www.filipino-association.org October 2007 A Publication of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City SEPTEMBER AFFAIR 2007: RECOGNIZING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT While last year’s Legacy of Lead- singing of the U.S. and Philippine ership theme paid tribute to those national anthems. The Sinag-Tala individuals who took on the daunting Dance Group provided the evening’s task of being President of the Filipino entertainment with a glimpse of their Association of Greater Kansas City, upcoming dance concert in November this year’s theme of Bukas-Palad: A at the Folly Theater. October is Culture of Generosity acknowledged In a fast paced recognition mid- Filipino-American those individuals who have given meal ceremony, several members of Heritage/History much to our organization both in the the Filipino Association were pre- past and the present. sented with BUKAS-PALAD Awards to Month Amidst an elegant setting at the thank them for their gifts of time, talent huge main ballroom of the Marri- and treasure not only to the Filipino Kuh Ledesma & Pops ott-Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Association but to our community at Fernandez @ KCI-Expo Kansas City, MO, event chairpersons large, with Awards Committee Chair -October 12th *for info or tickets contact Kevin Bautista, Rachel Manakul and Ping Bayani presenting the awardees Jose Bayani (913) 558-4332 Bing Sakach made sure everyone had and FAGKC Board Chair Amy Mesina a grand time with a delectable meal, and September Affair Co-Chair Rachel “Historia” a great band The Essentials, plenty of Manakul handing out the plaques, with featuring Sinag-Tala dancing and even an ice-sculpture of the Bukas-Palad logo designed by Ed- Performing Arts Troupe the FAGKC logo that greeted everyone ward Tumanut. Emcees Bing Sakach -November 17th upon entering the ballroom! and Carlo Dix made sure the evening As in past years, the Sampaguita moved along smoothly. Choir entertained the cocktail crowd Congratulations and thank you to with a few songs and opened the eve- all those who helped make this gala ning’s proceedings with the traditional event a tremendous success! 2007 Bukas-Palad Awardees: • Artistic Excellence: Manny de Leon; • Exemplary Financial Contributions Gemma Alemania-Snyder to the FAGKC: Manuel Pecana; • Career Excellence: Angel Casillan; Arturo & Emmeline Quiason Jose Navato; Ernie & Beth Rosas • Exemplary Non-Financial Contribu- • Community Leadership: tions to the FAGKC: Edgardo & Filipinas Francisco; Karl & Nandy Kruger; Bill & Claire Ick; Baltazara Lotuaco & Denys Collins; Arturo & Emmeline Quiason Antonio & Luz Racela • Family Involvement: • Consistent Volunteerism: De los Santos Family; Carmen Chico; De los Santos Family; Lansangan Family Herminio & Fe Gatapia; Joel Gaela; • Philanthropy: James & Lisa Hopkins; Marmy Sulit; James & Lisa Hopkins; Aniceto & Visitacion Quinones; Jason & Gigi Mateo; Manuel Pecana; Lesias & Floserpina Tabiendo; Arturo & Emmeline Quiason; Michael & Adela Tan; John Fread Antonio & Luz Racela FAGKC LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOPS In an effort to define the direction and confidence in our youth. of the Filipino Association and gauge Among the issues discussed were: the commitment of its members, 1) Expansion and completion of the strategic planning sessions began Filipino Cultural Center; July 28 with a follow-up meeting on 2) Improvement of membership September 15. Short and long term recruitment, retention and participation; goals and needs were identified and 3) Continuation of cultural exhibits discussed. Commensurate research and educational programs; and planning have also been initiated 4) Enhancement of leadership with the creation of an Ad Hoc development and mentoring projects; Strategic Planning Committee. 5) Promotion of stronger outreach Filipino Cultural Center programs to increase visibility and Foundation Board Chair Dr. Lillian relations with other communities, Pardo facilitated the meetings which organizations, agencies and were also designed to bolster youth institutions; leadership and participation. Our 6) Strengthening the structure, young adults did not disappoint as an membership and programs of all encouraging number of them were in performing arts groups and attendance. The ‘old guards’ came in 7) Identifying and pursuing alternative significant numbers as well to show and/or additional funding sources. their support and re-affirm their trust PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CAMPAIGN RECEIVES ACCOLADES FROM UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION Philippines Boasts Highest Annual aggressive campaign is aimed at National Marine Park in Palawan, Tourism Growth Rate In Southeast markets in North America, Japan, comprised of two distinct reef sys- Asia With 14 Percent - Korea, China, India, and Europe. tems separated by a four-mile chan- According to the United Nations “Efforts are already being set in place nel. Tubbataha Reef National Marine World Tourism Organization (UN- to accommodate the increase in arriv- Park is located along the Sulu Sea WTO), the Philippines’ tourism als,” noted Secretary Durano. and is a major nesting spot for en- campaign has been rated as the best Many prominent companies have dangered sea turtles as well as rare improved in Asia with a 14 percent also shown increased interest in the species of fish such as the unusual annual growth rate, the highest in Philippines, including Texas Instru- foxface rabbitfish. Southeast Asia. ments, a leading technology solu- The Philippine Department of The niche marketing campaign, tions company, which invested US$1 Environment and Natural Resources, created by Secretary Joseph Durano, billion in the Philippines, expanding in cooperation with the Development aims to heighten foreign interest in its operations in the country. Along Academy of the Philippines, has cre- the region, with the goal of welcom- with many other large investments ated eco-tourism training modules for ing five-million foreign tourists to the from various global organizations, the local government units, designed to country by 2010. In 2006 alone, the Philippines has seen a large influx of ensure proper management and pro- PDOT tourism campaign was able to capital with which it has been able to tection of valuable sites. The PDOT generate US$2.72 billion in tourism fund projects aimed at improving its also recently launched a Grassroots related revenue. tourism infrastructure. Entrepreneurs for EcoTourism initia- Tourism from North America in This new infrastructure plan in- tive to help individuals and concerned particular is on the rise with a 4 cludes the addition of 20,000 hotel groups in their actions to protect the percent increase of U.S. visitors from rooms, including luxury resorts, and environment. Jan. – April of 2007, compared to the major improvements to international same period in 2006. Visitor arrivals and secondary airports through the Source: Kahn Travel Communica- from Canada have risen 10.8 percent country. Two new airports will be tions email :[email protected] during said periods. opened in Central Philippines, which Philippine Department of Tourism, The Philippine Department of Tour- has recently been declared the Chicago Office: 30 N. Michigan Ave., ism is increasing its efforts to attract country’s “Super Tourism Region” . Suite 913, Chicago, IL 60602-3765 not just first time visitors, but repeat One of the Philippines’ strengths Ph: 312 782 2475 Fax: 312 782 2476 visitors as well. Increased efforts is the diversity that exists across Email: [email protected] are also being made to promote the the 7,107 islands that make up the Website: www.wowphilippines.com. Philippines as a health, wellness region. Boasting a wide range of ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and beauty tourism destination, and ecology, the region sustains over 32 www.philippinetourism.us, www.visit- further the country’s strong reputa- ecotourism sites, including 27 pro- myphilippines.com, www.wowphilip- tion for eco-tourism offerings. This tected areas such as Tubbataha Reef pines.ca AGAINST THE ODDS by The Tans The Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival is now in its 27th year! As in the past, we were there in Swope Park with about 25 volunteers at any one time. There were 64 countries represented – international cuisines, traditional costumes, song, dance and crafts – the largest ethnic gathering in the Mid-west. So we rolled up our sleeves, and worked, worked and worked! We had a grand time. The volunteers had a whale of a time, as food was bountiful. Without fail, the usual group + + was there. But it was too hot to eat anything – we drank and drank and ……… After 3 very hot days (Heat index at 110), there was a storm for 2 hours at our peak sales period. The rain came down in sheets and buckets, and down the drain went some of our profits!! We kept dry in the selling booth as well as the cooking and prep tents. We had plenty of supplies and food left over that helped in hosting a welcoming party to our new Filipino teachers, hotel workers and an appreciation night for all the volunteers and donors. We have developed a strong bond with the Parks and Recreation employees. Let there be extra light – the electrician came immediately with light bulbs and extension cords. We needed extra tables – they asked how many. To comply with Health Dept codes, we asked for pallets, they came with 3 on a fork lift. The Health Dept issued the first “all systems go” Health Cert to us. Dr M Pardo was so impressed that he made the announcement over and over. What can we say, they all love us and our food!!! Their favorite is our kebabs and turons. This event really brought out the best in ethnic cooperation (not cleansing!)– we supplied the Hawaiians some pancit for sno- cones, the Koreans, some kabobs for spicy boneless chicken wings. And our main trading partner was the Mexicans – we gave them gloves – they gave us burritos and napkins when we were short. Croatia gave us some hair covers and Brazil shared their cheezebread. Remarks heard: On TV – “The food is really good.