Filipino American National Historical Society to host cultural symposium

FILIPINO AMERICAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HOST CULTURAL AWARENESS SYMPOSIUM


Virginia Beach, VA, June 9, 2009 - Nationally-recognized entertainers 
Boogie Bots of "America's Best Dance Crew", singer/actress Stephanie Reese,
and jazz guitarist Angelo Pizarro will join the Filipino American National
 Historical Society-Hampton Roads (FANHS-HR) chapter for its first Filipino American community symposium, "Sige: Our Moment is Now." The community event will facilitate networking, community empowerment and cultural understanding between Filipino American generations. The three-day event will be held from July 1-3, 2009, at Virginia Wesleyan College, Virginia Beach.

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Sige: Our Moment is Now" aims to establish dialogue between multiple generations of Filipino-American individuals, organizations, and those interested in the betterment of the Filipino-American community by providing a forum to exchange insight, current issues, and resources.

“The symposium will help Filipinos and those of Filipino mixed-race to better understand the contributions of Filipinos to the history of the United States," says Jeffrey Acosta, former curator of the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk.

Approximately two million Filipinos live in the United States with Virginia being the 9th largest Filipino populated state. Filipinos spread out all over the state of which Virginia Beach alone has the highest concentration of Filipino residents.

“Bringing this conference to the East Coast has been long overdue,” says Edwina Bergano, co-founder of the Filipino American National Historical Society-Hampton Roads chapter.


Workshops will explore the lifestyle clashes between Filipino American generations; Filipino American's relationships with the Philippines; immigration waves to America; issues connected to interracial relationships and more.

Nightly entertainment showcases will include performances by b-boy and hip hop dance crew, Boogie Bots, from Season 2 of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew," singer and actress Stephanie Reese who has starred in "Miss Saigon" and as Esmerelda of Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," as well as improvisational acoustic and electric guitarist Angelo Pizarro, who mixes traditional Filipino rhythms with funk and rock.



Activists and founders of the Filipino American National Historical Society, Drs. Fred and Dorothy Cordova of Seattle, Washington, will also be speaking at the summer symposium. Since the 1950's, the couple have been promoting
awareness and the importance of Filipino American historical documentation, 
as well as researching and collecting the stories of Asian Americans.



"For the first time in a long-time, folks on the East Coast are going to
have the opportunity to meet the founders of the Filipino American
movement, which started in Seattle on Aug. 18,1971" says Dr. Allan
Bergano, co-founder of Filipino American National Historical Society-
Hampton Roads chapter. “There will be a wealth of information at one time and one 
place.”



"Sige: Our Moment is Now," is being hosted by the Filipino American National
Historical Society, Hampton Roads (FANHS-HR) along with entertainment
hip-hop troupe Young Filipino American Modern Dancers (YFAMD) and the Young Filipino Professionals (YFP).

FANHS-HR is responsible for documenting the immigration experience of the Filipino nurses and U.S. Navy men 
to the East Coast through two oral history projects, "In
Our Aunties' Words: The Filipino Spirit of Hampton Roads" and "In Our
Uncles' Words: We Fought For Freedom.

"

For more information including registration fees, visit http://www.fanhs-hr.org/Symposium or contact Edwina and Allan Bergano at (757)497-2988.

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12 years of N. Korean labor camps for two Asian American journalists

Korean American Euna Lee and Chinese American Laura Ling, reporters for Al Gore's Current TV network based out of San Francisco, were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for "hostile and grave acts" against North Korea and for illegal entry into the country.

In mid-March the two female journalists began reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women along the North Korean-China border. According to the an Associated Press report, it is unclear whether the crew ventured into North Korean territory or if the crew were brought over the border. The two female journalists were traveling with their camera man and a local guide, both of whom escaped.

Lee, 36, lives in California with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. Californa native Ling, 32, is a wife and sister of Lisa Ling, now of National Geographic.

The "reform through labor" sentence may include malnutrition, beatings and working in harsh conditions of logging or construction work.

Political analysts believe the women to be political bargaining power for North Korea's Pyongyang dictatorship, which began "defiant" atomic testing on May 25. The underground testing, detected by Russian authorities, violates international nuclear regulations against developing "weapons of mass destruction."

The dictatorship is known for its systematic kidnappings and abductions of Japanese and South Korean citizens. The authoritative leader Kim Jong II is said to have abducted a famous film producer and his actress wife and forced them into making a more socialist-friendly "Godzilla."

Political analysts predict the journalists will be freed on "humanitarian release" now that the political trial has been completed.

Get the full background:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090525/ap_on_re_as/as_koreas_nuclear

*Tsismis thanks viewer Rene C. for the current events watch

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MTV's Boogie Bots to offer dance workshop

Yes, you can now stop doing the robot, the electric slide or the Toro Toro.

http://media.hamptonroads.com/cache/files/images/blogs/22621.jpg

Season 2 winners of "America's Best Dance Crew" drops in to be the headlining entertainment for the Filipino American National Historical Society's summer symposium at Wesleyan College in early July. Find out how to register for the b-boy, breakdance workshop by June 15.

Get full conference details:

http://www.fanhs-hr.org/Symposium/

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Uncle Oscar: Sudden passing brings sadness, offers up lessons

“IN MEMORIAM: UNCLE OSCAR”

Posted by Emiliano Fortunato “JoJo” Orencia Jr.

One of my best friends does, partly because of my transient ways but mostly due to my abhorrent inability to stay in touch with loved ones, a “pulse check” because in her words, “I know that you’re alive and fine but I had to check in since I know that is one of your weaknesses.” She has for the last 15 years emailed or called me every three or four months if we fall into one of those “out of touch” periods which I am prone to but a recent event has made me think differently about what has been our own cute repartee.

We take things for granted in the hustle and bustle of life and we sometimes assume that things just remain static. I had not been to my local dry cleaners in more than six months and when I finally ventured in the other day, I was shocked to find that the owner of “One Cleaners” had passed away almost two months henceforth. I was shocked because for the last five years, I had, on average, patronized this business once a week but had not been in for more than a year because of a variety of circumstance and quite honestly because of my recent employment or lack thereof had not required dry cleaning services. More than the proprietor of a small business, Oscar Clarin – “Uncle Oscar” to me was a friend. He will be missed. And it struck me how fragile and tenuous life really is.

I still remember when I initially patronized “One Cleaners” because it was shortly after moving back to Virginia Beach in 2004– a few months earlier I had spent one of the most amazing months in the Philippines and stumbled into the dry cleaners which sat conveniently in a shopping center about one mile from my mother’s home. I was pleasantly surprised to find the proprietor as a Filipino and we developed a bond on the many visits with arms filled with tailoring tasks and one-hour cleaning rushes.

Soon, particularly during those lean times when I was either working part-time or temping or both, I would hang out with “Uncle Oscar”, for as Filipinos know, we deformalize our relations with the elders and take them as “uncles” and “aunties” in a show of both respect and familiarity. He was always so accommodating much like a family member as he easily offered me anything from his terrible coffee to the great home-cooked meals that he would bring to work. On other occasions, I would even loiter with my laptop or bring a book and plop down in one of his vinyl chairs with the operation of the dry cleaners as my milieu. “One Cleaners” became a safe haven for me.

As I drove home after the abrupt news, the memories come charging in like a mudslide on a hillside village: talking to Uncle Oscar about my own insecurities and fears of a bar exam which I had on at least three occasions deferred to a later time and had yet to take even once; his recollection of how he came to the United States and started a business which had surpassed his greatest expectations; and, more recently, when he had discussed a plan to buy another dry cleaner and its adjoining plant in an effort to expand his existing business portfolio – it brought both melancholy and evoked a slight grin that “Uncle Oscar”, according to the new attendant did purchase the other dry cleaner and plant.

It took me a little while to write this piece because the suddenness and unpredictability of life reminded me not only how precious the moments are but how we cannot take those things which appear constant and stable as anything but that reality. I also have not spoken to Uncle Oscar’s family and wanted to show proper respect while also acknowledging the importance of his passing to me.

I will still patronize “One Cleaners” because I want to honor the memory of a good friend but also because my poignant reflections of our friendship and his death will further illuminate and solidify how I look at life’s organic and raw nature.

To Uncle Oscar and his family, I want to relay my condolescences despite the lateness and negligent manner in which I learned of his fate. Uncle Oscar – you will be remembered in more ways than one. God Bless

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FilAm Veterans' Memorial Day Remembrance w/ drum ceremony, cook-out

Join the Filipino American Veterans of Hampton Roads today at the Philippine Cultural Center in Virginia Beach for a Memorial Day ceremony from 10 to 11 a.m.

The ceremony includes Native American drums, "Four Rivers" and a cook-out immediately following. Suggested donation is $6.

See the flyer

Tsismis has been recognizing the veterans and those who served in Washington, D.C., at both the Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial aka "The Wall."

Share your military connection or how service changed the course of your life.

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A showcase of culture, Filipino artistic work at the PCC Thursday at 5 p.m.

FAÇADE

The youth division of the Filipino American National Historical Society, Hampton Roads Chapter began as a collaboration of Hampton Roads students working towards creating a dynamic community versed in organizing, networking, leadership, and empowerment. Filipino Americans Creating a Dynamic Environment (FAÇADE) invites all students to the Symposium, Sigé, this July 1-3. To raise funds for FAÇADE attendees, we have organized the following fundraising events.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The FAÇADE Show at the PCC

A showcase of cultural and artistic work featuring high schools from the Hampton Roads area.

The Show starts at 5 PM at the Philippine Cultural Center (PCC) on Baxter Road in Virginia Beach. Tickets are $7 at the door, $5 with a flyer or school ID.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The FAÇADE Cashola Night at Café Expresso

on Kempsville and Providence Road from 6 to 8 PM.

Please come out to support our efforts. We will also be hosting an intimate open mic session. Stay and eat or try their smoothies. Half the proceeds go to the symposium fund to offset student costs.

979 Providence Sq. Shopping Ctr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (757)495-4600

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The FAÇADE Open Mic Session at Ohana

on 20th and Atlantic from 6 to 8. Ohana means family- so don’t get left behind!

$5 Entrance Fee

2014 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 428-1515

We also encourage you to attend these various organizations’ shows:

Thursday, May 28, 2009 Bayside High School’s Show

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Salem High School’s FACS Folklore Show $3 entrance fee

If you have any questions, please contact us at facade757@googlegroups.com.

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Surprise! Alec Baldwin is humiliating himself, again....

Tsismis thinks that Alec Baldwin's has two saving graces right now: ''30 Rock'' and ''Beetlejuice.''

Philippine Senator and former action star Ramon Revilla of Cavite has threatened bodily harm to the NBC star if he sets foot on the islands. Baldwin shot his mouth off during an appearance with David Letterman last Tuesday. He teased about getting a Filipino mail-order-bride... "or a Russian one..." after Letterman asked if he wanted to have any more children.

Read the full remarks. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/161761/Alec-Baldwins-RP-mail-order-bride-remark-irks-senator

See the episode http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-RlcPlSAiI

And remember Alec Baldwin at his finest when he ruthlessly berated his teen daughter, Ireland, over the a cellphone mishap..

Let's recall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgj6NEk9xEw

Irresponsible? Absolutely.

Surprising? Not so much.

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Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos...

is said to be in town. Tsismis continues to slueth this week.

The island nation's 12th president (post-Corozan and pre-Estrada)  and  is known to have led the bloodless coup that ousted the then dictator Ferdinand Marcos.  Ramos frequents our area as one of directors of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Memorial.

Later this year, the retired four-star general/scuba-diver/underwater photographer will address the East Asian Seas Congress on international economic reforms and strategy.  Ramos is one of the co-founders of the Baoa Forum (BFA) whose mission includes "people empowerment, environmental protection and economic cooperation."

Will you be joining Ramos during his visit? Tell Tsismis how. Or submit a photo. Perhaps you're a golf partner... Do share!  

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Barrelman Apparel - Stylistic Entertainment presents...

The Limelight & After Party... (Soul | Hip Hop | Experimental)

May 22 | 10 p.m. | Free | 21 +

at Cozumel in Va. Beach, 1479 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA (next to Shakespeare's)

Live performances by

Marie Hill

http://www.myspace.com/mariestar

Funk Boogie

http://www.myspace.com/funkboogie

J-Pharoah

MARCO

&

Spinning hip hop

DJ DBL-A

http://www.myspace.com/djdubblea

DJ Eluzion

http://www.myspace.com/eluzion

See the latest styles by Barrelman

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Immigration attorney Max Frias sentenced to 3 years probation for marriage fraud

Tsismis slipped into between immigration lawyer Max Frias' 26-year community peer and a female supporter who was praying with silver rosary beads during his sentencing today at a federal courthouse in downtown Norfolk.

In a courtroom filled with four generations of Filipinos, the community's first Filipino American lawyer Frias was sentenced to three years probation, six months home detention in which he must wear an electronic metal device and about $7700 in fines. During this time, he will not be allowed to open any credit cards and he must also submit to drug testing. Frias could have served one year to 18 months in prison.

The 30-year practicing attorney had pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent paperwork supporting a fake marriage. The woman involved in the marriage was attempting to help keep an illegal immigrant male in the country. Federal officials warned Frias against the suspicious nature of the case.

Because of the many testaments' to his strong character, the judge felt "baffled" by Frias' choice and noted that "it causes the court to wonder." He also made it clear to Frias was "such a lucky man" to have such community support. The judge remarked on the number of community members and legal professionals present in the courtroom. The judge also remarked that many who are sentenced may not have one, single person -- "not even a business associate" -- by his or her side when being sentenced.

More than 70 letters were submitted in support of the son of a Navy man and grocer. Folks wrote about how his work impacted their businesses, families and lives.

The judge did not believe that Frias helped to contrive the phony marriage for pure financial gain, as argued by the prosecutor. Frias does not live a lavish lifestyle, the judge noted. He also felt that if Frias were to SOMEHOW ever practice law again, he didn't believe that Frias would make the same mistake or that he is any threat to society. Frias has only had one traffic violation form the 1980's on his record.

Shortly before sentencing, Frias said that he was "truly sorry for his transgressions" and he apologized to his family, community and his profession. Frias had already voluntarily surrendered his law license, which would have been revoked.

The two felony-convinction also causes Frias to lose his right to vote at any level and he will never be able to run for public office.

Witnesses making final statements about his character included Dr. Alan Bergano, co-founder of the Filipino American National HIstorical Society; artist and activist Sylvia Nery-Strickland; Dr. William Magee Jr., founder of Operation Smile; accountant Marilyn Rivera; his long-time professional peer, attorney and fellow ODU grad; along with Frias' wife of 19 years.

In addition to practicing law for more than 25 years, he has contributed his time as the visual arts director for a documentary that depicted the contributions of Filipinos in America which was broadcast at the Smithsonian. He had also received Va. Beach's Human Rights Award for his pro bono work. Collectively, character witnesses told a story of a diligent husband and father whose work ethic and community-mindedness followed in the footsteps of his immigrant parents who had come from the Philippines to elevate their family's life.

In January, Frias addressed the local Filipino community regarding rumours that began circulating after his arrest. He admitted his wrongdoing at the meeting held at the Philippine Cultural Center. He appealed to his former clients and community contacts for letters of support stating how he had represented them or their organization in the past. He had also asked for their prayers for him and his family.

Frias' "faith never escaped him" during the trial said his wife, who also spoke of his and his family's helpfulness as an endearing quality during their courtship. His strength of character and his genuine remorsefulness for the crimes committed make her proud.

In a closing statement, defending attorney quoted Frias' niece who says she feels proud when people recognize her as a relative to her uncle. Through these encounters, she learned about her uncle's work and the impact he's made in their world. The niece felt "blessed" for having such an uncle.

The 30-year practicing attorney had studied at Old Dominion U. and The College of William and Mary's law school.

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