President’s Message
As your new President, I am very excited and very optimistic to serve, and I thank you for the trust given to me to lead our 50-year old organization. This year I have an opportunity to implement fresh and innovative ideas and share a new management style to our Association. Servant Leadership is a term coined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970. It is something I have learned in my nursing profession and from running my own business for the past 24 years. For me it simply means the desire to serve and lead and to focus on the growth and well-being of our Filipino-American community. It is essential to listen and give opportunities for our members, recognize our differences and our varied talents and skills. I am open to change. I am open to suggestions.
I have three action words to guide us as we all work together in our many events for this year. These are: Achieve, Preserve and Celebrate. Last October, we laid some ground work when the Golden Anniversary Planning Committee met for the first time at the residence of Drs. Manuel and Lillian Pardo. We have many great events and activities planned for this year that revolve around our Filipino traditions and culture. We want to preserve our great Filipino values to pass to our young generations. I urge every one to become a member of this organization and get involved with any event.
Twenty-five years ago, my wife, Beth and I joined this organization. I have personally witnessed the hard work of my predecessors to make this organization vital and visible to our community—despite the many challenges. With our children, we became very involved and have supported the many projects and events of our association since then. I am inspired by those that have given much to our organization; those who had the foresight and understanding of the lessons from the past, the realities of the present and the consequences of a decision for the future of our organization. Together with my Executive officers, Committee Chairs and the Board, I am very excited to work and serve with these Servant Leaders. I urge you to support us achieve the goals that I have set for my term and the goals set by our Board for this year 2018. Let us celebrate FA-GKC’s 50th Anniversary as an organization.
Happy New Year. Mabuhay tayong lahat! Mabuhay ang FA-GKC!
Meeting Minutes from January 5, 2018
Incoming Association President, Ernie Rosas held the first general meeting of the year on Friday, January 5. New board members were announced and those members present gave a brief introduction of themselves. Attendees: Excy Basuel (Chairman, Senior Council), Filip Francisco, Leilani Giles*, Joel Gaela, Curtis Jay, Vi Darsnek, Wayne Darsnek, Jim Kinyon, Rose Kinyon, Art Basuel, Helen Austin, Jim Austin (2018 Association Treasurer), Jonel Loreno (IT), Jinky Bautista, Jacque Coen*, Glenn Balilo, Amy Messina, Mirla De Los Santos, Paul De Los Santos (2017 Association Treasurer), Nita Norris (2018 Association Secretary), Ernie Rosas (2018 Association President), Beth Rosas (*Denotes first time attendee)
President’s Report: Ernie Rosas
Ernie provided a brief personal and professional history and unveiled his motto for the new year: “Achieve, Preserve and Celebrate.”
Goals
- Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the Association
- Renovate and restore the Philippine House, built in 1971 and was the original location of the FA-GKC
- Consolidate the association’s financial processes by acquiring QuikBooks and streamlining the association’s database. Jonel Loreno will be the key database person
- Encourage youth and young adults to join and participate in the organization
Introduction of 2018 Executive Board of Officers
- President: Ernie Rosas
- President-elect: vacant
- Secretary: Nita Norris
- Treasurer: Jim Austin
- PRO: vacant
- Auditor: Lucila Rider
- Tambuli Editor-in-chief: Nita Norris
- Sinag-tala Executive Director, and Cultural Programs Executive Director: Dra Lillian Pardo
- Ethnic Enrichment Commissioner (EEC): Ernie Rosas
- Alternate Ethnic Enrichment Commissioner: Adela Tan
Board Members
- Director: Kevin Bautista
- Members: Jim Austin, Amy Mesina, Lucila Rider, Ernie Rosas, Evie Tan, Mila Tiojanco, Kelly Tumanut, Rich Snyder
Standing Committee
- Senior Council Chair: Excy Basuel
- Information Techology Service: Jonel Loreno
- Social Affairs Chair: Jinky Bautista
- Easter Picnic Chair: Rose Kinyon
- September Affair: Beth B. Rosas (chair), Dra Lillian Pardo, Lucila Rider, Fe Abenoja. Sil Moulic, Tess Moulic, Kevin Bautista, Jinky Bautista
- Christmas Party Chair: Emy Yabut
- New Year’s Party Chair: Jinky Bautista
- Halloween: vacant
- Nomination and Election: Amy Mesina
- Ways and Means: vacant
- Community Outreach: Luz Conde and Jason Arribas
- Finance: Jim Kinyon
- Youth Group: Jackie Nugent
- Membership: Majorie Doronio and Evie Tan-Todd
- Hospitality: Marites Altuna
- By-laws and Compliance: Rizvend Pecana
- Volunteer Coordinator: Rachel Manakul
Ad-hoc Committees
- MAACA (Mid-America Asian Culture Association) Ambassadors: Bing Sakash and Rizvend Pecana
- Philippine House: Curtis Jay
- Golden Anniversary: Dra Lillian Pardo
Senior Council: Excy Basuel
Mission of Senior Council: to help other seniors live life to the fullest. This year's motto: Be kind to one another. Made a proposal for a physical suggestion box and bulletin board.
Upcoming activities, some proposed
- First meeting: Jan. 28 at Basuel home; followed by Bingo Social
- Pinoy Breakfast will feature a speaker on health and exercise
- Summer picnic
- Field trip to Powell Gardens or a winery
- Fall activity: hay ride, bonfire
- Fundraising: May 19 Parent Night (theme will pick up Association’s theme of Golden Celebration. Chairs: Helen Austin, Dra Lillian Pardo, Remy Bump. Music by Two Hearts Band (’60s music)
- Pinoy Breakfast: Sept. 1; would like to provide more entrees
Philppine House (Ad Hoc Committee): Curtis Jay
Issues with the current Philippine House include: needing a new roof, previous draining issue and potential structural damage. The preferred goal is to renew and renovate rather than teardown and rebuild.
Ad Hoc Committee
Golden Anniversary Planning: Nov. 10 concert at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center; will include The Sinag-tala Dance Troupe, Sampaguita Choir and the Rondalla. Other proposed activities throughout the year : Parol making, cooking classes in Philippine cuisine, visiting speakers. Encouraged members to submit other ideas.
Happy New Year!
The Association's New Year's Eve party held at the Sheraton Crown Center was a huge success!
by Marjorie Doronio, Membership Committee Chair
We bid adieu to 2017, but we ring in 2018 with the induction of new officers and board of directors. All witnessed by 120 sustaining supportive members as well as new members and volunteers of the association—doubling attendees from last year's celebration, plus more than doubling our membership.
Dr. Mila Tiojanco passed the torch to incumbent President Ernie Rosas. Ernie thanked all for their volunteerism and their generosity needed to sustain this great organization.
I wish to thank the following: Kevin Bautista, Dr. Lillian Pardo, Evie Remy, Excy Basuel and Mike Mesina who put in tireless hours to help put together this celebration.
Proud to be a FAGKC member—changing lives, developing friendship one member at a time!
Filipino Association’s 50th Anniversary in Kansas City
A Golden Year to Remember
by Lillian G. Pardo, M.D.
You are cordially invited to be part of a major milestone in the history of our Filipino Association here in our beloved Greater Kansas City area. We have survived this long and we have a lot to celebrate—many golden moments to reminisce, several characters and personalities that are woven into the tapestry of our lives and take pride in the fruits of our labor in raising funds, year after year to achieve our mission to persevere, preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage.
An ad hoc committee had been organized to ensure the year long celebration. Each month we hope to remind everyone how far we have come—from a fledging group in 1968 who formally formed and incorporated this Association to what we have now become; from the little Philippine House to our very own Filipino Cultural Center built from the ground up; and for our many traditional and cultural activities that have made us part of the greater Kansas City community. We have indeed come a long ways in fifty years. We have a lot to celebrate.
As has been reported in the Strategic Planning on November 4, 2017 and as had been published in the Tambuli as part of that report, we have several venues to celebrate a facet of our cultural activities—such as continuing the popular Pinoy breakfasts with special programs or featured activities, including workshops that will include children’s reading program, parol-making, special guests that will share cultural stories and other suggestions can be entertained.
The traditional annual September Affair will be highlighted by recognition of our leaders, patrons and donors , a gala event not to miss. The Sinag-Tala Performing Arts Troupe, celebrating its 46th year will participate in many cultural programs as well as a major concert in November. An ambitious goal is to produce a special commemorative book, Golden Moments of the Filipino Association—to compile historical events, presidents , patrons, leaders, cultural activities and community outreach programs. We will be soliciting photos, stories and other mementos of the past fifty years and will be produced and printed in 2019.
There is much excitement with the leadership of our President Ernie Rosas, who chose this year specifically to be president. Let us be part of this celebration. Here is to fifty more, as the next generation of leaders in our midst will carry on our mission and vision as was conceived fifty years ago.
Mabuhay!
“America Is Like a Potluck”
Repost article from The Washington Post
Association Chairman, Rizvend Pecana was featured in a recent Washington Post article, “What Unites Us.” Click the link below for the full article. To listen to Rizvend's story, click on his photo in the lower right hand side of the photo grid.
25 Years of Humanitarian Services with Compassion and Love
Medical Missions to the Philippines Through the Years
by Beth B. Rosas
This year, the Philippine Medical Society and Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City have 38 participants going to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for their 25th medical mission in the Philippines. The 25th Medical Mission will be held at the People’s General Hospital, Tuguegarao City. This medical mission has been coordinated by Tuguegarao’s City Mayor, Medical Health Officer, People’s General Hospital with the assistance of the San Jacinto Seminary Alumni Association and current Medical Director Dr. Ruel Miciano. Recently, FA-GKC President Ernie Rosas is the Coordinator of the Medical Mission for the past 3 years. Dr. Balty Lotuaco and Denys Collins were both instrumental in starting this and coordinated the first 15 medical missions. Dr. Lillian Pardo has also coordinated past medical missions and was one of the Medical Director. It takes a year-long planning of coordination as well as collecting, packing and shipping medical equipments, supplies and medicines.
Our medical mission team comprised of a diverse mix of doctors, surgeons, nurses, students, practitioners, technicians, and even those with no medical background who provide equally important administrative and ancillary duties in the clinic, supply room and pharmacy. Team members are coming from the state of Kansas, Missouri, Washington, California, New York and Ohio. Some team members and doctors from the Philippines are joining as well. In just 7 days, the teams are planning to provide different services such as Open Free health clinic and consultation, minor and major surgeries, Vision and free reading glasses, OB/GYN consultation, deliveries and surgeries including Caesarean section, Child wellness exams and distribution of over the counter and prescription medicines. Training for local providers and Feeding programs are also planned by the team. If you are interested, come join us and volunteer or sponsor our medical mission.
The Philippine Medical Society of Greater Kansas City will hold their annual Gala at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel in the Convention Center on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Philippine Medical Missions.
In the beginning, a group of doctors, nurses and Rotarians came together to create our First Medical Mission…
December 1993: Santa Cruz, Laguna Province.
February 1995: Santiago, Isabela Province
January 1996: Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu Province
January 1997: Gapan, Nueva Ecija Province
January 1998: Gapan, Nueva Ecija Province
January 1999: Puerto Princesa, Palawan Province
January 2000: Gapan, Nueva Ecija Province
January 2001: Legazpi City, Albay Province
February 2002: Kingston, Jamaica (Due travel advisory)
January 2003: Naujan, Oriental Mindoro Province
January 2004: San Marcelino, Zambales Province
January 2005: Sinait, Ilocus Sur Province
February 2006: Infanta, Quezon Province
February 2007: Orani City, Bataan Province
January 2008: Balaoan, Northern La Union Province
January 2009: Bogo City, Cebu Province (Island of Cebu)
February 2010: San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Province
February 2011: Cavite City, Cavite Province
January 2012: Labo City, Camarines Norte Province
January 2013: Bayawan, Negros Oriental Province
February 2014: Angono, Rizal Province & Bogo City, Island of Cebu Province
January 2015: Ormoc, Island of Leyte
January 2016: Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
January 2017: Carcar, Cebu
January 2018: Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Observations of Manila by a Recent Visitor
by Manuel P. Pardo, M.D.
On a recent visit to Manila in December of 2017 and January 2018, I had the occasion to observe the social scene in various places like hotels, restaurants, malls, churches, hospitals—mostly areas with a large traffic of people. I call it “people watching.” Wondering where they came from, I decided to compile my observations of people divided into “locals” or those who are residents and “overseas, balikbayan or ex-pats” those who came from abroad.
The contrast between the two groups are distinct and recognizable, so much so that vendors and salespeople can tell who are from abroad. So many times the locals will ask “where are you from in the US?” that led me to ask several locals how they can tell the “overseas Filipinos.” They say the overseas Filipinos look pale and like to speak Nglich often. They also like to wear shorts and sandals, not flip flops more common with the locals. They like to hang out in the lobbies of high class hotels and condos while the locals are in the malls.
Furthermore, the local ladies use umbrellas even when the sun is not bright and like to carry designer bags. The local men like to wear jackets—like Mayor Erap—even on warm days. They carry big cell phones and text using both thumbs and in rapid fashion. They like to hang our in fast food places especially Starbucks.
These are just a few of my observations. I welcome the observations of others who have made a recent visit to Manila.
Appreciation Dinner for Senior Council
by Excy Basuel, Senior Council Chair
Excy Basuel, Chairman of the Senior Council and her husband, Art, hosted an appreciation dinner/Christmas party for active members of Senior Council and supporters at their home on Dec. 3, 2017.
Seniors are the backbone of our organization—they eagarly volunteer and work tirelessly under the heat (like the Ethnic Enrichment Festival)—many times with limited resources. At this elegant, sit-down dinner, guests were treated to prime rib, baked salmon and other delicious foods. Most of the Senior Council are also members of the Sampaguita Choir performing for FA-GKC functions. The Senior Council expressly thanked Dra Mila Tiojanco for a job well done as 2017 President of the Association.
As a show of appreciation, Excy gifted to each Senior Council member, a lime green apron, emblazoned with, “FA-GKC Senior Council” in gold. The aprons will come in handy for the many upcoming volunteer events this year.
“We visited, shared jokes, stories and laughter. We sang Christmas songs, spreading Christmas cheer. We bonded like one family.”—Excy Basuel
Excy will remain as Senior Council chairman for 2018 “The Golden Celebration of FA-GKC”. She is looking forward in working with Ernie Rosas the incoming President of the association.
Sinag-tala 2018 Season
Jan. 27 Kick-off Meeting
Members past, present and future of the Sinag-tala Dance Troupe, Sampaguita Choir and The Rondalla met on a recent Sunday afternoon at the Filipino Cultural Center to dicuss the upcoming season.
Dra Lillian Pardo returned this year as Executive Director of the Sinag-tala troupe after last year’s sabbatical. She displayed historical photos and programs of the Sinag-tala, and announced this year’s theme of “Gintong Ala-ala” or “Golden Memories.” Artistic Director, Julian Rivera, confirmed a Nov. 10 concert at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. The program will recreate the repertoire of the first Sinag-tala performance.
Gemma Snyder, Dance Co-director spoke about expectations of the dancers and outlined requirements pertaining to hair, makeup, costumes and shoes. Amado Espinoza returns as The Rondalla Director with Karen Lisondra as Co-director. Rondalla rehearsals are set to begin in March. Excy Basuel, Chair of the Senior Council and member of the Sampaguita Choir discussed bringing Ping Bayani sometime this year to conduct choral workshops. Kelly Tumanut reprises his role as Sampaguita Choir Director. The choir meets at the Cultural Center on Wednesday evenings.
Mark your calendar: March 3
The First Pinoy Breakfast of the Year! 9 a.m.—Noon at the Filipino Cultural Center
Hosted by the “Housewives Johnson County,” headed by Venir Rivera. The first 100 people through the door will receive FREE piping-hot pandesal fresh from the oven. Line dancing starts around 10:30—we’ll teach you the steps!
2018 Filipino Association Calendar of Events
No Feb. Meeting, next general meeting is March 2
March 3: Pinoy Breakfast, hosted by Venir Rivera
March 24: Philippine Medical Ball
April 1: Easter Picnic
April 6: General meeting
April 7: Philippine Nurses Association Ball at Intercontinental Hotel on the Plaza
April 28: Diplomatic Ball
May 4: General meeting
May 5: Pinoy Breakfast
May 5: Feast of Sto. Niño, 5:30 p.m. Christ the King Catholic Church
May 10: Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) Gala
May 12: MAACA festival at Overland Park Convention Center
June 1: General meeting
June 2: Pinoy Breakfast
July 6: General Meeting
June 16–17: Fiesta Filipina
Aug. 3: General meeting
Aug 4: Pinoy Breakfast
Aug. 17, 18 and 19: Ethnic Enrichment Festival
Sept. 7: General meeting
Sept. 8: Pinoy Breakfast
Sept. 15 or 22: September Affair
Oct. 5: General meeting
Oct. 6: Pinoy Breakfast
Oct. 20: Regional Food Festival
Nov. 2: General meeting
Nov. 3: Pinoy Breakfast
Nov. 10: ”Gintong Ala-ala”—Golden Anniversary Concert at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
Dec. 7: General meeting
Dec. 15: Christmas Party
Dec. 31: NYE Party
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Letter from the editor
by Nita Norris, 2018 FA-GKC Secretary and Tambuli Editor-in-chief
After ten years as Editor-in-chief of the Association's newsletter, The Tambuli, Jose (Ping) Biyani has retired. I have big shoes to fill.
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself: Hi, I'm Nita. Or rather, as my parents named me, Nenita. Or as they called me, Nenett or Net. You may have seen me play the laúd with the Rondalla group. I was born to Restituto and Juliana Gumangan in 1967 in Manila, Philippines. What brought us to the states? An airplane—literally and figuratively. My father, a mechanical engineer, was recruited by Boeing to help design and build the first Jumbo Jet, or 747—more specifically, the lavatories. A layoff from Boeing had the Gumangans scrambling from Seattle to New Orleans, to Chicago, to Ann Arbor to finally here to Kansas City in 1976 where we planted our roots. My mom, as you may have guessed, was a nurse. For many years she was a post-op nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. I have one older sister, Marisa. My children are feline: an orange tabby named Jones and a fluffy munchkin/Maine Coon named Matilda.
I received my bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Kansas and went promptly to work for a consumer magazine publisher, then to a trade publication, then to an in-house communication group, then to a consumer appliance manufacturer, to finally my current position at KCP&L. In 1999, I married the love of my life, Todd Norris—son of the legend, Chuck Norris. That last part was a lie, but it's helpful when people mis-hear our last name as “Morris”—no, it’s “Norris” as in “Chuck!”
In addition to my role as the Association secretary, I also serve as the Vice-vice President of the Film Society of Kansas City and am currently on the Advisory Board of Directors for the FilmFest-Kansas City.
In my spare time, I make things—mostly food things—but sometimes music and art. You can find me on Instagram as nitamakes where I post photos of the food I make (usually Filipino), places I've visited, projects I've worked on, and my cats.
Changes...so you've probably noticed the format change in this newsletter. I hope I haven't shocked you, but I see this as an opportune time to make a change. This format allows me to incorporate more photos and feature the work the association’s resident photog, Armando Costes. Love or lump it, I'd like to hear from you, you can email me at nnorris@filipino-association.org. Thank you for reading and I remain, respectively yours, Nita Norris.
Credits:
Created with images by Kaufdex - "philippines flag" • Bash Carlos - "Be Creative"