Tambuli 2008 3rd Quarter

The Official Newsletter of the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber (Jaycees), Inc.

Volume XXXIV, Fall 2008

By Ted Martinez & Joe Valdez The 2008 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City was a glorious day not only for the Filipino community as they celebrated 110 years since the end of Spanish colonialism but also for the Philippine-New York Jaycees who commemorated their 45th anniversary. Pinoy pride was in full force along Madison Avenue on the 1st of June as parade marchers and spectators representing every region of the motherland adorned the street with waving flags, splendid banners, native costumes, grand floats, musical performances, and of course genuine Filipino smiles. The Jaycees created an outstanding impression in the procession by presenting their first float ever and it showcased two talented singers. It was difficult to ignore the elevated cheers as it slowly passed the thousands of viewers who were delighted to see a lovely effort.

Floating High!

Marching down Madison Avenue The Jaycee float was unique and revolutionary in many respects. It was flanked on both sides by more than 20 Jaycees members marching while wearing beautifully fashioned uniforms: light blue barongs for men and light blue kimonas for women, exclusively designed and shipped from the Philippines. As they rallied down the street, the marchers distributed hundreds of white sampaguita leis to the spectators who wrestled for many of the leis that were handed out. Among the crowd’s favorites was the tandem singing performance by Kaye Gonzalez and Lora Nicolas. Their beautiful renditions of popular Filipino patriotic songs such as Bayan Ko, Magkaisa, We are the Children of Yesterday’s Dream, and Mahal Kong Pilipinas were appreciated by all. Many of the older spectators proudly sang along while those of the younger generation raised their spirited applause. Among those riding the float were past Philippine-New York Jaycees presidents Joseph Tieng and Sergio Estrada, current president Victor de Leon, chapter officers, and members from the Korea American Jaycees. The silver and blue covered float was decorated with a massive version of the chapter’s shield and logo as the backdrop and above it was a beautiful inscription; “45 Years of Excellence”.

Top: Lora Nicolas singing Bottom: Jaycees marchers

The 45th Anniversary float was a vision by the chapter’s Vice President of Community Development, Ted Martinez. He was the overall chairperson of the project which was co-chaired by one of the newest members, Belinda Molina. Completing the project

Continued on Page 8 The Philippine-New York Junior Chamber (Jaycees), Inc. Chapter mailing address: P.O. Box 634, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10163 Website: www.philnyjaycees.org Contact email: [email protected]

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Remembering 9/11 By Joe Valdez Editor-in-Chief Inquiring minds often ask. Here is my story, summarized: Because I was working in my office past midnight the night before, I was running late on 9/11. As I rushed from the Wall Street subway station towards the World Trade towers, I did not notice the buildings were on fire because it was so high and above my field of vision. The large crowd running everywhere was normal for that time of day. Fortunately, a police officer stopped me right before I reached Tower 2 and that was when I looked up and saw the damage. Awe-struck, I tried calling my co-workers on the 73rd floor to warn them to evacuate the building. Then I heard a deafening crack followed by someone shouting "RUNNNNNNN" and when I faced up, I saw the building already descending upon the crowd I was standing with. I was so close to the falling tower, I knew I wasn't going to make it and at that moment, I accepted death. I simply stared at the huge structure slowly collapsing. Numerous things were happening but it all felt like super slow motion and I remember my ears went completely silent. As much as I wanted to run away, I was simply mesmerized. I finally snapped out of it when someone else running away knocked me down. As I turned to run, I saw another horrific sight, a stampede of people running over each other for survival. You probably will never see images of it but I saw a lot of innocent people, mostly women, thrown to the ground. Before I was able to run half a block away, I found myself completely engulfed in thick black smoke and visibility turned to zero. I was knocked down again and when I picked myself up, I did not know what direction I was facing and which way to go to avoid running towards the towers. I quickly remembered that I was on a one way street, so I used my hands to feel for the front of the parked vehicles to give me an idea of where to go. From the start of the collapse to this point of the story took less 60 seconds. After I figured out where to run, I was faced with another challenge. The dense black smoke was also full of debris and particles from the building. My nose and mouth eventually clogged and breathing became impossible. While suffocating, I literally had to put my hands in my mouth and down my throat to dig out the toxic debris that I inhaled and swallowed. But every time I heaved for air, more of the debris would block my throat. So I unbuttoned my shirt and pulled my undershirt in front of my face and over my head to filter out the smoke. As I managed to walk a block down the street, I found a man trying to kick down a window of a building. I knew he was just trying to get in the building for safety and cleaner air. He couldn't knock it down with repeated attempts but we were able to break it together. As he ran in through the window, he was nearly killed by large falling glass crashing from the top of the window. I followed him into the lobby and we felt safe. But that feeling did not last long. Within less than a minute of stepping into the building, other people from the outside also kicked down windows to get in. Because of the openings in the windows, the lobby quickly absorbed the thick smoke we were all trying to avoid. So people rushed to vacate the lobby. I somehow found the rotating door and I recalled that rotating doors were designed

to keep air in and out of the building. So I parked myself in the rotating door and was safe for a while. Then some people ran into where I was hiding and forced me out. Once again, I found myself in the darkness outside the building. I ran across the street to try to enter another building. However, as I looked from the outside, the building lobby was crowded beyond capacity and I was disturbed when they refused to open the door for me. My banging on the door was ignored and those inside all had the same blank zombie-like faces. As I stood there in utter silence, I heard faint cries for help in the distance and people behind me yelling; “I can’t breathe”. Like everyone else, I struggled to walk down the street and breathing remained a battle until I finally found a delicatessen. I sprinted in to grab water and poured it down my throat, washing down the dirt. I noticed the young lady employee handing water to everyone who labored past her store. She was an angel. Rejuvenated, I grabbed as many bottles of water as I can and ran back towards the towers. I found some people crawling or fighting to move on and quickly handed them water. After I gave away all the water, I rushed towards the Brooklyn Bridge and that was when I heard another low flying plane rapidly approaching. Everyone around me started running as fast as they can again and I was horrified. We were all relieved when we realized it was a military jet fighter sent to secure the area. But the intensity of that morning was unforgiving. Standing only ten blocks away, I turned around to see the second tower collapse. From my perspective, it was a remarkable sight. As the rumble turned to silence, standing there motionless, the magnitude of the series of events that just occurred finally struck me. Wondering if all of my coworkers and friends in the towers were dead, I collapsed and fell to my knees. This time, it took me a much longer time to pick myself up. I found myself walking through Chinatown when I felt the need for some water and I was shocked when the stores refused to offer their water for free. Desperate and demoralized, I reached for all the cash in my pocket and threw it at a storekeeper’s face for a small bottle of water. As I staggered on, I saw a clear reflection of myself on the side of a glass building and the only part of me that was not black was my eyes. I eventually walked over six miles to meet my mother who was working in the Upper East Side, not knowing if her son was still alive. The journey back home required another long walk to Queens with the largest exodus on the Queensboro Bridge I have ever seen. Three months later, my coworker found me in a random state of shock... Until now, I deal with the psychological damages from that day.

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President’s Message Greetings, fellow members and friends!

2007 YEAR-END AWARDS Outstanding Chapter of the Year (Top 3 Finalists) The Philippine-New York Jaycees

Welcome to this current edition of The Tambuli, the award-winning chapter newsletter of The Philippine-New York Junior Chamber! With this issue, we are about to embark on a new era of excellence in journalism, skillfully headed by our new Editor-in-Chief, Joe Valdez (2007 Membership Services Vice President). He is succeeding longtime member and Editor-in-Chief, Jocelyn Bernal, whose service and leadership we are, eternally, grateful for. While Joe will have some big shoes to fill in this capacity, we are confident that he will do so, quite ably. The revival of the Tambuli could not have come at a better time, here in 2008, our 45th Anniversary year; as we go forward and strive towards excellence in leadership for another 45 years and more. Let us all contribute together to make our newsletter even more vibrant; exciting; and the premiere and leading publication of its kind! Enjoy!

Most Outstanding Chapter President of the Year (Don Cavalli Memorial Award) - Gary Abasolo (President)

Victor E. de Leon 2008 Chapter President

Most Outstanding Region of the Year - Region South (our chapter is in Region South)

Parade of Chapters (Top 3 Finalists) - The PhilippineNew York Jaycees Outstanding Project (Top 3 Finalists) - Kid's Day America (Addie Adams, Project Chair) Most Outstanding Jaycee - Victor De Leon (Director) Outstanding Jaycee (Top 3 Finalists) - Edwin Ochoa (Webmaster) Outstanding Staff Officer (Top 3 Finalists)- Marjerie Rosales(Secretary) 2007 'Master Speak Up' Competition Winner - Gary Abasolo (President)

Bylaws Ratified in January 2008 GMM By Jocelyn Bernal As of the end of Jan 2008, the amended Bylaws governing the portion covering the Lifetime Awards and the Awards Committee was finally ratified by the General Membership. This marks the culmination of two years worth of deliberation within the chapter level and with the Governors, Ambassadors and Senators of the Chapter. Special thanks to 2006 Chapter President Vivian Velasco for allowing us to begin discussions on this matter and to members of the 2006 Board and Bylaws committee for their contributions. Thanks also to 2007 Chapter President Gary Abasolo for permitting us to complete the discussion and for 2008 Chapter President Victor De Leon for finally scheduling the ratification of these Bylaws amendment during the recently concluded General Membership Meeting.

The newly appointed awards committee comprised of five individuals will come up with the final guidelines that will be applicable to the present day. This will be the continuing charge of future Awards Committees as they are appointed annually. Chapter President Victor de Leon and Senate President Jocelyn Bernal will announce the names of the 2008 Awards committee once they are confirmed. As we celebrate our 45th year of service to our communities, we look forward to presenting the next set of lifetime awards to those who are truly deserving not only for their efforts today but for also their outstanding service in years past. The New York State Junior Chamber (Jaycees) 2007 Year-End Convention took place on January 11th-13th in Syracuse, New York and the Philippine-NY chapter brought home a number of year-end awards.

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Why the Jaycee Experience is a Lifetime Tool By Max Madridejos, Jr.

years, when someone will call my name to stand up and speak like a real Jaycee. The fear is still there, the nervousness is still there, the tension is still there, but it is all covered with confidence and hope that I can manage to stand up to anything.

I joined the Jaycees in 1969 and was elected as the 10th President in 1973. After a few years, I resigned from my full time job as an accountant and started my own business in real estate. I don't think I will be courageous enough to cut the employment monthly cash flow if not for the knowledge gained from my Jaycee association. The Jaycee experience was the foundation of a lot of things that any young man or woman can ever learn \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ and apply in action to life situations. From public relations to finance, from public speaking to time management, from success to failure, from losing a job to finding a job and almost every single

aspect of life there is... there is the Jaycee foundation that will carry you to your final destination. The best part, on top of all of this excitement are the real friendships that you gain, many of them are still with me after 39 years. Now that I am in my mid-sixties, I still recall just as if it was just a moment ago that the butterflies in my stomach are still there all these

Integrity of Communication We all have said things we didn’t mean, but words have power - they can make you feel an array of feelings from sad to discouraged, or from happy to hopeful. Words can incite anger and provoke negative actions. Words can even raise our self-esteem or even lower it. So, our choice of words, and how words are presented (especially in e-mails), all contribute to how the message is received. Messages are conveyed through the attitude, mood, and emotions of the messenger at the time. Perhaps the single most contributing factor to how a message is received is the messenger’s tone of voice or tone of writing. The tone is the rhythm of the message, and sums up how the messenger felt at a given moment and depicts the true hidden intension and motivation of the message. The tone colors the message and that color is seen through word choice, word omission, repetitiveness, wordiness, length of message, and the existence (or lack of existence) of appreciation for the person on the receiving end of the message. In order to establish and maintain integrity in communication, one must

The real test of the Jaycee Movement is not how much money you can accumulate but how much time you can share your life to make other life worthwhile. Love everyone for this is the most powerful thing on EARTH. Thank you because I am still around.

By Addie Addams

never convey rudeness or disrespect. The key to getting one’s point across w/o being rude or disrespectful, is to hold onto integrity as the measure of excellent communication. So, here’s what should be kept in mind if one truly desires to practice integrity in communication: avoid stating things that can not be said unashamedly out in the open; freely admit wrong doing w/o excuse; choose morality as the right side (‘cause it’s the only side); do not abuse one’s power through expressions of arrogance; be honest w/o being snippy; do not undermine authority through direct threats or passivity; steer away from condescending and selfish statements that are intended to make one’s self look better over others; restrain from false flattery; keep clear of false promises; stay far away from words and phrases that divide; never lie nor continue in someone’s else’s lie; do not use words that conjure angry feelings or may put someone on the defensive; never repeat unsubstantiated statements or stories that motivate the continual spread of gossip, assumptions, and rumors; and lastly, always say what you mean, mean what you say.

To avoid rudeness and disrespect in email write-ups, refrain from the usage of the following: ALL CAPS, bolding, underlining, and color-coding any of the words within the message. Each of these features represents yelling, and arrogance, and belittles the reader, thereby, potentially invoking feelings of condemnation and defensiveness. The mere purpose of an e-mail is to be informal and brief. Informality, however, does not give one liberty to not be polite. Politeness is essential in order to establish integrity of respect for the reader. And, e-mails are also meant to be concise, and to the point. Therefore, one’s main point should be at the very beginning of an e-mail. Everyone should always remember that e-mails last a very, very longtime in cyberspace, but more importantly, words last in the hearts and in the minds of others, for a lifetime… “Death and life are in the power of the tongue....” (Proverbs 18:21)…….. “A soft answer turneth away wrath…..” (Proverbs 15:1).

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Glorious Picnic By Jocelyn Bernal On Saturday, August 9, the PhilippineNew York Jaycees held our annual picnic at Cunningham Park. Unlike previous years where our picnic was held in conjunction with another community event, this year the chapter opted to have our own picnic at a new location. Under the leadership of Membership Services Vice President Zultan Bermudez, we had a picture perfect event. Our navy blue banner was hanging proudly between two massive trees....no one could miss who we are and no one would need to ask who we are because it was plainly stated in our banner that we were a proud organization of leaders who create positive change in the world... Our menu was simple and typical of an American get-together - just burgers and hot dogs freshly grilled.

Water balloon game

By Carissa Villacorta

The Jaycees and FOJs at Cunningham Park We topped this off with loads of chips and soda but of course, we added a bit of our own flavor...roasted chicken, mac and cheese, macaroni/chicken salad, brownies and turon....Thanks to Joe Valdez, Bel Molina and Giselle Aranda for being our master chefs for the first part of the afternoon. After lunch, 2008 Community Development Vice President Ted Martinez prepared our games. For those who were wondering what was in the mysterious case that Ted brought, well they did not have to wait for too much longer. After sliding off the blue top, Ted managed to slide out the first of many balloons....not just any balloon, but a water balloon. All the members present were made to pick a partner and we proceeded to play the water balloon toss. The goal of this game was to keep throwing the water balloon until it exploded. The lucky winners were Joe Valdez and John Paul Ramos. A second game was played with different partners and this time Joe Valdez and FOJ (friend of Jaycees) Alan won. Ted gave some really nice prizes which included $25 gift certificates to ESPN zone and $20 for buckets of popcorn also from ESPN zone. There were still some water balloons left which inevitably ended up on Chairman of the Board, Gary Abasolo. He was a really terrific sport despite being pursued relentlessly by some of our members who were all intent to get him wet. Thumbs up to COB Gary!

86 million tourist spots

I rarely take a trip outside Manila when I go home to the Philippines. I go there not to go around – but to be in one place: with my family and friends.

Truly, the tourist spots of the Philippines are the Filipinos. And they're here, there and everywhere.

However, I can't help but be amazed the moment I step on Philippine soil, not by the sight of places but of people who greet me at the airport, restaurants and stores. There's just a genuine, almost innocent way of dealing that Filipinos manifest in social settings. When among non-Filipinos, stories are said and heard of Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Siargao. But the more

resounding chatter covers the amazing qualities they found in Filipinos they met on ships, at home, at work or through friends.

And as long as there is something about us individually, that is beautiful, amazing, warm, and different, we, the Filipino, are one of the few wonders of the world. We are the Philippines' walking, talking tourist spots, and are our country's greatest assets. And as long as we don't deteriorate, or shut down, like many usual tourist spots, people around the world will continue loving Filipinos and the home that nurtured us – the Philippines.

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Twinning Agreement

My Something Better

By Cri-Cri Ramos By Giselle Aranda When God closes a door, He opens a window. In my case, He did not only open a window, He opened it to a balcony that extended far and wide to the most magnificent view I have ever seen. It's true that He always has a plan for you and though you may not realize it at that time He says No, when He finally says Go, it will be all that you have dreamed of and more.

Twinning Agreement On September 2, as Ambassador of Goodwill and 2008 Presidential Advisor, it was my honor to renew the Sisterhood Agreement with two JCI LOMs: Makati Jaycees, headed by President Jay Santiago and Manileña Jaycees, led by President Shiela Jaucian.

In 2006, I moved to New York City from the Philippines with high hopes and big dreams. I had been accepted at New York University's Masters in Publishing program and I was both excited and nervous to start my new life here. My childhood goals of moving to New York and attending NYU had already come true and I felt extremely blessed for this opportunity. However, I wanted something more - I wanted to make a name for myself in the publishing field and dreamt of making it big in New York.

The Twinning was held in San Lorenzo Village Clubhouse, Makati, followed by buffet dinner hosted by JCI Makati President and National Executive Vice President Jay Santiago, a Barangay Captain of San Lorenzo Village.

The night did not end without thanking the co-host chapters, JCI Manileña, Perlas Pasay and various chapters like Paranaque, "Pambato," Hacienda, Pateros and many more.

As Guest of Honor, I encouraged each member to continue their involvement in their chapters, especially in terms of helping boost the chapter's membership, doing quality projects, having a lifetime commitment to the organization and emphasizing that "Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life."

On my last week in December 2007, the department threw me a farewell party, gave me a bonus and other gifts, and prepared a framed mock up of the magazine cover with my face on it that said "Intern of the Year". I was extremely touched and I knew more than ever that I wanted to go back to this company someday. I felt privileged to have worked for such an iconic and established media brand with some of the most brilliant, passionate and generous individuals I have ever met. On my way to Manila for the Holidays, I stopped by the company's office in Singapore for an exploratory meeting but that also did not lead to anything. I decided to return to the U.S. for my NYU graduation and to look for work. Three weeks later, I got an offer from an advertising agency that was willing to sponsor my work permit. Last April, I had to go through a lottery for the H1-B work permit and again I got lucky. I was fortunate enough to be one of the 85,000 out of 150,000+ randomly selected non residents given a chance to work in the U.S.

It was also a meaningful event since JCI Perlas Pasay, my home chapter and one of the International Awardees in the Philippines headed by President Hazel Saez, agreed to have a new sisterhood pact signing with the assistance of Perlas Pasay President of International Foundation JCI Senator Aggie Angeles.

Tokens, certificates and plaques were also awarded as a gesture to continue a good relationship and to collaborate future projects among the JCI LOMs.

TIME Intern of the Year 2007

Destiny fulfilled In the Fall of 2006 while interning at a major publishing company I got a call to interview for another internship at my dream magazine. I was beyond thrilled and when I was offered the internship for Spring 2007, I thought that nothing could possibly be better than this. 2007 was the happiest and most fulfilling year career-wise that I ever had. To say that I enjoyed my internship - extended on a paid basis for the rest of 2007 - is a big understatement. I never thought there could be anything better than what I was already experiencing. In the middle of the year, my director and the department head discussed the possibility of offering me a full-time position. It was too good to be true--and as I found out after meetings with HR and lawyers, it was. Unfortunately, I couldn't be hired because I did not have U.S. work authorization beyond my student visa 1-year Optional Practical Training. The company did not want to take the risk of investing in me financially and professionally if there was no guarantee I would be able to stay beyond one year. I was extremely devastated but I continued to do well at work and kept a positive demeanor.

I shared my good news with some friends, one of whom was a former colleague at my old company. She mentioned it to my former bosses right around the same time that someone in the department was also leaving. They consulted their lawyers again, and maybe because there was no need for a lottery anymore (and the risk is lower), they offered me a job and agreed to transfer my work permit from my old company to theirs. One month later, the petition got approved. Two weeks after - and almost one year after they initially said No - I started my second first day at the same department where I interned, with the same people I have come to love, doing the job I like best and more. Never in a million years did I think it would turn out this way. All my hard work my entire life -- from editing our high school paper to being president of my organization and a member of the student council at the University of the Philippines to working at Ogilvy and the Philippine Daily Inquirer -have finally paid off. Because I was patient, strong and kept the faith, my destiny had been fulfilled. I'm back where I belong, loving every moment of every minute of every day. Dreams come true, and I have found my something better. Thank you, Lord.

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You Say, Stay By Carissa Villacorta

Brain Drain? Brain Gain? Brain Sustain. Whenever I'm in a conference, or at a lunch with people I hardly know, there's always someone who later asks, "Do you have any plans of returning to the Philippines to give back to our country?" Maybe it's just me, but I find this question somewhat unnecessary. I've always believed that our commitment to our country is not dependent on where we are geographically. We don't have to be in the Philippines to work for the Philippines. I have many friends who help through their frequent donations to Philippine based non-profit organizations or medical missions. I for one, have not contributed to the betterment of the Filipino people and the Philippines, as much as I have from here - 10,000 miles away. I don't like hearing this one either: "Should I stay or should I go?" There is nothing more annoying than people who want to be in Manila when they're in New York, and want to be in New York when they're in Manila . It only confuses our employers, family and friends. Though I understand being homesick, I feel that in our generation of ex-pats and aspiring ex-pats, it's not only a case of knowing what you want to do, but of knowing where you want to be. The people who ask these questions think and say that the best and brightest of the Philippines leave. That's impossible! There are only 10 million around the world and 75 million still there. My motto is to just 'Let them be.' 'To each his own.' Each person has a path to take. And it's not always set in Manila. (Especially if you 're mall-ed out from the dominant presence of shopping centers.)

Most of our decisions come from our own personal and familial needs first. The country needs not feel betrayed because it is so easy to keep thinking, talking and being Filipino. It is with us, it is us - wherever in the world we go. In the end, one realizes that our being Filipino reflects on everything that we do. Everything we do reflect on our being Filipino. And if everyday, we do our work with passion, integrity and responsibility, we give honor to ourselves, our company and our country... even if it doesn't make the headline. We give what we can or want to. Whether it's our presence or presents, our time or money, we all still give back. In fact, we give back by just being ourselves and following our own passions. Because our individual successes inspire and empower the collective 86 million. How many times have we proclaimed, ' Pinoy din yan! I'm so proud!' It's interesting how we become more motivated by the success of our fellow Filipinos. How many dreams have been sparked by the successes of Rafe, Lea and Loida? Innumerable. So let our good stories multiply, soar and spread. Let's all be a good story to tell. This way, we not only control our own destiny, we drive our countrymen's too. And so, people who have created lives outside the Philippines shouldn't be made to feel guilty of 'betraying' their native soil. Did anyone question Jose Rizal, our national hero, when he decided to study in Spain , work in Germany, and publish a book in Belgium ? In fact, he learned 22 foreign languages, and traveled extensively through Europe, America and Asia. With the long travel time in those days, he hardly even stayed in the Philippines! But was he any less Filipino? I guess we all historically agreed that he was more Filipino than people who stayed in the Philippines their whole lives. Finally, as I always say, those are your feet. Let them take you where you want to go. No one can take you anywhere you don't want to, because you control your feet. Your feet will go where they want to go...but your heart will stay in one place - always.

FAHSI Announces Recipient of $20,000 College Scholarship Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) is pleased to announce the first recipient of the FAHSI College Scholarship Program. A resident of Flushing, Queens, Jessica Abobo, was awarded the Frederick & Demi Seguritan Scholarship. Ms. Abobo will receive $5,000 each year for the next four years as a student at New York University. Upon learning that she had been selected, Ms. Abobo said, "I feel privileged and honored." A celebratory ceremony will take place in September 2008. A graduate of Long Island City High School in Queens, Ms. Abobo was among the top three finalists who were interviewed by a panel, which was comprised of Frederick and Demi Seguritan (donors of the scholarship) , Luis Pedron (FAHSI Board Member) and Joe Valdez (member of the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber). Echoing the judges' unanimous decision, Mrs. Seguritan commented, "[Ms. Abobo] has great potential to be a role model in the Filipino Community." The panel was impressed by Ms. Abobo's outstanding academic achievements and focus on pursuing higher education. Scholarship applications submitted for the 2008-09 academic term were reviewed initially by a separate panel of judges, which included Lara Manjares-Ciamician (FAHSI Board Member), James Berroya (founder and CEO of ARKANE™ and The Prince Giolo Apparel Group™, a New York-based apparel distribution company), Lydia Buñag (FAHSI Senior Program Coordinator) , and FAHSI Executive Director, Johanna Martinez. Launched in April 2008, the Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is the first scholarship award of the FAHSI College Scholarship Program (FCSP). Offering $100,000 in college scholarships, the FCSP will select one Filipino/Filipino American graduating high school senior from the TriState Area each year over the next 4 years. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a passion for business and service to the Filipino Community. While in college, the Recipient will also receive mentoring from Frederick and Demi Seguritan and FAHSI Board members and staff. FAHSI's Executive Director, Ms. Martinez, said, "The FAHSI College Scholarship Program invests not only in Filipino/Filipino American youth but also in the community. Through mentoring, we hope to cultivate a spirit of giving back to the Filipino community." FCSP applications for the 2009-2010 academic term will be available starting August 15, 2008, on FAHSI's website, www.fahsi.org.

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Tackling Tagalog By Bel Molina

Constructing sentences “I wanted to learn Tagalog. My mother never taught me when I was growing up,” says Ashley Nowygrod, a strategy manager for imc2, an interactive advertising agency. Intent on learning the native language of her mother, she actively searched for Tagalog courses online through which she found out about the Tagalog course offered by the Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI). She eventually enrolled in the organization’s 12-week Tagalog course in the spring of this year. FAHSI began offering Tagalog courses in 2002. The objectives of the course are for students to build their vocabulary and grammar as well as to strengthen reading and pronunciation skills in the Tagalog language. It also aims to develop the students' confidence in understanding and speaking Tagalog. The course is conducted three times a year with classes during the fall, spring and summer. Maximum enrollment is ten students per class with each course costing $450 per student. For the first time since the Tagalog

course’s inception, the Philippine-New York Jaycees collaborated with FAHSI in order to help students learn the language further. Spearheaded by CDVP Ted Martinez and new member Bel Molina, a three-phased event was conducted to allow the students to practice their Tagalog conversationally with native-speaker Jaycee members.

Karaoke showdown The first phase was a Happy Hour event on April 1. Directly after class, the students went to Nations bar near the Philippine Consulate where the Tagalog class was being held. During the hourlong event, everyone was required to speak in Tagalog and a fine of a quarter per English word was mildly imposed. A language game was also played where students were asked to form a couple of teams and construct sentences from a list of individual words that were given to them on separate pieces of paper. To win the game, a team had to complete a series of proper sentences faster than the other team. Although there were winners and losers, all participants enjoyed the game.

The second phase was a Tagalog Movie Night at the Philippine Consulate on April 22. The students were invited to watch Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, a film which has received numerous awards in several Filipino and international film festivals. It is the story of 12-year-old Maximo Oliveros (or Maxi for short) as he discovers life and love amidst the squalor and corruption in the slums of Manila. The three-part program culminated via a highly amusing Karaoke Showdown at Perlas ng Silangan in Woodside, Queens, an area that is also known as Little Manila. This was held on May 8 when the Tagalog class was nearing its end. The only rule of the karaoke contest was for students to sing Tagalog songs. Ashley took home the best singer title with her rendition of Lea Salonga’s version of Nandito Ako. Luis Franco, the Tagalog course instructor and current faculty member of NYU's Asian/Pacific/American Studies program remarks, “What the students seemed to like was the informality and the sense of fun.” “The collaborative program complimented our Tagalog class. The opportunity for students to practice their Tagalog skills is very valuable and, further encourages them to continue with their learning of the language,” says Johanna Martinez, Executive Director of FAHSI. She adds, “I am also a firm believer in collaborations which benefit the whole community.”

Floating High! (continued from Page 1) from start to finish called for a Herculean effort as it required organizing fundraisers, collaborating with partners in the Philippines, shipping of supplies, designing the float, and negotiating with vendors. A major portion of the fundraising was accomplished by another new member, Dhanesh Shelat who was also the Chairperson for the fundraiser event, Floatatious. Held at China 1 Club in Alphabet City, the extraordinary party drew well over 100 attendees and raised more than $2,000. The event featured a show which included Maritess the Magician, the hip-hop dance group DynamiQ Faction, and R&B singer JC. The responsibility of sponsorships was under a third new member, Mia Fulgado, and corporate sponsors for the evening were Court of Mandarin Restaurant, Western Union and Red Bull. In addition to gaining much of the funds needed, the event also created considerable awareness to what the Jaycees are doing. Member, Bernadette Olimpo had the task of marketing the event and she distributed flyers in Filipino establishments throughout the city. The Philippine-New York Jaycees past presidents also fundraised over $1,000 in donations to support the float project. The float project actually ended with a Thank You party, Floatalicious, held on June 12, 2008 at the luscious garden of the Fulgado residence. That night was intended to recognize and give awards to all participants. The evening also included a movie slide show entitled Float, which played videos and photos of all the work and events throughout the project. The final treat was having all of the contributors serenaded by award winning singer RJ Solis singing “This is the moment.” Once again, the Philippine-New York Jaycees accomplished another challenging mission that fostered personal development, team building, networking, and friendship.

9 Upcoming Events Breast Cancer Walk 2009 Officers’ Election 45th Year Gala NYC Marathon Support Our Troops Future Officers’ Training 2009 BOD Planning Simbang Gabi Presidential Gala

45th Anniversary Celebration

Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 25 Nov 2 Nov 7 Nov 15 Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 27

The Philippine-New York Jaycees Senators, Ambassadors, Governors and Past Presidents in cooperation with the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber is pleased to announce the chapter’s 45th anniversary celebration luncheon slated for Saturday, October 25, 2008 at La Dolce Vita/Leonard’s, 555 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11421. Tickets for this event is $100 per person. This event is spearheaded by honorary Chairwoman, Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek and honorary chair-Victor De Leon, the 2008 chapter President. Overall chair Jocelyn Bernal and overall co-chair Antero Martinez is leading a group of Past President who are putting this event together. During this event the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber will be presenting lifetime achievement awards to past members of the organization. These awards include the Junior Chamber International Senatorship, the United States Junior Chamber Ambassadorship, and the New York State Governorship. Each lifetime award is presented only once in the lifetime of Jaycee member and each represents the highest award presented in the state, national and international level. There will also be special recognition given to partners of the Jaycees who have provided support to the organization through the years. These include other community organizations, a corporate partner and a member of the Press. We invite all current and past members of the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber to join us for this celebration. Watch out for additional information about the event in the coming weeks.

TAMBULI Staff Contributing Writers Editor-in-Chief Joe Valdez Layout Artist Bel Molina

Addie Addams Giselle Aranda Jocelyn Bernal Max Madridejos, Jr.

Ted Martinez Bel Molina Cri-cri Ramos Carissa Villacorta

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