By Arcie Gemino
On October 5, 2024, Filamcco will stage a larger scale of its usual fashion walks from past events to support PACCM’s fundraising initiatives towards its parking lot renovations. Over the years, Filamcco has been an avid backer of our community center’s appeal for monetary needs, making it the most consistent organization looking out for PACCM’s well-being.
The event will be held at the Larsa Banquet facility in Warren where more than 40 models will be showcasing the most unique Filipino wear representative of the 3 Philippine Islands, namely: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. There will also be dances depicting the culture, arts, and humanities of each island. An added attraction is intermission entertainment performances by selected guests
The festivity will commence at 5 pm with an exclusive VIP Cocktail & Appetizers Hour for guests who signed up to engage in fellowship and networking with sponsors and other distinguished guests. This segment of the event is by invitation only. VIP guests will also browse & preview eye-catching displays of exclusive vendors
We encourage everyone to partake in this community endeavor and take advantage of the meager admission price of $25.00 for adults & children $10.00, for ages 10 & below. Your attendance and additional donations to PACCM will be greatly appreciated.
Please send your reservations by scanning the QR code found in a flyer in this publication or reach out to the following committee members:
Rose Caoagas – osangcc@yahoo.com 586-436-6201
Ruth Rush – rushruthp@gmail.com. 586-277-8706
Arcie Gemino – arciegemino1113@yahoo.com 586-214-2597
By: Jean Laniog-Tarun, PhD
Troy, Michigan — The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Michigan (UPAAM) successfully culminated the Third Annual Troy S2R2 (School Supplies Rescue and Recycle) project on August 3, 2024, with a day-long sorting and packing activity. Thirty-five participants, including 23 youth volunteers, joined the event. Most of the youth volunteers are members of the Christ’s Ardent Disciples in Action (CADA) and Troy High Book Drive team. Three of UPAAM’s Outstanding Youth of Michigan (OYM) awardees, namely Jessica Azucena (2022), Sophia Baltrinic (2024), and Avram Joshua Tarun (2024), were involved.
Troy S2R2 is one of UPAAM’s key initiatives in pursuit of academic excellence to support the next generation of Filipino learners. The project aims to: (1) rescue gently used books and school supplies that are for disposal by the local schools and libraries so they do not add up to the landfill; and (2) recycle these materials by donating them to needy public schools in the rural areas in the Philippines, so they can be used for educational purposes. As per UPAAM President, Mr. Noel Santos, these books and school supplies will make a significant difference in the lives of the school children. He added that better accessibility to books helps broaden their knowledge and improve literacy, while the essential supplies like notebooks and pencils enable them to participate actively in classroom activities. These simple gifts will open up a world of possibilities, thereby lighting the path to a better tomorrow for these deserving children. With projects like Troy S2R2, UPAAM aspires to contribute to the realization of a more educated generation, ultimately driving positive change within the communities.
Since its launch in 2022, UPAAM-Troy S2R2 has generously donated a total of 31 balikbayan boxes worth of school supplies and books to nine public schools with more than 10,000 students across Isabela, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Cavite. This year, three school recipients have been selected as follows: Cabibihan Elementary School in Caibiran, Biliran, Tulbuan Elementary School in Coron, Palawan, and Sta. Maria High School in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. The donations are expected to reach the schools by early December. Bulk of these donations was made possible through partnerships with Mrs. Ellen Obsum of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Livonia and Ms. Marylynn Bowen of the Friends of the Troy Public Library.
Participating groups:
By: Wilmar Suan, CPA
Detroit recently played host to the highly successful National Empowerment Conference, organized by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Despite having little time to prepare, NaFFAA Michigan, led by its exceptional President, Amy Risvold, delivered an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Your tireless efforts and outstanding hospitality truly set the stage for a productive and inspiring event.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed speakers, guests, and delegates. Their insights, passion, and commitment to empowering the Filipino American community were evident in every session and discussion. These contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all who attended.
A special highlight of the conference was the welcome address by Senator Chang, who emphasized the critical need for greater civic engagement within our community. Her words resonated deeply with all attendees and underscored the importance of our collective efforts.
We were also honored to hear from Sue Van, the CEO of the Coulter Foundation, the only foundation dedicated to increasing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) initiatives. She stressed the importance of the AAPI community campaigning for greater representation by running for office.
Sue Van also had a special lunch with youth representatives, encouraging them to actively participate in civic activities and consider running for public office. This gathering was a significant highlight of the event, providing a unique opportunity for young leaders to engage directly with an influential figure in the AAPI community. She emphasized the importance of active civic participation and encouraged the youth to consider running for public office. She shared insights on how greater representation in government can lead to more effective advocacy for the needs and interests of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The lunch was an inspiring session, filled with meaningful discussions about leadership, community involvement, and the impact of youth engagement in shaping a better future.
The youth representatives left the lunch feeling motivated and empowered, ready to take on more active roles in their communities and beyond. Sue Van’s dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders was evident, and her encouragement left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, the first Filipino American mayor in the state, shared his experiences running for office as a person of Asian descent. His journey and achievements serve as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through determination and perseverance. Steve Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York Assembly, also shared his inspiring journey and the significance of representation in government. Both leaders highlighted creating lasting change and ensuring that our voices are heard, that it’s essential for members of the Asian community to take their place at the decision-making tables and running for office that is not just about holding a title—it’s about influencing government policy, advocating for social justice, and protecting the rights and interests of our communities.
Roland Wang’s discussion on anti-Asian hate, particularly his experience with the murder of Vincent Chin, was both moving and thought-provoking. His advocacy and dedication to combating hate are truly commendable. While Dr. Dore Ann Espiritu MD and Dr. Rommel Rivera MD session on “Dismantling the Stigma Around Mental Health” addressed the stereotypes surrounding Asian and Filipino mental health. Their expertise in geriatric psychiatry and insights provided valuable perspectives on this critical issue, encouraging open dialogue, and understanding. They discussed the stigma surrounding mental health issues, preventing many from seeking the help and support they need, and encouraged the community to break the cycle and foster an environment where everyone feels safe and supported in their mental health journey.
Rodil Rodis, an accomplished immigration lawyer, highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable migrants and raising awareness regarding Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, explaining the rights of a foreign national when detained or arrested and the duty of the host country to inform their rights to have their consulate notified of their detention. His discussion shed light on crucial legal protections and the need for greater community awareness.
I had also the honor of participating as a panel speaker on Financial Literacy alongside Rod Mercado of Rescue Financial. Our session was well-received and underscored the importance of financial education in our community and Mr. Richard Mui President of the American Chinese Association, spoke on coalition building.
The much-attended gala was a fitting conclusion to the conference, featuring performances by comedian Rex Navarrete and singer Paul Enriquez. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and a strong sense of camaraderie among all participants.
Furthermore, we are delighted to congratulate the newly elected NaFFAA National Leadership. The election marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for NaFFAA. We are confident that under the guidance of the new national officers, NaFFAA will continue to thrive and make significant strides in advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino Americans across the nation.
As Region Chair, I encourage our community to join, and supporting NaFFAA’s initiatives locally is a wonderful way to contribute to the empowerment and advocacy of the Filipino American community. Here are some ways you can get involved:
By taking these steps, you can play a vital role in supporting NaFFAA’s mission and making a positive difference in your local community. If you need more specific information or have any questions, feel free to ask!
Thank you once again to everyone who played a part in making this conference a success. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to empower and uplift our community.
By: Victoria Bryan
December 14, 2024 (Saturday)
6 pm until midnight at Larsa Palace 8201 E 13 Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48093.
FILAMCCO invites you to join our 2024 Rizal Day Celebration as we celebrate Jose Rizal’s travel, work, and journey around the world from 1882 to 1892. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world and let your imagination explore the depth of his education and sophistication through which he examined and learned the politics and cultures of many countries. From the Philippines, he traveled to Spain, France, Germany, China, Japan, and the United States and returned home, where he was exiled to Dapitan and later publicly executed by firing squad in Manila. We will focus on a glimpse of history, featuring Rizal’s works while he was abroad and embracing diversity and culture around the world.
You may dress up in an evening wear or a traditional costume of your choice from the following countries: Japan, China, Germany, Spain, France, the U.S.A., and the Philippines, between 1882 and 1897.
Chairperson: Victoria Bryan (313) 378-9337
Co-Chair: Betsy Servando Vincenzetti (248) 770-3422
Advisers: Ryan Rosario (586) 808- 4568 and Arcie Gemino (586) 214-2597
By: Becky Tungol
To donate, please visit: https://paccm.org/renovation
We are pleased to share the latest updates on the renovation of our cultural center, a project that has been a labor of love for our community.
As we move closer to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, here are the key milestones we have achieved:
Our team is working closely with local authorities to ensure that all aspects of the renovation meet the required code and standards.
We eagerly anticipate the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, which will mark the official opening of our cultural center. We need the community’s full support to raise the funds and comply with all the requirements, especially the parking lot which we need an estimated $200K for repair. We seek people who could donate their talents, expertise, and time towards attaining the Certificate of Occupancy.
We fervently hope to occupy the cultural center in 2025, a milestone that will allow us to serve as a hub once again for cultural activities, community gatherings, fellowship, and educational programs.
By: Ruthy Rush, Paaralan Director
Paaralang Pilipino had a successful open house and enrollment day last August 18, at World Medical Relief in Southfield, Michigan. Students and parents promptly arrived at WMR, filled out the registration forms, and attended the orientation prepared by the volunteers and teachers.
James Wilson and Cathy Javier led the assembly of students, parents, and volunteers and welcomed everyone for another year of fun learning. Classes started from 1 pm until 4 pm and students met their teacher and attended Wika, Arts, Music, Dance, and Philippine History classes. The school also offered Financial Education for students aged 13 and above. The first semester will run from September to December 2024 while the second semester will run from January to April 2025.
Leading the Paaralang Pilipino is its current Director, Ruthy Rush, who served as interim director in 2019. Rush is also a PACCM Board Member, a FILAMCCO Board Member, a Kiwanis Cosmopolitan Detroit Member, and DFAA member. She works in project management, is a healthcare worker, and is an entrepreneur as well.
April Karl chairs the Education aspect along with James Wilson as her co-chair. Salvador Jr. ‘Bads’ Pante is tapped to chair the Operations of the Paaralan with Jelaine Johnson as operation co-chair. They will be working with one another to make the operation of Paaralang Pilipino as seamless as possible.
Paaralang Pilino volunteer teachers for this school year include April Karl (teacher, pre-Wika) and Anita Avila (sub-teacher, pre-Wika); Nessa Powell (teacher, Wika I) and Doreen DeChavez (sub-teacher, Wika I); Josie Palu-ay (Sining teacher) and Mercy Gooding (sub-teacher, Sining); Sannah Asne (teacher, Musika-Kanta and Wika 4) and Ruthy Rush (sub-teacher, Musika-Kanta); Gean Almendras (teacher, Musika-drum) and Cathy Javier (sub-teacher, Musika-drum and FYI); James Wilson (sub-teacher, FYI); LenLen Jenks (teacher, Sining); Eileen Taay (teacher, Wika 3 and Wika 4); Jeff Jenks (teacher, Filipinos in America); Raul Valmeo (teacher, Financial Education) and Joevy Quitoriano (sub-teacher, Financial Education); Becky Tungol (teacher, Folk Dance); and Donna Vance as (teacher, Ukulele).
The Paaralang Pilipino still accepts students and online registration will still run from Sept 1 and until September 30 only. If interested, please contact Ruthy Rush at 586-277-8706 or email rushruthp@gmail.com and follow us at Facebook/PACCM-Paaralang Pilipino to receive school updates.
By: Roy Coloma
My maternal grandmother lived over 100 years, while my mom passed away at 73 and my dad at 67. I carry a mix of longevity genes, which makes me reflect on the journey of aging. Many of us seniors, who are fortunate enough to be in good health, continue our daily activities without giving much thought to our age. We often feel that age is just a number.
Yet, others regularly remind us of our years. When I climb a ladder, my daughter warns me about poor balance due to my age. When I want to clear windstorm debris from our roof, my wife cautions that it is too dangerous at this stage of life. And when I mention attending more than ten funerals since the start of the year, people say, “It’s our age. We’re already in the departure lounge.”
Occasionally, I encounter more positive perspectives on aging. A Facebook post on aging gracefully caught my eye: “Forget the stereotypes of endless bingo nights and early bird specials. Today’s seniors are redefining what it means to grow older, blending wisdom, wit, and a touch of rebellion. From mastering new tech to staying active in ways that would tire out the younger crowd, the golden agers are proving that life does begin at retirement.”
Recently, I read a book on “super-aging,” which argues that, as people live longer, seniors need to shift their mindset. Retirement isn’t just about taking it easy, traveling endlessly, or having fun. Instead, it’s about learning new things—whether it’s technology or a subject you’ve always wanted to explore—to keep the mind sharp. You can also upgrade your skills or even return to work, given the increasing likelihood that retirement funds may run out.
Being a retired senior citizen comes with many benefits and advantages that make this stage of life both rewarding and fulfilling. With no work commitments, seniors have the time, freedom, and flexibility to design their days as they wish – they can pursue hobbies, travel to places they always wanted to visit but could not fit in their working years, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life.
With more time available to them, seniors are finally able to explore areas they are passionate about, whether it is gardening, painting, playing an instrument, or even learning something entirely new, like a language or a craft. Personally, retirement allowed me to further my piano studies and obtain a piano teaching certificate. I found piano teaching to be very fulfilling and rewarding and I intend to continue teaching as long as I can. A retired IT professional, I have started to study Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, technologies that were not as advanced or widely used during my work years. I do this to keep my mind active and in case I become interested in working again (has to be online, part-time, and remote}.
Retirement also provides time and opportunities for volunteer work, community engagement, family bonding, and socialization. As an example, I have participated in medical missions that provide free medical services at different areas in the Philippines and continue to coordinate free musical concerts at libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living places, where I also perform. Retirement has also allowed me more time to bond with my grandkids, reconnect with old friends and classmates, and make new friends from new clubs that I join.
There are many ways to live our senior years, but they come with unique challenges. As new immigrants in our adopted country, we faced cultural adjustments, finding jobs aligned with our qualifications, discrimination, loneliness, financial difficulties, and legal problems. While some of these issues persist into our senior years, like loneliness and financial stress, new concerns such as health issues, cognitive decline, and loss of independence emerge. Here are some proactive strategies to address these challenges:
Many seniors deal with arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, which can limit mobility and quality of life. Regular exercise, appropriate to fitness levels, a balanced diet, routine health check-ups, and adherence to prescribed medications can help manage these physical challenges.
Retirement, the loss of friends or family members, and physical limitations can lead to social isolation. Joining community centers, clubs, or hobby groups offers opportunities for social interaction. For instance, many Filipino seniors in the metro Detroit area attend monthly meetings of NANAY to participate in group activities, share meals, and celebrate birthdays. Filipino organizations, regional clubs, alumni associations, volunteer opportunities, and religious groups provide avenues for connection. I belong to several music ensembles as a pianist and enjoy early breakfast with other men from our church once a week.
Finances can be a significant concern, especially for seniors on fixed incomes facing healthcare expenses or inflation. Creating a budget, exploring financial assistance programs, and seeking advice from financial advisors can help manage finances effectively. Downsizing to a smaller home or exploring reverse mortgages can alleviate financial stress. It’s also essential to stay informed about government benefits and entitlements for seniors.
Cognitive decline, memory loss, or dementia can impact independence and daily functioning. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like games (e.g., mahjong, which I regularly play with friends), crossword puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive functions. Early detection and intervention are crucial, so seeking medical advice is important.
Loss of independence due to physical limitations or health issues can be challenging. Assistive devices like motorized scooters, home modifications such as stair lifts and wheelchair ramps, and using senior transportation services or ride-sharing apps can enhance independence and safety.
Feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety can arise due to life changes, health issues, or the loss of loved ones. Engaging in activities that bring joy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies, can promote emotional well-being. The recent loss of my sister and many cousins, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sad state of the world have affected me emotionally. Church and our prayer group have provided comfort and support while playing the piano and participating in church music has been an emotional outlet.
While seniors face many challenges, we are fortunate to have reached this stage of life. Maintaining a proactive approach to physical, social, financial, and emotional well-being is important for navigating the challenges of aging with resilience and grace.
By: Sofia Espada Bole, RN, FILAMCCO Board Member
It is common anywhere even at home, anytime in institutions regardless of setting, be it in schools, hospitals, municipal halls, social gatherings, fundraisings, or simply during meetings when people can get excited, frustrated, or angry to utter untoward remarks. What makes it even more interesting is that it tends to get infectious to people of all levels with varying degrees from mild to severe.
What ignites people to get overly excited and end up in a negative tone or a competition mode? This happens day in and day out, among siblings, colleagues, students and professionals, educators, health care providers, politicians, organizations, fraternities, and many other groups. As a result of human interaction both professionally and personally, plus the fact that not everybody can agree all the time, this effect seems to be inevitable. What I am alluding to is a monster that affects everyone. This monster is called Lateral Violence (LV) or Horizontal Violence. This is a disruptive behavior that is toxic in a professional practice setting. Verbal abuse can be a communication perceived as a harsh, or condemnatory attack both professionally and personally. Such abuse can include silence, backbiting, gossip, or passive-aggressive behavior.
Lateral violence can consist of a variety of behaviors, from unintentional thoughtless acts to purposeful, intentional destructive acts meant to harm, intimidate, or humiliate another group or individual(s). Lateral violence can range from random instances to a pattern of repeated behaviors. Collectively, these behaviors have the effect of creating an environment of hostility. Anytime there exist a “we versus they attitude” or imbalance of power, conditions are prime and ripe for lateral violence to occur.
In its extreme form, lateral violence can manifest itself as bullying. Bullying as defined by Barbara Caloroso (2003), is “a conscious, deliberate, willful, hostile activity intended to harm, induce fear through threat of further aggression, and create terror.” Regardless of how bullying masquerades itself, three elements will always be present: imbalance of power, intent to harm, and the threat of further aggression. When left unchecked, a fourth element comes into play: terror in or intimidation of the target.
Martha Griffin, PhD., RN, a nationally recognized expert on lateral violence has identified 10 of the most common forms: Nonverbal innuendo, verbal affront, undermining actions, withholding needed information or advice, sabotage “setting up to fail”, infighting, backstabbing, scapegoating, and broken confidences.
Some pieces of literature I read include the following as causes/signs of lateral violence: inequitable assignments, belittling gestures, mocking body language as raising eyebrows or making faces, unwarranted criticism, fault finding, shouting, yelling or other intimidating behavior, judging others on age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or size, undermining behavior such as ignoring questions, constantly criticizing or excluding individuals from discussion, verbal retorts, abrupt responses, vulgar language, segregation, isolation and elitist attitude regarding work area, education, and experience as additional expressions of lateral violence which denigrate an individual. An easily understood example of an elitist attitude could be “I am a U of M graduate, and you, finished at a community college only?” (This statement is formed to clearly demonstrate an example and has no bearing on factual information. Regardless of the tertiary educational setting, individual success is to a large extent formulated by the individual, not the institution), per article author. The elitist attitude statement reflects an air of superiority, a milder form of lateral violence in verbal form.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center’s Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Research Center have shown that watching violent programs can cause parts of your brain that suppress aggressive behaviors to become less active. These changes could render people less able to control their aggressive behaviors. Columbia scientists have shown that a brain network responsible for suppressing inappropriate behavior or unwarranted aggression become less active after study subjects watched several short clips from popular movies depicting acts of violence.
Lateral violence not only affects us psychologically, but it is also tough on bodily functions in terms of physiology. The stress-related effects can be noted in terms of headaches, stomach disorders like ulcers, weight changes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stress, anxiety, panic, anger, embarrassment, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and rumination. In weight changes, some people when stressed out, eat and eat end up gaining weight, to some, lose weight due to loss of appetite. There is a condition called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that can occur as a result of being a recipient of lateral violence but also secondary to observing aggression being inflicted on others. People suffering from LV can have conflicts in intimate relationships, engage in substance abuse, and experience in social isolation and phobias. Ultimately, in its extreme form, there can be loss of income, career damage secondary to absenteeism and suicidal thoughts and behaviors can occur.
In the workplace, most often, victims of LV can include new hires, those unable to express themselves well can be overpowered by aggressive behaviors and competition. Factors contributing to LV include frustration and job dissatisfaction, work overload, inability to cope with student load, imbalance in individual coping mechanisms versus work-related stress, family/personal problems extended in the work setting. The term Lateral Violence (LV) describes what happens when out of anger and frustration, an oppressed group turns on itself and members begin to violate one another.
LV can affect everyone in the workplace, and cannot be ignored. This poses a big management problem and affects productivity. Some resolutions include short-term and long-term measures like zero tolerance in the workplace. Executives and administrators must hold individuals accountable for upholding respectable behavior in the workplace and or in the academic setting and clinical environment. Measures include acknowledging the existence of the problem, identifying victims and the aggressors, and keeping accurate records. There should be institutional policies acknowledging the problem and repercussions to curb its incidence. Create a wholesome institutional culture of excellence and quality focusing on the reasons for being: Students for educational institutions and patients for hospital settings. Offer seminars on Anger and Stress management and or Effective Communications or further Self Behavioral Analysis conducted by and expert, Root Cause Analysis, Conflict Management, and Ethical standards.
Healthcare Violence:
Violence against healthcare workers is grossly underreported. Many healthcare workers feel a professional and ethical duty to “not harm” patients or residents. Some will put their safety and health at risk to help a patient/resident and consider violence to be “part of the Job.”
On a personal note:
LV can be minimized depending on the individual’s upbringing during formative years, further enhanced by cultural values and how we view our existence with the important role we play in society. Our success is how we make it and how we play our role as a valuable member in constantly changing social norms and trends. What is it that makes our human being existence so important in influencing today’s world? Money is not everything, power is not the ultimate goal, lateral violence is not the answer to hasten rise to power, nor is it the ultimate goal. LV can hurt us and those around us, so, call the monster out and clear your conscience for healthy living, a healthy environment, and a healthy role we play being a role model. Time spent wisely and fruitfully maximizes time utilization for noteworthy projects. Call that Monster out of the room, out of your system for a wholesome world, focused on academic excellence, economic prosperity, a culture of safety, and due consideration for the feelings of others around us! With these in mind, we can say we are empowered to make a difference in our complex world.
In a world of communication, the most important is We, not I. The two most important words are Thank You, and the three most important words are I am sorry if we have caused discomfort or displeased the other. These words are simple, yet it projects a pleasant culture of difference in our interactions with others, hence creating a venue of pleasure and comfort.
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love, Lao-tzu.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless, Mother Theresa of Calcutta
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