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Publication of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas
City
January / February 2011Vol. 44. Issue 1
A Message from
Michael HicksPresident, FA-GKC
2011 has rolled in and the reins of the Association have been
passed onto myself as well as many others. Many of you reading this
are familiar with who I am, but I thought I’d give you a little
background just in case you aren’t familiar with me.
2011 Membership ReminderMake the Filipino Association a part of
your New Year’s Resolutions. We are excited to dive into 2011 with
a calendar full of new events and activities. Let’s keep our
traditions alive! Join us by becoming a new member or by renewing
your membership. Your valuable contribution and involvement will
ensure a steady stream of supporters for all our projects.
For more information please contact Bernadette Rabang,
membership chair at [email protected].
Go Paperless!Save time and go green by opting in to receive the
latest Tambuli issue by email. To start receiving the Tambuli
electronically, contact Bernadette Rabang at
[email protected].
Inside this Issue:Sinag-Tala
1...........................2Treasurer’s
Report.................4Meeting
Minutes...................5Events......................................8
Sinag-Tala 1Page 2
New beginnings for
Page 2
Find us on the web:www.filipino-association.org
‘Like’ us on Facebook:facebook.com/filipinoassociation
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Sinag-Tala has acquired a new artistic director, and we would
like to introduce to you Romeo C. Bagunu, Jr. He, as a 15 year old,
was a Sinag -Tala member when the group was first formed, under the
directorship of Manny de Leon. Romeo went on to receive his
Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in dance at Stephen’s College, and
he has many hours at the master’s level in dance education. Romeo
has danced professionally in modern and ballet dance companies in
the United States and in many other countries around the world.
For the past 38 years, Sinag-Tala has been a volunteer group of
multi-generational Filipino-American dancers who wanted to learn
and participate in their ethnic dances as a way of remembering and
preserving some of their cultural heritage while living here in the
United States. Now, with much honor and pride, the Filipino
Association of Greater Kansas City would like to announce that
their new artistic director, Romeo Bagunu, is in the process of
creating a semi-professional performing arts troupe, to be known as
“SINAG-TALA 1”.
The first step of becoming a member of this new face of the
performing arts troupe, SINAG-TALA 1, is participating in an open
audition.
Sunday, February 20, at 3:00 p.m Filipino Cultural Center 9810 W
79th St Overland Park, KS 66204
We would like to invite and encourage any past and/or present
Sinag-Tala dancers, as well as anyone who would like to audition to
be part of this new semi-professional group, to come to this
audition.
The audition will entail an individual or group dance
presentation by each dancer/dancers in front of a panel of judges.
It will also require a personal interview with the panel of judges.
This is your opportunity to be part of the new face, a part of the
new look, of SINAG-TALA 1 in this exciting new adventure!
I was born and raised in South Kansas City, Missouri. I have
been a member of St. Regis Church my whole life and attended K-8
there. I then attended Rockhurst High School followed by four years
at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). While attending
UMKC I had leadership roles in resurrecting the Filipino-American
Students Association (FASA) and the United Students of Asia (USA).
During college I worked as an intern for General Motors at
Fairfax.
After graduation I hired on with Bibb & Associates (now
known as Kiewit Power Engineers) in Lenexa, KS where I’m employed
as a Mechanical Engineer performing power plant design. I spent two
years of my career at Kiewit located in Sarnia, Ontario in Canada
as a Field Engineer at a power plant I helped design during the
construction phase. I love the company I work for and the type of
work I do for them, even if it calls for extended hours and
traveling at times.
I’ve been a part of the Association since 1989 (as far as I can
trace at least) where I became a Filipinette under the direction of
Lito (later under the direction of Gemma and Maggie). I continued
to dance with the Sinag-tala as I grew and my closest friends have
come from the Association and Sinag-Tala. I eventually became the
artistic director and helped grow the Sinag-Tala to over 50
regularly attending members. This eventually led to putting
together Larawan, the first formal concert by the Sinag-Tala in
well over a decade. While part of Sinag-Tala I attended workshops
in Los Angeles. My reins were passed onto Ian Rivera when I had to
move to Canada for work.
While reading the operations book of the Association, I’ve
become amazed at how far we’ve come as a whole. I realize how much
work was put in by the founders and early generations to help
incorporate the association into an official 501(c)3 organization
back in 1972.
A Message from Michael Hicks (continued from page 1)
Sinag-Tala 1
2
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I was reading several letters that were generated and signed by
the Secretary of State of Missouri and there were some fundamentals
of the Articles of Incorporation that I think we all should be
reminded of:
The fostering of close relationships and understanding between
Filipino citizens living in the Greater Kansas City area. The
orientation and assistance of Filipino citizens moving into the
Greater Kansas City Area.
The education of the population in general in the culture of the
Philippines.
The aid, both moral and material, of need persons.
The making of distributions to organizations that qualify as
exempt organizations under Sec. 501(c)(3), Title 26, U.S.C (or the
corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal
Revenue Law).
For this year there are a few things I’d like to focus on, but
in general would like to get back to the fundamentals of the
organization. I’d like to focus on taking care of our members and
fostering relationships as well as orientation and assistance of
those that are new to this area. I’ve met quite a few Filipinos
lately that haven’t even heard about the Association and what it
has to offer so our presence can spread to so many more. I’m very
excited about the next step our Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe will take
under the direction of new Artistic Director Romeo Bagunu, Jr. I
think he’ll bring a new level of professionalism to the group and I
look forward to this year’s performances, culminating with a
mini-concert here at our newly renovated cultural center. This year
we’ll see a grand reopening celebration of our renovated Cultural
Center, something all of us should be proud of. I’d like to bring
back a formal talent show to focus on the talents of our members
especially the younger future generation. Finally, all of our
annual events which are so vital to our organization: the Parents
Day, Fiesta Filipina, Ethnic Festival, September Affair, as well as
our Social Parties on Easter, 4th of July, and Christmas.
You all have chosen me to represent you as your president. I’m
not sure I’m the right guy for the job, but the Association has
helped form some of my strongest friendships and foster the growth
of my skills and I look forward to doing the best I can do at this
position. I still have a lot to learn but I truly believe the
Association is doing the right thing by getting the younger
generation involved. I strongly believe that you have to develop
the younger talent in any organization. Look at major corporations,
at least the successful ones, they all always develop talent at all
levels including the younger newer ones as they know eventually
they will be the ones keeping things going. Younger ones will
definitely make some mistakes, but they’ll learn from those
mistakes and continue to grow as leaders and this is what we need.
Much is the same when building a national football team. Look at
the emphasis that is put on the draft and developing rookies from
day one. Those rookies make impacts early on, while they make
mistakes, however several years down the line they are the ones
leading the team.
From leadership classes I’ve taken at work, I’ve learned a lot
about myself as well as truly what my strengths and weaknesses are
as a leader. A couple of those weaknesses I’ve become aware of is
asking for help and then delegating work, which are all essential
functions of this position and leadership positions. I look for
your patience and guidance as I develop these skills. Thank you and
I look forward to a great 2011 and hope all of you will be there
supporting this wonderful Association each step along the
journey!
A Message from Michael Hicks ( continued from page 2)
3
I’d like to focus on taking care of our members and fostering
relationships as well as orientation and assistance of those that
are new to this area.
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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTSPrepared by
Hans Vergara, Treasurer For the Month Ended December 31, 2010
GENERALFUND
BUILDING CULTURAL ARTS FUNDS TOTALSENIORS FUND CHOIR SINAG-TALA
MONTH YEAR
CASH PER BOOKS 12/31/09
10,753.79 13,580.60 38,519.26 5,490.99 18,263.27 86,607.91
ADJUSTMENTS 2009 1,952.06 (53.98) 1,015.02 - 444.10 3,357.20
CASH PER BOOKS 11/30/10
7,508.23 17,387.37 35,909.67 5,857.61 8,171.94 74,834.82
ADD RECEIPTS:Operating:Membership Dues - 4,680.00 Ways &
Means 25.00 25.00 11,730.20 Senior Council 810.00 810.00 6,540.43
Sinag-Tala 1,040.00 1,040.00 9,787.00 Sampaguita Choir - 525.00
Ethnic Festival - 9,956.53 Fiesta Filipina - 9,017.25 Miscellaneous
430.08 299.92 0.11 420.00 1,150.11 2,370.73 Special
Project:September Affair 97.00 97.00 50,177.00 Building Usage Fee -
1,290.00 Building Donations 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,500.00 KS Grant
- 6,985.60 Total Receipts 455.08 810.00 30,396.92 1,040.11 420.00
33,122.11 143,559.74 LESS DISBURSEMENTS:Operating Expenses
(2,852.17) (1,641.69) (10.00) (1,820.00) (6,323.86)
(66,777.85)Special Project Expenses:September Affair (155.67)
(155.67) (28,833.92)Building Usage Refund - (200.00)Building
Maintenance - (1,150.89)KS Grant - (5,187.35)Building Expansion -
(29,897.44)Total Disbursements (2,852.17) - (1,797.36) (10.00)
(1,820.00) (6,479.53) (132,047.45)
CASH PER BOOKS 12/31/10
5,111.14 18,197.37 64,509.23 6,887.72 6,771.94 101,477.40
101,477.40
Add Other Investments 677.14 1,674.92 17,006.11 - - 19,358.17
19,358.17 CASH PER BANK TOTAL 12/31/10
5,788.28 19,872.29 81,515.34 6,887.72 6,771.94 120,835.57
120,835.57
Treasurer’s Report
4
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1. This meeting was called to order by Pres. Mike Hicks at
7:35pm.2. Call for Approval of Agenda- although there was no
quorum, the agenda was approved per member presence’s approval.3.
Call for Approval of the Minutes of December Meeting- the minutes
for December Meeting was not available, therefore, it wasn’t
approve for today’s meeting.4. President’s Report- Mike Hicks
(please see attachment)5. Treasurer’s Report- treasurer’s report
was presented by Hans Vergara. For period ending December 31,
2010:
Cash 11/30/10 = $74,835Total Receipts = $33,122Total
Disbursements = ($6,480) Net Cash inflow = $26,642Cash 12/31/10 =
$101,477
Amy Mesina moved that the treasurer’s report be approved as
presented and seconded by Lilia Bautista. 6. Board of Directors-
BODC Bong Tumanut reported that the Board nominated the 2011
officers: Chairman of the Board, Bong Tumanut, Vice Chairman, Ernie
Rosas and Secretary, Adela Tan.He reported that the building
expansion is delayed because they have to review the contract, as
well as weather issues. There is a change order that he needs
signing. It is too cold to dig the ground and we would have to pay
approximately $13,000.00 to push the project. The contract for the
expansion is approximately 4 months. The original completion date
was April, but with the delay it could be May possibly. They are
positive that it will be done in time for the “Fiesta”. He also
reported that the BOD decided that they will consider the 3 top
written names on the ballots to go through the special election. 7.
Executive Committee’s Report:
a. Public Relations Officer- Ed Tumanut reported the stats on
website traffic are not available, will get it for next month. He
reported that the new re-designed website has brought new
organizational and functionality. He also added that the Facebook
page is operational and has about 202 people as friends. The
website is reaching a lot of new people as well as long time
residents who did not even realize that the FA-GKC existed. He also
said the PR blasts for the 2 major events were successful. Curtis
Jay (KSHB-41 morning anchor) has been a great resource and
suggested that hopefully we can use him in the future. His goals
are: 1) would like more people to add content to the web pages, 2)
automate certain aspects of the website, 3) develop a standardized
package of information for new people who find the association, 4)
grow media sources, 5) expand his role and delegate to others on
his team (future team), 6) be able to post updates concerning the
expansion of the Cultural Center and 7) he wants to explore
implementing a professional e-mail marketing system; he found one
that caters to non profits for free.b. Auditor- Hans Vergara
reported for Mirla delos Santos- will need to prepare Form 1099
Misc, due by Februaryn15th, for any individual who received at
least $600.00 for services rendered for the year 2010. Form 1096
will be prepared and forwarded to IRS to transmit 1099 Misc due Feb
28. Donor’s Forms for donations to the Association need to be done
as well. The books/records of the FAGKC are currently being
audited.c. Tambuli Editor in Chief- Mike Hicks reported that he
approached Rommel Chico to be the Tambuli Editor. He is willing to
do it for the next few months. However, he doesn’t want to do this
long term. Mike also mentioned that we are still looking for the
Tambuli Editor in Chief. He wants to get the February issue out.
He’s also trying to see if he can get a template for Rommel from
Gerry Vergara
Meeting Minutes (January)
5
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or maybe from Ping Bayani just to get a starting point. He also
wants everybody to let him know if they know of anybody interested
in the position. d. Executive Director of Sinag-Tala Performing
Arts Troupe- Mike Hicks reported that Dr. Lilian Pardo stepped down
as the director. The Board of Directors has elected Gemma Snyder,
Executive Director for year 2011, and Romeo Bagunu Jr., Artistic
Director for year 2011. Ping Bayani will continue as the Director
of the Sampaguita Choir.e. Standing Committee Chairs Report:-
Membership/ Hospitality- Mike reported Bernie would like to thank
everyone who renewed early and participated in the $50 Visa gift
card giveaway. We collected $1,710.00 in membership dues for the
month of January 2011. He said Bernie would like everyone to
encourage friends and families to renew their membership and to
become actively involved with the association.
Breakdown of Membership:13 Couples Seniors 13 Families 8
Individual 9 Individual Senior 1 Standing Benefactor
f. Nominations Committee- Mike Hicks reported that he doesn’t
have an outstanding person for 2011. However, nomination is still
going on. Amy Mesina’s job is not over so she continued on this
report. There will be a special election for 2011 President Elect.
There were 3 candidates and one of them already agreed to the
nomination. She reported nominations are still open. The secret
ballot will continue to be followed. She indicated the amount of
expense for mailing the secret ballots, which will be mailed
January 14th. The secret ballot deadline is prior to February’s
meeting. She also suggested the secret ballot could occur during
the meeting, but requires a minimum of 20 paid members for a
quorum. She will seek the advice of the BOD on how to go about this
election.g. Social Affairs- Mike reported that he is still looking
for somebody to chair the first event which is the Easter Picnic.
h. Ways and Means- Mike reported that the biggest Ways and Means
for this year is the NASCAR. They are no longer doing the April
race. Races will be held in July and September only. He still needs
to confirm with Michael Tan to chair this committee. The Valentine
Dinner and the NASCAR were the 2 Ways and Means last year. However,
looking at the budget from last year, he would like to concentrate
on the NASCAR, since it brings more revenue to the Association.i.
Scholarship Committee- Mike reported that he would like to bring
this committee back. He has somebody in mind to chair Scholarship
Committee but still needs to contact them. j. Community Outreach-
Mike reported that Claudette dela Cruz has committed to chair the
Community Outreach. She will be doing some brainstorming on
different activities the committee can be involved. k. Finance
Committee- Adela Tan- no reportl. Filipino Youth Group- Mike
reported that this committee has been dormant for quite a while now
and would like to get some root growing, since it was a big part
for him when he was growing up. He has Rica Rivera in mind to lead
this committee. He would like this group to do a community service
event and maybe a talent show. He’s hoping that this committee will
carry on for future years. Amy Mesina added that the youth
organization started during her term and its purpose was to train
the youth for future leadership positions.m. By-Laws- Amy Mesina
reported that she would like to have somebody else to take the lead
for this committee. Jun Puno suggested removing the By-Laws
committee, since the by-laws have recently been reviewed by the
Association’s lawyers. He also pointed out that people appointed to
this tend to feel obligated to changes. He felt like the major
change in the By- Laws was done and there is no need for a
committee. Amy Mesina pointed out that we now have to comply with
the IRS for our 501c3 (non-profit
Meeting Minutes - January ( continued from page 5)
6
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organization) status. She specified that complying with the IRS
has to be strictly monitored and that it is still important to have
somebody watching over. n. Senior Council- Ric Labayen is out of
town. Fely Francisco reported that the Senior’s meeting will be
Saturday, Jan. 8. They will have a report for February. o.
Volunteers Service- Mike reported that he doesn’t have a person in
charge for this committee. He has to review the duties of this
committee. Right now it’s pretty vague.
8. Special Committee Reportsa. September Affair Gala- Kevin
Bautista (chair) reported that he is excited to be chairing the
event. This year’s September Affair will be September 10, 2011 at
the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kansas City. He will be meeting with
his co-chairs, Bernadette Rabang and Claudette dela Cruz to go over
budget, theme and planning committee. His target for kick-off
meeting will be the end of February. He reported that besides the
availability of the date, there was also a significant increase in
pricing from the Hyatt and Marriott that’s why Inter-Continental
Hotel was chosen. Although, the previously mentioned hotels later
re- proposed their offer after learning we chose Inter-Continental
for our next Gala. He added that a full detailed report was given
to Mike Hicks, then Pres. Malou Nix and former BOD chair person
Lilian Pardo before signing the contract. He is plans on
instituting new rules regarding reservation deadlines to encourage
people to reserve earlier. He added that more details are to
follow. He also requested Ed to post the date on the websites. He
also extended an open invitation to all who want to be a part of
this event. b. Ethnic Enrichment Commission- Manuel Pardo- no
reportc. Fiesta Filipina- Mike Hicks reported that we will have the
person in-charge for the Fiesta after the special election. d.
Filipino Cultural Center Foundation- Amy Mesina doesn’t have
anything to report at the moment. Although she pointed out that the
main purpose of this committee is to help the Association pay for
the loan. She said that it is a totally separate entity from the
Association which is now a 501c3. While the Foundation has to spend
the funding for the intended purpose requested. She also added that
Dr. LilianPardo is taking the lead in the capital. e. Building and
Maintenance- Neo Rabang and Joel Gaela- no report
9. Ad Hoc Committee- no report10. Old Business- no old
business11. New Business-
a. Jun Puno suggested that we should reach out to the community
when people are sick, new people in town, etc, to show that the
Association cares. Mike is delegating to the Hospitality Committee
to decide on this issue. b. Fely Francisco asked when a copy of the
newly revised by-laws will be published. Amy Mesina informed
everyone that it will be provided to paid members through the
Tambuli.c. Fely Francisco also requested a copy of the
organizational chart by Pres Mike Hicks. Amy Mesina suggested that
he present it to the BOD since it is not an approve chart.
12. Adjournment- this meeting was adjourned at 9:27pm approved
by Amy Mesina and seconded by Fely Francisco.In Attendance: Michael
Hicks Amy Mesina Hans Vergara Lilia Bautista Bing Sakach Kevin
Bautista Evelyn Puno Bong Tumanut Jun Puno Marc TumanutFely
Francisco Ed Tumanut Lara Puno Angelo Santos John Naldoza Michael
Yabut Peter Sakach13. Submitted by: Bing Sakach- Secretary
7
Meeting Minutes - January ( continued from page 6)
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Parent’s Day Dinner and DanceSponsored by The Senior Council of
the FA-GKC
Parents’ Day provides an opportunity for children and adults to
honor both their parents, parent figure(s) and grandparents for
their dedica-tion, love and support. Year after year, the Senior
Council works hard in preparation for this special day. This year,
we will showcase not only our traditions but will also add some new
and exciting ones. So come and bring your parents and show how much
you appreciate them!
When: May 14th, 2011 (Saturday)Where: St. Michael the Archangel
Catholic Parish Fr. Porter Hall 14251 Nall, Leawood, Kansas 66223
(Parking and entrance at the back of the Church)Theme: Lady Gaga
and Not-So-Lady Gaga
Tickets: Adults: $30 ($35 at the door) 7-12 yrs old - $15 6 and
below- free. At the Door
We encourage you to feature your parents in the Souvenir Book.
Full page - $40 Half page- $20
We will also have lots of raffles including our annual TV
raffle.
Make your reservations early. Call: Dr. Nita Labayen H - (913)-
642-4789 / C- (913) 863- 4341 or Gigi Mateo H- (913) 685-1962 / C-
(913) 526-0106
EventsJanuary
Magno Gabales 1Joe Hicks R.N. 2Letty Rabang 7Michael Tan 9Nicole
Herrera 10Bryan Jomar Paat 11Mila Christmas R.N.
13
Dennis Paat 13Neo Rabang 20Ernie Rosas R.N. 20Joshua Spradlin
22Danny Galos 25
Birthdays
FebruaryAmy Mesina 1Eric Meyer 3Lillian Pardo M.D. 5Salome Flor
R.N. 7Mike Hicks 9Rolly Mesina, M.D. 10Bernadette Rabang 11Linda
Francisco 17John Orlich Jr. 20Tom Eggers 23Jim Austin 24
AnniversariesJanuary
Bob and Mila Christmas
4
Paul and Mirla de los Santos
9
Michael and Monchit Navarro
14
Danny and Janette Galos
25
FebruaryEric and Alma Meyer
19 8
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Events
2010 FA-GKCAnnual ChristmasParty
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Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City9810 West 79th
StreetOverland Park, KS 66204
Address Correction Requested
Mission Statement:The Filipino Association of Greater Kansas
City is a not-for-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian
organization established to preserve, promote, and enhance Filipino
culture through education and cultural arts, and to provide service
to the community at-large through its projects and programs.
