Fil-Am Assoc. of Iowa Calendar of Events

FAAI gives a helping hand and makes a difference!

Annual Christmas Party

December 14,2013

Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart

Catholic Church, Ankeny ,IA

FAAI 30th Valentine’s Party

February 15, 2014

Prairie Meadows Events Cen-

ter, Altoona

“Christmas in July” Camp-

out and Picnic with Fil-Am

of Omaha

July 19-20, 2013

Lake Anita State Park

Anita, IA

Piestang Pinoy 2

President’s Corner 3

A Day To Be Asian 4

Honoring The Graduates 5

Piestang Pinoy Cont. 6

A Day To Be Asian Cont. 6

CORDILLERA DAY 4

INSIDE PAGE

“Christmas in July” 7

Phil Independence 8

Jane Foundation Event 8

New U.S Citizens 9

Achievers and Champions in our Community

9

Editorial/Contributors 10

One of those families affected by the typhoon that you all helped in Baybay, Leyte .

2

2

Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

Piestang Pampamilya by Eugene Matibag

Lechon, Pancit, Leche flan, Ginataan, Menudo, Lumpia,

Bagoong—all that lutong pinoy, ang sarap sarap, fin-

ished off with a fruity Halo-halo! Like this favorite icy-

cold dessert, the Annual FAAI Pigroast Picnic turned out

a real “mix-mix” of foods and flavors, a fabulous feast of

music and singing, dance and martial arts, games and

prizes that made you appreciate the joy of being a part of

the Filipino-American community in Iowa.

On the perfectly breezy afternoon of August 3, 2013,

around 275 members, friends and family came together

at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. President

Al Snyder brightened up the already sunny day with his

welcoming remarks, Father Vincent Bete gave the bless-

ing. After we ate, Dr. Ramon Reyes III advised us about

“Working on Healthy Habits” and encouraged us to visit

the Health and Wellness Station where RN Maria Astra

Fecundo can take Blood Pressure measurements. Filipi-

nos (okay, not all Filipinos) may tend to overindulge in

foods a bit too sweet, fatty and salty. Instead, we can

choose from a colorful variety of salads and mga gulay

on the picnic tables.

Next, it’s time to get our bodies moving. The HAPA

Filipino Folk Dancers, led by Julie Rullan Hayes, per-

formed the graceful Kuratsa. Then out came the tinikling

poles and everyone was welcome to join in the dance. Be

careful not to let your heels get rapped by the bamboo

poles! Zumba instructors Kat Joseph, Nicole Edmonds

and Olga Dobbins taught us how we can dance to the

music while getting a work-out. But that’s not all! Stu-

dents of Barongan Martial Arts demonstrated the moves of

Arnis and Escrima. It is self-defense mixed with a little show-

manship and a lot of comedy! Professor A. Bobby Barongan,

who recently received the International Hall of Fame Kenpo

Award, played the hapless target of martial arts kicks and

blows, but then transforms into true master of the Filipino

martial arts.

And the beat goes on! BACHATAVida de IOWA, instructor

Annalyn Vida, showed us basics of Bachata dance, a real ex-

ample of “Pinoys Got Talent.” DJ IVAN Cortes keeps the

music flowing, gets the action going with his electronic turnta-

ble of all-time hits.

Chance favored the lucky winners of BINGO and door prizes

which were donated by Chocolate Storybook, Alma Reed,

Dolly Silverio, Bob & Zen Vida, Wally & Chit Marantal, and

the Reyeses. (Is it true that Filipinos love gambling? Maybe

we needed a table for mahjong and hueteng!) Christa Eribal

led the kids’ activities and the PABITIN was a hit, a game

where they reached out for gifts hanging from a traditional

wooden frame. As my father would say, it’s “just like in the

old country.”

Filipinos of Eastern and Central Iowa did not go without rep-

resentation at this year’s pigroast. President Lyn Velosi-Pretz

of the Filipino American Association of Cedar Rapids and

President Eugenio Matibag of the Iowa State University Filipi-

no Association, enjoyed bringing the kababayan spirit of their

groups to the FAAI . (Turn to page 6)

Photo by Rutchie Heiring

3

3

Lahi Newsletter Fall 2013 Page 3

President’s Corner Al Snyder

As this year comes to an end, I would like to thank our

officers: VP Joy Stachura, Business Manager Dr. Rosa

Reyes, Treasurer Jim

Foster and Secretary Do-

ry Taylor and the many

volunteers who have

made this year’s FAAI

events a smashing suc-

cess. These include the

Valentine’s Party, Cele-

brAsian Festival,

“Christmas in July” at

Lake Anita State Park

with the Fil-Am of Oma-

ha, Annual Hog Roast at

Raccoon River Park, new

community members

“Welcoming Party”, Zumbathon, Halloween Party, Parol

-Making at the Science Center, and our Annual Christ-

mas Party

I am very proud of our community’s tireless efforts to

provide humanitarian relief to our brothers and sisters in

the Philippines after sever flooding, earthquakes and the

strongest typhoon ever recorded hit the Philippines caus-

ing catastrophic damage and loss of life. I am happy to

report that from the two fundraising events that we had,

we were able to raise approximately $14,000.00 for our

“Helping Hands” fund, allowing our association to pro-

vide relief goods and direct financial support to a dozen

of community members ’ families whose homes were

destroyed or damaged from the typhoon. It also allows us

to directly support 10 different relief services in the Phil-

ippines. We are currently planning a follow-up fundrais-

ing event in February. Let us look forward to a great year

with our friends.

In addition to our regular events, we are planning the fol-

lowing events for this year--our first FAAI Annual Camp

-out and Picnic and our 2nd annual “Christmas in July”

Camp-out and Picnic with the Fil-Am of Omaha at Lake

Anita State Park on July 19 & 20, 2014.

To meet our goal of increasing our scholarship offerings

and starting a community center fund, we will be holding

several fundraising events this year. Thank you to all

who have given generously to FAAI. Remember that all

monetary donations to the association are tax-deductible.

If you made a donation and you need a receipt,

please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We will also be focusing on our community’s

health with free health screenings and infor-

mation at some of our events by Dr Ramon

Reyes. To get you moving and keep you moving

and having fun, Jhun Edejer will be planning a

sports fest (Barrio Fiesta League/ Intramurals)

for this summer. If you would like to help out,

please contact Jhun or myself.

We are truly blessed to have so many caring

members who unselfishly give their time, skills,

resources and support to the Filipino-American

Association of Iowa, allowing such good works

to be possible!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year!

Salamat Po,

Al Snyder Phfd4301@aol.com

515.240.7856

On behalf of the Filipino–American Association of

Iowa, we extend our sympathy and condolences to

the family of our senior member, Victoria (Nanay

Vickie) Friemel’s daughter, Cindee Garner-Floro

who passed

away from a

tragic automo-

bile/pedestrian

accident on No-

vember 24, 2013

in Colorado.

(Photo credit

to Michael

Garner)

4

4

Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

Calendar of Events

A Day To Be Asian by Linda Hurley

Page 4 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

It is a beautiful windy spring day. The trees are covered with

purple blossoms. After working overnight, I start heading to

the Capitol building by 6 am where the volunteers for Cele-

brAsian are getting ready to set up. This is the 11th Annual

Asian Heritage Festival in Des Moines, where everything

Asian from cultural, food, history, arts & crafts, live music,

family and children activities is continuously in display. I

would not miss it for the world! I look forward to this event

year after year. It is where we share the jewels of Asia. Peo-

ple across the Midwest experience all the wonderful colors of

the diverse culture of Asian Americans in Iowa.

The village where my heart belongs to is the Filipino Village.

This is where old friends and new friends come together, to

make the best representation of our shared history and culture.

An army of Filipino volunteers come to lend a helping hand.

From setting-up, cooking, serving the native food, to exhibit-

ing their individual talents in the performances, fashion show,

cooking demonstration, and cleaning-up. It is very impressive

to watch people working together for a common goal.

All the hard work the FAAI officers and volunteers put togeth-

er made it possible for the Filipino village to garner awards

this year. For the first time in history, we took home the 3rd

place award for our Cultural exhibit. Dr. Rosa Reyes and her

team of dedicated volunteers made us proud. The turon

(Banana rolls) was also a big hit in the cooking demo tent ob-

taining 3rd place. Thanks to our wonderful cooks, Joy Stachura

and Nene Eribal, who gave the food samplers a taste of happi-

ness. Our chefs: Mrs. Ly Foster and Ms. Dory Taylor kept

the supply of good food flowing all day long. With the watch-

ful eye of Mr. Jim Foster, our village team leader, everything

were well-stocked, maintained and served properly. Our vil-

lage earned an A+ rating from the food inspector. Ms.

Alma Reed, FAAI Board Member and past President

introduced current President Mr. Al Snyder to all the

other village leaders.

Our cultural performers from the Phil. Dance Troupe

of Quad Cities, Igorots of Iowa and HAPA Filipino

Fork Dancers displayed their unique talents in the na-

tive Filipino dances from the different provinces of the

Philippines. If one has never tried dancing in between

2 moving bamboo sticks without their leg being

caught, the Filipino village is the place to try that

dance called the tinikling. Our fashion show models

ranged from the very young ones to our young-at-heart

seniors.

For 11 years, I have been coming to the Asian Festival

and never has it failed to amaze me and witness the

very diverse culture of the continent… (turn to page 6)

5

5

Lahi Newsletter -Fall 2013 Page 5

Honoring Our Graduates of 2013 by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD

Year after year, the weekends of May and June are

filled with open house parties for graduates of high school

and college. In our Filipino community, this year was no

different! Congratulations to these hard-working students

and their parents!

Jean Pauline Robles, eldest daughter of Ike & Amy Robles

graduated from Waukee High School and is the recipient of

the 2013 FAAI Scholarship Grant. She was the President of

the Waukee High School International Club, a State Speech

recipient for Original Oratory and Group Radio, volunteered

at CelebrAsian, Meals from the Heartland, St. Francis and

St. Boniface events. She also garnered awards for Varsity

Letter award in Tennis, Silver Cord and a historian of the

National Honor Society. At the Surgery Center of Des

Moines, she was an intern from 2012-2013. She is now at

Iowa State University taking B.S. Biology for her Pre-Med

studies.

Stephen Laughrun, eldest son of Dr. David & Linda Direc-

to Laughrun graduated from Dowling Catholic High School.

He is now studying in Sedona Film School in Sedona, AZ.

Emily Tuazon, eldest daughter of Tony & Jean Tuazon

graduated from Dowling Catholic High School where she

was the pride of the swim team. She is now in DMACC for

Kinesiology.

Briana Houlihan, daughter of Cathy Casilla-Grossman &

Bryan Houlihan graduated from Carroll High School,

earned Academic, Iowa Advantage and Multicultural

scholarships as she moved on to University of Iowa for a

degree in Mass Communication and Journalism.

Colleen Tanyag, eldest daughter of Edwin and Tanya

Tanyag graduated from Truman State University as

Summa Cum Laude with Bachelor of Arts in Psycholo-

gy in 3 years. She graduated 2nd out of 300+ students

from Southeast Polk High School just a few years back.

She was awarded a scholarship in Graduate Assistance

Program in counseling and is now attending graduate

school at the University of Northern Iowa to become a

High School counselor.

Cris Houlihan, son of Bryan Houlihan & Cathy Casilla-

Grossman graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Uni-

versity of Northern Iowa. He is now working at Cotting-

ham and Butler in Dubuque.

Angelia Peralta, daughter of Drs. Francis & Cecille

Peralta graduated from DePaul University in Chicago

with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema & Media stud-

ies and PR & Advertising. She now resides in Coral-

ville, IA while pursuing post-baccalaureate pre-med

studies at the University of Iowa.

Our littlest graduates are Richelle Dolores, daughter of

Icy & Reggie Dolores and Bayani ‘Dos’ Nery, son of

Bayani+ and Ivy Nery who both received recognition

during their Kindergarten graduation from Capitol View

Elementary school.

Our Achievers… (from page 9)

Josie Domingo-Diedrichs, only started running last march.

Her 1st race was the Drake relay (10K) in April, then she

did the 20K Dam to Dam in June. She ran a couple of 5Ks

in between then Midnight Madness 10k. This month, she

ran 10 miles in Minneapolis to get ready for her 1st half of

the Des Moines marathon. For her, running is a good ad-

diction because it keeps her going. She feels very sluggish

when she does not put in about 20 miles /wk and do it 3-4

times a week. She just turned 50 this month and states

“LIFE definitely begins at 50…”

Dr. Ruben Rullan, former FAAI President will not make

his age stop him from attaining his goals. He completed

the 4mile Earth day run in WDM, a 10K run in Windsor

Heights and Dam to Dam 5Krun. At the Iowa Senior

Olympics, he participated in track and field, 5K run and

swimming. At the Iowa Games in Ames, just swimming

but he is also registered for the upcoming IMT race on Oc-

tober 20. He keeps on going and going… just like an EN-

ERGIZER.

Jun Siasoco, PD Legaspi, Drs. Larry Rabang and

Amer Enriquez, participated in the RAGBRAI this year.

There are no limitations to what you can achieve. These

men went out of their comfort zones to pursue a personal

milestone on fitness. You too can challenge yourself!

Maryen Angela Snyder, the daughter of Al a

& Aireen Snyder received the “ Optimist International”

award on November 13, 2013 in recognition of her

works in upholding the dignity of youth, for showing

sincere devotion to the welfare of others, and for her

generous and unselfish contributions to society. Each

high school in Iowa had a boy and a girl recipients of this

award and she was chosen the girl awardee of her

school. Maryen, a HS senior will be going to the Univer-

sity of Iowa to take up B.S. in Biology next year.

Each and every one of us, no matter how young or old,

can make a difference. Let’s inspire each other and cele-

brate along the way. Mabuhay!

6

6

Piestang Pinoy (from page 2)

Page 6 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

It was an event to spread joy to the extended family of the

Iowa Filipinos. Ruby Uy received a surprise 75th birthday

greeting from his son and the whole audience. Awarded the

FAAI 2013 Scholarship Grant was Jean Pauline Robles, the

daughter of Ike and Amy Robles of Waukee. We are proud

of her, as we are of all our progress and accomplishments.

Congratulations to all our generations of folk for a great

showing of “Iowa Filipino Spirit” and for celebrating the

rich double heritage of the “Lupang Hinirang.”

A warm, heartfelt thanks to all the other volunteers and con-

tributors!

For the LECHON, donated by: Flora Underwood, Maria

Fecundo, Carmen Hamm, Sheena Pike, Ana Johnston, An-

naLou Ruth, Nonna Antiquisa, Jessa Chiodo & Mariz Em-

ery.

HALO-HALO ingredients donated by the Eribal and Cor-

dell Family

COMMITTEES:

REGISTRATION: Dory Taylor, Christa Eribal, Hannelore

Reed, Lawrence Anthony, Aireen Snyder and Jim Foster

FOOD: Nene Eribal, Linda Hurley, Lando Puzon, Wally

Marantal, Nora Fernandez, Patricia Vogel and friend Sue

GAMES: Christa Eribal and Hannelore Reed

SCHOLARSHIP: Rosa Reyes, Chit Marantal and Dolly

Silverio.

I came

from.

Each

village

has its

unique

quality,

beauty

and so

much

history.

Each

one has

so many

wonder-

ful things to share. Why does it matter that our adapted country

gain understanding to the uniqueness of our Asian culture?

Because maybe, just maybe, if we share enough good things

we have from our motherland, our adapted country will ab-

sorb, learn tolerance and gain understanding. It is the diversity

that makes this country of ours better. With understanding

comes knowledge and acceptance that our cultural differences

is what makes this country unique and beautiful. Spreading

hope is not such a bad goal to have. So watch out for next

year’s date for CelebrAsian and pencil it in your calendars as a

‘must attend’ event for the year. You will not be disappointed.

Why not get more involved and volunteer? Experience it first

hand, what it takes to put something big and wonderful like

this is. Join in the fun! As the saying goes, “a country is

made better by enough people who chose to do what is good

and right.” Let us be that person. Proud to be Pinoy!

Mabuhay!!! .

If you would like to advertise your business in the LAHI, the ads are $25 per quarter or $75 per year.

email your request to - Newsletter Editor Aireen Snyder at

ginangsnyder@yahoo.com Check us out on:

https://www.facebook.com/faai1975?ref=hl www,filamofiowa.org

Advertise in the LAHI

A Day To Be Asian (from page 4)

L-R: Dory Taylor, Aireen,Angelica & Al Snyder, Rosie

Lane, Joy Stachura, and Rosa & Ramon Reyes at the fund-

raising event.

FAAI partnered up with Zumba Instructors- Kat Joseph,

Soldier Boy Jacques Walden, Larissa Flyn,Brenda and

the Bhangra guru, Monia Bhosle- to raise funds for the

Scholarship grant/Educational Aid Fund of the Associa-

tion on September 19 at the Lotus Events Center on 2135

East Grand in Des Moines, IA.

7

7

Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2013 Page 7

FAAI and Fil-Am of Omaha Celebrate “Christmas in July” by Dory Taylor & Lawrence Anthony

Friday, July 19,2013, the Fil-Am Association of Iowa

headed by our president Al Snyder and the other officers–

Joy Stachura, Jim Foster, Dory Taylor and Rosa Reyes

traveled west to meet up with the Fil-Am of Omaha mem-

bers led by their president, Daryl Rose and his wife Lilith at

Lake Anita State Park.

The hog to be roasted was placed over the coals at 6:00

o’clock in the morning and the fun began. The American

and Philippine flags were proudly displayed side-by-side at

the campgrounds.

The activities included walking around the park, swimming

at the beach, lunch potluck with a variety of Filipino as

well as American foods, tug-of-war, karaoke, and of course

picture-taking.

Santa rode in on a Harley and was immediately surrounded

by beautiful Filipina women wanting a photo opportunity.

Our special thanks goes out to all the volunteers who

helped with the hog roast (lechon), setup and cleanup of

Photos taken by Linda Hurley

of the shelter.

We hope to see many new faces next year as this is ex-

pected to be an annual event of the FAAI and Fil-Am of

Omaha.

FAAI is selling the Des Moines Best Coupon

Books for $25. Proceeds of the sales will go to the

Scholarship fund. Purchase it at the Filipino

store or contact Rosa Reyes or any of the offic-

ers.

Manila Market Working For You

We sell Filipino Foods and Pick up ForeX Boxes

Call:

Jim and Ly Foster (515) 419-8793/ 999-2751/314-2383

8

8

Page 8 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

Some FAAI members participated in the Jane Foundation’s fund-

raising activity dubbed as “September Fair” at the Corinthian Bap-

tist Church last September.

Fairfield Hosts Philippine Independence Celebration by Vilma Thorn

FAIRFIELD, IA: The Filipino American community

from all over Iowa and Illinois travelled to Fairfield

on June 8 at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center

to celebrate the 115th Philippine Independence Day.

All over the

US , Filipinos

gather and cele-

brate the Philip-

pine Independ-

ence Day to

create cultural

awareness to

the next genera-

tion and to re-

kindle their

roots and herit-

age .

On Friday, June

8, more than

200 Filipino

Americans

waved Philippine flags alongside the American flag

and feasted on their traditional roast pig, adobo,

pansit, egg rolls, and several other native delicacies.

Dance troupes from Cedar Rapids and Des Moines performed Fili-

pino dances and a choral group from Iowa City performed a patri-

otic musical number. Donning Filipino costumes called terno and barong tagalog, the

event was a true showcase of Filipino art-

istry. Mayor Ed Malloy of Fairfield, Iowa

was the event’s special guest.

Vilma Kintanar Thorn, a Fairfield resident

for over 27 years, has been hosting this

event in her backyard for the last 20 years.

The popularity of the event has caused a

remarkable increase in the number of at-

tendees so the venue was moved this year

to the Fairfield Arts and Convention Cen-

ter.

The Philippine Independence Day on June

12,1898 is one of the most significant dates

in the Philippine history because it marks

the nation's independence from 333 years

of Spanish rule. Filipinos celebrate it annu-

ally on June 12.

Next year , it is expected that there will be more people participat-

ing in this big historical event.

CONGRATULATIONS to our new U.S

citizens!

Aireen & Maryen Snyder (2nd and 3rd from

left) obtained their U. S. citizenship on Octo-

ber 23,2013– a day before Maryen turned 18.

(Isn’t that a BIG blessing?-editor)

9

9

Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2013 page 9

Our Achievers and Champions in the Community by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD these low-income Filipinos formed the association and

successfully negotiated to buy from a local bank for

P250 per month small parcels of land on which they

have built or could build their homes. The mission was

in cooperation with 2 Filipino churches and a Fil-Am

group in the U.S. Jade encouraged voluntary donations

of canned goods and cash instead of concert pay-

ment. Abundance in generosity of the audience permit-

ted them to distribute bags of food to about 43 families

and start a garden project within the community. Her

mission of inspiring the youth to be bold in serving the

Lord and sharing your talents will continue on.

Charles Wandag was invited to be a Guest Speaker at

the Honors House at Finger Lakes Community College

in Canandaigua, NY last September to talk about his art

and music. His presentation culminated with a little

workshop about how to play gongs and dance to its mu-

sic. He opened an exhibit of his art the next day at the

Culture Shack Art Gallery in New York that showcased

his creations for two months. Last December, as the

Visiting Artist brought by the Art Department of Way-

land-Cohocton School District in Upstate New York, he

shared his work with more than 600 students and staff.

July was spent travelling to 3 different states in the East

Coast to give workshops on Kalinga Traditional music

and exhibit his recent works. From photography to

painting, to music and performing arts, there are no

boundaries to his creativity!

Dr. Bobby Borromeo and son, Jude participated in the

Walking Stations of the Cross this past Lenten season

and were featured in the Des Moines Register while car-

rying the cross.

Al Snyder, our President has been reelected as Grand

Knight of Council 644 Basilica of Saint John. His coun-

cil has won the “Double Star Council Award” for 2012-

2013.

Alma Agunod-Reed was elected as Assistant Treasurer

of the NaFFAA Illinois chapter during the regional con-

ference in Ohio last month. She continues to make waves

for the FAAI.

Jimenez McGonigal continues to make us proud in the

athletic field. She won 2nd place at the Elite Division of

IA Games in DSM, 1st place in her age group at the Cy-

Man Triathlon in Bondurant, 1st place women’s overall

in the Hubbard 5K run. She placed 10th in her age group

during the HyVee Triathlon and represented Iowa at the

USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in

Milwaukee, WI. (Turn to page 5)

How does one measure success? It can be perceived in

many different ways and levels. Only oneself can decide ex-

actly what it means. Upon interviewing a group of people in

our FAAI community lately, I have gathered a set of different

successes from people of different ages and different inter-

ests. Some of them have gone beyond the boundaries of our

state and even back to the Philippines, to which I am very

proud of. Congratulations to our Achievers, our Champions

and thank you for all you do!

William T. Glazier, son of Dr. John & Ofe Obias Glazier,

was recognized as the First Ever “Emergency Medical Re-

sponder of the Month” at the University of San Francisco for

demonstrating exceptional leadership to the USF EMR ser-

vice. He was a US Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regi-

ment, 1st Battalion as Special Operations Combat Medic, and

was deployed twice: Iraq in 2010 and Afghanistan in 2011.

He is in the Dean’s Honor Roll list, serves as VP and team

leader for the squad, conducts exceptional CPR and First Aid

training classes and has been well commended for his bril-

liant teaching abilities and organizational skills. Way to go,

Bill!

Richelle Manuel, daughter of Marlene & Ruel Manuel, qual-

ified for the Tournament of Champions for Public Forum De-

bate. She is the Debate Captain and the first Ankeny Centen-

nial High School student to double qualify in IHSSA All-

State tournament for Acting and Expository. Last July, she

participated in the Rotary Club sponsored Youth Leadership

Conference in Wartburg College.

Jolene Gamez, daughter of Freddie & Debbie Gamez, is dnc-

ing as a Doll and one of the Arabian dancers in the Nutcrack-

er on Dec. 7-8 at the Civic Center. She has been taking ballet

lessons for 8 yrs and is a student of Pointe Academy.

Danielle Reyes, daughter of Drs. Ramon & Rosa Reyes rep-

resents Polk County at the State of Iowa Youth Advisory

Council and belongs to the Education Committee. She was at

the State Capitol again last September 26th to attend their

quarterly meeting. This summer, she was at the National

High School Institute for Debate at the Northwestern Univer-

sity in Evanston, Illinois. She was awarded the “Most Ag-

gressive Novice Debater” of the Valley Debate team and was

invited to compete at the St. Mark’s debate competition in

Dallas, TX in October.

Jade Miller, daughter of Chip & Daffy Miller, had a piano

concert in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental to benefit the

Purity Housing Association residents. It was called Keys for

Cans. Instead of illegally squatting on other people’s lands,

10

10

Aireen Snyder, Editor

4027 Dean Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50317

Filipino-American Association of Iowa

OFFICERS

President……………Al Snyder Vice President……….Joy Stachura Secretary……………..Dory Taylor Treasurer……………..Jim Foster Business Manager…. Rosa Inciong-Reyes Questions or Comments? Call Al Snyder at (515) 240-7856

Editorial Staff and Contributors

Editor-in-Chief -Aireen N. Snyder

Managing Editor– Tonee Sinsay-Carpio

Contributors Eugene Matibag

Linda Hurley , Rosa Inciong-Reyes,

Dory Taylor

Lawrence Anthony , Vilma Thorn

& Al Snyder

*The editor reserves the right to publish or not to

publish an article/s submitted and to edit