A great way to be motivated is to challenge yourself. Start with little goals like reading one more chapter than the one assigned; start your homework immediately once you get home from school so that you have the rest of the evening to relax; study with friends and avoid writing papers until the night before the due date.
             And finally, share your achievements with you parents. When you get a high grade on a paper or assignment, share the great news with your parents. By letting them know how well you are doing in school can only motivate you even more. All the hard work that you are putting into school right now will ultimately pay off for you and your future.

            “People Power” presented by Teesri Duniya Theatre, in October, put on an emotionally commanding show that took the audience into a time warp back to the Aquino-Marcos elections in 1986. The event was more of a backdrop for the characters that represented the very people that put there lives on the line for such an important cause, not just for themselves, but for the entire country.

             People Power is an important part of the history of the Philippines and how the events have shaped and united a country.  It is important to remind those that have lived through the event as well as awaken those who did not experience at all. The play took place in a very small venue, with the characters interacting with the audience that you could believe you were witnessing People Power happening right in front of you. And the emotions felt were inescapable, especially the heart wrenching tears that had to be expressed for the characters.

             The discussion panel following the play brought up important key words: education, responsibility and communication – the play was a history lesson about our country’s past; our responsibility to harness this important event and communicate it to the rest of our community.

              I encourage our young generation of today and tomorrow to discover what it means to be Filipino. The young generation must be educated and be proud to share it with others. Communicate the beauty, the struggle, the diversity of the Philippines. Continue the tradition before it dissipates. There are already Canadian born Filipinos that have shown signs of disconnection from our culture. We must take responsibility.

            We need advocates like the Carlos Bulosan Theatre and its entire team of “People Power” to tell stories of our country. They are not just learning about it for themselves but want to share it with others. We must support these efforts and give them an audience. Empower our Filipino youth. Plays like “People Power” do not come through Montreal very often, and when they do, we must all unite as a community to show support.

            PAMANA had already travelled as a group to the Philippines in 2008, but this was the first time we would be participating at international festivals, sharing the stage with much older and much more experienced groups from around the world. Although we had prepared for moment many months in advance, the leaders’ were quietly having anxiety attacks, because PAMANA’s reputation and future credibility was hanging in the balance. We had three weeks to travel between three countries and perform in numerous venues from audiences as small as a couple of hundred to as large as 6000.

            Right after our 8-hour direct flight from Montreal to Vienna, Austria, we were greeted by our first tour guide Renata and immediately bussed to our first destination and home for the first four days of the tour: Straznice, Czech Republic. Straznice is a very small town and eerily deserted during the day as we made our first walking tour. In the evening, we had a reception with the mayor of Straznice, President of the festival, and the groups from Easter Island, Mexico and Romania. Then we spent the following three days eating delicious food, meeting the friendly locals and performing for crowds in outdoor amphitheatres where no seat was left unattended.

            Notably, our best performance in Straznice and possibly of the entire tour, was our Muslim suite. While on stage we could sense the audience’s astonishment as they followed the dancers’ feet through the bamboos during Singkil. As soon as the Singkil prince snapped his sword on his shield ending the entire performance, the audience jumped onto their feet and an uproar of applause filled the amphitheatre. Even once the performance was over and we  headed back to our dorms, locals who watched our performance, continued to cheer us on, shake our hands and take a few pictures. We appeared to be celebrities!

            Before we moved on to our next destination of our tour, many of our female dancers became sick. The 6-hour bus ride to Maribor, Slovenia was filled with uncomfortable coughs and noses blowing into tissues. When we arrived in Maribor, we drove by the mall called Europark, which excited the entire group and who could not wait to feed the shopping bug. We also drove by the central stage of the festival which floats on the Drava River.

           We finally arrived at our new home for the next week and we were greeted by our tall, handsome and humourous tour guide George and his partner Urshka. Our schedule for the week was quite hectic: performing in parades, towns outside of Maribor, and three times on the central stage.  We shared the hectic schedule with several over groups from New Zealand, Indonesia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Hungary.

            In Maribor, every night was a party at our dorm. Each group was assigned an evening for animation and to teach everyone a cultural dance or game from their country of origin. PAMANA taught Tinikling and played “Hep Hep Hooray” which caused a laughing riot with the players and members of the crowd. And after the animation, a mini club was set-up with its own DJ and played music for all the night crawlers, sometimes until five in the morning.  This was a great way for the all the groups to make new friends. We bonded very well with the New Zealand group, simply because they spoke English.

             As the week move forward, the coughs and leaky noses continued to spread throughout the group, this time affecting the chaperones. Our dancers were slowly dropping like flies and unable to perform because of injuries, exhaustion or dancers were too sick to perform. But we made it through the week and successfully performed.

              Leaving Maribor was difficult for many members of the group, including some of the chaperones. It was difficult to separate ourselves, especially from our tour guides who have made our stay very enjoyable. George even had to fight back his tears as we gave him a group hug and waved good-bye from the bus as it pulled away.

             Karlovac, Croatia was a smaller town than Maribor but bigger than Straznice. Most of us had fallen asleep on the bus and woke up in Karlovac to find the festival’s poster plastered all over the city with a picture of a PAMANA dancer. We were welcomed by Kresimir, our bald but muscular tour guide.  He showed to our new rooms of on the third floor, with no elevators. We had to carry more than 60 luggages up three flights of stairs.  Once we settled in, we were off to rehearsals for the opening ceremony.

              At the opening ceremony, the atmosphere and audience cheers felt like the Olympics.  Once our group’s name was called, the audience joyously applauded and waved at us. We waved back with our Canada and Philippines flag. Along for the ride were groups from Russia, Italy, France and our same friends from New Zealand.

              Our schedule for this festival was too good to be true in comparison to Maribor – we had two free days and all the performances or parades took place in the evening. With so much free time, Karlovac was left for us to discover. A few of us even made some great friends to whom we are still in touch with today.  We were also lucky to visit and tour Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, for a few hours. Our free afternoons allowed us to visit restaurants and bakeries and get a good taste of local foods like pizza, gelatos and crepes.

             After an easy seven days, our days in Karlovac were already over and our European tour as representatives of Canada and the Philippines had come to an end. But before it was time for us to jump on the Montreal bound flight. We still had an extra three days to be tourists.  So before it was back to our daily lives, we spent the next two days in Budapest, Hungary and one day in Vienna.  Then time flew by so fast. It was already July 15 and it was time for us head back home. By the end of the trip, everyone in the group had fallen sick and carried the cough onto the plane.  Everyone pretty much coughed their way back to Canada.

              It was great to be return home and see our PAMANA family that we had left behind, but many of us were on such a high from the entire trip that we could not help but want to jump back on the plane. We couldn’t believe that we had actually finished PAMANA’s first tour and already thinking ahead for the next one in 2012. Our young dancers has now became more united because of a common accomplishment to be proud of. Now that we have returned from Europe, our members have turned over a new leaf, gaining confidence, initiative, motivation and pride for PAMANA and for all that it stands for.

Dear Ate V.,
           What is the best way to introduce my girlfriend to my parents for the first time?
           From personal experience and observation, I find there are a couple of ways to gently introduce your girlfriend (or in some cases your boyfriend) to your parents: Invite your significant other home to study. It may be easier to have other friends too at the time to help ease any kind of awkwardness. This can help your parents understand that your “friend” is part of your circle of friends. There are some parents who always want to know how you met each other and can get suspicious if she is not from school. Another other way, is taking her to any upcoming family gatherings or special events. This would be an easy way to tell your parents that she is very special; so special that you’ve brought her with you to take part in family functions. And if I were you, I would avoid any intimate contact (hugging, holding hands or kissing) for the first few parent encounters. You do not want to appear over confident with your new relationship in front of your parents.

Dear Ate V.,
           I have a friend who seems to have trouble expressing their feelings. When we are out friends it often puts a damper on our activities. How do we show that we care and not “rain on the parade”?
          First and foremost, understand your friend. Analyze the situation before approaching them: How long have you noticed this kind of behaviour? Do you notice this every time you are out together or on occasions? Can you find a pattern in their behaviour? Some people have trouble expressing their feelings because they are unsure how their friends might react to them; self conscious of how the expression of their feelings could affect the people involved. Your friend might even be intimidated to be open about their feelings. The obvious way to get them to be open is to simply ask them the “What’s wrong ?” question. But, before you do so, think back and see if maybe you have done something wrong to your friend that might have caused them to behave this way. Maybe they are trying to relay a message but not sure how to do it because they are afraid to hurt someone. They might think you don’t notice that something is wrong. And be sure to approach them in a non-condescending fashion. But also, do not under estimate your friend. He or she may know you are on to them. Either way, be prepared to hear what they have to say – it could involve you. Be understanding as much as possible, especially if you are familiar with their personality and how sensitive they may be.

Dear Ate V,
            I keep having dreams about work. What does it mean?
            It probably means that you really care about what you do at work. Some people have dreams about the last thought they think about before falling asleep. And sometimes it could be about work because that is what you have to wake up to the next day. It possibly means that you are nervous about something important going on at work like important clients, deadlines or projects. It may be a weird thing to dream about but it tells you that you want to do well at work.

The 2008-2010 officers of PFASQ is headed by Montreal Pinoy Post’s very own Editor in Chief Elenita Belgica; VP-Finance-Hilda Tan-Veloso; VP-Cultural-Jayjay T. Villanueva; Secretary-Christine O. Villanueva; Tresurer- Lily Vasquez; Auditor-Merlita Tambanillo; Director Arts/Culture-May Virola; Director Government Relations-Vilma Kelly; Director Music-Marilou Berlow; Director Communication-John Linden; Director Membership-Remelyn Remigio.

The new board of officers was inducted by CDN/NDG borough councillor Marvin Rotrand on August 3, 2008 at “Le Montrealais” Restaurant located in the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

The organization undertakes various activities including an annual Parol making workshop, Philippine language classes, “Paskong Pinoy”. PFSAQ is most notably known for the formation of the Kalinangan Dance Troupe in 1996, an initiative by Alvin Veloso, advisor and former president of PFASQ. KDT has had the privilege of travelling abroad to Spain in 1998, representing Canada and the Philippines,  to participate in the World Folklore Festival with other international folk dance groups.

The PFASQ Terno Ball and Silver Jubilee will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Montreal. The celebration will includes dinner and dance and special entertainment by the Philippine community’s three folk dance groups: Kalinangan Dance Troup, Salinggawi Philippine Arts Organization and PAMANA ng LuzViMinda. Tickets are $80 and available at the door.

The entire production was written and directed by yours truly, followed by a great team of young leaders who dedicated much of their time (and summer) to make this show successful. Sherling was assisted by Jorge and Jezah Antonio, Anthony-Virgil Bermejo, and Eva Friedrich. Live music was directed by John Tuvida and assisted by Marie Nolasco. MOst of the folk dances and music are adaptations by Edwin C. Duero of the ECD Dance Company, Philippines and PAMANA’s international advisor Cecille Hernandez, former Artistic Director of PAMANA.

PAMANA is also blessed to have a devoted team of dancers, parents and supporters. Thank you to all that were involved and who attended the show. Next on PAMANA,s agenda foe 2010-PAMANA will be fundraising to cover expenses to participate in the international festivals with CIOFF in Europe.

My boyfriend is still close friends with his ex-girlfriend. They were together for 5 years before they broke up, and it was a mutual break up. How do I tell him that it makes me uncomfortable that they still keep in touch?
It is important to keep an open communication in a relationship and it is only natural that you feel uncomfortable. To avoid any confrontation with your boyfriend, try and understand their friendship and why they have remained good friends. You can be open with your boyfriend and tell him how it makes you feel and KINDLY ask him to REDUCE communication with her. Asking him to cease communication may feed off as jealously. Put yourself in his shoes and ask yourself how you would feel if you were asked the same question. It wouldn’t be fair if you got upset if you still had a close friendship with your boyfriend. By confronting him, you may also give off the idea that you don’t trust him. As long as their friendship is not keeping your relationship from growing then it is safe to say “do not worry.” But if you know that he has a history of being untrustworthy then I would just keep my eyes and ears open just in case…

I am 28 years and I still live with my parents? Is that bad?
It depends…Nowadays, it takes some young adults longer to find their career job before they move out and make a life of their own. It is what you do at home that can be the deciding factor. It is easily excusable if you are still in school, therefore you probably do not have a high paying job to keep you on your feet by yourself. Usually in that case, it is excusable because you may not be making enough money to help pay expenses like the electrical bill, groceries, etc. But if you are done school and have a reasonable paying full time job, in respect to living under your parents’ roof you should help lighten the load. By doing so, this will you develop responsibility and understand what it means to keep up with the everyday utilities. But if you live freely off such luxuries and do not demonstrate and any kind of responsibility then you can expect some sort of criticism…that’s when it will be bad.

To send your questions, email:
montrealpinoypost_verabermejo@yahoo.ca

AU OSDON – Team “Mabuhay”
Interviewed by: Veraida-Lyn Bermejo

What is your party’s platform?

Our party’s platform is to really work together with everybody towards progress, peace and a better tomorrow. Our biggest thing, based on the existing constitution and by-laws of FAMAS is the community center. We want it to be a center that every Filipino-Canadian should be proud of, a place where people will be welcomed, feel free and feel safe to be in. We would like make it a resource center, introduce programs along with the existing ones, which is the heritage class, but for Debbie [Resurreccion] and Erwin [Fausto], they said we need our history class. There are alot things that we can do and for their children who are now growing up. They told me “I remember when I was growing up we had all of this, but where is it now?”

Also to service a welcoming and orientation for newcomers who are live-in caregivers and sometimes do not have a place to stay. Some only come out from their employers during the weekend. Some don’t even rent an apartment because they can’t afford it. I remember I’ve gone through that so I know what the needs are. I think they need a place where they can sit for a few hours, watch our Filipino shows in the Philippines and chat with the others and share their concerns so they feel they are not alone. When you are new here, you need that sense of belonging; you need a family.

Then we would like to explore the possibility of why do not have a foundation up to now.  It has come to a level where we can make a difference in the voting of the politicians, and we should take advantage of our number now, whether it is of the municipal, provincial or federal government, and we can now make a difference and take advantage of that. We would like to connect with people that can lobby for us, who can get us a foundation, separate from FAMAS, so this can manage independently like the FAMAS center.

And we also want to spearhead efforts in existing groups to take ownership and contribute financially towards the center. They think the center is only for FAMAS; it is for everybody and FAMAS is a symbol of the Filipino community center so we should take ownership because we all belong there. If each association, for example, the Nurses’ Association, we will have fundraise effort for FAMAS and cover the electricity and the utility bills for one month. And if every group would do that, it’s do-able and probably have a bigger center soon because we have growing needs. The community is growing very quickly.

We would also like to create a FAMAS website. It is very important and it is now the way to communicate with everybody. Our society is changing so fast, we have to grow with the society. If we keep on doing what we used to do 10 or 20 years ago, then we are being left behind. We can disseminate to people how we spend our money, what activities we offer, what services we have, disseminate the information to everybody easily and they will feel proud they have a center. We cannot do it ourselves and we cannot do it overnight. If we get a lot of people that share the same aspirations and goals with us, to work with us, it can be done.

In line with that, we would like to promote participation, inclusiveness and volunteerism among our members. A lot of our members stay away from the association because there is a lot of people talking badly and we do not want to work that way, we have to appreciate why all these candidates are running because it is for the same goal – it is for our community, so we have to appreciate each other rather than stabbing each other in the back. There has been a lot of things about transparency, good governance, accountability and respect for the dignity of everyone. We may have to really look at the by-laws and maybe along with that have some policies and other documents to support and give more and come up with more policies to control the way we do things and they way we conduct ourselves.

We would like to build strong relation with all levels of government because we want to be represented and considered in all areas of decision and policy making like consultations, so Filipinos really need to be represented.  If we build our networks with all these other groups and become a strong unity, maybe these governments will listen to us more rather than take us for granted. We have to have that kind of environment where everyone can talk and sit down together and be united. They will look at us more seriously. We can’t just talk the talk but we also have to walk the talk.
We want to pave the way for a great participation and involvement among the young people. Twenty years ago I was a FAMAS president. We tell the youth you are the future. That future is now. So it’s about time we walk with them, we journey with them so they know that we are living with them, the situations they are facing. I’m sure it is going to run better with the young people taking over. You can’t leave them to handle everything of course they will be lost and they need people to walk with them; who will respect what they will say and value their contribution; who listen to them and take them seriously. Because some of them have done other things in the community before, but just look down at them and don’t take them seriously because they are kids but not anymore. 
We are here and we hope people will take us seriously and we will do our best.

What are your short term/long term goals for FAMAS if elected?

First of all, it is to look at the situation. We want to know what are getting into. It’s very hard. Some people are asking “Why don’t you come up with a budget?” How can you come up with a budget, when you don’t even know the real situation right now? We have to work to build a relationship with the past administration. Sometimes there is animosity with people losing and winning. If we only we can learn exactly what we are starting with and work with it.

We will create committees, different committees to review the by-laws and the constitution of FAMAS, people to look at the foundation so everything will work hand in hand. The website is also important so we can communicate with the bigger community.

First, really is to reach out to people. Twenty years ago it was a matter of fundraising. Through the years we have accumulated money to buy this center, but now it’s there and it is a matter of maintaining it.

How would you encourage the youth to get more involved?

The fact that Debbie and Erwin are with us, they can easily invite friends to come over and see the center and create activities, like creating a website and create a group of youth who will handle that and empower them and let them do what they can do. If you continue to look at what they do, we don’t want to control, we have to empower them. So if they know that they are part of the whole plan, they will be more involved.  I trust we can come up with a lot of activities like history or etiquette lessons for young teens, like 20 years ago.

We’ve cried and we’ve talked to young teens around the corner of the street and it’s amazing how much you learn, just reaching out to these people. We have lot of young people who are lonely out there and they easily get influenced by drugs and have nothing else to do. We were talking the other day, near the Filipino Bakery, a boy who has been here for one month, has nothing to do and he wants to go home. We can make that center a place where they can get together, maybe it will help a little, even in small ways we can reach out to these people. There is a lot of lonely and lost people out there. So I hope Debbie and Erwin, we can learn from them. We learn from the young people. At our age, we talk at a different level. If they can talk to their peers, people the same age as them, they will be more comfortable. And maybe young adults can also help our young people who are coming while their parents are working to meet both ends meet. We’ve all gone through that and we should never forget to be able to help our own people.

What is your previous involvement in the Filipino community?

I came in 1981 and because I was alone, right away I got involved. I was forced by Debbie’s mother to come to the park and now I am the one inviting Debbie to get involved. And when I went to the park, I thought I was going to a picnic and then all of a sudden, before I knew it, I was the recording secretary of FAMAS. So that was my first involvement. Then I was the founding member of the first live-in caregiver program. We called our association the United Filipino Homemaker’s Club. Twenty years ago I headed FAMAS. With 20 years being the in the community and getting involved in other associations, I have learned more and I know the community much better. I have also matured.  I have also been the president of PBSSQ. The National Council of Canadian Filipino Associations, it’s a national body, unfortunately it died a natural death but I was once the regional vice-president for the eastern region, which covers Quebec. I have been the secretary for several terms for the Federation, I never got involved further because I got involved with NCCFA. I’ve been more with religious groups. I am currently the chairperson of St. Kevin’s Parish and MC-ing here and there. It is just not a matter of socializing; you get to know more people; you get to know the needs; you get to know who is running them. It’s nice to be able to interact with some many people in our community.

MEL DOMINGO – Team “Lingkod Bayan”
Interviewed by: Veraida-Lyn Bermejo

What is your party’s platform?

Our platform is only one. Everybody told me not to have too many platforms because if I cannot do it, they will tell me I am a liar. That’s why I prefer to have one platform and I am sure I can make it. My platform is – I will amend the constitution. There are so many things in the constitution to be removed and be replaced with a better one. The number thing that I will do is amend the constitution and then after I amend I will remove the membership fee. The membership fee is a big problem because some of our countrymates, when elections comes, they will say “I will go and vote and then pay.” Candidates who have money, almost every election, have won. How about candidates who have no money but they have knowledge that the community can benefit, but they have no chance? For example, I am rich and you are poor. My son loves drinking alcohol and sometimes he is using prohibited drugs. He will run for president.  Your son is a good boy. He is the right person to administer our association but he has no chance. Now, after election, of course, I have money and my son will win. What will my son do in his position as president? He has nothing to offer but to drink. So, my plan is to remove that membership fee so that even if your son is poor and my son is rich, it is a fair election.  There is no money involved. That is our platform, and like I said, we only have a short platform, not like the others with so many platforms. Those people with so many platforms, there are so many promises. If they win, they will remove the 4 letters from the word “platform” what will remain?  “Form”. In Tagalog, “porma” – “wala sila magawa.”  The rating of our community is going down because of vote buying. So my promise, if I win, I will remove the membership fee.

What is your previous involvement in the community?

I am the member of Knights of Columbus and I have the rank of fourth degree, the highest of the Knights of Columbus. I am also a member of the Kampapagan Association, Novo Ecijiano Association, Ex-serviceman Association, United Filipino Seniors Association and Dynamic Association. Novo Ecijiano was founded in 2004 and I am one of the founding members; as well as Ex-Serviceman and Telequenos Association. In FAMAS, I was elected three times as director and the last time I was elected among the members of the executive board as vice president. The first time I was elected under Joe Bustamante, I noticed that the Filipino community has no sign that it is a property of the Filipinos. I sponsored in the executive board that the building must have a Filipino flag. That is the first project I have made. The second time I was elected as director, under Benny Parial, we already had a flag pole in front of the building but no safety around it. I sponsored to the executive board that the flag should have a fence but the executive board disapproved it. I put a fence with my own money. I did not use FAMAS fund; I did not collect; I sacrificed my pocket. And when I was elected as director during Albert Florescar, I was elected again amongst the board as vice president. As vice president, I was the administrator of the building.

What is your short term and long term goals for FAMAS, if elected? How would you encourage the youth to get more involved?

If I will be elected and some of my directors will be elected (I am praying that all of them will win). Aside from amending the constitution, my plan is to train a young one to unite the youth because I personally believe that the future of the country is the youth. Our successors are the young ones, who we call the “kabataan”. The second plan, if I will be elected, I will organize them. I have a candidate to prepare to hold the youth – Neil Castro. If we win, I will give him the youth. If we will win, Neil will win, I am sure he can help me to unite the youth; to make projects for the youth so that they will be trained on how to become a leader.

You can assure I am elected, if God permits, what I have said will be done.

CHRIS BAUTISTA – Team “Kilusang Byanihan”
Interviewed by: Elenita Belgica

What is your party’s platform?

Our platform is very simple it is all about TEAMWORK working together with one voice…the voice of the GROUP. It is the BAYANIHAN SPIRIT.

What are your short term/long term goals for FAMAS if elected?

Our short term goals are: financial cleaning up and organizing financial records with transparency in order to manage the organization effectively. We will also clean up and fix the center for the comfort of everyone. Our long term goals:  we have to work hard and earn back the TRUST of the community to FAMAS. We have to do our best to give HONOR to the objectives of the organization.

How will/can you encourage more youth to get involved in the Filipino community?

Leaders are role models and I desire to motivate others by being a role model.  So it is important that we are self-motivated and show good examples.  I always speak up and share what is in my heart.

What is your previous involvement in the Filipino community?

I have been promoting our culture which is the traditional FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS known as Eskrima or Arnis. My grandfather Cacoy Canete is the grandmaster of this martial arts and the founder of Doce Pares in 1932. This martial arts dates back to Lapulapu who used this art in defeating Magellan. Cacoy Canete ‘s 12 striking moves, or Doce Pares, popularized this Filipino Martial Arts. We are known globally and I continue this cultural legacy here in Montreal when I teach it to Filipinos and other nationalities.

FLOR RILLO – Team “Samahang Makabayan”
Interviewed by: Elenita Belgica

What is your platform, short/long term goals and encouragement for the youth?

The platform was long time written. First things first, our team mission – our mission is to continue the progress we have established in order to build more effective organization that understands and meets the needs of FAMAS and this community. Our vision – our community center is a place where our community members feel comfortable and enjoy the friendly and relaxing environment. Our community members of all ages, come together, unified and empowered by sharing the belief that they hold the power to create and share in how they live and grow in the community.

Our core values reflect the FAMAS mission and philosophy. They guide the decisions made by the team members: community – those we work with and those we serve; cooperation – the spirit of work ethics; compassion – the inspiration that guides our work and for our commitment, the pledge we made. Our goals enhance the positive image of our center and maximize the operational functioning seven days a week.

Action plan: Designate a full time building administrator with defined duties and responsibilities; develop policy and procedure (ex. building upkeep and maintenance); develop and implement a volunteer program; develop and implement program activities – social, cultural and educational that are appropriate for all ages; develop strategies on how to maximize our human and financial resources in our community center;  develop FAMAS administrative policy and procedure in order to have consistency, continuity and uniformity for effective and productive operation of the organization; develop code of ethics for our organization (ex. officers and members). This is a guide to involve as they ascribe to render effective and efficient service for FAMAS and for the community.

Evaluate and enhance the existing programs such as Filipino heritage class, classes for children, French language, classes for new arrival immigrants and develop a welcoming and orientation program for new arrivals. Enhance the financial revenue of FAMAS by doing an annual membership drive. Do partnership with our community organizations, with their social and cultural activities and educational programs. Develop and implement educational programs for FAMAS, executive board members to enhance the knowledge and skills to be effective and productive.  Develop FAMAS a strategic framework. This is our roadmap that will guide us in the right direction.

We will develop our strategic plan for term 2009 and 2010 administration. Continue and enhance our linkages with other agencies such as government, both locally and provincially, and also financial and business entities.  Actively participate in community health programs, relating to promotion of wellness and restoration and maintenance of health.

I believe these are my goals and missions.

What is your previous involvement with the Filipino community?

I was elected as director and hold the position of business manager during the Florescar. Under the administration of Claro [Bermudez,] I was business manager too, and while leaving FAMAS for vacation to different places I assumed the position of vice-president. I joined and Cultural and Heritage Association under Lina Flores and I was also business manager. I was an accountant of Novo Ecjiano Association. I am current commander of Knights of Rizal.

In the Montreal Filipino community, there are plenty of events to attend – pageants, dinner parties and concerts.  You’ve been to so many that you see the same familiar faces over and over again but you can’t seem to point your finger as to where you’ve seen them before? One of those faces may has hosted various events such as Binibining Pilipinas Montreal, Little Miss Philbecan and Fil-Can Idol;  you’ve probably caught him dancing Tinikling or balance on a bench a few feet off the ground;  or open for the Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Pokwang concert with the Philippine National Anthem.  That familiar face could very well be Neil Yapp. His appearance and name has circulated around the Filipino community over the last two to three years.  So who is Neil Yapp?

Neil was born in Kingston, Jamaica, with a background of Chinese-Jamaican with German.  He and his family moved to Toronto when he was 2 years old. He attended Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School in Scarborough and was a full active student – volleyball, dragon boat, year book, jazz choir and the president of student council. After attending York University, Neil moved to Montreal in October 2000 to attend Concordia University in Theological Studies and recently graduated with a Masters degree.

Not only was Neil active in school, he was also active with CFC-Youth for Chris and CFC- Singles for Christ. He was the head of special events for Gawad Kalinga and executive director for productions that headlined Filipino celebrities such as Louie Reyes and Joey Albert, whom he is now good friends with and by her request sang a duet for a Christmas concert that benefitted the Filipino Catholic Mission.

Neil started training in Philippine folk dance with Folklorico in Toronto.  He was first introduced to Philippine folk dance by his grade 4 teacher who ran a lunch time cultural club.  The first dance he learned was Binasuan and today, is notably one of Neil’s speciality dances.  His training was short-lived because of conflicts in schedule and decided to focus on his leadership in YFC.  In 2005, he regained his interest in folk dancing while looking for a group to participate in a GK concert in Montreal. He stumbled upon Salinggawi Philippine Arts Organization.  It was Leticia Bulotano Wheeler, founder of Salinggawi, whom convinced him to join. He was inspired by the well trained dancers displaying their culture and was motivated to dance as well as them.

Through that awakening and studying Philippine folk dance – watching videos of other groups, researching and networking, Neil became a founding member of PAMANA ng LuzViMinda Folkloric Dance Company in 2005 and became the president in 2007.  Unfortunately, he was unable to finish his 2 year term to move back to Toronto and work as the manager of Consumer Affairs at Maple Leaf’s Head Office. But he still keeps his relationship with PAMANA and continues his endeavour in Filipino folk dance with Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada.

With a dynamic background, how did Neil ever find the time for acting? In PAMANA, Neil performed duo roles as dancer and actor in two of the company’s theatre incorporated productions.

Question: I’m dealing with a friend who is falling for someone for all the wrong reasons and with someone who I know for a fact will hurt her. How do I deal with this?
Answer: As a friend, you need to do two things – 1) Tell her how you feel about the person he/she is falling for. But make sure your intentions are valid and your reasons are legitimate. It is great that you are looking out for your friend but you don’t want him/her to think that you are jealous of their new relationship. 2) Respect whatever decision he/she makes. If they don’t listen to what you have to say, do not get upset. If that friend really means a lot to you, then you will have to understand their decision, even it is not what you had hoped for. As their friend, you’ve done your part and can only support their decision and be there for them if something bad does happen.

Question: What do I do if I have to move out of the country but I have a girlfriend?
Answer: First, ask yourself the question: Where do I see this relationship going? Do I want to take this relationship seriously or cut loose ends? Long distance relationships are possible and can have a happily ever after ending, but only if the both sides work at it. If you really care about your girlfriend and she is serious about the relationship, then the long distance relationship should work out. But if you really don’t care how the relationship will roll out when you are away from her, then you might as well save yourself the trouble and break up with her before you move out of the country. Long distance relationships always work out if your heart is in it. It may sound cheesy, but when you put time and effort on something you like or want to keep, that means it the right thing to from the very beginning.

Harana is a genre of Philippine music dating back to the country’s Spanish era.  Its lyrics portray a romantic theme with some sub categories depicting a love story.  Harana is also traditionally known as a serenade to woman outside her bedroom window at night. Florante Aguilar is well known amongst today’s Filipino-Americans. He plays traditional western classics, contemporary music and other genres, but he cannot deny his true love for harana.

 Florante, born in Manila and raised in Cavite, learned to play the octavina in a rondalla group led by his neighbour’s gardener; a fond memory from his childhood. Thanks to rock and roll, he learned to play the guitar and later, by the age of 16, was enrolled in the University of the Philippines College of Music. In 1985, he toured for 6 and half months, around Europe, the US and Asia, playing in major cities as a soloist and ensemble player. After seeing the world at a young age, Florante moved to New York with a scholarship studying at the Manhattan School of Music with Grammy award winner Sharon Isbin, also a classical guitarist and founder of the guitar department in Julliard.

In 1996, Florante received a Bachelor of Music degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 1996 mentored by David Tenenbaum. He is the half of the Barbary Coast Guitar Duo along with guitarist Micheal Walsh .

In 1997, Montreal was fortunate to have Florante serenade his audience at a benefit concert called “Tipanan” at Lower Canada College through Voice Productions and Pinoy Post’s very own Chief Editor Elenita Belgica. Florante’s recent works are hailed in a stage production in San Francisco. “Lalawigan: A Contempoary Tagalog Song Cycle.  Lalawigan, means province in Tagalog. Florante’s credit as writer, composer and guitarist was created through a grant by the San Francisco Arts Commission.

The story takes places in 1898 in Cavite during the uprising against Spain. The characters are inspired by the unsung heroes of this era in Philippine history, including the legendary rebel of the revolution Macario Sakay played by award-winning Philippine actor Raymond Bagatsing. Remaining loyal to the musical genre of this era, Florante composed harana and kundiman music.

Up next, Florante will be performing on July 1^st at Intramuros Restaurant in San Francisco. And for the first time in nearly 20 years, he will be performing with his teacher from New York Michael Dadap. Proceeds of the event will go towards the completion of a documentary by award winning Benito Bautista called “Harana”, a film that romanticizes the culture of Harana through the eyes of Florante himself.  The documentary reveals a long lost tradition that once was part of Philippine custom that only survives through a very few and hopefully has a chance to blossom once more.

On February 7, PAMANA ng LuzViMinda celebrated a successful 3rd anniversary at Chateau Royal in Chomedy, Laval. The evening was spent honouring former members of PAMANA’s Executive Board – Mr. & Mrs. Leo Tuvida and Joaquina Tino and special plaques of appreciation to former PAMANA presidents – John Tuvida and Neil Yapp. PAMANA end their evening showcasing a 40-minute set of dances that they learned during their one week in the Philippines last summer.

 PAMANA was formed in 2005 with only 15 dancers. With Leticia Bulotano Wheeler as the group’s leading inspiration, parents of the dancers and other supporters invested their money and their backyards to get the group off the ground.  PAMANA has wowed audiences all over Montreal, Drummondville, New Jersey, Vancouver and Ottawa.

            In July 2008, 30 dancers and 20 parents of PAMANA travelled to the Philippines to meet and receive formal training from Edwin Duero of ECD Dance Company and Victor Flor of the Philippine High School of the Arts in Los Banos, Laguna.   PAMANA spent four 10-hour days training and learning new dances at the National Arts Center on Mount Makiling and returned to Montreal enriched in new folk dance material.  To bring a taste of Canada to the Philippines, PAMANA performed two shows in one day at the Christian School International to help raise money for the Philippine High School of the Arts Employees Association to cover expenses food, transportation and lodging expenses.   And by special request, Cora Inigo, CIOFF delegate for the Philippines, arranged a performance at Diliman Preparatory School. The group performed “Pinagkalooban,” a dance/theatre production from 2007 that tells the story of a father and son relationship and finding the connection through the common heritage that they share.  All three shows had a full house of spectators. 

             At the gala, the group presented their new dances from all five categories of Philippine folk dance as well as some traditional favourites like Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Tinikling. The event was attended by specials guests of numerous Philippine associations in Montreal, as well as the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Mr. José S. Brilliantes.  PAMANA’s showcase was well praised by the guests, not only for their flawless performance but also for their collection of the authentic Cordillera, Muslim and Southern Tribal costumes that were acquired in the Philippines. That evening was the first time the group performed these new dances with even more to share in 2009.

PAMANA has proven to have a bright future ahead of them and no sign of backing down from continuing their venture to promote and share an essential part of the Philippine culture. In 2009, PAMANA will participate for the 2^nd year in a row at the Ottawa Tulip Festival in May and join forces with the Karilagan Dance Society of Edmonton this summer as part of an exchange program with SEVEC. PAMANA will satge ther 3^rd grand production at the end of the August. In 2010, PAMANA will represent Canada and the Philippines in a CIOFF festival in Europe.

Dear Ate V. ,
My boyfriend and I broke up 7 months ago. Since then, he has made no attempt to contact me. Two weeks ago, he saw my sister and one of my best friends and told them he’s been meaning to contact me, but he’s been too busy with work and his new girlfriend. I’ve been meaning to call him for the longest time, but afraid get really angry and emotional.  But I am standing my ground and not going to call him. What do you think?

Yes, you are. If he hurt you and he’s been telling everyone that he’s been meaning to contact you and has not yet done so, then I say keep it that way.  He’s making himself look like a coward to everyone else because he can’t keep to his word.  If you are doing well until now, then you don’t need to hear from him. You are probably looking for closure, but sometimes life works out better without it. Closure is usually an excuse to see each other once last time before officially calling it quits. The person that is asking for closure usually comes out stronger and happier once they’ve regained themselves from the depression. If he respected you enough, he would have made that phone call long before. You have the advantage in this situation and you do not want to lose that.

Dear Ka-Blog,
How are two people in a relationship supposed to function freely, my girlfriend’s parents are very strict?

The most important thing to do in this situation is to try and gain the trust of your girlfriend’s parents. The last thing they want is to discover that their daughter is sneaking around behind their backs. Don’t hide the relationship but also don’t flaunt it. In some cultures, public display of affection is not accepted. Respect boundaries and culture difference if you want them to respect you as well.
To gain their trust, be more present and not shy away. Invite each other to family parties or hang out together with groups of friends. Parents feel more comfortable when they know their daughter is not alone with her boyfriend. They want to keep their kids under a watchful eye.  Parents are also afraid of the relationship causing a distraction, especially from school. It’s only natural for parents to be protective of their kids. Do not expect to gain their trust overnight.  It will certainly take time until her parents can be more comfortable and assured that their daughter is in good hands.
Your girlfriend can also be open about you to her parents – talk about your special attributes, goals in life or why she likes you. That way, her parents can know you a little better and see that you are not a bad guy.
If all the above fails, ask a family member of close friend to talk to her parents and give them a different perspective on the situation.  This may help her relieve the situation knowing that their daughter is growing up and that dating is an inevitable part of life