President’s Message

2018 is starting to be a great year for me personally and for our association. My recent trip to the Philippines made the old saying “Kill 2 birds with one stone” a perfect description of my recent travel. I was able to manage and coordinate the very successful 25th Medical Mission sponsored by PMS/PNA of Greater Kansas City in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. On the same trip, I was able to attend the PNAA Global Summit and International Nursing Conference held in the City of Dreams, visit my hometown, Tayabas, Quezon, my wife, Beth’s hometown in San Marcelino, Zambales and secure our retirement place in Bonifacio Global City. Needless to say, although I was gone and traveled so far, I cannot separate my thoughts of my commitments and our year-round activities highlighting our 50 th Anniversary of our association.

Our first event the Pinoy breakfast last March 3 was a huge success which was sponsored by the now famous, Housewives of Johnson County. I was very confident that they will be great to host this kickoff event for this year as I witnessed these ladies in action last year when they helped with the Fiesta and Ethnic Festival and cooked the popular “pancit” led by Venir Rivera. I would like to convey my most sincere gratitude to these ladies including their husbands, significant others, families and friends for a job well done. To all officers, volunteers, donors, members and guests, I thank you for your contribution to the success of this event. I applaud our Membership Chair, Marjorie Doronio for her energy and enthusiasm recruiting and signing up new members. My warm welcome to all of you.

Our first issue of Tambuli is out and congratulations to our Editor in Chief, Nita Norris. Please send her any interesting topic, article and reports you wish to be published in our newsletter. Email link here.

As a businessman, I find myself talking about the bottom line, but in the long run, whether business, social, civic and spirituality all have the same bottom line. This bottom line I am talking about here is not the financial aspect but rather all the great things that we are doing to our community. The existence of our Filipino Cultural Center has brought about many events that celebrate our Filipino culture and traditions. The gatherings we’ve had have given us a feeling of belongingness and somehow satisfy our longing for our homeland, the Philippines.

I therefore, encourage everyone to support all our activities or events and sign up to be a volunteer, be an officer or fill in some of our vacant positions in our association’s Committees. This is your chance to be “at the table” and have your voices and ideas heard. This is one of the reasons why my wife and myself have volunteered so much in many organizations. We want to make a difference and want to make those changes that we all want to happen. Be proactive and become that change and make a difference to our Filipino Community, to our home away from home, the Filipino Cultural Center.

No matter where I am, I am just a phone call or text away.

At your service,

March General Assembly Meeting Minutes

Date: Friday, March 2, 2018

1. The meeting was called to order by President Ernie Rosas at 7:45 p.m.
2. Welcome Guests: Maricel Nieman; Jacque Coen; Dr Jason Arribas, the new President of PMSGKC
3. Agenda was presented and approved
4. Minutes of last January general Assembly meeting was read and approved.
5. Treasurer’s Report -Got the bank issue finally resolved. Overdue bills were being paid. Quickbook is installed. Current treasurer’s report has been approved.

In attendance: Ernie Rosas, Kevin Bautista, Luz Conde, Amy Mesina, Dra. Mila Tiojangco, Dr. Manuel Pardo, Dra. Lillian Pardo, Beth Rosas, Venir Rivera, Cely N. Hernandez, Mike Mesina, Richard Snyder, Remy Bump, Kelly Tumanut, Lucila Rider, Jinky Bautista, Rachel Manakul, Dra. Fipay Francisco, Atty Jim Austin, Helen Austin, Ellen Hernandez, Armando Costes, Jun Rivera, Jonel Loreno, Evie Tan-Todd

Guests: Maricel Nieman, Jacque Coen, Dr. Jason Arribas, new President of PMSGKC

Minutes prepared by Evie N. Tan-Todd, Acting Secretary on behalf of Nita Norris

Executive Committee Report

President’s Report

1. President Ernie introduced himself. He has been a member of FA-GKC for 25 years and has served in numerous positions. His theme this year: “Achieve, Preserve and Celebrate.” He also introduced his Executive officers. Still looking for several very important vacant positions, namely President-Elect; FCC Exec Director; Ways and Means Chair; and PRO. President’s Ernie’s Mission/Goal is to increase membership by at least 25%: Renovation of the Philippine house; Update our Internet Technology and to get our younger members to be more active and get involved. They are our future.
2. Chairman of Board of Directors: Chairman Kevin Bautista. The first BOD meeting was held last January 5th. He called a state of emergency meeting due to No President Elect and No FCC Executive Director. He went over the management and relegation of responsibilities of FCC Director to the Board of Directors. President will oversee the open/close of FCC, make sure someone is assigned.
3. Executive Director, FCC: No Report
4. Filipino Cultural Center Foundation: No Report
5. Executive Director Sinag-Tala Performing Arts: Dra Lillian Pardo reported several upcoming activities. Preparing for PMSGKC Gala. Sampaguita Choir will be singing the National Anthems and Sinag-tala. Dancers will be performing the Malong and Fan dance. Sinag-tala will be participating at MAACA on May 12th. Dra Lillian introduced the Sinag-tala dance instructors: Ian Rivera, Gemma Snyder and Maggie Albers. Kelly Tumanut will stay as the Sampaguita Choir Director. Rondalla has been revived 3 years ago. Amado Espinoza and Karen Lisondra are very busy this time.
6. PRO: No Report
7. Tambuli: No Report
8. Ethnic Enrichment Commission: President Ernie Rosas and Adela Tan are the representatives/Commissioners for Philippines. The Ethnic Ball is on April 28th. The Ethnic Festival this year is on August 17 to 19, 2018

Standing Committee Report

1. By-Laws and Policy and Procedures: Beth Rosas stated this needs to be reviewed.
2. Community Outreach. Introduced: Dr Jason Arribas, President of PMSGKC and Luz Conde, President of PNAGKC. Dr Jason and President Ernie thanked FA-GKC Board for approving $1,000,00 for PMSGKC.
3. Finance 1: No Report
4. Information Technology: Jonel Loreno has stated that the database has been done. Next step is to work with membership committee chair to update the database.
5. Membership: Marjorie Doronio not present but gave her report to President Ernie. Getting the old database updated with Jonel and Amy Mesina’s assistance. Evie will meet with Jojie & Jonel to help.
6. Hospitality: No Report
7. Nominations & Elections: No Report
8. Social Affairs: Easter Picnic—Rose Kinyon is the committee chair. Its from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. The goal is to get everyone involved and to participate. Need better sound system. September Affair—Set for September 15th at Westin Crown Center. Beth Rosas is the Chair person.
9. Scholarship: No Report
10. Senior Council: Helen Austin, Co-Chair reported about the March 17th Seminars with a couple of Guest Speakers. Senior Council Meeting to, lea follow after lunch. It starts at 11:00 a.m. It is a PotLuck.
11. Ways and Means: Pinoy Breakfast—March 3, 2018, hosted by the Housewives of Johnson County, lead by Venir Rivera. Next Pinoy Breakfast will be on April 7th, hosted by the FCC Foundation
12. Youth Group: No Report
13. Volunteer: Rachel Manakul stated that she will have a sign-up board to keep track of the volunteers. She recommended a raffle type drawings. She also mentioned about a possible get-together with the volunteers twice a year.

Special and Ad Hoc Committees

Philippine House Restoration: Dra Lillian Pardo stated that the FCC Foundation has been assisting the FA-GKC in identifying what needs to be done to restore the Philippine House.

• Basement needs to be water proofed
• Add annex to put on the equipments, etc
• She has met with the City of Overland Park with Jun Puno to get the permit approved.

50th Anniversary Planning Committee: Dra Lillian Pardo

• Goals: Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the FA-GKC in 2018
• Showcase cultural programs such as dance; choir and rondalla support
• Attract the youth in reading programs about our heritage
• Assist the Senior Council’s Parents’ Night program in celebrating the Golden Years tribute to generations,
• Gintong Ala-ala Concert
• Golden moments book preparations

MAACA Ambassadors

New Business: None

Meeting Adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

April General Monthly Meeting Minutes

Date; April 6, 2018

Attendees: Jonel Loreno, Filip Francisco, Kevin Bautista, Beth Rosas, Lillian Pardo, Manuel Pardo, Excy Basuel, Mila Tiojanco, Vi Daarsnek, Wayne Darsnek, Rose Kinyon, Jim Kinyon, Art Basuel, Louise Fernandez*, Stephanie Passantino*, Jason Arribas, Evie Tan-Todd, Nita Norris, Ernie Rosas, Lucila Rider, Adela Tan, Majorie Doronio, Shirley Sulit, Armando Costes

*Denotes first time attendee

Ernie Rosas, 2018 Association President, called meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Agenda approved

Welcome guest Stephanie Passantino, student from UMKC

Treasurer’s Report: Jim Kinyon

• FA-GKC files converted to QuickBooks, report created on Thurs., April 5
• Presented first report from QuickBooks
• Treasurer’s report approved

President’s Report: Ernie Rosas

2018 First quarter report: in good shape, March Pinoy Breakfast was a success and thanks to all who helped

Easter Picnic: A great success despite the weather. Had over 100 attendees with many new faces. Had raffles with prizes and games were played. Thanks to Rose and Jim Kinyon.

Member Database update: Ernie & Beth Rosas have been trained by Jonel Loreno. Database can accommodate up to 100 users. It is a work in progress, but there are a lot of good features. Currently, about 90% of current membership has been input. Membership database is now connected to QuickBooks.

MAACA (Mid-America Asian Cultural Association) Business Summit: Date is May 11. Counsels from Washington DC and Chicago will be visiting while the mayor of Overland Park will be hosting a dinner on Friday, May 11. Tickets for Business Summit is $35

MAACA (Mid-America Asian Cultural Association) Cultural Festival: Date is Saturday, May 12 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Address is 6000 College Blvd in Overland Park. FA-GKC will have a food booth during the festival. Sinag-tala dancers will perform. Call for volunteers to cook and prepare food (at the Filipino Cultural Center), transporters, cashiers and server during the festival. Click here to sign up.

Chairman of the Board: Kevin Bautista

• Thanks to Ernie and the board management
• Budget approved
• Next meeting April 9, everyone welcome to attend
• Reminder of vacant positions: President-elect and FCC Director

Sinag-tala Executive Director, and Cultural Programs Executive Director: Dra Lillian Pardo

• Successful performance at the Medical Ball
• Active recruitment of new dancers
• Preparing for performance at MAACA Festival

Ethnic Enrichment Festival: Friday, August 17–Sunday, August 19; Philippines will perform on Saturday, Aug. 18 directly after the Parade of Flags

“Gintong Ala-ala”—Golden Anniversary Concert: Nov. 10; Location: Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212; Was awaiting budget approval before signing contract with above venue. Budget will be for building new costumes & set pieces

Rondalla resumes rehearsals on April 22

PRO: no report

Tambuli: Nita Norris

• Discussion on publishing Treasurer’s Report/Budget; suggestion to just publish summary
• Moving publication to bimonthly (every two months)
• Call for favorite family recipes to start featuring food/cuisine articles

Ethnic Enrichment Council: Adela Tan

Ethnic Enrichment Festival: Paid fees; Booth location: #20; close to the stage

Ethnic Ball: April 28 at Sherton Crown Center

IT: Jonel Loreno

• Database is set up
• Training of committee chairs is ongoing, will make housecalls
• Currently entering membership info into database

Membership: Marjorie Doronio

• Updating membership database is on ongoing project
• Reaching out to members from old database
• Collecting dues
• Membership Drive scheduled for September
• Asking for patience in the updating process

Social Committee: Beth Rosas

Thanks to Rose Kinyon for a successful Easter Picnic, her first time as planner

September Affair: Scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Westin Crown Center; Entertainment: live band is under review; Sinag-tala to present a preview/teaser for Nov. Concert

Senior Council: Excy Basuel

• Meeting April 1
• Parents’ Night on May 19: Planning continues. Looking for guest speakers

2019 Souvenir Calendar: Committee in place

Day Trip: Sat., August 25 to Conception Abbey and Clyde Monstery; $79 per person includes transportation, bottled water, two meals, tour, applicable fees, tips and taxes. Deadline to reserve/pay is June 1; a deposit of $40 is due with reservation

Other future events: In-service scheduled for July 14 with Jim Kinyon; Computer training with Rizvend Pecana, TBD

Ways & Means: Ernie Rosas

• Fund raising lined up for the year, in line with the festival

Ad Hoc: Philippine House, Lillian Pardo

• Deck and shed scheduled for replacement
• Curtis Jay working on estimates

Ad Hoc: 50th Anniversary, Lillian Pardo

• Lining up storytellers for Nov
• October: Parol making workshop
• Call/Query to members: What did you bring from the Philippines?
• Jackie Nugent is collecting items for exhibit in Sept.

Meeting adjourned

Education Activity 2018

sponsored by the FA-GCK Seniors’ Council

By Helen Austin, co-chair Seniors’ Council

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence —Abigail Adams

On March 17, 2018 the Seniors’ Council held its education activity. Two speakers gave very informative presentations on subject matters that are very valuable to them.

Fitness is not about being better than someone else…it’s about being better than you used to be. —Unknown

Wendi Coffman-Stanley, a personal trainer and cancer exercise specialist, marathon runner and has taught “Silver Sneakers” & Adult Fitness Classes spoke on personal fitness, balance & core strength, flexebility, ROM, stretching, nutrition tips & guidance. She discussed seniors staying physically active and gave demonstration of some basic exercises to help maintain core and lower extremities strength essential for balance and therefore prevent falls especially in the elderly. Our seniors gave return demonstration.

It all begins with you. If you do not care for yourself, you will not be strong enough to take care of anything in life. —Leon Brown

Dr. Bill Stites III, is the Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Research Medical Center. He graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University of Missouri Medical School, was a Fellow of Interventional Cardiology at St Luke’s Hospital as well as the University Western Ontario, London, Ontario. He engaged his audience with his topic on Atrial Fibrillation. It is, he explained, a medical condition that is very common and often ignored condition in the elderly population which often presents itself with symptoms of fatigue or feeling unusually tired, dizziness and shortness of breath often dismissed as “just signs of aging” or “it will go away if I just rest”. The group learned valuable information on the most recent diagnostic testings, medicatons, and treatments utilizing Electrophysiology surgery. He stressed to our seniors the importance of not ignoring the signs and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation and therefore preventing its most devastating complication of Stroke, caused by a blood clot from Atrial Fibrillation that travels to a blood vessel in the brain.

He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.—Arabian Proverb