National Federation of Filipino American Associations

Meet NaFFAA Region 8’s (Northern California) PRINCIPAL CORPORATE COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AT&T and Hana Zen! The NaFFAA Region 8 Community Empowerment Summit’s COMMUNITY ALLIES are: APAPA,  KAYA, PAPC-USA, FPACC, West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center, FFAC, New America Media, FANHS. and YFPA.

The NaFFAA Region 8 Community Empowerment Summit is supported by the following NaFFAA Region 8 County Chapters:

NaFFAA R8-San Francisco: Rudy Asercion, County Chair

NaFFAA R8-Alameda: Charito Benipayo, County Chair

NaFFAA R8-Santa Clara: Ben Menor, County Chair

NaFFAA R8-San Mateo - Jinni Bartolome, County Chair

NaFFAA R8-Monterey Bay - Elmer Dolera, County Chair

More details can be found at http://bit.ly/FilPower

March 16, 2012: You’re Invited! NaFFAA-R8 Community Empowerment Summit at Hana Zen Pier 39

SCHEDULED PROGRAM:

Opening Ceremonies / Posting of Colors

Welcome Remarks and State of the NaFFAA Region 8 by Jose Pecho

Welcome Remarks on behalf of Hana Zen by Angie Louie

Remarks by AT&T, Carol Diaz

Legacy of our Community Empowerment Journey by Alice “Tita Alice” Bulos

Continuing the Legacy of Community Empowerment with the Next Generation of Community Advocates by Genevieve Jopanda

The Value of Building community Empowerment through Collaborative Strategies by Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association representative

Panelists on the “Nuts and Bolts” of Building Community Empowerment Before You Start Your Political Empowerment Platforms:

Rob Bonta
Vice-Mayor of Alameda, CA
http://www.robbonta.com

Dr. Jennifer Ong
Commissioner, Alameda County Commission on the
Status of Women
http://drjenniferong.org

Chris Mateo
Vice-Mayor of Lathrop, CA
http://chrismateo.com

Q & A question session 10mins

Response: What It Will Take to Build Political Empowerment through a PAC infrastructure, by Henry Manayan

Response to All the Speakers: How To Share Their Experiences, Expertise, and Skills using Traditional Media and Social Media, by Odette Keeley of New America Media

Closing Remarks: FilAmVote is the Next Step! By Lorna Dietz

NaFFAA REGION 8 ELECTIONS: An election of endorsing the candidates that will be nominated; chaired by Region 8 Commission on Elections Chair & NaFFAA National Legal Counsel, Rodel Rodis, Esq.

Installation of new officers by Councilmember Myrna De Vera, former Mayor of Hercules (June 2011-December 2011), Vice Mayor for 2013, Mayor for 2014

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Our Strength: ONE COMMUNITY!

In November of 2010, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) convened its 9th Empowerment Conference in the San Francisco Bay Area with NaFFAA Region 8, Northern California as the host and organizer of “Empowerment 2010.” The theme of E-2010 was “Building the Next Generation of Community Advocates in an Intergenerational Environment.”

Today, NaFFAA Region 8’s leaders are taking advantage of the political atmosphere, economic conditions, public policy, and the Filipinos’ transcontinental success by using its existing infrastructure, skills, talents, resources and other tools so they can implement a master plan for community empowerment in 2012.

NaFFAA Region 8’s other resounding call to action is: “To empower Filipino communities so they can participate in supporting individuals who desire to hold public office that support the advancement of causes for the Filipino community.”

What does it take to empower these highly-qualified political candidates so that they will be inspired to do their best in order to win? It takes ONE COMMUNITY.

NaFFAA Region 8 believes in coalition-building, connecting dot after dot after dot, mindful that its leaders and supporters have been advocating AND are advocating for community groups and individuals to take action in supporting achievable empowerment objectives. The master plan includes providing a platform for our communities to establish activities for community empowerment as a non-profit organization. Rocking the vote through NaFFAA’s #FilAmVote (http://bit.ly/nzurFs) also means meeting these candidates who can share the nuts and bolts of community empowerment as well as interact with their constituents in a series of gatherings — from socials to workshops.

“ONE COMMUNITY.” What does this mean to NaFFAA Region 8? Through ADVOCACY, our voices and actions will always act as “the glue” that binds the shared hopes and aspirations of our authentic and unique communities.

Can you help us empower more highly-qualified Americans of Filipino ancestry to take a leap of faith in their credibility and strength of character so they can become true servant leaders in public service?

Can you stand on the shoulders of our elders and take the best of their wisdom and experiences so we can walk together, fearlessly and jubilantly, on the roads — less travelled — as ONE COMMUNITY?

Can you support us in becoming ONE COMMUNITY?

Please join us on March 16, 2012 at the NaFFAA Region 8 Community Empowerment Conference at Hana Zen Pier 39 in San Francisco, California from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. For more information and for your RSVP options, visit http://bit.ly/FilPower.

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CALL TO ACTION: #FilAmVote

NAFFAA National Website: http://naffaausa.org/

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan tax-exempt organization established in 1997 to promote the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic and national affairs. NaFFAA is composed of 12 regions with a national office in Washington, D.C. that monitors legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino Americans. NaFFAA partners with local affiliate organizations and national coalitions in advocating for issues of common concern.

NaFFAA National Office
1322 18th St NW, Washington DC 20036-1803
email: JonMele@aol.com
phone: 202.361.0296
web: http://NaFFAAUSA.org
inquiries: NaFFAANational@gmail.com

PAMANA: Preserving Our Heritage

Parangal Dance Company
Come and celebrate Parangal’s 3rd anniversary show, in association with Kularts, and kick off Filipino American History Month on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 7pm with

Pamana, Preserving Our Heritage

Parangal presents Pamana - a celebration of Philippine culture through ethnic textiles, music, and dances. Pamana means “inheritance” or “legacy.” Pamana will highlight traditions and rituals passed down by native ancestors, national and master artists, and community elders. In Pamana, Parangal honors and shares what has been taught by those who came before, hoping to inspire the community and next generation so the traditions and stories can be preserved for the future.

The program for Pamana will include a new world premiere piece, a few nostalgic Philippine folk dances, and our latest piece, Subanen, from this year’s San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.

Featured Artists

American Center of Philippine Arts

Josefina and Levi Malabuyo

Location

Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco

Tickets

$28 in advance

$32 at the door

$23 each for groups of 7 or more

$18 students and senior citizens (60 and over) with I.D.

“First-come, first-served seating”

Purchase tickets at

At Location: Fort Mason Center Box Office

Phone: (415) 345-7575

Online: www.fortmason.org/boxoffice

Parangal’s production of Pamana is part of the In Performance Series at the Fort Mason Center, which is supported by Grants for r the Arts.

Video excerpt from SFEDF2011 by Kirk Schroeder
Pamana design by Jon Cruz
SFEDF2011 Music by Kawayan Folk Arts & Parangal — with Paul Silverio, Maricris Macabeo, Hazel Belga Dela Cruz, Victoria Hafalia, Vanessa Gomez Brake, Yekim Nayacam, Caroline Calderon, Melisa Mayeda, Dio-Ann Valmores, Ophelia Nombrado Sampang, Marissa Cruz, Hazel Ayn Benigno, Karina Fantillo, Ritchel Tan Gazo, June Arellano, Renalyn Tan, Jeff Jermaine Mancilla, Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, Gilbert Laylay, Major Julian, Kimberly Requesto, Shari Almario, Ben Menor, Mary Jo Malabuyo, Mark Diao, Onardem Mari, Tfc’s BarangayUsa, Patricia Barretto Ong, Jojo Malabuyo, Jon Cruz, Shelly Tomas, Levi Malabuyo, Balitang America, Carlos “Mouse” Munoz, Nika Maglasang, Helen Serafino-Agar, Rachel Perey, Destyn Hernandez Bravo, Elizabeth Deleon, Jay Salazar, Eric Solano, Lorna Lardizabal Dietz, Al Perez and Julius Claros.

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.

For information about Seasons Marketplace at Landess, go to http://www.theseasonsmarketplace.com/ For NaFFAA Region 8 (Northern CA), go to http://naffaar8.com/ .

In San Francisco, California.

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.

THE COMMUNITY HALL’S BULLETIN BOARD

The shortened link of this Scribd.com form is http://scr.bi/eFRrrH.

Event and Activity Announcements,The Community Hall at Seasons Marketplace at Landess

Benedicto G. Menor may have passed away early this week yet his legacy lives on. He was the oldest NaFFAA member (in absentia) in the Northern California region. Although the last NaFFAA R8 Summit he attended was in 2003 at the Northside Community Center in San Jose, CA, he stayed in touch with our members. Some of us were there during his 100th Birthday Celebration in 2007, travelling from all over the US — and beyond. We also have our own stories about Benedicto G. Menor’s acts of kindness and generosity. We will miss him!

The Memorial and Funeral Services schedule is at the bottom of this entry.

Joanie Cordova said: “Benedicto Menor Sr voted for Barack Obama … before he died 28 October 2008. His life inspires many of us.”

Thank you to Emil Siapno for putting this video on Vimeo.com.

TFI’s Balitang America reporter, Henni Espinosa, wrote this video story about Benedicto G. Menor.

Oldest Obama Voter from Emil Siapno on Vimeo.

BENEDICTO GALINDO MENOR
March 15, 1907 – October 28, 2008
  
Benedicto Galindo Menor was born on March 15, 1907 in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, He was one of the 100,000 sakadas and manongs (early 1906-1933 overseas Filipino workers) who arrived in the United States to work in the fields of Hawaii and California, armed with an optimistic mindset in fulfilling his American Dream.
 
During World War II, Benedicto proudly served as a member of the Leyte Landing’s Filipino First and Second Regiments of the US Army that arrived with General Douglas MacArthur. During the “mop-up operation,” Benedicto was introduced to his future wife in Villaba, Leyte, a strikingly beautiful Visayan named Espectacion Menor (no relation), who was 20 years his junior.
 
After Benedicto became a citizen of the United States in 1946, he went back to the Philippines and brought his family to Santa Clara Valley in California. The three oldest children who had been born in the Philippines were Rose Mary, Betty, and Benny Benedicto (a.k.a. Ben Menor). Benedicto and Espec were blessed with six children: five girls and one boy. Like most fathers, he wanted another boy after Ben was born. The couple tried three more times — and three more daughters arrived: Rita (deceased), Anna, and Darlene. He was 52 years old when Darlene was born.
 
A family friend recently wrote, “Mr. Benedicto Menor was an exemplary centenarian who left a rich legacy for his family.”
 
Rose Mary Miguel, the oldest sibling, acknowledged that their father had indeed raised his family to honor inclusivity in their social, political, cultural, and spiritual values and principles.

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