MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY VOL 40, NO.12 DECEMBER 2008

Our address: 9810 West 79th Street

Overland Park KS 66204

Our web address: www.filipino-

association.org

TAMBULI STAFF

Editor:

Judy Sorio-Jeffers

Writers:

Olive Bayani

Elvira Berry

Lucila Rider

Eric Sorio

Cory Sorio

Hans Vergara

Printing:

Mike & Adela Tan

Circulation:

Eric Sorio

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Full Page $50/$480

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Business Card $15/$120

Message From the President By ERIC SORIO

This year will be remembered for all the parties celebrated: New

Years Party, Easter picnic, Parent’s night, Santo Nino, July 4th ,

September Affair, Volunteer Party and the Christmas party.

This year will be remembered for all of the cultural events: the

Fiesta Filipina, Loboc Children’s Choir, and the Ethnic Festival.

This year will be remembered for all of the firsts: the first Filipino breakfast, the first

Medical Mission 5k, and the first Filipino Regional Food Fair.

This year will be remembered for our financial successes: IRL, Garage sale, NASCAR and

most importantly, paying off the Mortgage of our cultural center!

Thanks to everyone for making the Filipino Association’s 40th Anniversary a very memo-

rable year.

HO HO HO!!!

CHRISTMAS PARTY TIMEFAGKC Members and your Guests are

Invited at

The Filipino Association Annual Christmas Party

Saturday - December 13, 2008

6:00 PM at the Filipino Cultural Center

This is a potluck!!!! Please Bring Covered Dish

enough to share and bring your favorite soda/drink.

Start Planning for the dish to bring….. Suggested Dishes:

• Chicken: Adobo, Fried Chicken, baked chicken…etc

• Beef: Kare-kare, Pot Roast, etc…

• Pork: Dinuguan, Adobo, Menudo, etc..

• Vegetables: Pinakbet, Chop Suey…

• Noodles: Pancit, Spaghetti…

• Dessert: Leche Flan, Biko, Ube, Palitao, Ginataan, Fresh Fruits..

• Appetizer: Egg rolls, Vegetable Dip, Cheese Dip…

Don’t forget to bring a wrapped gift with the name of your kids or

anyone you like….Santa will be there to distribute these gifts.

Let us help you

find your dream home!

OVIEDO REALTY

235 S. Central Avenue Oviedo, FL 32765

Office: 407-365-6403 Lillyette Brino 407-334-5050 Vidette McClelland 407-579-5690

Your real estate experts in Orlando!

Place your order now for this beautiful 2009 calen-dar featuring FLOWERS OF THE PHILIPPINES.

For more info/details, call Senior Council President Elvira Berry at (913) 894-1279!

Q&A with

Eric Sorio, President 2008

By HANS VERGARA

VERGARA: What was your

greatest achievement this year

as 2008 President...

SORIO: "paying off the mort-

gage balance of the Filipino

Cultural Center Building."

VERGARA: What one advice

can you give incoming 2009 President Bong Tumanut...

SORIO: "be open to fresh, new ideas and put them into

action."

VERGARA: If you can sum up your Presidency with one

word, what would it be...

SORIO: "challenging."

VERGARA: How will you continue your leadership in

2009...

SORIO: "I will continue to support the Association in any

way I can."

VERGARA: What legacy do you leave behind as the As-

sociation moves forward...

SORIO: "paying off the mortgage and being President as

we celebrated our 40th Ruby Anniversary."

VERGARA: Are you going to Disneyland...

SORIO: "yes, in the Philippines."

Make Your Light Shine By OLIVE M BAYANI

(Continued from November’s Issue)

“I was like Cinderella, doing all the dirty work,

cleaning the house, cooking, taking care of my neph-

ews and nieces while I was very tired. I cried before

I went to sleep. But I always prayed that someday I

would be happy. I have never lost faith in God”.

Daytime he worked as an electronic technician. At

night he went to school.

At age 22, his turning point came. He met Ruth, hi

future wife at a church. A medical student, Ruth had

a car and paid for meals while on dates. “I didn’t

even have a bicycle”, Diaz said.

The pair got married two years after and migrated to

the US. She pursued a medical career.

They raised three children while Dr. Ruth Diaz

worked for the state of Michigan as a psychiatrist.

Later she went into private practice. Her husband

managed her medical business.

At home, the family clung to its Asian and Christian

values such as respecting the elders.

“I am the head of the family, although I serve the best

interest of my wife and out children. Whatever

makes them happy, that's important to me”. Our chil-(Continued on page 11)

DYN—Did You Know... By JUDY SORIO JEFFERS

… the Filipino Association manned a conces-

sion stand Sept. 26-28, 2008 during the Kansas

Speedway NASCAR race

… over the 3 days, 53 volunteers worked the

large concession stand, a break out concession

stand and 6 portable sale booths.

… this single activity earned $6,461.30, the

equivalent to 2-3 months of the association’s operat-

ing expenses

… the Filipino Association’s hard work continues to

be recognized by Americrown Event Service. Dur-

ing one of the routine walkthroughs, the inspector

commented, “This is a well oiled machine.” refer-

ring to how organized, clean, and productive our

group was in comparison to the other groups.

… the Filipino Association also manned a conces-

sion stand April 25, 26, 27, 2008 during the Kansas

Speedway IRL race.

… although a much smaller event, the association

earned $3,454.27.

THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK!

FA-GKC hosts the SOLT Golden Jubilee celebration By CORY SORIO

As part of the 50th celebration of the founding of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity

(SOLT), a mass of remembrance for Fr. Thomas Gier was held at the Filipino Cultural Center on No-

vember 6, 2008.

Father James Flanagan, SOLT Founder, about 10 priests,

religious sisters from Texas and Kansas City, lay

members, and members of the FAGKC attended the

celebration. The Sampaguita choir, led by director, Jose

Bayani, provided the music. A potluck reception of

Filipino and American food followed.

Father Thomas Gier was a missionary for the most of his

51 years of priesthood in the Philippines and Papua New

Guinea from 1979 until 2005. He was instrumental in the

ordination of nearly 70 Filipino men to the priesthood.

The SOLTS are part of a Society of Apostolic life

comprised of priests, brothers, deacons, sisters, con-

secrated widows, and single and married laity serving

together in areas of deepest apostolic need.

Their spirituality is based on the graced relationship that

flow from the Triune God and the Blessed Mother to all

of mankind.

Today, SOLT serves in Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico,

the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, England and the United

States.

The Winter Blues…or might it be

SAD?

By CORY SORIO

Does the sight of falling leaves and

bare trees make you sad? Do the

short days and long nights bring on

the doldrums? Does winter bring gloom and boredom

rather than delight? You are not alone.

As fall turns to winter, many of us feel gloomy, have diffi-

culty getting out of bed, and don’t seem to have the energy

or motivation to do much of anything. It could be mild as

in “winter blues” or severe enough to affect quality of life

as in “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD).

About half a million Americans are estimated to suffer

from classic SAD, and another 10 to 20 percent may have

the mild form. It is more common in women than in men,

with the average age of onset between 18 and 30 years of

age.

SAD is rare, if existent at all in the tropics, and becomes

more common the farther north one lives.

SAD is seasonal. The symptoms usually begin in late fall

or early winter, intensify during the winter months, and

subside in the spring and summer. A diagnosis of SAD can

be made if the following symptoms occur for at least 2 con-

secutive winters.

Depression: misery, guilt, loss of self-esteem, hope-

lessness, despair and apathy

Extremes of mood, and sometimes, periods of mania in

spring and summer

Desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake

Fatigue and inability to carry out normal routine

Craving for starchy and sweet food, weight gain

Irritability and desire to avoid social contact

Loss of libido, decreased interest in physical contact

.

Some theories of the cause of SAD include the following:

Reduced level of sunlight

Increased production of Melatonin, a sleep hormone

Decreased level of serotonin, a natural mood elevator

If you have some of the symptoms of SAD, seek help

sooner than later. This is particularly important if you no-

tice changes in your sleep patterns and appetite, and espe-

cially if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find

(Continued on page 10)

Q&A with

Bong Tumanut, President 2009 By HANS VERGARA

VERGARA: What was your

role as President-Elect under

2008 President Eric Sorio...

TUMANUT: "I served as the

understudy and watched how

the Association operates under

Eric, and chaired the Fiesta Filipina."

VERGARA: What are your goals as President for

2009...

TUMANUT: "reach out to more of the Filipino com-

munity who do not know the Association exists."

VERGARA: What challenges do you foresee...

TUMANUT: "expansion of the Filipino Cultural Cen-

ter, and coming up with a crisp definition of what be-

ing a member of the Association means, hav-

ing members understand the cash flow of how funds

are used, and show them how funds are used while

being more supportive of their needs."

VERGARA: What is the most important asset of the

Association...

TUMANUT: "the inherent culture of the Filipi-

nos: friendliness, being happy, love of festivities,

food, dancing, and music as an expression of culture."

VERGARA: On a personal note, what are your in-

terests...

TUMANUT: "getting together with family and

friends, working on the computer and in the yard,

dreams of traveling."

December Birthday Celebrants Please advise us if any of the information below needs to be updated. Thanks.

December Anniversary Celebrants

Mark Your Calendar…

(Note: For more up-to-date information

about these events, call (913) 381-

1601)

Every Sunday- 1 PM, FCC, Filip-

pinettes Dance Rehearsals. Come

watch our young ones as they learn

their folk dances!

3 PM, FCC, Sinag-Tala Dance Re-

hearsals. Watch/join these weekly

dance rehearsals; learn a Filipino folk

dance or two!

Every Friday—7:30 PM, FCC, Sam-

paguita Choir Rehearsals. Fun music

rehearsals preceded by potluck dinner.

All are welcome!

First Monday of each month- 7 PM,

FCC, Line Dancing Lessons

First Friday of each month—7:30 PM,

FCC, Association’s General Meeting.

These monthly business meetings are

preceded by a potluck dinner.

Second Saturday of each month- 11

AM, FCC, Seniors Monthly Meeting.

These monthly business meetings are

preceded by a potluck lunch.

December 16-24 2008, 7:00 PM, Loca-

tion - FCC, Annual Simbang Gabi.

Nine days of Mass, with dinner and

fellowship afterwards.

December 13, 2008, 6:00 PM

FCC, FAGKC Annual Christmas

Party! You know that robust white-

bearded man in the red suit will be

around!

1 Paulo Mamuric

1 Leneo Christopher Rabang

2 Amor de los Santos

2 Tina Leonido

2 Tina Ruiz

3 Linda Lisondra R.N.

3 Erick Orille

3 Brandi Rowlan

3 Hazel Ruyle

3 Flora Sokol

5 Jeanette Ballares

5 Jeanette Edward

6 Maria Bump

7 Merriam Buena-Patillo R.N.

7 Cherry Russell

7 Zeny Stutzman

8 Leilani Alaniz

8 Ruth Didonna

8 Malou Nix

9 Annabelle Hillyer

9 Fred Iloreta M.D.

9 Cynthia Medel-Labayen

9 Debbie Zubiri R.N.

10 Alma Navato-Garchitorena

10 Zoe Sabido

10 Carlo Santos

11 Michelle Pacis R.N.

12 Tanch Bayani

12 Nita Labayen M.D.

13 Michael Bahgaei Ph.D.

13 Lauren Chevlier

13 Cindy Crain

13 Carl Ladayan

14 Victoria Morrow

15 Ricci Racela

15 Lucila Rider

16 John Horst

16 Sherrylynn Manary

16 Kathy Sarol

16 Kathy Summers

16 Sonia Tumanut R.N.

17 Lily Casillan

17 Toto Sulit

18 Michelle Baker

18 Richard Hipona

18 Max Maliwat

18 Grace Patino R.N.

18 Rudy Salvatierra

18 Evelyn Velasco

19 Joe Patino R.N.

20 Fred Sachen

21 Manny Batocabe Sr.

21 Beth Cordero-Merrick R.N.

22 Melanie Frogozo-Andresen

22 Ed Herman

22 Cora Lising

22 AJ Sarol

22 A.J. Summers

22 Annmarie Vilkins

23 Angel Abanilla-Mascarenas

23 Sofia Horne

23 Christopher Schilling

23 Rayner Sillorequez

23 Freddie Wright

24 Greg Bittner

24 Herminio Gatapia

24 Carl Potts

24 Sammie Tan

25 Jazmine Alaniz

25 DJ Casterline

25 Iman Dimalanta

25 Arnie Sulit

26 Marita Domingo

26 Nicolas Navarro

27 Michael Navarro

27 Marc Tumanut

28 Angie Chico-Agustin

29 Ron Bobis

29 Rhea Medel

30 Sean Calderon

30 Will Crain

30 Chris Javillonar

30 Christian Juan

30 Beth Mithelavage

6 Jenny and Taylor Dent

17 Harold and Rose Ballares

18 Fuji and Tess Zoleta

19 Jay and Jennifer Siron

21 Jose and Eileen Cocjin

24 Rolando Aguilera and Karen

Free-Aguilera

24 Carl and Dolly Potts

25 Alan and Cherry Russell

25 Luis and Lydia Adrales

27 John and Perla Horst

28 George and Riza Francia

30 Jon Andresen and Melanie

Frogozo-Andresen

Note: For membership from January 1 to December 31, 2009

Head of Household Spouse (if married) Tambuli mail-

ing:

□ Send my

Tambuli in the

mail

□ Email me

the Tambuli

Last Name _____________________ Last Name _____________________

First Name _____________________ First Name _____________________

Preferred Name __________________ Preferred Name __________________

Birthday __/__ (no year needed) Birthday __/__ (no year needed)

Anniversary __/__ (no year needed)

E-mail:__________________work/personal E-mail: __________________work/personal

E-mail:__________________work/personal E-mail: __________________work/personal

Phone: _________________home/cell/work Phone: _________________home/cell/work

Phone: _________________home/cell/work Phone: _________________home/cell/work

Address: □ no change

____________________________________________________________

Children under 18:

Last Name_____________________ First Name _____________________ Preferred Name _____________

Birthday __/__/____ E-mail:________________________ Phone: ________________home/cell

Last Name_____________________ First Name _____________________ Preferred Name _____________

Birthday __/__/____ E-mail:________________________ Phone: ________________home/cell

Last Name_____________________ First Name _____________________ Preferred Name _____________

Birthday __/__/____ E-mail:________________________ Phone: ________________home/cell

□ Addition children (attach or list on back)

Membership (circle category) Family $50.00 Individual, Senior $20.00 Sponsor $100.00

Individual $30.00 Couple, Senior $30.00 Benefactor $250.00

Patron (Individual) $50.00 Grand Benefactor $500.00

I Wish to Participate (circle committee(s)

Building & Grounds

By-Laws

Choral Group

(Sampaguita Choir)

Christmas Party

Community Service

Easter Picnic

Fiesta Filipina

Filippinettes (Dance

Troup for young

kids)

Filipino Youth Or-

ganization

Finance

Hospitality

Information Servic-

es

July 4th Picnic

Membership

Nominations

Scholarship

Senior Council

Social Affairs

Tambuli

Sinag-Tala Dance

Troupe

Ways & Means

Checks Payable to FA-GKC and Send To: 9810 West 79th Street, Overland Park KS 66204

www.filipino-association.org

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – November 7, 2008

Attendance: Cito and Tacing Jalbuena, Lucila Rider, EC and FM

Francisco, Lillian and Nonong Pardo, Bong Tumanut, Lisa Hop-

kins, Amy Mesina, Lita and Jimmy Hipona, Ding Yniguez, Mirla

and Paul de los Santos, Adela and Michael Tan, Franklin Archer,

Judy and David Jeffers, Cory Sorio, Ronnel Bobis, Malou Nix,

Eric Sorio, Elvira Berry, Angie Chico-Agustin, Rose Kinyon,

Joel Gaela, Hans Vergara.

A guest of Paul, Franklin Archer, was introduced. He has lived in

the Philippines for 3 months and traveled tonight from Gallatin,

MO to attend this meeting and to seek new friends.

Another guest tonight is Ding Yniguez. He is originally from Los

Banos and was a UP graduate and professor with a PhD in Math

and Statistics. He is retired from Chiquita Banana where he was a

Statistical Analyst. He is temporarily staying with daughter, Ar-

lene Frye. His wife passed away early this year. They lived in

Florida.

The meeting started at 7:49PM after a potluck dinner. The agenda

was approved. The minutes from last month was approved as

published in the Tambuli.

President’s report- Eric said that he is feeling relieved that his

term is almost over. He has no specific report at this time.

Treasurer’s Report- Paul reported that our mortgage payout

amounts to $17,500. See complete report included in this issue.

The Regional Food Fare grossed $1,607.as of today. Treasurer’s

report was approved.

Board of Directors Report- Amy reported that the Board of Di-

rectors had their last quarterly meeting on October 25, 2008 at the

Mesina’s residence. All Board members were present except for

2 excused absences.

For the record, the Board expressed their appreciation for the

leadership and strong effort of Lisa Hopkins and Mayie Vilkins

for chairing the very, very successful 2008 September Affair

Gala that netted 20K, and the husband and wife team of Paul and

Mirla de los Santos, coordinators of the NASCAR concession

fund raising. Their strong commitment made it possible for the

association’s financial status very solvent. What a financial ac-

complishments! Thank you and we salute you!

As requested by our president, Eric Sorio, the Board of Directors

unanimously approved to pay off the FCC mortgage loan, as fea-

sible as possible. The balance as of Oct. 3, 2008 is approximately

$17,500.

Ping Bayani, the FCC Executive Director, reported on the pro-

gress of the FCC expansion project. At this point, no final deci-

sion has been made until all necessary and pertinent documents

are researched and gathered.

Updating the Structural Operation Manual is still in progress and

will be ready for distribution before the end of the year.

Tambuli Editor- Judy reported that the Tambuli was e-mailed to

everyone. She had 400 copies printed and these will be mailed to

everybody. The membership application form is in this issue as

an early drive for new and renewed membership.

Sinagtala- Dr. Lillian Pardo reported on the Sinagtala and the

Filipinettes’ performance at Dr. Lotuaco’s party. The Filipinettes

have a strong support from their parents. There is a waning inter-

est for weekly practices by the older members probably due to

schoolwork and job. Lillian wants to give them more incentive by

planning another performance next year, but on a smaller venue,

i.e. JOCO, etc.

FCC Director- Ping has this report:

Filipino Cultural Center Exec Director Report: Com-

pleted October and Upcoming November

1. Rentals (aka Building Usage)

1.1 10/11 - Sergio Quiroz Ruiz

1.2 10/24 - Jun Valentin

1.3 10/25 - Ruby Reyes

1.4 10/26 - Julio Villanueva

1.5 11/06 - Mass and Reception - Society of Our Lady of the

Most Blessed Trinity

1.6 FOUR (4) confirmed usages for November, with ONE

(1) more under negotiation

1.7 FOUR (4) confirmed usages for December,

with Simbang Gabi usage under negotiation

2. Inspections:

2.1 10/08 - Fire Extinguishers - Checked and cleared for an-

other year by Keller Safety

2.2 10/30 - Overland Park Health and Food Inspection -

Needed handwashing liquid test strips

2.3 11/03 - Overland Park Health and Food Inspection - Re-

ceived compliance clearance

3. Other FCC activities/usages:

3.1 10/03 - FAGKC Monthly Meeting

3.2 10/04 - FilipinoBreakfast and September Affair Video

Showing

3.3. 10/11 - Senior Council Monthly Meeting

3.4 10/18 - Volunteers Party

3.5 10/22 - Filipino Cultural Center Foundation Meeting

3.6 11/03 - Line Dancing

3.7 11/01 - Filipino Food Fare

3.8 11/06 - Participated in Global Day Fair at Rockhurst Uni-

versity

3.9 11/07 - FAGKC Monthly Meeting

3.10 11/08 - Senior Council Monthly Meeting

4. Grants:

4.1 Appointment with Brenda Pelofsky and Associates moved

to 11/20 at 9 AM

- Got call today with instructions to either email or bring

for the appointment:

a. Board of Directors CV

b. Budget for last three years

c. 501 c 3 Certification

4.2 Still working on TWO KanArts Grants (Touring Artists,

'Our Story') 4.3 Started work on ONE additional KanArts Grant

(Operational Support)

4.4 Joined Asian American Chamber of Commerce for Net-

working

4.5 Have yet to set appointment with Jewish Foundation re:

Previous grant application that was not approved

(Continued on page 8)

Sampaguita Choir Director Report for Completed October and

Upcoming November

1. 10/11 - Performed for Paratroopers on Saturday

2. 11/02 - Sang with Redemptorist Choir for Memorial Mass for

Jack West

3. 11/06 - Sang for the SOLT Memorial Mass and Reception

4. 11/29 - Performing in St. Louis Gawad Kalinga Paskuhan

Hospitality- Cito and Tacing reported that they visited a gravely

sick fellow Filipino who, sadly, eventually passed away. The

FAGKC donated $200 to the family.

Membership- There will be a Filipino Breakfast December 6th.

Nomination Committee- Eric introduced the incoming officers:

President-Elect- Malou Nix, Treasurer- Hans Vergara, Board

Members- Shirley Sulit and Lisa Hopkins. Secretary-will be

announced later.

Social Affairs- Lucila announced that the Christmas Party is

going to be on Dec. 13th, Saturday from 6PM on. Potluck. Do

Not bring desserts. Non-members will be charged $5 each. Offi-

cers to serve the meal. Part of this committee’s budget will be

used to order some prepared foods. Dr. Yniguez donated one

Lechon.

Senior Council- Elvie reported that the 2009 calendars are being

distributed. There are only 12 calendars left for sale so that we

will order 50 more. There are 2 Nursing Homes to be caroled on

December 6th at 1PM and 3PM in cooperation with the Sam-

paguita Choir. Last SC meeting is tomorrow.

Old Business- Lillian reported on a very successful Regional

Food Fare. She met earlier with the Team Leaders and their

members. It was decided that we will have another Food Fare

next year. The feedbacks from the attendees were mostly posi-

tive. There will be no judging, will have a shorter menu but

more volume.

Money acquired

from the Food

Fare will be used

to buy a new

stove for the

FAGKC kitchen.

No new Business.

The meeting ad-

journed at 8:45

PM.

Submitted by

Elvira Berry

FAGKC Secre-

tary 2008

(Continued from page 7)

General Exec. MTD YTD

Fund Fund Seniors FCC Choir/Rond Sinag-Tala Total Total

3,839 0 7,853 31,211 4,226 12,860 59,990 49,168

6,791 570 7,361 31,720

2,120 2,120 46,994

3,300 3,300 52,864

6,000 1,883 7,883 13,632

8,911 6,000 570 3,300 0 1,883 20,664 145,210

3,654 765 4,419 42,300

1,567 1,567 17,294

1,159 1,159 17,646

1,733 3,000 241 4,974 48,603

6,546 3,000 765 1,808 0 0 12,119 125,843

6,204 3,000 7,659 32,703 4,226 14,743 68,535 68,535

660 1,606 16,224 18,490 18,490

6,864 3,000 9,265 48,927 4,226 14,743 87,025 87,025

Prepared by:

Paul De Los Santos

Treasurer 2008

FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

For the Period Ending November 30, 2008

RECEIPTS:

DISBURSEMENTS:

(Rounded to the nearest dollar)

Beginning Balance

Cultural Arts FundBuilding Fund

Committee Receipts (All)

Cultural Program/Projects

Special Projects

Others

Total Cash Receipts

Operating Expenses

Mortgage and Interest Payment

Cultural Program/Projects

ADD: Investments (CDs)

Total Cash in Bank & Investments

Special Projects Expenses

Total Disbursements

Total Cash in Bank 11/30/2008

LET'S CONTINUE OUR FILIPINO TRADITION “SIMBANG GABI ‘08"

WHEN: DECEMBER 16 TO 24, 2008

7:00 PM

WHERE: FILIPINO CULTURAL CENTER

9810 W 79TH ST, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66204

CELEBRANT: FR. CARLOS SALIGUMBA, SOLT

FOR YOUR PERSONAL INTENTIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:

NORA GRAVEN @ 913 254-0026 OR 913 636 7362 SUSAN LABRE @ 816 452-5507 OR 816 217 4756

MASS SPONSORS ARE WELCOME.

yourself turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation. Treatment consists of the following:

1. Light therapy – Regular exposure to bright, particularly fluorescent light, twice a day have shown

significant improvement in people with SAD. Retirees, take note… moving to a climate characterized by

bright light is very effective. (Can we use our winter trips to the Philippines as a medical deduction?) 2. Dawn Simulators – Use of light that is timed to come on gradually over a period of 30 minutes to 2

hours, mimicking a natural dawn. It helps one wake up easily at the simulated sunrise. 3. Medications – Antidepressant or other psychiatric medications may be needed, especially if the

symptoms are severe. 4. Psychotherapy- This helps with the management of negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute

to the symptoms.

In addition to treatments from your health care provider, here are some ways to help you cope with

SAD:

Make your home sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights, and arrange your home or work-

place to receive more sunlight.

Take a walk during sunny days, eat lunch at a park, sit on a bench and soak up the sun. One study

showed that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under

artificial light. This can also reverse the feeling of confinement and isolation of cabin fever.

Relieve stress and anxiety through regular exercise. Being fit makes you feel better about yourself

too.

Take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, take time to relax and enjoy pleasurable

activities.

Socialize. Be with people you enjoy being around.

Approach the winter season with a positive attitude. Remember, the winter solstice on or about Dec.

21, at the very moment when we mark the beginning of winter, is also the moment of the sun’s

return, the turning of the wintry tide. So if winter is here, can spring be far behind?

References:

http://familydoctor.org

http://www.medicinenet.com

http://www.psychologyinfo.com

http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF957C-1372-4D20-C870C55B099C85EA

http://www.MayoClinic.com

(Continued from page 4)

First Saturday,

Filipino Breakfast,

Fun with Friends,

& Full with Food

dren (now grown and away) knew that I may have

the last work, but that’s good for them.”

Once a week, they held a family meeting and devo-

tions with children bringing home their frustrations

and excitement from school.

The oldest, Ian Diaz, 32, was 6 months old when

the family came to the US, now serves as a medical

director in Gaylord. Nicola, 29 is a computer anima-

tion specialist now working in Japan. Ruth Marlo, 27 is

finishing her master’s program in business administra-

tion at Regent University in Virginia.

“Their rooms are still intact with posters on the walls.

When the come home, they sit on my lap,” Diaz aid.

Jerri Johnson, a neighbor of 15 years remembers the

Diaz kids as very, very smart, very well behaved with

very strong Christian values.

When the Johnsons (David & Jerri's husband is a mathe-

matics professor at Eastern Michigan University and a

member of the Milan Board of Education) were moving

into their current home 15 years ago. Owen Diaz came

over and said” We’re having a party today, why don’t

you guys come over?”

Said Johnson, who worked on Diaz’ campaign. “He is

genuine. He’s a man with absolutely the highest integ-

rity you can find. He truly believes that making peo-

ple’s lives better in general is his goal. I am sure that he

can. He has a good business mind and I think he will do

well as mayor’”

Since his election he has been busy meeting with city

administrators, business people and community leaders.

Diaz said his budding political career is the third phase

of his life – following his orphaned childhood and build-

ing a new life in the US.

He knows there is lingering skepticism about his un-

proven political savvy and he’s willing to give back

what this country has given him.

“This is the land of opportunity and justice. It’s not

perfect but this is the best country in the world. I was an

orphan in the Philippines. I came here with nothing.

Who would have thought I could be mayor?”

Source: Article by Chong W Pyen, News Staff Reporter

– Friday, Dec 26, 2003. cpyen@annarbornews.come

“We cannot all be great, but we call all shine… you

in your corner and I in mine...” anonymous.

(Continued from page 2)

Attended by: Lisa Hopkins, Cito and Tacing Jalbuena, Fil Francisco, Amado and Mamuric, Lita Hipona, Ric and

Nita Labayen, Lucila Rider, Elvira Berry, Cory Porille, Ding Yniguez, Chito Tadeo, Franklin ?, Paul and Mirla

delos Santos, Fe and Miniong Gatapia .

The meeting was called to order at 12:10 PM after a potluck lunch and President Elvira Berry presided. A Philip-

pine Flag purchased from the Philippines donated by Paul and Mirla delos Santos was presented at the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Reported Calendar Sales and Revenue. All 120 were sold and need to order a few more for

the other people who wanted to have a copy.

Topic of Discussions:

Projects for next year: Calendar, Parents night, Bulletin Board and a Flag Pole for the new Flag.

Announced the new Senior Council Officers: President is Lucila Rider, Vice President and President Elect for

2010 – Ding Yniguez, and Treasurer is Lita Hipona.

Christmas Party – Will be on a Saturday, December 13 and it’s a potluck. Lucila will check on the price to rent

Santa’s Costume and also the price to buy one. If the price is reasonable the senior’s agreed to purchase it.

Looking for someone who will wear Santa’s Costume.

Meeting adjourned at 1:20 PM.

Lucila Rider, Senior Council Vice President and Secretary

SENIOR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - NOVEMBER 9, 2008

Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City

9810 West 79th Street

Overland Park, KS 66204

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED