JANUARY 2015

VOL 47, NO 1 The Tambuli is a monthly publication of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City. 9810 W 79th St Overland Park, KS 66204 816-888-4416 ON THE WEB:

www.filipino-association.org ON FACEBOOK:

www.facebook.com/filipinoassociation

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 News

2

Upcoming Events

3

Community Photos

6

Feature Stories

7

Community Celebrants

9 Meeting Minutes

12

Treasurer’s Report

The Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City is a not-for-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization established to preserve, promote, and enhance Filipino culture through education and cultural arts, and to provide service to the community at-large through its projects and programs.

We started the year indeed with a bang and I’m not even talking about the New Year’s Party. What I was referring to was the enthu- siasm and energy I witnessed during our first FA-GKC General Assembly for 2015. Families, single members, old members, new members, new attendees, return-ing members, and seniors alike were at hand. I am encouraged not by the numbers alone but also by the mix of members who attended and the kind questions posed during the meeting. It showed a group of people who cared about the organi-zation as much, if not more, than I did and that is encouraging.

I have given my commitment to oversee the day to day operations of the association as stipulated in the bylaws with no guarantees of getting anything in return. Working hand in hand with the Board of Directors, Committees and members of the organization, we will be successful in achieving our goals of increasing our membership, providing a viable source of funding for the organization, providing mentorship opportunities and enhancing our abilities in preserving our cultural heritage and identity.

Let us work together, have fun and show others the difference we can make.

Sincerely, Rizvend Pecana President, Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City Ignite. Inspire. Maintain. Succeed

MEET OUR FAGKC SCHOLARS!

The Filipino Association presented and awarded its 2014-2015 scholarship winners at the Association’s New Year’s Eve Party. And our scholars are … Jennifer Francisco and Danica Pecana!

Jennifer, a lead dancer of the FAGKC Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe, was the choice for the College Education Scholarship Program (CESP), awarded to a current college (undergraduate) student or college-bound high school senior. She is the daughter of active FA-GKC members/volunteers Robert and Erlinda Francisco and the granddaughter of untiring FA-GKC member, volunteer and benefactress Dr. Filipinas Francisco.

(Continued on Page 7)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE “Cheers to a new year and another chance

for us to get it right.” - Oprah Winfrey

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TAMBULI STAFF Editor-in-Chief

Ping Bayani

Photographer

Armando Costes

Contributors – This Issue

Lillian Pardo, M.D. Rizvend Pecana Want to submit content or even be part of the staff? Contact the Editor-in-Chief at 913-558-4332 or pbayani@filipino-association.org

FROM THE EDITOR by Ping Bayani HAPPY 2015!

The arrival of a new year always invites renewal, rediscovery and change. It gives us the chance to re-think what we do – along with the why and the how. We get the opportunity to improve on the good in pursuit of what is ideal. As we start 2015, we welcome and thank our fresh batch of Associa-tion officers, with our promise of full support and cooperation. I am particularly pleased that more and more, our younger members have risen to the challenge of leading our Association! We certainly benefit from the combination of the old and the new, fusing novel ideas with tested processes! The Tambuli is also pleased to introduce Armando Costes who has agreed to be our newsletter’s official photographer. He does double duty as the new FA-GKC PRO. Have a great 2015!

UPCOMING EVENTS View a complete listing at www.filipino-association.org/calendar

General Monthly Meeting Friday, February 6, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Filipino Cultural Center These meetings are open to all, members and non-members alike. Potluck starts at 6:30, with the meeting commencing promptly at 7:00. Contact: Rizvend Pecana rpecana@filipino-association.org/ 913-710-9462

Pinoy Breakfast Saturday, January 24, 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Filipino Cultural Center Join us for a delicious breakfast get-together, featuring your favorite Filipino breakfast foods. Open to all but members get a discount! Please see the flyer on Page 10 for additional information. Contact: Lucila Rider rider1215@yahoo.com / 816-522-3854

A Night to Remember: A Valentine’s Day Special Event Saturday, February 14, 6:00 – 11:00 PM, Filipino Cultural Center Celebrate LOVE on Valentine’s Day! An elegant and romantic evening is in waiting for you, complete with Dinner, Entertainment, Dancing and Door Prizes! Event Committee members Jinky and Glen Balilo, Armando Costes, Marjorie Doronio, Tess Moulic, Lu Rider and Ernie Rosas are waiting for you! Cost is $25 per person. Please see the flyer on Page 11 for details and contact info.

2015 FAGKC OFFICERS OATH-TAKING

Board Chair Dr. Mila Tiojanco administers the oath to some of the incoming

officers of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City during the Association’s New Year’s Eve festivities.

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COMMUNITY PHOTOS! (All photos by Armando Costes)

View more photos of our events and activities at www.filipino-association.org/photos

SIMBANG GABI 2014

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FA-GKC WELCOMES 2015 -

NEW YEAR’S EVE ‘FIRE AND ICE’ PARTY!

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Try and say that to any attendee of the latest FA-GKC New Year’s Celebration, and prepare for a long dis-cussion. It was just the start, but we wanted to make it count and pictures don’t lie. Indeed, the Fire and Ice theme transformed the evening into a New Year’s Eve not to be forgotten. From the decorations, to the program, and the overall ambiance, the event effectively helped us say goodbye to 2014 and welcome a new era in 2015. Making a little bit of profit for FA-GKC projects and guests telling you how much of a goodtime they had, makes the work of 8 core people worthwhile. But that wouldn’t be enough to rest on for those supporting the organization. The ultimate sign of success is the warm feeling the guests have by the time they leave the party, and the desire to come back for the next one. Thank you to those who attended and supported!

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MORE FACES FROM THE ‘FIRE AND ICE’ PARTY!

SEE YOU AT FA-GKC’S NEXT EVENT!

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KC SENDS MEDICAL MISSION

TO RP By Lillian Pard0, MD 2015 Medical Mission Coordinator

PINOY NEWS…

A team of 24 Kansas City-based physicians and nurses are in Ormoc, Leyte for their 22nd annual medical mission program. Under the auspices of the Philippine Medical Society of Greater Kansas City and the Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City, the group will provide medical and surgical services to a region that was hit hard by last year's typhoon Haiyan. They have sent ahead twenty boxes of medical supplies and medicines to Ormoc District Hospital in addition to hand carrying more medicines for the patients.

The Filipino Association of Greater Kansas sup-ported the people of Ormoc last year with a ship-ment of needed clothing and supplies. Some of the funds collected last year was used to buy medicines that will used during this year's medical mission.

Pope Francis was in the nearby city of Tacloban in the Leyte province just a week before the group ar-rived as part of the Pope's Mercy and Compassion mission to the Philippines.

HAIRCUTS FOR THE HOMELESS By Ping Bayani (From an article by Alex Heigl, originally published on August 20, 2014)

From Monday to Saturday, Mark Bustos is your typical New York City workaholic – fashionable, driven, relentless. But on the 7th day, instead of resting, this tattooed hairstylist, whose clientele includes some high-end names, does something far from typical. Since May 2012, 30-something Mark approaches the homeless and needy with the line ‘I want to do something nice for you today!’’ That something is – you guessed it – a free haircut!

A trip back to the Philippines in 2012 was the catalyst. During that visit, he rented a chair at a local barbershop to provide freebie haircuts to local impoverished children.

Mark conducts his good deeds in conspicuous public places, hoping to inspire others to do ‘some-thing nice’ for others in whatever way they can.

Hats (and hair!) off to you, Mark Bustos!

(Scholars … from Page 1)

Danica, a talented singer (one of our contest winners last year!) and dancer of the FAGKC Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe, is the recipient of the Secondary Education Scholarship Prog-ram. The SESP is awarded to a current, non-senior high school student. Danica is the daughter of our newly-inducted President, Rizvend and his gracious wife, Armi.

Pictured are: Erlinda Francisco receiving Jennifer’s check from outgoing President Ed Tumanut; Danica proudly posing with her check.

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COMMUNITY CELEBRANTS If any of the information below needs to be updated, contact the Editor-in-Chief.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Amy Mesina

1

Jocelyn Rhodes R.N. 1

Wilfred Richards 1

Marc Crawford 2

Randolf Dimalanta 2

Alice Shepard 2

Eric Meyer 3

Gideon Pardo 3

Dan Spurlock DO 3

Becca Tumanut 3

Jun Valentin 4

AC Villamayor 4

Lillian Pardo M.D.

5

Lilibeth Irisari R.N. 6

Efren Navas 6

Vangie Rosqueta RN 6

JP Tongson 6

Ric Anterola R.N. 7

Salome Flor R.N.

7

Johanna Mata 7

Evelyn Aguilera 8

Glenn Fernandez 8

Allie Aguilera 9

Mike Hicks 9

Neosho Pander 9

EJ Amilasan Jr. 10

Jenny Dent 10

Romy Ganaban 10

Breeze Pickering 10

Shelby Calderon 11

Herman Cooper 11

Danica Pecana 11

Bernadette Rabang 11

Brian Laoruangroch 12

Jacqueline Sampson 12

Boy Cordero 13

Delva Deauna-Limayo MD 14

Christine Hernandez 14

Margarita Ventura 14

Joel Bazan 15

Morgan Caudill 15

Jamie Austin 16

Brandon Jones 16

Allysa Orlanes 16

Leila Busch R.N. 17

Linda Francisco

17

Nora Juan 17

Wilma Loving R.N. 17

Cathy Sage R.N. 17

Robert Brown 18

Steve Estes 18

Divina Agpoon-Sachen 19

Robert Matlock

19

Joe Torres Sr. 19

Cesar Conde 20

Aimee How R.N. 20

Robert Howe 20

Jobet Mamuric 20

John Orlich Jr 20

Patrick Pardo 20

Diane Peñaloza R.N. 20

Paulene Gianelli Vargas 20

Douglas Lybarger 22

Cecille Samonte Ph.D. 22

Alex Sirivongxay 22

Tina Summers 22

Tom Eggers 23

Riza Francia 23

Jason Ladayan 23

Brett Laoruangroch 23

Bianca Manahan 23

Michael Rivera 23

Victor Rosqueta R.N. 23

Benie Vance

23

Jim Austin 24

Eric Butkovich 24

Xena Francisco 24

Mercy Navato 24

Imelda Ghilino 25

Ennie Lopez-Wright MA,MPH, CHES 26

Pam McGee 26

Ami Tevis 26

Ray Woods 26

Marc Cid 27

Jim Greco 27

Ryan Ellis 28

Cecil Labayen-Kroen 28

Amanda Mamuric 28

Adreanne Orlanes 28

Marti Quinones 28

FEBRUARY

ANNIVERSARIES

Tony and Mila Aquino

2

Walter and Lea Giesbrecht

6

Bradley and Ermeline Menzies

14

Winifredo and Linda Lisondra

14

Sid and Susan Dolina

15

Eric and Alma Meyer

19

Jojo and Lodette Orlanes

19

James and Emily Kalthoff

20

Herman and Nitz Cooper

20

Fred and Bing Toloza

21

NEW MEMBERS Butch Reyes Paye Reyes

FA-GKC MEMBER PHOEBE WILLIAMS WINS AWARD!

Congratulations to our member and KU nursing professor Phoebe Williams, Ph. D, RN, for being named the 2014 Kansas Nurse of the Year in Research by the state chapter of the American Nurses Association!

‘The award recognizes Dr. Williams for her research to help children with cancer and their families,’ says Margaret Bott, associate dean of research at KU School of Nursing.

Phoebe is also a published writer and an ardent singer, lending her soprano voice to the Sampaguita Choir for many years!

Mabuhay, Dr. Phoebe Williams!

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JANUARY MEETING MINUTES For previous months’ Meeting Minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/links and check out the Resources section. 1. The meeting was called to order 7:40 pm by Rizvend Pecana.

2. The agenda was approved as presented

3. Guest were introduced, Butch and Paye Reyes (father and daughter).

In attendance (*new members) Mary Ann Deming Kevin Bautista Eric Sorio Richard Snyder Mike Mesina Gemma Alamania-Snyder Paul De Los Santos Dr. Lilian Ventura Merla De Los Santos Jocelyn Shute Armando Costes Rizvend Pecana Dr. Filipinas Francisco Richard Holt Lucita Rider Beth Rosas Ernie Rosas *Butch Reyes Bing Sakach Peter Sakach Stephanie Paradies Edward Tamanut Haydee Miranda Angela Chico-Agustin Amy Mesina Armi Pecana *Paye Reyes

Introduction of Officers: The current President Rizvend Pecana, Pres.-Elect Kevin Bautista, Treasurer Paul De Los Santos,

Secretary Joy Shute, and PRO Armando Costes were introduced at the meeting. Merla De Los Santos

decline the PRO-Elect position due to conflict of interest, of which the President respectfully accepted.

TREASURERS’ REPORT

This is Mary Ann Demings’ final report for the month of December 2014. It was brought up there was a transfer

of $10,000 from the FCCP to building funds. The money will be used to pay the mortgage and leverage to lower

the interest or to a fixed rate. The transfer of such funds were supported the By-Laws to satisfy financial

obligations.

The amount of $4,000 from seniors’ fund (net income from Parents’ Day), were also transferred for the building

expansion. The treasurers’ report was approved and recognizes the hard work of Mary Ann for her two

consecutive years of volunteered service for the organization.

Meeting Rules: January is the first meeting for the new administration. Past Officers informed the need to have a motion in every

issue to be resolve; in addition, a call for voting is required.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

Presidents’ Vision:” Ignite, Inspire, Sustain, and Succeed”. Moving forward, Rizvend’s vision on his term is to

encourage to get more people for FA-GKC by increasing membership. Inspiring the future members every time

they come and visit our community, are very essential for the success of the organization. The focal point is to

draw people in joining our organization, through utilizing of our asset which is the community.

The President emphasized his plan to increase the membership to 400. He has also planned various income

generating events that will eventually help to sustain the objectives of the organization.

The Secretary and Armi will start making phone calls as reminders for up-coming monthly meeting.

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Board of Directors. Dr. Mila Tijangco is the current President for the Board of Directors, and Lucila Rider

serves as the Secretary. Jun Puno remain as the Project Manager and Amy Mesina is the new Executive Director.

Dr. Tijangco also serve as the FCC Foundation Director as well.

Executive Director, Filipino Cultural Center. Amy first report as the new Executive Director reminded

everyone that the FCC is our asset, and our home. She is asking full support from all members. Indicated that she

will make herself available in every meeting. Encourage all committees to submit all their respective fundraising

events schedules, in order to avoid conflicting schedules with the FCC users.

Public Relation Officers’ Report. Armando Costes is the new appointed PRO. Stephanie has kept up e-mail

and FB blast through the first part of the new year. Also, reviewed upcoming events for the month of January

and part of February.

Jan. 24th: Pinoy Breakfast from 9 to 11 am. Feb. 14th: Valentine’s Day “Night to Remember”. Starts 6:00 to 11:00 pm, and RSVP by Feb. 6th.

Open Committees: Lucila mentioned that the Sampaguita Choir were proposing a fund raising in the month of

April or July, to help subsidize the choir members’ September Affair expenses. The Tambuli is currently handled

by Ping Bayani, who prefer all communications and submission of articles be done online. Mirla volunteer to

audit the 2014 financial reports.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community &Volunteer Outreach. Former President Ed Tamanut reported the continuous and developing

relationship with like-minded community organizations such as Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Mid-

America Asian Culture Association, and White House AAPI Initiative. May also include EEC and opportunities

like Johnson County Library. As mentioned from the past meeting, Kevin Bautista and Ed Tamanut are both serving in the Advisory Board for

MAACA.

Membership & Hospitality. Bing Sakach is now the Chair for the membership committee but decline to chair

the hospitality. Bing explained the membership committee alone has major task to fulfill, which includes the

current president agenda to increase membership to 400 by the end of the year. Discussed the current situation of

the membership status and challenges everyone to bring prospect members in every meeting. Emphasized the importance to membership form available in every FAGKC events. Edward and Bing are

currently working on the membership database.

Programming &Social Affairs. Beth Rosas will chair the Social committee. Valentine’s Day Party is its first

project. Michelle Chico volunteered to do the Easter Sunday Party, and Armi Pecana will host the July 4th

celebration.

Senior Council. There is no current President in this council. It has been brought up that the council is not a

separate entity; therefore, it is a committee of the FAGKC. Lucila suggested to change the name of the person

leading the council from President to Chair.

Ways & Means. Rizvend appointed Lucila Rider to chair the ways and means committee. Proposing a regional

food fair “Taste of the Phils.” on the 3rd week of July. Ballroom dancing lesson plan in every Tuesday night. The

president will be working back to back on this committee since income generated always goes to the community’s

expenses.

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OLD BUSINESS

NASCAR. Peter Sakach is looking the future races are schedule on May 8, 9 and 10th. Then followed by the

second race is on October 16, 17 and 18th of this year. However, there are talks that major races will be 2 days

instead of 3 days full schedule.

Medical Mission Ball is on March 14th, cost is 100/person

Diplomatic Ball is on March 17th and Mexico will host this event. Cost is $75.00/person

NEW BUSINESS

Edward received an invitation from 90.1 KKFI. This segment talks about Global Roots, a 2-hour multicultural

radio show that’s features different guest host from various international committees in Kansas City. It is every

Sunday from 3-5pm, any interested to fill a spot just contact Ed.

REVISITING PAST BUSINESS

Angie Chico-Agustin requested to limit all Chair’s report for 2 minutes. She stressed to respect everyone’s time

who came by every meeting. The monthly meeting should be conducted for 2 hours at most. Each committee and

their member should always be present during meeting to meet quorum.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm Submitted by Jocelyn Shute, Secretary

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Drop us a line if you’re interested.

For advertising rates, please go to the link below:

http://www.filipino-association.org/tambuli/

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JANUARY TREASURER’S REPORT For previous months’ Treasurer’s Reports, go to www.filipino-association.org/links and check out the Resources

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Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City

9810 W 79th St

Overland Park, KS 66204

Love Story Ko!

We all have stories of longing, heartache and eventually, redemption. Whatever your love story is, we would like to hear about it. The Social Committee will select three stories to be featured during

"A Night to Remember," our Valentine's program on February 14, 2015 and will be given special prizes. Get inspired and honor those you love!

Send your story to acostes@filipino-association.org.