FAAI Gives a Helping Hand and Makes a Difference! Fil-Am Association of Iowa Calendar of Events Annual Christmas Party and Election of New Officers December 13,2014 Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ankeny ,IA

FAAI 31st Valentine’s Party February 14, 2015 Hilton Garden Inn 8600 Northpark Drive Johnston, IA

INSIDE PAGE A letter to the FAAI from the Archdiocese of Iloilo, reads: “With gratitude to the FAAI, I am sending you pictures of the boats and their beneficiaries from FAAI Hog Roast Picnic 2014 2 Odiongan, San Dionisio, Province of Iloilo. The beneficiaries were chosen among the poorest and the most deserving. The boat with 16 feet length cost Php. 12, 000 each. This is how we President’s Corner 3 used your donation of $ 1,000.” 2014 Halloween Party 4

Sweet Memories 5 Halloween Party Cont. 6

Philippine Christmas Lantern 7

BullyingCORDILLERA Prevention DAY Summit 4 8 FAAI Receives Grant for Haiyan 8

Of Bathroom Tissues and Issues 9 New HS Graduates Featured 10 FAAI Executive Body 10

Editorial/Contributors/ Letter 10 Mr. Fortunato Quiza of Guaian, Samar is one of the proud recipients of a fishing boat that carries from a bishop from the Phils. the FAAI name.

2Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

The FAAI Annual Hog Roast Picnic : “Piestang Pampamilyang Pinoy” by Aireen Snyder

The Filipino-American Association of Iowa held its most anticipated “Annual Hog Roast Picnic” on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines and everyone had a great time not only because it was a perfect time showcasing a vari- ety of the traditional Filipino cuisine but because of the camaraderie among the Filipino-Americans in Iowa (and all over the country) that arose. These pictures would tell us all how each and everyone had so much fun at this year’s “lechon” picnic. We’re looking for- ward to seeing you again at next year’s event. (photo credits to Gina Matchinsky)

2 3Lahi Newsletter Fall 2014 Page 3

President’s Corner Al Snyder

and always going the extra mile to make our Dear Friends, events so special! Every event has been chaired by an officer under the direction of our Business It has been an honor Manager, Dr. Rosa Reyes and supported by all. to serve as president of Please join me in thanking Joy, Rosa, Jim and the Filipino-American Dory for doing such an amazing job. Our schol- Association of Iowa for arship fund is strong, now having a revolving CD the last two years. I program to make sure we will always have funds thank all those who have available year to year. Again, thank you to your asked me to run for an- generosity and the hard work of our Scholarship other term. It has been a Committee chaired by our Business Manager, difficult decision for me Dr. Rosa Reyes. Your support of our fundraising made easier by two of events like the Zumbathon has allowed us to con- our current officers step- tinue our tradition of helping our students now ping forward to run as president to continue building and and into the future. making our association stronger. My family needs my full attention as our girls are growing, requiring more It has truly been a blessing for me to be your “daddy time” and space in our home. I am looking for- president during this time of healing in our asso- ward to putting an addition onto our home this Spring ciation. In the aftermath of all the natural disas- which will require a lot of my time to complete. I thank ters in the Philippines that caused so much pain my wife Aireen for all her love and support. What an and suffering to many of our brothers and sisters, amazing time we have had over the last two years! I have you showed your compassion. Our whole com- been blessed to have a great group of officers and volun- munity pulled together to help those most in need teers who don’t just talk, but really get it done, all for the by organizing fundraisers and collecting goods love of our association and members. I really can’t say for those in the impact areas. We provided direct thank you enough! financial aid and goods to 13 of our community members’ families in the Philippines. We also I am very happy and proud our association is in a provided financial aid to many disaster relief or- much stronger financial position now, allowing us to set ganizations working directly in the Philippines. events one year in advance paying all deposits and still Those who came together as a community were having operating capital. This was a large goal of our members and non-members of our association, team and would not have happened without our officers who set aside any differences to help those in digging into their own pockets to float the funds for sup- need, not caring who was at the well to drink, plies for our first Asian festival allowing us to use what only that all were served. funds we had to secure the future events. All funds were paid back due to the hard work of our team and many Our community is growing and our associa- volunteers. Special thanks to my VP and Financial Secre- tion is stronger with each of you in it. I am ask- tary Joy Stachura and Treasure Jim Foster for setting up ing you to volunteer and support our new officers and managing our accounts. as you have supported me assuring a bright fu- ture for the Filipino-American Association of Please remember, without your support, paying your Iowa. membership dues and volunteering to help make our events amazing, none of this would be possible. Please Salamat Po, show your support by renewing or starting your member- ship at the Christmas party or by contacting Jim, Joy or Al Snyder Rosa for payment if you have not already done so. While [email protected] speaking of amazing events, I would like to thank our 515.240.7856 Secretary Dory Taylor and her family for their hard work

3 Page4 24 Filipino Filipino-American-American Association Association of of Iowa Iowa Calendar of Events FAAI Celebrates Halloween 2014 by Gina V. Matchinsky

The night was The program started with the singing of both the Philippine perfect when anthem by Jayson Cabelin, and the American anthem by FAAI cele- Randy Collins followed by a prayer then the welcome speech brated its Hal- from FAAI President, Al Snyder. Food was served soon af- loween Party terwards. for the year FAAI is a family, so we honored and also celebrated our 2014 unlike members whose birthday is in the month of October. They last year’s came forward as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” then our event when very own long-time member, Vickie Friemel who turned 88 the weather years old in October, became emotional as she blew the can- was bluster- dle on the birthday cake. It must have been a big surprise for ingly cold. her! Halloweens No treat or tricking, kiddos! What came next was the high- were usually light of this year's Halloween celebration --- the Halloween celebrated Costume Competition. There were 2 costume competitions The Children Category winners every 31st according to age level. They were the Kiddie Level and the day of Octo- Adult Level. ber but FAAI Each of the contestants paraded around to display their cos- had it done on the 25th, a Saturday as most of its events were usually tumes and say a little something to the audience as five judg- held. es take note. They were Jose Guadiz, Bob Vida, Richard In the earlier times, Halloweens were not being celebrated much in the O’Brien, Joe Martens, and Lemuel Tanyag. Philippines but now, it is becoming more and more popular especially Master of Ceremonies Ronette Reyes allowed the contestants for school children. Now, it is being observed as a triduum of all Hal- to individually introduce themselves and say something about lows. their costume as the judges gave them points and identify First, the All Hallows' Eve or the Halloween every 31st of October There winners for the Children Category were: Frannie Adri- celebrated with children trick or treating or having costume parties. anse , Jeric Escalana, Khian Dione Escalana, and Ethan Ga- Second, the All Hallows or the All Saints Day every November 1st to briel Cabelin (the scariest). honor martyrs and saints. And third, the All Soul's Day on November For the adult category, Lawrence Anthony (Incredible Hulk) 2 celebrated in commemoration of all faithful departed. It is a 3-day won First Place and Most Original Costume. Other winners celebration with the thought of the departed ones in mind. include: Emily keddie, Maria Collins, Jonathan Morrow , and So is Halloween a valid Christian celebration? The FAAI Halloween Randy Collins. Party will not have been allowed to be held on the Our Lady's Immacu- The winners were given a mini trophy for each and the danc- late Heart at Ankeny if it is not. ing in costume that followed afterwards was totally unforget- It was traditionally believed by early Christians that on this day the table. An altogether fun and unusual gathering that not only film that divides the world as we know it from the afterlife becomes commemorates the ones in the afterlife or another dimension, flimsy. People wear costumes so they will not be recognized by souls. it also The Trick or Treating was a sort of proving how thoroughly disguised celebrat- they were to not even be recognized by actual people. ed the So how did the Filipino-Americans in Iowa celebrated this year's Hal- camara- loween? derie, Most of the attendees, both young and old came wearing their Hallow- creativity, een costumes. It was not necessarily a frightening costume- just some- fun- thing to disguise the real identity of the one wearing it. Some wear na- loving- tional costumes of different countries, others wear superhero clothes. ness and There were also animal costumes, work uniforms, period costumes and together- other out- of-this-world look. Then there were also the usual frighten- ness of ing costume stuff like vampires, movie characters, witches, skulls , Filipino- ghosts and such. Ameri- It was a potluck, so each family brought their own home cooked food cans in to be shared with everyone. There was a long row of table filled with this part viands to go with rice. Definitely, there was rice. Of course, there were Adult Category winners of the several versions of pancit - no Filipino gathering will be caught with- world. out one. There were chicken and pork dishes and the ever favorite Halloween Celebration 2013 is grateful to the following: “lechon” which was donated by some FAAI friends. Set-Up: Larry Anthony, Keone Mounivong, Rosie Lane, Cliff Then there was another long table filled with desserts. There were & Jody Cunanan, June & Kai Kelly, Ramon & Rosa Reyes, cakes, cookies, brownies, fruits, salads, leche flan and of course an Dory Taylor, and Al Snyder assortment of Filipino "kakanin" from biko, to kutchinta, to kalamay Registration: ToriTanyag & Christa Eribal and a lot more. (Cont. to page 6) 4 Lahi5 Newsletter -Fall 2014 Page 5

FAAI Sweet Memories by Alita V. Siasoco, FAAI Founder

Time flies, here today and gone tomorrow. What you gain in this If I am not mistaken, it was around this time when FAAI swift process is what you put into the moment. was invited by the Metropolitan Omaha and Council Bluffs In retrospect, a lot of good people in FAAI put their best into their Fil-Am to camp overnight in Pony Park, Iowa. moments, a lot of positive and progressive changes were made and here Also introduced were side activities. One was led by Edwin are the highlights as far I can remember: Tanyag's group in what they enjoyed doing - the Golf tourna- Farthest back, I see Bobby del Rosario, FAAI's first President, and ments. Wife Tanya, took charge of lunch after the tournament. Ginny del Rosario, his wife, establishing the pioneering folk-dance Sue Siasoco, wife of Jun Siasoco, also had an Easter Egg hunt group. Not only did they promote the grace and beauty of Philippine in their backyard facing Campbell Park. culture through our native dances, they also provided shelter and caring During his term as President, Dr. Rullan introduced more for people in need.I can still see the happy faces of kids proudly wear- physical activities like swimming, walking and other sports ing Philippine costumes and performing different folk dances. This for toning and strengthening. There was camaraderie and fun, group performed all over the state of Iowa. a lot of people also attended for the "barkadahan" or the Next in the series of memories to be noted is the leadership of friendship side of it. His daughter, Julie Hayes, supported the FAAI's two-term president, Ching Artiaga, the prominent Filipino ar- group by organizing a Folk Dance group. I can still recall chitect of the Ruan Building. Also his wife Nella, quietly endorsing Rene Zurbano's hush hush comment during one of their per- FAAI's social events in her own gentle way. Ching's term saw adult formances saying "Alita tayo ang background music". Evelyn song and dance presentations where young couples or partners even did Zurbano, his wife, made the members taste real Pampangeno some professional shows. It is something that I enjoyed so much. I was cuisine at its best. She also introduced adobo and pancit so proud of them that I even brought guests from the Omaha-Council among other dishes to the people of Iowa. Poets and artists Bluffs area to experience this exceptional event. It was something that were discovered, their talents and skills savored. they raved and talked about for months on end About this time also Jim Foster showed interest and active "Kin", a pure Filipino band quite well known at the time, led the participation in most of FAAI projects, from fishing derbies to choreography showcasing this memorable event. I wonder where they designing business landscapes. His wife Ly's contribution are now. was through her culinary skills. During George Cabildo's term, the University of the Philippines It was during Roel Campos' two-term presidency when the Concert Chorus choir visited rural America, Des Moines and outlying FAAI newsletter Lahi was computerized. Even the name tags farm areas. This Philippine ambassador group of singers even won got a more professional look, computerized, printed and en- many choir contests in Europe! cased in plastic. Led by Ray Paguio, the FAAI sponsored musical performances at The 30th anniversary program was a success. A historical senior homes, as well as local public and private schools. They did a booklet was even published honoring World War II veterans major show in Ankeny that added $8,000 to the FAAI kitty as certified in the Philippines. by accountant, Gerald Fieser. They even did a presentation to the New Virginia - St. Charles area. The comments of the audience still rings in With Alma Reed, also a two-term president, our commu- my ears to this day saying, "They know how to sing, too!!" nity involvement increased. With our membership to other The emphasis on family solidarity was well-noted during the offi- Asian groups the FAAI became more prominent in the com- cial terms of Bob Vida. His musically inclined daughters Bobbie and munity. There was a more global perspective as we mixed and AnaLynn Vida used to serenade us with both sentimental contemporar- got along with other cultures like the Japanese, Chinese and ies and foot stamping renditions of Filipino Cultural and American Indians, among others. Growth and development was evident music and dance. Bob and his first lady Zeny, both expert dancers, led even in other areas of the community. everyone to follow and to have a more healthy attitude towards danc- ing. The year 2013 saw even more progress. A joint project President Horacio Tuazon and wife Angie invited many Eastside approved by Al Snyder, present FAAI President, and his team residents to join the club. They started the Sunday pot-lucks around aided the Jane Foundation and other community groups. His Belinda's swimming pool in Pleasant Hill. wife Aireen Snyder revitalized language mastery studies by This Sunday activity continued during the term of David Baratta. directing the Conversational Tagalog Program. He was the first American president of the FAAI. It was during his Subsequent activities included raising and collecting funds for time when the FAAI constitution was amended allowing members with people in need not only within the Des Moines community no Filipino blood heritage to be elected to the top position and serve. but also in the Philippines, establishing friendships with It was his idea for the FAAI to have its own office by renting the build- neighboring cities, as well as aiding victims of calamities like ing and hall of one of the abandoned elementary school buildings. Un- typhoon Haiyan. fortunately, it did not get the much needed push from other officers and members like the Italians and Thais groups had. The same project is Just like most significant organizations there were per- being currently being espoused by the Latinos to the DM Register. ceived rifts within. Yet with the persistent effort of FAAI When Amado V. Siasoco Jr. became president, his thrust was for leaders and active members, these issues were resolved allow- the youth, encouraging them and being their role model. I could still ing the group to progress and grow in peace, harmony and remember Ernest Puzon Wesley and Ardrich Cabildo meeting and talk- camaraderie. ing about fun activities for the young members.

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Page6 6 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

FAAI Celebrates Halloween 2014 (from page 4)

The children with their amazing costumes The Hulk and the Prez

The October birthday celebrants The judges

Kids Activities: Kimberly Rob- erts & Sissy Hurley Program : DJ Ivan, Maryen Snyder, Keone Mounivong, Jayson Cabelin, Randy Collins, Raelyn Lund, nette Coltrain, Luzviminda Alba, & Edwin The Vampire and The Hulk—in charge of the “lechon”? Tanyag Food Service: Corrina Agu- Advertise in the LAHI iniga, Lydia Moore Cristina Barcellano, Rosie Lane, Jose Guadiz, Linda Puzon, Naomi O’brien, Flora Underwood, If you would like to advertise your business in the LAHI, the ads are $25 per quarter or $75 per year. Larry Anthony, & Dory Taylor email your request to - Clean-Up: Keone Mounivong, Maryen Snyder, June & Kai Newsletter Editor Aireen Snyder at Kelley, Larry Anthony, Rosie Lane, Randy Hoyer, Lydia [email protected] Moore, Cristina Barcellano, Joy Stachura, Rosa Reyes, Dory Check us out on: Taylor, and Al & Aireen Snyder https://www.facebook.com/faai1975?ref=hl Photography: Matthew & Gina Matchinsky www,filamofiowa.org 6 7Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2014 Page 7

FAAI ‘s “Make your Own Parol” at the Science Center of Iowa by Aireen Snyder

As one way of continuing the Filipino tradition and fulfilling its primary mission which is to “promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of the Filipino culture and heritage”, the Filipino–American Association of Iowa (FAAI) organized and sponsored the Annual Philippine Christmas Lantern (Parol)-Making at the Science Center of Iowa one blisteringly cold afternoon of Novem- ber 8, 2014 wherein not only children have enjoyed it but also people of all walks of life. Apparently, this event was attended by people all over Central Iowa and its neighboring state of Chicago. There were about 50 lanterns created with pride by keen and expert “parol” makers. Their finished products were evidence of their creativity in making the Christmas lanterns even if some of them have not done yet before. They found it so much fun to do it as seen in their faces. Looking forward to seeing you again next year !

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A Speaker at the Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit by Danielle Reyes

Technology has dramatically changed human communication. Email replaced letters, Instagram posts replaced photographs, and texts replaced face-to-face conversations. Although this shift towards technology has its benefits, it also exacerbates a critical problem: bullying. Before the Internet age, bullying would usually take the form of direct harassment and/or ru- mor spreading at school. Now, social media allows bullying to follow victims home and act as a catalyst for the rumor mill. Bullying has become an insurmountable storm that is destroy- ing the lives of youth all across the world. Fortunately, there are measures that are being taken to

some of my fellow SIYAC members surprised me with a huge em- brace. Every trace of nervousness melted away. I joined the other panel speakers backstage eager and ready. Once we took our seats on stage, an adult leader asked us questions about measures we are taking against bullying and why preventing bullying should be a priority. I explained the anti-bullying club at my school, Valley Southwoods’ Building Leadership Team, collabora- tions with Your Life Iowa, and the cyberbullying legislation that SIYAC supports. From the youngest elementary school student to the Honorable Governor Terry Branstad, everyone was listening to me. I saw the younger Danielle- scrawny with the chunky purple glasses and buckteeth- in the audience. She smiled and mouthed, “Make me fight bullying. I was a panel speaker for the Governor’s Anti- proud.” All those years of being called chink, nerd, yellow and ugly Bullying Summit on November 4, 2013 along with four other led up to this opportunity to change the tide for the youth of Iowa inspirational youth. As a victim of bullying in my childhood, I who are going through the same tribulations that I endured. felt that I had an obligation to take a stand for my fellow stu- In my favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond tells his dents. My coordinator for the State of Iowa Youth Advisory son Albert that his true courage showed in Rome; he looked up into Council selected me to speak on the five-student panel at the the indomitable storm and faced it on. Bullying is everyone’s event. Although I was extremely nervous, I was honored that storm, affecting students and adults alike. We all should be like Al- she chose me to speak on behalf of Iowa’s students. I gra- bert and fight against bullying head on. Talk to your local legislator ciously accepted the position and began my preparation. about the importance of cyberbullying legislation. Communicate with The day before the event, I met Linda Fandel, who is the Spe- your children about their school environment. No child should ever cial Assistant for education on the Branstad-Reynolds Admin- have to ashamed of their heritage, their sexuality, or their personality istration, as well as the other four student panel speakers. ever again. They were brilliant students: Anthony Howland was the presi- dent of an anti-bullying group, Cole Norton started a bullying FAAI Receives Grant For Typhoon Haiyan prevention program in his community, Christina Wagner is a national bullying prevention advocate, and Hayley Reardon is a talented musician and spokesperson. At first, I felt under- qualified compared to my contemporaries. After a long heart- to-heart and many laughs, I saw how down-to-earth they were and my insecurity drained away. We inspired and motivated each other with our personal stories, and I will never forget how it felt to be a part of that positivity. The second I walked into HyVee Hall, my heart stopped. Hundreds of people were in attendance; thousands of eyes would be watching me on the stage. I had spoken in public before, but not at this magnitude. Just as I was about to break down, my seventh grade English teacher, Ms. Aikin, ap- proached me. I was overjoyed to see her after so many years; she was the main reason why I joined debate. Soon after,

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9Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2014 page 9

Of Bathroom Tissues and Bathroom Issues by Gina V. Matchinsky

The ones we have at home is usually called a bathroom or in is the bathroom tissue. In a usual comfort room in the Philip- Tagalog banyo which came from the Spanish word baño. It is a pines, there is usually no available roll of bathroom tissue. You room in the house with a shower and/or bath tub, a and a sink. have to bring your own. That was why when I first came to But what if it is just a toilet and a sink like the ones that come with the U.S., I often brought with me bathroom tissue wherever I restaurants and malls? went only to realize that in every restroom be it an Interstate In Tagalog, it is called kubeta from the Spanish facility, supermarket owned, a school or church rest area, and word cubeta which means . Not very pleasant to the ear for even department store restrooms - they all have bathroom tis- most so it is usually called a comfort room or CR for short and that sues. Only comfort rooms in hotels and some hospitals provide acronym led to the slang term conference room which is all the bathroom tissue in the Philippines. same, a toilet. But then a bathroom tissue is not a major concern in a Filipi- But when I asked for directions to the comfort room or CR in res- no comfort room. Unlike in the United States restroom, most taurants in the United States the waiters didn't know what I meant. I Filipino's primary concern is if there is water, soap and a tabo or had to say toilet for them to understand. Here in the U.S., they are dipper (especially the tabo) to wash things with. That is some- more conveniently called rest room and for British a water closet. I thing American restrooms do not have. don't understand the logic though. You don't go to a toilet to rest or I met a Filipina in a Speedie Mart in Nevada. She ap- just get water. It is more of a place to get comforted and being Eng- proached me because she instantly learned that I am a Filipina lish speaking people, they ought to know. by the way I look. She said the payong or umbrella I was carry- So how do you call a toilet that is not integrated in the house or ing when it was summer and there was no rain was a dead give- an establishment? away. She expressed the same concern, too. The first thing she In the Philippines, we call it palikuran from the root looked for when she moved to Las Vegas was where to buy the word likod which means back in this case located in the back of the good old tabo. I improvised mine and used a 500 ml. plastic house as where they usually are. In English, it is called an . measuring cup for the purpose. She went all the way to Seafood But palikurans are not necessarily what Americans call City just so she can buy one and showed me where it was so that a , port-a-potties or port-a-john. Not also the Brit- started of our friendship. ish porta loos. If it is not a permanent structure at the back of the The question that came to mind is if people around here are house, they are not palikurans, Filipinos just call them portalet or a not using tabo, and most of the houses do not have a , how more general term would still be CR. do they make that area clean after a major bowel moving? Isn't it It is important for Filipinos to go when they need to go. Thus supposed to be first, you wipe it with a tissue and then you wash the need for a we call arinola. So we don't that area with soap and then dry them with tissue again? At least use arinola as a name for a person in the Philippines. that's how my mother taught me. In houses where a lot of people just share one bathroom, this is Of course there are a lot of bathroom issues that are worse especially important. In houses where the are an outhouse, than concerns about whether to use tabo or just plain bathroom this is useful especially at night or during foul weather. Two-storey tissue and I am happy to not be one of those who have such ma- houses with no bathroom on the second floor also use this for the jor problems. People who often get indigestion and have thrice safety of the kids. as much trips to the bathroom than the regular visiting people is In another light, another use for arinola in the Philippines not one example. Finding it hard to move bowel is another major associated with being comforted in the having to go direction is cause of concern, too. It was during those times when a maga- using it as a storage for money by vendors in small stores or retail- zine or any reading material inside the bathroom or an I-pad like ers. It is easier to get a change there for customers and it is consid- what we use is most useful. ered lucky to put money there to encourage more money or busi- Another issue but not a bathroom one, but more of a lack of ness to come in, not to mention an inconspicuous place to keep it is the way some Filipino men just pass water where ever they money. That is probably the last place a thief would likely look into feel like doing so -- be it a tree or somebody else's fence or wall. unless they know. Probably another of the Chinese influence in the That is the reason why in some areas in the Philippines, you will country or can be associated with the Filipino belief that when you read a sign printed on the walls of houses or establishments that dream of poop or fecal stuff, the more it is, the more money you are says: "Bawal umihi dito" which means passing water in that area going to get. is strictly prohibited. In some Filipino men's desire to go as soon So the next time you go to a small Filipino sari-sari store (a as they need to, they defy certain conventions. Definitely not a small store that sells an assortment of things) or a baratillo (bargain Filipino woman thing though - not without water, soap and the sale) or a tiangge (flea market) and see an arinola there, it is not good old tabo, at least. serving its true purpose, but then still comfort in a different sense - So be it a comfort room or a restroom issue, a tabo or the comfort being able to sell more and the hope of getting more a bathroom tissue issue, a diarrhea or a constipation issue, a money from it. So still all in the name of getting comfort when it is bathroom ought to be a place of comfort. Nothing beats that needed. good light feeling and relief after a good bowel movement or So what is the difference between a restroom (in the U.S.) and . Sometimes it is even when you're sitting in your small a comfort room (in the Philippines)? throne there that you even get to contemplate on a lot of things. Apart from there having more people in a comfort room that It was how I thought about this piece after looking at the new set you oftentimes need to get in line even when there were several of bathroom tissue rolls inside the bathroom and the issues I had cubicles already in a mall or a department store - one big difference with it once. But issues or without, a bathroom ought to be a comfort zone and I intend that ours will be just that. 9 10Filipino -American Association of Iowa Editorial Staff and Contributors OFFICERS Editor-in-Chief -Aireen N. Snyder Managing Editor– Gina Villanueva-Matchinsky President……………Al Snyder Contributors Alita V. Siasoco Vice President……….Joy Stachura Gina Matchinsky , Danielle Reyes,

Secretary……………..Dory Taylor & Al Snyder

Treasurer……………..Jim Foster *The editor reserves the right to publish or not to pub- Business Manager…. Rosa Inciong-Reyes lish an article/s submitted and to edit Questions or Comments? them for clarity and brevity. Call Al Snyder at (515) 240-7856

Congratulations Richelle to our new High O. Ma- School graduate! nuel Maryen Snyder graduat- graduated from ed with Des Moines East honors High School/ in May Central Academy this year (for her AP/IB at classes) last May Ankeny 2014 as Class Centen- Valedictorian. nial She is currently High attending college School. where she is con- She is sidered a third now year student studying (well, she has in Tippie earned 62 college credits while in high school), at the Uni- College of Business at The University of Iowa. She is the daughter versity of Iowa where she is taking up Medical Biology and of Ruel & Marlene Manuel. Psychology for her Pre-Med. She is the eldest daughter of Al Congratulations, Richelle! & Aireen Snyder

Allen and

Celine Robles, twin daughters of Ike and Amy Robles, grad- uated from Waukee High School this year . Allen is taking up Kinesiology while Celine is majoring in Biology. They both go to Iowa State University in Ames. Congratulations to you both!

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