DECEMBER 2014 VOL 46, NO 12 by Edward TumanutDECEMBER 2014 VOL 46, NO 12 . The Tambuli is a monthly publication of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City . 9810 W 79th St

DECEMBER 2014 VOL 46, NO 12 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 www.filipino-association.org

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 President’s Message

2 Upcoming Events

3 Event Photos

4 Feature Stories

5 Community Celebrants

6 Meeting Highlights

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.

A PRESIDENT’S FAREWELL by Edward Tumanut My sentiments to you for Auld Lang Syne... According to the Scots, the song is about "the love and kindness of days gone by, but…it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take into the future.” Throughout the year I have often referred to the Vision 2014 plan I unveiled in January as a measuring stick for this term. It was a guide to point the Filipino Association in a direction that would begin to shape it for these fast-changing times. This Vision was formed from a combination of our own strategic planning goals and a forward attempt to challenge long-standing ways of thinking. Membership We fell short on renewal goals, but with the aid of our events PR, added 44 new paid members to the community! Though not employed in full force, we worked hard to develop a membership campaign strategy, a variety of solicitation and acknowledgement letters, and an expanded benefits list. With a dedicated and enthusiastic committee already in place for next year, I do believe we will be able to grow tremendously. Building While there will always be issues to work on, we made tremendous strides to improve the regular condition and upkeep of our living and breathing home, the Filipino Cultural Center. Much credit must go to outgoing Executive Director Jun Puno, Amy Mesina, Lillian Pardo, Carl Estep, the Sinag-Tala, and the grounds crew. We also added new signage befitting the improvements! Processes & Special Projects We took on many under-the-radar items to improve the way we do things. Some were necessary for the organization and security of our own property. But in many other areas we took advantage of technology to streamline processes – from utilizing PayPal, Square, and Intuit for accounting, to installing VoiP and voicemail systems, to centralizing information via the cloud. Programming Newcomers often ask about the Association, “What do you do?” Thus, our events and activities are what really define us. I looked at our schedule in a new way, working around our major “legacy” events to structure regularly occurring activities to fill out the calendar with a diversity of programs aimed to provide something for everyone and to help define our identity. (continued on page 4)

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

2

TAMBULI STAFF Editor-in-Chief Ping Bayani Contributors Edward Tumanut Want to submit content or even be part of the staff? Contact the Editor-in-Chief at 913-558-4332 or [email protected]

ELECTION RESULTS Congratulations to our newly elected officers for 2015, who will be inducted at the “Fire & Ice” New Year’s Eve Party! President Rizvend Pecaña President-Elect Kevin Bautista Secretary Joy Shute Treasurer Paul de los Santos Board Members Michael Mesina and Rich Snyder

UPCOMING EVENTS View a complete listing at www.filipino-association.org/calendar New Year's Eve: Fire & Ice Wednesday, December 31 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Filipino Cultural Center Come one, come all...we're popping the corks and having a ball! So come join us and don't be tardy - or you'll miss a fabulous party! Let's say goodbye to 2014 and say hello to 2015 at a New Year's Eve bash. Cost is $25. Please, no children under 12. RSVP by December 26 to reserve your seats! Send your check made out to "FA-GKC" to Armi Pecana at 13618 W 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062. Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting Monday, January 6 6:30 PM, Filipino Cultural Center The Board of Directors are comprised of 6 elected members, the 2 immediate Past Presidents, the current President and President-Elect, and the Executive Director of the Filipino Cultural Center. Their quarterly meetings are open to all duly-paid members of the Filipino Association. Members may participate in the discussion of issues on the Board's agenda. General Monthly Meeting Friday, January 9 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Filipino Cultural Center Our General Monthly Meetings are on the first Friday of each month (with exceptions as noted). These meetings are open to all - members and non-members alike, and anyone who is interested in becoming involved. The Diplomatic Ball Saturday, March 21 6:00 PM - Midnight, Kansas City Marriott Downtown An annual gala celebrating the diverse communities of our city. Hosted by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City (EECKC). This year's host country is Mexico. Formal or ethnic attire. If you are interested in attending, contact our Ethnic Enrichment Commissioner.

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

3

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

A delegation from the Filipino Association represents and enjoys “The Voice” Holiday Party at Aristocrat Motors, hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.

A leadership and transition workshop was held to initiate the changeover to next year's officers and committee chairs.

The final Networking Happy Hour of the year was at the Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza.

Dancing, games, and gifts filled the Filipino Cultural Center at the always-fun, annual Christmas Party.

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

4

A PRESIDENT’S FAREWELL (continued from Page 1)

EMPOWERING AAPI-OWNED BUSINESSES THROUGH FEDERAL RESOURCES

We promoted more than 80 events in 2014, or roughly an activity every 4-½ days! The list is far-ranging, but highlights include: Fitness Festival for the Philippines, Networking Happy Hours, White House AAPI Workshops, Speaker Series, AACCKC and MAACA events, Pinoy Breakfasts, holiday parties, Parents’ Day, Movie Nights on the Terrace, Fiesta Filipina, Future Stages Festival, the September Affair, and the Sulyap concert. Thanks I thank each and every person who participated in any way this year – truly it is our members and friends that make this a better community. But I would be remiss not to give special gratitude to those who have provided advice, mentorship, guidance, and extraordinary support: my parents Bong & Sonia Tumanut, Mary Ann Deming, Bing Sakach, Kevin Bautista, and Stephanie Paradies. We Must Be Bold We set out with a very ambitious list of plans and ideas. With my only regret being that we couldn’t tackle everything in one calendar year, I walk away extremely proud of what we were able to accomplish – an incredibly robust agenda of programming, communication, and outreach. I hope many of these “beginnings” are given a chance to develop into the future. We ought to be mindful – not just of our Filipino culture – but of our organizational culture, whether we're doing what's necessary to cultivate success. So, WE MUST BE BOLD. Congratulations to the new leadership for 2015 – and good luck in shaping your Vision. It has been an honor to serve as your President. Thank you for allowing me to lead this community, which I care for deeply.

With the holidays coming up, it is an opportune time for us to recognize the businesses that support and help our economy grow healthier and make the season more special. The White House recently released its employment situation in November and shared the good news that the private sector has added nearly 11 million jobs over 57 straight months of job growth, extending the longest streak on record. A big contributor to this success is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned businesses throughout the country. AAPI-owned businesses, like other minority-owned businesses, continue to grow and create jobs in difficult times, testifying to their important role in helping drive economic recovery and growth. The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders’ Executive Order speaks explicitly to the power of the Initiative to connect AAPI-owned businesses to business development, counseling, and capital in the federal government. To that end, we are excited to launch a website dedicated to connecting AAPI-owned businesses to federal resources. This new AAPI business website aims to be a hub of federal resources and tools, such as from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency, Export.gov, and the Export-Import Bank. On the website, you will find the following information for: (1) Starting your business; (2) Managing your business; (3) Expanding your business; (4) Upcoming events; (5) Data and statistics; (6) Local assistance; (7) Glossary. Go to: bit.ly/aapibusiness

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

5

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

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Name # Claude Cepeda 1 Arvin Figueroa 1 Magno Gabales 1 Precy Huebner 1 Lydia Geroche 2 Joe Hicks 2 Emilie Turalba 2 Grace Buenavista 3 Michael Lee 4 Edward Tungol 4 Lina Zubiri-Sequerra 4 Hannah Crain 5 Perla Horst 5 Mathew Macaraeg 5 Rene Menzies 5 Jon Miciano 5 Tad Macaraeg 6 Todd Sampson 6 Mario Abenoja 7 Letty Rabang 7 Dr. Arnulfo Sulit 7 Rowena Vergara 7 Jennifer Aquino 8 Precy Buzick-Mulach 8 Tony Do 8

Name # Carlos Mamuric 8 Pedro Cordero 9 Kent Dobson 9 Michael Tan 9 Elsie Winicov 9 Gathel Giesbrecht 10 Nicole Herrera 10 Letty Quiason 10 Amie Valera 10 Joe Viles 10 Alyssa Campbell 11 Claudette dela Cruz 11 Henna Fuller 11 Bryan Jomar Paat 11 Ashley Sampson 11 Sergio Alaniz 12 Don Downing 12 Loreta Mithelavage 12 Bebie Cawley 13 Mila Christmas 13 Dennis Paat 13 Walter Giesbrecht 14 Brayden Bringer 15 Mariah Tatad-Tarrago 15 Annaliza Bagunu 16

Name # Lita Doronio 16 Dan George 16 Michael Juan 17 Anna Samilin 17 Nikki Upton 17 James Gador 18 Dan Sulit 18 Marta Prigmore 19 Benny Tinio, Jr. 19 Art Villamayor 19 Lito Pineda 20 Neo Rabang 20 Ernie Rosas 20 Rio Starkey 20 Vangie Sampson 21 Matt Shields 21 Mia Spurlock 21 Christopher Bringer 22 Alan Labayen 22 Joshua Spradlin 22 Dr. Eileen Cocjin 23 Dr. Arturo Quiason 23 Susan Dolina 24 Anna Sambitan 24 Wendell Train 24

Name # Joan Viril 24 Jerice Anterola 25 Rasel DePaolis 25 Kenna Diegel 25 Joan Dy-Gauwitz 25 Danny Galos 25 Shannon Tumanut 25 Rebecca Castro-Evans 26 Mel Carey 27 Vi Ignacio 27 Melissa Sullivan 27 Luz Conde 28 Cheryl Hunter 28 Elaine Suba 28 Francis Festiva 29 Cathy Lim 29 Luisa Lotuaco 29 Peter Saing 29 Henri Van Zandweghe 29 Emily Kalthoff 30 Nina Ysabel Estiva 31 Christine Robertson 31 Christian Sequerra 31 Lorenzo Zapata 31

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

Name # Chuck & Ginger Stout 1 Arturo & Emmeline Quiason 2 Cesar & Luz Conde 2 Bob & Mila Christmas 4 Sil & Tess Moulic 6 Paul & Mirla de los Santos 9 Pedro & Esing Cordero 10

Name # Michael & Monchit Navarro 14 Randy & Pam Ames 14 Billy & Bing Iway 18 Ric & Pie Rivera 19 Danny & Janette Galos 25 Amado & Normita Mamuric 26

NEW MEMBERS It’s time to renew your membership for 2015! Members of the Filipino Association are made up of people like yourself, who believe in preserving our cultural heritage. Pay your dues online at www.filipino-association.org/membership – or contact Bing Sakach at [email protected]

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

6

DECEMBER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For the full meeting minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/linksand check out the Resources section.

1. Guests were introduced. Will & Misha Parco were previously living in Utah and have been in Kansas City for about a year.

2. Mary Ann Deming gave the Treasurer’s Report. It was brought up that the $200 donation from the

Filipino bowling league was not reported and should be reflected under the appropriate line item. There also needs to the follow-up on changing our mortgage to a fixed rate. Senior Council allocated funds need to be reported from their fundraising events, so it can be included for next year’s budget. She also introduced a new program through Amazon Smile. Non-profits apply (for free) and when approved, members can go to a site where 0.5% of their purchase amounts are donated back to the organization. Mila Tiojanco recommended to direct this to the Ways & Means Committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS 3. Board of Directors. Mila reported that the Board had a fruitful year. They have a special meeting

scheduled to welcome newly elected members and nominate new officers. She expressed concern over proper donor acknowledgement. We should work on processing all outstanding donations by January 31 of the coming year. It was also noted that the incoming President is working on budget.

4. Filipino Cultural Center Foundation. Mila said that the FCCF has approved a donation to the

Association for an undisclosed amount, to be presented at the upcoming Christmas Party. The donation is designated for paying down our mortgage principal. The FCCF is looking for more projects fundraising support.

5. Executive Director, Sinag-Tala Performing Arts Troupe. Lillian Pardo noted that the Sulyap concert

was a success, grossing ~$1,800 while netting ~$800. Much credit goes to KUMC Human Resources for providing the cleaning, reception food, and marketing. The Sinag-Tala is now on hiatus until February – Ian Rivera will take a 6-month break while Gemma & Alexis Snyder will continue to work with the Filipinettes. Lillian also mentioned the possibility of introducing rondalla classes.

Edward also added that his cousin Lydia Neff, who performed at the Fiesta, is heavily involved in the San Francisco Filipino arts community and is interested in bringing shows and workshops to Kansas City.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS 6. Community & Volunteer Outreach. Bing Sakach reported that the Association had a good

representation at the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City’s (AACCKC) annual holiday/karaoke event. She added that the AACCKC will also be donating $1,000 from their golf fundraiser to the Philippine Medical Society for their medical mission. The Mid-America Asian Culture Association (MAACA) has approached Kevin Bautista and Edward to join its Advisory Board.

7. Membership & Hospitality. Edward announced the addition of more new member sign-ups through

automatic renewal. He then reviewed the year in membership – we have 177 paid members compared to 197 last year; added 44 new members; and have 7 members/families signed up for automatic renewal (including a Sustaining Benefactor).

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

7

DECEMBER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) For the full meeting minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/linksand check out the Resources section.

8. Nominations. Bong Tumanut presented the results of the Election of 2015 Officers. 81 out of 151 ballots were returned. For President-Elect, Kevin Bautista received the majority of votes over Lucila Rider. Joy Shute was elected as Secretary, and Paul de los Santos was elected as Treasurer. Mike Mesina and Rich Snyder received the majority of votes for Board of Directors, with a few going to write-ins Babette Orlich, Carmen Chico, and Adele Agpoon.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 9. Ethnic Enrichment Commission. Bong reminded everyone of the next Diplomatic Ball, to be hosted by

Mexico on March 21, 2015 at the Marriott Downtown. NEW BUSINESS 10. Edward relayed a message from Arcadia Publishing. They are asking for any interested people to work

with them to write and produce a community chronicle of Filipinos in Kansas City as part of their “Images of America” series.

Lillian added that we have been approached by ABS/CBN’s “Balitang Amerika” about interest in covering Filipino activity in the Midwest.

11. President. Edward recapped his presidency. He referred back to his Vision 2014 document as a guide to

point the Association in a direction to shape it for the future. In it were goals shaped by our own strategic planning combined with challenges to long-standing ways of thinking. So he set out to address an ambitious agenda. While there is some regret over not accomplishing every goal, Edward is extremely proud of our progress. In 2014 we covered a lot of programming, policy, and outreach. Membership numbers were disappointing, but we worked hard to develop campaign strategies and to define membership benefits. Credit goes to Jun, Amy Mesina, Carl Estep, grounds crew, and Sinag-Tala for vastly improving the regular condition and upkeep of the building. We have also continued to take advantage of different services and technologies to streamline processes (i.e. PayPal, Wi-Fi, MagicJack, etc.). Edward iterated that programming is what defines an organization to its members, providing events and activities for everyone. He approached the calendar to work around our major standing events to structure diverse, regularly occurring activities. In all we promoted over 80 events throughout 2014. Edward highlighted, in particular, the new White House AAPI Workshops, Speaker Series, and Movie Night on the Terrace; a successful Fiesta Filipina and September Affair; and the Future Stages Festival, among many others. He gave thanks to everyone who contributed/participated throughout the year, as it is our members that truly make the organization. Special gratitude went to his parents, Mary Ann, Bing, Kevin, and Stephanie for their extraordinary support and mentorship. Edward hopes that this term is a springboard to evolve the Association and is excited for its future. He stressed that it was an honor to serve the community and congratulated the incoming officers. We must be bold!

TAMBULI DECEMBER 2014

8

Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City 9810 W 79th St Overland Park, KS 66204

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED