueg

Chair

cesarabuegjr@gmail.com,

Dick Aquino

Fil-Am Vote Director

filamvoteaquino@gmail.com,

Pepito Castellanes

Chair/ Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

Plc298@aol.com,

Donna LaVigne

Vice Chair/ Fil-Am Vote Director

donna@i-legal.com,

Anthony Guevara

Chair/Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

Anthony.guevara@gmail.com,

Mariella Fletcher

Chair/National Secretary

marielfletch@msn.com,

Jesse Vizcocho

Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

jessviz@gmail.com,

Rudy Asercion

Chair/ FilVet REP Coordinator

rudyasercion@gmail.com,

Jinni Bartolome

Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

scrapbookjin@hotmail.com,

Noel Omega

Chair

Noel.omega@gmail.com,

Mary Anne Omega

Member

Info.faccgla@gmail.com,

Myrna Farinas Reyes

Chair

myrnatfreyes@gmail.com,

Dr. Aurora Cudal-Rivera

Fil-Am Vote Advisor

aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com,

Juanito Amor, Jr

Fil-Am Vote Executive Director

filamvoteamor@gmail.com,

Amie Belmonte

Chair/ Director-Programs

amiebelmonte@yahoo.com,

Cynthia Deriquito

Nevada State Executive Director/ Fil -Am Vote Coordinator Chair/Fil-Am Vote Coordinator

cynderix@yahoo.com,

Rouel.velasco@gmail.com

Harley Barrales, Esq. Lidy Chan Cely Deauna

Rouel Velasco

Two research-backed strategies: Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness (Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein), and Role of self-identity (Christopher J. Bryan, Gregory M. Walton, Todd Rogers. & Carol S. Dweck of Stanford University and Harvard University). Complete presentation available upon request. To summarize Fil-Am Vote is Voter Registration, Voter Education, Vote Protection, Get Out the Vote and I Am A Voter. We appreciate the folks who attended the Summit or those who enabled their Region to be represented. It is a testament to your engagement and dedication to serving the Filipino American community. Moreover, NaFFAA is indeed fortunate to have you as part of its team. The comments I received are summed as " these two days have been the most productive, focused and impressive Summit we've had thus." It was our pleasure delivering the Summit to you and a successful Summit is only as good as the quality of skill, involvement and energy of the presenters and participants. Furthermore, there were a lot of take-aways, YOU are energized and we are giving you tools that you can all wrap your hands around with so you can all move forward with FilVet REP and Fil-Am Vote Programs. Finally, we thank Region XI for hosting the 2016 NaFFAA Summit through the leadership of Jing Espiritu, NaFFAA Board of Governor Member and Amie Belmonte, Region XI Chair. Other than travel expenses, the Region took care of the venue, entertainment, transportation and meals through sponsorships and donations from Region XI members, businesses and individuals.

NaFFAA Iowa Attends AAPI’s Mock Caucus

NaFFAA Iowa and the Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI) participated in the first AAPI sponsored mock caucus held at the Franklin Library on January 23, 2016. With Dory Taylor (FAAI President), Alita Siasoco, Diane Siasoco, and Roel Fortich Campos (NaFFAA Iowa Chair), Malou Guieb-Campos (NaFFAA Iowa Communication Coordinator) were in attendance and are volunteers at their respective precincts on caucus night on February 1st. Sanjita Pradhan, Executive Officer at the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs in the Iowa Department of Human Rights, in partnership with the Iowa Asian Alliance and the Iowa Department of Human Rights, and AAPI community leaders identified the need for education, training and led this effort in providing valuable information on a Democratic and Republican caucus in the state of Iowa. The population in Iowa is overwhelmingly white (over 92% in Iowa). The Asian population has grown over 72% since 2000, while the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population has grown 172%. The participation of minority voters is critical to provide Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the presidential nomination process. NaFFAA Iowa’s Communication Coordinator, Malou Campos expressed that, “Personally, the mock caucus provided me valuable training on how to caucus. It was interesting to note the difference of Republicans and Democrats caucus. I also learned how limited the involvement of Asian Americans in previous caucus. We are currently working on our goal to strengthen education and training for Asian Americans to get engaged in their civic responsibilities.”

NAFFAA R8 Attends FilVet Education Center Opening

Iowa State Chair Roel Fortich Campos (1st R in front) received an award of recognition from the Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA ) for his exemplary service as member of the Board of Directors 2009 – 2015. The event was held on January 15, 2016 at a private ceremony in the new home of IAA BOD officer Rona Berinobis in Ankeny, IA. Photo taken Roel, joined by IAA’s Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors.

NaFFAA Region 8 Chair Rudy Asercion (3rd from Right) and R8 members participate at opening of the Filipino Veterans Education Center at San Francisco War Memorial Building with Lowell High JROTC, various educators including Rodel Rodis, Prof Jad Sobredo, State Supe of Public Schools Tom Torlakson and Mae Cendaña Torlakson, FilAm vets, veterans of other engagements, ie Pelagio Valdez, and various community leaders, ie, Fiona Ma, SF Supes Jane Kim and Weiner, etc. The event was emceed by Henni Espinosa. Tracy Sarmiento sang a rousing version of the national anthem. 5

NaFFAA MO Cultural Group Performs in Sinulog Fest Sinulog celebration is a huge event in various places in Missouri during the month of January and the NaFFAA MO R3 has always been invited be part of this remarkable celebration in keeping our faith, culture and rich heritage alive. The NaFFAA Kultura and Bayanihan Dance Group with currently 16 dancers, plus kids, have been performing Sinulog dances twice a year for four years now, both in the cities of St. Louis and Columbia. Group performances are choreographed by Leonor Wright, who designs all the costumes. R3W Vice-Chair and MO State Chair Anecita Alvizo said, “I am humbled and thankful to the dancers, attendees and the participation of our kababayans who devoted their time on a Sunday afternoon and of course, their resources celebrate in unity, with love and faith in God.” Most Reverend Robert J. NaFFAA MO R3 Sinulog dancers this year were: Analiza Lochirco, Anecita Alvizo, Hermann, who officiated the mass in St. Louis, along with Christy Miranda, Leonor Wright, Nichelle Brown, Roma Long, Isabel Alvizo, and five other Catholic priests expressed their gratitude in introKiina Miranda. ducing this significant event in the Diocese and to the congregation every year. Anecita added, “this is just a very unique way of offering praises to God that most Catholics are not aware of, it’s a beautiful and meaningful celebration.” Anecita recalled her experience performing with her daughter, “personally, as a mother, this is an unforgettable moment of my life. It was the first time for my 7 year-old daughter, Isabel dancing in public, with her mommy. I just feel proud that she experience Filipino culture at its best. There is no doubt, Senior Santo Nino made it happened for us! What a blissful celebration indeed! PIT SENIOR!”

NaFFAA R3E and Ohio Meet with NaFFAA Founder Loida Nicolas

NaFFAA Region East and NaFFAA Ohio held a brief reception for Founder Loida Nicolas Lewis on January 17, 2016 at Wright State University. Region 3E Chair Armin Sayson, with Kentucky State Chair Vicky Villareal and Ohio State Chair Ed Stanek presented Atty. Lewis a token of appreciation for her sponsorship of the First Region 3East Conference in Kentucky, held in August 2015. Region 3 East is composed of Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. Dayton, OH is one of the cities that Atty. Lewis has visited to promote her forum on Good Governance. 6

NaFFAA Officers met with Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach at the Philippine Consulate General New York on January 13, 2016. ThMeet and Greet Event was held at the Kalayaan Hall, and was attended by about 180 community members. The Ms. Universe was also invited by Consul General De Leon to participate in the 2016 Philippine Independence Day Parade.

NaFFAA R1 at the Warden System Meeting with PCG-NY

NaFFAA R10 Promotes FilAmVote

NaFFAA Officers: Dr. Rommel Rivera, Dr. Aida Rivera, National Chair JT Mallonga and Ernesto Gange were present at the meeting with Philippine Consul General New York Mario De Leon on January 16, 2016. The meeting was in connection with the Warden System, which is a project of the Philippine Consulate General New York. The Warden System was launched in September 2013 as a Filipino assistance network dealing with man-made and natural calamities as well as Assistance to Nationals cases in ten US Northeastern states under the Consulate's jurisdiction. 7

With the leadership of R10 Chair Myrna Reyes (R), FilAmVote in San Diego getting lots of public exposure. Also involved in disseminating information about FilAmVote are Dr. Aurora Soriano Cudal and Jr Amor for Region 10. For inquiries, please send email to filamvotenaffaa@gmail.com. NaFFAA R10 is also promoting the 2016 National Empowerment Conference in Philadelphia.

Region V’s First Mile High Filipino Youth Summit: Simula Highlights of a successful youth participation at the Region V’s Conference held in Denver, Colorado Friday, October 17, 2015 By: Javier D San Andres

NaFFAA recognizes the importance of youth mobilization at the state meetings and regional conferences. I. PURPOSE Enhance Fil-Am and interested youths’ confidence in and appre ciation of their unique identities II. RESULTS  

Purpose achieved as evidenced by the insights of participants in workshop dialogue and teambuilding games, as well as the culture of inclusivity and community created that evening. Attendance goal of 75 people was not met. ~50 in attendance.

III. WHAT WE CAN DO DIFFERENTLY IN THE FUTURE      

Allot enough time to set up venue Ensure all housekeeping tasks are completed prior to event day Anticipate and care for guest accommodations Explore opening the Summit (or aspects of it) to youths’ parents Plan and market the Summit sooner Have participants fill out satisfaction surveys at the end

IV. NEXT STEPS    

Establish a NaFFAA Region 5 Youth Coordinatorship Create opportunities that allow the Summit participants to stay connected Construct avenues for newer and older generations of FilipinoAmericans to interact in intentional and meaningful ways Reach out to more youth of Filipino descent or who are interested in the culture, and expose them to opportunities to learn about their heritage, like the Summit

February 25, 2016 marks the 30th Anniversary of the historic EDSA/People Power Revolution in which the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, after 14 years of repressive and bloody rule, was overthrown by the united effort of millions of Filipinos. To commemorate this momentous anniversary, the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco, Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA) and their community partners (ABS-CBN International / TFC, Inquirer.net, and Philippine American Press Club) are sponsoring an Essay Contest with cash and other in-kind prizes.

30th Anniversary Filipino EDSA/People Power Essay-Writing Contest Theme: Recapturing the Spirit of 1986 People Power Revolution and What It Means to Me as a Filipino-American.

Length of essay: 700 - 1000 words (not including bibliography, if needed); typed double-spaced, in Arial, Times or Times New Roman font, 12-point size. Please submit in PDF format to pawa@pawainc.com by Deadline: February 15, 2016, 8:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight Savings time. The contest is open to Filipino-Americans, aged 18 - 30, and residents of the U.S.A. The following are excluded from participating in the contest: Philippine Consulate staff, PAWA Board members, the People Power @ 30 Organizing Committee, community partners and their families, and writers with a book credit in Books in Print, up to January 31, 2016. The contest will be judged by a group composed of PAWA members. Essays will be judged on presentation of ideas, style, clarity and coherence. Awards: Cash prizes: $500 for First Place (ABS-CBN award); $200 for second (Inquirer.net award); and $100 for third (Philippine American Press Club award). In addition, Certificate(s) of Recognition, selected books from the PAWA catalog, and if local residents, comp admission to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The first place winner will also receive one signed copy each of the new (2016) books by authors Myles Garcia and Mila De Guzman, with subjects relative to the event. The winning essay will be read at the Philippine People Power commemorative event at the Consulate General of the Philippines in San Francisco on February 25th. On February 19, 2016, the results of the contest will be released and the three winners will be notified. Winners grant permission to PAWA, all media sponsors and partners to publish their winning essay. Please copy the following at the end of your email submission: “By this submission and attaching my printed name hereto, I declare that I am a resident of the United States of America, 18 to 30 years of age, and that the above entry is the original work-product and of my own creation. I also give permission to PAWA, its media sponsors and partners , for no extra compensation, to publish my essay if it is selected.” Name: ______________________ Address: _____________________

Date submitted: ____________, 2016 Email: _____________ Telephone:______________

Important: Please provide email, telephone number, physical address, and clear photo (JPEG, PDF) of your State ID or Driver License, or current student ID at a college/university. If the organizers cannot reach the first-place winner after February 19 due to incorrect and unclear contact info, we reserve the right to select and move on to the next winning essay on the list. Thus, please make sure your Contact info are correct and working. NaFFAA National is a monthly newsletter with the goal of circulating information on NaFFAA’s advocacy events and projects, appointments, messages from leadership and other related activities in the Filipino American community.

Ryan Tejero

Editor-In-Chief ryantejero@yahoo.com

Eduardo “Ed” Navarra ejn0115@aol.com

Jon Melegrito

jdmelegrito@gmail.com

Bing Branigin

MCBranigin@aol.com Please forward event announcements and news articles in your community for February issue by the 25th. Submission must be in word format and pictures are in jpeg or jpg formats. Thank you to all January contributors !le