Filipino Interpreters and Translators to Meet Again on June 22
Interpreters and translators in the various Filipino languages were invited to attend an organizational meeting last June 9, Sunday, to discuss the formation of a Filipino Interpreters and Translators Association of Hawaii (FITAH). The purpose of this organization is to develop a pool of qualified Filipino interpreters and translators to serve the needs of our limited English proficient Filipino community.
Several individuals attended, but several more called in to express disappointment that they could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. Accordingly, the group who convened last June 9 decided to reconvene on June 22, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. at the FilCom Center. Local attorney Emmanuel Tipon agreed to serve as the group’s coordinator until the first set of officers are elected on June 22.
Those who are fluent in any of the Filipino languages and also proficient in the English language are encouraged to attend. Recently passed laws make it mandatory of both State and Federal agencies to assist residents who are not English proficient to understand rules and regulations in their own language. For more information, please call808 680-0451 or email at filcom@filcom.org.
FilCom Updates on KNDI Radio and KIKU TV
Since January of this year, FilCom’s updates on its programs and events are announced on KNDI Radio every Friday from 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. The radio segment is hosted by Flor Martinez with FilCom staff Arceli Rebollido and Rose Churma. The radio announcements are multi-lingual -Ilocano, Tagalog and English and cover various topics.
Starting last May, FilCom has a short segment carved out of Kababayan Today TV program which is aired on KIKU on Mondays to Fridays from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 4:30 p.m. The FilCom segment is broadcast live in the Los Angeles area on LA 18/KSCI-TV at 12 noon and rebroadcast in Hawaii that afternoon. These Friday interviews focus on specific topics. KIKU also airs other Filipino programs from Mondays to Fridays starting with TV Patrol at 4 to 5 a.m. (repeats at 4 to 5 p.m.); Balitang Amerika at 6 to 6:30 a.m.(repeats at 5 to 5:30 p.m.);Halo Halo at 3 to 3:30 p.m.(only Mondays and Wednesdays); Kababayan Today at 3:30 to 4 p.m. On Sundays, Filipino programming starts at 4 to 4:30 p.m. with TV Patrol Linggo, followed by Maala ala mo Kayafrom 5 to 6 p.m. and My Name is Kim Sam Soon from 6 to 7 p.m.
FilCom is also in discussion with FilAM TV based in Los Angeles “to establish a relationship for the purpose of developing and distributing quality programming content…to help fulfill FilCom Center’s objectives to promote and perpetuate Filipino culture and customs by utilizing TV broadcast and internet reach …that increase awareness and pride.” One that seems to have some potential is to seek participation from community groups to create a telenovela in Ilocano.
Filipino for Kids Summer Program on its 8th Year at the FilCom
Filipino for Kids, an annual summer cultural enrichment program, will once again be offered at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Saturday mornings, starting on June 22. Now on its 8th year, Filipino for Kids is a summer program designed to provide elementary-school students of ALL ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the rich Philippine culture and heritage.
The program includes language and culture components and interactive activities such as games, dances, and songs and a summer reading program. Started through a mini-diversity grant from the UH SEED office in 2005, the program has now become an annual summer collaborative project of the FilCom Center, University of the Philippines Alumni Association(UPAA) Hawaii Chapter, UH Filipino and Philippine Literature program, the UH Katipunan Club, alumni and friends, and community organizations and volunteers.
BANDA KAWAYAN to Perform at Kona’s Cultural Festival
The Banda Kawayan will be performing at the Filipino Cultural Festival to be held in Kona on June 16, Sunday. According to Jane Clement, President of the Kona Visayan Club, “I would like our Filipino community here in the Big Island to also have the pleasure of seeing and listening to this uniquely Filipino musical ensemble.”
The members of the Banda Kawayan will also hold a clinic to give the youngsters of Hawaii County -or anyone interested-an opportunity to learn how to play with different bamboo instruments. Maestro Pike Velasco, the Banda’s musical director noted that this is the first time the group will be travelling to another island. “We look forward to this opportunity to showcase the Banda Kawayan, but also to figure out how to pack the instruments properly to withstand the rigors of airline travel.” The group expects to dismantle some of the bigger instruments and pack these in containers that can withstand typical baggage handling.
A few parents will be accompanying the group of youngsters who comprise the musical ensemble, together with Maestro Pike Velasco and FilCom’s Program Director, Arceli Rebollido. The event will be held at the Old Airport Makaeo Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. For more information about the event, please call (808) 756 3103 or emailjaneclement@hawaii.rr.com.
KUNDIMAN-A variety of voices of Filipino American Culture
on July 28
Summer is officially here! In efforts to offer more programs for our community’s youth and young adults, July’s FilCom Sunday, “Kundiman,” will be a celebration of youth, culture, and community building through various art forms.
On Sunday, July 28, 2013 performers from all over the island will share their talents with FilCom Sundays’ patrons and newcomers alike. Young poets will be sharing pieces about their experiences in growing up in Hawai’i; aspiring poets are also invited and encouraged to participate. Also participating are several visual artists who will showcase their works and share with the audience how they create their art.
Other activities include storytelling and t-shirt stenciling for the children. Robert Garcia, chief instructor of Bandalan Doce Pares Association, will also lead an Escrima demonstration.
For more information about the event or if you would like to participate as a volunteer, please contact our program specialist, Marie Ramos at Marie@filcom.org. “Like” us on FilCom Center’s Facebook page if you want to get regular updates on this event.
Emcee:
Seph1
Performances by:
Banda Kawayan
Tekniqlingz
Ron Quesada
Malinanung Uni
Genalyn Agustin
Jem Gasmen
Dj Ramos
Ozzie Jaramillo
Agaton Pasion, Jr.
Poets:
Jeff Acido
Rj Aglugub
Mercedes Cunan
Ashley Galacgac
Ajax Maharlika
Marcus Mateo
Naftali Tolibas
Christian-Paul Borromeo
Jenna Robinson
Live Art/ Art Displays by:
808 Urban
Ramir Belmes
Aaron Capili
Marc Galacgac
Jonathan Juan
Ricky Rapanut
Efren Renon, Jr.
Michelle Santos
FilCom Hosts Board of Governors’ Annual Meeting on June 26
The FilCom Center’s Board of Directors will host the Board of Governors annual luncheon meeting on June 26, Wednesday, at the FilCom Center. The program will start at 12 noon and promptly end at 1:30 p.m. At this annual event, the members will be apprised on the FilCom’s current programs and events.
Volunteer Spotlight
Randy Cortez - Representing Hawaii’s Young Leaders
Randy Cortez
As the current president of the JCI Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Randy was heavily involved with putting together last month’s 21st Filipino Fiesta at Kapiolani Park. He has served as chair for the annual fiesta for the past four years now and has helped ensure a successful event on each occasion.
Randy also assumed the role of chair for a Candidates Forum in October of 2010, where he spearheaded a community event during the Hawaii 2010 State Elections that provided constituents an opportunity to question political candidates on various political issues. In 2011 and 2012, he oversaw yet another community event that recognized ten outstanding Filipinos dedicated to creating better communities in Hawaii. He is also a member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal and was appointed this year’s Pursuivant, or Secretary.
His dedication to the Filipino community earned him a spot in the second batch of outstanding young Filipino Americans (age 18 – 40) to participate in the Filipino American youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) in the Philippines. As a delegate, Randy will be granted the opportunity to meet some of the most powerful officials of the Philippines, highly respected entrepreneurs, and many more. He hopes to “disseminate the teachings of the program to influential individuals and organizations that play a vital role in society’s daily operations.”
In 2010, Randy graduated as double major, securing a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.A. in Filipino and Philippine Literature from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He then served as the Legislative Aide to Senator Clarence Nishihara in 2011. He is now completing a legal internship with Badger Arakaki LLLC and holds the position of Program Specialist at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), under the Office of Community Services. He was recently accepted at the Richardson School of Law at UH Manoa and plans to enroll in the Fall of 2014.
Community Partner
Kona Visayan Club
The Kona Visayan Club, established in 1989, is a non-profit Filipino organization dedicated to promoting and perpetuating the Filipino culture and traditions through cultural events and activities. They are one of the sponsoring organizations that helped forge the sister-city agreement between Hawaii County and Ormoc City, Philippines.
Through their “Classroom For Kids” initiative, the organization built four classrooms and a nutrition center in the Philippines to help underprivileged children.
They also fundraise to provide financial aid to victims of calamities and disasters in the Philippines.
As for local involvement, the Kona Visayan Club offers scholarships for qualified West Hawaii seniors wishing to go to college. They have also contributed to other non-profit organizations on the island and various charitable causes.
In alignment with their goal to educate, inform and enrich people in the traditions and culture of the Philippines, the Kona Visayan Club will be presenting Kona’s very 1st Annual Philippine Cultural Festival on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Ten young members of our Banda Kawayan have been invited to perform and entertain our fellow Filipinos residing on the Big Island.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to develop, own and operate a community center that provides social, economic and education services and to promote and perpetuate Filipino culture and customs in the state of Hawaii.
Last year, the FilCom’s 10th anniversary was celebrated by an open-house event where all community organizations and past volunteers were invited to attend. More than a thousand people showed up.
This year on June 11, 2013, the FilCom celebrated its 11th year as a community center. Some supporters have asked why we do not have a big event planned. We also received calls why we do not have a commemoration of the Philippines’115 years of independence, which falls on June 12. Apparently the Filipino communities of other states stage elaborate events that fall in June, so some folks are surprised that we do not have something big planned for the month of June. Instead of another major event, we opted instead for a lengthy article that was published in Tribune USA, a national paper for the Filipino-American community.
The FilCom has major events the entire year that promote and preserve the Filipino culture, the last major one occurring last month. So when the rest of the other states stage major events that celebrate everything that is Filipino, we chose instead to send our in-house musical ensemble-the Banda Kawayan-to Kona in the Big Island where the Kona Visayan Club holds its first cultural festival.
The month of June is also a time for planning and introspection as we work out the details of each event and program planned for the remaining months of the year. Last June 1, the committee that is planning the FilCom’s major fundraising dinner met for the first time and was hosted by Creations in Catering, FilCom’s Special Events Management, Production & Training (SEMPT) program. More details about this event will be discussed in the next month’s newsletter after the FilCom’s Board of Governors are apprised of the event at the board’s annual luncheon to be held on June 26.
The month of June also proved to be eventful: the contractor for the installation of the FilCom’s photo-voltaic system has been selected and the notice to proceed will most likely be released this month. The Selection Committee chaired by Manny Lanuevo with members Oscar Paez, Roger Urbi, Agnes Reyes and Lenny Villanueva, has been hard at work reviewing proposals and meeting with the bidders.
During the first week of June, for our segment in Kababayan Today, host Jannelle So asked, “What does the Philippine Independence Day mean to Filipinos of Hawaii?” I cannot remember what my exact answers were. Probably something garbled since the question still rings in my ear, and haunts me: what does it mean for me, to all of us? Is it another glittering ball, or another performance-driven event? Should we have more thought-provoking programs that could resonate more with those who still maintain ties with the Philippines? How do we make it more meaningful?
We all have different ways of celebrating Independence Day. There are those who maintain that it should not have been moved from July 4th -the day the Americans raised the Philippines flag and lowered the star spangled banner at Luneta in 1946. Many more contend that true independence only occurred when the Philippines achieved true sovereignty when the US bases were shuttered in 1991. For us who pledge allegiance to another flag, does it really matter what date Philippines independence is celebrated? Or how it is celebrated,–with a new Filipiniana gown or a pair of blue jeans? What matters is that we continue to value and treasure the journey and sacrifices of those before us, so that the possibilities for us and our children are limitless.
On-going and Upcoming
FilCom Programs & Events
The following programs and events have been scheduled at the FilCom Center for 2013. Grouped according to different thrusts, the programs were designed along the non-profit’s mission statement and the expressed needs of the community.
Cultural Promotion & Community Empowerment
Banda Kawayan, rehearsals from 3 to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, Music Room. Led by Maestro Pike Velasco, the musical group is continually seeking children and youth to participate.
Himig at Indak, rehearsals for ballroom dancing at 7 to 8 pm, choir practice at 8 to 9 pm, Tuesdays, 2ndFloor Breezeway. $10 monthly registration fee.
FilCom Children’s Choir, rehearsals from 3-5 pm Mondays at 3rd floor conference room; auditions for kids ages 6 to 12 are on-going.
Filipino Folk Dancing, TBD
Walang Sayang Program-promoting sustainability and responsible stewardship of our planet. Related activities are held at FilCom Center events; sponsored by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii.
Family Legacy Project
Memorabilia and archival documents of Filipino families that made an impact on Hawaii are digitized and uploaded at the eFil website on as-needed basis
Economic Development
NCLEX Nursing Licensure Review Classes; Every Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. – Tech Center; Conducted by NAMI, Inc.; $50 registration fee.
(Spring) Jan. 16 to June 5, 2013
(Fall) July 10 to Nov. 20, 2013
Computer Enrichment & Workforce Training Workshops; 3rd Floor Conference Rm. or Tech Center; Year-round; $25 registration fee
Computer Basics, Wednesdays, 10 to 12 noon & 2 to 4 p.m.; 4 session cycles
WORD, Saturdays, 10 to 12 noon; 4 session cycles
EXCEL, Saturdays, 2 to 4 pm, 4 session cycles
Social Services
US Citizenship Classes 2013- 5-session series, Saturdays, Tech Center; conducted by HIJC of Legal Aid of Hawaii; $25 registration fee;
(Summer) June 01 to June 29, 2013; 1 to 3 pm Saturdays
US Immigration Community Outreach Program, 5-session series, Saturdays, Tech Center; conducted by USCIS
(Summer) June 01 to June 29, 2013; 3 to 4 p.m., Saturdays
Kinabukasan Series 2013-5-session financial literacy series, Tech Center; Free and open to the public
Will resume July, 2013
Health & Wellness Mondays - starts May 6 Monday Co-sponsored by Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii, 6:00 PM Tech Center 2; Free and open to the public.
Children’s Programs
Kabataan 2013: Filipino for Kids Summer Program, for children 6 to 12 years old; June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, Saturdays, 8 to 12 noon at FilCom, 2nd floor; $50 registration fee covers cost for t-shirt and supplies.
Filipino for Kids: RAMP (Read, Art, Music & Play) a reading program for kids 2 to 12. Funded by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Fund for Family Literacy of the Hawaii Community Foundation; held every FIlCom Sunday and Pasko sa FilCom, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Tech Center 1, 2nd floor; Free and open to the public as part of FilCom events.
Annual Events
Filipino Flavors, November 9, 2013. FilCom’s annual fundraising dinner will be held at the FilCom Center.
Pasko! sa Filcom, December 15, Sunday. An annual event that recreates a Filipino Christmas.
FilCom Sundays, Cultural performances or educational activities held every last Sunday of the month from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.;
July 28-Spoken Word-Slam Poetry
August 25-Cagayan Valley Presents…
September 29-Ramrambak 2, Celebrating the Amianan Culture
October 27-Filipinos of Hawaii, a Historical Perspective
Filipino for Kids, an annual summer cultural enrichment program, will once again be offered at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Saturday mornings, starting on June 22. Now on its 8th year, Filipino for Kids is a summer program designed to provide elementary-school students of ALL ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the rich Philippine culture and heritage.
