Issue 4 | Volume 1 | 2015

PASS NewsletterFallTABLE OF CONTENTS

Issue 4 | Volume 1 | 2015

I) E-BOARD PHOTO

II) TABLE OF CONTENTS

III) PRESIDENT?S LETTER

IV) MESSAGE FROM VP INTERNAL

V) MESSGAE FROM VP EXTERNAL

VI) MEET YOUR E-BOARD

VII) SUMMER RECAP

VIII) SUMMER RECAP CONT.

IX) PHILIPPINE TRAVELS - DOMINIC

X) PHILIPPINE TRAVELS - ALYSHA

XI) PHILIPPINE TRAVELS - DIANA

XII) FIL-AM NEWS

XIII) FIVE FUN FILIPINO FACTS

XIV) UPCOMING EVENTS

XV) SALAMAT!

2

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENTHello PASS!

It?s been a whirlwind of a summer, diligently planning for future events and keeping PASS on its toes. In the meanwhile, I?ve been caught up with summer school and the wanderlust of everyone else?s travels (mostly to the Philippines) but my own. It seems that time flows forward so quickly that we often forget to take the time to stop and see where we are at now. Many of us are finishing up college one by one, entering the real world, getting married, etc...that sometimes the memories we created in PASS seems like just yesterday, but so long ago. This year is especially an important one, as it marks the 25th anniversary since seven founders came together in 1991 to form this organization that strives to preserve Filipino and Filipino American culture

and identity. In other words, we?ve made it to a quarter of a century, and what an accomplishment we have yet to reflect back on!

Through the struggles and successes that I?ve seen PASS go through so far, I am only at the beginning of this e-board?s endeavors for great things to come. We all have the same promising goals for moving forward, but sometimes it is easy to lose sight by focusing on the ?why? part of it instead of the ?how? in order to accomplish our goals. Our passions for the organization will be our guiding light for this year as a reminder of where our motivation for moving forward comes from, in order to fulfill our mission and make PASS better for future generations. The only way for the current youth to rise up is to look back at our past and our roots, break the stereotypes that cage us, and understand how it solidifies the identity of who we are today and beyond. If there?s one thing that resonated with me throughout all the conferences and leadership retreats I?ve been to, it?s the realization that the involvement does not have to end after college if you are truly committed to making a change. Many people still seek to make a difference in the Filipino community, whether it?s giving back in the form of advice, donations, or being actively engaged in current sociocultural issues/events. PASS is so much more than just an organization; it serves as a platform to connect deeper with yourself through an enriched culture. It is seeing that being Filipino isn?t only about what runs through your veins, but rather, how you carry it within your heart, mind, and soul.

This year, I want PASS to be able to illuminate and redefine how we challenge the way we grow forward in ubiquitous directions. We will strive for more rejuvenated ideas and different approaches on how to retain and celebrate Fil-Am culture. There is always something new that we can teach our members, but most importantly, a new piece of knowledge that we must be able to teach ourselves, too. The Pilipino American Student Society is ever growing, ever rising, and forevermore a pamilya that transcends beyond where we are at this moment. We hope that our alumni continuously support us over the year as we have many things planned to commemorate those who have created a solid foundation in shaping the existence of PASS throughout the years.

Isang pamilya, Isang mahalMaesee Lor

3

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP INTERNAL

Dear New PASS Members, Current Members, and Alumni,

I hope everyone had a splendid summer and is ready to start a new PASS filled school year! PASS has been quite active this summer, but before I dive into this summer, I want to acknowledge some of our achievements from this past year. We continued our Philippine Culture Night tradition, claimed Rice Bowl against the University of Michigan, held a successful halo-halo event featuring Joseph Vincent, and put on a great show at Cultural Vogue.  We wanted to carry this momentum into the summer by being active in the Filipino community as well as attend events throughout the Midwest.  Fellow members and I participated in the Filipino American Community Council?s Kalayaan Picnic, Midwest Association of Filipino Americans? (MAFA) Leadership Retreat, and University of Toledo?s Cedar Point Trip.  By attending these events, we were able to become acquainted with leaders from various Filipino organizations as well as leaders across the Midwest.

Although some may be concerned that PASS has a relatively young executive board this year, I believe our inexperience will not hinder our goals. Though, accomplishing our goals and being successful doesn?t come without its challenges. As we revisit our theme throughout the year, it will allow us to reflect on the reasons why we?re a part of PASS and allow us to question ourselves on how we can improve PASS for future generations to come.

Lastly, this year is particularly special for PASS, as it marks our 25th anniversary. To celebrate this great milestone, we intend to host an anniversary banquet in the spring (details soon to come). I know PASS alumni are very busy and may need to travel, but it would be phenomenal if alumni could attend this event.  We would very much like to meet and thank you guys, because without you all, this organization would not be in the strong position it is now. Thank you for all the support and stay tuned for great things to come!  

Isang Pamilya, Isang Mahal.

Andrew Davenport

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP INTERNAL

4

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP INTERNAL

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone has had a relaxing and an enjoyable summer! The school year can be stressful and aggravating, but summer is the best time to refresh and rejuvenate our energy to keep motivated for the next upcoming year. I?m extremely excited for this year and what this fall semester has to offer. We as an e-board encourage members to build from their roots and pasts to challenge themselves on their identit ies. As a freshman, I was always welcomed with an open hand into this amazing pamilya and

individually was always challenged to learn more about myself, and this year our executive board is ready to extend that welcoming invitation to new potential members.

Throughout this summer, I have witnessed the executive board productively creating a strong foundation for the upcoming year by planning a variety of events to welcome new members but also keep member retention. One of the most exciting events that we as an e-board has discussed is our 25th Anniversary. This event celebrates the accomplishments and acknowledges alumni for their efforts and successes in paving the path towards a prosperous future for PASS. It?s crazy to believe that together whether alumni or current members brings the pamilya spirit back into PASS.

This year, I promise to keep the pamilya spirit but also intact PASS? values that have been established for 25 years strong. There is always something that PASS can improve on and something new for the members to learn, but to keep the foundation strong and to maintain the values that were built 25 years ago is a job that not only the e-board can maintain but all alumni and active members as well. I also want to instill more outreach not only within the Lansing community or in Michigan, but outreach within the country. This past year PASS has reached out to Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network in efforts to support the survivors in the calamities in the Philippines. Reaching out to nationwide networks this year will not only inspire our members to step outside of their comfort zones, but will challenge our members identit ies themselves.

PASS will always and forever be my second pamilya, and in regards, I would love to thank our on-going supportive alumni for constantly being the role models for our current members. This year is a year of celebration and growth, and our e-board is excited to celebrate and grow with everyone!

Isang Pamilya, Isang Mahal. Nicole Ramos

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP EXTERNAL

5

Maesee Lor Andrew Davenport Nicole Ramos Chesca Alvarez

Dominic Zot tolo Claire Raymundo Emily Liebau Joe Sun

6

Summer RecapEXECUTIVE BOARD RETREAT

It was a time for fun, and a time to get down to business. This year e-board ventured out to Traverse City for our retreat. First, we did not hesitate to start our overall planning for this coming year, from PCN, to GBM ice breakers, all loose ends were tied. Our business meeting lasted a total of six hours, but the template for a wonderful year was well worth it!The rest of the retreat was spent bonding, getting to know each other as not only an e-board, but as true friends. We went on unsuccessful boat rides, nearly burned down a tree, chilled at the beach, and spent two hours making a fire. It was an extremely successful weekend filled with memories we will never forget. We can not wait for everyone to see what we have in store for PASS this year!

7

Summer RecapKALAYAAN PICNICThis year?s Kalayaan Picnic hosted by FILAMCCO at Halmich Park in Warren was a huge success due to, in no small part, our E-board and general members? hard work. Traveling all the way from East Lansing to Warren, PASS started the day off right by helping FILAMCCO set up for the rowdy event. In addition to helping set up the foundation for the event, PASS continued to help with managing affairs and other tasks throughout the day well into the afternoon. It wasn?t all work and no play; however, as the newly founded Pilipino Student Organization from Wayne State University also came through and our E-board and general members thoroughly enjoyed networking and building bonds through the various activit ies and games that the event held. Overall, this event provided a valuable opportunity for PASS to not only serve the Metro Detroit Filipino community but to also enjoy a nice day with amiable company.

CEDAR POINTThis year?s Cedar Point trip--hosted by University of Toledo?s Filipino American Association--was yet another successful bonding trip. Not only did PASS members get to socialize and meet with their MAFA families, but we also had the opportunity to bond with many MAFA members, such as those from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign PSA and Purdue University's PFA. In addition to riding thrilling roller coasters and eating carnival food, PASS members managed to not only solidify their definition of what it means to be Fil-Am through connecting with peers their own age, but also really connected with those that weren?t Fil-Am but had deep appreciation of Filipino culture. PASS members really enjoyed the trip and are already looking forward to next year?s events!

MAFA LEADERSHIP RETREATIn June, MAFA held a summer leadership retreat located at the University of Michigan and we were able to have four representatives from PASS to attend and rejuvenate and absorb leadership ideas from other Midwest representatives. The event lasted the entire day with presentations, a conference call with the Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network, and interactive games. We were also able to view a presentation presented by our former PASS president and current MAFA Vice President External, Ronald Ilagan. This leadership retreat was an opportunity to see what kind of leaders we all are and evaluate how to manage different e-board dynamics, as well as to expand our network with other universities. It was definitely a fun weekend in Ann Arbor with the MAFA sphere and maintaining the connection that we've established from previous years. We were able to take back a lot of great information and useful t ips from this leadership retreat back to our own e-board, and we can't wait to see all of our MAFA representatives for future conferences.

8

Upon arriving in the Philippines you are enveloped by the heat and the smell of diesel. When traveling to the provinces the smell of diesel fades, but the heat is merciless.  I questioned how the natives could wear jackets to block the sun from darkening their skin.  As I traveled through the island of Mindoro I began to notice the way the natives would look at me.  They would wave at me and start smiling as if I were some celebrity.  My cousins gave me the nickname ?prinsipe? meaning prince.

Those living in the city of Bulalacao live a simple life. The occupations are limited to farmers, fisherman, and those who work in construction.  Since my Lola is getting older we hired a maid to take care of her.  The maid only has one day off per week and works for merely 2000 pesos a month, which is roughly  $45.  My maid Elena could not speak English, and the only thing that I could understand from her is when she called me for halo halo.  It is a dream for many to go to college in Manila, and one day travel to America.  This is one reason why education is so important to them.  Internet is a luxury item and for many is too expensive.  During my stay I had to purchase a pocket Wi-Fi to communicate with friends and family back in America.  Without Internet the children find creative ways to keep themselves entertained.  They would play games similar to dodgeball and tag, and they would incorporate their slippers or ?tsinelas? into the game.  At night my uncle?s gymnasium was where most people congregated.  It seemed as if the entire city would come

together and cheer for their favorite team in basketball.  Those playing may have a short stature, but they are extremely fast.  The sounds of the gymnasium can be heard throughout the city.

Blackouts were a frequent occurrence during my stay. Without electric fans or air conditioning we needed to find ways to keep ourselves cool.  Sometimes we would swim out to my uncle?s fishing boats and dive off of them.  But, my favorite was going to my family?s beaches or islands and swimming in the ocean.  I saw many unique creatures including jellyfish, sea urchins, starfish, and even sea cucumbers.  We would race each other in small canoes that we would rent.  My cousins would spread banana leaves across the tables and arrange the food on top.  I figured that eating with my hands would be easy, but I struggled with eating rice.  They would laugh at me as I tried to just scoop the rice into my palm.  At night we would play cards and drive motorbikes throughout the town.  We would also go for a stroll during the blackout, and they would tell me scary stories of the Aswang and the White Lady.  Without electricity it would be too hot to sleep in my room.  We would sleep on my uncle?s terrace and be cooled by the ocean breeze.

Those living in the provinces do not have the same luxuries that we take for granted. The most important thing to them is their religion and family.  They may not have the toys and games that we grew up on, yet they remain content and satisfied all the same.

TRAVELS TO THE PHILIPPINES

LIFE IN THE PROVINCE DOMINIC ZOTTOLO

9

TRAVELS TO THE PHILIPPINESALYSHA KEELINGMy first week in the Philippines, I stayed in Manila with my uncle and his family. During the week when we weren?t just sitt ing around the house, my cousins and I visited the Oceanarium and saw the premiere of Pitch Perfect 2. The last day of our stay, however, was my cousin Jet Jet?s wedding and I was honored to be a part of it. Weddings in the Philippines differ greatly from those that are here. Weddings in the Philippines typically have less people, they have longer ceremonies and less celebration. They also focus tremendously on the value of love in a marriage by having a time during the ceremony for all those that are already married to stand up and face their partner, then tell each other how much they love their spouse and it is followed by a kiss. Although it was so hot in the bridesmaid dress that I felt like I was going to pass out, the experience of being in a wedding in another country was eye opening. The next morning we left for our home in Salvacion, Sogod, Southern Leyte. When my grandparents and I arrived, we immediately went to the hospital to visit my Lola. Due to lack of medical knowledge and supplies, she died shortly after. That?s when I learned how

different funerals are from America as well. It wasn?t a two day process like it is here. The first week consisted of my Lola?s body in her coffin sitt ing in her living room as friends and family came every night to pray while the kids played games outside. On the last day of prayers, we played a farewell video put together by my cousin then all drove to the tomb she would be buried in. Upon arrival, we prayed and shared words about our beloved Lola. After everything was said, we doused her casket in holy water and threw flowers on it as men carried her casket into the tomb hole then it was closed up with cement. Because you cannot throw/attend a fiesta when there is a death in the family, we postponed my birthday party until our last night home and turned into a goodbye party. Filipino food, a DJ, lights and family all made that night one to remember. The next morning we headed back to Manila for a couple nights at ResortWorld Manila and did some shopping with my cousins. I?ve never left the Philippines thinking it could?ve gone better, and this trip didn?t change that.

10

TRAVELS TO THE PHILIPPINES

After 11 years my parents and I were finally going back to the Philippines for a much needed adventure and heat. Since we rarely go back to the motherland, we made sure to really ?Pacquiao? our trip, or in other words make the most of it.  My family and I went to Our Lady of Manaoag, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte (the very top of the Philippines!), the city of Vigan, and Baguio City during our first week.  Our second leg of the trip was to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and we ended it off with a week in my dad?s island of Marinduque.  (These were all great places to visit and if you?d like to know more about them, feel free to message me! I only have so much space to write on here.)

Palawan was definitely one of the best and my favourite part of the trip. Our resort was beautiful and offered many activit ies including paddle boarding, kayaking and they had a sandbar where we were able to hold starfish. While waiting for the Underground River tour we were able to zipline over the gorgeous scenery of Palawan, known to be one of the 7

wonders of nature. Although it was a long wait, it was all worth it. Our tour of the Underground River was very short but we were able to see some of nature?s finest rock formations, caves, and bats! Our third day consisted of island hopping the Honda Bay.

We started on Starfish Island which, of course, had tons of colourful starfish. Along that, we were able to go snorkelling.  We then headed over to Luli Island where we went diving and fed schools of fish. We ended the island hopping with relaxed swimming in Cowrie island.  Palawan was just a small portion of my family?s Philippine trip.  We still have over 7,000 more islands to explore!

10 beaches, 8 cities, 6 ziplines, 4x4 sand dunes, endless amount of heat, traffic and the most authentic Filipino food summarizes my trip! It really is mas masaya sa Pilipinas! (It?s more fun in the Philippines!)

DIANA BUNAG

11

Current Fil- Am NewsJoel Jacinto was appointed the new commissioner of the Board of Public Works on August 19, 2015 according to ABC CBN. While many Filipinos have served on a voluntary basis, he is the first paid

commissioner. He will be primarily liaison with the bureau of engineering which, in Jacinto?s own words, ?helps to develop all projects, all construction projects for public facilit ies, public runaways landscapes, street lighting, sanitation? it?s really about the infrastructure, the basic quality of life for lots of residents, businesses and all visitors.? He also is credited with leading one of the Los Angeles? most established Filipino non-profit organizations tit led ?The Search to Involve Pilipino

Americans,? which aims to bring generations of Pilipino Americans and others of different backgrounds to come together and strengthen the community which in turn enriches and empowers them. While he is stepping down as the executive director to focus on his two year term, he will still remain active within the organization.

Further up the state in hollywood, another Filipino-American is making news. Fil-Am and his wife and partner Kristin Anderson Lopez are creating the music for Disney?s new take on Jack and the Beanstalk tit led, ?Gigantic?. ABS CBN writer Yong Chavez caught up with the Oscar-winning team as they attended the Disney D23 Expo and talked about their ongoing work for the movie. They talked about how they ?brought to life [their] sort of early demo processes? by playing one of their earliest songs and going off of that. ?Gigantic? will open in 2018.

Lastly, the Fil-Am takeover in California continues in Union City according to Jun Nucum from the Inquirer when after a long wait, the first U.S. school to be named after two Filipino American labor leaders will become a reality. The timeline is finalized and the work plan for renaming the Alvarado Middle School to It liong-Vera Cruz Middle School is under way. Union City council member Pat Gascoscos announced, ?the good news is that renaming is sure to take place and there is no more problem?now we are just making sure that there also will be no more problems with funding because the proponents like us are supposed to take care of that.?

12

Five Filipino Fun Facts1. Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines. The Philippines Basketball Association (PBS) is the first and oldest league in Asia and the second oldest in the world after the United States? National Basketball Association (NBA).

2. The Philippines is the world?s largest supplier of nurses, supplying roughly 25% of all overseas nurses worldwide

3. Over 11 million Filipinos work overseas, which constitutes about 11% of the entire population of the Philippines. Filipinos are the second-largest Asian-American group in the United States, next to the Chinese.

4. The county got its name in honor of the Spanish King Philip II.

5. The Philippines is considered the text capital of the world. Every day, 35 million Filipinos send about 450 million SMS messages. This is more than the total number of daily text messages sent in the U.S. and Europe combined.

DID YOU KNOW?

13

Upcoming Events

SEE YOU THERE!14

STRAIGHT OUTTA EAST LANSING CLUB PARTY WITH LAMBDA PHI EPSILON

Come out and party with PASS and the brothers of LPhiE! Inflation will occur; buy presale tickets prior from any e-board member. Ladies get in free before 11.

Friday, September 18th at Fahrenheit Ult ra Lounge from 10pm - 2am

TAPIOCA TALK

Time to be social! Meet us for some bubble tea and good talks. We want to get to know you!

Thursday, September 24th at Bubble Island start ing at 7pm

PASS ALUMNI TAILGATE

Alumni near and far, come out and party with us! We love to see you and this event is for YOU!

Saturday October 3rd at the Wilson Tennis Courts at 8amPAINT THE ROCK WITH PASS

A tradition for all to see. Come help us paint the rock!

Thursday, October 8th at The MSU Rock, t ime TBA

FILIPINO AMERICANS COMING TOGETHER (FACT)

This is where your midwest pamilya extends beyond MSU! Come out for a confernece you will NOT want to miss. Attend a day of various workshops and into the performances at the end of the night. You will meet all the

other schools under MAFA and make friendships that will last a lifetime!

November 6th - 8th at the Universit y of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignPHILIPPINE CULTURE NIGHT (PCN)

A night of celebration for a good cause! Every year PCN helps raise money for a charity in the Philippines. We feature traditional to modern dances, singing, other organizations from MSU and beyond, and much more.

Come out for a night we hope inspires you. If you are interested in performing with us in any way, please contact an e-board member.

Wednesday, November 21st , t ime and locat ion TBA

KAMUSTA! OUR FIRST GBM OF THE YEAR

Wondering what PASS is all about? Come fly with us on a journey as we explore where we'll go this semester! There will be free filipino breakfast served. Kain na tayo!

Thursday, September 17th at 7pm in the basement of McDonel Hall