Save the Date for61st Anniversary BallDust your ball gowns and barongs, andmark your calendars for the 61st FAAPAnniversary Ball. This year’s event will beheld on Saturday, Oct. 28, at theDoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville.The Induction Ball committee, co-chairedby president-elect Fanny Spanos andTeodora Schipper Speer, is planning aspectacular evening of great food,dancing, entertainment and much, muchmore. We will also get to meet the newlyelected officers and board of directors ofFAAP.We look forward to seeing all of you andyour friends at the 61st FAAP AnniversaryBall. Mabuhay!

Event and reservation details will beposted on our website and Facebookpage soon. For details or to volunteer tobe on the committee, you can contact:Fanny fannyspa59@verizon.netTeodora teodoragaite@yahoo.com

The official newsletter of the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, Inc.

Find Summer Thrill on Blueberry HillBy Rebecca Quemado

CELEBRATING61 YEARSJuly 2017

It is time once again for the FAAP AnnualPicnic, also known as Cultural AppreciationDay. This year, our picnic will be held from11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, atBlueberry Hill Park in Franklin Park Borough.

All are welcome to join us for a great spreadof lechon, pancit, lumpia Shanghai, veggieegg rolls, beef picadillo, chicken adobo,pinakbet, fried marinated bangus, spaghettiand halo-halo.

Cont. page 7, Picnic

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 23 FAAP Annual PicnicAug. 5-6 Regatta at Lake ArthurAug. 6 PNR Merienda CenaAug. 15-17 McKeesport International

Village FestivalSept. 10 FAAP Fall Classic RaceSept. 15 Silk Screen Film Festival

GalaSept. 16 & 23 FAAP Night at the MoviesOct. 7 FAAP Board MeetingOct. TBA Western Pennsylvania

Conservancy Fall Clean-UpOct. 15 FAAP Health FairOct. 28 61st FAAP Anniversary and

Induction BallNov. 11 Game Night (Mahjong and

Bingo)Dec. 2 Paskong PinoyDec. 3 Nationality Rooms Holiday

Open HouseDec. 16 FAAP Christmas Party

Page 2 July 2017 Filipinas

The FAAP election will occur at the annual picnic on July 23.Polls open from 1 to 3 p.m. To be eligible to vote, you must beat least 18 years old and you must have become an FAAPmember or renewed your membership by June 23. Questionscan be directed to the Nominations and Elections CommitteeChairperson, Irna de Leon-Knapp, at irnadeleon@yahoo.com.The following candidates have been approved by the currentboard of directors to run for election.

Jaime Abola, SPNP/FAAP membersince the ’80s, has served as president(1989, 2013, and 2014), treasurer,secretary, director, newsletter editor, co-author of SPNP and FAAP bylaws, andFAAP incorporator. With wife Evelyn, hehas created cultural displays at manyfestivals. He is permanent FAAPrepresentative to the PhilippineNationality Room (PNR) Task Force,seeking to complete construction of thePNR at the Cathedral of Learning. As aboard member, he promises to work oncompletion of the PNR and the acquisition of a property suitable to bea home for the area’s Filipino community, the Philippine Center. Hethinks that FAAP should take the lead in bringing different parts of thefragmented Filipino community together, especially for events wherewe need to show a united front to the residents of Greater Pittsburgh.

Henna Bautista became a member ofSPNP soon after she arrived from thePhilippines to Pittsburgh in 1973. Sheserved as SPNP president in the ’90s.Her whole family was involved inSPNP/FAAP in the cultural events andfolk dances. Recently, she helped in theFAAP planning of the University of thePhilippines Concert Choir tour ofPittsburgh and Greensburg. Sheconsiders serving as FAAP director anhonor and accepts the challenge to bringthis organization to the Filipino community in Greensburg. She is aretired nurse, is active in her church as lector and eucharistic minister,and volunteers yearly in Lourdes, France, and in medical missions inthe Philippines. Henna lives in Greensburg with husband Primo. Shehas four children and nine grandchildren.

Irna de Leon-Knapp has beenSPNP/FAAP member since she was akid, in the ’70s. She has grown up withthe organization. Her first board-levelinvolvement was in 1996 as director.Since then, she has served as FAAPpresident (2004), newsletter editor,Cultural Committee chairperson, andDance Troupe member. She is currentlythe Nominations and ElectionsCommittee chairperson. Born in Manilaand raised in the “Burgh,” Irna isdelighted to see her three children alsogrow up with the FAAP along with her hubby Mark, who has fullyembraced the Filipino culture. Irna will be honored to continue to servethe members of the FAAP and the board of directors to help fulfill itsmany projects. She wants to continue to promote FAAP as a greatorganization that shares the bayanihan spirit.

How Does One Become A Board Member?According to the FAAP bylaws, the regular affairs of theassociation are managed by its Board of Directors. It consists of17 members: one from the city of Pittsburgh, two members eachfrom Allegheny County suburbs north, south, east and west of thecity, six at-large including two from counties other than Allegheny,one YFAP member, and the immediate past president. The termof office is two years, beginning Jan. 1. There is no limit to thenumber of terms that a director may serve.The Nominations and Elections Committee conducts all electionsheld by the members as well as by the directors. The committeeis composed of the previous past five presidents willing to serve,a board member as chairperson, and one voting member.To prepare for the election of directors, the committee prepares aslate of qualified candidates following a selection process whichincludes open nominations from the general membership,screening, and interview. Such slate is then presented forapproval by the board prior to presentation to the generalmembership for election. Nominations from the floor and proxyvoting are prohibited. Nomination as director requiresmembership for at least one year, as well as having served on acommittee in the association.Each year, the voting members elect seven or eight nominees tofill vacancies.

Lani Mears has been FAAP membersince 2011, and member of the boardsince 2016. She currently serves as bothsecretary and Finance Committee chair,and was recently elected by the board tobe the next Information Systems Officer.With her experience as an InformationTechnology (IT) professional, sherevamped the FAAP website usingWordPress in order for non-technicalcontributors to be able to update thecontent. She also led the effort to build aplayground for an elementary school in Bicol, Philippines, through hernewly founded group Freeplay. Lani works as a Quality AssuranceManager in the IT Department of PNC and is president of the AsianAmerican Employee Resource Group. She volunteers for the SilkScreen Film Festival and the Greater Pittsburgh Asian AmericanCommittee. Originally from Bicol, Philippines, Lani lives in Valenciawith husband Tim and their four children.

Allan Novak has been FAAP membersince 2011. He has served as a directorsince 2014. He currently serves as thechairperson of the Philippine CenterCommittee, which seeks property that willbe suitable to house the needs of theassociation. The persistence and tirelessefforts in finding a place to call home forFAAP is a project Allan and hiscommittee members hope to achieve inthe near future. Allan is married toRaquel, and has two daughters. Theyhave all been involved in many FAAP activities.

Cont. page 3, Meet the Candidates

FAAP Board of Directors Election: Meet the CandidatesPrepared by Irna de Leon-Knapp, Nominations and Elections Committee

Filipinas July 2017 Page 3

Ann Pearl has been FAAP membersince 2013. She was touched by theFAAP people for giving her a babyshower when she was new toPittsburgh. She finds the FAAP peopleare the friendliest and most helpfulpeople she has ever met. ThroughFAAP activities she has participated in,she learned more about FAAP andenjoyed dancing and games. Ann wouldlike to pay-it-forward for all thekindheartedness and generosity of thepeople she has met. She wants to do this by serving in whichevercommittee she will be needed, but she will be most helpful ineducation and technology. She looks forward for FAAP to have aplace to call its own soon. Ann is a graduate of University of SanCarlos in Cebu City, Philippines, and the University of Albany in NewYork. She lives with her dear husband Russell and two sons.

Joji Smith has been a member of theFAAP since 2008. Her first involvementwith FAAP was as a volunteer helping atthe Christmas party and the annualpicnic. She then became a director.Since becoming a member of the Boardof Directors in 2014, Joji has been co-chairperson of the Picnic and ChristmasParty committees. She is currently thePicnic and Festivals committeechairperson. She believes that servingthe FAAP community promotes apositive image of Filipinos in the Western Pennsylvania area. Joji is ahomemaker, is married to Tom Smith, the mother of three adultchildren and is lola to two grandchildren.

Teodora Schipper Speer has been amember since the late ’80s. She hasserved several positions in theorganization. She was FAAP presidentin 2009, 2010 and 2015. She haschaired the Grants, Folk Festival,Christmas Party, Picnic, PhilippineNationality Room, and Induction Ballcommittees. She also served astreasurer. She is currently a boardmember. She would like to continue tohelp obtain grants for the PhilippineCenter, promote FAAP’s vision, and make FAAP one of the mostvibrant organizations in Pittsburgh. Teodora has three sons and fivegrandchildren. She was born in the Bicol region and lived in PuertoPrincesa, Palawan, the place she calls home. Teodora lives inSquirrel Hill with her husband David Speer, to whom she has beenmarried since 2015.

Marie Young has been FAAP memberfor over a decade. She served asdirector a few years ago and returnedlast fall as a director. She is currentlythe Christmas Party committeechairperson. Marie and her twodaughters participate and volunteer inthe youth group (YFAP) and otherevents hosted by FAAP. Her candidacyis a special election to allow her toserve out the remainder of a vacatedposition, extending her service asdirector until the end of 2017.

Meet the CandidatesCont. from page 2

On May 19 and 20, the Pittsburgh-based dance company AttackTheatre staged “The Next Stop,”featuring the works of twointernationally acclaimedchoreographers, Philippine-bornNorbert De La Cruz III and HelenSimoneau.Norbert’s piece, “Under the Rug,” isa work commissioned by AttackTheatre for the world-premiereperformance. FAAP members FranLedonio Flaherty and Ronnie Corpuz hosted a reception on April 13,giving fellow FAAP members the chance to meet with Norbert andwelcome him to Pittsburgh. They also got a sneak peek at his work inprogress. Ronnie said, “He had a wonderful visit with the guests fromFAAP.”For his work, Norbert created a duet for dancers that had Gene Kelly-esque moves with a twist of contemporary movements. The wholepiece centered around these two dancers' relationship which isdefined by the audience’s own interpretation and by the spacecreated by the props and the lighting, leading to a discovery of whathas been "swept under the rug."Norbert was born in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, and was raised inLos Angeles. He graduated from The Juilliard School in 2010 with aBFA in dance.

He has received numerous dance awards, including the 2012Princess Grace Foundation Award in the field of choreography. Hewas a finalist for the 2014 Choreographer of Color Award given by theJoffrey Academy of Dance. He was named one of Dance Magazine’sTop 25 to Watch for 2016.

Mabuhay to Norbert for his brilliant contribution to the world of dance.We pray for his continued success and expect to see his light shiningeven brighter!

Philippine-Born Norbert De La Cruz Brings His Choreography to PittsburghBy Anna Mamuric and Rebecca Quemado

FAAP at reception for Norbert De La Cruz III

Page 4 July 2017 Filipinas

CHARITY – Cora Bakthcharity@thefaap.orgOur Service to the Pittsburgh CommunitySince 2013, FAAP has partnered with the Western PennsylvaniaConservancy in its community garden projects. FAAP volunteers havesacrificed their time and energies by going out early in the morningand rolling up their sleeves to dig, plant and mulch. The workcontributes to an attractive and healthy environment where peoplelive, work, and raise families.Lynn McGuire-Olzak, volunteer coordinator for the conservancy, saidin a letter:“Because of you, a beautiful flower garden is popping up and bringingvibrant colors to Hazelwood Avenue, Beechwood Boulevard andSaline Street. Thank you for helping plant flowers at this garden onSaturday, May 20.”

What We Do for the PhilippinesQueen of Peace Children’s HomeFAAP has been supporting the Queen of Peace Children’s Home inNaga City for 10 years. This orphanage is home to 40 children in oneof the poorest villages in the Philippines.

On June 15, Emmanuel and Beth Villegas delivered check donationsand visited the facilities as representatives of FAAP. Below areexcerpts from a letter sent by the orphanage acknowledging receipt ofa total amount of $6,800.“I am attaching a picture of one child Angel Luisa. She has beenabandoned and found on a national highway. We are working heradoption and in the course of her check-up we found out that she hasprofound hearing loss. She is the first beneficiary of the donation youhave sent. We immediately brought her to an audiologist for hearingaid fitting. The donation was very timely for such a need.”“The rest of the support we will use for our daily needs of food, andfor the education of the children under our care.”

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Feeding ProjectThrough the generous contributions of our donors, FAAP was able toraise over $6,300 for the feeding program of the Sisters of the HolyFamily of Nazareth. This program supplements the nutritional needsof 50 children five days a week, ten elderly one day a week, and 100children and adults on Saturdays. The money raised was reported tobe sufficient to run the program for an entire year.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Medical Aid ProgramFAAP gave $3,250 to help start the medical aid program of theSisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Antipolo.

Typhoon HaiyanFAAP has concluded its Haiyan emergency relief and rebuildingproject. The project served families of 13 Pittsburgh area residentswho were directly affected by the storm, and five organizations

serving multiple communities in the Philippines. The experiencehelped FAAP shape its charity program related to calamity andemergency relief. More importantly, FAAP has established viableworking relationships with organizations in the Philippines to help usachieve program goals.

CULTURAL – Fanny Spanoscultural@thefaap.orgThe Dance Troupe (DT) gave a number of performances:April 29 Art All Night, LawrencevilleMay 5 Bataan Death March Parade, West VirginiaMay 20 Asian Heritage Day, Kennywood ParkMay 27 Iona Dimacali WeddingMay 28 Golden Ordination Anniversary, Fr. LevriUpcoming performances:July 23 FAAP Annual PicnicAug. 15-17 McKeesport International Village FestivalSep. 10 FAAP Fall Classic RaceSep. 16 Silk Screen Asian American Film FestivalOct. 28 FAAP Anniversary and Induction Ball

EDUCATION – Beth Villegaseducation@thefaap.orgSimplicio Maramba Scholarship AwardFAAP honors each year outstanding senior high school students whoare active members of the association. Considered for this award arestudents who advance recognition of the Filipino people throughexcellent academic achievements, outstanding extracurricularactivities, and participation in various programs of FAAP. Deadline forthe application is Oct.15. The awards will be presented at the 61stInduction Ball. To apply, go to thefaap.org/prog/maramba.Outstanding Asian American Student AwardFor more than 30 years, the Federal Executive Board of Pittsburgh(FEBP), in coordination with local Asian American organizations, hasrecognized outstanding Asian American students in WesternPennsylvania. FEBP has withdrawn support for the program effective2017. FAAP took the initiative to coordinate with local Asian Americanorganizations to continue this program. Plans are now in place tohave an award ceremony in May 2018, highlighting the AsianAmerican and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Three Pillars

WelcomeLet’s welcome the following new FAAP members:Fr. Patricio Aborde • Fr. Efren Ambre • Barbara Brady

Melvin Brutas • Maylene Catao-an • Charley and Wivina ChmuraJohn Paul and Judith Conklin • Veronica Corpuz • Fr. Ricky Cortez

Cindy Del Rosario • John Paul Dela TorreEric and Theresa Dzugan • Anne Estonilo

Jeremy and Katrina Estrada • Judy Eugenio-Adleff • Jana FuentesJonathan and Anna Glinoga • Joshua and Kimberly Haugh

Davrey Jore • Rowena Lavador • Mary Lyn LimZenaida Lizarondo • Daniel and Mylene Loughry

Dave and Mel Lugaila • Alex ManaloJoseph and Victoria Mays • Stephanie Miller • Delia Rose Moeller

Segal and Feliz Molina • Marpaz Monzon • Patrick PlatonIsaiah Rebujio • Fe Tubio • Eric and Laura Velasco • Jose Victoria

Paul Villamor • Melody and Bryan Wickline • Albert Yonan

Filipinas July 2017 Page 5

FESTIVALS — Joji Smith

The Festivals Committee will participate in two events this year: theRegatta at Lake Arthur and the McKeesport International VillageFestival. The Regatta at Lake Arthur is scheduled Aug. 5 and 6 atMoraine State Park. In this event, FAAP, as food vendor, will have anopportunity to promote Philippine cuisine. The McKeesport festival willrun Aug. 15-17 at Renziehausen Park. FAAP’s participation willinclude a 20-minute Dance Troupe performance, a cultural exhibit,and a food booth.

FUNDRAISING — Jun Calejesan

The last month has seen a succession of meetings devoted to twosubjects — the Philippine Center and grants application.The plan is to raise $70,000 for the purchase and renovation of theformer Fellowship Hall of the Resurrection Church in West Mifflin asthe site of the proposed Philippine Center. The campaign for fundswas started by soliciting contributions from the FAAP directors andofficers. Next there will be solicitation by email and newsletter, anddirectly at the July 23 picnic. $20,000 in matching funds has alreadybeen secured as an incentive for donors.FAAP needs to improve its ability to tap grants money that is availablein the marketplace. This requires that we do a better job with ourfinancial reports and other reports related to our programs. Ourfinancial reports should reflect the type of organization that we are,that is, showcase our pillar programs of culture, charity, andeducation. There is no reason why the format of our internal reportshave to be different from our external reports.

MEMBERSHIP — Majo Bucao-Walker

The committee confirmed the use of online payment and membershipapplication forms. New T-shirt and sweatshirt designs have beenapproved. There were 13 new single memberships and six familymemberships approved at the third-quarter board meeting.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS — Irna de Leon-Knapp

This committee has the task of running the elections, which will takeplace at the general membership meeting on July 23. In preparationfor the elections, a search for candidates for the board of directorswas undertaken. Two of the factors taken into consideration were thecandidates’ geographical locations and the positions available forelection. Nine candidates were nominated and will be running forelection.A team of volunteers led by Beth Villegas will run the election. Therest of the committee will recuse themselves from the electionprocess to avoid possible conflicts of interest.

PHILIPPINE CENTER — Allan Novak

Upon receiving approval by the board of directors in its second-quarter meeting, the FAAP president submitted an offer to buy theformer Fellowship Hall of Resurrection Church in West Mifflin for$35,000. On July 7 we were pleased to receive a verbal notice ofacceptance of our offer by the Diocese of Pittsburgh. While awaitingthe formal acceptance letter, the Philippine Center and Fundraisingcommittees have begun to work out the details to formally launch afull-blown fundraising campaign. With your support, we are confidentwe will soon realize our decades-old dream to have a “home awayfrom home.” More information about the project and the fundraisingcampaign will be circulated in the coming weeks, including at ourannual general meeting on July 23.

PHILIPPINE NATIONALITY ROOM — Jun Calejesan

The University of Pittsburgh Project team is in place; the constructiondrawings are 90 percent complete. But the remaining issue continuesto be raising the funds. The latest estimated total cost of thePhilippine Nationality Room (PNR) project is now $525,000.Several fundraising efforts have provided impetus for this year’s sprintto the finish. Dr. Pat Bulseco generously donated $66,000 to coverarchitectural and engineering fees. A crowdfunding campaign inMarch reached its goal of $10,000, with 52 donors responding.Another $50,000 has been raised – half from the PNR Task Forcemembers and another half from the Abola family.The task force needs to raise another $65,000 by the end ofSeptember to ensure that construction can start in the spring of 2018.To help raise the remaining funds, a merienda cena is planned forAug. 6 in the Frick Fine Arts Building at the University of Pittsburgh.This event will feature a showing of “Rescue in the Philippines.” Thismovie tells the previously untold story of the rescue and immigrationto the Philippines of 1,300 Jews who were trying to escape from theHolocaust. It is an outstanding documentary on how our small andbrave country, led by the courageous and principled PresidentManuel Quezon, opened its doors to Jewish refugees when so muchof the world turned away.The movie will be followed by a PNR Project presentation, themerienda and some entertainment.

YOUNG FILIPINO AMERICANS OF PITTSBURGH(YFAP) — Junriz Delos Santos

A total of $61 in donations has been collected from hiphop/zumbadance sessions. The committee plans to have a Filipino dessert saleat the FAAP Annual Picnic. YFAP election of officers will be held atthe picnic under the leadership of Youth Committee chair Junriz DelosSantos.

Make new friends!

FAAP needs volunteers of all ages.

There are a variety of volunteeropportunities. Assist at charityevents, welcome guests, cook orsell food at festivals, dance, write,design flyers….

Lots of jobs big and small to matchyour skills.

Please express your interest involunteering by sending an email tocontact@thefaap.org.

Committees in Action

FAAP at McKeesport International Village Festival 2016

Page 6 July 2017 Filipinas

Asian Heritage Day at Kennywood aSmashing Success!By Mark Knapp, Event Chair

On May 20, the FAAP Dance Troupe performed alongside many othercultural groups during Kennywood Park’s Asian Heritage Day.Since 2013, FAAP has organized Asian Day at Kennywood, althoughthis year we partnered with the Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society topresent this event. The program started with a parade of nations,followed by cultural presentations that included dance, music, and anexhibit.

One of this year’s highlights was the recognition of the manycontributions and achievements of the Asian Americans of our

Commonwealth. A certificate was received by FAAP PresidentRebecca Quemado from the office of Pennsylvania Governor TomWolf.One great benefit for each of the performers was a free all-day passto enjoy the rides and scenes of Kennywood! The weather wasperfect. The kids and adults had tons of fun and proudly representedthe FAAP as ambassadors of goodwill to the wider community. Seeyou next year!

FAAP Fall Classic Race:10th AnniversaryBy Mark Knapp, Race Director

The 10th running of the FAAP Fall Classic 5k/10k Race on Sept. 10promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to make newfriends and to showcase the charitable efforts of FAAP. The race isrun on the beautiful trails of North Park, but you can walk the 5k too!Parents are encouraged to form a team with a child for the parent-child team competition.This is a great opportunity to emphasize fitness while doing good.The event raises funds for the Queen of Peace Children’s Home inNaga City, Philippines.After the race, top runners are awarded the coveted bamboomedals. Plus our outstanding FAAP Dance Troupe will perform. Ifyou would like to simply donate to the cause or volunteer, we couldalways use the help!See you at the starting line!

Haiyan and FAAP: the ConclusionBy Jun Calejesan

In Dec. 2015, two years after monster typhoon Haiyan hit thePhilippines, this newsletter told the story of what FAAP did to help itskababayan. The story recounted how successful fundraising eventsamassed an unprecedented amount of $70,000, which provided aidwhere it was most needed. The first $51,000 went to the followingbeneficiaries: $15,000 affected families in Leyte with immediate relatives in

Pittsburgh $10,000 local charity Ang Komunidad for livelihood restoration $10,000 local charity Burublig para ha Tanauan for livelihood

restoration $10,000 local charity Alay Bahay for livelihood restoration and school

assistance $4,000 Habitat for Humanity Philippines for shelter repair kits and

new shelter $2,000 Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries in Cebu for building

repair

Going forward, the story also reported that FAAP committed theremaining balance of $19,000 to support two projects proposed by AngKomunidad. These two projects have the vision and aim of helpingsustainable livelihoods for the organic farmers and fishermen inbarangay Cacao (Kananga,Leyte) and barangay Bislig (Tanauan,Leyte). While $19,000 cannot cover the entire cost of the project, FAAPfelt that much could be done with the amount. FAAP also promised tohelp raise the additional funds if and when necessary.Information obtained from a Feb. 2017 meeting in Manila between twoFAAP Charity Committee members and members of Ang Komunidad, aswell as a follow-up trip and pictures gave the following summary:

The organic farmers’ group in Cacao is doing reasonably well. Thegroup is formally organized; training in organic farming skills isongoing; organic rice farming is progressing; organic vegetablefarming is happening in two structured plots; and vermiculture isbeing practiced in two vermisheds. However, more needs to happenbefore a larger commitment can be made, that is, more investmentsin storage facility, rice mill, etc. For one, organic production of riceand vegetable needs to increase to market-size levels. Certificationof organic rice produce is also a hurdle to overcome.The fishermen’s group in Bislig is a work in progress. Because thegovernment mandated that they relocate away from their coastalhomes, the group lost many of their original members. Additionally,fishing is no longer sufficient as a livelihood since the fishing habitatnear the coastline has not recovered, and current weatherconditions prevent fishing farther away from the coast. As a result,Ang Komunidad had to renew efforts in organizing and training thegroup in new livelihood skills, such as organic vegetable farmingand livestock raising.FAAP is most happy with having helped our kababayan at their timeof great need. While we hope that another Haiyan or monster eventwill not take place, we know that as an organization, FAAP shouldalways be prepared to help. Indeed, this is precisely the reason whywe established the FAAP Calamity Fund.

Parade of Nations at Kennywood Park’s Asian Heritage Day

Filipinas July 2017 Page 7

NEWSLETTER STAFFEditor/LayoutFreddie Gabriel

Assistant EditorsRebecca Quemado • Malou Harper

Associate EditorsAnna Mamuric • Joshua Manuel

Alisa Quemado

ContributorsMajo Bucao-Walker • Jun CalejesanIrna de Leon-Knapp • Mark Knapp

Anna Mamuric • Lani MearsRebecca Quemado • Teodora Schipper Speer

Circulation ManagersRodel Quemado • Dave Shively

Dear Filipino Americans of Pittsburgh,Tremendous excitement is building up as our annual general membership meeting, electionsand picnic are quickly approaching. Aside from a new venue, abundance and variety of Filipinofood and the usual summer picnic fare, fun activities and the opportunity to connect withFilipino friends, we are looking forward to the official launching of a fundraising campaign forour very own Philippine Center.For the past 40 years it has been our dream to have a home for theFilipino American community in Pittsburgh. A place where we can haveoffices for our staff; conduct business meetings, social gatherings andcommunity service events; a Filipino school, community kitchen,storage for costumes, cultural exhibit, and library among others. In 2012,a group of FAAP directors and members was tasked with revisiting thedream. In 2014, a feasibility study was formulated to answerfundamental questions and to provide the framework by which we canproceed to establish and operate a Philippine center in Pittsburgh. Soonafter, the board created a Philippine Center Committee that has beenworking ever since to find a suitable property, and, in partnership with the FundraisingCommittee, to seek potential donors/benefactors and to come up with fundraising strategies.Today, it is my great pleasure to share with you the good news: the Diocese of Pittsburgh hasaccepted our offer to acquire the former Fellowship Hall of the Resurrection Church in WestMifflin. The 8,000 square-foot building on a half-acre lot satisfies the requirements set forth inthe feasibility study.Our goal is to raise a total of $70,000 to purchase the property, pay for closing costs, do minorrenovation before moving in, and acquire necessary appliances and supplies. As in everythingwe do in our organization, we rely on the generosity and support of our members and friends. Itis our hope that they will show their enthusiasm and approval for the Philippine Center projectby becoming donors. To jump-start the fundraising effort, one family is committing up to$20,000 in matching fund. Every dollar received by July 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollarfrom the matching fund. We anticipate the closing date to occur before the end of August.Please consider being part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by giving a tax-deductiblecontribution. All donors will be acknowledged in our 61st Anniversary and Induction Ballsouvenir program book and, based on the level of donation, will also be recognized on apermanent Bayanihan Wall to be installed within the Philippine Center.I hope many members will plan to be at the picnic in time for the general assembly meeting at1 p.m. More important than your donation to the Philippine Center is your voice in the electionof our board of directors who will serve a two-year term. They will be the trustees of thiscommunity that is both our inheritance and a legacy. FAAP is a 60-year-old gift to us fromprevious generations with strings attached. We have an obligation to pass this gift to the futuregenerations in a better state than it was received. The board sets the direction of theorganization, serves the duties of governance and oversight, and makes decisions in the bestinterest of our organization and, if possible, the wider Filipino American community as well. Iam asking you to take your duties seriously by attending the meeting and casting your voteswisely.Hope to see you at the picnic. Mabuhay!

Rebecca QuemadoFAAP President

Message from the FAAP President

Dream of Philippine Center Getting Closer

Filipinas NewsletterPolicies and Guidelines

We welcome input from our readers. Forconsideration of print publication, pleasesend an email to newsletter@thefaap.org.Letters, comments, and articles will beedited for accuracy, clarity and length andshould be in keeping with the mission wehave set for ourselves. All submissionsshould include the full name of the sender.Please provide your contact information forverification purposes.Due to space constraints, we are unable toprint items that are non-FAAP related or ofa personal nature. If you have related shortnews items, please consider for publicationin FAAP Balita. Send an email tobalita@thefaap.org.

PublisherFilipino American

Association of Pittsburgh, Inc.

ObituariesJane Rosales Gurley, 64, of Monroeville,died peacefully at her home surrounded byher loving family on June 15. She was thebeloved wife of James Gurley for 36 years.She found great meaning in her work andvolunteer service. Her contributions andimpact to the Filipino American communityas FAAP board member in the early 2000swill always be remembered. She had avibrant personality and was known for herdeep devotion to her family and friends.Lastly, her deep faith was a source ofstrength and comfort to all.

Dr. Saturnino Reyes, 82, of ChippewaTwp., passed away on April 3. He issurvived by his loving wife, BonnieGuzzetti Reyes. Dr. Reyes’ love of family,community and hard work was evident inhis professional practice as well as innumerous community organizations heserved.

PicnicCont. from page 1

Fanny Spanos, picnic committee chair, saidthat the new venue was chosen for its manyamenities. The venue allows morepreparation time in a commercial-stylekitchen. The facilities are ADA accessible.“Blueberry Hill is a very beautiful and greatplace for our event,” Fanny added.As for the activities, the quest for the TiczonVolleyball Tournament trophy will continue

this year. There will also be games for thelittle ones, like pabitin..This year’s entertainment will include aperformance by the FAAP Dance Troupe.We are also launching our first edition of“FAAP’s Got Talent.”Lastly, a general meeting and election ofboard members will be held. We will also becasting ballots for YFAP officers.Bring your family and friends to this thrillingsummer event.

Board of Directors Corazon Bakth Rebecca Quemado Majo Bucao-Walker Joji SmithOsorio Calejesan, Jr. Fanny SpanosIrna de Leon-Knapp Teodora Schipper SpeerJunriz Delos Santos Isabelo ToledoLani Mears Beth VillegasDon Michael Mendoza Marie YoungAllan Novak

Standing CommitteesCharity Cora BakthCultural Fanny SpanosEducation Beth VillegasBylaws Isabelo ToledoFinance Lani MearsFundraising Osorio Calejesan, Jr.Membership Majo Bucao-WalkerNominations and Elections Irna de Leon-KnappPhilippine Nationality Room Osorio Calejesan, Jr.Voice of Wisdom Teoodora Schipper SpeerYouth Committee Junriz Delos Santos

Special CommitteesInduction Ball Teodora Schipper SpeerChristmas Party Marie YoungFestivals Joji SmithPhilippine Center Allan NovakSports and Recreation Don Michael MendozaSummer Picnic Fanny Spanos

1502 Kelly RdGlenshaw, PA 15116

OfficersPresident Rebecca QuemadoSecretary Lani MearsTreasurer Mark KnappInformation Systems Officer Rodel QuemadoCommunications Officer Freddie GabrielInternal Auditor Rajesh Mehta