Jet Tagle of Parangal Dance Company Photo by RJ Muna
In Milpitas, California.
The Filipino Association of Milpitas’ Filipino Fiesta, June 11, 2011 at 2:00pm at the Milpitas Community Center on Calaveras Avenue.
Seasons Marketplace at Landess in Milpitas, California, co-sponsored by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Region 8-Santa Clara County Chapter, will be holding a Philippine Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, June 12, 2011. The theme is “Celebrating Our History and our Community Leaders.” The program, organized by Ben Menor, NaFFAA Region 8’s Santa Clara County Chair and Clarence Madrilejos, NaFFAA R8-Santa Clara County Vice-Chair who represents Filipino young professionals and other YP’s (young Pilipinos/young Pilipinas), will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
A Grand Opening and Blessing of G’s Day Spa kicks off the festivities. There will be an opening procession with the “Colors of the Philippines” by the youth and opening prayers by Father Andy Ligot. A special recognition program officiated by City of Milpitas’ Mayor, Jose Esteves, highlighting Santa Clara County’s community leaders and contributors in the success of Seasons Marketplace at Landess and its Community Studio, will also take place.
Entertainment will be provided by the Community Studio’s regular users, students, and honorees. The program will be followed by a “merienda-cena,” sponsored by G’s DAY SPA.
NaFFAA Region 8 is also a participating organization at the first-ever regional gala event, “A Celebration of Heritage: A Coming Together,” a gala dinner on Sunday, June 12, 2011 in celebration of the 113th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, the 150th Anniversary of the Birthday of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee. Expected to attend the festivities will be public officials from national through local levels, members of the diplomatic corps, and movers and shakers from among the Bay Area’s diverse communities. In addition to a sumptuous filet-mignon dinner, a unique program is planned, involving dancers, singers (choral, operatic and pop) and mixed-media graphics. The affair will be strictly formal: black-tie (tuxedo) and long-gown, or alternatively, “formal barong” and “terno.” As of press time, tickets are almost sold out based on a “first paid, first served” basis. For inquiries, contact Jose Pecho, NaFFAA Region 8 Chair, at JP8cho@aol.com or (925) 286-6607.
In Berkeley, California.
One of NaFFAA Region 8’s community partners, Parangal Dance Company, who many NaFFAA members and supporters connected with during the 9th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference (E-2010), will be performing dances and rituals from the Subanen people of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur in the Philippines at the 33rd Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival on June 11 and June 12 at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley. They will feature dancers leaping onto a sinalimba, a type of swing, representing a mythic vessel used for journeying.
Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/jywLft. Previous years have sold out, so don’t wait! Tickets are $18 - $58; Subscriber discounts are available when purchasing tickets to four separate performances; Group discounts for 20 or more are available; and kids 12 and under receive half-price admission for all matinees.
For more information about the festival, log on to http://www.worldartswest.org. To check out Parangal Dance Company’s FREE Philippine Dance and Music Workshops this summer, where you can learn new dances for your 2012 Philippine Culture Night (PCN) presentations, go to www.ParangalDance.org or call 415 244-5203.
At NaFFAA Region 8, Parangal Dance Company’s contact is Ben Menor at BenMenor@yahoo.com.
__
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Ben Menor, Santa Clara County’s chair at NaFFAA Region 8, and Clarence Madrilejos, the County’s NaFFAA vice-chair, are very busy community coordinators and community developers, with Milpitas’ newest Filipino-centric mall, Seasons Marketplace at Landess, foremost in their collaboration activites and projects. As Seasons’ community developer and E-2010’s “intergenerational leadership in succession planning” champion, Ben explains why a coordinated event schedule in the Filipino American community is a practical, efficient, & collaborative solution. For The Community Hall’s Bulletin Board, go to Ben’s Season’s Marketplace at Landess blog at http://bit.ly/gMwDyF.
In a message to his friends and fellow advocates, Ben said:
This first year of “Building Community at Seasons Marketplace” will offer several programs and activities that will engage your senses — complementary to your shopping and dining experiences. We would like to hear your ideas, too! Email me at Menor360D@gmail.com. The website: http://www.theseasonsmarketplace.com/
You will also be meeting our Community Partners during future events, among them, Seafood City, ChowKing, Xoom.com., and GMA Pinoy TV & GMA Life TV If you are interested in being one of our community partners, please email me.
‘Tis the season for giving — and there’s no place like Seasons Marketplace to make your thoughtful gestures count.
The following videos were taken by members of the NaFFAA Region 8 Media Group (Lorna Dietz and Ben Menor) on October 24, 2010.
Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr. gave a 20-minute talk (shown in two parts) about the methods and strategies that would provide a “continuum of Filipino leadership” in coordinating the yearly events. The reality for the local Filipino American community is that our Consulate officials come and go (the nature of their work) — so as a community, we need to formally set up an infrastructure and process that is able to work effectively and efficiently with the Philippine Consulate General’s office.
IF YOU WANT TO INQUIRE HOW TO BOOK YOUR COMMUNITY-BASED EVENT AT THE COMMUNITY HALL, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FILL UP AN INQUIRY FORM.
See September 30, 2009 updates here.
October 2, 2009
We are documenting the latest information that we received from our reliable sources and contacts. Please confirm whatever you get here. We do our fact-checking as quickly and humanly possible. We have also been advised that as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, there are certain words and actions we cannot use/do, such as “lobbying,” “political,” “political endorsements” and “political fundraising.” Thank you. - Lorna Dietz, NaFFAA Region 8 Vice Chair
* * *
From: Jose Pecho
Date: Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Subject: Only $100,000 from US Government for Victims of Typhoon Ondoy
Dear Friends:
NaFFAA in conjunction with other community organizations will seek the support of US Senate and Congressional leaders to provide the Philippines, Asia’s oldest democracy, more emergency and humanitarian aid.
An amazing $100,000 has been provided the Philippines by the US government. In comparison the European Commission in the Philippines has provided over $2 Million in assistance. Below my signature line, is an article providing assistance information from countries who have pledged or donated to help the typhoon ravaged portion of Manila.
There are 4 million Filipinos residing in the US. If each of us pledged $10 each, it would raise a whopping $40,000,000! This amount would make a bigger impact than any government or country could do and would go a long way toward helping the 800,000 families displaced by this catastrophe.
We hope to provide further information in the days ahead on how you personally can help. Please go to http://naffaar8.com for further details.
Sincerely,
Jose Pecho, Chair
Region 8, Northern California
National Federation of Filipino
American Associations (NaFFAA)
http://naffaar8.com
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 21:33:00 10/02/2009
Filed Under: Foreign Aid, Foreign affairs & international relations, Ondoy, Weather
MANILA, Philippines—Donations for the relief and recovery assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ondoy” from the international community has reached over half a billion pesos, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo reported to President Macapagal-Arroyo that donations from various governments have reached P566 million as of Oct. 2. The National Disaster Coordinating Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Red Cross and other agencies have been authorized to receive the donations, which will greatly complement the government’s efforts.
“The Philippine Government is deeply appreciative of our international partners’ swift response to our call for aid. The DFA will work with the NDCC, DSWD, PNRC and other agencies to ensure that these donations reach our distressed kababayans as soon as possible,” Secretary Romulo said.
Ondoy, which whipped Manila Saturday, caused severe flooding in the metropolis and nearby provinces.
The government said nearly 300 people died from the disaster, which also displaced hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.
The European Commission in the Philippines has allotted 2 million euros (P138 million) in urgent relief funding, the DFA reported. The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines has ordered the release of 150,000 euros (approximately P10 million) for food aid, while Spanish organization Accion Contra el Hambre donated 250,000 euros (approximately P17 million).
The Swiss government also issued CHF250,000 (approximately P11 million) to support emergency related operation which will be funded by the Swiss Red Cross to the Philippine National Red Cross. The French Foreign Ministry has earmarked initial 10,000 euros (P690,000) to the Philippine National Red Cross as its initial contribution.
Germany is providing 500,000 euros (roughly P35 million) in emergency humanitarian aid for the victims, which will be placed at the disposal of German humanitarian aid organizations The combined European aid reached P254 million.
Aside from the European partners, other countries like the US and Canada sent financial assistance to the victims. The US government donated US$100,000 for relief efforts, while Canada pledged Canadian $5 million (approximately US$4.7 million).
China pitched in US$100,000 check donation; US$10,000 to the PNRC; while Chinese firm Huawei donated US$30,000. Singapore raised US$30,000 and a further US$20,000 in seed money to jumpstart a donations drive by the Singapore Red Cross.
The Republic of Korea has donated emergency relief assistance in the form of rice, tents, medical supplies and other essential items worth $300,000 coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A Korean company, OCI Company Ltd., also donated $50,000 through the Philippine National Red Cross.
The Japanese government is sending $220,000 worth of relief goods to the Philippines. Australia pledged Australian $1 million (approximately US$879,000) to support response and recovery activities.
The UN World Health Organization has launched earlier a $42,000 relief fund. The UN World Food Programme has also stepped up its efforts to provide immediate relief to the typhoon victims.
Basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, clothes, and medicines were in short supply in many communities and evacuation center.
A delegation of UN workers is set to arrive in Manila on Saturday to help in the relief and rehabilitation operations. UN WFP executive director Josette Sheeran said the organization will have a three-month emergency operation to bring food and other assistance to people affected by Ondoy.
Hello all — Thank you all so much for taking the time to meet last Tuesday evening at the Philippine Consulate. It was truly a strong showing of unity, compassion, and generosity. Many of us are involved in a myriad of relief efforts and the consensus of the meeting was that we, as well as the flood victims, will benefit from consolidating and streamlining our charitable efforts. This will save us valuable time/resources, avoid re-inventing the wheel, and duplication of efforts. Also, all agreed that this tragedy/disaster was an opportunity for our community to unify and harness our talents/skills to assist the flood victims. Moreover, we hope to create a formalized emergency response system and infrastructure to address future disasters, emergencies, and calamaties.
In an effort to move forward with such objectives, discrete tasks were discussed and division of labor identified.
There may be more steering Committees that will be formed along the way so stay tuned.
Overall Coordination: Marivic Bamba
Co-Coordinator: Bernadette Roco
Everyone is encouraged to participate, all your ideas are welcome…so please don’t be shy. Many of the members are already working hard at their respective tasks. Mark Grafilo of KAYA, Chair of Political Committee, has sent out notices on advocating support from USAID.
By the way, we urge all members to join Facebook as it is an effective media tool to publicize our activities and notify all of upcoming activities.
As we resolved at the meeting, we will be meeting EVERY Wednesday at 7pm at the Philippine Consulate, 5th floor Social Hall.
See you all next Wednesday, October 7, at 7pm. Please check with the Reception Area since the meeting venue might change. It might take place in the first floor, 447 Sutter Street.
Filipino American History Month Celebration
Sunday, October 4, 2009, 10:00 am–4:00 PM
Asian Art Museum
Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture
FREE admission courtesy of Target Stores
Celebrate Filipino American History Month with artists, scholars,
authors, and performers. Learn about the richness and beauty of Filipino
American culture and history through performances, special displays,
talks, storytelling, tours, and activities for children. Enjoy Filipino
American dance and music as we commemorate the 422nd anniversary
of the landing of Filipino sailors at California’s Morro Bay.
This year’s celebration is particularly special. On September 9, 2009, the
California State Assembly voted to “designate the month of October 2009,
and every October thereafter, as Filipino American History Month.” The
entire text of the bill is available on the state legistature website (www.
legislature.ca.gov; Bill no. SCR 48).
10:00 am–4:00 pm: Activities & displays
11:00 am: Talk “Filipinos’ First Encounter with America”
11:00 am & 1:00 pm: Storytelling for Families in the Galleries
11:30 am–12:30 pm: Filipino American History Panel Discussion
12:15 and 1:45 pm: Docent tours highlighting Philippine art
11:00 am–3:45 pm: book readings featuring more than 16 titles
10:30 am–4:00 pm: Films: “Remembering Our Manongs”, “Little Manila” and “Gift of the
Barong: A Journey from Within”
1:15 –2:15 pm: Filipino Arts Roundtable Discussion
2:00 pm: West Bay Pilipino Youth photo presentation
1:30–4:00 pm: Performances featuring sacred music by Evelie Sales Posche, Pinoy Jazz, Blues and Kundiman, by Little Brown Brother, dance by American Center for Philippine Arts youth, theater by Bindlestiff Detailed program information at www.asianart.org
This program is sponsored by the Asian Art Museum, Consulate General of the
Philippines, Filipina Women’s Network, Filipino American National Historical
Society San Francisco Bay Area Consortium (FANHS), Filipino American Arts
Exposition, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood
Services, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, San Francisco
Chapter, Pacific Ethnographic, Philippine American Press Club, San Francisco
Filipino Cultural Center, San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, and
West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center
White Light Associates
5305 Locksley Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 457-5053
_____
From: Deborah Clearwaters
Date: Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: For Sun., Oct. 4 in San Francisco, Asian Art Museum “Filipino American History Month Celebration * FREE admission courtesy of TARGET Stores
To: Lorna Lardizabal-Dietz
Thank you for helping us get the word out Lorna!
FYI, all donations at the museum on Sunday will go towards typhoon disaster relief in the Philippines.
All the best
Deborah
Deborah Clearwaters
Director of Education and Public Programs
———————————————-
Asian Art Museum
Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture
200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
www.asianart.org
_____
From: Jose Pecho, NaFFAA Region 8 Chair
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Subject: Sincere Appreciation to One and All…
Dear Kick-Off Celebration & Academy of Sciences Teams, Sponsoring Supporters and Volunteers:
I wanted to express a big thank you to all who made last night a smashing success. We had planned for an intimate event with about 120-150, I think we were close to having almost twice that with 250+ guests. The only downside for the bigger than expected attendance was not having enough food for all. My sincere apologies for those of you who didn’t get a chance to eat some of the wonderful food donated by Mercury Lounge, Gold Ribbon Bakeshop, Subway Sandwiches, Haliya Wines, VuQo, Inc and Zebulon Restaurant. We thank them for their generosity and spirit of giving in such difficult economic times.
The Academy of Sciences is a venue our community certainly won’t forget. The ambiance created an elegant and glamorous evening, highlighted by the showcasing of the Philippine Coral Reef. From the moment discussions began with the Academy in planning our event to the final volunteers leaving last night, it was first class treatment all the way. We are honored and humbled by your support and partnership. A special thank you to Executive Director, Dr. Gregory Farrington, Chief of Staff and CFO, Allison Brown for her welcome remarks, Dr. Meg Burke, Director of Education for her enthusiasm and support, Dr. Terry Gosliner, Sr. Curator for the Coral Reef and Bart Shepherd, the Sr. Curator for the Academy for their wonderful stories of how it all happened. Meg and Terry, thanks for honoring us with the wearing of beautiful “Barongs” to the event. A special, special thank you to David Nemoyten, Sr. Event Coordinator, who handled our event from start to finish and who guided us every step of the way. Our community is grateful to the entire Academy Team!
Also, thanks to Suzanne Kavert of Best Beverage Catering for working with us to ensure our event happened.
Our sincere gratitude and thanks to our volunteer crew, for without you, our event wouldn’t have been such a success:
Norman and Mariluz Ragasa, our Event designer http://mariluzdesign.com/, who created wonderful designs and helped create the elegance of the evening.
Michelle Caabay-Brokstein, of Jux.ta.pose www.jux-ta-pose.net who took the bull by the horns and ensured we got things done. Thanks to hubby Mr. Brokstein for running around and helping the team.
We even have to have a special shout out to Wade the Chef, who works at the Academy and lent and huge helping hand with food and table presentations.
Derric Gargaritano and Jinni Bartolome for helping with the finishing touches, as well as the Jazz Band who set the mood for the Coral Reef!
Lastly, thanks to the Kick-off Celebration Team of Al Perez, Rich Pio Roda, Emile Deguzman, Esther Chavez, Dennis Normandy, Hydra Mendoza, Keesa Ocampo and of course our very own Lisa Ang!
Please note that this entry will be updated as details unfold. This is the third clinic NaFFAA Region 8 is spearheading these foreclosure prevention clinics in collaboration with Mabuhay Alliance, an HUD-approved housing counseling agency.
FOR APRIL 18, 2009
There will be a training of volunteer counselors who will be helping beleaguered homeowners in San Jose, California on Saturday, April 18, 2009. If you are interested in being trained as a volunteer counselor, please contact our NaFFAA Region 8 chair, Jose Pecho at JP8cho@aol.com.
The activities for April 19, 2009 will be held at the Offices of 4C Council: 2515 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131
Get map and driving directions here.
Schedule:
4C Parents & Child Care Providers: 8:30 am to 12:30 noon
General Public (Homeowners): 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
IF YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER AND ARE INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE SAN JOSE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION CLINIC, PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY APRIL 10, 2009.
The registration form will have the following introduction:
Thank you for your interest in using Mabuhay Alliance to assist you with your mortgage. In order to serve you better we are asking that you fill out the form as completely as you can. When you arrive at the clinic, our counselors will have the information they need to give you options for your unique situation.
OR
2. Call (408) 487-0747, extension 384.
OR
3. E-mail: 4closure@4c.org
THE INVITATION
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FORECLOSURE PREVENTION CLINIC in SAN JOSE
Sunday April 19th
To help our community homeowners, there will be a Foreclosure Prevention Clinic this Sunday in San Jose. This Free clinic will provide workshops and be able to meet with housing counselors, some lenders, lawyers, debt settlement and credit repair specialists, and tax advisors. This is open to the entire community.
Previous clinics have provided much-needed information and relief for homeowners who simply don’t know what to do, where to go, or what are their options. Whether you are in the foreclosure process, are concerned about being able to keep your home, have credit problems, or just want to know what is possible, please join us on Sunday.
What: Foreclosure Prevention Clinic
When: Sunday, April 19th, 9am to 6pm
Who: Community Child Care Council of Santa Clara County
in conjunction with NaFFAA
and Mabuhay Alliance (HUD-approved counseling agency)
Where: Offices of 4C Council (Community Child Care Council of Santa Clara County)
2515 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95131
To Register: 408.487.0747 ext. 384
4closure@4c. org
www.mabuhayalliance .org/sanjose
What to bring:
In order to assist you with your request for a loan modification and/or a workout resolution with your Lender(s), please bring the following documents with you:
1. Personal Financial Statement * Please complete, sign and date.
2. Monthly Budget *
* Forms are available at 4C Council offices and also at www.4c.org (under Calendar of Events)
3. Reason for Hardship letter: Please provide details of the reason of your current financial hardship, its expected duration and the financial resources with which you will manage your debt going forward.
4. If you are a SALARIED EMPLOYEE, please provide the following:
a. Copy of your most recent W2(s) & Personal Tax Return (1040’s)
b. Copy of your most recent pay-stub(s) - One month’s worth
5. If you are SELF-EMPLOYED, please provide the following, if applicable:
a. Signed and dated copy of your most recent Personal Tax Return (1040’s), including all schedules
b. Signed and dated copy of your most recent Corporate Tax Return, including all schedules
c. Signed and dated copy of year-to-date Profit & Loss Statement and most recent month-end
and quarter-end Balance Sheet
6. Copies of recent statements and payment notices for:
- All bank accounts (checking, savings, IRAs, CDs, Money Market, etc.)
- Retirement accounts (401k, SEP IRA, etc.)
- Promissory Note(s), including a copy of the original Promissory Note(s)
- Home Owners Association (HOA), if applicable
- Property Tax Bill
- Insurance Statements (Homeowners, Fire, etc.)
7. Copies of any legal documents or correspondence from your lender that you have received (Notice of Default, Notice of Trustee’s Sale, etc.).
Best regards,
Baylan Megino
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
March 6, 2009 Sonia Delen, a Senior Vice President at Bank of America, posted a note for her Facebook friends. We are sharing the information Sonia sent us. (Thank you, Sonia!)
HOME AFFORDABLE REFINANCE AND MODIFICATION PROGRAM
Here are some links to the most recently released Home affordable refinance and modification program. It provides tools and instructions on how to take advantage of it. Hope it helps!
From: National CAPACD, nationalcapacd@mail.democracyinaction.org
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Support Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
To: baylanm@whitelightassociates.com
Date: Friday, March 13, 2009, 8:00 AM
Dear Baylan,
In the next few days the Senate is likely to consider S. 61, the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009, that will provide essential support for President Obama’s foreclosure prevention plan. The plan, approved last week by the House of Representatives, would provide critical changes to a flawed process that desperately needs reform.
Today, most homeowners have few viable options if they are unable to keep up with loan payments. While a few lenders have improved their track record in modifying unaffordable loan terms, most homeowners seeking relief only encounter frustrating delays and rejection by loan servicers. Many homeowners are only offered ‘relief’ that only postpones onerous payments. A national study recently found that a majority of homeowners who obtained relief from lenders a year ago are today again behind in payments.
The Senate version of the bill, S.61, would create critical new tools for homeowners and foreclosure counselors to obtain meaningful relief. These include:
* National standards to make loans affordable. While these standards would be mandatory only for federally regulated loans (including those held by Fannie and Freddie Mac), incentives are offered for private lenders to adopt similar standards.
* Incentives to loan servicers to negotiate loan modifications and to keep families in their homes.
* In limited circumstances, relief through bankruptcy court if lenders are unwilling to adjust loans to reflect actual market values of homes.
The bill will not prevent all foreclosures. It will only assist those with sufficient income to continue to pay under a modified loan payment schedule. There are other limitations on value of the homes covered. And the plight of tenants is not addressed in the bill.
But with this legislation National CAPACD’s counseling organizations will have a much more effective set of tools to help the many families who are desperate for relief and who only need an opportunity to renegotiate loans on terms that are fair. This is relief that they need now.
Take action to support the passage of S. 61 TODAY!
If you have any questions, please give CAPACD staff a call at 202-223-2442 or send us an e-mail at info@nationalcapacd.org
Sincerely,
The National CAPACD Team
For a clear explanation of the President’s plan appropriate for people who need help click here.
For a more technical discussion of the elements of the plan click here.
Philippine Consulate General
447 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94108
415-433-6666 ext. 313 (Public Information Section) www.philippineconsulate-sf.org
12 March 2009
US Department of Veterans Affairs Now Accepting Claims
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it is now accepting claims by WWII Filipino Veterans for cash payment under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 in various locations in Manila. Claims must be submitted by 16 February 2010.
VA and the Embassy of the United States in Manila have provided locations in the Philippines where Veterans can apply immediately. The list has been posted at http://manila.usembassy.gov.
To receive information by mail, United States residents may call 1-800-827-1000. Philippine residents may call 632-528-2500 (within Metro Manila) or from outside Manila at 1-800-1888-5252. In addition, Filipino Veterans may request information via email at https://iris.va.gov.
The VA Regional Office in Manila will process all claims for this benefit. Therefore, US residents should mail the application to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office, PSC 501, FPO AP 96515-100.
VA also announced that payments do not affect other benefits Veterans may be receiving.
National Federation of Filipino American Associations - Region 8
Cordially Invites You to Join Us
for the
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER
VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE
Friday March 13, 2009
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE BUILDING
447 Sutter Street, 5th Floor
10:30 AM to 12 NOON
Today the voters can truly vote “in absentia” for the upcoming Philippine Presidential elections. Register at the nearest Philippine Consulate once, and you may vote by mail ever after. For the Philippine Election 2010, voter registration began February 1, 2009 and will end August 31, 2009.
** Bring your Certification of Dual Citizenship **
• If you are a Dual Citizen, register to vote by bringing your Philippine passport and your Certified Order of Approval or Oath of Allegiance.
• If you came to the US as a Visitor and overstayed, you still are a Filipino Citizen. Renew your Passport and register to vote.
• If you immigrated to the US prior to the 1991 Immigration Reform Act and you became a naturalized US citizen, to be a Dual Citizen you will reacquire your Philippine citizenship by applying for a Philippine Passport. Once a Dual Citizen, you may register to vote.
NOTE: You cannot register to vote if:
1) you lost and did not reacquire your Filipino citizenship;
2) you have a criminal conviction punishable by imprisonment of not less than a year; or
3) you are legally declared insane or incompetent of mind.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Joe Robles at JRobles1281@yahoo.com
Ben Menor at BMenor@SBCGlobal.net
Rodel Rodis Law Offices (415) 334-7800 NaFFAAR8.com or FPACC.com.
The Voter Registration Drive is presented in conjunction with
the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce and
the Philippine Consulate Offices in San Francisco.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP ARE FOUND HERE. CONTINUE READING, PLEASE!
From Rudy Asercion, Commissioner of the American Legion War Memorial Commission (he is also our NaFFAA Region 8 City and County chair for San Francisco):
Colleagues:
Veterans applying for the benefit must provide the information requested on the attached VA Form 21-4138(CF), Statement in Support of Claim (Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund). We will finalize and post this information to the Internet as soon as possible. The Manila VA Regional Office will process all claims for this benefit. Therefore, veterans should mail the completed information to:
(From the United States):
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Manila Regional Office
PSC 501
FPO AP 96515-1100
Vets may also submit their forms to VA Regional Offices in the US. They will forward the claim to Manila.
Attached is a copy of the form and Answers to Frequently asked Questions.
All the best as always,
Rudy Asercion
PS: This $198 million payment is neither compensation or pension. While the law established entitlement we need additional legislation to get money into our Fund. I met with Congressman Darrel Issa at the GOP convention in Sacramento last week end and he is introducing the additional legislation this week. He estimated that the funds will be at the VA in six weeks more or less.
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This press release came from the US Department of Veterans Affairs:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2009
Stimulus Bill Provides $198 Million for Filipino Veterans
Congress Recognizes World War II Service
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a new benefit for Filipino Veterans who aided American troops in World War II — a cash payment authorized through the newly enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Claims are now being accepted from Filipino Veterans eligible for one-time payments of $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens and $15,000 for Filipino Veterans with U.S. citizenship. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to begin making payments as soon as possible.
VA and the Embassy of the United States in Manila have announced locations in the Philippines where Veterans can apply immediately. The list has been posted at http://manila.usembassy.gov. To receive information by mail, United States residents may call 1-800-827-1000. Philippine residents may call 632-528-2500 (within Metro Manila) or from outside Manila at 1-800-888-5252. In addition, Filipino Veterans may request information via email at https://iris.va.gov.
The VA Regional Office in Manila will process all claims for this benefit. Therefore, U.S. residents should mail the application to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office, PSC 501, FPO AP 96515-100.
Extensive outreach is planned to alert World War II Veterans throughout the Philippines. Claims must be submitted by Feb. 16, 2010, a year after the bill’s signing.
The payments do not affect other benefits Veterans may be receiving. The VA regional office in Manila currently provides approximately $15 million monthly in monetary benefits to Veterans residing in the Philippines. About $8 million of this goes to Filipino World War II Veterans or their survivors each month.
