V-diaries 2009: Anti-domestic Violence Guide

V

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK ANTI-VIOLENCE RESOURCE GUIDE

DIARIES 6th anniversaRy issue | 2009

FWN AFTER 5 YEARS: A PEBBLE’S RIPPLE EFFECT / Free Battered

Women from Prison /

On the Rise: Technology in Stalking

API WOMEN COMMUNIT Y LEADERS JOIN FORCES WITH FWN’S ANTI-VIOLENCE C AMPAIGN

Elena, Sonia & Marily FILIPINAS IN MOTION

M e s s a g e f r o m t h e P U B L I SHER

Th e “ V” Team . . . .

♥

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DeVoted Publisher M a r i ly M o n d e j a r Delightful Marketing Chair S ONIA DELEN DiVine Editor C ONNIE Z H EN G

Marily Mondejar President, Filipina Women’s Network

Angel Art Director Al S. Perez Graphic Designers Alberic rivera Carrie Doung Copy Editors ELBER T C H AN F RAN K LIN RI C AR T E K E V IN Z H AN G Leila Kang . . . .

♥

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Heart Contributors A D RIENNE A G UIRRE BE T S Y LAU Bes Yap Chris Le G a r y C r u z (Cover Photo) G LA D Y S D O D D S G LORIA RA M O S K EE S A O C A M P O K E V IN M AN N a o m i Ta c u y a n U n d e r w o o d P H ILI P AN D RE S RA Q UEL RE D ON D E Z Teresalina Marfori

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♥

This year’s production of “The Vagina Monologues” is sensitive to the frailties of our times brought about by the global economic crisis that affect attendance to arts events. Arts advocates nationwide earned victory when U.S. Congress broadened the issue of economic recovery to include arts jobs through the National Endowment for the Arts grants. From a non-traditional arts perspective, there

elena mangahas maya escudero nini alvero bambi lorica PEARL PARMELEE Al perez

Gratefulness Al + Elena + Genevieve D + Sonia = 2004. Franklin + Genevieve J + Ken = 2005. I pay tribute to these precious souls – they are the heart of V-Day FWN. Every year when V-Season comes around, they show up, they

are cause and awareness-promoting organizations like the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) who struggle to bring community theatre productions like our all-Pinay “The Vagina Monologues” to its soapbox spotlight year-in and year-out. This is our sixth year! While FWN receives tremendous support for the work it does to end violence against women and girls, including a warm welcome bringing

do what needs to be done. No fanfare. No complaining. No drama. I am grateful most especially to Al – we met in 2004 when he rescued the playbill and transformed it into something beautiful. He continues to re-invent our message on paper. You don’t see his photo on the cover but his thumbprint is implanted on all that you see. Filipina Women’s Network would not have been able to get to its 21st performance this year without the loving support and the beautiful hearts of these seven brave souls. Mabuhay!

M.

ELENA MANGAHAS Board Chair, Filipina Women’s Network

the production to Washington D.C. this year, there is a continuing need to sustain the programs of FWN that endow humanity as a whole. Please take time to see our many programs by going to our FWN website. Be a member! And for those in the show tonight, please join our unique blessing dance to bring wisdom and passionate direction to the circle of women (and even men) who carry on the mission of FWN.

M e s s a g e f r o m T h e w a s h i n g t o n , D . C . p r o duc e r s

FWN Board

Genevieve Jopanda

out to our API sisters to launch a new partnership – women working together to end violence against Asian women and girls. Jan, Fiona and Emily were the first to say yes. Mitos, Jane, Hydra, Mayette, Helen, Lia….and many others followed. Taking the V-Day FWN campaign to the next level. Time for campaign 2.0.

M e s s a g e FRO M THE SAN FRAN C I S C O P RO D U C ER

. . . .

Marily Monde jar

Moving Forward to Victory… As I reflect on the V-Day journey of the last five years, I am humbled. I am grateful. It is like looking through a photo album. As you examine each photo, you discover something that somehow you missed the first time. As you flip each page through, you remember details as if they occurred yesterday. The album becomes a repository of knowledge and memories and you want to close the book to keep its treasures intact (see pp. 18-19). Celebrating six years of collaboration with V-Day with all-Filipina performances of “The Vagina Monologues,” we reach

GLORIA T. CAOILE So many wonderful stories have come out of this very special journey. A community of extraordinary men and women rose to the challenge of coming together to get a very important message out to the

world – the message to end domestic violence. Somewhere, someone out there would have heard that we said NO – NO to violence against women and girls. The cast and crew of “The Vagina Monologues” in Washington, D.C. drew from each other’s strengths and courage to let our voices be heard. What an empowering experience, an experience of a lifetime – unforgettable, challenging, unbelievably life-changing and much, much more. We will never forget all those who performed at Washington, D.C. That day will live on for a very long time and one message will never be lost – we all will never stop doing our part to stop the violence against women and girls.

We were shocked by the statistics when we first heard it. One in three women will suffer some form of violence in her lifetime, whether it’s a casual put down, in emotional and mental abuse situations, mutilations or even murders. Unfortunately, a lot of women, and men, especially in our patriarchal culture somehow think that “women deserve the violence” or “that’s just the way it is.” If we can create awareness, if we can create a buzz in our community and beyond, that would be a good start. Once we speak the unspeakable (what our culture or upbringing has conditioned us to think as unspeakable), and reveal what is happening in the “dark,” we regain our voice,

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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our power. It is our hope that by empowering women, and men, to speak out, we can begin to stop this epidemic and help put an end to devastation and tragedy.

BAMBI LORICA

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M e s s a g e S f r o m t h e P RO D U C T I O N TEA M

As we celebrate our sixth year, I’m continually in awe of FWN and V-Day’s partnership in bringing Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” to the community. A kinship exists among the growing alumni of our cast and crew members since 2004, inspiring and breathtaking. A beautiful, unbreakable bond of love and compassion permeate this “family” that unselfishly contributes to ending domestic

violence against women and children. The evolution of our annual production, which brings FWN’s Social Justice Campaign to the forefront, says it all. Six years and counting, our 18th, 19th and 20th performances have spanned the West and East Coasts and uniquely, we are involving Filipino men who have embraced this cause and are performing with the women, side-by side. For the first time in FWN’s history, the previous all-Filipina show now features an Asian American production this year. I am reaching out to everyone to support FWN, V-Day, and other community organizations in ending violence against individuals. When more global communities participate in this effort, we truly become ONE VOICE.

KEN MARQUIS Director

Times are tough. The financial markets continue their spiral downward as military conflicts rage around the world. Communities, families and personal relationships are all strained under the pressure to just maintain. Unfortunately, during times of economic and/or political unrest, women and girls are at an increased vulnerability for

SONIA DELEN Marketing Chair

GENEVIEVE V. JOPANDA Director Five years ago when I first joined the cast, FWN was getting dirty looks and negative comments about “The Vagina Monologues.” My father got involved in our campaign against domestic violence by defending our production and explaining its purpose to Bay Area prayer groups. More than just encouraging people to talk about the “V-word,” the show details true experiences of real domestic violence survivors. Our V-Diaries also shares some of those stories of women from our cast and in our own network. Like an onion, we’re able to peel off layers and

layers of hidden words, isolated emotions, and repressed feelings to help surface healing. It’s beyond just a theatre production and an editorial circulation, it’s sometimes the first steps toward healing and direction to unanswered questions. FWN’s campaign against domestic violence can’t be done in a timid approach. It’s no longer the “V-word” spoken in a shy, embarrassing voice, but “VAGINA!!!!” delivered with conviction and strength. I hope you walk away watching the show and reading the V-Diaries speaking a little bit louder against domestic violence.

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

CONNIE ZHENG Editor I am honored to serve as this year’s V-Diaries editor and to be part of the Filipina Women’s Network’s growing movement against domestic violence. This annual anti-domestic violence resource guide would not be made possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers – our editorial, production, PR and advertising teams, gifted writers and contributors,

domestic violence. This production’s sole purpose is to engage you in first recognizing, then actually doing something to stop or prevent the violence in our homes, families, and communities. To the men reading this, I call on you to join me in doing all we can to support the women in our lives and to join them in their struggle to live their lives free from

detailed proofreaders and fact checkers, talented graphic designers, and those who opened up their hearts to share some of the most powerful, touching, and heartbreaking stories. It is our hope to create an informative and insightful publication that not only educates our readers, but assists those in abuse situations in need of help. If you know someone in an abuse situation, you can help. Let them know they can find resources and support groups from these pages. Lastly, it is our hope that through our words and performances you will join our movement in fighting domestic violence. violence. The cast and crew’s efforts over the last few months to bring this unique and theatrical experience to the stage have been nothing short of remarkable. I am truly inspired by the talent and dedication shown by the entire team. To the audience, thank YOU for supporting us. Now please sit back and enjoy the show. Salamat!

NINA NGUYEN LAGAC Director In this day and age, women and girls around the world still suffer tremendously. They are beaten, sexually abused, raped, mutilated, infected with STDs, and murdered. Cultures know about these, yet cultures accept these. I am pained by these occurrences but I am also brazen with zeal to speak about them. It is in this end I am very grateful for the chance to direct the maiden production of FWN’s “The Vagina Monologues” and “MMRP” at

Ta b l e o f Co n t e n t s v-day spotlight 2009 About FWN 38 Filipinas Against Violence 37 About V-Day 36 V-Day Mission 36 V-Day Spotlight: Women of the Democratic Republic of Congo 36 About Eve Ensler 36 About DVRP 4 DC Playbill 23 SF Playbill 28 DC Cast & Crew Bios + Photos 24 SF Cast & Crew Bios + Photos 29 SF Conocimiento 32 O N TH E COV E R FWN After 5 Years 20 V-FEATURES Emerging Concern: Technology in Stalking 9 Remembering the Comfort Women 11 Female Genital Mutilation 11 Language Access for DV Victims 12 Effects of DV on Children 13 DV Facts, Statistics and Myths 13 Perceptions of Abuse in Asian American Culture 14 Vagina Warriors 2009 16 Men Against Violence Interviews 18 Interview with Fiona Ma 19 Profiles: Jane Kim, Hydra Mendoza 19 Free Battered Women from Prison 34 Abuse in Same Sex Relationships 35 V-court watch Abha Appu: Indian Woman Still in Critical Condition 10 Claire Joyce Tempongko: Ramirez Sentenced 10 Teris Casco: Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison 10 Nicole: Outrage over Lance Corporal’s Acquittal 10 V - J O U R N ALS

Washington, D.C. The performance not only benefits our local beneficiary and V-Day globally, but it has created a filial camaraderie among a group of strong leaders in their pursuit of ending violence against women and girls. Being part of the production has certainly been a cathartic experience that transcends time, race and gender.

Birth 5 Time Heals 5 Have You Ever Experienced or Witnessed Violence? 5 My V-Journal 13 From Darkness to Enlightenment 15 Break the Silence and Educate 15 I Am An Asian American Speaking Out Against Violence… 33 V - R E SO U R C E S San Francisco Bay Area 6 Washington, D.C. 8 Community Partners 4 FWN Advertisers 4 © 2009 The V-Diaries is a publication of the Filipina Women’s Network. All rights reserved.

AC KN OWL EDGMENTS: WASH IN GTON DC Anna Stuart Annie SantoDomingo Armand Rivera Baby Herrera Ben Caoile Calvin Mata Deanna Pineda Gerry & Sony Florendo Gerry Ramos Grace Clavecillas Jon Melegrito Leia Lorica Les Talusan Lilia Alba Luis Florendo Mosaic Express Muse Advertising Design Nancy Gasper Sandy Ogelvie Sarah Gerardo Victor Lorica, md Virginia Hospital Center Virginia Nephrology Group

O u r Co m m u N i t y Pa rtNers D OM ES T I C V I O LE N C E CONSORTIUM

Women’s Intercultural Network

CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S AGENDA

San Francisco’s

DEPARTMENT ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN recognizes the

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK for its work to end domestic violence.

J ustice & C ourage Oversight Committee

Partnerships between public and

San Francisco’s private agencies are critical to DEPARTMENT ON THE creating community-based solutions STATUS OF WOMEN to end violence against women.

CECIVIM

S A N FR A N CISCO

Asian Pacific Islander Institue on Domestic Violence

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO Consul Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. Deputy Consul General Fred Santos Consul Leah Victoria Rodriguez Lynn Sesante

I F Institute for Image

I M Management

PHILIPPINE TRADE COMMISSION Nini Alvero, Jopin Romero Mylene San Juan, Rosalie Say

The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service Philippines

HERBST THEATER Stephanie Smith & John Bott Gus Glimis & Lauren McQuade (CBO)

Consulate General of the Philippines

Embassy of the Philippines in

in San Francisco

Washington, DC

M arciano A. P aynor J r .

Wi l l y C . G a a

APIHF INSTITUTE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Chic Dabby, Yanin Senenchai CARNELIAN ROOM Phil Ip, Manager Marie Enriquez, Manager Elsa Gualit, Ruby San Juan V-DAY Eve Ensler Cecile Lipworth, Shael Norris The Intramuros Mark de Leon, Dr. Valerie de Leon, Barry Picazo, Sonia Delen Khadra Dance Studio Roberto Divina RICHARD GERVAIS COLLECTION Richard Gervais The SF examiner Dave Ceccarelli VOLUNTEERS Alberic Rivera, Aris Garcia, Carrie Doung, Chris Parado, Connie Zheng, Don Cain, Elbert Chan, Franklin Ricarte, Gary Cruz, Genevieve Dwyer, Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Kevin Man, Kevin Zhang, Leila Kang, Michael Tomas, TJ Simbulan

fwn’s 2009 beneficiary:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCE PROJECT Founded in 1995, Asian/ Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) is a local non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that is committed to ending domestic violence in the Asian/Pacific Islander communities. DVRP’s mission is to address and prevent domestic violence in Asian/Pacific Islander communities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. DVRP’s goals are to ensure that abused A/PI

women have access to culturally and linguistically responsive resources in order to make their own life choices, to raise awareness about the problem of domestic violence, and to unite A/PI communities against domestic violence. Through direct assistance, community engagement and training of service providers, DVRP strives to address and prevent domestic violence in a manner that supports survivors of domestic violence and promotes cultural competency to meet the diverse needs of

SALAMAT ADVERTISERS!

our communities. Among its several programs and services, DVRP runs an advocates program, a community outreach program, and a technical assistance program, providing bilingual advocates who speak a range of languages including Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, and Urdu.

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AsianWeek Erick Dimalanta Farmers Insurance Intramuros Jennifer Ong, o.d. Johanna & Çağatay Mayette Almazan, m.d. North American Motors Philippine News Ramar Foods Richard Gervais Collection Rodel E. Rodis, Attorney Sonia Delen Sony Florendo

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Time Heals Rape Sur vivor, 2009 I am joining “The Vagina Monologues” to serve my fellow Filipinas and the community. I didn’t know that I would end up having a lot of fun, powerful experiences, and “aha!” moments. The readings from women in Bosnia and Ukraine showed that this kind of violence does really happen to women. What you hear in the news really does happen in real life. I had forgotten the violent trauma I experienced 30 years ago. It is like another lifetime. I revisited the experience again through the readings of “The Vagina Monologues” and the poignant stories the cast shared with each other. Now looking back, it is just like a bad dream. I am no longer so identified with my past painful experience, but I noticed the scar is still there. At the time of the trauma, it seemed impossible to overcome its blows. I thought there was no way out of the darkness. The grief was unbearable. There were no words to ease the pain.

I was crazy for several years. I thought I was ruined for life. Now looking back, I realize that I am a woman changed for the better. I was able to survive this trauma and come out whole and retrieve the depth of my true soul. Now I know I am able to handle with grace other challenges I will face in the years to come. Healing is a process and a journey that takes its own time. It gets easier with each season, especially with the love of dear ones and family. Friends, community, therapy and support from my spiritual mentors also help me with my own inner spiritual healing journey. “Healing is to have closure and to let go.” I am so grateful to be a part of “The Vagina Monologues.” By my participation in this important event, I am making a contribution to stop domestic violence and making a difference. What an opportunity! “Time heals all wounds.” V-Day FWN 2009

HAVE YOU E VER WITNES SED ------------------- OR EXPERIENCED VIOLE NC ------------------- E? Yes, I was a v ---phoenix, I ros ictim. I was burned to th e e fr co om the ashes to leave and . I escaped, emre but like a n ot b e powered a fr a id for help. I’m still growing. I leaned on friends and myself family and learning the essence of how to go back who I am, wh ich is love. to

I grew up in a h existed and I reaousehold where domestic degrading souls, lized the impact it has inviolence spirits, and futu res. I

ex pe ri en ce d em o ti on a l a b us e w h il e I wa s gr h ea ri n g m y m o w in g up. I w om a n d da d fig ok e up h ti n g ev er y si wa s ve rb a ll y n gl e m or n in g. a b us iv e. My My m o th er m om a n d da d w h a t ca us ed n ev me to m ov e a way fr om Mod er go t a lo n g. Th a t’s wa n t to br in g es to . N o m or ev er y th in g to e h id in g. I li gh t so a ll ca m y safe h a ve n h ea l. S a n Fr n . I’m a su r v a n ci sc o is iv or. I’m st ro ev er y day. Th n ge r. I’m de te e jo ur n ey is ve rm in ed to h ea l ry Ta st in g free do h m is br a n d n ew a rd . I do n’t wa n t to h ide a n y m ore. to me a n d I lo h a ppy. I wa n ve it. I wa n t t to fin d pe a ce to be .

Birth ut our past Not much can be said abo Such a dark place it is complex The ability to forgive is compels me The courage to move on ing miles away uld hear the ocean churn Sometimes, I swear I co from my refuge them My thoughts churn with But still... My heart stays guarded sunshine Even after a weekend of It’s so easy to laugh til the pain engulfs you To shrug off the past un I tried to block it ger describe it rt, while words can no lon hu t sn’ doe it t tha g din Preten consent? for trespassing without Do you have any remorse ed on my very soul change what you’ve inflict Nothing you do now can ered viding the moment it shatt My spirit has been subdi k up the pieces For years, too weak to pic can’t wash you away Even the greatest floods d of fearing However, I have grown tire fight back I have decided it’s time to I will be silent no more d to hush the rushing win The finger that was used Will now subside for cleansing The stage as my platform els ang Standing with a cast of out into the light I will call my skeletons birth into a butterfly Where the pain can finally innocence A place to restore lost me ho Can now find her way s. The audience as my witnes Cast Member, 2009 07

san francisco

S A N F R A N C I S C O B AY A R E A

v -resources

Alameda County Superior Court Berkeley Clerk’s Office 510. 644. 8999 Alameda County Social www.alameda.courts. Services ca.gov/courts Hotline: 510.259.1800 alamedasocial services.org Filing for Temporary 24-hour confidential hotline vs. Restraining Orders child endangerment Alameda County Superior Court Child Abuse Prevention Family Court Clerks Council 510. 208. 4935 San Joaquin County Restraining order application 209. 464. 4524 for self-filing Emergency respite childcare, parenting classes, courtAlameda County appointed advocates Superior Court Family Law Facilitator’s Office Child Abuse Training & 510. 670. 5150 Technical Assistance No-fee court affiliated (CATTA) Center assistance with custody, child 707. 284.1300 support, etc. www.cattacenter.org District Attorney’s Office Statewide resources against Domestic Violence Advocate child abuse Oakland Family & Children Services 510. 268. 7276 City & County of San Francisco Contact: Ali Hotline: 800.856.5553 Domestic Violence Shelter www.sfhsa.org/174.htm Child Abuse Hotline, respite care, City of Fremont 510.574.2250 parenting classes, counseling Contact: Rodney D. Clark www.save-dv.org FamilyPaths (Formerly Parental Stress Service) Domestic Violence Alameda County Response Unit / Elder Abuse Hotline: 800. 829. 3777 SF Police Department www.familypaths.org 415.553.9225 Emergency respite childcare, [email protected] parenting classes, 24-hour support & resource hotline Victim Services Division San Mateo County Child San Francisco District Protective Services Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Hotline 850 Bryant St., Room 320 650.595.7922 553.9044 www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/ Provides comprehensive smc/department/hsa/home advocacy and support to DV victims

CHILD ABUSE

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AASRA-Federation of Indo-American 800. 313. 2772 510. 657. 1245 South Asian Languages; Women and Children (Priority to South Asian); M-F intakes and overnight emergency

Asian Women’s Home 2400 Moorpark Ave. San Jose, CA 95128 24-hour crisis hotline: 408.975.2730 www.aaci.org Asian languages; emergency food, clothing & shelter for women and children, counseling, legal advocacy Asian Women’s Shelter 3453 18th St., #19 San Francisco, CA 94110 877. 751. 0880 415. 751. 7110 www.sfaws.org Various Asian Languages Emergency shelter in confidential location Building Futures with Women And Children / Sister Me Home 1395 Bancroft Ave. San Leandro, CA 94577 866-A-Way-Out 510. 357. 0205 www.bfwc.org Spanish; Women and Children Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) P.O. Box 5090 San Mateo, CA 94402 24-hour Hotlines: 800.300.1080 650. 312. 8515 Legal Information Line: 650-259-1855 www.corasupport.org English & Spanish spoken; Emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal services, crisis response

Eden Info & Referral 570 B Street Hayward, CA 94541 Office: 510-537-2710 Referral services, daily updates DOMESTIC VIOLENCE of shelter availability in SHELTERS East Bay

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Family Violence Prevention Fund 383 Rhode Island St., Ste. 304 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.252.8900 TTY: 800.595.4889 www.endabuse.org

states, English & Spanish, with interpreter services in 140 languages, local access to shelters, information for immigrants

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence 234 E. Gish Road, Ste. 200 San Jose, CA 95112 24-hour hotline: 408.279.2962 Office: 408.501.7550 www.nextdoor.org English & Spanish, comprehensive emergency assistance services, shelters in cities of San Jose & Santa Clara

Haven of Peace Women’s Emergency Home San Joaquin County 7070 South Harlan Road French Camp, CA 95231 209.982.0390 209.982.0396 18+ years accepted; 35 space capacity; assist women with food, clothing and counseling La Casa de Las Madres 1850 Mission St., #B San Francisco, CA 94103 24-hour Crisis Lines: Adult Line: 877. 503. 1850 Teen Line: 877. 923. 0700 Counseling & supportive services: 415. 503. 0500 www.lacasa.org Emergency shelter & safe housing; Domestic Violence Response Team; Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, French, Arabic La Isla Pacifica Gilroy, CA 24 hour Crisis Line: 408.683.4118 Bilingual services, emergency food, shelter up to 45 days, drug and alcohol treatment, outpatient domestic violence counseling, legal assistance. Marin Abused Women’s Services 734 A Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Women’s English Hotline: 415.924.6616 Women’s Spanish Hotline: 415.924.3456 Men’s Hotline: 415.924.1070 www.maws.org Emergency shelter, legal assistance, reeducation classes for batterers

Tri-Valley Haven 3663 Pacific Avenue Livermore, CA 94550 800. 884. 8119 925. 449. 5845 925. 449. 5842 www.trivalleyhaven.org North American Islamic Cantonese, German, French, Shelter for the Abused Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi; P.O.Box 50515 Emergency shelter for women Palo Alto, CA 94303 Helpline: 1-888-ASK-NISA and children of DV; 3.5 month max stay Or 888. 275. 6472 www.asknisa.org Women Escaping Violence Support and help to those (WEAVE ) who only speak Urdu, Hindi, 1900 K St. Arabic, Farsi, Pushtu, etc Sacramento, CA 95814 Safe Alternatives to Violent 916. 920. 2952 916. 448. 2321 Environments (SAVE) www.weaveinc.org 39155 Liberty St., Response team, temporary Suite C310 housing, crisis counseling, Fremont, CA 94538 employment services 24-hour hotline: 510. 794. 6055 Office: 510. 574. 2250 Woman Inc. save-dv.org 333 Valencia St., Ste. 450 Spanish, Hindi, Tamil; San Francisco, CA 94103 Emergency shelter & longer 24-hour Crisis Lines: term housing, medical & legal 1.877.384.3578 or assistance 415.864.4722 www.womaninc.org Saint John’s Shelter for Bilingual, bicultural services, Women & Children counseling, legal referrals, 4410 Power Inn Road support groups Sacramento, CA 95826 916.453.1482 www.stjohnsshelter.org LESBIAN, GAY, Emergency shelter up to BISEXUAL, 60 days TRANSGENDER,

5 jkl Shepherd’s Gate 1660 Portola Avenue Livermore, CA 94551 925. 443. 4283 888.216.4776 Fax: 925. 449. 3114 www.shepherdsgate.org Emergency shelter, job training, short & long term programs

My Sister’s House Sacramento COURT SERVICES / 916.428.3271 LAW ENFORCEMENT www.my-sisters-house.org OFFICES 24-hour help line, provides safe haven for battered Asian Emergency Shelter Program 24-Hour Emergency Shelter Court Info / Pacific Islander women and 22634 2nd St., Suite 205 4700 International Blvd. www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ children Hayward, CA 94541 Oakland, CA 94601 courts/trial/courtlist.htm 24-hour hotline: 510. 534. 6030 National Domestic Violence How to contact courts statewide 888. 339. SAFE 510. 534. 9140 – Fax Hotline by county, searchable by zip Spanish; 90-day stay, women Women and children 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) code/city and children of domestic 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) violence / homelessness 24-hour access through all 50 6

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

Support Network for Battered Women 1257 Tasman Drive, Suite C Sunnyvale, CA 94089 24-hour Help Line: 800.572.2782 Office: 408.541.6100 Fax: 408.541.1333 www.snbw.org English & Español; Crisis intervention, counseling, legal services, emergency shelter

Community United Against Violence (CUAV) 170A Capp Street San Francisco, CA 94110 24-hour Crisis Line: 415.333.HELP (4357) Office: 415.777.5500 Fax: 415.777.5565 www.cuav.org

8 Stand Against Domestic Violence 1410 Danzig Plaza Concord, CA 94520 888. 215. 5555 925. 676. 2845 www.standagainstdv.org Emergency shelter, transitional housing, Adelante Familia for Spanish speakers

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& QUESTIONING

Maitri Hotline 234 East Gish Rd., Ste. 200 San Jose, CA 95112 Hotline: 888-862-4874 408.436.8398 408.436.8393 www.maitri.org South Asian Women

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b ay a r e a Peer support / counseling for domestic violence, Family law, immigration domestic violence issues, translation, interpretation, transitional housing and community education Network for Battered Lesbian & Bisexual Women 3543 18th Street, Suite 28 San Francisco, CA 94110 Office: 415.281.0276 www.thenetworklared.org Support group Pacific Center 2712 Telegraph Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705 510. 548. 8283 www.pacificcenter.org Group and individual counseling, narcotics anonymous, HIV and Aids group, social groups

Napa, CA 94559 707. 259. 0579 707. 259. 1449 – Fax legalaidnapa.org Provides free legal services to seniors, immigrants and low-income residents of Napa County

Napa Emergency Women’s Services 1141 Pear Tree Ln. Napa, CA 94558 707. 255. 6397 707. 252. 3687 707. 252. 3069 – Fax Contact legal advocate Gabby Caro for help with restraining orders

For families ineligible for assistance from other programs, but too poor to hire a private attorney.

SEXUAL ASSAULT Bay Women Against Rape - Oakland Hotline: 510.845.7273 510. 430. 1298 Serves rape and incest victims; Intake: M-F 10-3; 10 free then sliding scale; Short-term counseling, referrals, accompaniment to hospital, court advocacy The Sage Project Inc. 1275 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415. 905. 5050 www.sagesf.org Recovery from sexual exploitation & substance abuse

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Project Eden 22646 2nd St. Hayward, CA 94541 Office: 510.247.8200 Counseling services for LGBTQQ Youth

Sexual Minority Alliance of Alameda County (SMAAC) Youth Center Alameda County 1608 Webster St. Oakland, CA 94612 Office: 510.548.8283 Support groups for LGBTQQ youth

SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415. 865. 5555 www.sfcenter.org Legal referrals, Temporary Restraining Order assistance SF Network for Battered Lesbians/Bisexuals 415.281.0276

LEGAL REFERRALS: TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER ASSISTANCE

LEGAL SERVICES

API Legal Outreach 1212 Broadway St., Ste. 828 Oakland, CA 94612 510.415.567.6255 Walk-in Clinic Rm 1-4; ; Family, civil, and immigration law restraining orders, queer domestic violence, Asian Languages

API Legal Outreach 1188 Franklin St., #202 San Francisco, CA 94109 415. 567. 6255 415. 567. 6248 – Fax Family, civil, and immigration law; temporary restraining order, Gay Domestic Violence Project Asian Women’s Home 2400 Moorpark Avenue, Suite 300 San Jose, CA 95128 408. 975. 2739 Temporary restraining order assistance; Counseling; Serves all countries; 24-hour crisis line, shelter; Works with translators to serve various Asian-speaking clients

Legal Aid of Napa County 1001 Second St. Suite 335

San Francisoco General Hospital Trauma Recovery Center – Rape Treatment Center 2727 Mariposa St, Ste 100 Crisis Line: 415. 437. 3011 24-hour medical forensic examination (SFGH Emergency Room), free services, Spanish / English)

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic Richmond 137th St., Room 185, Richmond, CA 510. 965.4048 Restraining Order clinic held in Richmond Courthouse Mon & Fri 8-5 pm

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The Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic San Francisco 415.252.2844 Bilingual Service; Restraining Order Assistance free of charge; Paperwork served to batterer at reduced fee

Women Against Rape 3543 18th Street San Francisco, CA 94110 415. 861. 2024 www.sfwar.org 24-hour Crisis Hotline: 415. 647. RAPE Counseling, support groups, legal advocacy

Law Center for Families 510 16th St., Suite 300 Oakland, CA 94612 510. 451. 9261 510. 763. 2169 – Fax www.lcff.org

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

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v -resources resources FROM THE District of Columbia Coalition Against Domestic Violence | dccadv.org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES Crisis Helpline (Mental Health) 888.793.4357 D.C. Crime Victims Compensation Program 202.879.4216

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 888.843.4564

My Sister’s Place 202.529.5991

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.SAFE Sasha Bruce Youthworks 202.547.7777 Shalom Task Force 888.883.2323

Supporting Our Survivors Network 202.783.3003

BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTERS/SAFEHOUSES House of Imagene Shelter 1110A 6th Street NE, Ste. 4 Washington, D.C. 20002 202.518.8488 Fax: 202.543.2090 [email protected] www.houseofimagene.org

For the Love of Children (FLOC) 1816 12th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 202.462.8686 866.462.FLOC Fax: 202.462.8369 www.flocoutdoors.org

Community for Creative Non-Violence 425 Second St. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.393.1909 202.393.4409 Fax: 202.783.3254 www.users.erols.com

Wendt Center for Loss and Healing 4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 300 Washington, D.C. 20008 202.624.0010 Fax: 202.624.0062 www.wendtcenter.org

Community of Hope 1413 Girard Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009 202.232.7356 Fax: 202.232.1014 www.communityofhopedc.org

Whitman Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 202.797.3500 Fax: 202.797.3504 [email protected] www.wwc.org

D.C. Rape Crisis Center Grandma’s House PO Box 34125 1222 T Street NW Washington, D.C. 20043 Washington, D.C. 20009 202.232.0789 202.234.4128 Hotline: 202.333.7273 Fax: 202.234.8145 TTY: 202.328.1371 ASIAN/PACIFIC Fax: 202.387.3812 ISLANDER RESOURCES [email protected] www.grandmashouse.org [email protected] www.dcrcc.org Asian Pacific American Safe Shores: The D.C. Legal Resource Center Children’s Advocacy Center Family and Child Services (APALRC) of Washington, D.C., Inc. 733 15th Street, NW, Ste. 315 202.638.2575 Fax: 202.638.2718 929 L Street NW Washington, D.C. 20005 [email protected] Washington, D.C. 20001 Hotline: 202.393.3572 www.safeshores.org 202.289.1510 Fax: 202.393.0995 www.apalrc.org Family Violence Prevention Fund Asian Pacific Islander COUNSELING AND 1101 14th Street NW,Ste.300 Domestic Violence Washington, DC 20005 Resource Project (DVRP) SUPPORT CENTERS 202.682.1212 P.O. Box 14268 7-2-9 Club Fax: 202.682.4662 Washington, D.C. 20044 New York Avenue www.endabuse.org 202.464.4477 Presbyterian Church Fax: 202.986.9332 1313 New York Avenue, NE House of Ruth [email protected] Washington, D.C. 20005 5 Thomas Circle, NW www.dvrp.org 202.547.7012 Washington, D.C. 20005 www.nyapc.org 202.667.7001 Asian Women’s 24-hour hotline: Self-Help Association The Adele Lebowitz Center 202.347.2777 1140 Connecticut Ave., for Youth & Families Domestic violence support Ste. 1200 Washington School of center: 202.347.0390 Washington, D.C. 20036 Psychiatry www.houseofruth.org 202.207.1248 5028 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Hotline: 888.417.2742 Ste. 400 Ramona’s Way Fax: 202.296.2318 Washington, D.C. 20016 Greater Southeast Hospital, coordinator@ 202.537.6050 Medical Services Building ashaforwomen.org Domestic Violence Intake www.ashaforwomen.org Fax: 202.237.2730 www.wspdc.org Center 1328 Southern Ave, SE, Ste. 311 Boat People S.O.S., Inc. Afro-American Counseling & Washington, D.C. 20032 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 100 Psychotherapy Institute,Inc 202.561.3000 or Falls Church, VA 22041 1717 K Street NW, Ste. 600 202.257.6790 703.538.2190 Washington, D.C. 20036 [email protected] Fax: 703.538.2191 202.723.0030 www.ramonasway.org/ www.bpsos.wordpress.com www.afroamericancounseling.com WEAVE Center for Mental (Women Empowered Health-Anacostia Against Violence) CHILD ABUSE 2041 Martin Luther King 1111 16th Street, NW, Jr. Ave SE, Ste. 307 Ste. 410 Child Abuse Hotline Washington, D.C., 20020 Washington, D.C. 20036 202.671.SAFE (7233) 202.678.3000 202.452.9550 Fax: 202.678.2341 Fax: 202.452.8255 [email protected] www.weaveincorp.org

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House of Ruth 5 Thomas Circle, NW Washington, D.C. 20005 202.667.7001 24-hour hotline: 202.347.2777 Domestic violence support center: 202.347.0390 www.houseofruth.org 8

Center for Child Protection and Family Support 714 G Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 202.544.3144 [email protected] www.centerchildprotection.org

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District of Columbia City-wide Sexual Assault Hotline 202.333.RAPE

House of Ruth 202.347.2777

My Sister’s Place P.O. Box 29596 Washington, D.C. 20017 202.529.5261 24-hour hotline: 202.529.5991 Fax: 202.529.5984 rseabrook@ mysistersplacedc.org www.mysistersplacedc.org

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wa s h i n

washington, D.c.

202.783.6651 execdirector@ calvaryservices.org www.calvaryservices.org

202.882.9649 www.catholicworker.org

Capitol Hill Group Ministry 421 Seward Square, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 202.544.0631 www.capitolhillgroupministry.org

Fulton House of Hope 512 I Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.682.1190

Friendship House 619 D Street, SE Camille’s Place Washington, D.C. 20003 202.548.2400 202.675.9050 Contact: Michelle Linzy or feedback@ Allison Beckoff friendshiphouse.net

Church of the Redeemer: The Women’s Center Northwest Church Family 1101 15th Street,NW,Ste.202 Network Washington, D.C. 20005 216 New York Avenue NW 202.293.4580 Washington, D.C. 20001 Fax: 202.293.4583 202.347.5660 www.thewomenscenter.org Clean and Sober Streets 425 Second Street NW, 2 North ELDER ABUSE Washington, D.C. 20001 202.783.7343 Adult Protective Services www.cleanandsoberstreets.org 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Community of Hope Washington, D.C. 20447 1413 Girard Street NW, Hotline: 202.541.3950 Washington, D.C. 20009 202.232.7356 IONA Senior Services Fax: 202.232.1014 Isabella Breckinridge [email protected] Center www.communityofhopedc.org 4125 Albemarle St., NW Washington, D.C. 20016 Covenant House 202.895.0238 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE Fax: 202.362.5232 Washington, D.C. 20020 www.iona.org 800.999.9999 202.610.9630 Office on Aging Fax: 202.610.9640 441 4th Street, NW, www.covenanthouse.org Ste. 900S Washington, D.C. 20001 Crime Victims 202.724.5622 Compensation Program www.dcoa.dc.gov D.C. Superior Court, Building A SOME (So Others Might 515 5th Street NW,Room 104 Eat) Washington, D.C. 20001 71 O Street, NW 202.879.4216 Washington, D.C. 20001 Fax: 202.879.4230 202.797.8806 www.dccourts.gov Fax: 202.265.3849 www.some.org Damien Ministries P.O. Box 10202 Washington, D.C. 20018 202.387.2926 EMERGENC Y AND www.damienministries.org TRANSITIONAL HOUSING District of Columbia Bethany Women’s Center Shelter Hotline 202.483.3739 800.535.7252 Fax: 202.319.1508 [email protected] Dorothy Day Catholic www.nstreetvillage.org Worker House 503 Rock Creek Church Calvary Women’s Services Road, NW 928 5th St NW Washington, D.C. 20010 Washington, D.C. 20001

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Family Support Collaborative 4422 Georgia Avenue Washington, D.C. 20011 202.722.1815 www.garcec.org

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Hannah House 612 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.289.4840 Fax: 202.289.5425 www.hannahhouse.org The Haven 4201 Albemarle Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20016 202.328.7074 Fax: 202.686.2671 [email protected] Mary House 4303 13th St. NE Washington, D.C. 20017 202.635.0534 Fax: 202.529.5793 [email protected] www.maryhouse.org Mount Carmel House 202.289.6315 Fax: 202.289.1710 www.mtcarmelhouse.org N Street Village 1333 N Street NW Washington, D.C. 20005 202.939.2076 www.nstreetvillage.org

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New Endeavors by Women (NEW) 611 N Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.682.5825 www.newendeavorsbywomen.org Rachael’s Women’s Center 1220 11th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.682.1005 www.rachaels.org Sasha Bruce Youthworks Administration: 741 Eighth Street, SE

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gTon, DC Washington, D.C. 20003.2802 Shelter: 1022 Maryland Ave NE Washington, D.C. 20002 202.675.9340 24-hour hotline: 202.547.7777 www.sashabruce.org

HEALTH CARE

Unity Health Care 3020 14th Street, NW, Ste. 401 Washington, D.C. 20009 202.745.4300 Fax: 202.462.6128 www. unityhealthcare.org

St. Columba’s Episcopal Church 4201 Albemarle Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20016 202.363.4119 www.columba.org

LEGAL SERVICES AYUDA Clinical Legal Latina 1707 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 202.387.4848 www.ayudainc.org

Georgetown University Law School Domestic Violence Clinic 111 F Street,NW, Ste.334 Washington, D.C. 20001 202.662.9640 Fax: 202.662.9539 Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics at George Washington University Law School Civil Litigation Clinic 2000 G Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20052 202.994.7463

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St. Martin’s House 116 T St., NE Washington, D.C. 20002 202.332.7333 or 202.234.2399 Fax: 202.234.3493 WeldegiorgisH@ CatholicCharitiesDC. org

Willis P. Green Manor SRO Facility and Transitional Housing 4425 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE Washington, D.C. 20019 202.397.7886

GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER RESOURCES

Crisis Intervention Line: Hotline 202.797.4444 Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 888.843.4564

The Lambda Center 4228 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20016 202.885.5610 877.2LAMBDA www.thelambdacenter.com Whitman-Walker Clinic 1407 S Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009 202.797.3500 Fax: 202.797.3504 www.wwc.org

Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW 202.265.2400 1640 Good Hope Road, SE 202.561.8587 www.breadforthecity. org Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington 924 G Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 202.772.4324 Fax: 202.772.4402 BishopJ@ CatholicCharitiesDC.org www.catholiccharitiesdc.org

Columbus Community Legal Services, Columbus School of Law The Catholic University of America 3602 John McCormack Rd. NE Washington, D.C. 20064 202.319.6788 Fax: 202.319.6780 [email protected]

Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia 666 Eleventh Street, NW Ste. 800 Washington, D.C. 20001.4589 202.628.1161 Fax: 202.727.2132 [email protected] www.legalaiddc.org

Office of the Attorney General, Family Services Division Domestic Violence Unit 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Ste. 409 Washington, D.C. 20004 202.727.3400 The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia 633 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 800.341.2582 202.628.1200 TTY: 202.824.2531 Fax: 202.824.2423

9 Domestic Violence Intake Center D.C. Superior Court 500 Indiana Avenue, Room 4235 Washington, D.C. 20001 202.879.0152

Victim Witness Assistance Unit (VWAU) of the US Attorney’s Office 202.514.7130 SAFE (Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment), Inc. D.C. Superior Court Domestic Violence Intake Center 500 Indiana Avenue, Room 4235 Washington, D.C. 20001

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

202.879.7851 SAFEdirector@ dccadv.org www.dcsafe.org Women & the Law Clinic at American University’s Washington College of Law 202.274.4140 Fax: 202.274.0659 shallec@wcl. american.edu

Emerging Concern: Technology in Stalking By Connie Zheng

SEXUAL ASSAULT D.C. Rape Crisis Center PO Box 34125 Washington, D.C. 20043 Hotline: 202.333.7273 202.232.0789 TTY: 202.328.1371 Fax: 202.387.3812 [email protected] www.dcrcc.org Men Can Stop Rape 202.265.6530 www. mencanstoprape. org

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hile “twitterers” revel in following one another in real time and worried parents track their children’s whereabouts through GPS-enabled cell phones, a darker trend is emerging from these technological advances. Perpetrators of domestic violence have increasingly turned to technology as resourceful tools to stalk their victims, turning the conveniences of technology into a double-edged sword used for malicious purposes. “It’s nice to connect to people you knew 20 years ago on Facebook,” said Marc Guillory, Assistant District Attorney. “But then stalkers can twitter they are going to harm you and that if you talk to another man, you are dead.” Guillory is part of the Felony Stalking Prosecution and Threat Management unit, a task force in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office that focuses only on stalking cases. Of all the stalking cases he currently has on his desk, he said all of them involves technology in one way or another. The prevalence of technology is similar in the cases over at the Domestic Violence Response Unit (DVRU), a unit in the San Francisco Police Department that investigates domestic violence cases. In March and April, the unit received approximately 71 cases that involved stalking. Of these cases, nearly 75 percent involved technology, said Police Inspector Arthur Stellini at DVRU. These cases contained an array of technological tools. Increasing numbers of stalkers are using Spoofcard.com, a service that changes or spoofs what someone sees on their caller ID display when they receive a phone call, Stellini said. From Twitter, the free micro-blogging website that lets users send and read one another’s updates, social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, personal blogs, to the Internet in general, stalkers use these tools to glean information

about their victims and to post threatening messages. “The Internet is a great resource for stalkers to look up their victim’s history, especially if that person is blogging,” Guillory said. In addition, stalkers send threatening text messages to victims’ cell phones, leave malicious messages on public sites like Craigslist, fire off barrages of unpleasant e-mails, and add GPS locators to victims’ cell phones and vehicles to track their whereabouts. “They use a plethora of technological tools to engage in stalking behavior because they need access and proximity,” Guillory said. Access and proximity are two critical factors in stalking. With the advent of technology, stalking in effect becomes not only cheaper but easier. “You can cyberstalk across the country,” Guillory said. With all these tools at stalkers’ disposal, Guillory and Stellini recommend people take proactive steps to protect themselves. Suggestions include getting a new phone number, keeping phone numbers unlisted, changing e-mail addresses, and building a case against the stalker by documenting all stalking incidences to give to the police. “Don’t put personal information on the Web,” Guillory advised. “You have to assume that millions of people are going to be able to find something about you. Such information becomes identification markers to find out about you. Information can hurt you when it comes to stalking.” These proactive steps are essential, because the use of technology in stalking will not be going away any time soon. “I expect some use of technology in every case,” Guillory said. “Technology brings the whole world closer together, but one consequence is it also brings crimes together and it brings crimes closer to you.”

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COURT WATCH

Murder-Suicide Leaves Widow in Critical Condition For reasons that still remain unclear, 42-year-old Devan Kalathat, a Yahoo engineer, killed his two children and three relatives

their brother-in-law, 35-year-old Ashok Appu Poothemkandi; their sister-in-law, 25-year-old Suchitra Sivaraman; and the couple’s daughter, 11-month-old Ahana Ashok. Signs of trouble in the family had surfaced last year when a weeping Appu called Sunnyvale police during a domestic dispute with Kalathat on July 15, 2008 from their Sunnyvale home.

Ramirez on October 22, 2000. She was 28 years old. When Tempongko returned with her two children to her apartment in the Richmond District on October 22, 2000, Ramirez was waiting after having broken into her apartment. He attacked Tempongko with a knife in front of her then 5-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. The police found her dead in her living room. Ramirez fled to Mexico after Tempongko’s murder and eluded

capture for nearly six years. Finally, on June 15, 2006, with the help of the FBI, Ramirez was arrested in Cancun where he had been living under an alias. In April 2007, Ramirez was extradited to the U.S. During a preliminary hearing in the San Francisco Superior Court in November 2007, a judge determined there was sufficient evidence to try Ramirez for Tempongko’s murder. Trial began on September 8, 2008, nearly eight years after her murder,

and ended on September 18, 2008. After deliberating for three days, the jury split 6-6 between first and second-degree murder. After taking a week-long break, the jury returned with a guilty verdict, finding Ramirez guilty of second-degree murder. In December 2008, Ramirez received a sentence of 16 years to life. His attorney has not filed an appeal.

A Witness to History: Justice for Nicole Update

sentencing has been ongoing for the past three years. Due to the highly contentious Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Smith has been in the custody of the U.S. Embassy instead of a Philippine prison. However, on March 12, 2009, a questionable recantation by “Nicole” was released while in the same month, monetary compensation and the termination of her legal counsel casted doubt on who prepared the content of the affidavit. In this long and dirty case, U.S. and Philippines collusion through loopholes in the VFA have demonstrated that in the

Philippines, the rule of law and justice are commanded by American interests and corrupt politicians. The Court of Appeals has failed Filipino women worldwide. Instead of holding Smith accountable of rape, the appellate court has repealed the justice that was already rightfully won by “Nicole” and her family. After years of struggling and fighting with huge and broad support from Filipino organizations like GABRIELA in the Philippines and worldwide, Smith’s acquittal from his legitimate conviction in 2006 is a betrayal to both “Nicole” and her loved ones, but

also to all of the Filipino women, children and men who have been victims of sexual assault and crimes by US military servicemen. Although the family of Nicole has been through enough and are tired of the trickery, Filipino women’s organizations from the Philippines to the U.S. will continue the fight for justice for “Nicole” and all victims of sexual crimes under U.S. occupation.

who they saw covered in blood while lying in bed, that prompted Eddy Casco to call 911, but it was already too late. Community representatives from the San Francisco-based Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), Filipino American Health and Human Services (FAHSI), and the Philippine American Friendship Committee attended the sentence hearing in a show of support to Teris Casco and her family. Nina Nguyen Lagac and April Anne Tiamzon of FWN were at

the sentencing. Lagac gave a statement to the court on behalf of Teris Casco and other victims of domestic violence. “Good morning Judge. On behalf of all Filipinos who are afraid to speak out against domestic and intimate partner violence and for everyone who fell victim to their abusers, we thank the Court for the opportunity to have the Filipino American community be heard,” Lagac said. “Teris Casco – mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend – didn’t

have to die. Her memory lives on in us forever. We, therefore urge this honorable court to impose the maximum sentence as recommended by the state in the plea agreement. We further believe that such sentence will serve as a deterrent to batterers and encourage victims of domestic violence to come out, and speak up, and no longer be afraid,” she added.

By Co n n i e Z h en g

THE MURDER OF CLAIRE JOYCE TEMPONGKO

Ramirez Sentenced to Second-Degree Murder By Co n n i e Z h en g Claire Joyce Tempongko, a San Francisco resident and Filipina American, became a victim of domestic violence when she was killed by her ex-boyfriend Tari

Controversy Surrounds Acquittal of Daniel Smith By R aq u el R ed o n d i e z

Filipina Americans in the United States express our disgust and anger at the news that the Court of Appeals in the Philippines has acquitted Lance Corporal Daniel Smith in the 2005 rape case of “Nicole.” Lcpl. Smith was convicted of raping “Nicole” on December 4, 2006, and legalities around custody and

Eddy Casco Sentenced 18 years in Prison for Murder of Teris Casco Teris Casco, a young Filipina who was brutally beaten to death by her husband on January 20, 2007 after a night out celebrating her 33rd birthday, finally received justice as Superior Court Judge Peter Vasquez sentenced Eddy 10

“Crying female indicates that her husband has taken her passport and all documents,” the one-paragraph police report said. “Two police units respond and contact the involved parties; Devan Kalathat and a female believed to be his wife.” However, police found no signs or threats of domestic violence and resolved the dispute in15 minutes.

before shooting himself in a murder-suicide on March 29 in his Santa Clara home. Only his 34year-old wife, Abha Appu survived the shooting massacre, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, and she remains in critical condition still at a local hospital. Among those found dead at the scene were Kalathat and Appu’s 11-year-old son, Akhil Dev; their 4-year-old daughter, Negha Dev;

Casco to 18 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter in 2008, as part of a plea agreement. On March 30, 2008, Eddy Casco pleaded guilty to the aggravated manslaughter charge, admitting that he beat his wife Teris to death, and provided a gruesome account of the battery and fatal injuries, including broken ribs in 20 places and a broken nose. It was only because of their two young sons, who returned from the baby-sitter and asked what was wrong with their mother

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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Raquel Redondiez is the Chair of GABRIELA USA, a Filipino organization based in San Francisco.

Reprinted from The Filipino Express

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Female Genital Mutilation BY A D R I EN N E AGU I R R E

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emale genital mutilation, also known as “female circumcision” or “female genital cutting,” is the practice of partially or entirely removing the female external genitalia, or causing any other harm to the female genitals for cultural or non-medical purposes. Although the practice is most commonly done in countries in Africa, hundreds of thousands of women and girls in the U.S. and millions of females around the world are affected by this gruesome form of violence against females and gender discrimination that violate their mental and physical health. Female genital mutilation is mostly practiced on young girls between four and 15 years old. In countries such as Ethiopia, more than half of female circumcision incidences are performed on infants under one year old. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 140 million women worldwide are living with the consequences of female circumcision, with another two to three million more at risk each year. The practice has been documented in over 40 countries, predominantly in 28 countries in Africa. In some of these countries, up to 97 percent of all women have been circumcised. Female genital mutilation also occurs in Asia in the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, and Indonesia. A 2003 study by the international research group Population Council revealed that in Indonesia, 96 percent of families surveyed reported their daughters had undergone some form of female genital mutilation by age 14. Female genital mutilation occurs in the U.S. as well. An estimated 168,000 women and girls in the U.S. had undergone female genitalia cutting or were at risk in 1990, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With many females emigrating from countries

where female genital mutilation is practiced, the numbers of females in the U.S. who have experienced the practice or are at risk for it are rising. Although these females are in a different country, cultural expectations and family obligations that fuel this practice often remain unchanged. Addressing the problems of female genital mutilation in the U.S. is further complicated by language barriers. Although female genital mutilation is commonly connected to religion, the practice itself predates most major religions and is not associated with any one religion in particular. In communities where the practice is common, it is more of a social practice rather than a religious one. Undergoing the procedure often means upholding family honor and avoiding mockery and isolation from peers. These communities regard the practice as a cultural tradition or an “initiation” into womanhood. Girls must undergo the procedure to be considered beautiful, modest, or feminine. If girls remain uncircumcised, they are viewed as unclean, masculine, or unchaste. Female genital mutilation is often used to control a woman’s libido, preventing premarital sex or infidelity. For example, infibulation, a surgical procedure that partially seals the vagina, provides a physical barrier to intercourse. Some societies believe female genital mutilation increases fertility. No health benefits associated with female genital mutilation have been identified and the women and young girls who have undergone the practice are very likely to suffer severe physical, sexual, emotional, and mental trauma. Most girls almost never receive anesthesia or antibiotics to treat infection. Medical treatment for victims is rare. The practice usually occurs in unsanitary environments and, since it is not uncommon for the same cutting implement to be used multiple times on many

girls at once, the likelihood of transmitting HIV and other blood-borne pathogens is sharply increased. Broken glass, thorns, tin can lids, rusty or blunt knives, scissors and razors are common instruments used to perform the operation. Due to the pain of the procedure, victims often go into shock. Victims of female genital mutilation face a variety of short and long-term effects, including hemorrhaging, benign nerve tumors, cysts, excess scar tissue, sterility, labor complications, and sexual dysfunction. In partially sealing the vagina, infibulation in particular causes the retention of menstrual blood and urine, resulting in chronic pelvic infections and urinary tract infections. Infibulated women, who must have their vaginal openings repeatedly cut open and sewn together, find childbirth exceedingly painful; giving birth often results in tearing around the anus. Labor subsequently becomes prolonged and newborn deaths are not uncommon. Repeatedly closing and reopening the vagina for childbirth and intercourse result in excessive buildup of scar tissue on the genitalia of these women. Psychologically, victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, humiliation, a sense of betrayal by their parents, and depression when removed from their communities. Over the years, awareness of female genital mutilation has increased with more and more laws passed to stem the practice. Over a dozen countries in Africa have banned the practice. More than 16 states in the U.S. have passed criminal sanctions against the practice, including California, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. In 1996, a federal law made the practice of female genital mutilation against a person under age 18 a federal crime. Slowly, the outcries against female genital mutilation have been heard and galvanized governments and organizations to take steps toward creating the day when this abominable practice will be abolished in all corners of the world.

Adrienne Aguirre is a writer living in San Francisco.

R emembering the C omfort W omen

LEFT: Board member Nini Alvero presents a check on behalf of V-Day FWN to Richie Extremadura, president of Lila Pilipina. ABOVE: Nini visits with surviving comfort women in Manila. ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

On July 30, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 121, a resolution that called on Japan to apologize for forcing thousands of women into sexual servitude to its soldiers before and after World War II. Most of these girls were taken from Japanese-occupied China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia. They are now women in their 80s and 90s. In 2009, the Filipina Women’s Network visited Filipino comfort women at the LOLA Center in the Philippines. Board Member Nini Alvero donated $1,000 on behalf of FWN to Lila Pilipina, Inc., an organization of Filipino comfort women, victims and survivors of rape and military sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II, advocating for justice and freedom for victims of domestic violence in war and armed conflict situations. 11

Language Access for Domestic Violence Victims BY BETSY LAU

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battered immigrant woman often feels linguistically and culturally isolated from the very people and agencies she seeks help from. 9-1-1 is the only number she knows can help her, but when she calls she is unable to communicate to officers. They do not understand her and she does not understand them. She fears for her life but does not know where to go or who can protect her from a vengeful partner. Among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women, a call to the police signals a desperate plea for help against the abuser she no longer can protect with her silence.

Claire Joyce Tempongko reported her abusive ex-boyfriend Tari Ramirez to the San Francisco Police Department six times, only to be killed by Ramirez after law enforcement failed to charge him. After Tempongko’s death in 2000, the city formed the Justice and Courage Project in 2001 to better combat domestic violence. One of the project’s key goals is to provide interpreters who understand the victim’s language and culture. Language access in metropolitan areas across the United States has improved since the Justice and Courage Project elucidated the language barrier problems in communication and comprehension. According to 2000 U.S. census data, 19.7 percent or over one million APIs in the U.S. speak English “not well” while 5.1 percent or nearly 300,000 APIs do not speak English at all. In 2004, the District of Columbia passed the Language Access Act requiring major government agencies 12

to provide interpretive services and forms translated in multiple languages for the Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, French and Amharic speaking residents. In October 2007, the City and County of San Francisco announced government partnership with Language Line Services, a phone interpretation service for over 170 languages. Police officers receiving calls from victims with limited or no English proficiency can easily access the Language Line through phones connected to the service. Although the Language Line is ambitious, many factors still mar the convenience of phone interpretation: unavailable interpreters, long wait times and a failure by police officers to call. In life-threatening situations, calls should always be made to the police. However, many proactive resources exist beyond law enforcement. The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates a toll-free 24-hour help line for women who are in need of local domestic violence resources or who simply need to talk. The hotline utilizes Language Line Services to provide interpretive services for non-English speakers, and is susceptible to the same problems. The help line requires some English to navigate and may discourage callers with limited or no English understanding. Help lines designed specifically for immigrants’ use are better equipped to accept calls from non-English speakers. The “Peace in the Home” toll-free hotline launched in January 2009 by the city of Seattle features a menu in 14 languages including Japanese, Khmer, Lao, Mandarin, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese. The city-funded hotline connects callers to one of seven county domestic violence agencies offering interpreters in the appropriate language. The Asian Women’s Shelter in San

and legal interpreters can help battered women attain a temporary protection order valid for two weeks against their abusers, who risk arrest or fines for contacting or seeing their victims. After the two-week period it is possible to obtain a full protection order for a year or more. The nationwide Violence Against Women Act allows battered spouses to file for permanent residency without dependence on their abusers who are U.S. citizens. Perhaps the most dangerous barrier to those seeking help with limited or no English proficiency is their perception that no one will be able to help them. Lack of sensitivity and lack of interpretation from criminal justice officers enforce the perception of isolation. City governments are taking a step in the right direction by training officers to call third-party phone interpreters, but in the long run cities will require a pool of bilingual staff to facilitate language accessibility.

Francisco operates a toll-free 24-hour emergency help line for Asian women in need of shelter and provides bilingual advocates for over 30 languages and dialects. Abused women often worry about child custody, financial independence and attempts at vengeance from their partner. Abused immigrant women have additional fears of deportation and cultural judgment. Bilingual advocates provide the most comprehensive help to battered immigrant women because they help abused women through the entire process while possessing a full understanding of their experiences. Advocates provide peer support, create a safety plan, offer interpretive services, help with family support, as well as refer language-appropriate shelters and legal aid when available. The Asian Women’s Betsy Lau is a recent graduate of the Shelter in San Francisco and the Asian/ University of California at Santa Cruz, Pacific Islander Domestic Violence where she studied literature and history. Resource Project in Washington, D.C. She loves to travel and learn. are nonprofit organizations structured on the Multi-lingual Access Model (MLAM) that encourages face-toface interpretation from bilingual and culturally sensitive advocates. omestic violence is a pattern of The complicated violent and coercive behaviors bureaucratic legal system between individuals involved in and language barrier intimate or familial relationships. deter immigrant women It involves the use of verbal, emotional, from understanding psychological, sexual, economic and/or physical legal proceedings or forms of abuse by one individual or group of completing un-translated individuals to maintain power and control over forms. The Asian Pacific another person. American Legal Resource Center in Washington, Examples of domestic violence can include: D.C. operates a criticizing, humiliation, pushing, shoving, hitting, forced sex, rape, intimidation, name-calling, multilingual legal help isolation, threats of physical harm, threats of line staffed by bilingual deportation, economic control, verbal attacks, law students who make and threats to harm or remove children. Abusive referrals in Chinese, behavior can include a combination of these Hindi, Urdu, Vietnamese behaviors or other controlling actions not listed. and Korean. Advocates

DV: FACTS, STATS AND MYTHS

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rienced e p x E r e v E u Have Yo lence? io V d e s s e n it Or W th e hell is wrong wi

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S TAT I S T I C S •• Nearly one-third of women in the U.S. report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. •• In 2005, 12.8 percent of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women reported experiencing physical assault by an intimate partner at least once during their lifetime; 3.8 percent reported having been raped. The low rate for API women may be attributed to underreporting. •• 85 percent of domestic violence survivors are women. •• The percentage of female murder survivors killed by intimate partners has remained at about 30 percent since 1976. •• 50 percent of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children. •• Project AWARE (Asian Women

Advocating Respect and Empowerment) in Washington, D.C., conducted an anonymous survey from 2000 to 2001 to examine the experiences of abuse, service needs, and barriers to service among Asian women. Using a sample of 178 Asian women: »» 81.1 percent of the women reported experiencing at least one form of intimate partner violence (domination/ controlling/psychological, physical, and/or sexual abuse) in the past year. »» 67 percent “occasionally” experienced some form of domination or controlling psychological abuse; 48 percent experienced it “frequently” in the past year. »» 32 percent experienced physical or sexual abuse at least “occasionally” during the past year. »» Of the 23 women who reported not having experienced intimate partner

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violence themselves, 64 percent said they knew of an Asian friend who had experienced intimate partner violence. Smaller proportions of respondents reported that their mothers (9 percent) and sisters (11 percent) had experienced intimate partner violence. »» 28.5 percent of the survey participants knew of a woman who was being abused by her in-laws. •• The National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) interviewed 336 Asian American women aged 18 to 34 who reside in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas in 2002:

»»16 percent of the respondents reported having experienced “pressure to have sex without their consent by an intimate partner.” »»12 percent of respondents reported that an intimate partner had hurt or had attempted to hurt them by means of hitting, kicking, slapping, shoving, object throwing, or threatening their lives with a weapon. »»27 percent experienced emotional abuse by an intimate partner.

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MYTHS Myth: Domestic violence does not happen often. •• One out of three women has experienced physical or sexual abuse by a husband or boyfriend at some point in her life. Myth: Domestic violence only affects lower-class, minority communities. •• Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, or educational background. Myth: Batterers abuse their partners because of alcohol/drug use or stress. •• While substance abuse does lower inhibitions and may increase the severity of the abuse, domestic violence is not momentary or temporary loss of control. Domestic violence is a pattern of power and control over another individual. Myth: If she just leaves her abuser, everything would be fine. •• Leaving an abusive relationship is not easy. Many factors, such as economic dependency, immigration status, cultural or religious perceptions, children, love, fear, and a lack of resources or support system, make this decision difficult for most abused women. •• Statistics show that some women try to leave abusive relationships six or seven times before they leave for good. •• Studies show that violence often escalates at the time of separation. Often, when a woman tries to leave, an abuser increases his tactics to maintain power and control and to convince the woman to return to the relationship. Myth: Domestic violence is accepted in Asian/Pacific Islander communities. •• Domestic violence happens in all communities and in every social group. Culture may be used to justify or dismiss domestic violence. However, the fact that domestic violence exists in a community does not mean that all people from that community agree that it is OK to use violence in relationships.

Adapted from a publication by the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project

Abuse through the Asian American Lens By Chris Le

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couple arrives home after attending a party. The husband is quietly livid, having noticed his wife fraternizing with another man in a way he deemed too friendly, almost flirtatious. Unable to assuage his jealousy, he confronts her. She denies any wrongdoing, stating she was just talking and having a good time. The situation escalates and he loses his temper and strikes her across the face. Immediately regretful, he stares at his hand and then at his wife. He rushes to her, begging for forgiveness. Incidents like this are not rare. They occur every day in every city in all countries. But the question is: is this a case of abuse? It may seem straightforward, but the answer to this question varies with ethnicity. In a 2001 study conducted by Professors Pauline Agbayani-Siewert and Alice Yick, 171 Filipino men and women were presented with a scenario similar to the one above. The results showed that, overall, while Filipino men did not condone physical harm, they were “more likely to justify violence if the female intimate partner was found flirting with another guy or having an affair.” In a separate 2000 study with 289 Chinese American and 138 white college students, Agbayani-Siewert and Yick found that Chinese American students had a lesser likelihood of “defining dating violence in terms of psychological aggression compared with their white counterparts.” Additionally, Chinese American students were more inclined than white students to warrant violence in cases of infidelity, nagging, and drunkenness. Agbayani-Siewert and Yick’s research provides a quick glimpse into an Asian consciousness that has a different set of definitions for abuse, in which nonvio-

lent and “justified” abuse is condoned. This cultural contrast could be one of the reasons behind the relatively low number of reported domestic violence incidents among the Asian American community. Ever since the 1970s, when abuse hotlines and shelters were first established, infrequent reports of abuse by Asians led to the assumption that violence is not prevalent within Asian American homes. This assumption is wrong. Surveys conducted by the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence concluded that, of 607 men and women of Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, South Asian, and Vietnamese descent, 38 percent reported knowing a woman who has been shoved, pushed, slapped, hit, kicked, or suffered other injuries from her partner. Thirty-three percent said they knew a woman whose partner insulted or humiliated her regularly. But a deeper, underlying problem exists. Only a small handful of victims notify the authorities, let alone separate from their husbands. A study conducted by Professors Anita Raj and Jay G. Silverman found that, out of 160 South Asian women in the Greater Boston Area, 40 percent reported being a victim of domestic violence, but only 3.1 percent of the abused ever took legal action against an abusive partner. Domestic violence occurs in Asian American communities, but why are there not more reports? Why do these victims remain invisible? The root of this problem and of the disparate definitions of abuse may be found in cultural values. Tuyen D. Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Human Services at California State University at Fullerton and author of Domestic Violence in Asian American Communities: A Cultural Overview, claims that Asian cultures “heavily emphasize denial

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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of self, loyalty, and consideration to the good of all people involved...these values may only support the minimization and hiding of [abuse].” Battered Asian American wives fail to speak out to avoid risking the separation of their household. Feeling the burden of family duty, they stay with abusive husbands for the good of their children. Some view reporting a partner as an act of betrayal. Most of all, they are afraid to defame their family name within a society that, as Nguyen asserts, “does not allow disintegration of marriage under any circumstances.” This silence and inaction stem from a fear of ostracism and being an outcast. In the worst cases, abuse isn’t even viewed as abuse. Further studies by Yick have indicated that Khmer and Laotian women believe spousal abuse is common. Vietnamese women, on the other hand, appear more accepting of physical violence, believing it is to be tolerated periodically. Asian American women are entering marriages knowing there may be a high probability of physical and emotional harm from their partner. Violence to them is seen as common, so there is no need to make a fuss out of the ordinary. This mindset of acceptance needs to be overcome. The problem is not merely ending the physical and emotional abuse that is universal across all ethnicities. The difficult part is reversing the prevalent cultural perceptions among Asian Americans of guilt and ambivalence toward seeking help.

Chris Le is a freelance writer, who previously reported for the AsianWeek Newspaper. In 2007, he co-founded SportsCouch, a popular sports blog. He received his B.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine. He lives in San Jose, CA.

wwwFilipinaWomensNetwork.org

April 14, 2009 It is never late to make a change, to live life the way you want to live it, to tend to wounds that are many years old, to make a difference in other people’s lives. I used to see violence as something physical, leaving marks, bruises, and scars on the body. But violence can do all of these things and not have them seen. It’s on the inside, the emotional and mental damage. It’s much harder to heal the unseen. And as I found out, even when you think they are healed, they are not. You carry them with you and they affect your life from that point forward. Have I ever experienced violence? Yes. I used to consider the unhealthy relationship I had with an old boyfriend in college as violent. It’s not as bad as what you would see on the news, but there was definitely physical fighting. Eventually, realizing that we brought the worst out of each other, we broke up. That was the easier experience. It was acknowledged, discussed, and dealt with. Age 5. How can a grown man touch a child of 5 years gently, leaving no marks, and have it be violent? It is attention given to an unsupervised, attention-starved child. I’ve experienced orgasms even before I knew what they were. Was it wrong? Confusion. Silence. Age 10. A foreigner claiming to be a photographer complimented me and wanted me to go with him to his room to take my picture. Thank goodness I was too engrossed playing in the arcade at that time to be wooed by the offer. Thinking back years later, I realized what it could have been. I was ignorant, but lucky. Age 14. I didn’t know about date rape at that time, never heard of the term. I was in shock and didn’t struggle so I never thought of it as violence. He wasn’t even a date. He was a friend’s boyfriend who was 7 years older than me. I was taken advantage of. Was it violence? Silence… Silence… Ignorance… Silence. A deadly combination. Break the silence! Two years later I learned about date rape. It was a relief to be able to talk about it with a professional and to be assured that it wasn’t my fault. People always assume that women could have done something to prevent it from happening. It’s shameful when it is “allowed” to happen. Victims don’t “allow” things like these to happen. They cope the best they can to survive and live normally afterwards. Educate! Thirty-one years later I found someone special, someone who won’t judge me and still accept and love me for who I am, someone who I’d like to know the whole “Me.” For the first time I was able to share my earliest experience. I never thought it would affect me as much as it did to actually verbalize the experience. It was a relief, a big burden lifted. I broke the silence and I am able to talk about it more freely now, to share my experience and to help avoid the same thing from happening to others. Violence takes many forms and can happen to anyone at any age. Watch your children closely, educate them, love them unconditionally, and give them the attention they need every day. It’s never too late to start. It is never too late to find peace and happiness. V-Day FWN 2009 FILIPINA WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

From Darkness to

Enlightenment

BY P H I L I P A N D R E S , R . N .

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DIARIES

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unpro ducti ve life. ight years ago in 2001, I was living a very chaot ic and r of a six-month I was 19 years old and a drug addic t. I was also the fathe to a very rocky old baby boy. My addic tion to meth amph etam ine led t. Our relat ionsh ip turne d relat ionsh ip with my girlfr iend, moth er of our infan One day while I was high on into arguments that became horri ble every single day. intim idate d her. I was drugs, I threa tened to harm her with a gun replic a which nt couns eling . Howe ver, incarcerated and was ordered to atten d anger manageme couns eling . I conv inced I was in such great denia l that I thought I did not need myse lf that I did not ed couns eling , misse d do anyt hing wron g. So why should I go? There fore, I skipp tive peers and to do drugs . my court dates, conti nued to surro und myse lf with nega arres ted seven more times . That vicious lifest yle of mine resul ted in my getti ng isco Bay Area . Those I was wanted in three diffe rent count ies in the San Franc my mista kes, I got days were the dark est days of my life. I didn’t learn from ated from frien ds, term inate d from couns eling a couple of times; I was separ famil y, and wors t of all, from my youn g son. life into a diffe rent Upon my last conv iction in 2003, I decided to turn my ent was not easy. tenm enligh rd direc tion towa rd enligh tenment. Chan ging towa not able to see my was I ds. recor I was unable to get a job because of my crimi nal d, I perse vered urage disco ng getti grow ing baby boy on a regul ar basis . Inste ad of in my life. es hurdl these ome and conti nued to believe that I will some day overc ce group couns eling . I tried to become more invol ved with my dome stic violen ed to shift my thoughts and With the help of my couns elor, Paulit a Malay, I learn and to understand that behavior from nega tive to posit ive, to respe ct others, start s, finall y, I comp leted any type of violen ce is unacc eptable. With stops and back to schoo l. I atten ded my Alter natives to Viole nce progr am. In 2004, I went and gradu ated in 2006 City Colleg e of San Franc isco for my pre-n ursin g class ted at San Franc isco State for my AA degre e with the highe st hono rs. I got accep . Last Decem ber of 2008, Unive rsity for the nursi ng progr am in the fall of 2006 . I also got induc ted to the I gradu ated with a B.S. in Nursi ng, Summ a Cum Laude ng. In Marc h 2009, I passe d Sigm a Theta Tau Inter natio nal Hono r Socie ty of Nursi the Board Exams and I am now a Regis tered Nurse . an advo cate again st I have been drug free for almos t six years now. I am now violen ce couns eling class dome stic violen ce. I still visit Mrs. Malay’s dome stic group’s participan ts. I also the with every now and then to share my exper ience ds abou t dome stic frien and y educa te my famil my eight-year-old son see now I . violen ce and abuse my nega tive peers all ced repla I . on a regul ar basis with posit ive ones. Above all, I am now in a healt hy relat ionsh ip. I believe that as long as you surro und yours elf with nurtu ring and posit ive people, it is possi ble to chan ge. As Mrs. Malay state d, I am living proof of that trans form ation . For more on Paulit a Malay, see the Vagin a Warr iors story on page 16.

2009 VAGINA WARRIORS By connie zheng and keesa ocampo

“Vagina Warriors: The New Revolution” celebrates new activists and leaders who are working to end violence against women in the Filipino and Asian communities. Vagina Warriors are the women and men who have often experienced violence personally or witnessed it within their communities and dedicated themselves toward ending such violence through effective, grassroots means. The Filipina Women’s Network is proud to honor four individuals who personify such courage and conviction. They have faced and overcome adversity in their lives and are actively involved in or heading efforts to end violence against women and girls.

RODEL RODIS

American to be appointed to a major commission in San Francisco. Within a year, Rodel was elected president of the commission in 1988 and re-elected in 1989. As president of the commission, Rodel sponsored a resolution that transferred 15 acres of land from the South Balboa Reservoir to the City College of San Francisco. As the most congested campus in California, the acres became City College’s future site of the new Performing Arts Center, the new Joint Use Facility, and the new Science and Technology Center.

Considered the “Godfather” of the Filipino community, Rodel Rodis is a true Vagina Warrior. He has and continues to devote countless pro bono hours in helping women and girls in domestic violence situations and low-income clients. A talented and dedicated attorney, Rodel has over 28 years of legal experience in immigration, family law, and civil litigation. His injunction against the U.S. government over the unjust and discriminatory firing of non-citizen airport screeners is just one of Rodel has 18 years of service as a trustee Rodel’s many instances of fighting for to the San Francisco City College and equality. But Rodel is more than an two-time president. In 1991, Mayor Agnos attorney. appointed Rodel to a vacant post in the He is an author, an educator, a performing City College Board. Rodel ran for general artist, a community leader, a role model, elections the following year and won, and a powerful advocate for fairness, becoming the first Filipino American to win education, equity, and anti-domestic elected office in San Francisco. Rodel violence. Rodel has been a columnist for a continued to win re-elections in 1996, Filipino community newspaper since 1987. 2000, and 2004. During 1998 and 2002, He co-founded the National Federation of he served as the President of the Board. Filipino American Associations and Under Rodel’s many years of leadership founded the Global Filipino Networking and service, he helped secure over $700 Convention. In 2008, he captivated million dollars in grants and city bonds to audiences performing in the monologues fund the largest infrastructure construction “The Closet” and “The Perfect Marriage” program in the history of City College. The in the Filipina Women Network’s funds enabled the construction of many production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A new sites for City College, including the Rant and A Prayer” in San Francisco. new Chinatown/North Beach campus expected to open in 2011. Politicians and In 1987, Rodel was appointed by former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos to the San community leaders from local, state, and national levels have lauded Rodel for his Francisco Public Utilities Commission lifetime of service to education, to the (SFPUC), becoming the first Filipino 16

Filipino community, and to the city of San Francisco. In recognition of Rodel’s many achievements, Mayor Gavin Newsom has declared January 27, 2009 as Rodel Rodis Day in San Francisco. A role model, Rodel has enhanced the image of Filipino and Asian Americans in the U.S. He inspires Filipino Americans to run for office and to come together to better the community. Of his many contributions, Rodel considers his legacy to be his years of involvement with the community, but his proudest achievement is being the father of his three sons Carlo, Daniel, and Eric.

GENEVIEVE JOPANDA Genevieve’s definition comes from her familiarity of different kinds of violence and the capable courage to communicate through the issues. What makes her stand out is her genuine compassion for people she meets and the energy with which she pulls them up and forward. Gen is the events coordinator for the Palo Alto Clockwise from top left: Rodel Rodis, Genevieve Chamber of Commerce, with previous Jopanda, Paulita Lasola Malay and Liz Aguilar-Tarchi experience with companies like Zipcar, Hertz, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Her peers know that the excellence she brings to the corporate world is equaled by the brilliance she holds in the community. Arts Exposition and Pistahan as its talent Gen began as a volunteer for the Filipina coordinator and executive producer for the Women’s Network and immediately got Sine! Sine! Film Festival. involved with the “The Vagina Monologues” and its board. The V-Diaries Clearly a jack of all trades, Gen’s motivation has always been to break the is her brainchild. Gen came up with the cycle of culturally ingrained myths and to idea of a playbill that was also an help women communicate and handle attractive resource guide with an internal frustrations. In all that she does, appealing cover backed by full content about anti-domestic violence. Since 2005, Gen works to connect people to elevate the community at large. Gen has been directing the annual stage production of the “The Vagina “You are your own cockblocker,” she said. Monologues.” “You have to believe in yourself first Gen is currently the President of the Young before anyone can believe in you.” Filipino Professionals Association, a An emerging leader of the community, member of the San Francisco-Manila Sister Gen’s youth and vitality have been City Committee, a member of the Filipino undeniable assets as she betters the American Political Action Committee, and community with her passion and an founding member of Citizen Hope. She unapologetic ferocity of standing up for works with the annual Filipino American those around her.

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w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g

emotional end to an infamous case that lasted nearly a decade, shaking up San Francisco law enforcement. She successfully prosecuted Tari Ramirez for the murder of Claire Joyce Tempongko, a 28-year-old Filipina, in front of her two young children. “I want to dedicate this award to the children of domestic violence,” Liz said. “Often times, they are the silent victims.” Liz has worked tirelessly for years to influence and shape law enforcement’s tools against domestic violence in California. A former board member of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Liz is considered an expert in the area of domestic violence prosecution and trial litigation strategies. She has trained attorneys, paralegals, police officers and law students throughout the country in domestic violence, stalking and trial litigation strategies. She has also trained hundreds of police officers at the San Francisco Police Academy in the investigation and collection of evidence in domestic violence cases.

Asian in the field of domestic violence treatment and prevention in San Mateo County. Through her work, Paulita strives to enable others to create better lives and to help them transform their relationships into happy, healthy ones. Through the years, Paulita has given to the community over 880 hours of workshops on education, prevention and intervention of domestic violence and on providing culturally sensitive services. In 1998, Paulita began her solo private practice where she sees individuals, couples and families. Men and women seek her expertise in cross-cultural and interracial relationships, anger management and in attaining healthy relationships.

Previously, from 1997 to 2002, Paulita worked as a Filipino outreach coordinator and bilingual community educator at the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (now called C.O.R.A.) in San Mateo. During those five years, she focused her efforts on helping victims of violence and in educating the community about domestic violence and its prevention. Of all her achievements, Liz regards two to Along with founding the agency’s Filipino be her most significant contributions. She Outreach Program, Paulita also established is proudest of creating the specialized and facilitated a support group in Daly City mandatory police report that is now used for women in abusive relationships. by the city police department for all cases involving domestic violence. Previously, Although Paulita is a foremost expert in police officers had been using a generic domestic violence treatment, she form. Liz also established a vertical acknowledged she fell into the field by a prosecution court for all misdemeanor touch of serendipity. She didn’t start domestic violence cases – a critical concentrating in the field until 1995 ELIZABETH “LIZ” component in establishing trust and when she began facilitating intervention cooperation – in which there is only one groups for Filipinos charged with AGUILAR-TARCHI key initial contact person for all witnesses domestic violence misdemeanors. Since Elizabeth “Liz” Aguilar-Tarchi has been an and victims. 1990, Paulita has served as a therapist at Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco Pyramid Alternatives, a non-profit Liz grew up in the Los Angeles city proper organization in Pacifica. She leads three for over 22 years. Currently assigned to as a So-Cal girl and one of six children in a board-certified batterers’ intervention and the general litigation unit, she serves as large family. After graduating from UCLA treatment groups. Two of these groups the unit’s hate crimes specialist. in 1979, she moved north to pursue her Previously, Liz served as the domestic are for Filipino men who are mandated violence unit’s managing attorney for two law degree at the Hastings College of Law by the courts to go to counseling after administrations and head of the narcotics in San Francisco where she fell in love with having been arrested for domestic the Bay Area. After obtaining her J.D. in unit. Before her career at the district violence misdemeanors. Paulita has attorney’s office, Liz worked at a civil rights 1982, she decided to make the Bay Area changed and transformed countless lives her home where she now lives with her firm and as chief aide to former San working to teach offenders alternatives to husband and two teenage kids. Francisco supervisor Jim Gonzalez. She violence. One such past offender, Philip, found her passion in public service where accompanied Paulita when she received she put herself in the frontlines of fighting PAULITA LASOLA MALAY her Vagina Warrior award on April 25 and domestic violence. stood as a testament to the lives she’s With counseling experience that spans transformed. Since working with Paulita, A gifted attorney, Liz holds the record in over 30 years, for the longest time, Paulita he transformed his life and graduated San Francisco for obtaining the longest Lasola Malay has provided comfort to summa cum laude from the San Francisco sentence, 100 years to life, in a case. countless Filipina women in domestic Despite her success in all the various units violence situations with her expertise as a State University with a degree in nursing. (Read his story on page 15). she’s worked in, Liz found her niche in marriage and family therapist. She is the fighting domestic violence. Liz brought an only Filipina psychotherapist and the only ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

.......

tu

.......

2008 Vagina Warriors Annalisa Enrile Ken Marquis Ken Theisen M. Evelina Galang Mona Pasquil Nenette Flores Sonia Delen Justice Tani Gore Cantil-Sakauye

..................

2007 Vagina Warriors Al S. Perez Bettina Santos Yap Elena B. Mangahas Laureen Laglagaron Perla De Jesus Rudy Asercion Bincy Jacob Krittika Ghosh Venessa Manzano

..................

2006 Vagina Warriors Beverly Upton Dorka Keehn Gloria Megino Ochoa Imelda Oppenheim Jonah Oliverio Ligaya Hattari Sarah Jane Ilumin Tess Crescini ..................

2005 Vagina Warriors

Kamala D. Harris Giovannie Pico Gloria Ramos Rita Villavicencio Schmidt Velma Roset Veloria ..................

2004 Vagina Warriors

Blesidla Ocampo Cherie Querol Moreno Clara Tempongko Genevieve Dwyer Tisa Mendoza Vangie Cononizado Buell Leni Marin ..................

17

Men Against Violence By Gladys Dodds

O

n April 11, 2009, Emmanual Batulan, Ben De Guzman, Jon

Melegrito and other male cast members joined forces with the Filipina Women’s Network to perform in their production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” and “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” (MMRP), the first ever all-

Filipino production at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Batulan, De Guzman and

Melegrito discussed their thoughts and experiences in an interview.

EMMANUAL BATULAN When Emmanual “Eme” Batulan first heard about the “The Vagina Monologues,” he wasn’t sure what the production was really about. “At best, I had the impression it was a show that talks about the female anatomy,” Batulan said. “Instead, I learned it was about violence committed against women and girls.” Performing in “Rescue” by Mark Matousek and “True” by Carol Michele Kaplan, he hoped the production would educate the public about such forms of violence. “Hopefully, they realize the gravity of violence committed against women all over the world and do a self-analysis of their own relationships with women and girls,” he said. Batulan also found the production to be art that makes a powerful statement, despite his slight discomfort, which he still has, with some of the words used. “Using the word ‘puki’ in a public forum still makes me uncomfortable,” Batulan confided. “But I guess that’s really the objective – to make it an in-your-face statement.” “The production is art with a social conscience,” he added. Although Batulan is no novice on the stage, with years of experience performing dance and music with the Filipinescas Dance Company, Batulan said his experience with this production was different. “The range of emotions I had to muster was both challenging and at the same time exhilarating,” said Batulan, 18

who portrayed a character that was both the oppressor and the oppressed in “True.” Most of all, Batulan will remember the time he spent with his fellow Filipino cast members. As Batulan ended his experience with FWN, what will stand out the most for him will be the time spent working with a fantastic cast.

JON MELEGRITO “No matter how miserable or frustrated you are, you never have the right to do violence to another human being,” said Jon Melegrito. Melegrito, Communications Director for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, was one of several male cast members who performed in the Filipina Women Network’s V-Day production on April 11 in Washington, D.C. A dedicated community activist and celebrated writer, he had answered to casting calls to support the campaign to end violence against women and girls. Performing in “The Closet” written by Howard Zinn, Melegrito played a little boy living the hard life of an immigrant family in the tenements during the Great Depression. His character witnesses domestic violence when his father slams a piece of cardboard on his mother’s head. “Some boys are raised thinking they are superior to women, because they model themselves after their fathers, and think it’s a normal attitude,” Melegrito said. “With layers and layers of conditioning, a lot of boys grow up with that attitude society has deemed as normal.”

Melegrito found some resonance with his character, recalling his own memories of his father who was a soldier during World War II. “My father never laid a hand on my mother, but there was a lot of mental abuse,” Melegrito said, noting that domestic violence could manifest in many forms besides the physical. “I am not trying to rationalize his actions, but he bore the psychological effects of war.” Recounting his father’s explosive temper, Melegrito spoke of how his mother kept quiet and suffered in silence, accepting her husband for who he was no matter how terrifying his temper. “I have forgiven him, knowing his scars of war,” Melegrito said. “But I always wanted to have a conversation with him about it. I wanted to ask those questions, connect the dots with his past, know why he behaved the way he did, why my mother behaved that way, and how they tried to overcome it.” But Melegrito never got the chance to do so. The elder Melegrito lost his memory, and the bonding and discussion with his father about his experiences in the war could never happen. Melegrito began his own gradual transformation in understanding gender roles, a process that has helped his relationship with his wife of over 40 years. As his FWN production drew to a close, Melegrito reflected on his experience and hopes. He hoped the provocative manner of the show will bring awareness to the commonly hidden secret in the Filipino community of domestic violence. He hoped the positive waves made from the performance will open up more possibilities for other related initiatives to educate the community and challenge culturally-accepted gender norms. “The experience has been liberating with a tremendous and affirming cast,” Melegrito reflected. “What stands out is seeing the women I’ve known for years transform in a matter of weeks.”

BEN DE GUZMAN

was casting male members for “The Vagina Monologues” in Washington, D.C., he initially ignored casting calls. “I didn’t think I would be able to do it because it was a woman thing,” confided Guzman, who had grown up in a house of all boys. “The only woman in my family life was my mother.” However, when he heard that the production needed more men in the cast, he decided to jump in. Casted to play in Edward Albee’s “The Perfect Marriage,” De Guzman found the experience to be a transformative process. “I could feel the progression which was very trippy to experience,” De Guzman said. He realized the production gave people the license to talk about the issue of domestic violence in a very fundamental way. He discovered a whole new world listening to women candidly talk about issues that were usually not within his earshot. “It’s very interesting how women talk to each other and how they perceive their bodies,” De Guzman said. “Even some of the plumbing stuff!” De Guzman, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity, works to ensure that Filipino World War II veterans receive their recently awarded payments from the U.S. government.”

When Ben De Guzman first heard FWN

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g

INTERVIEW AND PROFILES OF API LEADERS AND CAST MEMBERS

Interview with Cast Member: Fiona Ma By Connie Zheng

I

n her fight against domestic violence, California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) makes her theatrical debut in the Filipina Women’s Network’s (FWN) production of the “The Vagina Monologues” on May 2 in San Francisco. Joining FWN’s first production that features an all-Asian American cast, Ma portrays a 72-year-old woman who reminisces about her “down there” in “The Flood” monologue. “I am honored to be part of the production to support the fight against domestic violence,” Ma said. Ma has heard of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” for a number of years and was intrigued by its content and message. When invited by Marily Mondejar, president of FWN, to perform in its production, Ma saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence. “I want to help in any way I can in the fight against domestic violence,” Ma said. “Until we confront it, we cannot end the From top: Cast members Fiona Ma, Jane Kim and Hydra Mendoza

J

oining the Filipina Women’s Network’s campaign against domestic violence, a plight that affects women, men, and children from all walks of life, are Jane Kim and Hydra Mendoza, two pioneers and leaders in the Asian American community.

JANE KIM Jane Kim is currently Vice President of the Board of Education in the City and County of San Francisco. She is the first Korean American elected in San Francisco. Before being elected to the Board of Education as the top vote-getter in November 2006, Jane was the Youth Program Director at the Chinatown Community Development Center, a 28

year-old affordable housing nonprofit that also engages in community organizing, education and planning. For six years, she worked with over 200 San Francisco high school students developing youth leadership, advocacy and civic engagement through youth-initiated community service projects. Previously, Jane was a fellow at Greenlining Institute, where she advocated for a range of issues, including consumer protection, access to higher education and universal life line issues, for low-income communities of color and immigrant communities. She is also a co-director and co-founder of Locus Arts, a volunteer-run venue in San Francisco that showcases emerging musicians, writers, filmmakers and actors. Now, in its ninth year, Locus has showcased over 450 artists and reaches over 1500 audience members.

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

cycle of violence.” A passionate advocate for antidomestic violence, Ma currently serves as chairwoman of the Select Committee on Domestic Violence in the state assembly, a position she’s held for the past two years. The committee conducts public hearings about domestic violence and educates the public about domestic violence statistics. Ma first became involved with domestic violence work when she learned of the murder of Filipina American Claire Joyce Tempongko in 2000 by her ex-boyfriend Tari Ramirez. Although Tempongko had reported Ramirez’s multiple threats and violent acts against her to the police, law enforcement and the district attorney’s office had dropped or disregarded many of these incidents. Ma was appalled to learn that, despite all these reported incidents, Ramirez had continued to terrorize Tempongko up to her murder. “Ramirez was still out there in the streets stalking her, threatening her,” Ma said. The experience compelled Ma to join the fight against domestic violence. Upon being elected San Francisco Supervisor in 2002, Ma joined the city’s Justice and

Courage Oversight Panel. Through 2006, Ma and the panel worked to create a seamless criminal justice response to domestic violence to ensure cases like Tempongko did not fall through the cracks again. In addition to her work against domestic violence, Ma dedicates herself to raising public awareness of issues important to the Asian American community. “I want to bring into the public conversation topics that are considered taboo in the Asian community, such as domestic violence, mental illness and elder abuse,” said Ma. “I have responsibilities as a public official to talk about issues important to people, to inspire people to get help.” Ma encourages people to open up about domestic violence and to lend a hand. “If you see someone in a domestic violence situation, offer assistance to help the victim so he or she is not suffering alone,” Ma said. “Because domestic violence has no zip code, age, category, demographics, or ethnicity, it can happen to anyone at any time. It crosses all cultural and sexual boundaries.”

Jane is the past President of the San Francisco People’s Organization and a past board member of the Asian American Theater Company and the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club. In addition, she has served on the Proposition H Community Advisory Committee, Women’s Foundation Community Action Grant Committee and the Full Circle Fund.

mother, pre-school teacher, community organizer and active parent locally and district-wide make her the best person for this job,” Newsom said at the time. Her work with the school district include serving as a community member on a number of important policy-changing committees and task forces like the Weighted Student Formula, Student Assignment Task Force, Family Hardship Appeals Committee, Thurgood Marshall Community Task Force and the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee. Previously, Hydra served as Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools. Involved with the Japanese Community Youth Council and the Mayor’s Policy Council on Children, Youth and Families, Hydra is deeply committed to serving the community and bettering education for our children and city.

HYDRA MENDOZA Hydra Mendoza is currently a commissioner of the San Francisco Board of Education. The first Filipina American to be elected to the San Francisco Board of Education, she received the second highest number of votes in the November 2006 election. In 2005, Hydra was appointed as Education Advisor by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Lauding Hydra, “Hydra’s personal experience as a

19

A Pebble’s Ripple Effect FWN’s journey in its campaign to end violence against Filipina women and girls. by gloria ramos

W

hen Marily met Eve Ensler and Jane Fonda at a women’s conference in 2003, her life was changed forever. Eve had just returned from a trip to the Philippines where she met with the Filipina comfort women, women who had been forced into sexual slavery during World War II. Eve promised the “lolas” she will spotlight their story and she did in 2006 with the V-Day Spotlight: Justice for Comfort Women. The Filipina Women’s Network launched its first production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” with an all-Filipina cast in San Francisco in 2004. Brimming with vision, determination and energy, FWN sought to bring awareness and urgency to domestic violence issues in Filipino

homes through its performances. Three trailblazing women in particular – Elena Mangahas, Sonia Delen and Marily Mondejar – have been with the production since day one and have been instrumental in making the productions the success they are today. Now entering its sixth year of production, FWN’s performances have been a large success, inspiring spin-offs in other Filipino communities and expanding productions nationally. But the path to such success has not always been such an easy road. During its first year, FWN received little support but much negative feedback from the Filipino community for producing the “The Vagina Monologues.” “I was called the vagina lady and puki lady,” said Marily Mondejar, president of FWN. “When people saw me coming at

Filipino events, some shunned me and turned the other way.” The word puki means vagina in Tagalog and the production caused a huge stir during its first year. “The first time the play came out, it was such a taboo,” reflected Al Perez, graphic designer who has been involved with the production and its V-Diaries publication since their inception. “We had a lot of negative feedback in our community on why we were doing a play that dares to utter ‘vagina,’ considered by many as a vulgar word.” “It was a struggle to get our message received by the community,” Mondejar said. “One prominent Filipina leader refused to touch our flyers and pushed my hand away when I tried to give her one. She said she did not want to touch something nakakadiri, or dirty. She reprimanded me for putting on a show with Filipina women calling out puki. She didn’t know what our production and our message is all about.” Step by step, FWN worked to spread its message, etching domestic violence into the public consciousness to such an

extent that the production is no longer seen as shameful. Slowly but steadily, its mission has become a success through the years, spurring community leaders from all walks of life to perform. “Now the show is very well received,” Perez said. “We have more and more women auditioning. It’s exciting that the production has come a long way. People get the message now. Women are now more open to talking about sexuality. They are breaking the silence and shame around domestic violence and are seeking help. It’s not such a taboo anymore and there’s less stigma. Our work has given the whole community the freedom to talk continued on p.33

2004

2005



2006

» March 30 – First all-Filipina production of “The Vagina Monologues” in Taglish at the Herbst Theatre to mark Women’s History Month. 36 cast members, 12 production team members. » “Handprints” – Men Against Violence collected signed pledges on canvas and paper that “These Hands Will Not Hurt Women and Girls.” » Vagina Warriors launched (7 honorees). » Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Philippines, signed into law the Anti-Violence Against Women Law.

» March 13: First publication of the V-Diaries, FWN’s anti-violence resource guide. Instead of a typical souvenir program, FWN publishes a magazine that captures the stories of domestic violence survivors and advocates including resources of how and where to seek counseling and help. 30,000 copies were printed and inserted in The San Francisco Chronicle, The Examiner, and the Bay Area Business Woman. » March 13: Launched “Filipinas Against Violence” Campaign to support the family of Claire Joyce Tempongko who was murdered in front of her two young children.

» March 13 & 14: 2nd V-Day Filipina show becomes ambitious! Two English shows at the Herbst Theatre! » Vagina Warriors (6 honorees) » Marily Mondejar, president of FWN, is appointed to the Justice & Courage Oversight Panel of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. The panel has oversight responsibilities on San Francisco’s system-wide response to domestic violence. » FWN’s CourtWatch is created – Track domestic violence cases involving Filipina women.

» FWN goes coast-tocoast! Two V-Day productions – San Francisco and New York. » February 26: Two shows in San Francisco (English and Tagalog). » Launched “Usaping Puki” – the first Tagalog version of “The Vagina Monologues.” » June 12-27, New York: Joined Eve Ensler’s two-week festival of “Until the Violence Stops: NYC.” » June 16: Tari Ramirez arrested in Cancun, Mexico. » June 24, New York: Launched first all-Filipina production of “The Vagina Monologues” and “Usaping Puki” at the beautiful Skirball Center for the Performing Arts

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at New York University. Two shows! » Presented the first Pinay Transgenders to read a poignant monologue “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy.” » FWN requires cast and crew members to participate in antidomestic violence training to deepen understanding of campaign and learn intervention principles when faced with issues around domestic violence. » December 4: A witness to history – Justice for Nicole. Marily Mondejar attends sentencing of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith in the “Nicole” rape case in Makati, Philippines. Smith was sentenced to 40 years in prison by Judge Benjamin Pozon.

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FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g

MILESTONES: V-Day FWN “Filipinas Against Violence” Campaign

ABOVE: The cast of the first FWN production of “The Vagina Monologues,” with Eve Ensler. RIGHT: 2005 cast and crew.

FROM TOP: 2006 San Francisco cast; 2006 New York cast; press conference with Eve Ensler in 2008.

2004 – 2009

6 years 18 productions of “The Vagina Monologues” and “Usaping Puki” 3

productions of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer”

2007

2008

» FWN continues its coast-to-coast campaign – San Francisco and New York. » Court Watch – January 22: Teris Casco, 28-years-old, battered to death by her husband on the night of her birthday after she told him that she was leaving him. » March 30 & April 14: New York shows held at the Philippine Consulate to bring anti-violence message closer to “home.” » Two shows (English and Tagalog). » Cecivim in collaboration with FWN holds first anti-domestic violence workshop for men.

» CourtWatch – March 14: William Corpuz’s jury conviction of first degree for murdering his Filipino wife was reduced to second degree by Superior Court Judge Jerome Benson. Corpuz was sentenced to 15 years to life. » March 26: FWN press conference with Eve Ensler to protest Judge Benson’s ruling to reduce the Corpuz conviction to second degree. » April 4: Premiere of the new show “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer” (MMRP). Men supportive of FWN’s anti-violence campaign are invited to read for V-Day. » Courtwatch – May 6: Eddy sentenced to 18 years in prison.

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

2009 » Courtwatch – September 29: Tari Ramirez convicted of second degree for murdering Claire Joyce Tempongko. » Courtwatch – December 12: Tari Ramirez sentenced to 18 years in prison.

» April 11: First V-Day FWN show in Washington D.C. at The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. Sold-out show! » May 2: First all-Asian American Women cast for “The Vagina Monologues” at the Herbst Theatre.

$214,742 total funds raised through April 2009 to benefit:

2004: (CORA) Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (San Mateo County); V-Day 2004 Spotlight: The Missing & Murdered Women in Juarez, Mexico 2005: West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center; V-Day 2005 Spotlight: Women of Iraq: Under Siege 2006: My Sister’s House – Sacramento’s First Shelter for Battered Asian Pacific Islander Women and Children; The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) Foundation: Legal Fund for “Nicole” Rape Case in Subic, Philippines; V-Day 2006 Spotlight: Justice to Comfort Women 2007: Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) – New York V-Day 2007 Spotlight: Women in Conflict Zones 2008: Lila Filipina: Comfort Women Survivors in the Philippines; V-Day 2008 Spotlight: Katrina Warriors – Women of New Orleans & the Gulf South 2009: API Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) – Washington, D.C.; V-Day 2009 Spotlight: Stop the Rape of Congo Women and Girls

TAMA NA! STOP! Asian Americans Against Violence

An Asian American community event in collaboration with V-Day’s Global Campaign

V-Day Filipina Women’s Network is proud to present

Eve Ensler’s

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES And a Benefit Reading of

A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER

Change the Story of Women!

Join us as we raise funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls.

[“The Vagina Monologues”] is a work which is inexplicably universal for women, and manage to be feminist withoug being man-hating, entertaining without being trite, and political without being earnest. FEATURING THE FIRST ALL-ASIAN WOMEN CAST INCLUDING: ARLENE “BAMBI” LORICA ELENA MANGAHAS EMILY MURASE FIONA MA GENEVIEVE JOPANDA GLADYS DODDS HELEN ZIA HYDRA MENDOZA JAJA BOLIVAR JAN YANEHIRO JANE KIM JENNIFER ONG LIA SHIGEMURA MAYETTE ALMAZAN MITOS SANTISTEBAN NINA NGUYEN LAGAC SHEILA CHUNG HAGEN SIWARAYA ROCHANAHUSDIN SONIA DELEN STACEY HOANG VALERIE DE LEON

April 11, 2009 – Saturday

DIRECTORS Genevieve Jopanda Ken Marquis Nina Nguyen Lagac

7:30 pm “The Vagina Monologues” with a reading of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer” The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Terrace Theater 2700 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20566 Tickets $38 – $88 (VIP), www.kennedy-center.org, (202) 467-4600

PRODUCERS (Washington DC) Gloria T. Caoile Bambi Lorica, md

May 2, 2009 – Saturday

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Elena B. Mangahas Marily Mondejar BENEFICIARIES V-Day 2009 Spotlight: Stop the Rape of Congo Women and Girls; API Domestic Violence Resource Project; Filipinas Against Violence

7:30 pm “The Vagina Monologues” – all-Asian American Women Cast Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 Tickets $25 – $88 (VIP), www.cityboxoffice.com, (415) 392-4400

May 9, 2009 – Saturday

7:30 pm “The Vagina Monologues” (Usaping Puki) The Intramuros, 101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tickets (with Filipino dinner buffet) $28 – $68 (VIP) www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org/events (415) 278-9410

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer with

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES 7:30 pm The kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Terrace Theatre

Wa s H i N gt oN , D c

04|11

Musical Foreplay Andrew Lorica, Christine Lorica Deanna Pineda, Jeffrey Flores, Leia Lorica, Michelle Lorica

Welcome to V-Day Filipina Women’s Network Marily Mondejar A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER: Writings To Stop Violence Against Women and Girls

Monologues

Introduction: Words. Words. Words. (Eve Ensler) Bambi Lorica MD, Gloria T. Caoile, Nina Nguyen Lagac

Maligayang Pagbati Elena Buensalido Mangahas, Marily Mondejar

The Vagina Monologues Introduction / Introduksyon Full Cast Intro – Hair Estela Sanidad Hair Naomi Tacuyan

Celia (Edwidge Danticat) Charmaine Manansala, Jeffrey Flores

The “Wear and Say” Lists Leia Lorica, Marlyn Aguilar, Esq. Melanie A. Caoile, Michelle Lorica Regine Biscoe Lee, Solita Wakefield, Sonia Soriano, m.d., Verna Samson

The Closet (Howard Zinn) Jon Melegrito

Intro – The Flood Melanie A. Caoile

Rescue (Mark Matousek) Andrew Lorica, Eme Batulan, Ernie Cordero, Hubert Santayana, Jeffrey Flores

The Flood Gloria T. Caoile

UNTITLED (Nicholas Kristof) Jason Garcia Ignacio

True (Carol Michele Kaplan) Eme Batulan and Ernie Cordero The Perfect Marriage (Edward Albee) Ben de Guzman, Hubert Santayana Fur Is Back (Eve Ensler) Bambi Lorica, m.d., Gloria T. Caoile

HANDPRINTS “These Hands Will Not Hurt Filipina Women and Girls” Elena Buensalido Mangahas, Marily Mondejar Men Against Violence Pledge led by Robert Borje with all Filipino men cast members

Intermission ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

The Vagina Workshop Dawn Perlas, Iryll Umel, Junelle Cavero Vagina Happy Fact Rozita Villanueva Lee Intro – Because He Liked to Look At It Lucille Gonzalez Because He Liked to Look At It Sonia Aranza Not-So-Happy Fact / Isang Hindi Nakatutuwang Katotohanang Puki Meggie Pleyto Intro – Crooked Braid Christine Lorica Crooked Braid Estela Sanidad, Les Talusan, Lucille Gonzalez, Melissa Long Naomi Tacuyan, Tessie Marfori, Vangie Ganuelas, Verna Samson

FWN CourtWatch Update: Teris Casco Domestic Violence Murder Case Annalisa Vicente Enrile, Ph.D., m.s.w., My Angry Vagina / Ang Aking Puking Galit Regine Biscoe Lee, Vangie Ganuelas Intro – My Vagina Was My Village Leia Lorica, Michelle Lorica My Vagina Was My Village Charmaine Manansala, Wilma Consul Lullaby – Ili–Ili, Tulog Anay* Bambi Lorica, m.d. Intro – The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could Lucille Gonzalez The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could Estela Sanidad, Iryll Umel, Marlyn Aguilar, Esq., Meggie Pleyto, Regine Biscoe Lee, Solita Wakefield Intro – Say It Tessie Marfori Say It Annalisa Vicente Enrile, Ph.D., m.s.w., Gloria T. Caoile Film Clip: Comfort Women in the Philippines with Eve Ensler WN CourtWatch Update: Comfort Women Survivors in the Philippines Ninotchka Rosca Outrageous Vagina Fact / Update Rozita Villanueva Lee, Vangie Ganuelas Intro – Reclaiming Cunt Dawn Perlas

Reclaiming Cunt Les Talusan (Tagalog), Nina Nguyen Lagac (English) A six-year-old girl was asked… Marianne Celce Thomas, Solita Wakefield Intro – The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy Junelle Cavero, Meggie Pleyto Intro – I Was There In the Room Leia Lorica and Michelle Lorica I Was There In the Room Sonia Aranza, Sonia Soriano, m.d., Verna Samson Filipino Lullaby – Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan** Bambi Lorica, m.d., Christine Lorica 2009 Spotlight Ninotchka Rosca, Wilma Consul 2009 Spotlight Monologue: Baptized Rozita Villanueve Lee, Gloria T. Caoile SPEAK OUT Marily Mondejar CURTAIN CALL Cast and Crew

V-Day Filipina Women’s Network is supported by V-Day, the Filipino American Arts Exposition and the AsianWeek Foundation. *Text: “Ili-Ili, Now Go To Sleep” (Cebuano). P. Magdamo, Arranger ** Text: “From The Cradle” (Tagalog). Lucio San Pedro, Composer; Levi Celerio (Lyrics)

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DC Cast & Crew Bios ANDREW LORICA has three doting sisters who thinks he’s the coolest brother. A member of the award winning Show Stoppers of Churchill High, his singing and dancing is worthy of American Idol. A budding chef, Andrew enjoys playing golf and traveling with his family. He is happy to do his part to help STOP the VIOLENCE. Arlene Marie “Bambi” Antonio-Lorica, M.D., FAAP,

is a holistic pediatrician and a physician entrepreneur currently working to incorporate alternative medicine into the medical curriculum. A peace advocate, she serves as medical adviser for Asia America Initiative, committed to working for peace in Mindanao through education, economic development and community building. She assisted in developing the first Cancer Treatment for the Poor Program in Asia and was a Chicago FilAm Hall of Fame Awardee in 2008 for Medical Diplomacy. One of FWN’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., she is passionately committed to effecting positive social change by helping initiate and drive innovative solutions on globally-oriented issues, including health and development. A devoted mother of four accomplished children, Michelle, Leia, Andrew, and Christine, she is very grateful to her loving, supportive, and understanding husband of 24 years, Dr. Victor Lorica.. Dr. ANNALISA ENRILE is the National

Chairperson of Gabriela Network, an antiimperialist women’s organization and on the initiating committee of the Mariposa Alliance. Annalisa is currently an Associate Professor at the USC School of Social Work. She believes a woman’s place is in the struggle!

BEN DE GUZMAN has been involved

in local, regional and national organizations serving Filipinos and other Asian Pacific Americans in the DC metropolitan area for over 10 years. He’s proud to have been part of the recent passage of legislation for Filipino WWII veterans and is more grateful for his family and friends than they can ever know.

A California transplant, CHARMAINE ARIVAN MANANSALA lives and breathes politics. Inspired by fierce grandmothers, mother, and sisters, Charmaine continues to work on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the working families. Honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S., she most recently served as the National AAPI Vote Team Director for Obama for America. Charmaine minored in Theater at Smith College, so performing at the Kennedy Center has been a long-time dream. Post politics, you can find her hanging out with turtles in the North Shore. CHRISTINE LORICA is thrilled to be a part of this production. She inherited her passion for the arts from her musical family. Christine has appeared in many productions, including “Willy

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Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” where she played Veruca Salt, and “A-Haunting We Will Go” where she played the lead role of Norma Corwin. A consistent honor student, Christine is a 2008 José Rizal Youth Awardee. DAWN PERLAS is an associate director

at a corporate research firm who moved to the United States from Manila in 1996. Outside of her professional persona, her interests include music, art, writing, travel, and food. She is thrilled to be part of the Filipina Women’s Network’s production of “The Vagina Monologues” at the Kennedy Center.

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DEANNA PINEDA is “Made in the

Philippines” — conceived in the P.I. but born in Washington, D.C. after her mother landed a job at the Embassy, Deanna Pineda is president of Muse Advertising Design in Arlington, Virginia and is thrilled to be part of this production.

EMMANUEL “Eme” BATULAN is an

BEN DE GUZMAN Activist

CHARMAINE MANANSALA National AAPI Director, Obama for America

CHRISTINE LORICA 2008 Jose Rizal Youth Awardee

DAWN PERLAS Associate Director for a corporate research firm

EVANGELINE FABELAGANUELA Board Secretary, Feed the Hungry; Tech Aide, UAW

GLORIA T. CAOILE Senior Political Director, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)

HURBERT SANTAYANA Financial Analyst

IRYLL UMEL National Field Representative, National Treasury Employees Union

LES TALUSAN DJ/Sound of Everything, Photographer

LUCILLE GONZALEZ Hospital Administrator

MARIANNE CELCE THOMAS Student

marlYN T. aguilar, esq. Attorney, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

accountant/financial analyst who has performed in major cities all over the world as a dancer soloist/musician with the Filipinescas Dance Company; at the UP Dramatic Club he played the lead role in Wilfredo Ma Guerero’s “Three Rats” directed by Joonee Gamboa; he has appeared in “Ang Kiri,” “Panhik Ligaw” and “Ang Daigdig ay isang Mansanas” all directed by Sarah Joaquin.

ERNIE CORDERO is a 72-year-old retiree who is a past president of the Ilocano Society Of America and Progressive Alliance of Filipino American Inc. In 2008 he was the Chair of the Philippine Festival and was voted Most Outstanding Ilocano of the Year. He has appeared in the following productions “Walang Sugat,” “The Dawn” and “Luto, Linis, Laba.” ESTELA SANIDAD has been with the

World Bank since 1975, and is currently assigned in the Corporate Secretariat as senior coordinator for memberships and capital subscriptions. She is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, with a bachelor of arts in economics (1968) and a bachelor of laws (1973). She is a member of the Board of Directors of Feed the Hungry, Inc., an all volunteer organization, which is a 501(c) tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization based in Washington, D.C. She is married to Mario Prado Sanidad, and they have three children: Marc, Maritel, and Matthew.

EVANGELINE FABELA-GANUELAS ,

aka Vangie, is principally mom to EJ and better-half to Ernie, both strongly supporting her penchant for anything and everything she can try her skills on. She dabbled in stage performance as a cast member of “Luto, Linis, Laba,” a QbD production. A World Bank retiree but not totally retired, as she quickly points out, she is now a proud Union member and a UAW staff member. She is a product of the FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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Who’s Who in the Cast

ANDREW LORICA Student, Budding Chef

DEANNA PINEDA President, Muse Advertising Design

EME BATULAN Accountant & Financial Analyst

JASON GARCIA IGNACIO JEFFREY T. FLORES Professional Dancer, Student, City Dance Ensemble University of Maryland

meggie pleyto Entrepreneur, Marketing Partner, Designer, Choir Director

melanie anne caoile Director, Consumer and On-Line Group, Microsoft

ANNALISA ENRILE, ph.d. Associate Professor, USC School of Social Work

ERNIE CORDERO Past President, Ilocano Society of America; Chair, Philippine Festival

JON MELEGRITO Staff Writer, AFSCME; Communications Director, NaFFAA

melissa topacio LONG Youth & AAPI Outreach Director; Coordinator, DNC Internships

ARLENE “BAMBI” LORICA Holistic Pediatrician, Physician Entrepreneur, Coloratura Soprano

ESTELA SANIDAD Corporate Secretariat, World Bank

JUNELLE CAVERO Nonprofit Consultant

MICHELLE LORICA Teaching Fellow, New York City

UST (BSMT) and AU, here in D.C. (MSOD). In addition to being a CCD Teacher at SLCC, vice president of OLM Praesidium of the Legion of Mary, board secretary of Feed the Hungry and an Avon rep, the spare time she’s left with is spent nurturing her passion for piano, bowling, mahjong, travel, audio books, and more. Gloria T. Caoile is the Senior Political Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), a national organization of Asian Pacific American labor union members. A founding member of the Asian Pacific American Women Leadership Institute (APAWLI), the only national organization dedicated to nurturing and developing leadership skills among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, Gloria also served on the boards of several civil rights groups including the Filipino American Civil Rights Advocates and the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations. A wife to Ben, a mother to Melanie, a community activist, a mentor, a volunteer, a friend, a breast cancer survivor, and a women’s rights, worker’s rights, and human rights advocate, Gloria is very passionate in engaging in projects that empower the Filipino American community nationwide. A community leader, she has been president of numerous organizations and has organized countless events globally. She has received, among other awards, the Presidential Linkapil Awardee in 1997, the Achievement Award for Community Service from Filipinas Magazine in 2001, Filipina First Awardee from the Philippine American Foundation in 1999, and TOFA in 1990. She was honored by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S. in 2007. HUBERT SANTAYANA (his preferred stage name is Michael Sarmiento) is no stranger to theater. A member of Tanghalang Pilipino from 1984-1994, and Bahaghari Productions from 1994 to 1997, he has appeared as the lead actor in numerous plays directed by no less than Didi Coronel and the late icon Sarah Joaquin and has served as producers in some of them. Most notable among his performances was his portrayal of the lead, Pepe, in “Ang Kiri,” a zarzuela. Since 1998 he sings the lead vocals for The Chosen Few Music Ministry and he performs regularly for the FilAm Community. IRYLL UMEL is a national field representative for the National Treasury Employees Union in Washington, D.C. Her involvement in the movement to end violence against women includes her AmeriCorps VISTA service at the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF), a Los Angeles-based shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors of APIA background, and anti-trafficking work at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. As part of CPAF’s Lotus Café, she has performed stories of survival. Iryll graduated from UCLA School of Law and UCSD. Jason Garcia Ignacio was born

and raised in Manila, Philippines. Currently a

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

professional dancer with CityDance Ensemble, his talent for dancing was discovered when he was 12. In January 2001 and at the age of 19, Ignacio moved to New York City where he continued his dance training with a scholarship at Ballet Hispanico, a fellowship from the Ailey School, and apprenticed for the Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company. He lived in New York until he moved to Washington, D.C. in November 2007. Jason’s résumé includes work with several American dance companies: the Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, Diversity of Dance, Cortez & Co., Zig-Zag Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, Verb Ballets, and the American Repertory Ballet. He also currently teaches dancing classes. In 2008 Washingtonian magazine named Jason Garcia Ignacio one of Washington, D.C.’s Top 20 Showstoppers. JEFFREY TOPACIO FLORES studies

Literature at the University of Maryland. He has appeared on stage in many different roles: as a comedian, a musician, and an actor — forever exploring the various uses of spotlight. An accomplished songwriter, he is thrilled to be a part of this production and expresses his sincere gratitude to his loving family for their unwavering support.

JON MELEGRITO is a proud grandfather of Maya, two-year-old daughter of Desiree and Jonathan Halcomb. Married to Elvira Perez for almost 40 years, Jon grows ampalaya (bitter melons), loves to doodle and strum the guitar. A son of a World War II veteran, Jon writes for a union publication. JUNELLE CAVERO is a nonprofit

consultant and a business development strategist. Formerly an Indiana political director for President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, Junelle has a master’s in public administration from American University and a B.A. from New York University. She serves as D.C. State Chair for the NaFFAA and has a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. On her spare time, she enjoys painting, playing basketball, and traveling.

LEIA LORICA will graduate from Stanford University this June and is already making her mark as part of the corporate communications team at Ruder Finn, Inc., a PR firm in New York. A fashion aficionado, she worked with both Vera Wang and Reem Acra as a PR and global marketing intern. Prior to the crash of the stock market on Wall Street, she interned at UBS and was offered a position at Morgan Stanley. She is currently the regional director of Foundations for Education, a program for underprivileged children in Palo Alto. LES TALUSAN is a noted DJ, photographer,

and musician. She’s performed widely throughout the U.S. and Manila since 1996. She also runs the design line Les & Oscar [formerly Space Weather] with her husband Oscar Olmedo, making creatively unique clothing and accessories. She’s taken part in various grassroots initiatives and activist projects and also provides interpreting services throughout

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DC Cast & Crew Bios the area. She lives in Washington, D.C. and is the mother to Simon, who is her heart. LUCILLE GONZALEZ is a hospital

administrator who has had no prior theatrical experience but is thrilled to help with V-Day and honored to be a part of FWN’s 2009 production of “The Vagina Monologues.”

MARIANNE CELCE THOMAS is a 3rd grader

at the Riverdale Elementary School who loves to sing and dance. A figure skater, she has also taken up modeling at the John Robert Powers Center in Rockville. The daughter of Marilyn and Edwin Thomas, she is thrilled to perform at the Kennedy Center and be part of “The Vagina Monologues.” MARLYN T. AGUILAR, Esq. acquired her B.A.,

M.P.H., and J.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Born and raised in Guam, she is a 2006 Presidential Management Fellow. She currently works as an attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fluent in Ilocano, she enjoys traveling, yoga, and people watching. She is excited to be a part of the FWN D.C. V-Day team.

MEGGIE G. PLEYTO is the marketing partner,

accounts manager, and interior designer of Sison Homes-Sison Group, LLC-ReMax Allegiance. A Communications graduate from the University of the Philippines, Meggie has done workshops with PETA-MTTL, an internship with ABS-CBN and went on a World Tour as member of the UP Concert Chorus. She is very much involved in Fil-Am groups in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. She regularly performs with and conducts Fil-Am Choirs in the Greater Washington, D.C. area.

MELANIE ANNE CAOILE is director for the Consumer and On-Line Group, Microsoft. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Boston College and an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester, New York. She is a board member of Filipinos at Microsoft and Wider Opportunties for Women. She is an avid golfer, skier, world traveler, and enjoys the challenges of scuba diving, mountain climbing, parachuting and hang gliding. MELISSA TOPACIO LONG is a graduate of Lewis and Clark College, has a degree in English, speaks French fluently and is learning Spanish. She spent a year teaching English in France and many summers leading student immersion trips in France. She served as Youth and Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach Director for the Washington State Democratic Coordinated Campaign in this past election. She was coordinator of the DNC’s Internship program, where she recruited, interviewed, and managed up to 54 interns. She traveled extensively in the past political cycle supervising volunteers in managing thousands of people who were engaged in voter mobilization. She is passionate about women’s rights, and loves the theatre and traveling.

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MICHELLE LORICA is currently a New York City

teaching fellow, teaching high school biology to underprivileged teens in Brooklyn. A graduate of Georgetown, with a degree in biology, science, technology, and international affairs, Michelle is also a dancer and an accomplished singer. Although she is passionate about her acting as a thespian at the Holton Arms and at the Mask and Bauble Society of Georgetown, she has had to set it aside for now. She has performed several times at the Kennedy Center, with Julie Andrews, Yolanda Adams, among others, and as a soloist, as part of a coalition of Georgetown Choirs. This is her first time to be a part of “The Vagina Monologues.”

NAOMI TACUYANUNDERWOOD Deputy Director, APIAVote

NINA NGUYEN LAGAC Marketing Director, Office Systems of Connecticut

NINOTCHKA ROSCA Author; Member, Mariposa Alliance, Gabriela Network USA

REGINE BISCOE LEE Associate, NVG, LLC

SONIA SORIANO, m.d. Retired Physician, passion for dance

TESSIE MARFORI Consultant, World Bank

VERNA SAMSON Office Manager, International Monetary Fund (IMF)

WILMA CONSUL Producer, National Public Radio

Backstage Manager CALVIN MATA Executive Producer, Club Promotions by Calvin M

Graphic Designer DEANNA PINEDA President, Muse Advertising Design

Executive Producer ELENA MANGAHAS Chair, Little Manila Foundation

Production Manager FRANKLIN RICARTE Strategic Planning Consultant

NAOMI T. TACUYAN UNDERWOOD is a

Filipina who calls two places home — San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija and the U.S. island territory of Guam. She is currently APIA Vote’s deputy director, managing media and partner communications and assisting in field and training programs. Naomi recently obtained her MPP at the UCLA School of Public Affairs; she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Print Journalism and Asian/Pacific/American Studies from NYU. Naomi remains committed to empowering AAPI communities through her involvement in AAPI organizations at the national and local levels. She credits her Nanay Miren (lola) and her mother Ruth for giving her the deep roots of home and family and the powerful wings of possibilities, and her husband Ricardo for his steadfast love and support.

NINOTCHKA ROSCA is a Filipina feminist,

author, journalist and human rights activist who is active in Gabriela Network USA, a member of the Mariposa Alliance (Ma-Al), a multi-racial, multi-ethnic women’s activist center for understanding the intersectionality of class, race and gender oppressions, toward a more comprehensive practice of women’s liberation. Rosca is the author of short stories, novels, and non-fiction work. [One of her stories was listed by Raymond Carver in the 1986 Best 100 Short Stories in the United States; another in the Missouri Review collection of their Best Published Stories in 25 Years while a third was included in the Ms. Magazine’s “Best Fiction in 30 Years”.] Twice Blessed, the second novel, won her the 1993 American Book Award for excellence in literature.

Régine Biscoe Lee is an associate at NVG, LLC – a political consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Régine is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle and a native of the island of Guam. Régine continues to be involved in the APIA community through various local and national organizations. She lives in Falls Church, Virginia with her husband, Andy and their daughter, Mia Isabella. ROBERT E.A. BORJE is the Cultural Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the foreign service, he has been

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an advocate for violence against women as a correspondent and producer for TV Patrol Manila and ANC. He was recently conferred the Orden ng Lakandula, Ranggong Pinuno by President GMA and Ranggong Kasugo by DFA Secretary Albert Romulo for his contributions to Philippine foreign relations. ROZITA VILLANUEVA LEE is producer of

ROBERT A. BORJE Third Secretary and Vice Consul, Philippine Embassy

ROZITA VILLANUEVA LEE National Vice Chair, NaFFAA

SOLITA WAKEFIELD Senior Research Officer, International Monetary Fund (IMF)

SONIA ARANZA President / CEO, Aranza Communications

Who’s Who in the Crew Art Director AL S. PEREZ President, Filipino American Arts Exposition

Stage Manager ARMAND RIVERA Executive Producer, AR Productions

Director KEN MARQUIS Team Manager, George P. Johnson Company

Executive Producer MARILY MONDEJAR President, Filipina Women’s Network

Producer BAMBI LORICA, m.d. Holistic Pediatrician, Physician Entrepreneur; Coloratura Soprano

Polynesian Shows and has been performing as mistress of ceremonies and singer on the Las Vegas Strip for the Imperial Palace Hotel Hawaiian Luau for the past 17 years. At the Capitol, both in Nevada and Washington, D.C., she is a known advocate for the Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and especially for the Filipino World War II Veterans. Most recently Rozita visited the State Legislature to advocate for the Arts Council. Honored by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S., she serves as either officer or board member on various APIA Organizations and currently serves as the national vice chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.

SOLITA WAKEFIELD has been with the IMF since 1991 and is currently a Senior Research Officer. Outside her busy and hectic work life, she is president of the 700-member World Bank Group IMF Filipino Staff Association (WBIFA). She is also on the Board of Feed the Hungry, Inc. Solita enjoys traveling and recalls her last stint on stage with pleasure — Ladies Lunch directed by Reme Grefalda.

is an award-winning master facilitator and keynote speaker specializing in cross-cultural communications, diversity and leadership. She previously served as director of constituent relations for Congressman Abercrombie on Capitol Hill. She has been featured on the cover of Filipinas Magazine and is one of FWN’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the United States. The National Association of Professional Asian-American Women selected her 2002 Outstanding Woman of the Year and she is featured in a book entitled Blueprint for Success with author Stephen Covey. She earned two master’s degrees including an M.A. in

SONIA ARANZA

Producer GLORIA T. CAOILE Senior Political Director, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)

Director NINA NGUYEN LAGAC Marketing Director, Office Systems of Connecticut

galler y

965 Natoma Street San Francisco CA 94103 tel 415 255-4579 fax 415 255-0453 o f f

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cross-cultural communications from the University of Hawaii and an M.A. in public communication from American University in Washington, D.C. She is married to attorney Danny Aranza and is the proud mother of Aaron, age ten. SONIA SORIANO, M.D. — a retired physician

who now finds all the time to pursue a lifetime passion in dance, be it ballroom, ballet or Broadway jazz — is here to prove that it is never too late to learn something new and perhaps even master it. “Sometimes, we have to go beyond our comfort zone”. Her only theater experience was in a high school plays and she remembers loving the interaction between the audience and the actors. She dedicates tonight’s venture to her three grandsons, whose birth she was most privileged to have witnessed, and to her husband, Dr. Cesar Soriano, who has always been most supportive of her.

TERESALINA GABRIEL MARFORI , or Tessie, recently retired from the World Bank and now serves as a consultant. Long-time resident of Virginia, she is very active in the community and travels extensively. She is the proud mother of two grown sons. VERNA SAMSON was born and raised in the Philippines. She came to the United States in 1972 after a two-month European/USA tour with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. She later enrolled at Strayer College, and upon graduation, landed a job at the International Monetary Fund. She worked at the IMF for 34 years and is now in the process of retiring. She and her husband, Butch, have been married for 33 years and have been blessed with three children and now have four grandsons. WILMA B. CONSUL directed and performed

recently in Rolling the R’s at Source Theatre. She dances and teaches hula at Halau O ‘Aulani in Arlington. She’ll play Hannah in The Conversion of Ka’ahumanu at the National Museum of American Indian in May. She trained with TnT/ Teatro ng Tanan in SF, where she later became artistic director. She moved to D.C. in 1999 to produce and report for National Public Radio.

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05|02 THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES 7:30 pm HERBST THEATRE

The Vagina Monologues is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. Based on interviews with over 200 women about their memories and experiences of sexuality, The Vagina Monologues gives voice to women’s deepest fantasies and fears, guaranteeing that no one who reads it will ever look at a woman’s body, or think of sex, in quite the same way again. “At first women were reluctant to talk,” Ensler writes. “They were a little shy. But once they got going, you couldn’t stop them.” The Vagina Monologues has now been translated into over 24 different languages.

Part One

INTRO – THE FLOOD

FOREPLAY

THE FLOOD

David Chiu, David Rodriguez, Elena Mangahas

THE VAGINA WORKSHOP

INTRO – MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE

Siwaraya Rochanahusdin Fiona Ma

BLESSING DANCE

Evelie Delfino Sales Posch with: Aharon Wheels-Bolsa, Barbara Framm, Claudine Tong, Edo Amin, Edwin D. Såles, Eric Bobrow, Eve Lindi, Evelyn Luluquisen, Dave Wedding Dress, Greta Fletcher, James Bianchi, Kerry Parker, Kimberly Theurich, Le’ema Graham, Melissa Hernandez, Miko Nkungula, Phoebe Ackley, Riki Juster, Sharon Maser Danaceau, Spiraleen Mason, Susan Levin, Swami Isananda, Vladimir Cardema and “The Vagina Monologues” Alumni WELCOME

Marily Mondejar, Elena Mangahas INTRODUCTION

Rachael Domingo, Rosie Josue, Lynn Caliguiran VAGINA HAPPY FACT

Gladys Dodds

INTRO – BECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK AT IT

Lynn Caliguiran

BECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK AT IT

Emily Moto Murase

NOT-SO-HAPPY FACT

Gladys Dodds

INTRO – CROOKED BRAID

Christine Marie Tayaba

Christine Marie Tayaba, Gladys Dodds, Jaja Bolivar, Lynn Caliguiran, Rachael Domingo, Rosie Josue, Tricia Maristela, Channy Ith

CROOKED BRAID

INTRO – HAIR

Genevieve Jopanda

Rosie Josue, Channy Ith, Genevieve Jopanda, Rachael Domingo, Sheila Chung Hagen, Jaja Bolivar

Genevieve Jopanda Mitos Santisteban WEAR AND SAY

Christine Marie Tayaba, Jaja Bolivar, Channy Ith, Gladys Dodds, Tricia Maristela

Heather Law

MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE

Jennifer Ong, Stacey Hoang LULLABY – ILI-ILI, TULOG ANAY*

Bambi Lorica, m.d.

INTRO – THE LITTLE COOCHI SNORCHER THAT COULD

Sheila Chung Hagen

THE LITTLE COOCHI SNORCHER THAT COULD

Tricia Maristela, Heather Law, Christine Marie Tayaba INTRO – SAY IT (FOR THE COMFORT WOMEN)

Sheila Chung Hagen

SAY IT (FOR THE COMFORT WOMEN)

EXTRO – CROOKED BRAID

Jan Yanehiro, Siwaraya Rochanahusdin

MY ANGRY VAGINA

FILM CLIP ON COMFORT WOMEN

Jane Kim, Hydra Mendoza

HAIR

HANDPRINTS (Men against violence)

Intermission

EXTRO – UPDATE ON COMFORT WOMEN SURVIVORS

Elena Mangahas

s a n fran c isc o 05|09 THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES 7:30 pm INTRAMUROS

WRI T E R S & TAGA L OG T RANS L AT I ON V- T E A M

Bernardo Bernardo Bettina Santos Yap Byumi Gonzales Charmaine Mesina Edna Murray Elena Mangahas Elson Mondalbo Jei Africa Joy San Andreas Kathleen Ben Leah Laxamana Rita Asilo Sarah Jane Ilumin Teresa Opaon Thompson Tessie Zaragoza

Part One

The Vagina Workshop

Sonia Delen, Rae Almajose, Rachael Domingo

FOREPLAY Welcome

Vagina Happy Fact

Marily Mondejar, Elena Mangahas Introduction

Rae Almajose, Gladys Dodds, Jaja Bolivar, Rachael Domingo, Tricia Maristela, Sonia Delen, Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Nina Nguyen Lagac, Genevieve Jopanda, Elena Mangahas Intro – Hair

Nina Nguyen Lagac Hair

Gladys Dodds WEAR AND SAY

Rae Almajose, Gladys Dodds, Jaja Bolivar, Rachael Domingo, Tricia Maristela, Sonia Delen, Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Nina Nguyen Lagac, Genevieve Jopanda Intro – The Flood

Helen Marte

The Flood

Genevieve Jopanda

OUTRAGEOUS VAGINA FACT: THE VIBRATOR

Tricia Maristela

Intro – Because He Liked to Look at It

Gladys Dodds

Because He Liked to Look at It

Jaja Bolivar

Heather Law

RECLAIMING CUNT

Rachael Domingo, Rosie Josue INTRO – THE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPY

Rachael Domingo

THE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPY

Helen Zia, Lia Shigemura with: Siwaraya Rochanahusdin, Hydra Mendoza, Heather Law, Lynn Caliguiran, Jaja Bolivar, Christine Marie Tayaba, Rosie Josue, Sheila Chung Hagen, Gladys Dodds INTRO – I WAS THERE IN THE ROOM

Fiona Ma

I WAS THERE IN THE ROOM

Tricia Maristela, Mayette Almazan FILIPINO LULLABY – SA UGOY NY DUYAN**

Bambi Lorica, m.d.

2009 spotlight INTRODUCTION

Mitos Santisteban

2009 spotlight monologue: Baptized

Jan Yanehiro

SPEAK OUT

Marily Mondejar

Gladys Dodds

CURTAIN CALL

The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could

The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy

Nina Nguyen Lagac, Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Rachael Domingo, Kai Delen-Briones Intro – Say It (For the Comfort Women)

Genevieve Jopanda, Jaja Bolivar, Rachael Domingo, Tricia Maristela, Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Nina Nguyen Lagac

Rae Almajose

Intro – I Was There in the Room

Say It (For the Comfort Women)

I Was There in the Room

Jaja Bolivar Tricia Maristela

Rae Almajose

Sonia Delen, Mayette Almazan, Gladys Dodds, Valerie de Leon

Not-So-Happy Fact

Film Clip on Comfort Women

2009 spotlight INTRODUCTION

My Angry Vagina

EXTRO – UPDATE ON COMFORT WOMEN SURVIVORS

2009 spotlight monologue: Baptized

Tricia Maristela

Jo-Ann Agcaoili, Nina Nguyen Lagac

Helen Marte

Intro – My Vagina Was My Village

Outrageous Vagina Fact: The Vibrator

My Vagina Was My Village

Intro – Reclaiming Cunt

Rachael Domingo

Jennifer Ong, Gladys Dodds, Valerie de Leon

Intro – The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could

Sonia Delen

> Casting for ALL shows are subject to change

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INTRO – RECLAIMING CUNT

Trica Maristela

SPEAK OUT

Marily Mondejar Curtain Call

Jo-Ann Agcaoili

Reclaiming Cunt

Rachael Domingo, Sonia Delen Intro – The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy

Gladys Dodds

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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*Text: “Ili-Ili, Now Go To Sleep” (Cebuano). P. Magdamo, Arranger ** Text: “From The Cradle” (Tagalog). Lucio San Pedro, Composer; Levi Celerio (Lyrics)

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san fra nc i sBios co SF Cast & Crew 9 ARLENE “BAMBI” A. LORICA, MD – Please see her bio in the Washington, D.C. section.

Who’s Who in the Cast

AL PEREZ is the founder of Creative i Studio,

ARLENE “BAMBI” LORICA Holistic Physical Pediatrician, Entrepreneur

which specializes in translating marketing objectives into creative strategies. He is an award-winning graphic designer, producing marketing programs from Fortune 500 to start-up companies. Al is excited to be a part of “The Vagina Monologues” journey for the sixth year as its art director.

Channy Ith has lived in the Bay Area for about two years. Her last production before moving to the Bay was the lead role in “The Love of Three Oranges” at her junior college. She is an experienced pianist as well as an experienced student performer at San Francisco State University.

CHANNY ITH Student, Theatre San Francisco State University

CHRISTINE MARIE TAYABA Cardiovascular Sales Specialist Abbott Laboratories

Dave Rodriguez Realtor, Pacific Realty and Investment Corp.

ELENA B. MANGAHAS Chair, Filipina Women’s Network

Christine Tayaba is a Cardiovascular

Sales Specialist with Abbott Laboratories. She is a board member of the Young Filipino Professionals Association. Christine volunteers at the Animal Care Control of San Francisco and at various community-based organizations through HandsOn Bay Area.

Connie Zheng is a writer living in San

EMILY MOTO MURASE Executive Director San Francisco Department Commission on the Status of Women

EVELIE DELFINO SALES Artist, Writer, Singer and more

FIONA MA Assemblywoman (District 12)

GENEVIEVE V. JOPANDA Events Coordinator Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce

Francisco. Her works have been published in AsianWeek and Hyphen. She received her B.A. from the University of California, Davis. Connie has lived abroad in Japan, England, and China. She has taught English in Shanghai at a school for migrant children and recorded the English audio guide to the Museum of Soong Ching Ling in Shanghai. Her website: chasinggodot.com.

HELEN ZIA Journalist, Author, Activist

It took a while for Dave Rodriguez to search for his passion in life, but when he found it, there was no turning back. Born and raised in the Philippines, an engineer by profession (Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila; Computer Science, California State University at Sacramento), a businessman by occupation (EcoCyber Systems Technologies), Dave’s passion falls under the field of performing arts. It may sound like a crazy combination but rest assured – he knows exactly what he wants.

JANE KIM Vice President, San Francisco Board of Education

DON C. SANTOS is a retail fragrance specialist, hair stylist, and make-up artist. In the Philippines, he followed his two passions to earn a BSBA in Business Management and Cosmetology, which led to a variety of beauty-related ventures. Now, that he’s in the U.S., he continues working in his chosen fields as a retail fragrance specialist for high-end brands and as a freelance hair stylist and make-up artist. Don additionally studied for and received his diploma in Cosmetology here in the U.S. This year’s production of the “The Vagina Monologues” in San Francisco marks Don’s fifth year of support for FWN’s important work.

DAVE RODRIGUEZ

GLADYS DODDS Managing Associate Partners in Business Systems

Hydra Mendoza Mayor Gavin Newsom’s Education Advisor, Commissioner, SF Board of Education

HEATHER LAW Research Associate Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations

JAJA BOLIVAR Television Host, Singer

HELEN MARTE Educator San Francisco United School District

JAN YANEHIRO President, Jan Yanehiro Inc.

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

name originates from President Roosevelt. The motto he lives by is “no day but today.” His least favorite thing to do is to swim in the ocean. His legacy is to live a life without regret.

FRANKLIN M. RICARTE’s

Elena Mangahas is a Journalism graduate

of the University of the Philippines where she was also active in theatre production with the University of the Philippines Repertory Company. From campus theatre she moved into independent theatre productions until her immigration to the U.S. She settled in Stockton and continued theatre work leading to her V-Day involvement in 2004 to this day. Social service is her day job and Elena serves as chair of Little Manila Foundation for historic preservation of Filipino American history in America and the Filipina Women’s Network’s Board of Directors. Elena was selected 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2007 and awarded Woman of the Year for 2009 by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Dr. EMILY MOTO MURASE has served as Executive Director of the Department on the Status of Women since 2004. Prior to her current work, Emily served in the first Clinton White House as Director for International Economic Affairs, and later served in the International Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission. Active in her community, Emily is a Founding Sister of the Asian Pacific American Women’s Leadership Institute. She currently serves on the Parent Teacher Community Council of the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program at Rosa Parks Elementary School. She is also a member of the Lowell High School Alumni Association Board of Directors. Evelie Delfino Såles Posch is a multitalented, multi-faceted sacred song singer/ writer, recording artist, drummer, dancer, Pranic healer and practitioner, choral director, storyteller, educator, scholar, and magical activist whose talents have flourished for over four decades, spanning the traditions of her ancestors and the progressive edge of ceremony, world music and dance today. She performs, directs, or conducts with numerous musical groups, including the Mahal Ensemble and Kistmat-Mahal Kirtan Ensemble. She teaches classes in women’s spirituality. Evelie founded the Babaylan Emerging: Apprenticeship and Mentoring Program. [email protected] Fiona Ma is the Assemblywoman of California’s 12th District. The district includes San Francisco, Daly City, Colma and Broadmoor. Ma, as the Majority Whip, is responsible for ensuring the passage of crucial legislation to improve public education, expand healthcare access and protect our environment. At the start of her second term, Ma was appointed to key committees including Higher Education,

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SF Cast & Crew Bios Revenue and Taxation, Housing, Agriculture, Labor, and Public Safety. Ma serves as the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Domestic Violence where she has worked on legislation to protect victims of domestic violence. From 2002 to 2006, she served as a member of the San Francisco Board of supervisors. GENEVIEVE JOPANDA is the events

coordinator for the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, with previous experience with companies like Zipcar, Hertz and the San Francisco Chronicle. Gen is currently the President of the Young Filipino Professionals Association, a member of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, a member of the Filipino American Political Action Committee and founding member of Citizen Hope. She works with the annual Filipino American Arts Exposition and Pistahan as its talent coordinator and executive producer for the Sine! Sine! Film Festival.

Gladys Dodds is Resource Manager

with a consulting firm. A mother of two strong-minded children, she spends most of her days managing their days. When she is allowed out of the house, she dabbles in writing, salsa and samba dancing. With no prior theater experience, Gladys is honored to be involved in V-Day. She hopes her mother, Helen, now an angel in heaven, is proud of her. Gladys’ participation is in honor of her mother’s memory and strength.

HEATHER LAW , a native of Hawaii, is

thrilled to be joining FWN’s production of “The Vagina Monologues.” Heather is a public health researcher and activist. The majority of her work has focused on violence among women and children. She also studied acting at Tufts University in Boston. In her free time, she enjoys random artistic endeavors such as burlesque theater, dancing hula, and capoeira.

HELEN MARTE is an educator at the

San Francisco Unified School District and was involved with FWN’s “The Vagina Monologues” in 2008.

Helen Zia is an award-winning veteran

journalist and Fulbright Scholar. She is the author of “Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People,” and co-author of “My Country Versus Me,” about the persecution of Wen Ho Lee, who was falsely accused of being a spy for the PRC. She is a Contributing Editor to “Ms. Magazine,” where she was formerly Executive Editor. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, broadcasts, and documentaries. A second

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generation Chinese American, she has been outspoken on social justice issues ranging from human rights and peace to women’s rights and countering hate violence and homophobia. She serves on the board of directors of the Women’s Media Center and was one of 79 people in North America who carried the Olympic Torch in San Francisco. She has been married 3 times to Lia Shigemura and knows that, one day, same sex couples and all relationships will be treated as equals.

Locus Arts, a volunteer-run venue in San Francisco that showcases emerging musicians, writers, filmmakers and actors. Jane is the past President of the San Francisco People’s Organization and a past Board member of the Asian American Theater Company and the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club. Outside of work, Jane has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and plays bass guitar. She completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University in Political Science and Asian American Studies.

Hydra Mendoza is the commissioner of the San Francisco Board of Education, the first Filipina American to be elected to the San Francisco Board of Education. She is also Education Advisor for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Before being appointed to her position in the summer of 2005, Hydra served as Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools. Hydra has a background in Business Administration as well as early Childhood Development. Hydra resides in San Francisco with her husband, Dr. Ricardo Alvarez, and two children, Ashoka and Santiago Alvarez.

JENNIFER ONG, o.d. has been

is a comedienne, singer and a television host of Adobo Nation, The Filipino Channel’s premier lifestyle magazine show which airs globally every Sunday at 6:40 pm on TFC and every Saturday at 11am on KTSF. She dreams of a utopian society where people drink milk tea boba all day!

raised in the Philippines. She graduated from San Francisco State University BA Psychology. Jo-Ann is the Assistant Vice President for Business Support at Banc of America Leasing. She has supported and volunteered in past productions of FWN since 2004 and believes in V-Day and FWN to prevent and stop violence against women and girls

Jaja Bolivar

Jan I. Yanehiro is the president of Jan Yanehiro, Inc., a media and marketing strategic planning firm. She spent fourteen years as co-host of KPIX TV’s “Evening Magazine” program and has been active in entrepreneurial pursuits, including being a founding partner of Fair Advantage, which provides college and career guidance seminars for young women; and as a founding partner of Thriving Together, a business that seeks to inspire women in business, transition, family and finance. She received her degree in Journalism from the California State University, Fresno, and has co-authored two books. Jane Kim is currently Vice-President

of the Board of Education in the City and County of San Francisco. She is the first Korean American elected in San Francisco. Before being elected to the Board of Education as the top vote-getter in November 2006, Jane was the Youth Program Director at the Chinatown Community Development Center and a fellow at Greenlining Institute. She is also a co-director and co-founder of

practicing optometry in the East Bay area for more than 10 years and is a trustee of the California Optometric Association. In addition to her role in optometry, Dr. Ong has been a very active member of the community. She has volunteered for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Hidden Villa Nature Conservation and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. She has also been an Earthwatch volunteer research assistant, taking her to Australia, Costa Rica and Merida, Mexico.

JO-ANN AGCAOILI was born and

Kai is one of the original cast members of the 2004 FWN “The Vagina Monologues.” She is also the producer of the Pistahan Festival and an active volunteer for Richmond Aids Foundation and Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She is thrilled to be part of this amazing production 6 years running.

Kai Delen-Briones

KEN MARQUIS was a child actor

with credits including “The Waltons” and “The Addams Family Halloween Reunion.” More recently, Ken’s behind the scenes producing/directing activities include theatrical plays & pageants, television (live and pre-taped) production, and outdoor cultural/music festivals. Credits include “The Vagina Monologues” (stage), Ginoong Pilipinas (stage), Flawless de Mayo (stage), The Journey: Stephanie Reese (stage), MSNBC’s “The Site” hosted by Soledad O’Brien (national TV), “Digital Cam Film Festival” (national TV), “TechTV’s HDTV Special” (national TV), “The Screen Savers” (national TV), DARPA Urban Challenge (corp TV), Pistahan Main Stage (festival), and the SF Giants

Filipino Heritage Night (festival). Ken lives happily ever after in San Francisco with Al Perez, his partner of 19 years. Lia Shigemura has worked in the field of civil rights, diversity and inclusion for many years in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Lia, who has been active in the fight to secure domestic partner benefits in corporate America, current leads diversity efforts for ABM Industries, Inc., a national facility services company with over 110,000 employees. She served as National Program Director with the Japanese American Citizens League, was on the founding Board of the Asian Women’s Shelter; was board chair of the API Wellness Center and for Horizon’s Foundation, which both serve San Francisco’s LGBT communities. A third-generation Japanese American from Hawai’i, her father, a retired state judge, flew from Honolulu to officiate her first wedding ceremony to Helen Zia in 2004 when he was 87 years old, and noted then that “judges sometimes make mistakes.” Lia -– who has never acted before – hopes the California Supreme Court does the right thing and upholds the Constitution by striking down Prop. 8. LYNN CALIGUIRAN is a Program

Manager in Sales Acquisition Integration at a network communications equipment company, and an Operations Consultant for Owen Photographie. Lynn is a firstgeneration American-born Filipina that is exploring her ethnic heritage. She hopes her involvement in this production will help raise awareness and convey the message to end the violence against women.

MARILY MONDEJAR is president of

Filipina Women’s Network. Under her leadership, the fledgling organization operating ad hoc since 1996 grew from 50 members in 2002, to over 5,200 list members today. She initiated the Filipinas Against Violence campaign in 2004 to raise awareness of the domestic violence problem in the Filipino community. She serves on nonprofit boards including the City of San Francisco’s Justice and Courage Oversight Panel. She was recently appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to the Sweatfree Procurement Advisory Group, which evaluates the city’s implementation, administration, and enforcement of the Sweatfree Contracting Ordinance. She’s the co-chair of the San Francisco Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women. Marily is an organizational change practitioner, image consultant and career coach. She’s proud of her two wonderful boys and three grandsons.

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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MAYETTE ALMAZAN,m.d. is author of “Bipolar Spectrum Disorder: Fighting a Disease with a Thousand Faces.” She has over 20 years of outpatient and 15 years of inpatient psychiatry practice in private, public, state hospital sector. Currently, Dr. Almazan maintains a fulltime private outpatient eclectic psychiatry practice where she is the President, CEO of Specialty Center Inc. in Fair Oaks, California. Mitos Santisteban is President of ABS CBN Foundation, with over 25 years of philanthropy and community outreach expertise. Appointed as President and CEO in 2006, Mitos has been involved with the foundation since 1998. Since her arrival in the United States as a political exile from her native Philippines in 1979, Mitos has played a strong role in the Filipino-American community. She was chairperson of the Northern California Movement for a Free Philippines, supporter of Filipino Catholic Affairs, as well as a member of the San Mateo County Commission on Mental Health. Together with husband, Joseling, Mitos lends her leadership and organization skills to social, civic and youth services via the St. Andrew’s Parish in Daly City, Calif. Mitos helps members of the Bay Area business community by facilitating seminars on the Philippines and Filipino culture to companies interested in doing business there. NINA NGUYEN LAGAC , a refugee

from the Vietnam War, was raised Buddhilic in historical and brave Cavite. True to her Caviteño and Saigon roots, she comes from a long line of strong women, and she consistently stands for what she believes in. She has been a staunch advocate of the plight of women, children and the environment. A theater enthusiast, she loves expressing herself through the arts. She is currently the marketing director for Office Systems of Connecticut, based in Hartford. Nina is the youngest daughter of U.S. Army Philippine Scout Veteran Philip and pho-bulous Mai. She is also a proud mom to two-year-old shih-tzu named Joey.

RACHAEL DOMINGO is a young Filipina-Spanish American looking to make a difference in the world in as many ways as possible. She is a law student at the University of California, Davis and has various interests, including riding motorcycles, doing hair and make-up, dancing, talking, and – her favorite – spending time with the people she loves. RAE ALMAJOSE is an ad layout clerk

at the San Francisco Chronicle. She graduated from the University of San Francisco.

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san francisco

san francisco

JENNIFER ONG Optometrist, Family Eye Care

Jo-Ann Agcaoili Assistant Vice President, Bank of America

KAI DELEN-BRIONES Student

LIA SHIGEMURA Diversity Director, ABM Industries

LYNN CALIGUIRAN Program Manager, Cisco Systems Inc.

MAYETTE ALMAZAN President and CEO, Specialty Center Inc.

MITOS SANTISTEBAN President, ABS CBN Foundation

NINA NGUYEN LAGAC Marketing Director, Office Systems of Connecticut

RACHAEL DOMINGO Dispatcher, CHP; Marketing Assistant, eRepublic

RAE ALMAJOSE Ad Layout Clerk, San Francisco Chronicle

ROSIE JOSUE Theatre Actress; SFSU Student

SHEILA CHUNG HAGEN Legislative Aide, Supervisor David Campos City and County of San Francisco

SIWARAYA ROCHANAHUSDIN Community Organizer, Save the Thai Temple

Sonia Delen Senior Vice President, Banc of America Leasing

Art Director AL PEREZ Principal, Creative i Studio

Sr. Graphic Designer ALBERIC RIVERA Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer CARRIE DOUNG Student, San Francisco State University

Who’s Who in the Crew STACEY HOANG Development and Marketing Officer, Eden I&R

TRICIA MARISTELA Board Member, Healthy Ways

VALERIE DE LEON Dentist, Millbrae Smile Center

Production Assistant CHRIS PARADO

V-Diaries Editor CONNIE ZHENG Writer

Production Assistant DON CAN

Hair & Makeup Artistry DON SANTOS Retail Fragrance Specialist, Hair Stylist, Make-Up Artist

Executive Producer ELENA MANGAHAS Chair, Filipina Women’s Network

Playwright EVE ENSLER Founder, V-DAY

Production Manager FRANKLIN RICARTE Strategic Planning Consultant

Photographer GARY CRUZ Principal, Amaze Studios

Production Assistant GENEVIEVE DWYER President, Genevies Corporation

Director GENEVIEVE JOPANDA Events Coordinator, Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce

Director KEN MARQUIS Team Manager, George P. Johnson

Executive Producer MARILY MONDEJAR President, Filipina Women’s Network

Production Coordinator Senior Vice President, Banc of America Leasing

Photographer TJ SIMBULAN Special Education Teacher

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE



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C O N O C I MIENT O WHAT DOES YOUR NAME MEAN? Sun Goddess. Flower. Beheaded French queen. St. Catherine. Honeybee. Jesus in Hebrew. Star of the sea. A French Catholic saint. PERSONAL MOTTO There’s nothing you can’t recover from, so just do it. Live life to the fullest – you never know when it’s your last day. Embrace the invincible resilience within you. Let it flow. Live life at a 10. Do what brings you joy. Learn to let go. What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger. Treat others how they want to be treated. Think beyond yourself. Do the best you can with what

you have. Boyfriends and husbands come and go, but real friends last forever. The more you know, the lesser you fear. ADVICE PARENTS SHARED WITH YOU Always be your own woman Funny fixes everything Don’t expect others to think and act like you Always be doing something creative or you will rot into the system. Pray. ONE THING PEOPLE CAN’T GUESS ABOUT YOU I’m half Filipino… and half Filipina. I have a big tattoo. I’m a pianist and I enjoy playing Bach. GREATEST FEAR Failing to learn and grow from my experiences of pain.

Not being able to reach my full potential as a person. Losing control and being a victim again. Realizing you are just existing and not leaving. LEGACY Legacy is to affect people in a positive way through entertainment and to make them dream and do something about it! FILIPINO CUSTOM AND TRADITION YOU WANT TO PASS ON Big parties with lots of food, family, and friends. The history of our families, the struggles, and the stories to help future generations understand the foundation their family is built upon. Bayanihan. My parents used to wake us up as children by tickling us, waking up early and filling the home with the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes every Saturday.

SF Cast & Crew Bios ROSIE JOSUE is a performing artist and writer graduating from SFSU as a double major in psychology and criminal justice. She an avid community activist, often times using acting as a means to illustrate challenging issues while promoting social awareness. Some of Rosie’s recent productions include “Troy: The Gates of Hell” at San Francisco State University and FWN’s “The Vagina Monologues” in 2008. She is currently performing in the Diwang Pinay showcase with the Babae organization and “Turning a Negative into a Positive” for the Create Social Change organization SHEILA CHUNG HAGEN is the legislative aide to Supervisor David Campos of the City and County of San Francisco. In 2008, the city appointed Sheila as Immigrant Rights Administrator. Ms. Hagen was the former Director of the Bay Area Rights Immigrant Rights Coalition, a non-profit community based organization. Siwaraya Rochanahusdin is active in

the Save the Thai Temple collective, battling to keep the Berkeley based buddhist center from closure. She was co-organizer of Indie Rock to the Rescue: Tsunami Benefit for Foundation for Women and former manager of the spoken word group Proletariat Bronze. Her play excerpt “Waking Dreams” has gone up at Asian American Theater Company, Kearny Street Workshop, and Bindlestiff Studio. She has co-written for the film Bampinay and is an alum of the Thai Cultural Center’s dance and music programs. By day she works at a nonprofit policy and advocacy organization crunching numbers. She likes hugs and belly laughter.

Sonia T. Delen is Senior Vice President at Banc of America Leasing, a subsidiary of Bank of America. She heads the Transaction Management unit of its Global Investment Bank/Large Corporate group. Sonia is President of the St. Gabriel School Board and member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine International Aid and served on the Boards of Support for Families of Children with Disabilities and the Blind Babies Foundation of San Francisco. She is a member Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). In 2007, Sonia was selected as one of FWN’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the United States. She currently appears on www.youtube.com FWN 100 channel as part of FWN’s mentoring series; and was the featured

guest in ABS-CBN’s TV episode of Adobo Nation “Big Time Ka Na” segment originally aired on July 19, 2008. Sonia is one of two original cast members of the FWN productions of “The Vagina Monologues.” Sonia graduated from the University of the Philippines, and enjoys golf, traveling, classical music and flower arranging. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Christopher Fitzsimmons and their three boys: David, Justin and Matthew. Stacey Hoang is a Development and Marketing Officer at Eden I&R, a nonprofit information and referral services agency based in Alameda County. Prior to receiving her graduate degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon, she served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer for a provincial and national chamber of commerce in Mongolia. Born in Vietnam to Chinese parents, she grew up in Sacramento and currently resides in San Francisco. She is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys hiking. Tricia Maristela is an inspirational Filipina who was born and raised in the Bay Area. Her parents are graduates of the University of the Philippines. She has been a member of FWN since 2000. She is an active Board Member of Healthy Ways, a non-profit organization, serving Daly City and outlying communities. Her expertise in child development contributed to her success in providing social services, counseling, and education to children and families in the Sacramento and Central Valley. Tricia recently returned to the Bay Area and continues to participate in local community organizations. VALERIE DE LEON received her degree in dental medicine at the University of the East, College of Dentistry, Manila, Philippines in 1994 and graduated with Honors . She also passed the Philippine Boards as one of the top 20 licensees. She took her post graduate training at the University of California Los Angeles and passed the California boards. She is committed to dental excellence and is passionate about providing her patients with the best possible dental experience she can give them. Valerie has a daughter and two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the sport of indoor badminton and her hobby is singing. She used to sing in a band called The New Minstrels.

in honor of our late mother

Consuelo T. Delen

On Mother’s Day & First Year Death Anniversary August 16, 1915 –May 10, 2008 f o r e v e r i n o u r h e a rt s

With love, Aqui S. Delen Children Ester Delen Sonia Delen & Chris Fitzsimmons David, Justin & Matthew

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Delza Delen-Briones & Hermie Briones Kai, Katrina & Kimberly FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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Trailblazers from Day One – From left: Elena Mangahas, Sonia Delen and Marily Mondejar keep on truckin’ even through bumpy roads. PEBBLE’S RIPPLE EFFECT continued FROM page 20

about domestic violence and what we all need to help those who need to get out of abusive situations.” Now in its sixth year, FWN performances have gone national, spanning the West and East Coasts in New York and Washington D.C. Its performances have totaled 21 in number, with six Tagalog versions of “The Vagina Monologues” and three “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and a Prayer,” a groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights. For the first time in FWN history, the previous all-Filipina show features an all Asian American cast on May 2 at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. A pebble cascading a ripple effect, what started as one performance in 2003 has blossomed into something much bigger. The organization continues spreading its message against domestic violence to new audiences, because domestic violence is a plight that affects all genders, ages, ethnicities and locations. FWN’s success has inspired many other organizations to follow its model, spurring plans of spin-offs in Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Los Angeles. In addition to “The Vagina Monologues” productions, FWN also creates an annual anti-domestic violence publication called the V-Diaries, a publication that helps victims by empowering them with the knowledge to get out of their domestic violence situations. Perez recounted an instance of a friend who was in a domestic violence situation but didn’t know what to do. After reading about support groups and resources in the V-Diaries, she managed to get a restraining order against her husband. “The V-Diaries is really saving people’s lives,” Perez said. “People call and tell us they read it from cover to cover. It is a tool that allows people to either get away from a domestic violence situation or to empower someone by the articles we publish. These stories resonate and impact people in a positive way not just here in the Bay Area, but all over the country.”

Asian Am erican Speaking Out Aga inst Violence Because … The success behind FWN’s movement against domestic violence rests on dedicated individuals who donate their time, energy, heart, and soul year after year, and continues to do so because they see their work’s impact on countless lives. “I continue supporting this group because I can see the vision materializing,” said Dr. Bambi Lorica who co-produced the Washington D.C. production in 2009. “I want to do my part. I have three daughters, and it’s a world I want to change for their future.” “The performances benefit our only Asian domestic violence organization in the D.C. metropolitan area that serves survivors in Tagalog and Cebuano and the V-Day global movement. The production has sealed a sense of filial camaraderie in a group of strong leaders dedicated to ending violence against women and girls,” said Nina Lagac who directed the Washington D.C. production and was assistant director for the New York production in 2008. “A kinship exists among the growing alumni of our cast and crew members that is inspiring and breathtaking,” said Sonia Delen who has been involved with the production since it started in 2004. “A beautiful, unbreakable bond of love and compassion permeate this ‘family’ that unselfishly contributes to ending domestic violence against women and children, and individuals as a whole.” “These little things we do really make a big impact,” Perez said. “Now on our sixth year, we have reached out to our Asian brothers and sisters. We hope the Filipino model will be adopted by Asian communities highlighting the cultural traditions that sometimes serve as barriers to resolving violence at home. We want to pass the torch and we hope the brave souls of the first Asian American show will take on the challenge.” Going forward, FWN invites more communities and organizations nationally and globally to join its mission in ending domestic violence against individuals. “When more global communities participate in this effort, we truly become one voice,” Delen said.

A S IAN W O M EN AGAIN S T V IO L ENCE

far too long, It has exis ted for tely no sense and there is absolu ition of tra d in continuing the eaking breaking peop le, br g hope. lives, and breakin

Every single person deserves to live y peacefully and enjo satisfying, healthy relationships.

Until we confront it we cannot end this , cycle of violence. We are not victims. We are survivors.

destruction I have witnessed the man being. violence does to a hu e cycle I want to help end th s so it NEVER ha ppen to anybody again.

No o ne sho uld b e ne . suf fering a lo

No more hiding. I want to bring everything to light so all can heal.

t h e va g i na mono lo g u e s I Am An

I wan t to be h appy and I wan t to f ind pe ace .

I’m a s ur vivor . I’m s to heal tr onger ever y d . I’m d ay. Th eter min Ta s t i n g e j o ed ur ney i freedom s h ar d. is bran I love i d new to t and I me and want to that fre h e lp othe edom rs feel

ing be shared h t e m o I t ’s s a t n e e d s t o t e d a g a i n . h t repea t o n is so it

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Free Battered Women from Prison

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armen, a Latina from Los Angeles, started dating a young man when she was 18 years old. Her boyfriend slowly began to isolate Carmen from family and friends. He monitored her phone calls, took away her car, and demanded her paychecks. When his behavior escalated to include physical violence, rapes, and threats to kill her and her family, she had no idea how to escape his abuse. When Carmen’s boyfriend forced her to accompany him on a home robbery, she complied out of fear. He killed a woman at the scene and injured another woman. When they were both arrested and charged with first-degree murder, no information about Carmen’s

boyfriend’s violence, abuse, or threats were presented to help the prosecutor or the court understand that she participated in the crime out of fear. Carmen pled guilty to first-degree murder to avoid a sentence of life without parole and was given 25 years to life in prison. Today, she has served over 19 years in prison. The vast majority of the over 11,000 people incarcerated in California’s women prisons survived physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse by an intimate partner before they entered prison. Hundreds are abuse survivors like Carmen who are serving life sentences for their responses to this abuse. Many survivors are arrested after defending themselves or their children

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from abusive partners, after being forced by their partners to commit or confess to crimes, and after being held responsible for their abusive partner’s violence against their children. Many trauma survivors turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the abuse, and then get caught up in the legal system on drug-related charges, prostitution charges, or for robbery. Courts use dangerous myths and misconceptions about domestic violence to charge survivors with crimes. In particular, women of color, transgender people, homosexuals, immigrants, and poor people who are domestic violence survivors are repeatedly and systematically disbelieved, discounted, and further victimized by the criminal legal system. Once convicted, these abuse survivors find themselves going from a prison created by their partners to one run by the state, where tactics of control used by prison staff mirror the abuse they experienced at home. Survivors speak of how control tactics prison staff use against people in prison (and in jail, immigration detention centers, youth detention centers, and other countries around the globe) parallel the tactics used by their abusive partners to gain and maintain power over them. “In prison you are told when to sleep, when to get up, when to eat, what you will eat, how much you may eat, when to go to work, which way you will walk to get there, what clothes you must wear and when to return home,” explained Ellen R., a survivor incarcerated at Valley State

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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Prison for Women. “If all these activities are not done exactly as ordered, you will be punished. In an abusive home all the above rules apply. The one difference is that most of the punishment is physical abuse, where in prisons most of the punishment is verbal abuse. There is much difference between the two. One just heals faster than the other.” Many survivors never have a chance to explain how the abuse they survived from their intimate partner was relevant in their case. If such information had been known at the time their cases were prosecuted, they possibly would not have been charged with the same crime, convicted, or sentenced so harshly. This may be especially true for those convicted before courts began allowing expert testimony on domestic violence in criminal cases, but it also applies to many survivors who are being convicted today.

Free Battered Women works with domestic violence survivors incarcerated in California state prisons and seeks to end the re-victimization of incarcerated survivors of domestic violence. We work for the freedom of domestic violence survivors like Carmen (a pseudonym). We believe in survivors’ rights to tell their stories and to have this information be considered in court sentencing. Please join us in the movement to free battered women from prison. For more information, visit freebatteredwomen.org.

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Abuse in Same-Sex Relationships

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omestic violence in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community is a serious issue. The rates of domestic violence in same-gender relationships are roughly the same as those of domestic violence against heterosexual women. As in opposite-gendered couples, the problem is likely underreported. Facing a system that is often oppressive and hostile toward those who identify as anything other than “straight,” those involved in same-gender battering frequently report being afraid of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship. Additionally, even those who attempt to report violence in their alternative relationship run into obstacles. Police officers, prosecutors, judges and others to whom a GLBT victim may turn to for help may have difficulty in providing the same level of service as a heterosexual victim would receive. Not only might personal attitudes toward the GLBT community come into play, but these providers may also have inadequate levels of experience and training to work with GLBT victims, and flimsy or non-existent legal structures to use in rendering justice on behalf of the victim. Although much advancement has been made in the provision of services, the enforcement of the law, and the equality of protections available to those in GLBT relationships over the last decade, there are some important facts to know about abuse in same sex relationships. In many ways, domestic violence in lesbian, bisexual and gay relationships is the same as in opposite-gendered relationships, but there are several important aspects in which same-sex domestic violence is unique. Emotional abuse for someone who is GLBT may involve “outing” their sexual orientation at work or to family or friends. Local resources for domestic violence in the GLBT community are often scarce and many traditional domestic violence services lack the training, sensitivity, and expertise to adequately recognize and address abusive GLBT relationships.

Lesbians, bisexuals and gay men who have been abused have much more difficulty in finding sources of support than heterosexual women who are battered by their male partners. Victims often believe that in order to use existing services (such as a shelter, attending support groups or calling a crisis line) they must lie or hide the gender of the batterer to be perceived (and thus accepted) as a heterosexual. Or it can mean “coming out,” which is a major life decision. If lesbians, bisexuals and gays come out to service providers who are not discreet with this information, it could lead to the victim losing their home, job, custody of children, etc. This may also precipitate local and/or statewide laws to affect some of these changes, depending on the area. If GLBT victims are financially intertwined with their partners, such as each paying a rent or mortgage and having “built a home together”, they have no legal process to assist them in making sure assets are evenly divided, a process which exists for their married, heterosexual counterparts. Telling heterosexuals about battering in a GLBT relationship can reinforce the myth that many believe in that lesbian, bisexual and gay relationships are dysfunctional. This can further cause the victim to feel isolated and unsupported. The GLBT community itself is often not supportive of victims of battering because many want to maintain the myth that there are no problems (such as child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, etc.) in these relationships. As long as the community continues Proprietor to place priority on pretending gays and lesbians don’t experience abuse, resources will remain scarce, and outreach will continue to suffer. Receiving support services to help one escape a battering relationship is more difficult when there are also oppressions faced. Battered lesbians and female bisexuals automatically encounter sexism and homophobia, and gay and bisexual men encounter homophobia. Lesbian or gay people of color who are battered also face racism. These forms of social oppressions make it more difficult for these groups to get

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

the support needed (legal, financial, social, housing, medical, etc.) to escape and live freely from an abusive relationship. Lesbian, bi and gay survivors of battering may not know others who are lesbian, bi or gay, meaning that leaving the abuser could result in total isolation. The GLBT community within the area may be small, and in all likelihood everyone the survivor knows will soon know of their abuse. Sides will be taken and support may be difficult to find. Anonymity is not an option, a characteristic many heterosexual survivors can draw upon in “starting a new life” for themselves within the same city. Same Sex Domestic Violence: MYTHS MYTH #1: Only straight women get battered. Men are not victims of domestic violence, and women never batter. MYTH #2: Domestic violence is more common in straight relationships than it is in same-sex relationships. MYTH #3: It really isn’t violence when a same-sex couple fights. It’s just

a lover’s quarrel, a fair fight between equals. MYTH #4: It really isn’t violence when gay men fight. It’s boys being boys. A man should be able to defend himself. MYTH #5: The batterer is always bigger, stronger, more ‘butch’. Victims will always be smaller, weaker, more feminine. MYTH #6: Lesbian and Gay domestic violence is sexual behavior, a version of S and M. The victim actually likes it. MYTH #7: The law does not and will not protect victims of same sex domestic violence. MYTH #8: It is easier for lesbian or gay victims of domestic violence to leave the abusive relationship than it is for heterosexual battered women who are married.

Courtesy of AARDVARC (An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating family and relationship violence, sexual violence and child abuse. For more info, visit aardvarc.org.

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ABOUT V-DAY

V

-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play “The Vagina Monologues.” In 2008, more than 3,400 V-Day events took place in the U.S. and around the world. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $60 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media, and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 5000 community-based antiviolence programs as well as safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt, and Iraq. In June 2006 V-Day launched the V-DAY: UNTIL HE VIOLENCE STOPS festival in NYC, which invited thousands of New Yorkers to stand up and join V-Day in making New York City the safest place on earth for women and girls. In 2008 V-Day celebrated its tenth anniversay in New Orleans with over 30,000 activists attending V TO THE TENTH. The V-Day movement is growing at a rapid pace throughout the world, in 112 countries from Europe to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and all of North America. V-Day, a non-profit corporation, distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. The ‘V’ in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. www.vday.org.

V-Day Mission Statement V-Day is: • An organized response against violence toward women. • A vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely. • A demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery 36

must end now. • A spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities. • A catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world. • A process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops. • A day. We proclaim Valentine’s Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence. • A fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community. Join us!

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO Each year V-Day increases awareness by focusing on a specific group of women in the world who are resisting violence with courage and vision. In 2009 V-Day’s Spotlight Campaign will highlight the atrocities being committed against the women and girls of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the DRC Rape is used as a weapon of war to torture and humiliate women and girls. This systemic sexual violence and femicide not only destroys women and young girls but also entire families and communities. Survivors often suffer in silence, fearing stigma and ostracism. In addition to the severe psychological impact, many survivors are left with genital lesions, traumatic fistulae and other physical wounds, as well as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Local response to support survivors is hindered by a lack of resources. There is near total impunity for these crimes as perpetrators almost always walk free. In 2009 V-Day and UNICEF, together with UN and NGO partners, are working

with V-Day organizers around the world to make a difference. DRC has been called the worst humanitarian crisis in the world and the widest interstate war in modern African history. Fueled by the exploitation of the country’s rich natural resources by foreign and local armies and private enterprises, the war has directly affected the lives of 50 million Congolese. Since 1996, this conflict has caused more deaths than any war since World War II, either as a direct result of fighting or due to disease and malnutrition. Five million people have lost their lives as a result of the conflict. With your help, the women and children who bear the burden of this war can reclaim a life of safety and dignity. For more information on the Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource, Power To The Women And Girls Of The Democratic Republic Of Congo Campaign, please visit www.vday.org/drcongo.

HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH V-DAY

ABOUT Eve Ensler Eve Ensler is a playwright, performer and activist. She is the award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues, which has been published in 45 languages and performed in over 120 countries. She is also the founder/artistic director of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, which has raised nearly 60 million dollars and recently celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in April 2008. Eve’s plays include Necessary Targets, Conviction, Lemonade, The Depot, Floating Rhoda and the Glue Man, Extraordinary Measures and The Good

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

Body, which she performed on Broadway, followed by a national tour. Both The Good Body and The Vagina Monologues are now being performed throughout the world and have been published by Random House. In September 2006, Eve’s play, The Treatment, premiered at the Culture Project in New York City. O.P.C., her newest work, will debut this summer at NY Stage and Film at Vassar College. In 2006, Eve released her first nonfiction book, Insecure At Last: A Political Memoir, and co-edited A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer, an anthology of writings about violence against women. Both were published by Random House. Eve’s film credits include an HBO film version of The Vagina Monologues. She also produced the film What I Want My Words to Do To You, a documentary about her work with women in prison, which won the Freedom of Expression Award at Sundance and was shown on PBS. Eve has written numerous articles for Glamour Magazine, Marie Claire, Huffington Post, Utne Reader, as well as a regular column in O Magazine. She has won many awards including a Guggenheim Fellowship in Playwriting and an Obie in addition to a number of honorary degrees. Eve is currently working on a film version of her play Necessary Targets and a new book of monologues, I Am an Emotional Creature, to be published by Random House in 2010.

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For more information about V‑Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, please visit the V‑Day web site at www.vday.org.

2009 INTERNATIONAL V-DAY SUPPORTERS Dramatists Play Service / GLAMOUR / LUNA / OPEN SQUARE Foundation / Shawn & Shane / Vosges Haut Chocolat / W Hotels

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Filipinas Against Violence

FWN RESPONDS: ADVOCACIES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

nding abuse against Filipina women and girls is a major concern for the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), because domestic violence is widespread in the Filipino community and it is a violation of basic human rights. Filipinas Against Violence campaign was started in 2004 to raise awareness of the domestic violence problem in the Filipino community. In collaboration with V-day, the all-Filipina cast of the V-Day FWN productions is a grassroots campaign that provides the Filipino community a venue for the discussion of the cultural, power and control issues around violence. V-Day FWN is produced annually in San Francisco (since 2004), was in New York in 2006-2008 and now premieres in Washington, D.C, According to UNIFEM, one in three women will suffer some form of violence in her lifetime, becoming part of an epidemic that devastates lives, fractures communities and stalls development. Despite some progress on this issue over the past decade, its horrendous scale remains mostly unacknowledged. New dimensions include the global trafficking of women and girls. The 2000 murder of a Filipina woman, 28-year-old Claire Joyce Tempongko, witnessed by her two young children, prompted the investigation of San Francisco’s citywide response system to handle domestic violence. Ironically, there is no Filipino in the commission that has been tasked to implement the investigation’s results. Kamala Harris, now San Francisco’s District Attorney, said in an article in Asian Week (Dec. 5, 2003), “Our city desperately needs a change in our criminal justice system. I can sum up why I’m running for district attorney with the story of one Filipina American’s life: Claire Tempongko.” Kamala Harris ran on this platform and this statement is posted on her campaign website. Another Filipina woman, 32-year-old Marisa Corpuz, was killed by her husband, William Corpuz, in September 2004. Her death has prompted San

WN works on ways to interrupt the cycle of violence against Filipina women and girls by linking violence to the source that feeds it: gender inequality. FWN multiplies the power of its strategies through the Filipinas Against Violence advocacy campaign and collaborations with other women’s groups, domestic violence agencies, faith-based organizations and with the local Philippine and U.S. governments.

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Francisco prosecutors once again to rethink the city’s system for safeguarding victims and counseling their abusers. William Corpuz just completed 39 weekly counseling sessions before he slit Marisa’s throat in their home shared with her parents and one of their two young children. In May 2007, a jury of his peers convicted William Corpuz of first degree murder. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Jerome Benson reduced the jury’s first-degree murder verdict to seconddegree murder and sentenced Corpuz to a lesser sentence. “In California, as the law stands today, a man who kills his wife will receive a lesser sentence than a person who commits murder during a rape or robbery,” said FWN President Marily Mondejar. “Why should a domestic violence case be treated as less important under the law? We need to change the law to send batterers away for a long time so that women in abusive relationships feel safe about coming forward.” On March 14, 2008, members of FWN were in the courtroom when San Francisco Superior Court Judge Jerome Benson reduced a jury’s first-degree murder verdict in a domestic violence case to seconddegree murder. Although Judge Benson said the murder of Marisa Corpuz, mother of two, was “a bloody, brutal, gruesome and savage killing,” he stated that he had no choice but to reduce William Corpuz’s sentence to second-degree murder because the evidence did not support a finding of deliberation. Judge Benson explained that he was constrained by limitations in California’s laws on homicide to rule as he did. “What started as a grassroots campaign in the Filipino community has now become a statewide initiative to make California a safer place for women and girls,” said Eve Ensler, author, playwright, and founder of V-Day. “We need more groups like the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) to mobilize communities, saving lives, one woman at a time. It makes a world without violence truly possible.”

ASIAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE

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Raising Consciousness Since 2004, FWN has collaborated with Eve Ensler’s V-Day organization (a global movement to stop violence against women and girls) empowering and celebrating women and their sexuality with a festival of theatre, comedy, and the spoken word highlighted by the all-Filipina performances of The Vagina Monologues. 2006 marked the first Tagalog version (Usaping Puki) performed in the U.S. Filipino Men Against Violence At “The Vagina Monologues” performances, we ask the men and boys in the audience to imprint their hands on paper and canvas and pledge “These Hands Are Not Going To Hurt Filipina Women and Girls.” PREVENTION Interrupting the cycle of violence is vital; stopping violence before it starts, is crucial. FWN responds in three ways: (1) the publication of the V-Diaries, an anti-violence resource guide distributed

during the V-Day FWN shows in San Francisco, New York and Washington DC and distributed nationwide; (2) anti-domestic violence training workshops; (3) anger management workshops for men and boys. The cast and crew members are invited to participate in anti-domestic violence trainings to strengthen the growing numbers of trained advocates and peer counselors in the Filipino community. Collaborations FWN draws attention to the serious domestic violence problem in the Filipino community by partnering with domestic violence agencies in San Francisco, New York and Washington DC: the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV), the Domestic Violence Consortium, the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, CONNECT, APICHA, Filipino organizations, local governments, the Philippine consulates, professional women’s associations, faith-based organizations and for-profit corporations. CourtWatch FWN tracks domestic violence cases involving Filipina women. Attending court hearings, sentencings, police ride-alongs, leading awareness sessions at police academies, and staffing DV hotlines are just a few of the activities FWN members and V-Day FWN cast and crew, currently participate. Bringing the voices of advocates together bring our issues center stage.

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Filipina Women’s Network P. O. Box 192143 San Francisco, CA 94119 Phone: 415. 278. 9410 Fax: 415. 840. 0655 E-mail: [email protected] www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org Mission Statement Established in 2001, FWN’s mission is to enhance public perceptions of Filipina women’s capacities to lead, change biases against Filipina women’s leadership abilities and promote the entry of Filipina women into positions of leadership in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. FWN achieves its mission through public education forums that heighten Filipina women’s visibility, research on Filipina women’s issues, leadership, skill building and career development programs for Filipina women, and influencing popular culture. Goals 2008-09 Increase financial assistance capabilities to ensure that FWN educational programs and events are accessible to Filipina women of all socio-economic backgrounds. Increase FWN’s network of Filipina women business owners and those employed in corporations, government and nonprofit organizations and utilize the database as a leadership pipeline for corporate visibility. Endow the Filipina Leadership Development and Womantoring Program. Generate operating funds for the establishment of a national headquarters and research library to house our historical collection documenting the achievements of Filipina women in the U.S.

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK Fundraising Events, Corporate Sponsorships and Naming Opportunities Partner with the Filipina Women’s Network and support Filipina women, America’s untapped source for leadership and talent.

FILIPINA WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE Campaign to end violence against Filipina women and girls in collaboration with Eve Ensler’s V-Day organization. All-Filipina women benefit production of “The Vagina Monolgues” (TVM) performed in English and Filipino (“Usaping Puki”). Presented in March annually in celebration of Women’s History Month. Two coast-to-coast shows (San Francisco and New York) COUNCIL OF REMARKABLE FILIPINA WOMEN Womantoring Circles – creating a community of Filipinas helping each other succeed and cultivating future community leaders. Sponsor a womantoring circle. Call 415.278.9410. “V-Diaries:” Anti-Violence Resource Guide Annual publication designed to provide a voice for domestic violence survivors and Filipina women and girls in abusive situations including a resource list of domestic violence agencies, shelters, legal and counseling services and law enforcement offices. Publication date: Annually in March. Call 415.278.9410 to place an ad or go to http://v-diaries.EventBrite.com Filipina Women Who Could Be President Emerging Leaders program for Filipina women. Building the Filipina community’s pipeline of qualified leaders, to increase the odds that some will rise to the position of president in all sectors. Sponsor a “presidential candidate.” Call 415.278.9410.

Filipina Women’s Network Magazine Annual publication about the nuances of Filipina culture, empowerment articles, career strategies and highlighting the accomplishments of Filipina women in the U.S. Publication date: Annually in the Fall. To place an ad, call 415.278.9410 or go to http://fwnMagazine.EventBrite.com “Kaibigan ng FWN” Community Partner Fund Endow research projects and educational programs about the Filipina American experience. Call 415.278.9410 for naming opportunities and for sponsorships. Power Lunch 2008: Remarkable Filipina Women Make ME a Filipina Millionaire Forum In support of Make Mine a Million $$$$$$ Business, a program of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, Filipina entrepreneurs will share their journey - how they reached their first million dollars in business, as they work their passion, achieve their dream and share their prosperity with those who need it.

FILIPINA VOICES: Changing the Face of Power in America Our speakers will engage us in conversation and story-telling ala “The View”: • Being Filipina savvy in the workplace: more, better, faster • Developing a purposeful career or business: what about family/personal life? • Culture, leadership, presence: how to play the game • Lessons from the trenches: words of wisdom • The state of the world: how it affects our families and communities FWN Professional Development Series The series is based on the 12 Life Challenges for Empowerment adapted from the work of Schein, Farren, Hudson and Kaye. FWN workshops and seminars are designed around these life areas which represent the diverse needs of FWN members. Workshop facilitators are invited specialists who contribute their knowledge for the advancement and development of FWN members and Filipina women. The Professional Development Series can be taken by anyone regardless of education, work experience, age or life situation.

How to reach the Filipina Women’s Network • P. O. Box 192143, San Francisco, CA 94119 • Phone: 415 / 278. 9410 • Fax: 415 / 840. 0655 • www.ffwn.org. The views and opinions of advertisers and contributors expressed in this publication do not necessarily state or reflect those of Filipina Women’s Network. © 2008 Filipina Women’s Network. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be published without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

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FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK

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Take BART and Muni to Civic Center FREE bike parking provided by SF Bicycle Coalition DESIGN BY: DAVE P. SAN PEDRO / FIVE D’S ARTS / [email protected]

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