From My Corner

Home , Binignit, Filipino cuisine, Humba

AUGUST - OCTOBER President’s message 2017 FROM MY CORNER

VOL 49, NO 6 The months have steadily gone by. As steady as FAGKC has been on The Tambuli is a monthly its course, many unforeseen events publication of the Filipino have taken place - personal events Association of Greater Kansas City that have taken toll on our time 9810 W 79th St and forced us to take some R Overland Park, KS 66204 detours, such that even our newsletter had to take a sabbatical! 816-888-4416 Things have quieted down and we’re back! But don’t let the ON THE WEB: silence make you think we’ve not been busy! We have been www.filipino-association.org accepting commitments and facing challenges… still ON FACEBOOK: TOGETHER. www.facebook.com/filipinoassociation Consider this recap of what kept us busy while we were silent:

IN THIS ISSUE: - Ethnic Enrichment Festival again brought out the best of our Bayanihan spirit, with dedicated volunteers calling upon 36 1 President’s Message years of experience, staying organized, communicating well and keeping the stress level low. 2 A Tribute to Dr. Arnulfo Sulit - September Affair Gala 2017 really kept up with its theme of “A Celebration of Togetherness - Together Yesterday, Today, 3 Minutes of October Tomorrow”. The September Affair Committee Chairs, “The General Meeting Fabulous Five” - Amy Mesina, Excy Basuel, Evie Tan-Todd,

6 Community News Mila Tiojanco, Remy Bump - plus “One” Jojie Doronio -

certainly worked TOGETHER with other planners and 15 Feature: Three Funerals, participants to deliver another memorable Gala.

A Wedding and A Solar Eclipse - Regional Food Fare drew in a crowd beyond our expectations, a definite unqualified success yet again! The different regions 18 Philippine News and represented not only gave samplings of their unique specialty

Features dishes but also put on a colorful and exotic display of exhibits, décor and native attire!

As the cold months approach, we’ll have the chance to mellow The Filipino Association of Greater out a tad but rest assured, there are more to come! Kansas City is a not-for-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian Until then………… LOVES! organization established to preserve, promote, and enhance Filipino culture through education and cultural arts, and to provide service to the community at-large through its projects and programs. Dr. Mila Tiojanco, President

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

l UPCOMING EVENTS A TRIBUTE TO DR. ARNULFO P. SULIT For details and a complete listing, go to By Manuel P. Pardo, MD www.filipino-association.org/calendar My friendship with Dr. Sulit extends over fifty years. Dr. You may also contact Sulit is known to his closest friends as Noy or Nepo - Kevin Bautista, FA-GKC PRO at remnants of his childhood nickname. To the younger [email protected] generation he was Tito Noy or Uncle Noy, a traditional or Filipino sign of respect to an elder. Jocelyn Shute, Social Events Chair at [email protected]. In 1958, he came to Kansas City straight from the Philippines to the old St. Joseph Hospital on Linwood GENERAL FA-GKC MEETING - Always Boulevard to train in Internal Medicine. It was there that he on the First Friday of the month unless met Shirley Gador, a lovely med tech who happened to hail announced otherwise. from the same region in the Philippines. Love quickly

blossomed and within a year they were married at the

Redemptorist Church.

TAMBULI STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Losing no time, one son after another came until there were Ping Bayani four boys, Andrew, Daniel, Christian, and Loreto. Soon he

Photographers had 2 doctors, an Army Officer and a med tech. His Armando Costes Evie Tan-odd leadership in the Filipino community quickly emerged leading the way to the formal organization of the Filipino Contributors – This Issue Association of Greater Kansas City as one of the original Dr. Milagros Tiojanco Paul De Los Santos signers of the Constitution and By Laws in 1971. Marites Altuna Dr. Lillian Pardo He pushed for the newly formed organization to find a Dr. Manuel Pardo headquarters, so to speak, after spending a few years of meetings and parties in member’s homes and apartment Want to submit content or even be part of the staff? Contact the Editor-in-Chief at 913-558- clubhouses. Fund raising from the meager membership fees 4332 or [email protected] was simply not enough to make a down payment on a property. Advertise your business in the Tambuli. E-mail the Editor. Major fund raising finally came about from the Fiesta Filipina at the Crown Center Square and running a AD RATES concession stand at Arrowhead Stadium. One time when

SIZE ISSUE YEAR Dr. Sulit was at the concession stand selling hot dogs, one Business Card $15 $120 of his patients saw him and said, “Dr. Sulit, is practice so 1/4 Page $25 $260 bad you have to earn extra money selling hot dogs?” After 1/2 Page $35 $360 Dr. Sulit explained he was helping our association raise Full Page $50 $480 some money so we can have a place to meet, he was rewarded with a hefty tip. The following discounts are available to members (if paid in full at time of When the time came for serious discussion to purchase a placement): place we could call our own, some members would not Full-year commitment 20% off support the idea saying we couldn’t afford it. Even though Half-year commitment 15% off the association had enough money for a down payment,

Single placement 10% off (Continued on Page 20)

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING MINUTES For previous months’ Meeting Minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/links and click on Resources.

1. The meeting was held on October 6, 2017 and called to order at 7:30pm. 2. The agenda was read and was approved. 3. Welcomed guest - Jillian Altuna 4. The General Monthly Meeting Minutes on September 1 was accepted and approved after correction on #5 the expense for equipment should be charged to FAGKC not Fiesta expense. 5. Dr. Mila thanked Beth for taking the minutes in September, Ping for coming and Kevin for printing the minutes and agenda. 6. Treasurer’s report: Paul de los Santos presented the Summary of Receipts and Disbursements for the period ending September 30, 2017. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

 September affair receipts $25,120.00 this month but total gross receipts is $67,000  Dr. Mila said we are high on cleaning supplies and labor; but electricity and groundskeeping are conservative. Air-conditioner was repaired. Insurance is also below budget.  Per Dr. Mila - Ethnic had increased in income $18,060.00. Suggested to have a budget of not over $9k. Cost was high because we hired more help.  Ernie stated that we made exceptional amount for Ethnic compared to the previous year; he acknowledged all volunteers.  Ping asked what is our partnership with the Asian Chamber of Commerce? $1500 - Chamber’s membership fee. Dr. Lillian Pardo said that the Philippine Medical Mission benefited from the membership.

Executive Committee Report

7. President  Thanked everyone’s participation to the September Affair. Discussion: reservations made but individuals were no show and disruption of youngsters. Entertainment should be relevant to FAGKC. Financial return was not the focus but enjoyment and achievement of goals  Regional food fair - difficulty counting expected guests from online registrations; couldn’t have too many guests at one time due to fire code; increased budget significantly; food charged $20 for 5 or 6 regions; suggested to have a tent outside so everybody can get to the food and to revisit online ticket sale. Lucila said tickets are limited to 500 because last year we had more than anticipated.  Christmas Party - Joy, social affair - December 9th; reminded to adhere to budget  New Year volunteer’s appreciation event - will be determined (Kevin and Lilia)  Database is critical - paid by June to be an officer, paid by September can vote  Election - December 1st, ballot out 11/07 (Continued on Page 4)

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBE R GENERAL MEETING MINUTES For previous months’ Meeting Minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/links and click on Resources.

(October Minutes…continued from Page 3)

8. Chairman: Board of Directors - Rizvend congratulated the President for the success of September Affair; referenced different periods of FAGKC: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Commended September Affair committee and members. Did not notice any disruption. Colors guards went well. Board Meeting on 10/09. There are questions re: improvements on Philippine House. Decisions are done according to the by-laws. Immediate concerns based on insurance requirements. Ad-hoc committee will decide on the Philippine House. 9. Executive Director FCC - Michael reported. Next week - chimney repair. October 16th is roof repair; will need to fix the hole on the siding to comply with insurance requirements 10. Filipino Cultural Center Foundation - Dr. Manuel Pardo had no report. Paul said we owed money to the Foundation. Adela reported deposited $7500 from Dr. Sulit’s memorial Fund. 11. Executive Director: Sinagtala Performing Arts - Dr. Lillian Pardo reported. Dancers respite for two weeks; concert in November next year, teach new dance as part of the 50th anniversary of the association. Choir practiced for caroling. Dr. Mila thanked Sinagtala’s performance at September Affair. 12. Public Relations Director: PR/Media Manager: Kevin is taking a leave of absence next week, be back on November 1st. Edward and Stephanie will take over. Send materials to Edward and Stephanie. 13. Tambuli Editor in Chief - Ping reported. Three-month issue in October; discussed the need for Tambuli to be online and how it repeats what is on the website. Topics not mandated on Tambuli. To reduce unnecessary work - will make it one page: President’s report, treasurer’s and secretary’s report. The committee chairs should submit pictures. Dr. Mila said a lot of members do not download Tambuli. Lucila mentioned that a printed copy with schedule of events was posted at the Philippine House in the past. Dr. Mila suggested to have someone print and post. 14. Chief Auditor - No report.

Standing Committee Reports

15. By-Laws and Compliance - no report. 16. Community Outreach - Dr. Mila said we have kababayans that require help. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others but this is not a legitimate function of FAGKC. Each individual members may help others and direct them to appropriate agencies. 17. Hospitality - Carmen reported; sent get well card to a member. Four funerals recently. Bing’s grandmother passed away. 18. Membership - Dr. Lillian suggested to have a backup printed copy of the database. Paul stated that he has the names of paid members. Paul will give the names to Amy. He doesn’t have the addresses. Michael proposed to have someone be in-charged of the database the first of January. 19. Information Technology - no report. 20. Social Affairs - Nominations needed. Board of Directors (2), President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer. Inform the Chair of Nomination, Amy to determine qualifications based on by-laws. Ballots will be sent out by November 15th. 21. Scholarship - No report. 22. Senior Council - Excy accepted the offer of President-Elect as the chair of the Senior Council next year. Dr. Lillian Pardo is on the entertainment committee. Helen Austin is the co-chair with Remy Bump. Senior Council event May 19th. Calendar will sell as soon as it is printed. $5 each. (Continued on Page 5)

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING MINUTES For previous months’ Meeting Minutes, go to www.filipino-association.org/links and click on Resources.

(October Minutes…continued from Page 4)

23. Ways and Means - Lucila reported: Ilocos, Pampanga, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Checked on liquor license for one day event. May require a security officer. Will set 5 tall tables, no chairs. Tables & chairs outside. Tents will be used. Question on who will set up the tent. Asking to have more trash cans, bayanihan clean-up/clean your own areas. Mike checked for small uniformed containers for all booths. Each region will prepare for 500 people; $5 per region. Incentive to buy 5 tickets for $20. Will make money on water, beer and wine. Will use standardized scooper depending on the dish. Parking - need a ramp so attendees can drive into the grass area. Generator for outside lighting. Dr. Mila recommended to identify who will be responsible for tasks. Lucila will come up with a list of volunteers. Two treasurers for paypal and cash payments. Paul advised to check with insurance company. The BOD will discuss liquor sales at the BOD meeting. 24. Ethnic Enrichment Commission - Ernie reported. Thanked the membership for successful Ethnic Festival. Ethnic charged $5 per person to cover labor cost, insurance, security, etc. Ethnic Ball - April 28, 2018. Invitations will be coming up. Indonesia, India, Japan and China will be hosting. 2019 - headed by Brazil. Inform Ernie if coming to get accurate count for table at the EEC. Dr. Manuel & Lillian Pardo - awardee UN event October 18 at 6pm. Intercontinental Hotel $85 per person. 25. New Business - Dr. Lillian Pardo reported. Strategic planning November 4th from 8:30 to noon. Invited members and potential members. Need 3 recorders - 5 year planning meeting of organization. Dr. Lillian will be the facilitator. October 13th, Mary’s children mass and rosary 6:30; 7pm mass, 8pm movie to commemorate Centennial of Our Lady of Fatima. 26. Call for Adjournment - 9:45pm 27. In attendance: Evie Tan-Todd Carmen Chico Ernie Rosas Joy Doolin Remy Bump Ping Bayani Excy Basuel Art Basuel Lucila Rider Richard Holt Kevin Bautista Mike Mesina Amy Mesina Jonel Lorena Rose Kinyon Jim Kinyon Dr. Lillian Pardo Dr. Manuel Pardo Adela Tan Cora Lising Eric Sorio Cory Sorio Rizvend Pecana Armando Costes Dr. Milla Tiojanco Paul de los Santos Dr. Filipinas Franscisco

Respectfully submitted by: Marites Altuna, Secretary (Spelling your names correctly is important to us. Please print legibly on attendance sheet. I apologize for names inadvertently misspelled)

Addendum: Below is the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2017

FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY - SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS - For the month ending August 31, 2017 GENERAL BUILDING FUND CULTURAL ARTS FUND TOTAL DESCRIPTION FUND Senior Building Petty Cash Choir Rondalla Sinagtala M-T-D Y-T-D Beginning Balance, Aug. 1, 2017 21,663.90 29,336.29 62,338.25 400.00 13,632.68 721.61 19,259.71 147,352.44 143,021.11 Total Receipts 437.00 250.00 61,815.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 62,502.00 130,044.62 Total Disbursements (730.49) 0.00 (12,321.35) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (13,051.84) (76,263.00) Ending Balance, Aug. 31, 2017 21,370.41 29,586.29 111,831.90 400.00 13,632.68 721.61 19,259.71 196,802.60 196,802.73 Prepared by: Paul De Los Santos - Treasurer 2017

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

Beyond Pancit and Adobo - Filipino Regional Cuisine

Of 81 provinces of the Philippins spread across three island groups (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), each boasts of its own culinary specialties. This third Regional Food Fare organized by our Filipino Association in Greater Kansas City showcased these diverse dishes that are not the usual noodle dishes (pancit) and adobo that have become traditional fare in most households in the Philippines and in America, and throughout the world for that matter, as Filipino labor globally had become the country’s greatest export. A taste of Filipino cuisine combines the flavors influenced by colonizers, foreign traders and indigenous culinarians, thus, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay culture come through in taste, spices and ingredients. From the northern part of the Philippines is the Ilocos region, represented by dishes like pinakbet, the quintessential Ilocos dish which had been transformed into various versions, but the common ingredient to the melange of vegetables is bagoong or salty fermented fish. Another distinguishing taste of this region is the bitter range of flavors as exemplified by papaitan , a meat dish, as the name dictates usually bitter in taste. Igado is a combination of meat from internal organs cooked in a variety of red bell pepper, green peas and onions. Ampalaya, a type of bitter melon is prevalent in this region’s cookery. Moving down south in Luzon, is the Pampanga region, widely known for its cuisine, a reputation that is carried over to most of the country. Every dish is a delicacy, they use the best ingredients to make the dishes flavorful. Kare kare is prepared oxtail stew cooked with peanut butter served with a variety of vegetables; blood stew or dinuguan or sometimes euphemistically referred to as ‘chocolate soup’ is a special delicacy best eaten with steamed rice, and for dessert the offering is mung bean guinatan, cooked in sweetened coconut milk and tapioca . Tagalog is the national language of the country, although English is spoken widely due to the years as a commonwealth of the United States. The Tagalog region of cooking represented here are from the Tagalog- speaking provinces such as Bulacan, Batangas and Cavite, among others. These provinces are very close to Spanish history, many of the dishes have that influence specially sweets such as pastillas, leche flan, barquillos, and rice cakes called puto. Modifications of noodles called pansit palabok is offered, also a meat dish called bistek Filipino - beef marinated in soy sauce and calamansi served with caramelized onions - is a favorite. Pork is the most common meat available, cooked in many different ways including barbecue in a stick or as a stew called caldereta. Dessert comes in many forms, rice or cassava cooked in coconut milk. In the Visayan group of islands,situated in the middle of the archipelago, are Negros, Iloilo and Cebu, as the most popular regional cooking available now served everywhere not only in those respective provinces but in shopping malls throughout the country. Chicken inasal is one of the most popular chicken dish from this region, originated from Negros. Green jackfruit or langka is used extensively as added vegetable to meat dishes. Other meat dishes such as humba and kalios are also popular. Iloilo cuisine includes famous biscuits and cookies from their province, such as hojaldres, galletas, broas and other sweets. The Mindanao region in the southern most part of the country typifies a cuisine that truly blends cultures - the Spanish and the Moslem influences. Old Zamboanga City still speaks a dialect called chabacano, pidgin Spanish mixed with the local dialect, yet the proximity to Indonesia and Malaysia has brought some of the halal practices, such as forbidding pork.Dishes such as bam-i, sinugba, rendang and binignit are typical of the region, which are barbecues, curry and a coconut mix dessert. Abundant in this region is the one exotic fruit called durian, reportedly “stinks like hell, but tastes like heaven”. In summary, Filipino cuisine is a reflection of the country’s heritage and regional variations exist which makes culinary travel exciting in its diversity of taste and flavors. By Lillian G. Pardo, MD The Curious Epicurean

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

REGIONAL FOOD FARE

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at pbayani@filipino -association.org

Three Funerals, a Wedding and a Solar Eclipse: All in August 2017 by Lillian G. Pardo,MD

The August moon eclipsed the sun on the 21st of the month in a historic and memorable event that got the world excited from all four corners. But the excitement of this once in a lifetime event for many of us came with a mixture of sadness as we lost three members of our Filipino community in a span of three weeks.

Although Dr. Arnulfo P. Sulit, a pillar in our community had been ailing for many months, his passing on August 3 was still met with some finality to his illustrious life and career. As we mourned the loss and was on day 2 of our rosary and novena, his son Daniel suffered his second stroke and had to be brought to the emergency room for further medical diagnosis and treatment. Dan too passed seventeen days later as we just buried his dad on August 10. In an attempt to fathom these sudden turn of events, we rationalized that father and son were now together holding hands up in heaven. Another nine-day novena was said for Dan.

On the third week of August, the daughter of one of our most active members and current Filipino Association President, had a medical emergency, was hospitalized, but after a major procedure could not recover and she too passed away. Though Gina Tiojanco had been a special child since birth, she lived to the age of 51 and enjoyed the comforts of her adoring family and caretakers. Her passing brought her clan to her side from all over and paid due respect to her. She passed two days after the solar eclipse.

And then there was a wedding in Lawrence KS, on a rainy day on August 5 of Aimee Grant and Michael Yabut at the college campus of the University of Kansas. An occasion of joy to many families, this was a celebration of two lives and their families. As their guests drove back to Kansas City in pouring rain, there was much apprehension whether they were going to make it back, amidst lightning and thunder but all went well, wet but safe.

Bayanihan Spirit of the FIlipino Community

As many of us participated in all those happenings that saturated our daily activities, there was a sense of community spirit as we mourned and grieved at the loss of people so dear to our hearts and especially the families that nurtured them. At the evening novena and rosaries at the Sulit household, many came to share with Shirley and the family, which included Dr. “Noy’s” sisters, Leony and Marmy, his nieces and his sons Andy and Loreto, from Phoenix and Arnie from Houston. As these were potluck dinners, friends brought their specialties and favorite dishes shared with those who mourned and prayed with the family. There was a lot of support and camaraderie in the shared loss. Shirley was seldom alone for those eighteen continuous days of prayers, as her sons were glad to see such support from the community for their mom, and they even commented that such closeness and camaraderie were not seen in their communities in Texas and Arizona. For those weeks of prayers, the Sulit neighborhood was surrounded by parked cars that we were worried and concerned that we were being a nuisance, but we received no complaints.

(Continued on Page 16)

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

(Three Funerals…continued from Page 15)

At the home of Drs. Rey and Mila Tiojanco, prayers were held before Gina was laid to rest. The Filipino community filled their home and left nary a space to move about. Kenneth, their son, was beyond belief how so many people could be accommodated in their house, an indication of our show of support during a time of grief and loss. This was another testament to the love for our community as we shared more food for everyone. The bayanihan spirit of togetherness lives on.

Love and Dignity in the Face of Death

Two of my best friends suffered great losses of loved ones this month: Shirley - her husband and son - and Mila - her older daughter. It has been said that losing one’s child before their parents is a more painful loss yet these events happened in disbelief before my eyes and mourned and prayed with my friends. Shirley, stoic yet serene in her demeanor during all these, spoke during her husband’s wake and visitation and also at her son’s, a eulogy in which she recited from memory a three-paragraph prayer that she has learned and said since her college days in Silliman University in the Philippines. There was not a dry eye in the crowd and even Arnie, her son, was speechless and tearful after her mom’s recitation of the prayer. I was in awe that Shirley, who was averse to talking in public, had that rare gift of delivery of a solemn prayer during a difficult and sad time. I know she has suffered two losses within a few weeks, but she kept her poise and dignity as she spoke of her loved ones, she kept her tears inside of her.

During the memorial mass for Gina at the Holy Rosary Church, Mila began with a fine tribute to her daughter with great solemnity and respect for her life despite limitations but still brought love and tenderness to Gina’s siblings - Nancy and Kenneth. Although I have known Mila as quick to tears, I am proud of her paean to Gina in a composed respectful dignified manner, yet brought many in the church to tears. I am equally in awe that she did what she had to do, a tribute to her strong character and will to do what had to be done.

Thank You! Salamat!

In the midst of sorrow emerged a unity and strength unique to our own Filipino community. Thank you to all who in one way or another grieved, mourned, prayed, cooked, ate, laughed, cried and shared with these families who lost their loved ones. We showed who we are too - caring, respectful, loving and devout to our upbringing.

* * * * * Editor’s note: In a tragic sequel to all of the above, another member of our Filipino community, RYAN JAMES GRIMES, grandson of FA-GKC member and generous supporter, Dr. Filipinas Francisco, also passed away on September 17, 2017. As a budding realtor just getting his foot at the door of America’s workforce, his death at the tender age of 21 dealt yet another blow to the community. But just as detailed by Dr. Lillian Pardo in her feature article, the Filipino community of the Greater Kansas City area rallied in support of Dr. Francisco and Ryan’s family. Such is the legend of Kansas City’s Filipino togetherness and character.

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

CONGRATULATIONS TO DRS. MANUEL & LILLIAN PARDO, UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION LIFETIME SERVICE AWARDEES!

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

PHILIPPINE NEWS, FEATURES AND PICTURES

Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

THE COST OF RETIRING IN THE PHILIPPINES From the article “How much does it cost to retire in the Philippines?’ by Sean Ross

If you like the sight of beautiful beaches and the taste of fresh seafood, all at unbelievably low costs, then consider the Philippines as a potential retirement destination. The small island nation is famous for its tropical weather, oceanfront property and easy access to the rest of Southeast Asia. Perhaps most attractive is the low cost of living; one U.S. dollar is worth roughly 50 Philippine pesos. By comparison, an American living a $3,500-a-month lifestyle in Chicago could live just as comfortably for between $700 and $1,200 a month in the Philippines.

Downsides: Crowded cities, poverty among the local population, power outages, occasional tropical storms, less than ideal infrastructure, safety issues in some parts of the country.

According to International Living's 2016 Annual Global Retirement Index – which measures, among other things, climate, healthcare, benefits and infrastructure – the Philippines ranks 10th (in a three-way tie with Portugal and the Dominican Republic) in cost of living for retirement destinations in the world. Cambodia was ranked the least expensive, followed by Nicaragua and Peru.

Housing costs in the Philippines can vary dramatically based on location. Makati rentals can be twice as expensive as in Manila, the capital, or in Cebu. Manila and Cebu are about twice as expensive as Davao or Dumaguete. Most retirees should be able to find one-bedroom apartments for as low as $150 to $300 per month. Prices go up dramatically if you want a fully furnished, modern and air-conditioned unit in the city center.

Compared to housing or transportation costs, food isn't as much of a bargain in the Philippines, but it is still inexpensive to find a meal or fill a pantry. Typical combo meals, such as at McDonald's, go for less than $3, with local restaurants offering meals for even less. Some medium to high-end meals cost as little as $15 for two people. Resort restaurants or fine dining spots will of course charge more. The Philippines is full of street markets, grocers and full-service stores where you can stock up on food. Common, cheap products include vegetables, rice, eggs, chicken and seafood; milk and cheese are harder to come by and can be much more expensive. Free of heavy sin taxes, beer and cigarettes in the Philippines come extra cheap. Even high-quality imported beers normally cost around $1.81, per bottle and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs as little as $1.27.

Filipino fashion is heavily influenced by American and Japanese trends and, in some cases, price points. While there are plenty of inexpensive outlets, higher end stores will of course cost more because of presumably better products. Since Filipinos are, by and large, smaller than Europeans and Americans, many stores don't carry what most people consider to be large or extra-large sizes.

As for entertainment, nightlife in the Philippines is abundant and cheap. Most bars and dance halls – karaoke is also very popular – are significantly cheaper than what you'd find in Chicago, New York, Paris or Tokyo. There are some tourist destinations with expensive entertainment, but these are the exceptions rather than the norm. Tickets to the best seats to the best shows can run high but there are plenty of local shows for less. Movie tickets might cost $5 per person on the high side. Of course, hanging out by the beach usually doesn't cost a thing – perhaps other than transportation, which is exceptionally cheap.

(Continued on page 19)

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

PHILIPPINE NEWS, FEATURES AND PICTURES Email your news, articles, pictures and other contributions for consideration to the Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]

Middle East Retail Giant Eyes Warehouse in Pampanga From an article by Anna Gabriela A. Mogato on BusinessWorld Philippines

MIDDLE EASTERN retail giant LuLu Group is looking to establish a logistics warehouse inside the Pampanga economic zone, according to a top Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) official.

PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza said LuLu Hypermarket, a unit of Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group, has expressed its intention to acquire a 1,000-hectare lot for the warehouse.

“They (LuLu representatives) came because they will already start buying food supply in the Philippines, putting up warehouses and start looking at possible agricultural areas where they can raise their vegetables and crops,” Ms. Plaza told reporters on Monday.

Aside from establishing a warehouse, Ms. Plaza said LuLu also plans to put up a food processing facility that will distribute products to its chain of 134 hypermarkets across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

In 2016, LuLu Group recorded an annual turnover of $6.9 billion, and is said to be the top retailer in Middle East and North Africa. LuLu Group has been establishing its own sourcing and food processing units around the world, in an effort to ensure continuous supply and competitive pricing. It has sourcing centers in the United Kingdom, United States, Turkey, Vietnam, China, among others.

Ms. Plaza noted foreign investors are keen to enter the Philippines due to its “strategic location, a young labor force that speaks and understand English, and for having only two types of weather.”

At the same time, the PEZA chief said Qatari government is eyeing a trade deal for agriculture, food and other industries.

“We have a lot of intent for [a] huge food industry. I was sad that what they are ordering from the Philippines is labor… Allegedly, they are hiring farmers and cattle raisers from the Philippines. I said no, even if our people are in demand for labor, we have millions of hectares [for you to use],’” Ms. Plaza said.

(The Cost of Retiring in the Philippines…continued from page 18)

If you're looking for one area where the Philippines really stands out, it's probably in the cost of medical services. Regular checkups with English-speaking doctors rarely cost more than $12, Expatistan reports. Since there is no Filipino equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, most prescription medication is available at low cost, though there are some brand-name imports that command high prices. Some public hospitals offer free general care, contraceptives and dental services to locals, although it's usually best to have a translator when using these services. It's also possible to enroll in PhilHealth, the generic health insurance program available to poorer Filipinos.

With regard to traveling, traffic congestion is a constant problem in populated centers, such as Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, Makati, Budta (the autonomous Muslim part of Mindanao) and Davao City. Taxis are available for reasonable fares, but many people choose to travel via the so-called "jeepneys" and the ubiquitous tricycles and pedicabs. Overloaded buses and vans with passengers hanging from the sides and backs are a common sight and motorcycle use is on the rise, sometimes adding to the congestion instead of alleviating it! One-way tickets rarely reach 50 cents. It's expensive to travel to and from the U.S. or Europe from the Philippines, but there are much more affordable flights to destinations such as Australia, Singapore and Japan.

TAMBULI AUGUST - OCTOBER 2017

(A Tribute…from Page 2)

a purchase was still not possible without a guarantor for the loan. Who would be brave enough to come forward but Dr. Sulit?

If not for Dr. Sulit, that Filipino Cultural Center in Overland Park could not have become a reality.

In his modesty, Dr. Sulit claimed no glory for this and many other contributions or the benefit of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City. Event after event, you would see his and his wife’s name as major benefactors.

The Filipino Community in Kansas City are truly grateful to Dr. Sulit for his vision, his commitment, his devotion, his courage, and most of all for his unending love and support for all the activities of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City.

For all these, from all of us, we thank you, Dr. Sulit. The late Dr. Arnulfo P. Sulit

Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City 9810 W 79th St Overland Park, KS 66204