beauty board mabuhay message

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Three times a week, I join a diverse group of people that vary in age, ethnicity, physical frame, and profession, to
paddle a 20-person dragon boat on Lake Union in Seattle, WA. I do this activity for three reasons: 1) It’s a great
way to exercise 2) I love being out on the water, and notably 3) it’s all about paddling together. The beauty about
dragon boat, as it is in other group water sports like rowing, is that timing and teamwork are the most important
elements for success. It’s not about being the strongest and best paddler, that won’t get the boat anywhere. It’s all
about paddling at the same rate and motion as the person in front of you and moving the boat together as a
team. Trust, dedication, selflessness, determination, honesty, and commitment–these are the values that the
best dragon boaters live by when out on the water for practice and race day. This simple act of paddling
brings the same astounding inspiration as being a Delegate of this incredible organization, FYLPRO.
Earlier this month, FYLPRO Delegates from around the U.S. traveled to New York to not only
partake in the festivities surrounding Philippine Independence Day, but also to define our own
set of values: integrity, innovation, collaboration, compassion, and pride in being Filipino.
We challenged ourselves to understand why we should continue to exist and what is truly our
lasting legacy that defines FYLPRO.
As we welcome the newly selected Delegates, effectively Batch 4, handpicked by the
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., our group of now 40
high performing and tenacious set leaders is set up to move in a motion towards
progressing the Filipino community. Specifically, we are organizing the launch of
our principal legacy project: A campaign aimed to energize our Kababayans that
are eligible to vote during the 2016 Philippine and US Elections.
We hope you are enlightened and inspired by what FYLPRO has shared
in this issue.
Mabuhay!
Bea Querido
President, FYLPRO Delegate 2013
Seattle, Washington
CONTENTS
[2] Message from the President, Bea Querido / [3] Get
in the Loop: Director of Internal Affairs, Adette Contreras /
[4] Welcome Batch 4 Delegates / [7] 2015 Summit Highlights
/ [10] The Committees / [11] The Mentorship Program / [12]
Filipino-American Entrepreneurs in Philadelphia / [13] Delegates
in DC: White House + #Hack4Congress /
[14] Legacy Project
Updates / [15] Delegates on the Move / [16] Credits and Thank You
PAGE 2
GET IN THE LOOP
FYLPRO has been a constant source of
inspiration. In just one short year, I have been
introduced to amazing people that are doing amazing
work, all over the country and the world. This issue of
Balita reflects that inspiration. Similar to building blocks,
we are creating the foundation for an institution that can
support inspiring individuals for generations to come. And
like building blocks, the design is bold and dynamic, always
moving, always reinventing itself. Just like FYLPRO.
Now, in just a few days, another batch of truly incredible people
will be taking a transformative journey. Congratulations, Batch 4!
The program will leave you inspired, excited, and of course, incredibly
sleep-deprived. (#FYLPRO on Instagram. Don’t forget.)
With 40 delegates spread across the United States, it’s even more important
to stay in touch. How do we do that? Oh, let me count the ways:
The Delegate Yearbook: We are creating a FYLPRO yearbook, where each
delegate’s work is showcased, so that we can all help each other with our legacy
projects, events, and other professional endeavors. Please send me an updated bio,
headshot, and contact info (email, phone, website) by July 31st.
Facebook Page: We’re on Facebook, and we need your help promoting it. By
now, you should have already received an invite for the private group, Delegates
Only, but our public page needs some love, so please spread the love and tell your
friends, colleagues, and networks: facebook.com/FYLPRO.
Committees: There’s a lot to do, and a lot of different ways you can get involved.
We need your help and professional expertise. Take a look on page 10 to see which
committee makes the most sense for you, and email to sign up: [email protected].
Viber: There have been requests to start an All-FYLPRO Viber group, similar to what
we did last year with Batch 3. So, we’ve started a group with all
the batches to keep in touch day-to-day, named FLYPRO4LYFE
(and no, that is not a typo). If you are interested in joining,
download Viber and send me your contact info. I can guarantee
fun photos from Dahilig.
And of course, Balita, our quarterly newsletter. This will serve
as a quarterly update to keep everyone in the loop of all things
FYLPRO, including legacy projects. Balita is shared within our
delegate network and beyond–sponsors, partners, mentors, and
industry leaders. Send me news that you’d like to be considered
for the next issue, releasing at the end of September.
Looking forward to hearing about all your inspiring work.
Mabuhay,
Adette Contreras
Director of Internal Affairs, FYLPRO Delegate 2014
Brooklyn, New York
THE DELEGATE YEARBOOK:
SEND ME YOUR
CONTACT INFO
I figured if I wrote it big enough, you won’t
be able to resist: Send me an updated bio
(90 words or less), a headshot, and your
contact info (email, phone, website, etc.)
PAGE 3
by July 31st. Salamat, kaibigan!
WELCOME NEW DELEGATES
It just gets better and better every year. Congratulations to FYLPRO’s Batch
4, and welcome to the FYLPRO family!
Freddy Anzures (San Francisco, CA) – Designer in the Human Interface
Group at Apple. He has been granted various patents as an inventor and
collaborator on Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch since 2004.
Freddy also provides design and art direction for music as creative director of
Wax Poetics magazine. Freddy is interested in building relationships with art,
design, and music programs as well as cultural institutions in the Philippines
in an effort to bring awareness of traditional and a definition of contemporary
Filipino style. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from
Carnegie Mellon University. Areas of Focus: Arts & Culture and Technology
Jessica Caloza (Washington, D.C.) – Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department
of Education. She also raised funds for several Members of Congress. She
led the first campaign office in Palmyra, Virginia for President Obama’s reelection campaign. She was formerly an intern at the White House Jobs
Council. Additionally, Jessica worked as a case manager for youth offenders
and as a Filipino translator at the Immigration Justice Project at the American
Bar Association. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science
and Ethnic Studies from the University of California, San Diego. While
there, she founded Isa Magazine, an Asian American publication focused on
social justice issues. Areas of Focus: Educational Equity, Women’s Issues, and
Strategic Partnerships
Jennifer Coliflores (Boston, MA) – Staff attorney with the Committee
for Public Counsel Services Public Defender Division. Jennifer also worked
for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as special assistant to Lt.
Governor Kerry Healey. She serves as a volunteer and vice president for the
Massachusetts Youth Leadership Foundation Board of Directors. Jennifer is
active in the Fil-Am community in the New England area and volunteers for
the Philippine-American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Associations
(PAMANA). She finished Law School at the Roger Williams University
School of Law in Rhode Island and undergraduate from Colby
College in Waterville, Maine where she founded
The Colby Filipino Club. Area of
Focus: Civic Engagement
We have another amazing group
of individuals with rich, diverse backgrounds,
who make up this year’s FYLPRO delegates,”
PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR TO
THE U.S. JOSE CUISIA SAID,
These young men and women have
truly impressive resumés, ranging
from IT practitioners in Apple
and Google to the proprietor
of successful Filipino
Anna Marie Cruz
restaurants in New York.
(Los Angeles, CA)
–
We look forward to
Chief Financial Wellness
working with them
in the months
Evangelist for Financial
Finesse
ahead.”
a leading workplace financial
wellness provider. After a journey of
self-discovery during an international
development project in Vietnam with the
United Nations, Anna Marie returned to the
US determined to connect the Fil-Am community
to issues in the home country. This led her to Search
to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and served as the
PAGE 4
Small Business Coach to support entrepreneurs with business plans and
the launch micro-businesses. She also owns a health coaching business.
She received a MBA from University of Michigan and completed her
undergraduate at California State University in Long Beach. Areas of Focus:
Social entrepreneurship, health/wellness, and education
Congressman Ty Cullen (Honolulu, HI) – Member of the Hawaii House
of Representatives since January 16, 2013 representing District 39. Cullen
consecutively served from 2011 until 2013 in the District 41 seat. Previously
he worked as a program coordinator at Hale Kipa, Inc., a non-profit that
serves at-risk youth, a ramp agent for Aloha Airlines and a teaching assistant
at St. Michael’s School. He serves as an HIV/AIDS prevention instructor, an
assistant coach for PONY League youth baseball and a tutor at St. Joseph’s
School. Cullen earned his B.A. in Sociology and Political Science and his
MPA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Area of Focus: Government
and a BS in electrical engineering from UCLA. Areas of Focus: Technology
startups and technology education.
Angelo Ignacio (Seattle, WA) – Marketing specialist for World Vision USA,
an international Christian humanitarian organization that provides disaster
relief in countries such as Nepal, Sierra Leone, Syria and the Philippines.
Worked as a staff member at Invisible Children and contributed to efforts that
secured the passing of two legislative bills that mandated the disarmament
of warlord Joseph Kony. Angelo has participated in the AIDS LifeCycle, a
600-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles held to raise support
for AIDS/HIV services. Originally from Los Angeles, he graduated with a
degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. Areas
of Focus: Nonprofit, Marketing, Technology, Social Entrepreneurship
Kevin Gabayan (Sunnyvale, CA) - Software Engineer at Google, working
in the Android Location and Context team. He was the data science lead
of Bump Technologies when it was acquired by Google, a graduate student
Mark Jimenez (Washington, DC) – Legislative Aide for U.S. California
Representative, Congressman Ami Bera, where he advises on policy issues
regarding higher education, housing, law enforcement, civil rights, voter
protection, and Asian American Pacific Islander outreach. He was a field
organizer for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign in Las Vegas,
research fellow at NASA Ames, and an officer of the Stanford Asian American
Graduate Student Association. Kevin leads the Balanga Hangout Series, an
experimental series of live video-teleconference talks and workshops delivered
by Silicon Valley technology professionals to an audience in Balanga,
Philippines. He is all-but-dissertation for the Stanford PhD in electrical
engineering. Kevin earned an MS in electrical engineering from Stanford
Nevada where he registered, persuaded, and motivated thousands of voters
to reelect the president. Mark graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors in
International Development focusing on South East Asia and the Philippines.
In August, he will begin his Masters in Public Policy at UC Berkeley with a
fellowship through the Public Policy International Affairs Program. Area of
Focus: Government
PAGE 5
Nicole Adrienne Ponseca (Brooklyn, NY) – Nicole
is a restaurateur and owner of Maharlika Filipino
Moderno and Jeepney Filipino gastropub. She
is recognized for her excellent food + service and
received numerous awards and acknowledgments to
include Best Restaurant, Best Burger, Best Seafood,
Bayani Award by the Filipino American Historical
National Society and the Distinguished Woman of
2015 Award by the Philippine Consulate. She is rated
#6 in Zagat’s Restaurant Power Player list. Previously
she was a former advertising and production executive
for Saatchi & Saatchi. Nicole attended the University
of San Francisco earning her B.A. in Business
Administration. Areas of Focus: Entrepreneurship and
Gastronomy
Lakhi Mangharam Siap (Chicago IL) – Founder &
Community Relations Director of Ascene Chicago,
a nonprofit media marketing & events company
that promotes unity and collaboration within Asian
American community. He also is the co-owner of Isla
Pilipina Restaurant. He’s a recipient of the Community
Leadership national award by AT&T’s Asian
Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community
Advancement. Lakhi volunteers for several Filipino
organizations such as Bantay.ph, Kaya Co, Pilipino
Americans Unity for Progress, and the Youth Chair
for NaFFAA Illinois. He’s passionate about reversing
the Philippines’ “brain drain” by bringing exceptional
Filipino Americans back to their motherland in order
to create opportunities and give back. Areas of Focus:
Leadership development, Tourism, Entrepreneurship,
Civic Engagement, Arts and Culture.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
There’s been a lot of confusion about our name.
What does it stand for? Filipino-American or Filipino?
Youth or Young? Let’s just make it easy on ourselves.
From now on, we are
FYLPRO
Pure and simple.
And what do we stand for? FYLPRO is a
nonprofit organization of high-performing
next-generation leaders that have a passion
for advancing the Philippines
and the Filipino people.
Boom.
PAGE 6
FYLPRO SUMMIT 2015
New York – Delegates of the Filipino-American Young Leaders Program
(FYLPRO), which started in 2012 as a brainchild of Philippine Ambassador
to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr, gathered in NYC this month and
developed strategies that addressed key advocacies and legacy projects
that promote development of the Filipino community in the US and the
Philippines, FYLPRO President Bea Querido announced.
proved FYLPRO’s true potential.
FYLPRO delegates from around the United States to include Boston, Chicago,
Houston, Los Angeles, Maui, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.,
among other cities, traveled to the Big Apple to partake in a series is various
community events and an important strategic planning workshop led by
FYLPRO delegate from Los Angeles Ryyn Chua, Director of Programming.
Serve as a bridge to connect the Philippines to Filipino-Americans
“The delegates all see the value of FYLPRO and we want to enhance it,
become self-sustaining and create the community impact the Ambassador
envisioned,” Chua said. “We are 40 strong now – each with significant projects
and commitments to our respective communities – but the workshop further
FYLPRO delegates agreed on five core values to serve as guiding principles for
the organization: integrity, innovation, collaboration, pride in being Filipino,
and compassion.
To further explore the group’s mission, the group identified its core purposes:
Delegates of the program have been carefully picked for their academic, career
and community-building excellence. Many delegates have initiated FYLPRO
legacy projects, to give back and address issues of interest in the Philippines.
Examples include Michael Vea and Angela Cabellon’s Teach for the Philippines,
modelled after Teach for America, a knowledge-process outsourcing IT
company called Panalo, which bridges entities in the United States with toptalent personnel in the Philippines by JR Calanoc and a textile business borne
to preserve the indigenous silk-weaving practices of Eri Silk Worm social
enterprise by Jan Paul Ferrer.
PAGE 7
Represent in numbers and credibility
FYLPRO aims to empower its delegates
to ensure that they hold key leadership
positions
in
government,
boards
and commissions, corporations and
community groups.
Ryan Letada, founder of innovative program
Next Day Better, cited how crucial it is to
for the next generation of Fil-Am leaders
to recognize the impact of “having a say” in
community building. Several delegates also
hold key positions in all levels of government
influence, including White House Deputy
Director of Asian-American affairs Jason Tengco
to Kauai County Planning Director Mike Dahilig
of Hawaii.
To discover, design, and define “Filipino”
During the summit, the delegates dove deep in
reasons why their passion to make a difference in the
Filipino community is adamant.
“What makes you angry?” Chua challenged the group.
Representation of Filipinos in mainstream media may
be at its early stages, with the likes of esteemed boxer
Manny Pacquiao gaining worldwide recognition, but
there’s still significant stereotyping and non-recognition
about the Filipino culture – in careers, music, food,
fashion, despite being the second largest Asian-American
population next to the Chinese in the United States.
Querido further described the group
of FYLPRO delegates to consist of
young leaders with the ability to
creatively navigate the challenges of
our global society.
“This group is edgy,” Querido
added. “We all come from different
backgrounds yet the stories are the same
across the board.
“We all want to see the Filipino
community become a highly-influential
demographic in the U.S. and the world.”
The delegates also participated in the
117th Philippine Independence Day
Parade along Madison Avenue, spreading
awareness of the program as they waved
the Philippine flag in the streets of
New York.
The weekend also included a Welcome
Dinner with local government officials and
captains of business to include Mr. Roberto
Llames, President of Enterprise Solutions,
and FYLPro sponsor. Llames offers his
reflection upon meeting the delegates, “It’s
so refreshing to see the vibrancy of FYLPRO
Ryyn Chua
leading the
workshop.
PAGE 8
and the qualifications of all the delegates are very impressive. The leadership,
energy, and enthusiasm the group exhibits towards civil engagement as well as
entrepreneurship is so refreshing to see in a young and dynamic FilAm community.
I sure wish we had a group similar to FYLPRO when I started my company
a long time ago. Congratulations on a successful summit and for all the
accomplishments of FYLPRO and I look forward to FYLPRO continuing
to make a significant impact for the betterment of the Fil-Am community.”
They also met with community leader Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis in her
Manhattan residence where they discussed the importance of the
participation of the Filipinos in the United States in the 2016 Philippine
elections. Lewis came away impressed by this group of leaders,
“Bravo to FYLPRO – dynamic, ambitious, determined and
compassionate. They are set to light their world on fire with their
passion. Keep on, my young leaders!”
LEGACY PROJECT:
PHILIPPINE
ELECTIONS 2016
FYLPRO’s Principal Legacy
Project is to help DFA
promote the 2016 Philippine
Elections Voter Registration.
We are looking for campaign
leaders and volunteers. Contact
us at [email protected]
if you are interested.
PAGE 9
THE COMMITTEES
GET INVOLVED
New York – The Summit held in New York was very productive. Among the
organizational efforts, all FYLPRO delegates are now required to be part of
one of four committees: External Affairs, Internal Affairs, Programming, and
Finance. Members that have signed up so far include the following delegates:
Executive Committee Announcement:
The External Affairs Committee: Tasked with identifying and pursuing
partnerships, developing a marketing campaign that includes PR, Social
Media, and other external-facing communications including website,
press kits, etc. Members include Rachelle Ocampo (Director), JR Calanoc
(Director), RJ Diokno, Jen Coliflores, and Kit Zulueta. Meetings: Every First
Thursday of the Month
The Internal Affairs Committee: Tasked with communications and
programing between delegates and partners and developing an infrastructure
to support legacy projects, the mentorship program, the annual summit,
and all internal-facing communications including the quarterly newsletter,
updating the delegate directory, and legacy project updates. Members include
Adette Contreras (Director), Mike Dahilig, Jason Tengco, and Kit Zulueta.
Meetings: Tuesday, July 21st, 5:00 PM EDT and Every Third Tuesday of
the Month
The Leadership Program Committee: Tasked with developing the leadership
immersion program and network in the Philippines, ensuring that material
is relevant to new delegates, and on-boarding the new delegates. Members
include Anthony Guevarra (Director), Ryyn Chua (Director), Abbey Eusebio,
and Melissa Medina Meetings: Wednesday, July 15, 8:00 PM CDT
The Finance Committee: Tasked with identifying sponsors and partnerships,
fundraising, and allocating the annual budget. Members include Bea Querido
(Interim Director), Ed Aparis, Ryyn Chua, Rommel Clemente, Ryan Letada,
and Melissa Medina. Meetings: Monday, July 8, 12:00 PM CDT
We are looking for two people who would like to join
our Executive Committee as the Interim Finance Chair
and Interim Secretary General. Term will be from August
to November, until FYLPRO Executive Committee
Elections are held November this year. Please contact
Bea if you are interested: [email protected].
Active Members:
What does it mean to be an active member of
FYLPRO? It means being able to take advantage
of a growing network of like-minded
individuals that want to make an impact.
Stay tuned for an email from JP Ferrer
for more information on what it takes
to be an active FYLPRO member.
In the meantime, all delegates
wishing to be considered an
active member should sign up
for a committee by emailing
[email protected]
by
July 31, 2015.
PAGE 10
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The FYLPRO Mentorship Program is set to launch at the end of summer,
matching delegates with industry leaders throughout the United States and
the Philippines in a variety of areas: entrepreneurship, government, policy,
business, and beyond. “We are working hard to find mentors that will be able
to help guide delegates as we strive to make an impact–through our legacy
projects and individual careers. There’s so much interest already–from both
mentors and delegates, and we’re excited to get started in August,” Adette
Contreras said. The program will match an active FYLPRO delegate with
a mentor in her or his area of interest, with monthly meetings scheduled
between mentor and protégé throughout the year. Stay tuned for more
updates as we develop the program.
Interested in the mentorship program? Email Adette Contreras at
[email protected] or Louella Cabalona at [email protected].
SPOTLIGHT:
PARTNER & FYLPRO MENTOR
ROBERT LLAMES
FYLPRO is grateful for the generous support of several organizations and
individuals. For this quarter’s issue, we’d like to highlight our new mentor,
support, and friend of FYLPRO, Mr. Robert Llames, Founder, President
and CEO of Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (ESI). ESI provides high-end and
multi-disciplinary Management Consulting and Information Technology
(IT) services to Commercial and Government clients. Now in its 16th year,
ESI is a successful company having been named in the top 30% of 2010 Inc.
5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing companies with core competencies in
Business Process Transformation and Management; Knowledge Management;
Information Technology; Outreach and Communication Strategies; and
Media and Production. Collectively, through ESI’s services, ESI’s clients have
realized over $100 million in cost savings and Return on Investments (ROIs). FAS.
In 2010, Robert also developed the media and production capabilities of
ESI that focuses in creating a network of Internet TV channels focused in
assisting organizations gain visibility in the mainstream through the use of
Streaming Video, Internet TV and social media marketing.
Looking through 2015 and beyond,
Robert recently embarked on a major
business diversification strategy
through Social Entrepreneurship.
Robert formed Smart Enabler,
LLC, a technology holding
company, to build Smart
Communities and Smart Cities
by providing Innovative and
Intelligent Enterprise Level Cloudbased ICT, Social Network, and
Smart Mobile Infrastructure solutions
to address sustainability and resiliency challenges, promote high quality
living for citizens, and bridge the gap between citizens and government.
Complementing Smart Enabler, LLC, Robert also formed a non-profit
organization, the Smart Development Institute, to conduct basic and applied
research for supporting the development of Smart Communities and Smart Cities.
Robert is an active participant in community services and is a Member of
the Board of Directors for the US-Philippines Society and the Asian Pacific
American Institute for Congressional Studies. He participates in community
programs for fostering entrepreneurship and mentoring small businesses as
well as occasionally conducts seminars in a wide range of topics related to
Government contracting. Robert also supports CFI International, a nonprofit charity organization that brings early childhood and adult education to
the Indigenous People in the Philippines.
PAGE 11
FILIPINO-AMERICAN
ENTREPRENEURS CONVENE
FOR BUSINESS BOOT CAMP
Philadelphia – FYLPro Batch 3 Delegate, RJ Diokno, from Washington,
DC, was part of the planning committee (representatives from Philadelphia,
PA, Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY, and California) for a
capacity-building business boot camp held in Philadelphia, PA on April 21,
2015. It was hosted by The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of
Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey (PACC-PASNJ) and had the support
of the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders
(WHIAAPI). As one of five projects selected as part of WHIAAPI’s Challenge.
gov program to help improve the quality of life for Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), it was the only project focused on the FilipinoAmerican community.
The purpose of this project was “to strengthen and increase the visibility of
Filipino-American businesses in America and abroad,” explains Brad Baldia,
the President of PACC-PASNJ and project Co-chair. “This is an opportunity
to connect with the Filipino-American business community to share
resources, discuss best practices, and ultimately provide the resources and
tools to help business owners and professionals succeed,” adds RJ Diokno, the
Vice President of the Washington, DC PACC.
Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr, ambassador to the US, welcomed the
project saying this will help raise the visibility of Filipino-American businesses
in the US. “I am pleased that one of the five proposals accepted, out of the
hundreds of proposal submitted, is this project,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “I
look forward to working with Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce
and our Consulates in promoting this project”, he said. “This comes at the
right time when the Embassy is also in the process of institutionalizing a FilAm business registry. This collaboration would neatly tie our efforts together.”
The Philippine Consulate General in New York is firmly supportive of the
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives and activities that
help identify and enhance investment and business opportunities in the
Philippines for US companies. “One of our mandates in the Philippine
Foreign Service is to promote economic diplomacy,” says Consul General
Mario De Leon. “In carrying out our mission, we partner with PACC in
its activities that will increase the awareness of the business community
in Pennsylvania and South New Jersey about the Philippines,” he
further explains.
The first objective of this project was to
assess the needs of Filipino-American
Chambers
and
entrepreneurs.
“We have used survey responses from
our
community
to develop this
business boot
camp
with
the intent
that
this
model may be replicated
in
other
cities or regions,” says
Bryan Ramos,
President of the PACC in
Atlanta, GA. He
adds, “One key discussion that
we hope to engage
with participants, is a discussion
how we conduct business as Filipino-Americans. We have drafted a Code
of Conduct simply to start the discussion and we are very excited about it.”
There has been a growing consensus within the community to develop the
skills of those interested in entrepreneurship. Baldia explains, “Our vision is
that this is just the beginning and that with the support of WHIAAPI, SBA,
and MBDA, this will open new doors to Filipino-American entrepreneurs
and professionals and inspire the next generation of business leaders to be
involved in the community.”
PAGE 12
HISTORIC GATHERING:
THE WHITE HOUSE SUMMIT
ON ASIAN AMERICANS AND
PACIFIC ISLANDERS
WASHINGTON, DC – Nearly 2,000 community leaders and federal
officials from more than 40 states came to the White House Summit on
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders May 12 at George Washington
University, unanimously hailing President Obama’s administration for
ground-breaking policies and appointments that have taken Asian and Pacific
Islanders (API) to the “margins of power,” as noted by Congresswoman Judy
Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Twenty six APIs now sit as federal judges, an unprecedented number in the
history of the United States, Chu said in her opening remarks. Among them
is Lorna Schofield, serving the southern district of New York, who
made history in 2012 as the first Filipino American federal judge
appointee. Prior to Obama’s presidency, their ranks consisted of
only eight.
This is a very big deal, according to Bill Imada, member of
the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders, which has worked since 2009 to address
immigration, healthcare and economic development issues
affecting APIs, the fastest-growing racial group in the country.
“We are making sure that we are here to make federal government
accessible to all,” Imada, also chairman of Los Angeles-based
advertising agency IW Group, said.
The community’s strong showing at the historic summit was just as crucial in
sending a message to Washington that APIs are ready, willing and able to engage.
From: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/122905/asian-americans-celebrate-at-white-housesummit#ixzz3eOv8vDWo
#HACK4CONGRESS
WASHINGTON , DC – #Hack4Congress was a series of intensive, multiday events where people of all interests and expertise were welcome. Six
hundred and twenty participants across 3 cities, Boston, San Francisco, and
Washington, DC, formed teams with people of different disciplines and
expertise and developed new digital tools, policy innovations, and other
creative solutions to strengthen congressional deliberation and responsiveness.
Melissa Medina’s team, CoalitionBuilder, was one of the three winners who
presented in front of Rep. Darrell Issa, Rep. Susan Brooks, Rep. Greg Walden
and other Congressional staff.
Find all the project ideas and
more at hack4congress.org.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Voting Registration FYLPRO Outreach in
California and Bi-Annual Summit: Fall 2015
FYLPRO Executive Meeting with
The Philippine Embassy December 2015
US-Philippine Society Bi-Annual Board ofPAGE 13
Directors Meeting TBD
LEGACY PROJECT UPDATES
New York – Rachelle Ocampo, FYLPRO Batch 2, facilitated an interactive
and personalized educational workshop on Dual Citizenship for the Fil-Am
seniors at PAGASA Social Foundation, Inc. (Philippine American Group of
Aging Seniors of America) on May 23 2015.
With the support and sharing of available resources given by the Consuls at
the Philippine Consulate General of NY, she reviewed over the requirements
for Dual Citizenship, FAQ’s, and Documents needed to apply.
Her presence at PAGASA illustrated that we underestimate the need to meet
our community members where they are already meeting in order to have
more personable outreach and build stronger relationships. This workshop
is just the beginning of the collaborated efforts between other FYLPRO
delegates across the country in hopes to jump start the Filipino American
Dual Citizenship Initiative (FADCI) by creating a platform as a transparent
and practical platform for education and awareness via www.FADCI.com.
One of their main goals this year is to advocate for a common application for
Dual Citizenship to be shared among all of the Philippine Consulates across
the nation to create a more cohesive
application process for all.
Interested in joining the movement?
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles – Ryyn Chua has been working with epidemiologist, Dr Lois
Takahashi, at UCLA and Executive Director at APAIT Health Center in Los
Angeles, Jury Candelario, in developing a research grant for HIV prevention
in Quezon City. According to the Department of Health of the Republic of
the Philippines, HIV has increase 150% in the last 6 years, with 21 people
being diagnosed with HIV everyday, compared to only 1 person diagnosed
everyday in 2008. Over half of the HIV+ cases in the Philippines (51%)
are between the ages of 25-34, mostly men (heterosexual, homosexual,
and bisexual). We are currently seeking for any connection to any CSR or
pharmaceuticals corporate partners that might be able to collaborate and
financially support HIV prevention in the Philippines.
Email Ryyn to get involved:
[email protected]
Chicago – Jan Paul Ferrer,
Louella Maningas Cabalona, her
husband Baron Cabalona, and a
host of other Fil-Am volunteers led
by the Philippine American Cultural
Foundation just capped a highly
successful Piyesta Pinoy (Philppine Fest)
2015 in Bolingbrook, Illinois last June 20, The event gathered over 7500
attendees, nearly double from last year’s 4000, making it the biggest Filipino
Festival ever in Illinois History! Kudos to all the organizers and volunteers
that helped make Piyesta Pinoy a record-breaking success!
Chicago – Louella Maningas Cabalona and SamaSama Project has been
invited back a second time to perform their Filipino folk favorites at the
Windy City Ribfest in Uptown, Chicago a festival that gathers over 10,000
Chicagoans and visitors in a 3 day event from July 3 to 5. Last year was the
PAGE 14
first time any Filipino band has been invited to this mainsteam Chicago event
and arguably any other Chicago festival and they are back this year by popular
demand! SamaSama Project is also scheduled to appear at the Morton Grove
Summer Festival and Downtown Oak Park Thursday Night Outs this Summer.
New York – Adette Contreras has been working with the Department of Tourism
and Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz to develop socially-responsible tourism packages
in the Philippines. Her event design company Tinsel & Twine, in partnership
with El Camino Travel, is promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination,
specifically targeting the mainstream, affluent Millennial demographic to
help reposition the Philippines as a travel destination among Americans–
even beyond the Filipino market.
“Our generation is looking to do
more than just vacation. We’re
looking for meaningful
experiences that make
an impact, and the Philippines is ripe
for becoming the next Bali or the next
Tulum. People want to help... and I want
to provide a way for them to be able to.”
Through a marketing campaign that takes
advantage of the ubiquity of social media, Contreras is developing a plan to
target high-profile Instagram influencers, strategically focusing on Siargao as
the first destination in 2016. Other areas that are being explored–specifically
to promote traditional Filipino weaving techniques–are Palawan and Davao.
For more information, email [email protected].
DELEGATES ON THE MOVE
Melissa Apuya and Francine Maigue were elected to DNC positions:
Vice-Chairs for the Filipino American Democratic Caucus representing
San Diego and Central Valley, respectively.
Rex Brown is now working at Facebook, leaving his prior post at YouTube.
Louella Cabalona has moved to Sears Holdings Corp after 3 years at Walgreens.
JR Calanoc is in preparations to represent the Philippines for the world
Ironman competition in Austria.
Ryyn Chua is graduating with an MBA, focus on entrepreneurship from
Pepperdine University. He has also been inducted as a lifetime member of
the LA Filipino American Chamber of Commerce and working with the
national organization, the Federation of the Philippine American Chamber of
Commerce, in order to create youth committees in each of the organizations.
Chua got married last December to his partner of 8 years, JP Schumacher.
Ryan Letada joined the Advisory Board of Columbia University Earth
Institute’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness SHOREline program:
Youth Helping Youth from New Orleans and New York City Recover From
Disaster. Ryan is continuing to his work to launch NextDayBetter events
in nine cities across the world, highlighting the stories of Filipino change
makers, culminating this global series in Manila, Philippines.
Francine Maigue is to open up a school in the Philippines.
Jason Tengco was appointed as Deputy Director of the White House
Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI).
Kit Zulueta completed her Ka Ipu Kukui Fellowship. The Ka Ipu Kukui
Fellows program was conceived by the Hawaiian government to promote
and develop future leaders through a community-based program designed
to address planning for Maui Nui’s future.
PAGE 15
CREDITS
Designer and Editor: Adette Contreras, Tinsel & Twine
Editors: Louella Cabalona & Bea Querido
Contributors: Ryyn Chua, RJ Diokno, Melissa Medina,
Rachelle Ocampo, and Jason Tengco
CONTACT FYLPRO
Website: www.fylpro.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FYLPro
#FYLPRO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Bea Querido
Vice-Presidents: Louella Cabalona & Jan Paul Ferrer
Directors of External Affairs: JR Calanoc & Rachelle Ocampo
Director of Internal Affairs: Adette Contreras
Directors of Leadership Immersion Program: Ryyn Chua & Anthony Guevarra
AT MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA
ATING MGA SPONSORS:
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