Delano Manongs

California Education Code Section 51008 reads:

The State Board of Education shall ensure that the state curriculum and framework, where appropriate, include instruction on Cesar Chavez and the history of the farm labor movement in the United States, and the role of immigrants, including Filipino Americans, in that movement, and that the state criteria for selecting textbooks include information to guide the selection of textbooks that contain sections that highlight the life and contributions of Cesar Chavez, the history of the farm labor movement in the United States, and the role of immigrants, including Filipino Americans, in that movement.

In an effort to promote the creation and availability of instructional materials aligned with this law, please support Delano Manongs, a documentary that "tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers who instigated one of the American farm labor movement’s finest hours – The Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW). While the movement is known for Cesar Chavez’s leadership and considered a Chicano movement, Filipinos played a pivotal role that began it all. Filipino labor organizer, Larry Itliong, a five foot five cigar-chomping union veteran, organized a group of 1500 Filipinos to strike against the grape growers of Delano, California."

For eight days the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) "struck alone, getting thrown out of their labor camp homes, and facing violence from growers’ hired thugs and the sheriff’s department. Yet Larry’s story and the story of the Filipinos and their union organizing efforts that began in the 1920s in the US have virtually been forgotten. Told from Larry Itliong’s perspective, the documentary follows Larry’s life arriving in the US at age 15 and immediately becoming involved with Filipino labor unions in the canneries and farm fields on the West Coast. The story of Larry and the Delano Filipinos is a history unknown to most Filipinos in the US."

For more information on the documentary and how to support it, please visit the Delano Manongs Web site at http://www.delanomanongs.com/.

On This Day In History: February 16

On February 16, 1995, the brotherhood of Chi Rho Omicron was founded by Oscar Gonzales, Joe Bautista, Marc Dolor, Jay R. Ladran, Berto Palma, Augustine C. Tuliao, and Florencio G. Costales at California State University, Fresno. 
Fraternal organizations have long been part of the fabric of the Filipino American community. In the 1920s and 1930s, Filipinos faced racism, poverty, and alienation in the United States of America (USA). One of the ways they coped with these challenges was to form Filipino fraternal organizations like the Caballeros de Dimas-alang, the Legionarios del Trabajo, the Gran Oriente, and the Filipino Federation of America. These organizations provided them a tight-knit sense of community reminiscent of the strong family ties they left back home. One of the roles such organizations played was, for example, to provide full payment for members' funerals; this was particularly crucial for the large percentage of Filipinos who lived out the latter half of their lives as aging, childless bachelors. The organizations created a sense of belonging and community in the USA. 
During the 1990s, there was a resurgence of Filipino American pride, and while college entry rates were high for Filipino Americans, matriculation rates for Filipino Americans were much lower. This was reflective of the incredible pressures placed on Filipino Americans as victims of the model minority myth, cultural expectations to enter specific fields, and silent sacrifices made by Filipino American students, all creating tension within students not conducive to college completion. 

FILIPINOS PUSH TO RENAME MIDDLE SCHOOL IN HONOR OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HEROES

The community in Union City, California rally together in a march to bring awareness to the renaming of Alvarado Middle School. This school will possibly be renamed after two Filipino-American heroes Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz. It will possibly be the first school in the U.S. be named in honor of Filipinos.

Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz were Filipino-American labor leaders, farm workers, and leaders in the Asian American civil rights movement.

Happy Birthday!

On February 16, 1995, Chi Rho Omicron (XPO) was founded as the first Filipino American History Fraternity in the California University School system on the belief and ideals of creating educated Filipino men that would be great community leaders, responsible fathers, and role models within our brotherhood organization. Today, one of the founding fathers of the fraternity, Wenceslao Oscar Gonzales, dedicated this 18 year anniversary to all our fathers who first taught their children the meaning of brotherhood, honoring their families, and the loyalty of friendships.

On October 18, 2000, less than six months after becoming a brother of XPO on May 11, 2000, my mom died, underinsured. The brothers stepped up to raise money and assist me in giving her a proper and dignified service. If not for XPO, I would have been alone and devastated. Rather, I learned in a very touching, moving, and inspiring way that I have a family, hope, and opportunity. Nobody will ever convince me that fraternities are another form of a gang or that we just pay for our friends. Just like how Filipinos formed Filipino fraternal organizations like the Caballeros de Dimas Alang and the Legionarios del Trabajo to cope with the racism, poverty, and alienation they experienced in America in the 1920s and 1930s, XPO provided me a tight-knit sense of community reminiscent of the strong family tie I had just lost. One of the roles such organizations played was, for example, to provide full payment for members' funerals; this was particularly crucial for the large percentage of Filipinos who lived out the latter half of their lives as aging childless bachelors. In my case, XPO helped me with my mom's funeral. It's about mutual aid and I'm proud to be reminded of that today.

Episode 6—Gift Cards, Holiday-palooza, Counseling Masters, Mental Health

Kishaun, Ashley, and Bobby discuss the holidays and mental health.

Check out this episode!

Episode 5—It’s Not Easy, but It’s Worth It

Kishaun and Bobby talk about goals, goal-setting, and the effort it takes to achieve them.

Check out this episode!

Episode 4—This One’s For the Veterans and Elected Officials and Some of the Election Results

Here are Kishaun and Bobby's shout outs to veterans of the United States Armed Forces and some commentary on the 2012 elections and election perceptions.

Check out this episode!

How Cool Would it be to Drive Down Leo Giron Drive?

I respectfully request your support for the creation of Leo Giron Drive in Stockton, CA.

Reliable sources are hearing that the San Joaquin County officials feel that there may not be enough support to name the street leading to the new VA hospital in Stockton "Leo Giron Drive."

As many of us in the Filipino American community know, Leo Giron:

• was handpicked by General Douglas MacArthur to parachute behind enemy lines in the Philippines during World War II.
• was instrumental in providing tactical intelligence behind enemy lines that allowed for the US Armed Forces to defeat Japanese forces in the Philippines during World War II.
• received a Bronze Star for his service to the United States of America. • returned to his community of Stockton, California.
• was one of few Escrima masters who brought the fighting art to America, allowing others to learn and appreciate the art.
• created Bahala Na Martial Arts in Stockton which has spread throughout America and internationally.

Of course, that's just a few of his accomplishments.

Time is of the essence. The length of the letter is not as important as the amount of support the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors need to see. Even just a letter that says "I support the naming of Leo Giron Drive" would be sufficient.

Please send and fax your short letter to:
SJC Board of Supervisors
Attn: Supervisor Carlos Villapudua
44 N. San Joaquin St.
Sixth Floor, Suite 627
Stockton, CA 95202

Fax number: 209-468-3694

Thank you in advance for your support.

Ati-Atihan of the Bay Area 2012

Ati-Atihan of the Bay Area 2012

Westlake Park - Pacelli Event Center
Daly City , CA

Ati-Atihan Association, Inc. of San Francisco is a Filipino-American non- profit organization. Our mission is to educate & preserve the traditions & culture of our Aklanon ancestry by creating a legacy for each generation to pass on to the next and by being servant leaders for our communities, both local & abroad.

Phil "Swaggerboy" Tayag and the Jabbawockeez dance crew's "I'ma Get It" World Premiere Music Video

Phil "Swaggerboy" Tayag and the Jabbawockeez dance crew's "I'ma Get It" World Premiere Music Video

Filipino-American MICHAEL COPON after Power Rangers. The Heineken Light Wedding :30 Commercial

Kids From Fame Media: Nia Peeples Mingle Media TV Interview

Kids From Fame Media: Nia Peeples Mingle Media TV Interview: Nia Peeples Mingle TV Interview at GBK and Tic Tac's 2011 Emmys Gift Lounge at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

Check out Filipino-American Kimee Balmilero after Discovery Kids' HI-5

About Kimee Balmilero

Originally from Hawaii, Filipino-American actor Kimee Balmilero is best known as one of the 5 hosts on Discovery Kids' TV Series Hi-5.

Check out "When I Grow Up" a new show for kids Kimee created where kids get hands on with super cool, totally hip and always fun jobs! wigutv.com

www.kimeeb.com

Benefits for Filipino veterans pressed

By ELLSON A. QUISMORIO

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. has made a “strong representation” before US officials for assistance on behalf of Filipino veterans who were denied their benefits pursuant to the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila, citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., said Cuisia met with officials of the United States Army, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and US Congress to argue on behalf of Filipino veterans recently.

In his meeting with Army Deputy Undersecretary Thomas Hawley, Cuisia made strong representation for assistance to ensure that no veteran is unjustly denied the benefit due him.

Army officials vowed to look into particular compelling cases that the Embassy may wish to bring to their attention, as well as work closely with the DVA to ensure that no one is denied due benefits because of administrative error.

The 2009 FVEC law grants a one-time lump sum to Filipino veterans in the amount of $15,000 for US citizens and $9,000 to non-US citizens. Out of the 42,553 who have applied for the benefit, 18,499 were approved and 24,125 were denied. Of those, 3,630 filed notices of disagreement—the appeals process provided by DVA.

Read full story here at Manila Bulletin........

Filipino-American Lou Diamond-Phillips will be a contestant on Rachael Vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off on the Food Network

 The TV landscape is so saturated with reality shows these days that it oftentimes takes celebrity contestants to convince viewers to tune in. We've watched famous and formerly-famous people dance, open restaurants and go on quests for love. Now Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri are adding another category of competition to the reality mix. Their new show, "Rachael Vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off" will feature celebrities showing off their cooking skills.

Ray and Fieri previewed the new show on "The View," (weekdays, syndicated) and described it as a mix between "Dancing With the Stars" and "The Celebrity Apprentice." The hosts will serve as coaches, as their teams compete against each other in cooking challenges. The roster of celebrity contestants will include Coolio, Cheech Marin, Lou Diamond-Phillips, Joey Fatone and Summer Sanders. "It's the only reality show the Kardashians are not on," Barbara Walters joked.

Read more on the Huffington Post.......

Councilmember Ray Buenaventura elected Vice-Mayor of Daly City, CA

 
Daly City, California - Filipino-Americans filled the Daly City Hall chamber on Monday night and cheered 2 kababayans for their achievements.

Councilmember Ray Buenaventura was elected vice-mayor of Daly City.

Buenaventura, a lawyer by profession, was president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County.

"I am so thrilled. I am so grateful that I am even in this position and I know it's because of the Filipino community that they've been strong advocate," Buenaventura said.

Meanwhile, Daly City Planning Commissioner Ray Satorre was also awarded the Mayor's Citizen of the Year for 2011.

"I feel great. This symbolizes dignity and honor and joy to the Filipino community at the same time our family because not everybody can get an award," Satorre said.

Daly City has one of the highest concentrations of Filipinos in the United States.

Read more here at ABS-CBN........

UFC Undisputed 3 video game will feature Filipino-American Mark Munoz

Dennis 'D Source' Guillermo, Filipino Sports Examiner

"The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Mark Munoz had a banner year in 2011 with sensational victories over some of the best middleweights in the UFC in the likes of CD Dollaway, and former title contenders Demian Maia and Chris Leben.

For his outstanding showing, Munoz will be co-featured on UFC on Fox 2 as he tangles with fellow wrestler Chael Sonnen for the right to face Anderson Silva for his middleweight belt on January 28 at the United Center in Chicago.

But before all of that, fans can check out Munoz in the new UFC Undisputed 3 game for PS 3 and XBOX 360 which releases on January 3.

Read the full story here at Examiner.....

Filipina-American WWII Veterana Lourdes Castro is honored as being a pioneer and more

Lourdes M. Evangelista-Castro
July 23, 1926 – December 3, 2011


Lourdes Castro, a rare and great hero, lived an extraordinary life. She was a pioneering “veterana” of World War II, and a quiet warrior as well as a civil rights activist. She was a successful entrepreneur, devoted wife, and matriarch of the Castro clan.

Servant leader and military service

During WWII, Lourdes Castro was a member of the recognized guerrilla forces, a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and served in the Medical Corps. She volunteered as medical staff to help wounded American soldiers and also worked as a courier for the US soldiers.
Two valiant acts attributed to this young 18 year old soldier were: (1) her role in the liberation of the POWs in the Los Baños, Laguna concentration camp and (2) going “beyond the call of duty” by risking “limb and life” as she went into the battlefield, pulling wounded soldiers to safety and treating the wounded as a first responder.

This is how Lourdes Castro got inducted as a member of the US Army during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, World War II. She was one of only two female Filipino WWII US veterans.
Mrs. Castro was a member of the American Legion Northside Post 858 based in San Jose, CA. She was one of the charter members who started the veterans’ organization, where most of the members are WWII Filipino veterans who had fought with the United States Armed Forces of the Far East.
Her volunteer work included being an advocate who pushed US Congress to pass laws that would recognize the services of Filipino soldiers and guerrilla fighters during WWII.  Mrs. Castro also advocated for Congress to pass laws that would provide equitable services and compensation for their military services.  These laws were to be part of the “Equity for Filipino Veterans of WWII.”
Lourdes’ dream came true, together with thousands of Filipino WWII veterans in the US and the Philippines, when the United States Congress passed the bill that gave these “Forgotten Heroes” their due recognition: “Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Act” (FVEC) into law (PL 111-5 Title X Sec. 1002) in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, February 2009.

Honoring Lourdes Castro

Lourdes Castro is a true unsung hero who risked not only her life but her family’s lives as well when, as a guerrilla fighter, she aided in fulfilling crucial needs of the US military forces and later, as a member of the Medical Corps, was eventually given official US military status during WWII in the Philippines.

Not only was Mrs. Castro a hero in the largest conflict  in American history, she also served the United States as an advocate for veterans’ civil rights, especially Filipino WWII’s “Forgotten Heroes” or “veteranos.”  She was unique, selfless, caring and courageous as a “Modern Day Hero” at the age of 85.

Read the full story here at Inquirer.....

Filipino-American children celebrate Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday!

To celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, Paaralang Pinoy of Northern Virginia organized a free workshop for young Filipino-American children at St. Bernadette’s Catholic School in Springfield, Virginia on Sunday, November 20, 2011. During the workshop, Ms. Realista Realica Rodriguez, Paaralang Pinoy’s Culture Coordinator, read Rizal’s story of the greedy monkey and the clever turtle (The Monkey and the Turtle). Ms. Diane Sebastian-Auclair, Paaralang Pinoy’s Language Coordinator, led the children in an acting workshop simulating the characters of Matsing (monkey) and Pagong (turtle). The children likewise learned the Cariñosa, a folkdance believed to be popular during Rizal’s time.

Read the full story here at My Rizal 150.......

Filipino-American Beastie Boys' DJ Mix Master Mike's iTunes App Wheelz of Steel

Designed by and for legendary DJ Mix Master Mike, Wheelz of Steel brings authentic vinyl scratching and mixing to the iPhone and iPod touch. Whether on stage or on-the-go, you're always ready to spin with Wheelz of Steel.

Key features:
-two large turntables with accurate physics and scratching sounds
-four exclusive Mix Master Mike tracks
-six exclusive Mix Master Mike sound effects
-import tracks from your iPod library on iOS 4 (and via Wi-fi on iOS 3)
-pitch/speed faders for beat matching with live waveform display
-five assignable cue points per track
-four buttons to drop signature MMM scratches into your mix
-assignable loop points per track
-beat-based "glitch" looping
-crates (playlists) to organize your tracks
-customizable with nine color schemes
-elegant and functional design

Buy it here at the Apple App Store.......