Serving Those Who Served Us

The Filipino Association for Health Careers (FAHC) from the University of California, Davis is having its annual Veterano Luncheon to honor Filipino World War II Veterans. They have rallied the support of several on-campus and off-campus organizations, including: Bayanihan Clinic; Chi Rho Omicron, Inc.; Mga Kapatid; Kappa Psi Epsilon; Filipinos in Liberal Arts and Humanities (FILAH); Bridge; Pilipino Americans in Science and Engineering (PASE); Golden State Lions Club; Maharlika Lions Club; and Rizal Lions Club.

All World War II Veterans and their family are invited to this post-Veterans Day and pre-Christmas celebration on December 6, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Greenfair Towers and Garden Apartments, Tower II, 702 Fairgrounds Drive, Sacramento, CA 95817. There will be food, games, gifts, and entertainment, as well as complimentary health screenings by the Bayanihan Clinic.

If you have any questions, or would like to donate food, care packages, or gifts, please contact Charlene Lumanlan, Community Service Chair, FAHC, at 925-640-8837 or by e-mail at cjlumanlan@ucdavis.edu; Ester Carrasco at 916-386-2716; Alberto Arcaya at 916-452-4294; or Bobby G. Roy, at 916-224-8244 or by e-mail at bobby.g.roy@gmail.com.

Max Restaurant: Taking Fusion Cuisine to New Levels

Early in its young life, Max Restaurant was an upscale Cal-Asian fusion restaurant. It was with this persona that the restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA was introduced to me. “We need a Filipino fine dining restaurant,” she said. That was it for me. I was intrigued.

When I had the chance to go to southern California, I made it a point to go to Max Restaurant, at 13355 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. It was an hour away, but the way the restaurant was described to me, I HAD to go. I made reservations for one (Yes, I was on my own) using OpenTable.com (I absolutely recommend it). My first choice of time was not available, so I settled on the only time available—5:30 p.m. It was a good sign; if the restaurant was booked for the entire evening, it must be good.

When I arrived for dinner, the host immediately seated me. I was expecting linen tablecloths and really expensive menu items. Apparently, Max had gone through a transformation this past summer. That was fine by me. I felt comfortable in the warm colors and the more casual setting. I do not dine out often, so I have a really skewed idea of what is inexpensive.

Basically, I think everything is expensive.I thought to myself, however, that if my friend said it was a good place, and I am never in southern California to dine, I should really make it a point to savor the experience. I felt like a food tourist. I even had my camera with me.

I began with a specialty cocktail: a Cosmopolitan Blush—Ketel One Vodka, Triple Sec, Guava Juice, Cranberry Juice, and Lime Juice. Great start. I then asked for a water, to which Laura responded that they only had the .75L bottles of San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Under normal circumstances, I would not get that water. Like the food tourist I was emulating, I went for it, and learned the beauty of the water—it serves to clean your palate so that you can savor each bite of your food. It was a good lesson to learn.

For starters, I planned to order the House Smoked Salmon Tartare, described as House Smoked Salmon, Ikura, Yuzu Cream Cheese, Chopped Egg, Herb Salad, and Croustades. Well, when my server, Laura, came out, she mentioned a dish of Shrimp with Mango Glaze. She said mango—I said yes. I was so impressed by the description of the food that I did not have a chance to write it down. Yet as impressed as I was with the description, the taste was so much better!

I had finished the Cosmopolitan Blush so I ordered a Yuzu Saketini. Did he just say “Sake-tini”? I sure did. It was chilled Shoju Sake, Yuzu Lime Juice, and a Dash of Simple Syrup. Just the right mix of Asian fusion.

I moved on to my entrée, which was the Applewood Smoked Baby Back Ribs Glazed in Tamarind-Guava Sauce, served with Sweet Corn, Squash, Edamame, and Succotash. I chose a side of asparagus and, of course, I had to get sticky rice, for the win. It sure was a winner.

I had gotten another saketini halfway through the entrée and was ready for dessert. It was an easy choice—Pear and Candied Squash Halo Halo, which the chef describes as “Filipino sundae with vanilla bean ice cream, caramel flan, coconut milk, classic halo halo jellies, and sweet nuts.” This was the best halo halo I had ever had—EVER. They did not skimp either. It was a good size. It was fulfilling.

By the time I had finished it was 8:30 p.m. The entire time I had great conversation with the people who sat at the adjacent table. The first individual was a retired teacher. He was in a hurry so we did not talk that much, although it was easy for me to compliment an individual that had devoted their whole career toward educating youth. Then a pair of women sat at the table, Monica and Tamara. The former was a reference librarian and the latter a financial advisor. They were so nice they even shared some of their pickled vegetables with me. We talked about education, government, finances, and relationships. I even got an investment tip. I took pictures of my food—they chuckled at my delight.

Another cool part was that the host, Toby, was from northern California. He graduated from Nevada Union High School and had worked for the Paragary Restaurant Group before relocating to southern California five years ago.

ll the great company still was not enough to outshine the masterpieces of Owner and Chef Andre Guerrero. Born in the Philippines, he is the one behind all the Filipino-fusion foods. I have been talking about Max Restaurant for three weeks now and describe the selection as a mixture of Filipino foods with European flair (Pear and Candied Squash Halo Halo) and European foods with Filipino flair (Applewood Smoked Baby Back Ribs Glazed in Tamarind-Guava Sauce). It was so good that I even had to write about it. It is THAT good.

More than that however, is what Chef Guerrero represents. We all know how good Filipino food is. Great food is made by great chefs. Chef Guerrero is succeeding in a field where not enough Filipinos get the credit they deserve. In and through this article, I declare and offer well-deserved kudos to Chef Guerrero.

The next time I am in southern California, I plan to go to The Oinkster, another restaurant owned by Chef Guerrero, where the concept is slow fast food. If you have not heard of the slow food movement, look it up.

The next time you are in southern California, check out Max Restaurant. You will not be disappointed. You can find more information on the Max Restaurant Web site at http://maxrestaurant.com/Home.html.

Filipino American History is Full of Different Dreamers

On November 8, 2008, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Sacramento-Delta Chapter and the Sacramento Public Library hosted an author and artist showcase at the Sacramento Central Library. Entitled “Different Dreamers: An Afternoon with Filipino American Authors and Artists”, special guests included:

• Anita Bautista, freelance contributor to Filipinas Magazine and Asian Pacific American News and Review Newspaper
• Evangeline Canonizado Buell, author of Twenty-five Chickens and a Pig For a Bride and co-author of Filipinos in the East Bay
• Pamula Bulahan, photographer
• Stephanie Cruz, author of Delta and Dawn: Mother and Baby Whales’ Journey
• Peter Jamero, author of Growing Up Brown: Memoirs of a Filipino American
• Oscar Penaranda, author of Seasons by the Bay and Full Deck (Joker’s Playing)
• Rizaline Raymundo, author of Tomorrow’s Memories

Each presenter talked about their works and read from their pieces to the standing-room only audience. Many shared their experiences growing up in America, as first generation individuals in Hawaii, or children of interracial marriages. Others focused on more universal themes of mother and child relationships or the beauty of the environment. Altogether, it was a great way to look at the multifaceted experiences of Filipino Americans.

The mission of FANHS is to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. Be on the lookout for other upcoming FANHS events.

Remembering Our Manongs Documentary

I began the month after Filipino American History Month with a strong reminder that October is not the only month that one can teach and learn about Filipino American history. I attended the premier of the documentary Remembering Our Manongs, a documentary on early Filipino immigrants to California. The documentary was produced by The Filipino American National Historicl Society of Sonoma County with funding from the California Council for the Humanities.

It was an hourlong documentary film that told the stories of the earliest pioneer Filipino immigrants in Sonoma County. Filipino American immigrant history is vastly underrepresented in our educational curriculum and historical archives. It is essential that recent Filipino immigrants recognize the important path that was cleared for them by their predecessors.

The film featured interviews with manongs (Filipino community elders) and other key figures and explored the rich history of Filipino immigrants in Sonoma County in the first half of the twentieth century.

Most of the Filipinos who came to California in the early 1900s were farmworkers, including those who came as wards of the state when the United States took possession of the Philippines following the Philippine-American War. By the 1920s, about 100 of the early pioneers, most of them men, stayed because of Sonoma County’s abundance of year-round farm work. It was not an easy life.

Early pioneers were denied citizenship and the right to own property or set up businesses. They lived in labor camps on the various ranches and in rooming houses. Anti-miscegenation laws and the shortage of Filipino women caused many of the early manongs to stay single their entire lives.

Even after serving their country in World War I and World War II, they were never rewarded with citizenship. The few surviving Filipino Americans who served in those wars still await veterans’ benefits for their service.

With all these hardships, Sonoma’s Filipinos thrived, yet their history and contributions are largely forgotten.

This must-see documentary will be shown at two more events this month:

1. Saturday, November 8, 2008 - 1 to 4 p.m. - Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
2. Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 1 to 4 p.m. - Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

San Jose State University Akbayan Pilipino Club From California Wins 2008 Friendship Games

Spartan Daily - 10/28/2008
Danielle Torralba

SJSU's Akbayan Pilipino Club won the first place trophy in the 2008 Friendship Games this weekend at Cal State Fullerton.

The Friendship Games is an annual event that gathers about 50 Filipino-American student organizations, mostly in CSU and UC systems.

"Friendship Games is a highly anticipated event hosted by Cal State Fullerton's P.A.S.A. (Pilipino American Student Association) Kaibigan," said Austin Toloza, SJSU Friendship Games' head coach. "This event celebrates SPUF (Spirit, Pride, Unity and Friendship) with over 7,000 individuals and over 50 colleges and universities across the nation.

"The Friendship Games began in 1985 to bring together cultural clubs from various college campuses across Southern California," he said.

John Castillo, a junior business management and member of the Akbayan Pilipino club, said the actual preparation for the Friendship Games starts weeks and months beforehand.

"On paper, we have around 250 people, but for the Friendship Games 2008, we brought 150 people with us down to LA," Toloza said via e-mail.

Media Credit: Courtesy of Adrian Ricalde / SJSU’s Akbayan

Members of San Francisco State's P.A.C.E. (Pilipino-American Collegiate Endeavor) move quickly against Akbayan, SJSU's Filipino Club, during the tidal wave event at the 2008 Pilipino Friendship Games held at Cal State Fullerton on Saturday.

All the physical activities of the Friendship Games happened on Saturday of the three-day event, said Kevin Irabagon, the social chair and head coordinator for the Friendship Games.

"Our purpose of going down there was to represent SJSU and to show that SJSU is one of the most spirited schools in the entire West Coast," he said.

Toloza, a senior kinesiology major, explained how the events are divided over the weekend.

"In our team, there were three groups: Roll Call, Games Team and SPUF," he said. "The Roll Call group was the one who would rep SJSU during our one-minute routine. The SPUF team showed how much spirit they have as individuals, how much pride they have as a team, how united they are as an organization, school and, most importantly, how much friendships they develop between other schools and organizations throughout the day. They would try to out SPUF each school through the whole day, which means from 5 a.m. all the way through 6 p.m. Game teams competed in the actual games against other schools. All the groups came together and helped one another out in order for SJSU to be known that day."

The club won the first place trophy in the games event and placed third in the overall event, according to Castillo.

"Each year, this event continues to grow in size and scope," Toloza said. "Friendship Games has come to represent more than just Filipino-American college students. It has given a significant identity to individuals no matter what ethnicity. This is a time when old friends reunite and where new friendships form, ultimately coming together to celebrate the Filipino heritage."

Filipino-American Jon Irabagon Wins the World's Most Prestigious Jazz Competition International

The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition is the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. It has launched the careers of a number of major jazz greats including Joshua Redman, Jane Monheit, and Joey DeFrancesco. This year, a Filipino-American, Jon Irabagon, won the competition. In addition to a $20,000 scholarship, Irabagon was also awarded a recording contract with Concord Music Group. The label plans to release Jon's album in mid-2009.

Jon Irabagon grew up in Chicago and began playing the saxophone at age eight. He received his master's degree at the Manhattan School of Music. He received two Downbeat awards and has participated in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead and the Henry Mancini Institute. Since moving to New York, he has performed with Billy Joel, Wynton Marsalis, Lou Reed and Debbie Gibson. But tonight this illustrious list expanded: he shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, George Duke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cassandra Wilson, Terence Blanchard, The Edge and Bono of U2, and the legendary B.B. King.Representatives from The Jazz Society of the Philippines, USA were there during the semifinal and final competition at the Kodak Theater on October 26, 2008 to support this hugely talented Filipino-American. Irabagon has made history by being the first Filipino to hold this most prestigious title. He is scheduled to appear at the 4th Annual Filipino -American Jazz Festival, at Catalina Bar & Grill, in Hollywood, on December 27th.

HOT FIL-AM EVENT - National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) 8th National Convention September 26-27, 2008

SEATTLE — Filipino-American community leaders from all over the U.S., including Hawaii and Guam, will converge here when the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) holds its 8th national convention.

The city will play host from September 26-27, 2008 to a gathering that is projected to exceed 500 Filipinos from all over the U.S. and other countries. Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama are invited to speak to the delegates.

“Forging a New Filipino-American Agenda for the 21st Century" is the theme of the three-day national conference that will be held at the Westin Hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle.

In line with the theme, workshop/panel discussions and break-out sessions will be offered throughout the conference and will focus on political empowerment, community human and health services program development, community economic development, youth educational and cultural programming and media and the arts.

Various activities have been lined up for the conference delegates. On the first day, networking among delegates includes a golf tournament and sightseeing tours. Plenary sessions and workshops begin on Friday, September 26, following formal opening ceremonies that will be graced by Governor Christine Gregoire and King County Executive Ron Sims.

Workshops and networking continue until Saturday and will be capped in the evening with a gala night and awards presentation.

Sunday activities include an interfaith service at Westin and mass at the nearby St. James Cathedral that will be followed by brunch and the formal closing of the conference.

Registration fee of $195 per delegate includes all workshops, materials, meals and the gala night. NaFFAA’s official business schedule includes ratification of proposed changes to NaFFAA’s By-laws, approval of resolutions and election of national officers.

Reservations for booth exhibitors are in fill swing, organizers report. As in previous national conferences of this magnitude, sponsors and exhibitors from as far away as Manila, Canada and Australia are eager participants.

Visit www.naffaa.org for more information and to register.

Ohio Filipino American running for US Congress - Senator Stephen C. Austria

JOSEPH LARIOSA
CHICAGO, Illinois

A Filipino American running for US Congress may yet save the day for the Filipino Veterans bill pending before the US Congress.

Ohio State Senator Stephen C. Austria is running for US Congress under the Republican Party for the open seat of the 7th District in Ohio.

He will be in the best position to lobby at least 39 US Republican members of the House of Representatives into voting for passage of Senate Bill 1315 in the House.

Part of the bill grants full benefits for non-service disability pensions to Filipino World War II veterans.

His father, the late Dr. Clement G. Austria, was a “guerrilla under (American) Gen. Douglas MacArthur while studying medicine at the University of Santo Tomas," that was turned into prison camp by Japanese Invading Forces during World War II.

In an email to this reporter, Austria’s wife, Eileen, quoted her mother-in law, Jean Brockman Austria, as saying that her father-in-law was born in Tiaong, Quezon in the Philippines.

When he was still very young, Steve went to the Philippines three times in 1960 and 1961 and spent six weeks in the Philippines shortly after graduating from high school.

Steve’s folk wanted him to stay for good in the Philippines but his mother prevailed upon him to come back to the United States.

Armin M. Sayson, President, Philippine-American Society of Greater Dayton (Ohio), provided this reporter a brief bio-data of Steve Austria given to him by Steve’s wife, Eileen.

Eileen Austria said Stephen Clement Austria was born in 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His parents are Jean Brockman Austria of Cincinnati and the late Dr. Clement G. Austria who was born in the Philippines and came to Cincinnati, Ohio to attend Medical School.

“Jean was a nurse and he was a doctor and that is how they met," Sayson said. Steve is the eldest of nine children - all of whom have graduated from Catholic universities or colleges with their bachelor's degrees and several graduating from medical, dental or optometry schools.

Steve graduated from Marquette University in 1981 with a degree in Political Science. Marquette is a Catholic, Jesuit university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduation, Steve worked in politics for a couple of years before turning his professional interests in becoming a Financial Planner with the American Express Company for nearly 16 years.

When public service called, Steve successfully ran for state representative in Ohio in 1998, moving up to the Ohio Senate in 2000 and being re-elected again in 2004.

The family of Dr. Clement Austria was named one of the top 10 families of the year in the nation and was honored at the Reagan White House in 1985. Dr. Austria was a community leader and died unexpectedly at the age of 62 in November 1986.

Senator Steve Austria currently represents Ohio's 10th Senate District, which includes approximately 375,000 people and covers all of Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties.
Steve and his wife, Eileen, have three sons, Brian, Kevin and Eric.

Brad Mascho, Campaign Manager for Steve Austria for U.S. Congress said Senator Steve Austria is currently the Majority Whip of the Ohio Senate.

He is seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives of Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, currently held by Congressman Dave Hobson, who announced his retirement late last year and has strongly endorsed Senator Austria’s election.

According to the Los Angeles, California-based Asian Journal, African American Congressman Robert C. “Bobby" Scott (D-VA-03) is the only member of the U.S. House of Representatives to claim Filipino parentage. His mother is a daughter of a Filipino, Valentin Cortez Hamlin.- GMANews.TV

HOT FIL-AM EVENT: 2008 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Presents Pistahan - Filipino American Arts Exposition

Date and Time:
Sat Aug 9 (11:00am - 5:00pm)
Sun Aug 10 (11:00am - 5:00pm)

Location:
Yerba Buena Gardens Mission between 3rd and 4th Street
San Francisco, CA
district: SoMa

The two-day 14th annual Pistahan all family-friendly with an inimitable Filipino-American flair, is the largest festival of the season. Pistahan features seven pavilions and several stages highlighting music, dance, art, crafts, cuisine, artifacts, and a special trade expo featuring products unique to the Philippines: mother of pearl, bamboo, coconut, Philippine mahogany, marble, pineapple fiber and more.

Matt Castelo - First Filipino American Linebacker Signed By The Seattle Seahawks

After the NFL final draft round, the Seahawks quickly agreed to terms with 12 undrafted free agents. One of them was Filipino-American linebacker Matt Castelo of San Jose State University, California.

Castelo led the San Jose State Spartans in tackles for the second straight season with 141 in 2007, including 12 1/2 tackles for loss. The 5-10, 200-pound senior's 306 tackles since the start of the 2006 campaign are the most among Division I-A players. He made a career-high 21 stops at Louisiana Tech on Nov. 17.

Castelo is pictured in the middle and will be a backup to middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu.

Check out this video of #35 Matt Castelo

Filipino American Comedian Joseph Glenn Herbert aka Jo Koy is Reppin' Pinoy Pride With Own Show on Comedy Central

After paying his dues, Filipino-American comedian makes strides in entertainment industry

By Joe Nguyen, AsiaXpress.com

Comedian Joseph Glenn Herbert had trouble concentrating before going on stage when he began his stand-up career. It wasn't because of nervous energy – something he said he has never had with the exception of waiting for his turn at the Apollo Theater because the person before him was booed off – it was because of his name. "It just wasn't catchy," he said. "The emcees would always make fun of it before. ... It took away from me trying to concentrate on being funny."

So one day, he and his cousin Mona were sitting on a couch trying to think of a name that he could use on stage. Nothing came to mind until his aunt Evelyn called them down to dinner. "Mona, Jokoy, it's time to eat," he remembered her saying. The nickname, something that she's called him ever since his childhood, lit a light bulb in the two cousins' heads. "Me and Mona looked at each other and said, 'Jo Koy,'" he said.

The 37-year-old half-Filipino American was named one of the "10 comics to watch" in 2007 by Daily Variety. His high-energy performances blended with observation humor about topics ranging from the antics of his son to the differences between men and women have struck a chord with people of all backgrounds. Among them is Craig Ferguson, host of "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," who once described Koy as "a young Chris Rock" after seeing him perform in Toronto. This rise in popularity has prompted Comedy Central to give him his own show this fall called, "The Jo Koy Show." While he's making strides up the entertainment ladder now, he said it's been a long journey since his start 14 years ago. And it was the lessons of his youth that have taken him to where his is today.

Ever since Koy was a child, performing was a part of his life. "Growing up, my sister (Rowena) was the singer, I was, like, the dancer," he said. "My mom would always be active in the Filipino organizations and she would literally just put us in these talent shows." He said his mother would put together positive events for her various organizations. "We always did entertainment and me and my sister were always at the top of the list," he said. When the family moved down to Las Vegas to help take care of his grandmother, he took the lessons he learned from his mother to start his career. "Unfortunately, there is no stand-up scene in Vegas," he said. "There is no open mic or anything like that. So it forced me to wear the other hat and become producer. It was kind of easy for me to do because I saw my mom do it." So with the help of his mother, he held his first show at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The line-up included Filipino-American comedian Mark Fernandez and a young Korean-American named Bobby Lee who would later go onto "Mad TV." "I made this effort to go out and find Asian comedians and put together these shows to show everybody that, hey, Asians are funny, too," he said. "We don't need a stupid accent and slant our eyes and do stupid s--- to be funny. We got funny people out there."

When talking to Koy, it becomes obvious that his 5-year-old son, affectionally nicknamed Li'l Jo, is his life. "He's everything," he said. In a blog posted on his MySpace during his run on the Carlos Mencia Punisher Tour, Koy wrote that the hardest part of being on the road was being away from his son for three months. "Before I left to do the tour, I took my son's favorite toy – a yellow power ranger – and brought it with me," he wrote. "Before each performance I stuck this yellow power ranger in my back pants pocket. And during the long bus rides anytime I felt lonely or just wanted to feel the presence of my kid I always took out this yellow power ranger."

After his June 18 show in Denver, he signed cards with a picture of his son on it. When he wasn't doing that, he talked to other parents about about his son. His video camera is filled with movies of his son. "I realized it's more than just me now, It's my son," he said. "It's more than just 'I need to find a gig to pay my rent,' it's, 'I need to find a gig to pay my rent and buy diapers and preschool.' There's more to it now. I have something to live for now. "Every time I wake up and I see him, I just think I got to work hard."

Status of Assembly Joint Resolution 65

I provided testimony on Tuesday in support of Associate Joint Resolution 65 at the California Assembly's Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media hearing. Also speaking was Ron Muriera on behalf of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and the Manilatown Heritage Foundation.

I am pleased to share that AJR 65 passed in committee with 7 "ayes" and no opposition. What this means is that it has been adopted by the appropriate committee and will now make its way to the next level of the legislative process. Today, Thursday, June 26, 2008, AJR 65 will be voted upon by the rest of the Assembly. Not only that, several members of the committee have asked to add their names as co-sponsors to the measure: Assembly Members Fiona Ma, Joe Coto, Sandre Swanson, Betty Karnette (Chair), Audra Strickland, and George Plescia. Each had very positive things to say about the contributions of Filipino Americans in their district and to California.

So what does his mean? It means that we can positively influence the vote by letting our representatives know that we want them to vote yes on AJR 65. One can find contact information on the Your Legislature Web page at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.

I know a lot of people say they hate politics. They say that their vote does not count. However, it does. When our representatives are aware of our opinions, their decisions are more likely to reflect our priorities and values. When we do not vote, our representatives can continue to ignore us and our concerns.

Assembly Joint Resolution 65-Relative to Filipino Communities

Assembly Member William Furutani (D-Long Beach) authored Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 65, regarding Filipino communities. The text of it reads:

This measure would recognize the critical role that Filipinos, and the Filipino community as a whole, have played in the social, economic, and political development of California throughout the state’s history, and encourage all federal, state, and local organizations to promote the preservation of Filipino history and culture, including the preservation of Filipino communities.

WHEREAS, Filipinos and Filipino American communities have played critical roles in the social, economic, and political development of California throughout the state’s history; and

WHEREAS, The first recorded arrival of Filipinos in what is now Morro Bay, California was on October 18, 1587, as sailors and crewmen on the Spanish galleons of the Manila-Acapulco mercantile, and Filipinos assisted Father Junipero Serra establish the California mission system in the late 1700s and early 1800s; and

WHEREAS, San Francisco’s Presidio was the site from which soldiers headed to the Philippine-American War were deployed, and beginning immediately after the colonization of the Philippines and the Philippine-American war, Filipinos began immigrating to San Francisco, as military personnel and as workers in the service sector of San Francisco as bellhops, dishwashers, servants, and cooks, and by the 1920s established a thriving community around Kearny and Jackson Streets they called Manilatown, and in the post-World War II era, in large Filipino communities in the Fillmore, South of Market, and Excelsior districts; and

WHEREAS, In the first decades of the 20th century, thousands of Filipinos began working in the agricultural fields throughout California, in such cities and regions as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the central coast (Salinas, Santa Maria, Lompoc,
Guadalupe), Imperial Valley, Orange County, the Inland Empire, Delano,
Bakersfield, Coachella Valley, and the San Francisco Bay area, becoming a critical element in the growth and the political economy of the state, often enduring harsh labor conditions and poor wages, but creating a strong legacy of mutual support, militant strikes, and organizing for farm labor unionization; and

WHEREAS, These agricultural workers, led by Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, with their history of strong farm labor unions, would lead the 1965 Delano Grape Strike and partner with Mexican American workers in the creation of the United Farm Workers in Delano in 1967; and

WHEREAS, These agricultural workers also built Agbayani Village, a retirement facility for elderly Filipino farmworkers, called “manongs,” located at Forty Acres in
Delano, Kern County; and

WHEREAS, At the turn of the century, Filipino students, farmworkers, and laborers in manufacturing and in the service sector began settling in the San Joaquin Delta area near and in Stockton, building a community that became the largest concentration of Filipinos outside of the Philippines through much of the 20th century, establishing a thriving six-block ethnic neighborhood they called “Little Manila” in downtown Stockton at the intersection of Lafayette and El Dorado Streets, which the Stockton City Council designated the “Little Manila Historical Site” in 2000, the first such designation in the country; and

WHEREAS, In the 1920s, Filipinos worked as laborers in the shipyards in Vallejo, and by the time World War II began, thousands of Filipinos worked as shipbuilders, and established a successful Filipino American community and business center in Vallejo; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, thousands of Filipinos from California served in the First and Second Filipino Infantry Regiments and were trained at Salinas and at Ford Ord, California, and stationed at Camp Beale near Sacramento and Camp Cooke near Santa Maria; and

WHEREAS, After discharge from the United States Navy following World War II, many Filipinos settled in National City and elsewhere in the County of San Diego, as well as in the Cities of West Long Beach and Wilmington, where they worked in the Long Beach shipyards, Terminal Island canneries, and as nurses and medical workers in the harbor area, creating flourishing Filipino American communities numbering in the tens of thousands; and

WHEREAS, The Filipino Community Center of the Los Angeles Harbor area in the City of Wilmington continues to serve as a model organization, facilitating community events such as weddings, baptisms, pageants, and fiestas; and

WHEREAS, Numerous other community-based institutions that take responsibility for the services, advocacy, and civic engagement needs of the Filipino American community exist today throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Filipino student organizers were instrumental in the leadership of the Third World Liberation Front that led to the founding of the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, San Francisco, which was part of the larger effort to democratize higher education for all; and

WHEREAS, From 1972 to 1986, Filipino American activists organized massive educational and political campaigns to restore civil liberties in the Philippines during the period of Martial Law in that country, while creating dynamic local responses to international politics; and

WHEREAS, From 1968 to 1977, Filipino American activists and residents of San Francisco’s International Hotel challenged local authorities and private development in order to organize a multiracial and popular campaign to support affordable housing for Filipino and Chinese immigrants, placing people and the public good ahead of profit; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, the City of Los Angeles, home to over 120,000 Filipinos, designated a “Historic Filipinotown” district, the largest designation of this kind in the country; and

WHEREAS, From World War II to the present, federal, state and local redevelopment projects, freeway and highway construction, urban decay, demographic shifts, and poor city planning have destroyed a significant number
of Filipino American historic sites and ethnic neighborhoods, and many of the remaining Filipino American communities and historic sites are in danger of being lost; and

WHEREAS, The Filipino American community in California numbers well over one million, nearly one-half of the total population of Filipinos in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Preserving our Filipino communities throughout California is critical to our state history and the preservation of Filipino culture, history, traditions, and other elements of this heritage; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature recognizes the critical role that Filipinos and Filipino American communities have played in the social, economic, and political development of California throughout the state’s history; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all federal, state, and local organizations to promote the preservation of Filipino history and culture, including the preservation of Filipino communities; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Please write a letter of support for the resolution and send it to Assembly Member Furutani, by 12:00 noon on Monday, June 23, 2008, at the following address, fax, or e-mail address:

The Honorable Warren T. Furutani
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0055
Fax: 916-319-2155
E-mail: assemblymember.furutani@assembly.ca.gov

UCLA Wins First NCAA Women's Tennis Title With the Help of Filipino American Riza Zalameda

By Jeff Latzke, AP Sports Writer

TULSA, Okla. — UCLA's women's tennis team finally got to contribute to the school's record haul of NCAA titles. Georgia merely found a new place to win the men's championship.

The Bruins beat California 4-0 Tuesday for championship No. 102, finishing it off when Riza Zalameda rallied to beat former NCAA singles champion Susie Babos 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. With a loss, UCLA would have tied Florida's record with six second-place finishes.

"This is just our year. Our year to win it," Bruins coach Stella Sampras Webster said. "I think we were the favorite to win. It took a lot of hard work and some luck and we were able to pull it off. It's great to get that win, that championship."

Sampras Webster was a part of four of UCLA's five second-place finishes. She coached the Bruins to the title match in 2004 and again last year, and played on runners-up in 1989 and 1991.

In her fifth try, she brought the title back to the state of California. Stanford has won 15 titles and Southern California won it twice.

"I feel for Cal because we've been there. It's tough. You get all the way to the finals and you just can't get that one more win," said Sampras Webster, who received a congratulatory text message from her younger brother, Pete Sampras. "It's tough. It's great to be in the national championship but once you're there you want to win it."

Freshman Andrea Remynse won at No. 4 singles, Alex McGoodwin won in the No. 6 singles spot and seventh-seeded UCLA claimed the doubles point.

Zalameda clinched the team title with an overhead smash less than 2 minutes after Remynse finished off her 7-6, 6-2 defeat of Claire Ilcinkas.

"My first match point, I heard everyone just uproar and I double-faulted because I just go so scared," Zalameda said. "The next point, I just made that time my time. Time for UCLA. Time for history."

Georgia got over a different hurdle, beating Texas 4-2 for the first of its six NCAA men's titles to come away from its home courts. The fourth-seeded Bulldogs had been the runner-up three times in the past 12 years on courts other than their own.

The Bulldogs also wrapped up their championship with a win from their top player. Travis Helgeson took the final five games of a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Dimitar Kutrovsky and was swarmed by his teammates after Kutrovsky's final shot landed out of bounds beyond the baseline.

"It's pretty sweet," Helgeson said. "I have to say last year was unbelievable, but this year we really had to fight through some battles throughout the season."

Fellow senior Luis Flores completed a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 victory against Ed Corrie in the No. 4 singles slot a few minutes earlier, and Jamie Hunt and Nate Schnugg also won in straight sets for Georgia.

"To lead them and finish it is just an unbelievable moment for us," said Helgeson, seated next to Flores.

Georgia coach Manuel Diaz said he left Helgeson's match to check on the others in progress and found him on the verge of victory when he returned. The comeback capped a season filled with injuries, including stress fractures in both of Flores' feet, and several players fighting mononucleosis.

"I was out of words after what these guys accomplished," Diaz said. "I've never felt so awkward trying to rationalize things. Probably today, I did less coaching than I've ever done."

UCLA tennis star Riza Zalameda plays a point at the Indian Wells pro tournament.

Texas earned the doubles point by winning the only two matches that were completed, and Miguel Reyes Varela won in straight sets at No. 6 singles for an early 2-0 Longhorns lead. Like Cal on the women's side, Texas was making its first finals appearance.

The eighth-seeded Golden Bears had made 26 straight NCAA tournaments under longtime coach Jan Brogan but made their longest postseason run in the first year after her retirement, upsetting top-seeded Northwestern in the quarterfinals.

"Having a new coach at the start of this year, they all just responded amazingly. They've been so much fun for me to work with and guide them. I'm proud," first-year coach Amanda Augustus said. "We didn't quite reach everything we wanted, but we were pretty darn close."

The Associated Press

Honoring a Hero from the Past - Jose Rizal

Today is the birthday of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal. Born on June 19, 1861 and executed on December 30, 1896, he was integral in ending more than 300 years of oppression by Spain over the Philippines. A prolific student and author, he wrote two very well known novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Symbolism scattered the pages of the works, criticizing Spaniards, hispanized Filipinos, and Spanish friars for the atrocities they committed against Filipinos in the name of the Catholic church. Rizal's many writings, including poems, novels, essays, and dissertations, inspired the Filipino people to revolt against Spain through groups like the Katipunan. He did this all through nonviolent means, his weapon of choice being his pen, his words, and his mind. The writings he left are all indicative of the type of life he led and the ideals that he lived to defend.

Jose Rizal 1861-1896

Why the US wants Filipino Teachers Big-Time

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SAN FRANCISCO— One day, a brown-skinned, Filipino kid was scolded by his white American teacher in class here. Instead of answering, as he had been told to do, he looked down timidly and avoided eye contact.

Thinking he was being disrespectful, the teacher was infuriated all the more. But what Ligaya Avenida, 64, later saw on hindsight was a glaring example of cultural disconnect common in the American school system years ago.

By staying meek in the face of authority, a common Filipino trait, the boy thought he was doing the “right” thing, explained Avenida, a long-time teacher and administrator in the San Francisco Unified School District.

In the American context, he was not.

Cultural implications

“It had a cultural implication,” she said in an interview. “Here, you look directly at the person even if you’re being reprimanded. If you don’t, that’s a sign of disrespect.”

Many school kids coming from immigrant families apparently knew very little about American culture and educational system, leading them to occasional trouble with mentors in the United States.

But between students and teachers with the gulf of cultural differences between them, the city’s school district, with a big lift from Avenida, saw that more had to be done from the latter’s end.

It looked for new mentors who could better deal with its culturally diverse student population. The search eventually led to a familiar face in the global diaspora: the Filipino.

Since the 1970s when the problem of cultural divide first came prominently into national view, hundreds of Filipino teachers have found employment in American schools, says Avenida, who now runs a recruitment agency for international teachers.

Perfect fit

Her company alone recruits 600 to 700 Filipino teachers annually. The number dwarfs Hong Kong and Mexico, where her company, Avenida International Consultancy, enlists only 50 to 70 teachers every year.

She says the bulk of her recruitment is from her home country because of Filipino teachers’ facility in both the Filipino and English languages. This flexibility makes them a perfect fit in school districts with a large Filipino-American population. “They needed teachers who understood the students,” she says.

Their quiet search for greener pastures could be just as worrisome, however, a contribution in small or large measure to the Philippines’ continuing “brain drain.”

“The reason I don’t feel bad about it is because the truth is, the Philippines has a lot of teachers,” says Avenida, arguing that it’s just a question of how effectively the Department of Education is filling positions left behind by migrating teachers.

With few well-paid employment opportunities in the country, more unfortunate Filipino teachers are forced to settle for menial jobs such as being domestic helpers in Hong Kong or Europe for bigger bucks, she says.

Read more here at Global Nation Inquirer....

Filipino American National Historical Society Holds Its 12th Biennial Conference In Anchorage, Alaska July 3 - 5

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will host its 12th Biennial National Conference, “Lure of the Salmon Song,” at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, July 3 through 5, 2008. FANHS will also celebrate its 25th anniversary and honor three-term FANHS National President and former Alaska State Representative Thelma Buchholdt who recently passed away. The FANHS National Conference is open to those interested in learning and preserving Filipino American history. Registration and payment are required to attend.

The FANHS National Conference will highlight the stories of the Alaskeros, Filipino immigrants who worked in the Alaskan canneries in the early to mid-1900s. The Alaskeros faced harsh winters, discrimination, long hours and low wages; however, they worked hard to earn a decent living and to support their families. Over the years, Alaska’s Filipino American community rapidly grew. Hence, Dr. Aurora Hovland, FANHS Alaska Chapter Conference Coordinator organized the panel, “Alaska: Roots Beyond the Canneries” that focuses on experiences of more recent immigrants.

FANHS Conference, 2006 @ Ilikai Renaissance, Waikiki

On July 2, pre-registered conference attendees will tour the Kenai Canneries. Workshops and plenaries will be held July 3 through 5; topics include “Double Identities: Alaska Native/Filipinos,” “Alaskero Experiences,” and “Pin@y Educational Partnerships,” to name a few. Already scheduled are more than 100 presentations on historical and regional research, educational curriculum, “how-to” workshops, identity, advocacy for Filipino World War II veterans and more. An Authors’ Reception will take place on the evening of July 3, and a banquet and silent auction are planned for July 5.

In 1982, Drs. Fred and Dorothy Cordova founded the Filipino American National Historical Society, a community-based organization, “to preserve, document, and present Filipino American history and to support scholarly research and artistic works which reflect that rich past.” Housed in Seattle, Wash., the national office and archives lend expertise and support to 28 chapters across the United States and is the primary resource on Filipino Americans.

All are welcome to join FANHS in Anchorage, Alaska. For questions regarding the FANHS National Conference, e-mail Dr. Joan May T. Cordova at forourcommunities@gmail.com. To register for the FANHS National Conference, to apply for or renew a FANHS membership, to become a sponsor, or for more information, visit http://www.fanhs-national.org

Filipino American National Historical Society

“The mission of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) shall be to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States.”

Contact:
Jennifer Dizon
(757) 617-8327
jennifer.dizon@fanhs-hr.org

First Filipino-American Highway In United States Near National City, CA San Diego County

On October 6, 2007, Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon led California State and local officials in the official unveiling of the signs for the Filipino-American Highway. The Filipino-American highway stretches for seven miles from the Interstate 5 junction in the West to the point where it merges with State Route 125 in the East. COPAO president Rita Andrews read Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 157, authored by former Assemblyman Juan Vargas.

Because Resolution 157 did not budget funds for the new signage, COPAO allocated $4,000 from its funds for the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to prepare the highway signs to complete the name change. The Filipino-American Highway is the first such public highway to be renamed to honor Filipino-Americans and their contributions to American society.

Q&A With Filipino-American Ramiele Malubay From American Idol

by Fred Bronson

Billboard.com

At only 4 feet 11 inches, Ramiele Malubay packs a mean punch with her big voice. Born in the Middle East, almost becoming Mulan and bracing for the tour, the spunky 24-year-old reveals more about her experience on "AI."

Q: You recently moved to Southern California, but where did you live before that?

A: I was born in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. My parents met there in an elevator. My mom was a nurse and my dad was an engineer. Filipinos go to Saudi Arabia for work and send money back home to their families. During the Gulf War, they sent me to the Philippines and I stayed with my grandparents for a while, and when I came back my sister had been born. When I was four we flew to Boston because my dad got a job there. Then I moved to New Jersey and didn't stay there long because I went to first grade in Orlando.

Q: And during all of that world travel, you developed an interest in music. Do you remember when that happened?

A: My mom says when I was 2, "We'd do karaoke and you would grab the mike from people and you wouldn't know what the heck you were saying but you would go with the melody and everything." And then in fifth grade, I did a Spice Girls thing for a talent show. I sang "Too Much" with four other girls. For someone my age, I could stay on key. When I was 12, I sang for my cousin's birthday and I was like a stick. I didn't move. I was so scared, but people said I had a pretty different voice. So my parents put me through vocal lessons and I would sing for Filipino church events, Filipino Independence Days. Everything Filipino, I was there.

Q: Were you singing in English or Tagalog?

A: I would sing everything. I forgot how to speak Tagalog a long time ago and to be a good singer, you have to be able to put yourself into the song. So I learned the language again and now I'm really fluent. I think I sing better, because I can emote better when it comes to Filipino songs.

Q: Did you continue to sing as an adolescent?

A: People would sponsor famous singers from the Philippines to come to the United States and I got to open for some really big people like Kuh Ledesma and Martin Nievera. I'm a total back-home buff. I watch the Filipino channel all the time with my parents. I know the music over there, so when they came here, it was a really big deal for me. It's like somebody singing for Mariah Carey.

From 12 to 16, my parents made me take vocal lessons and I was missing out on life and time with friends, and I felt like I never got to do what I wanted. I felt like music was pushed upon me. At 16 I realized that God gave me a voice for a reason and I would be so dumb to not use it, so I started singing for myself. And then lessons weren't a big deal anymore because it was just helping my craft.

But I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. I would go to hospitals with my mom on "Take Your Kid to Work Day." I still want to be a nurse. I want to go back to school because I'd be really excited if I got that degree and I was singing at the same time.

Q: When did you start watching "American Idol"?

A: When Kelly Clarkson was on it and then Jasmine Trias and then I skipped a couple of seasons but I knew who the winner was. And of course everybody watches the beginning rounds because it's hysterical.

I auditioned when I was 16. My parents pushed me to audition and I didn't even make it past the first cut and I was over "Idol," like, "I'm never going to audition again. I hate this!" When I was 19 my dad said, "You should really try again." So I auditioned. I made it past the first round. At that point, I just hoped I would get to the next level and the next level and the week after this and the week after this, as far as it could take me.

Now I know they look for certain things in people and they don't cut you because they don't care. They do their jobs well. They know what "Idol" is looking for because it's been running for how long now.

Q: Do you remember your first paying gig?

A: I never liked to take money from people. I was known as the little girl who would sing for free. My parents said, "Don't take their money." My vocal coach told them, "She needs to start charging." We would drive from Miami to Jacksonville or from Miami to Orlando, and that's like four hour, seven hour, eight hour drives just to sing and people would give me money and I would say, "No, it's OK. It's fine." They'd look at me like, "Why isn't she taking the money?"

Q: While you were living in Florida, did you do any work for Disney or Universal?

A: Somebody offered me Mulan at Disney, but I was living in Tampa at the time, so I couldn't go back and forth, plus I was in high school. I think my singing career from where it started to where it is now, I think every little path, like every yes and no that I gave people, it was perfect to get me to where I am right now. I mean, if I took that Disney job, who knows where I would be right now?

Q: When you auditioned the second time, what was it like to sing for Simon, Paula and Randy?

A: I was so scared. You drink so much water that your throat gets really dry right before you have to sing.

Now it's normal because we see them on the show all the time, but before it was like, "These people are on TV and now they're in front of me and I'm freaking the heck out right now!" It's so nerve wracking, and now I have to sing. Put me in front of like a jillion people, I'll be fine. Put me in front of two people and I'll freak out. I can't sing in front of small groups. I guess they were sold on it. Simon wasn't sold until Hollywood Week.

Paula was my favorite before obviously because we definitely see eye to eye, same height and everything. So I was excited to meet her. She was really sweet. Randy liked me. He said I was a little girl with a really big voice, and that's what I wanted them to see.

When I got voted off, Paula gave me an hour-and-a-half talk on why I got to the point I got to, maybe why I got voted off, and that I have something special and that I should keep going with it. It was really nice. And then Simon told me to cry on his shoulder. He was really sweet. He's my new favorite judge because he tells it how it is and you can't get any better if somebody's telling you you're amazing all the time. You need somebody kicking your butt so you can get better.

Q: What was it like being voted off?

A: I felt like it was my turn. I didn't want to go yet, because I wanted to make it to Mariah Carey week. Growing up, she was my idol.

I wasn't going to cry. Then Kristy Lee Cook hugged me and said, "We're going to miss you, peanut." I'm known as the most emotional and then Brooke's second. But I bawl all the time, especially when Danny Noriega got voted off. I looked like somebody died, like I was at a funeral.

Q: Since "American Idol" is telecast in the Philippines, you must be well-known there.

A: I really don't know. Some lady pulled me aside yesterday while I was shopping and told me, "You don't know how big you are right now back home." I said, "What are you talking about?"

Q: Does that mean you'll pursue a career in the Philippines?

A: After the summer "Idols" tour, I want to do something here. But I'd be really dumb not to go back to the Philippines. It was always my dream when I was little to be on TV, because I would watch all the singers and stars. To be on the same stage with them, that would be a total honor. So I want to go back home and make something for myself over there, if not over here as well.

Q: One final "Idol" question, since you'll be going on tour with the rest of the top 10. Do you really all get along well?

A: We're like a big family. As cliche as it is to say that, as fake as it kind of looks, we're real and we won't make decisions without asking each other first. We work as a group together and people would say, "They're probably trying to sabotage each other with songs," but we'll help each other. We're a really good bunch, an amazing top 10. I don't think anybody's going to have any problems with each other on tour. I wish the cameras would get us offstage because we're ridiculous together. We're a really messy bunch.

Sterling Heights, Michigan and Sorsogon, Philippines Become Sister Cities With the Help of Willie Dechavez

Willie Dechavez, an American educator of Filipino descent, successfully moved for Sorsogon City in the Bicol Region of the Philippines to become the sister city of Sterling Heights in Michigan. Mr. Dechavez hailed from the Bacon District of Sorsogon City. He is the chairperson of the Ethnic Community Committee of the City of Sterling Heights. Willie is also the Michigan state chair of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA).

The mayor of Sorsogon City, Leovic Dioneda, will be the special guest of honor of the City of Sterling Heights, as per the invitation of Mayor Richard J. Notte. Mayor Dioneda will be honored by the City of Sterling Heights on Sept. 18, 2008, during the first-ever Diversity Dinner in the city. The visiting Filipino mayor will meet also with the City Council and other city officials.

Read more here at Mabuhay Radio....

Watch this video on Sorsogon

Norfolk, Virginia Becomes Sister City With Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

It's all systems-go as the city government of Norfolk, Virginia, USA gears up for the twinning ceremony that will formalize its sister city relationship with Cagayan de Oro.

Pamela McNaught, executive director of the Norfolk Sister City Association (NSCA), told the City Information Office that the historic event that will officially make Cagayan de Oro as Norfolk's seventh sister city will be held on June 18, 2008 in a public ceremony at the MacArthur Memorial Square in downtown Norfolk.

McNaught said that a pre-ceremony reception will be held at 4:30 p.m., and the formal ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m where Norfolk City Mayor Paul D. Fraim and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula will sign a cooperative sister city agreement.

"We are proud to expand Norfolk's sister city relationships in Southeast Asia. This historic twinning honors our past, present and future ties with the Philippines," stated Mayor Paul D. Fraim in a press release e-mailed by the NSCA to the CIO.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa is expected to deliver a keynote message at a dinner following the twinning ceremony. The dinner in celebration of the new partnership is open to the public that will include the Filipino community based in Norfolk.

Mayor Jaraula will lead a 20-member delegation who will leave the country on June 17, 2008 in time for the historic twinning event on June 18.

The event is co-sponsored by the City of Norfolk and the Norfolk Sister City Association in cooperation with the Filipino-American community of Hampton Roads, the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads.

A strong historical tie exist between Norfolk and Cagayan de Oro through General Douglas MacArthur who landed at the old Macabalan Wharf on March 13, 1942 aboard PT41 boat on his escape to Australia via the Del Monte airstrip in Diklum, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon.

The city government of Cagayan de Oro, under the leadership of Mayor Jaraula, initiated the construction of the MacArthur Memorial Marker in Macabalan, funded by contributions from the private sector in the city and in the US in an effort to highlight the city's significant role in the Liberation Trail.

Read more here at Philippine Information Agency....

Improving Education With Filipino American History

There are certain things in history that I believe should be included in the History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. This is a great opportunity to really emphasize the importance of including the perspectives of ethnic Americans in our schools. The timeline for the update of the Framework can be found on the Timeline for History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs/cf/hssdrafttimeline.asp.

I am noting the Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee recruitment dates from March 20, 2008 - September 3, 2008, the field review dates in September - October 2009, and the December 2009 - January 2010 public review dates.

In particular, my interest includes the teaching of concepts like the importance of Filipinos and Filipino Americans to the development of California's agriculture industry during the 30s, the Filipino Repatriation Act of 1935, Filipino and Filipino American contributions to the World War II effort, and the labor union efforts of Philip Vera Cruz, Larry Itliong, and other Filipino labor leaders.

Currently, the fourth grade standards call for students to "Discuss the effects of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II on California" (standard 4.4.5). This would certainly coincide with the teaching about at least the first four of my proposals.

In 2007, Assembly Member Mervyn Dymally introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 72) to encourage the use of personal testimony in the teaching of Filipino involvement in World War II. It was the fourth year (AB 2512 in 2004, AB 15 in 2005, and AB 1076 in 2006) that a bill of its type had been introduced, and the fourth time that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) vetoed it.

For all things to fall into place, we need to write our Assembly Members to push for a similar bill. No matter how many times that the Governor vetoes it, we can not let it die. Both representative Horton and Yee are not in office any longer, but there must be other brave representatives that would author the bill again. You can find contact information to your representative on the Your Legislature Web page at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.

We can not leave them any reason to ignore our voices. When they are aware of our concerns, their decisons are much more likely to represent our circumstances and priorities.

Filipina-American Best Selling Author Of "Love Walked In" Marisa de los Santos

By Cynthia De Castro AJ - Press

Filipino American poet-turned-novelist Marisa de los Santos has taken America’s literary world by storm. Her first novel, Love Walked In, became an instant handselling favorite within weeks, surprisingly making it to the bestseller lists of the prestigious New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Publishers Weekly, The Boston Globe and USA Today.

It was a Barnes and Noble "Discover Great New Writers" Selection, a Target Breakout Book, a Booksense Pick and a Borders Book Club Pick. Paramount Pictures immediately optioned it as a star vehicle for Sarah Jessica Parker, who hailed Love Walked In as an "exquisite and stylish" love story.Noted book critics gave the novel glowing reviews. "This is a book that will be passed from friend to friend with the words, ‘You have to read this," said the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Washington Post Book World said the book "makes you want to hunker down on a chilly day in a comfy chair and read straight through ‘til dark...a poignant, heart-tugging story."

A few weeks ago, Marisa delos Santos came out with her second novel Belong to Me, which again quickly made it to the bestseller list and the Barnes & Noble Recommends program.

"Marisa de los Santos’ Belong to Me is an exhilarating tale of a circle of friends bound together by secrets and love," said Steve Riggio, chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble, Inc. "This warmhearted novel pulls readers into the stories and relationships of three women and their families and friends, and teaches us what it means for human beings to care for one another."

One of Barnes & Noble’s booksellers who voted for this selection wrote, "I became so involved with these charming, fully-developed characters. The writing is so luscious! Like biting into a juicy peach, where every sense is touched and filled with delight and wonder." Another bookseller added, "All I can say is, I want more!"

Yes, people just can’t seem to get enough of Marisa de los Santos’ novels. Filipinos, specially, have been looking forward to meeting the beautiful Filipina-American who has made it big-time. Thankfully, the Filipino American Library in Los Angeles invited the New York Times bestselling author last May 30 to meet the FilAm community at Remy’s on Temple in historic Filipinotown.

"This is my first time to be here in Filipinotown and I’m happy to be surrounded by so many Filipinos," said Marisa who lives in Wilmington, Delaware where there are very few Filipinos. " The last time I was in LA was when I was 10 years old. Since then, I only pass by here, at LAX, on my way to the Philippines," she added. In an interview with Asian Journal, Marisa tells her story.

Read more here at Asianjournal.com....

The author of Love Walked In and Belong to Me talks about making the switch from poetry to prose, and why she's one of those writers who "writes to make people happy."

Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao? Is It Possible?

By Percy D. Della
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Golden Boy’s swan song has Manny Pacquiao overtones. Oscar De La Hoya said Saturday he is calling it a career this year. But not after one more fight with a credible opponent. He thinks Pacquiao is among these. “One more and that’s it. This is my final year. I’m doing one fight and hanging up the gloves,” De La Hoya told the British news agency Reuters.

De La Hoya had a fight scheduled for September with Floyd Mayweather Jr. who beat him in a split decision for the WBC light middleweight title bout. The unbeaten Mayweather, however, announced his retirement a few days ago, upsetting De La Hoya’s fight cart. Oscar thinks Floyd Jr. is playing mind games. “The time is running out. If Mayweather is thinking he can catch me at an older age next year, it’s not going to happen. It has to happen by this year,” De La Hoya told Reuters.

The Golden Boy said he would fight at 154 pounds (70 kg) and that any one who wants him in the ring will have to “adjust to that weight.” “There’s an interesting fight happening, Miguel Cotto against (Antonio) Margarito (on July 26 for Cotto’s WBC welterweight crown), that should be interesting to watch. Maybe I can get the winner. We’ll see.”

Added de la Hoya: “Manny Pacquiao is calling me out. He can jump up two or three weight classes and challenge me,” De La Hoya said.

Read more here at Inquirer.net....

Barack Obama Expresses Appreciation to Filipino American Community

By KRIS DANIELLE SUAREZ
abs-cbnNEWS.com

United States Senator and Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama extended his "warm wishes" to the Filipino nation as the country celebrated its 110th Independence Day, and expressed his appreciation of the Filipino-American community's contribution to American society.

In a statement posted in his official campaign blog Friday (Thursday in the US), the presumptive US Democratic party presidential nominee recognized the "enormous contributions" of generations of Filipino immigrants in building the United States, citing their service in both public and private sectors.

The junior US Senator from Illinois looked back to his childhood in Hawaii, saying that based on his experiences growing up in the state, Filipinos "have had an enormous positive impact on the culture and economy."

"As dedicated military and civil servants, lawyers and bankers, artists, engineers and entrepreneurs, agricultural and industrial laborers, healthcare providers and customer service workers, caretakers for our elderly and youth, Filipino Americans—4 million strong—have enriched our country, embodied our nation's highest ideals, and reflected the very best that the Philippines has to offer," Obama said in the statement.

Read more here ABS-CBNNEWS....

Check out this YouTube video on Barack Obama for Filipino American voters. Nat King Cole sings the Filipino classic "Dahil Sa Iyo."

The Political Glass Ceiling - Christopher Cabaldon

Last Tuesday, June 3, 2008, was a strongly anticipated day for politically active Filipinos. The Honorable Christopher Cabaldon, a gentleman that has been elected to be West Sacramento Mayor five times, ran for the California State Assembly District 8 seat. He also happens to be Filipino American. Historically, there has not been one Filipino American in that high of a political office in California. AsianWeek published an article in April entitled, "Filipino Americans on the Rise in Calif. Politics" at

http://www.asianweek.com/2008/04/21/filipino-americans-on-the-rise-in-calif-politics/.

The article, however, effectively points out that there is a glass ceiling that we have run into when it comes to getting that first Filipino American into office.

Cabaldon is a progressive individual, and a strong candidate. Yet the result at the end of the evening did not change the status quo. What is it going to take so that Filipinos can be politically empowered?

HOT FIL-AM EVENT! - "Kababayan Fest 2008" One of the Largest West Coast Filipinos Event

Kababayan Fest is one of the largest Filipino festivals on the West Coast. It will be held at California’s Great America amusement park in Santa Clara, California within the Bay Area on Saturday, July 5th, 2008. It is an all day event comprising of headliner acts, singers, dancers, cultural exhibits, local organizations, vendors, and Filipino heritage.

Headliners:
Kuh Ledesma
Melissa Reyes
Passion
Sharyn Maceren
Kaba Modern

Autographs:
Laika
Joey B

Featured Artists:
Mango Kingz
Native Elements
Philtered Soul
FBCV Hula Praise
Special Escrima Exhibition by Cabales Escrima Academy

Footage From Last Year's Event

Tickets are $34.99 pre-sale (limited) and can only be purchased online at:

http://www.cagreatamerica.com/kababayan

Read more here at www.kababayanfest.com....