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September 2011
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THE PHILIPPINE FORUM COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Kick-Off for Filipino-American Heritage Month in October
September 2011
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September 2011
Bulosan is in the Heart
by Rey Arnel Agudana
“ I stood on the deck and watched the fading shores of Manila.
Long afterward, I found myself standing in the heavy rain,
holding my rattan suitcase and looking toward the disappearing
Philippines. I knew that I was going away from ever ything I
had loved and known. I knew that if I ever returned the first
sight of that horizon would be the most beautiful sight in the
world. I waved my hat and went into the vestibule that led to
the filthy hold below where the other steerage passengers were
waiting for me.”
-- Carlos Bulosan
America is in the Hear t
University of Washington Press
Mural of Carlos Bulosan at the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center in
Queens, New York by renowned Filipino muralist Eliseo Art Silva
Reflective. Most Filipino
immigrants or Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) feel the
same way as Carlos Bulosan on
the day he left the Philippines.
It may seem dif ferent now, with
airplanes replacing ships as the
main form of overseas travel.
The general driving force of
this forced migration, however,
remains the same -- to sell Filipino labor outside the countr y.
The Filipino immigrant
community can lear n a lot from
the experience of Carlos Bulosan – the itinerant ‘manong’
who came to the United States
in the 1930s. In Bulosan’s autobiographical book, “America is
in the Hear t”, Bulosan explicitly laid and conveyed the harsh
realities experienced by the
migrant Filipino community as
a whole.
The life of the manongs
The fishing vessels of
Alaska and the canning facto-
ries of Washington state down
to the flowers and vegetable
plantations of Califor nia plus
the sugarcane fields of Hawaii
cast a bold backdrop to the
hard life of exile that the Filipino manongs endured.
America was full of bigotr y at that time, and racist
sentiments against all minorities and people of color abound.
Despite the Philippines being
a colony of the United States,
this did not exempt the Filipino
manongs from being the object
of disdain by Americans.
Carlos Bulosan rose
from being a migrant vegetable
picker. Despite his frail health
and body, he was able to teach
himself to speak and write in
English and became active in
unionizing the farm workers.
Being a voracious reader (even while confined in the
hospital with tuberculosis), he
was able to pen books and poetr y. “America in the Hear t” is
arguably his best work because
as its title suggests, his words
in the book were coming from
his hear t. Ever y word is riddled
with honesty and experience.
His other books include
– “Philippines is in the Hear t”,
“Cr y and Dedication”, “Romance of Magno Rubio”, among
others. Magno Rubio was made
into a play by the New York
City based Ma-yi Theater Company nine years ago.
Bulosan’s will to fight
the injustices that confronted
migrant workers of his time
inspired and will continue to
inspire generations of Filipinos. The same conditions continue to exist today. Migrant
workers and immigrants are
still confronted by racial discrimination, and Filipinos in
the Philippines are driven by
lack of oppor tunities at home
to seek work in a foreign countr y.
recr uited them to fight under
the American flag against Japan.
An estimated 250,000
Filipinos answered the call
and fought against the invading Japanese forces in the
1940s. Most of the veterans
are now in their 80s, and their
number is down to roughly
50,000-60,000.
Approximately five die
each day, or about 2,000 a
year.
The Labor Expor t Policy
The 60s brought an influx of visiting Filipino health
workers.
Deposed President Ferdinand Marcos per fected the
expor t of Filipino brawn with
his Labor Expor t Policy (LEP).
The Philippine Overseas Em-
SANLAHI
War veterans betrayed
The manongs were par t
of the first wave of Filipino migration to the United States.
Hundreds and thousands of
Filipinos boarded rickety ship
toward a life of uncer tainty in
colonial master’s homeland.
Their great-grandchildren are
now located primarily on the
west coast.
The aftermath of World
War II brought a new wave of
Filipino migration –the war veterans. Although Filipino war
veterans were allowed to migrate to the U.S., the U.S. gover nment continue to deny them
their right to “just” compensation and pension after the U.S.
ployment Agency (POEA) and
the Overseas Workers Administration (OWWA) were established to help recr uit and ship
workers in this expor t-oriented-labor processing line.
Filipinos were sent to
work in the deser ts of Middle East; as domestic help in
Hong Kong, Singapore and
Italy; nurses in UK and the
US; enter tainers in Japan, and
as ship workers that ply the
inter national waters. Labor
expor t became a systematized
business of the gover nment.
From time to time, the
gover nment pays lip ser vice to
the OFWs, calling them “moder n day heroes”. If not for the
OFWs dollar remittances, the
Philippine economyc would
have gone under a long time
ago.
To be cont. on Page 3
ROBERT ROY
Executive Director
JULIA CAMAGONG
Co-Executive Director
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Noel Pangilinan
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Maricris Taeza
CONTRIBUTORS: Rey Agudana, Matthew Cheirs II, Eliseo Silva, Shirley O’
Brien, Eddie Veridiano, Cecil Delgado, Yancy Gandionco, Michelle Saulon, Estella
Mappala, KABALIKAT
LAYOUT ARTISTS: Jonna Baldres, Monique Nabua, Dominique Liwanag
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
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40-21 69th Street, Woodside, Queens, NY 11377
718.565.8862
info@philippineforum.org
http://www.philippineforum.org
(n.) 1. A contraction of Filipino words ‘Isang Lahi’, literally, one race;
2. a monthly publication of the Philippine Forum, a not-for-profit
organization providing training, education, other services to and advocacy for Filipinos and
people of Filipino heritage in the United States.
Bulosan is...
Cont. from Page 2
Today’s OFWs
It is a lonely migrant
worker’s life.
Stories of exploitation
and abuse abound. It is usually
hard to get help from the Philippine Consulate if the OFW repor t abuse in the host countr y.
Filipinos can be found
in Saudi Arabian death rows.
A number had been lashed and
scores were beheaded. Flor
Contemplacion was hanged in
Singapore. Some Filipina entertainers in Japan come home in
cof fin being after being found
dead under suspicious circumstances.
Here in New York, we
are witness to the death of
two Filipina caregivers; and in
Baltimore, there was a recent
repor t of suicides of Filipino
teachers.
It is approximated that 10
percent of the Philippine population work and live abroad. Most
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September 2011
of these workers state that they
chose to go out because of unemployment and lack of work in
the Philippines.
The pr esent is r ooted
in the past Filipinos cannot go
for ward without looking back
at his past. Filipinos need to
know that the reason for this
diaspora.
The problems of the
OFWs here in the U.S. and
elsewhere are deeply rooted in
the economic and political situations per vading in the Philippines.
Just like Bulosan, Filipinos leave the countr y because
of seemingly hopeless economy.
In the time of Bulosan, Philippines is riddled with impar tial
treaties and rules of trade. Just
like during the time of Bulosan,
the Philippine economy is rooted in agriculture but the tillers
and farmers have no ownership
of the land.
Just like in the time of Bulosan, the Philippines is a colony
of the U.S. Today, the Joint US-RP
VFA Balikatan Exercises make
ever y part of the Philippines an
open entr y point to American warships. Erring and abusive American soldiers can easily escape back
to the U.S. A case is in point was
that of Filipina Nicole, who was reported to have been gang-raped by
four American servicemen.
Bulosan lived three quarters of a centur y ago but the conditions remain the same. That’s
why it is important for Filipinos to
read the works of Bulosan.
His life can inspire and
probably teach Filipino migrants
how to live and struggle in the
adopted countr y, and hopefully
continue to look back and love the
Motherland.
Bulosan remembered
The City of New York designated November 2 as Carlos Bulosan Day.
At the Philippine Forum
office, a mural of Bulosan greet
guests at the front door. His face
exalts the purity of ideals and the
necessity of continuing the Filipino
struggle for equality and independence. There is no mural more
apt than that.
POETR Y
Tears and Rain
By Rey Arnel Agudana
Pitter-patter of rain
Like Bulosan in my mind
Drip .. drip .. drip
Like oxalates suspended and
Letting go of the stalactic origin.
So my life continue to evolve
Immigrant … a diasporic soul
Gathering beads in the
Wind while releasing pieces
Of me in Souther n skies.
Clenched dreams, of red soil
That str uggle to stab the darkness
And others, too … like you …
That can not be silenced
For the blood of Carlos flow
In all of us.
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September 2011
Philippine Forum
for Beginners
world a better place to live in; where
individuals can realize their full human
potential regardless of race, religion,
nationality, color, creed or gender.
Who We Are
The Philippine Forum is a notfor-profit organization based in New
York City providing services and advocacy to Filipino immigrants, people of
Filipino heritage and other immigrant
communities in the United States.
In 2003, the Philippine Forum
was honored with the Union Square
Awards, which recognizes and sup-
We envision Filipinos and
Filipino Americans as responsible
and productive members of society,
contributing to the collective effort to
attain a just and humane society.
Our Mission
The Philippine Forum strives
to make Filipinos and Filipino Americans aware of their roots, conscious of
their rights, and cognizant of their re-
country of origin and reconnect with
their homeland;
4. To assist Filipinos, especially
those who are newly arrived, in knowing
their rights as immigrants and as workers, and to help them enhance their capacity to assert these rights;
5. To help the Filipino youth realize their full potential to become active
and responsible leaders and members
of the Filipino-American community
and of the American society;
6. To develop and encourage
initiatives from the Filipino community
that mutually benefit both the Filipino
community and the American society;
7. To initiate and support efforts
aimed at providing opportunities for Filipino groups to come together in a grand
fellowship and share a common vision;
8. To provide opportunities for
Filipinos to express solidarity with people from other cultures and work with
them towards a more equitable and just
society.
aims to train teachers to become better
mentors by adopting the participatoryresearch method developed in Project
YEHEY;
• Bayanihan Cultural Festival,
an annual celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Filipinos, which aims
to foster community spirit among Filipinos and introduce Philippine cuture
to the larger immigrant community in
Queens;
What We Do
ports innovative grassroots projects
and organizations responding to pressing social issues in New York City.
The Philippine Forum strives
to make Filipinos and people of Filipino heritage aware of their roots, conscious of their rights, and cognizant
of their responsibilities as members
of both the American and Philippine
societies and as citizens of the global
community.
sponsibilities as members of both the
American and Philippine societies and
as citizens of the global community.
The Philippine Forum was
borne out of the need to address the
long unresolved problems brought
about by the Filipino Diaspora to the
United States that started at the turn
of the 1900s.
1. To initiate and support efforts by Filipinos in the U.S., especially
the youth, that aim to provide a deeper
understanding of their cultural roots and
identity as Filipinos and Filipino Americans;
2. To promote activities that will
help the Filipino community acquire a
better understanding of the roots of Filipino Diaspora or migration to the U.S.;
3. To create opportunities
wherein Filipinos in the U.S. can keep
abreast with developments in their
Our Vision
We stand for a just and humane world, where social, political and
economic rights are respected and
not violated; where relationships are
based on equality, fairness and justice,
and not on exploitation, domination
and oppression;
We believe in diversity in
society, where people from different
cultures treat each other with respect
and not with prejudice; where different communities live side by side and
work hand in hand in making this
We endeavor to enhance the
Filipino community’s capacity to become actively involved in the overall
effort to effect meaningful changes in
society.
Our Goals
The Philippine Forum has several major programs, namely:
• Project CLEAR (Computer
Learning for Empowerment and Advancement of Rights), which aims to
provide Filipinos and other immigrants
with new job skills by training them to
be proficient in the use of computers and
the Internet;
• Project Kalusugan (Health),
which aims to make health services
accessible to Filipinos, especially those
without health insurance, by holding
a regular free health screenings and
health fairs;
• Project YEHEY (Young Educators for Health and Empowerment
of the Youth), a participatory-research
project for the youth that trains them
to become leaders;
• Project TRIP (Teachers Residency and Immersion Program), which
• Queens7.com, a hyperlocal online news site for the immigrant
communities along several Roosevelt
Avenue stations of the 7 Train;
• Bayanihan Filipino Community Center, a physical center that provides a venue for meeting, activities and
other gatherings for various Filipino organizations and several other immigrant
groups;
• Sumisigaw Youth Festival,
an annual cultural and arts festival of the
Filipino American youth;
• Tagalog Classes, a learn-tospeak Tagalog program which aims to
help Filipino American youth learn the
native tongue of their home country;
• The Philippine Studies Program, which aims to reconnect Filipino
Americans with the native country of
their parents by providing an opportunity for Filipino Americans to study and
live in the Philippines for six weeks exploring and discovering Philippine culture, history and realities;
• Advocacy and Community
Action, is the Philippine Forum’s
response to issues affecting the Filipino community. The Philippine Forum
has actively launched campaigns for immigration reforms and against human
trafficking, among others.
• New Organizing Initiatives, an outreach program that aims
to help in developing new organizations of Filipinos in the U.S. Among
the new organizations that the Philippine Fiorum have helped establish
are the Kabalikat Domestic Workers
Support Network and the Kappa Pi
Fraternity, a brotherhood of Filipino
American youth doing community
service, etc.
The Philippine Forum has
also sponsored several activities,
which again are aimed at celebrating
Filipino culture and fostering a sense
of community among Filipinos here
in the U.S. These events include Saya
at Sayaw, a holiday celebration held
every December; Simbang Gabi,
scheduled on December 18 at the San
Sebastian Church in Woodside in time
for International Migrants Day; and
the Ihawan sa Bayanihan, a summer
open house and barbecue held every
third Sunday of June – declared
Bayanihan Day by the City Council
of New York City.
September 2011
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September 2011
Bayanihan
Second Annual
Cultural
Festival
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P
PAUL RIEGO
KINDING SINDAW
KINDING SINDAW (Dance of Light) Melayu Heritage Dance Theater Ensemble
is renowned for its majestic dance theater productions which recreate the traditions of dance, music, martial arts, storytelling, and oratory of the indigenous
peoples of the Philippines. In 1992, Artistic Director and Founder, Potri Ranka Manis, led the beginning of this movement by teaching dance in small meeting
rooms in a hospital during her break while working as a registered nurse in downtown Manhattan. Its repertoire is taken from the arts of the T’boli, Maranao, Maguindanao, Yakan, Higaoonon, Tausug and Bagobo peoples of the southern
Philippines. By asserting their arts and traditions, the historical and contemporary
stories of these peoples are brought to life. In addition to La MaMa, the troupe
has performed at the Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, Kennedy
Center, the Smithsonian Institution, the World Trade Center, Theatre of the Riverside Church, the Alabama International Festival and various community and
grass-roots events. One of the most notable productions of Kinding Sindaw was
“Bemberan” (2007), which was based on a chapter in “Derangen,” an epic of
the Maranao tribe, and culminated in images of an historical event, the American-committed massacre in the Battle of Bayang in 1902.
Kinding Sindaw continues their mission to assert, reclaim, preserve and re-create the traditions of dance, music, martial arts, storytelling, and orature of the
indigenous peoples of the Philippines. Classes for Dance and Music are held
on Tuesdays 5:30 – 7pm, Saturdays 11:30am – 1pm at Lotus Music and Dance
Studios 109 West 27th Street, NY, NY 10001. Go to www.lotusmusicanddance.
org or www.kindingsindaw.org . You can also find Kinding Sindaw on Facebook to become a fan!
Paul Riego is truly one of the most incredible magical performer New
York
has
ever
seen.
This
22-­year
old
Philippine-­born
magician
learned
his
fi
rst
magic trick at the tender age of 5 and has had strong roots in the art of magic
since. With dancing, martial arts and miming in his background, Paul Riego
isn’t your typical magician. Combining the arts has made him one of the most
exciting performers. He has made television appearances and has travelled
to the Philippines to perform in front of the hundreds of magicians who sat in
judgement and approved. Recently he has had his own Off-Broadway show.
With his continuing progress in the art of magic, Paul Riego is on his way to be
one of the greats.
KADENA
JEFFREY ABATAYO II
Alan
Babz
Berna
Gary
KADENA is an anti-fascist, anti-imperialist, anti-racist,
all-Filipino political street punk rock band based in
Brooklyn, NY; involved in various socio-political
issues and causes, participates in protests and
other mass actions.
KADENA
performs
at
various
benefi
t
shows,
political
events, protests, D.I.Y & underground events in various cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Vallejo, Los Angeles, etc. hitting venues such
as the Garage, The Burnt Ramen, The Bindlestiff, 924
Gilman St. ABC No Rio, CB’s lounge and others.
KADENA released three demo CDs and have
contributed to various CD compilations.
KABALIKAT DOMESTIC WORKERS’ SUPPORT NETWORK
Kabalikat is a Domestic Workers Support Network that aims to address
the concerns and well being of domestic workers in the tri-state New
York,
New
Jersey
area.
Kabalikat
works
to
attain
rights
and
benefi
ts
for
domestic workers and serves as a space for women to get together and
discuss their lives as migrant workers, mothers, daughters, aunts. Recent
campaigns for Kabalikat include Justice for Fely Garcia and Justice
for Ate Putli. For more information about Kabalikat, contact Michelle
of Philippine Forum at the Bayanihan Community Center at 40-21 69th St.
Woodside, NY 11377 or call (718)5658862.
Members of KADENA include: Gary, Berna, Alan, Babz
Add us on facebook: pinoipunk@yahoo.com
http://www.imeem.com/kadenapunkband
http://www.myspace.com/kadena
http://profi
les.friendster.com/pinoipunk
http://pinoipunk.multiply.com
Photo credits: Gary and Alan courtesy of Gino Innocentes
Jeffrey Abatayo II or “Jayjay” is the 5-year-old son of
Engr. Jeffrey Abatayo and Architect Jovima Abatayo. He is the Top 6 Student of his class and has
performed at Three Angels Broadcasting (3ABN),
Philippine Fiesta and a lot more. He will be singing
“Draw Me Close” by Michael Smith.
September 2011
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DEEP FOUNDATION
Deep Foundation is a culmination of unique styles,
backgrounds, upbringings, values and experiences, brought to
life by the words of three emcees: MUG Shot, ILL Poetik, and
CeeJay. As a tightly knit unit, the three wordsmiths have
captivated audiences internationally and throughout the U.S.,
bringing their own brand of music to listeners worldwide.
Exuding
the
pride
of
true
Filipinos,
the
brash
confi
dence
of
tri-­
staters, and the distinct limp and swagger of Hip Hop, the group
has shared their opinions, sense of humor and overall love for
Hip Hop at various colleges, clubs, charity events and musical
functions since 2001.
FILIPINAS FOR RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT (FIRE)
Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) was founded on April 14, 2007. It is
part
of
the
fi
rst
overseas
chapter
of
GABRIELA
in
the
USA.
FiRE
is
also
a
member
organization of BAYAN-USA.
FiRE is a mass based women’s organization serving New York City and its surrounding areas. We are dedicated to global and local Filipina and Filipina
American issues. We believe that class oppression is inextricable to the struggle
of women; therefore we support and create women’s initiatives by fostering
leadership, building alliances and mobilizing our immigrant and native-born community through critical education and learning. We are an anti-imperialist formation
working in solidarity with the National Democratic movement of the Philippines. We
connect the Filipino diaspora to the women’s struggle in the Philippines by
organizing across class, gender, sexual identity, and age lines. Bringing woman-­born
and
woman-­identifi
ed
people
together,
we
challenge
pervading
stereotypes
by
creating
self-­defi
ned
Filipina
identities.
We address local issues affecting Pinays in the area, and host various cultural
events (like Diwang Pinay, an annual showcase of Filipina artists) and workshops. If you are interested in learning more about the organization, FiRE can
be
reached
at
the
following
email:
fi
re.nyc@gmail.com
Deep Foundation takes a focused approach, devoting their
time and effort to the creation of music, the enjoyment of their
listeners
and
their
positive
infl
uence
on
the
public
outlook
on
Hip Hop at large. In their constant pursuit of greatness, they pay
homage to life, beats, rhymes, love, dedication, friendship and
trust, praising their freedom to express, and expressing only what
they feel free to express. Deep Foundation has arrived as a fresh
lease on grass roots rebels providing gritty east coast sounds with
a name you can trust.
RYAN ABUGAN - HYDROPONIKZ
In a rapidly evolving music scene, Ryan “Hydroponikz” Abugan aims not only to resurrect hip-hop’s
golden age but to incorporate new techniques and
sounds to break the barriers of genre: in other words,
to
make
music.
Heavily
infl
uenced
by
90s
NY
hip-­hop,
he’s rocked at SUNY Binghamton, St John’s University,
Boston University, San Diego State University, University of San Francisco, Poleng Lounge in San Francisco,
Access Hip-Hop, Bowery Poetry Club, BLVD, Nightingale Lounge, Public Assembly, and the world famous
Nuyorican Poets Cafe. He’s worked with many musicians such as Deep Foundation (NYC), Illmind (NJ),
Incise (Toronto), and Kina Grannis (LA). He has had a
few major releases in Japan, including songs “Strife”
and “Time Goes By”. He has also produced and is
featured on numerous songs on Deep Foundation’s
“The First Draft”. His new album, “Grown” is now available on itunes.
JACKELYN MARIANO
Jackie Mariano is an activist, writer, and cultural worker from Elmhurst, Queens. She recently graduated from Hunter College of the
City University of New York with a
bachelor’s degree in “Immigrant
Community Organizing”, a selfdesigned major made possible
through the CUNY Baccalaureate
Program for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies. Jackie is the Vice
Chairperson of Filipinas for Rights
and Empowerment (FiRE), a grassroots Filipino women’s organization
based in New York City, which aims
to connect issues in the Philippines
to the Filipino diaspora in the United States and mobilize kababayans for a homeland that is free of
oppression. http://firenyc.org
ANAKBAYAN NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Anakbayan (in english: “children of the people”) is a comprehensive Filipino youth organization that aims to build unity among all sectors of Filipino
youth– immigrant, US-born/raised, student, working, LGBT, women, artists,
etc– for the promotion of cultural awareness and the advancement of
rights, welfare, and social justice. All Filipino youth are agents of social
change, so we strongly encourage all Filipino youth to join Anakbayan
and start serving the people! Contact us at anakbayan_nj@yahoo.com,
anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com.
\\\\
ELMEJOY ABATAYO
Elmejoy Abatayo is the 7-year-old daughter of
Engr. Jeffrey Abatayo and Architect Jovima
Abatayo. She has been awarded Student of the
Month and has performed at Three Angels Broadcasting (3ABN). She will be singing “Beautiful One”.
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JOHN-FLOR SISANTE
John-Flor Sisante is a FilipinoAmerican
singer-songwriter,
vegetarian, and runner. He tries
to write songs that mean something, and is trying his best to live
a life that means something. He
is proud of his history, his people
and their stories, and where he
came from. He wants to express
that love through his music.
For more info or to listen to
more music, go to http://www.
myspace.com/johnflor or http://
jfisfoxfur.tumblr.com.
RIANE BAWALAN
Riane Bawalan is a young
Filipina who enjoys long
walks on the sidewalk, the
color purple and of course
singing. Riane is accompanied by her guitarist Brian
Apostol in a melody of True
by Ryan Cabrera and Officially Missing You by Tamia.
PUSO
PUSO is a Filipino Student Organization which focuses on empowering its
member’s culturally through workshops,
classes and by attending Filipino student conferences. Through what we
have learned and experienced during
the year, it culminates in our annual cultural show, PUSOFEST.
September 2011
Koba is a Filipino-American Hip-Hop vocalist
and producer based in Washington Heights.
His work is part hip-hop, part R&B, part hard,
part vulnerable, and fully sincere, politically
subversive, honest, crazy and real. Koba himself is part city kid, part outdoorsman, part
honey badger, part panda, part party hardier,
part meditator, and fully a go-getter, lover,
writer and fighter. Alongside DJ Boo, Koba has
rocked schools and venues across the country,
sharing the stage with Talib Kweli, Slum Village,
dead prez, Last Emperor, Immortal Technique,
Eternia, Invincible, Blitz the Ambassador, the
Narcycist and others at venues such as SOB’s,
the Knitting Factory, CBGB’s, the Middle East
and elsewhere. He has collaborated with
and produced for other artists such as Taiyo
Na and Outernational and was a cofounder
of the Asian-American showcase series “Sulu
Series” at the Bowery Poetry Club. Koba hustles hard to honor his diaspora, history, hood,
loved ones and god.
KOBA
PUSO provides a variety of social, cultural, athletic, and educational events,
while giving the university community
an opportunity to enrich its view of Philippine culture through friendship and
education.
PUSO also has 3 type of dance areas::
[1] Cultural
[2] Ballroom
[3] PDC (PUSO Dance Crew)
BAYANIHAN KULTURAL KOLEKTIB
IThe Bayanihan Kultural Kolektib (B.K.K) is a
group of Filipino im/migrant cultural workers, mostly staff and volunteers, at the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center, based in
Queens, New York.
BKK members do not only man the center
but also educate, organize, and mobilize
the FIlipino community in New York through
their works (songs, artworks, poetry, theatrical and other cultural pieces).
YEHEY MARTIAL ARTS
(VAMBUDO and KALI)
GRETCHEN PANGILINAN,
NOEL TAN, POTCH GUICKO
MATALASCALLANDO
In December 2009 peruvian lead singer
and composer, Natalia Gianella, met nepalese violinist and guitarist Mukhya (Adhwing Gurung). Together they began to
compose a fusion of folkloric rhythms with
influences of reggae and different sounds
of their own upbringing. Later Eduardo
(Lalo) from Chile, added drum rhythms
with the use of the peruvian cajon and
the andean bombo. Gustavo from colombia brings the percussions and side vocals
and Dayan, also from colombia, plays the
melodica other percussions and vocals.
The band has been playing at different
venues through the past months, always
bringing a melancholic mountain sound
and messages of nature and justice with
raw sounds of acoustic instruments. Most
of the lyrics are in Spanish, a few ones in
English and others in Spanglish. Matalascallando is a word used in Peru to refer
to a person that appears to be innocent
and not able to achieve much, but who in
reality does achieve great things without
being noticed. Matalascallando is a band
that tries to convey traditional rhythms
while living in a big city, therefore merged
in much mixture and movement.
As artists, BKK members are united on the
belief that art cannot be separated from
the society and must serve the people,
thus, their works reflect the pressing issues
and conditions of the Philippine society -both in the homeland and abroad -- and
promote collective action (Bayanihan)
within the community.
SISA PAKARI CULTURAL CENTER
Sisa Pakari Cultural Center is located in Corona, New York. In addition to celebrating
the culture through their beautiful dances,
Sisa Pakari is also social welfare organization.
They have been in solidarity with Philippine
Forum in providing genuine services to the
community especially through the alliance;
Independent worker’s movement which aims
to protect the rights and welfare of workers in
Queens New York, migrants and people who
are in need of service. Today they will present
to represent the Ecuadorian Dance.
s
e
e
c
m
E
9
SANLAHI
September 2011
JULIA V. CAMAGONG
Julia
V.
Camagong
is
the
Co-­Executive
Director
of
Philippine
Forum,
a
non-­profit
community organization based in New York City that makes Filipinos aware of their
roots, rights and responsibilities.
She is a 2003 recipient of the Union Square Awards which honors individuals who
make notable contributions to the educational, economic, and cultural life in New
York. She is also Vice President for Programs of the National Alliance for Filipino
Concerns (NAFCON), a US-wide alliance of community organizations and institutions
working for the rights and welfare of Filipinos. Julia has been recently appointed as
the US representative to the Global Council of Migrante International, a global
alliance of Filipino migrant organizations in more than 90 countries that aims to
promote and protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos all over the world.
In the Philippines, she performed in street plays during the anti-Marcos rallies in the
Philippines, as part of the theater group Peryante (Carnival Players). Julia was co-founder and Executive Director of the
San
Francisco
based
theater
group
Teatro
ng
Tanan
(Theater
for
Everyone).
She
has
acted
in
plays,
film
and
television
both in San Francisco and New York. In Project YEHEY (Young Educators for Health and Empowerment of the Youth), Julia
shared her experience in people’s theater and improvisation and facilitated a multi-media performance of vignettes,
music, and spoken word exploring issues of the youth in family, migration, drugs, gangs, reproductive health and sexuality.
This past May, Julia spoke at the World Social Forum in Mexico City to talk about the Philippines, and migration and
development. She is busy preparing for the World Social Forum on Migration in Quito, Ecuador this coming October and
the International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR) in Mexico in November.
GELAINNA VALERA
D3’s 2010 Miss Philippines representing Stony Brook’s Philippine United
Student’s Organization. A Hula/Polynesian Dance instructor at the
Common Ground in Connecticut. Gelainna Valera continues to share
her talents and positive attitude in life to the community.
BIBAK
B.I.B.A.K stands for BENGUET, IFUGAO , BONTOC , APAYAO and KALINGA,
which are names of provinces in the northern region of Luzon,
Philippines. Inhabitants of these provinces are collectively known as
“Igorots” and together with the Muslims of Southern Philipines
compose the bulk of what is referred to as Cultural Minorities of
the Philippines. BIBAK is therefore, an organization of Igorot descendants
and are found in many parts of the world.
BIBAK ASSOCIATION-NORTHEAST USA is one of two BIBAK chapters
found in greater New York Area which includes New Jersey, Philadelphia,
and the New England States.
Some of the Aims and Purposes of BIBAK are the following:
1. Sponsor cultural programs to promote understanding among
many ethnic groups in the area;
2. To sponsor educational forums for the understanding of indigenous cultures; to promote the public good through programs to lessen
neighborhood tension, eliminate prejudice and discrimination;
3. To put up a resource center for showing or exhibiting artifacts,
materials, books and reading materials, audio-visual, slides presentation and video tapes of different cultures, to educate people about
the indigenous Philippine culture;
MARIA ISABEL JAMERO
Maribel is a proud and active member of
Philippine Forum-Kabalikat Domestic Workers’ Support Network. She is the head of
Kabalikat’s membership, recruitment and
publicity committee. She is a mother, tita,
ate and friend to the other members of the
Bayanihan Filipino Community Center.
BUKIDNON
KAAMULAN
IN AMERICA,
INC.
The Bukidnon Kaamulan in America, Inc. is a new Bukidnon association established on Nov. 8,
2009 by 37 people. The association plays an important role in the Filipino-American Community
in the US, and at home in the Philippines, fostering unity, mutual respect, friendship and cooperation among Filipinos.
In
a
relatively
short
period
of
time,
the
Bukidnon
Kaamulan
in
America,
Inc.
profit
organization,
on July 25, 2010 by the Department of State of New York due to the dedication of their cartered
president, Lynne Friedman.
All the members have shown enthusiastic support and cooperation for association activities,
such as the recent two projects in Malaybalay City, Philippines, which supplied needy children
with school uniforms, backpacks, slippers, stuff toys and lunches at SIBOL school in Natid-asan,
with
the
assistance
of
Dady
Fabria
in
Malaybay
City.
The
BKA,
Inc.
has
also
given
financial
assistance to families with medical and bereavement expenses.
On a social note, the BKA, Inc. upon invitations, participated in the 2010 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City and the recent Annual Bowling Tournament od CDO-Mis. or
Assoc. out of 12 team entries, the two teams of the BKA, Inc. garnered the CHAMPION AWARD
(White team) and THIRD PLACE (Purple Team), both captained by Ricky Benigno.
The association welcomes everyone to their social functions, of which the biggest event of this
year is their second Annual Christmas party, scheduled on Dec 19, 2010 at Astoria World Manor.
For info, call Phone # 347-845 0220.
10
SANLAHI
September 2011
Support our center,
please donate.
Philippine
Forum
is
now
accepting
financial
donations to help build and sustain the
Bayanihan Filipino Community Center and
its programs. Your tax-deductible donation
will be used to purchase the following muchneeded items:
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
copier
scanner
fax machine
office
supplies
folding tables
chairs
computers
backyard shed
Flat-screen TV
Filipino channel subscription
table tennis (for our youth)
Philippine Forum is funded in part by the Ford Foundation,
New York City Department of Youth and Community
Development
(DYCD),
Office
of
Queens
Borough
President Helen M. Marshall, The Union Square Awards,
the
Office
of
New
York
City
Council
Member
Helen
Sears,
and
the
financial
and
in-­kind
donations
of
the
countless supporters of the community.
Marami pong salamat!
* The Bayanihan Filipino Community Center is
located at 40-21 69th Street, Woodside NY 11377.
For more information, please call 7185658862 or email
us
at
filipino.center@gmail.com
SPACE AVAILABLE
IN THE HEART OF THE
FILIPINO COMMUNITY
IN WOODSIDE
Do you need a space for meetings,
parties, or need short or long-term
rental? Kalayaan Hall is available for
your private use.
If you are interested, please call
917-622-2769 for more information.
11
SANLAHI
September 2011
FREE*
TAGALOG CLASSES
@ the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center
COMPUTER CLASSES
40-21 69th Street, Woodside, NY 11377
(Take 7 train to 69th St-Fisk Ave)
Weekend Classes
Sign up today!
Registration is going on now!
(10:30-12nn, 12:30-2pm, 2:30-4pm, 4:30-6pm)
First Come, First Served
Orientation Date:
October 1 & 2, 2011, 2:00pm
@ the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center
40-21 69th Street, Woodside, NY 11377
(Take 7 train to 69th St-Fisk Ave)
For more information, call:
718.565.8862 or 347.867.1550
First Come, First Served
Tuesday and Thursday Classes
(6:30pm - 8:00 pm)
Orientation Date:
04 October 2011, 6:30pm
For more information, call:
718.565.8862 or 646.657.5889
* Computer course is FREE.
Donation is for course materials
and operational expenses.
PROGRAMS
FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS, Mon & Fri 4-8PM
Kali-­self
defense
&
Cultural
awareness
ROOTS, RHYMES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES ,Thurs 4-8PM
Hip
hop,
rhymes,
lyrics,
battling
verses,
spoken
word
and
beats
YOUNG EDUCATORS FOR HEALTH
AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE YOUTH
The Young Educators for Health and Empowerment of the Youth
or YEHEY, a program of Philippine Forum, aims to enhance the
leadership capabilities and artistic talents of high school and college
Filipino youths through leadership training, sports, workshops, arts,
and cultural festivals. It strives to make Filipinos aware of their roots,
conscious of their rights and their responsibilities as members of
both the American and Philippine societies and as citizens of the
global community.
ARTS & CRAFTS, Daily 4-8PM
Film,
graphics,
mural,
painting,
jewelry,
photography,
theatre
production
GIRLS NYT OUT, Fri 4-8PM
A
young
women’s
space
for
discussion,
empowerment
and
zine-­making
JAMMIN’ JAMS, Thurs 4-8 PM
Music lessons:
guitar,
voice,
composition,
opm,
pinoy
rock
jamming
WORKSHOPS
Sexuality & Reproductive Health, Philippine History,
Tagalog
classes,
Leadership
training,
Creative
workshops,
Health
and
wellness
FREESTYLE F.L.I.P.S.
DANCE TROUPE, Wed 4-8PM
Hip
hop,
Break
dance,
traditional, ballroom,
lyrical and step
EXCURSIONS
Free
Retreat
to
the
Poconos,
Camping,
Lazer
tag,
movie
spree,
museum
tours,
Sports
games,
trip
to
the
beach
and
six
fl
ags
Discovering Opporunities &
Pilipino Enrichment (DOPE), Daily 4-8PM
GED,
SAT,
Regents
PREP.
After
school
tutoring,
college
readiness
Bayanihan Filipino Community Center
40-21 69th Street, Woodside, New York 11377
Phone Number: (718) 565-8862 or (516)9011832
E-mail: pfyehey@gmail.com
12
SANLAHI
September 2011
HAPPENINGS
Diwang Pinay with Philippine Forum’s
KABALIKAT Domestic Workers Support
Network and Filipinas for Rights and
Empowerment (FIRE) in March 2011.
Retreat of KABALIKAT
Domestic Workers Support
Network, May 2011
Beach Day with PF NY, PF NJ, Kabalikat
and exposurists from NAFCON Midwest
in August 2011
Philippine Forum Mother’s Day Celebration in
March 2011
Philippine Forum Volunteers’ Appreciation
Day after the Bayanihan Festival in 2009
Summer Community Theater Workshop, in
cooperation with Ma-Yi Theater Company
in August 2011
Philippine Forum organizers at Armida
Siguion Reyna’s Aawitan Kita, Filipino musical, with singer Richard Reynoso, May 2011.
KABALIKAT Halloween at
Bayanihan Center in October 2010
Vigil headed by KABALIKAT
for Filipino Workers Executed
in China in February 2011
Sumisigaw Youth Festival 2010
Third Int’l Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR3)
say NO to Global Forum on Migration & Dev’t in Mexico
last November 2010
Student organizations participate at
the Bayanihan Cultural Festival
Immigration Summit by Migrant Heritage
Center in Washington DC, Honoring
KABALIKAT, with Gel Santos Relos in
June 2011.
Vambudo Self-Defense Class with
Tough Guys International at the
Bayanihan Community Center.
Celebration of Int’l Migrants Day at the
Simbang Gabi in St. Sebastian Church of
Woodside, 18 Dec 2010
13
SANLAHI
September 2011
BAYANIHAN
FILIPINO
sa COMMUNITY CENTER
Marching in solidarity with Ecuatoriones Frente Unido de Inmigrantes
Ecuatorionos at the Ecuadorian
Independence Day Parade 2011.
KABALIKAT Retreat, May 2011
Paintball and camping organized by Philippine
Forum New Jersey last August 2011 in Poconos
NAFCON, BAYAN USA, GABRIELA USA and
their member organizations at the Philippine
Independence Day Parade 2011 say STOP
TRAFFICKING OUR PEOPLE
Forum on Philippine National Situation
@ Bayanihan Center by NAFCON and
BAYAN USA, July 2011
KABALIKAT Domestic Workers’ Support Network
share stories at the Diwang Pinay Play, March 2011
Forum on Philippine National Situation @
Bayanihan Center by NAFCON and BAYAN
USA,
July
2011
with
survivors
of
labor
trafficking
Christmas Party @ Bayanihan FIlipino Community
Center, Dec 2010
NAFCON East Coast Summit, May 2011
C o m m u n i t y T h e a t e r Wo r k s h o p
P a r t i c i p a n t s 2 0 11
International Labor Day, Mayo Uno 2011
Volunteers preparing for the
3rd Annual Bayanihan Cultural
Festival in August 2011.
Preparing for Valentine’s Day
and Bayanihan Center Anniversary Celebration, Feb 2011
NAFCON , BAYAN-USA, and GABRIELA join nation-wide
protest for the Philippine State of the Nation Address
(SONA) in July 2011
14
SANLAHI
September 2011
65-02 Roosevelt Avenue
Woodside, NY 11377
62-29 Roosevelt Avenue
Woodside, NY 11377
(718)3351150
SANLAHI
September 2011
Third Annual
Bayanihan
Cultural Festival
Building community. Celebrating diversity. Forging solidarity.
718 565-8862 | bayanihan.festival@gmail.com | www.bayanihanfestival.com
40-21 69th St. Woodside, NY 11377
7 train to 69th St. Fisk Ave. , Stop Q32 and Q45 buses
THIS
FESTIVAL IS FUNDED IN PART BY
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
DANIEL DROMM (DISTRICT 25)
JIMMY VAN BRAMER (DISTRICT 26)
AND LEROY COMRIE (DISTRICT 27)
www.kalusugancoalition.org
15
16
SANLAHI
BAYANIHAN Festival Map
Hart Playground
September 2011
17
SANLAHI
September 2011
PILIPINO - SINO AKO?
ni Shirley Cuyugan-O’Brien
Ako’y piling-pili na at Pinong-pino pa!
Anak ako ni “Malakas”, kabiyak ni “Maganda”
Magalang sa matanda sa magulang laluna
Masunuring anak at maging sa kabiyak.
Sunud ng sunod na wala siyang reklamo
Kaya si “Pinoy” gusto ng sinumang Amo.
Si “Pinoy” ay may sariling pagningning
Siya’y sumisikat maging anumang sining
Kahit sa palaro ay lumalaban ng matining
Laluna sa kilalang larangan ng “boksing”.
Munting bansa may pitong libong pulo
Mayaman sa lahat at nagkakasundo
May mga batas pinairal ng mga nuno
May wika’t, Bathala, Kulturang Pilipino.
Sa lahat ng propesyon si “Pinoy” nandiyan
Di mapapahiya sa talino at kagalingan,
Sa anumang larangan sa ating lipunan
“Pinoy” di patatalo sa kanyang kakayahan.
Mga lahing pinagmulan natin sa Malayan
Kasaysayang puro hanggang madungisan
Ng mga banyagang puno ng kasakiman
Makamit lang nila ang sariling kapakanan.
Kaya halinang magkaisa tayong Pilipino
Ipagmalaki ang lahi at karangalan nito
Pagka’t ang Pilipino’y iisa lang sa Mundo
Ipagtanggol kung kailangan sa lahat ng dako.
Tinawag ni Rizal siya’y “Perlas ng Silangan”
Mayaman sa tubig, sa lupa at sa mga luntian
Mga minang sinamantala ng mga dayuhan
Pati kultura at lahat ay kanilang pinalitan.
Pilipino ako piling-pili na pinong-pino pa
Dugong nananalaytay ay hindi maikakaila
Mula sa pagsilang at sa kamtayan ay kita
Isigaw ang PILIPINO, lahing napakaganda!
Nguni’t si “Pinoy” kanyang ipinaglaban
Buhay ibinuwis makamit lang ang kalayaan
Siya’y nagsikap para sa kanyang kaunlaran
Ng pamilya, lipunan at kanyang buong bayan.
Sinulat at binigkas ni
Shirley Cuyugan-O’Brien
Ika-25 ng Setyembre sa Hart Playground, Woodside, N.Y. USA
3rd. Annual Bayanihan Cultural Festival
So “Pinoy” ay kilala sa buong Mundo
Sa sipag at paggawa at anumang trabaho
A Month to Look For ward To…
By: Matthew D. Cheirs II
In October of 1587, Filipinos
American National Historical Society es-
also to embrace and promote October
21 to October 23. Along with the Gen-
forum declaring New York a Deporta-
first landed on the shores of what would
tablished October as Filipino American
as Filipino American History month.
eral Assembly is the launching of the US
tion-Free Zone organized by IMA to be
become America. “Working” on Spanish
History Month (also referred to as Fili-
Beginning on September 25,
chapter of the International Migrants
held at Renaissance Charter School in
galleons as sailors and navigator, Filipi-
pino American Heritage Month).
Jackson Heights.
2011, the folks over at the Bayanihan
Alliance (IMA), an alliance which fights
nos were sent to the New World to claim
In many areas where there are
Filipino Community Center will launch
for the rights of migrant workers all over
California for the Spanish. These Filipi-
large concentrations of Filipino Ameri-
a series of events which will highlight
the world.
nos, who landed 50 years before the first
cans, mainly on the West Coast, Filipino
not only Filipino culture, but also Filipino
English settlement in Jamestown, were
American History month is widely cel-
American culture.
the first Asian immigrants to land in
ebrated. In California, October is recog-
what would become the United States.
From that moment, Filipino-American
On October 30, the Kabalikat
Domestic Workers’ Support Network
And what would a celebration
will be holding its annual Halloween
be without a cultural show? On the eve-
Party with other Filipino organizations
Throughout October, various
ning of October 22nd will be the Sum-
in attendance at the Bayanihan Filipino
nized by the Department of Education
events will be held, not only at the Baya-
isigaw (Shout) Youth Festival, which
Community Center.
as Filipino American History month.
nihan Filipino Community Center, but
showcases the talents of local Filipino
More events are lined up and
On the East Coast, while it is
also all around New York City. The goal
youth and artists which is being orga-
educational discussions and fora are in
Now, over 400 years later,
known that October is Filipino Ameri-
of these events will be to focus not only
nized by SANDIWA National Alliance of
store for Filipinos and Filipino-Ameri-
Filipinos have become one of the larg-
can Heritage month, the Filipino Ameri-
on the past, but the future of Filipinos,
Filipino-American Youth.
cans this October.
est Asian demographics in the United
can community does not celebrate as
Filipino Americans and the Philippines.
States. So it should be no big surprise
widely.
history began.
that Filipino-Americans have their own
heritage month to celebrate.
Beginning in 1988, the Filipino
On October 1, the 150th year of
For more information or updates,
Three major events in October
the National Hero Jose Rizal will be com-
please call 718.565.8862, email info@philip-
In the Woodside community
are the National Alliance for Filipino
memorated at the Bayanihan Filipino
pineforum.org or visit us at the Bayanihan
in Queens, New York, steps are being
Concerns (NAFCON) General Assem-
Community Center.
Filipino Community Center (40-21 69th St.
taken to not only raise awareness, but
bly, which will be held from October
On October 16, there will be a
Woodside, NY 11377).
18
SANLAHI
Volunteer for next year’s
Bayanihan
Cultural Festival!
Contact 718.565.8862
Pag-aralan ang lipunan!
Paglingkuran ang sambayanan!
http://anakbayan-nynj.blogspot.com
http://anakbayannynj.tumblr.com
anakbayan_nj@yahoo.com
anakbayan_ny@yahoo.com
September 2011
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
THIRD ANNUAL
“BAYANIHAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL”
TANGKILIKIN AT IPAGBUNYI ANG
MAKABAYANG SINING AT KULTURA!
MABUHAY ANG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO!
NEW YORK COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES (NYCHRP)
WWW.NYCHRP.ORG | NYCHRP@GMAIL.COM
SANLAHI
September 2011
CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2011
19
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SANLAHI
September 2011