FAAI’s New Set of Officers and Board of Directors for 2013 ...FAAI Calendar of Events...

FAAI Calendar of Events

Spring/Summer 2013

FAAI’s New Set of Officers and Board of Directors for 2013-2014

FAAI Gen. Assembly

May 19, 2013 at 2:30-4:45

West Des Moines Public

Library,

CelebrAsian 2013

May 11,2013

Iowa State Capitol Complex,

East Campus, Des Moines

FAAI Annual Pig Roast

Picnic

August 3, at 12-8 p.m.

Raccoon River Park, WDM

Coneflower Shelters A,B &C

FAAI & Fil-Am Omaha

Weekend Camping & Picnic

July 19-21, 2013

Lake Anita State Park

Anita, Iowa

(cont. page 3)

FAAI Officers (2013-2014) 1

A Celebration of Love 2

Alma Reed’s Message 3

FAAI Christmas Party 4

President’s Corner 5

Requiem For A Friend 6

CORDILLERA DAY 4

INSIDE PAGE

Remembering Lolo Amado 6

A Room With A View 7

Bayanihan forTyphoon Pablo 8

FAAI Launches Zumbathon 9

FAAI Valentine’s King & Queen

9

Editorial/Contributors 10

L-R: Joy Stachura, VP; Al Snyder, President; Dory Taylor, Secretary; Jim Foster, Treasurer; & Rosa In-

ciong-Reyes, Business Manager. Photo by Rutchie Heiring of Posh Photography

ALVIN SNYDER JR. (President) In ad-

dition to being the new president of the

FAAI, Al is blessed with a wonderful fam-

ily, his wife for 5 years and best friend,

Aireen Nicolas-Snyder. They have two

daughters: Maryen 17, Angelica 3, and one

on the way in July; and two sons: his

namesake Alvin, 32 and Rob 25.

He has heard it said, “It is amazing that

you think, that with each child, you can’t

possibly love anyone as you love them, but

somehow you love the next one just as

much.” He can say it’s true!

Al and his family are parishioners at the

Basilica of Saint John where he completed

his Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults

(RCIA) to become a Catholic and where he

and Aireen were married.

He loves being outdoors with his family,

fishing, boating, biking, picnicking, hunt-

ing, riding the motorcycle, and visiting with

friends.

His career in Electronics Engineering started

in Rome Free Academy in New York and

continued with four years in the United

States Air Force and Rose State College

which prepared him for his 26 years as a

Broadcast Technical Engineer for KCCI –

TV CH8.

He held several volunteer positions over the

years including 12 years as a member of the

Pleasant Hill Fire Department serving his

last five years as Fire Chief.

He is a 26-year member of IBEW Local 347,

currently serving as President of the KCCI

TV Broadcast unit.

He is also currently serving as Grand Knight

for the Knights of Columbus council 644 at

the Basilica of Saint John where he is

blessed to serve as (cont. page 8)

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Filipino-American Association of Iowa

A Celebration of Love Aricle and photo by Tonee Sinsay– Carpio

The Filipino-American Association of Iowa’s 29th Annual

Valentine’s Party was a night of glitz and glamour. It was

something out of an awards night in Hollywood. This was

a classy, elegant and fun way to celebrate with our loved

ones, friends and family. This Valentine’s Day gathering

celebrated the love’s of our lives with good food, wonder-

ful music and great friends!

I want to flash on several highlights of the party that helped

make it exceptional.

The DJ ensured that the guests got a perfect romantic treat

playing Tagalog love songs while we were having dinner.

The duet performed by Ike Robles and Faye Philips im-

pressed everyone. All the way from California and origi-

nally from Pella, Iowa, we heard the comedic antics of

Andrew Lopez. There was a pleasant surprise in between

the entertainment. Red roses from the Boesen The Florist

were donated by an anonymous donor and were distributed

to the men to give to their ladies. Rutchie Heiring of Posh Photography was

there to make the event more memorable. Saxophonist, Don Brown created

the ambiance during the cocktail hour.

The induction of the new officers by Kim Poam-Logan was also a highlight

of the event.

The night was indeed special for the new King and Queen, Roger and Joy

Stachura as they danced while Angel Philips serenaded them with the song

“Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.” This will be etched in the memory of our new King

and Queen. DJ Rick Runez prepared different genres of music to delight the

crowd from old to young. Everyone was dancing and burning the calories

from the delicious food.

As the event came to end, I remember the famous Cesare Pavese quote, “We

do not remember days; we remember moments.” It was indeed a great and

wonderful evening.

The FAAI's 29th Valentine's Party was a success, the officers and volunteers

made us all proud, with their sincere determination and serious efforts. With

the same spirit and zeal, you made us all proud. Congratulations and let the

spirit never fade away!

Outgoing President, Alma Reed. Photo by Posh Photo.graphy

Kim Poam-Logan inducts the new FAAI officers. From R-L: Al Snyder, Pres.;

Joy Stachura, VP; Dory Taylor, Sec.; Jim Foster, Treas.;& Rosa Inciong-

Reyes, Business Manager. (Photo by Dory)

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Lahi Newsletter Spring 2013

Message From a Former President Alma Reed

To The Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI):

First of all, it has never been too late to say thanks to all of

you who made our FAAI so vibrant, visible, resilient and wel-

coming. Let me extend a BIG THANK YOU to our prize do-

nors, performers, food servers, photographers, DJ, cleaning

crew, children who were so well-behaved waiting for their

gifts from Santa Claus (John Davis), guests from out-of -town,

officers, and volunteers. Because of YOU, we had a very suc-

cessful annual FAAI Christmas party and election of officers

for term 2013-2014 with hundreds of party attendees.

One thing that I need to clarify: any FAAI member can also be

a member of any other groups but cannot be an officer for

both. FAAI happily welcomes new and familiar faces - we are

inclusive.

My presidency ended December 31, 2012- my sixth year in

leading this thriving association. As I reflect on the last 38

years of the FAAI, I feel so lucky that our association has

withstood the test of time. Its foundation becomes stronger

facing those unwanted storms that came along. FAAI is still

here, standing firm and will ever be.

It has been a pleasure serving you and working voluntarily as

president for a total of 6 years and watching our organization

grow and flourish in the way that it has. It has given me lots of

challenges, strengths, learning, growth and the opportunity to

share my knowledge and the connection FAAI had developed

through all these years. Anyone knows we have an organiza-

tion that has a very strong foundation along with the solid vi-

sion and strength of the newly-elected FAAI officers for 2013-

2014.

Let me introduce to you these officers:

AL SNYDER – President

JOY STACHURA – Vice President

DORY TAYLOR – Secretary

JIM FOSTER – Treasurer

ROSA INCIONG-REYES – Business Manager

Board of Directors:

RICHARD O’BRIEN

ALMA REED

BOB VIDA

I’d encourage you members and future members to give all

your best 100% support to these new officers for the better-

ment of the FAAI. FAAI’s possibilities are limitless. The as-

sociation’s success is also your success. Be a proud member of

FAAI as I am always and will always be!

Overall, we have accomplished many events including: Gain-

ing new members from Iowa and out of state; Retaining mem-

bers from over 100 miles radius; Showcasing our Filipino cul-

ture in Indianola Spring Fest; FBI Unity Day event – Citizen’s

Academy Class, Omaha, NE; and some Des Moines Public

Schools through my involvement with CultureAll; Few private

firms: Banker’s Trust, Wells Fargo Financial; Retirement

Homes; Iowa State Univer-

sity; Grandview Universi-

ty; Has been participating

as one of the Asian villag-

es during the Asian Herit-

age Festival since 2003

(festival inception); Sup-

ported the Philippine Inde-

pendence Day celebration

in Fairfield, IA; Assisted

the 9th World Festival

celebration, Peoria, IL;

Sponsored the “Glimpse of

Philippine Culture” even-

ing, Bettendorf, IA; Fan-

tastic attendance at the

Valentines party, Summer

picnic, Halloween party

and Christmas party; In-

creasing number of “parol-

makers” at the Science Center of Iowa IMAXX; Attended the

Festival of Cultures, Skokie, IL; Networked at the ADOBOFEST,

Morton Grove, IL; Attended the Philippine-American History

Month celebration in Bolingbrook, IL; Attended the annual Christ-

mas party of the Liloyan Association of the U.S., Des Plaines, IL.

Through this association, I am able and will always proud to repre-

sent myself for the FAAI wherever I am and whoever I am with.

It’s my gratitude to those members and non-members who encour-

aged and supported me wholeheartedly in my leadership. Through

your inspiring thoughts and wisdom, I learned to be strongly pas-

sionate in everything I do. Thanks to those folks who treated me

like a member of their own family. FAAI is always in my heart!

Again, thanks so much for the opportunity of serving you, FAAI.

Keep in touch… My email is: [email protected]. I love you

all….. MABUHAY !

FAAI Calendar of Events (cont.)

FAAI Annual Halloween Party: October 26, 2013

at Our Lady of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church

Ankeny, Iowa

FAAI Annual Christmas Party: December 14, 2013 Our Lady Of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny

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Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

Calendar of Events

FAAI Celebrates Its Annual Christmas Party by Maria Astra Fecundo


Christmas... This is one of the most highlighted festivities of

the year. It is always an occasion both young and old look

forward to; a season of joy and sharing, a time of hope and

giving. But the true essence of Christmas as to whom it is

centered to is CHRIST our Lord!

The Filipino Community here in the Des Moines area started

the Christmas Season with a blast. On December 1, 2012 at

Urbandale Senior Center, the Filipino-American Association

of Iowa hosted a Christmas Party, which turned out to be a

great success. A well-attended event by about three hundred

people or even more. Friendship, fellowship, camaraderie,

smiles and fun were witnessed by both members and future

members of the Filipino- American community present at

the event. And not to mention the sumptuous dinner that was

served. Various dishes were brought by the attendees and the

famous "lechon", which was donated by the kind-hearted

couples, Bob & Zen Vida and Roger & Joy Stachura. It was

an event to remember!

To give us a glimpse of that wonderful night, it began at late

in the afternoon, with a registration, spearheaded by Christa

Eribal, and other Fil-Am officers and members. Raffle tick-

ets were sold and complimentary ones were given. It was

very heartwarming to see smiles on everybody's face, and to

meet new and familiar faces and renew friendships. The pro-

gram started at around 6 p.m. with the singing of the Philip-

pine and the American National anthems by Jhen dela Cruz

and Angel Phillips respectively, followed by an opening prayer by

Fr. Aris Aban. Miss Alma Reed, present FAAI president gave her

words of welcome. Then food was served as the election for the

new FAAI officers was undergoing. As the guests were enjoying

the delicious food, the program continues. Candidates were given a

chance to speak and be known together with their plan of actions

for the association and then new officers were elected and present-

ed during the night. Mr. Al Snyder was elected as the new FAAI

president.

To end the night before the acknowledgment and award-giving for

the active and supportive members who tirelessly volunteered their

time and talents for the FAAI, and then finally the dance,

Ms.Vicki Smith, member of the FAAI Constitutional Amendment

Committee gave a very inspiring message that drawn most, if not

everybody's attention. It indeed left a mark of each one's heart.

To sum it all up, the party was a WOW! Probably, most didn't ex-

pect the number of the attendees that crowded the hall at the ven-

ue, so I think, next time we need a bigger hall since we are contin-

uously growing. It was a night full of fun, smiles, high spirits and

excitement. Again, KUDOS to all especially the officers! Thank

you for all the hard work and the effort you all put into this associ-

ation. Also, thank you to our donors for our door prizes & raffle

draws , to our MC, Richelle Manuel, and to Santa Claus (John Da-

vis) who made each child present at the party smile. As long as

there are kind-hearted and service- oriented people like you, we

will keep going forward and keep growing. More to come for us....

Happy 2013!!!

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Lahi Newsletter Spring 2013

may contact you to help out at specific events. Please be as gener-

ous as your time will allow.

Wow, what a great Valentines’ party! Thank you to Rosa, Joy,

Alma, Jim, Dory and all their team of volunteers and donors who

made it such a beautiful night.

I am saddened to have to address this issue. As with any large

family, we too had a problem in our organization causing a small

splintering of our group .You are likely aware that splintering has

created a startup group and they are trying to mirror our group

with the same type of events, even going so far as putting them on

the same days causing some of our friends to have to choose or

attend in both events. To make this matter worse, several of their

new members have been told they can not belong to both groups

because of our change in constitution and the newly-adapted con-

flict of interest policy prevent them from belonging to both. Noth-

ing is farther from the truth. Our friends are welcome here and can

be members of both groups. Our conflict of interest policy only

applies to being an officer in both groups. Please make sure your

friends, who may belong to the other group understand that they

are welcome to join our Association and attend events.

Spring is here! Let us get out and enjoy it at the 11th Annual

Asian Heritage Festival on May 11, 2013 at the State Capitol

grounds. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and it provides

several opportunities to help in food preparation as well as the

setup, cooking and serving of the food, and showcasing the Filipi-

no culture in our very own cultural exhibit tent. Yours truly will be

the village leader while Jim Foster and Dory Taylor will be the

village coordinators. Ly Foster will be heading up our kitchen and

food preparation. Joy Stachura, the volunteer coordinator will be

teamed up with Rosa Reyes as the talent and cultural events coor-

dinators. This is a large undertaking, so your help will be appreci-

ated.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our General

Membership meeting to be held on May 19, 2013 in the second

floor classroom of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000

Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines , IA 50265 from 2:30 to 4:45

pm. Please bring any ideas or suggestions you may have to share.

Please mark your calendar for the FAAI Sponsored Leadership

Training Seminar for Immigrant Community Organization Leaders

and Volunteers to be held on October 4-6, 2013.

I am very proud of our team for creating this seminar to

strengthen our leadership skills while developing and cultivating

future leaders, with special emphasis placed on our youth, assuring

a strong FAAI as well as other organizations.

Salamat Po,

Al Snyder

515 240-7856 cell

515 266-6443 home

[email protected]

President’s Corner Al Snyder

I am honored to

be the newly-

elected presi-

dent of the Fili-

pino-American

Association of

Iowa. We

should all be

proud to belong

to such an inclu-

sive organiza-

tion. I never dreamed, during my visits to the Philip-

pines, that I would someday become President of the

Filipino American Association of Iowa. What an

honor to serve all of you! I would like to thank my

wife, Aireen and daughters, Maryen and Angelica

for supporting me, and all of you who have placed

your faith in me. I would also like to thank our for-

mer presidents, Dr. Rullan and Alma Reed for being

kind in preparing me for this position during my

time as their VP and Advisor.

I want to assure each and every one of you that

this organization is moving forward. Together, we

will honor and exceed our founders’ dreams put into

action in 1975. We will do this with the guidance of

our new Board of Directors: senior member Richard

O'Brien, former presidents Alma Reed, and Robert

Vida as well as my fellow elected officers: Vice

President Joy Stachura, Business Manager Rosa In-

ciong-Reyes, Treasurer Jim Foster and Secretary

Dory Taylor. What a dream team of such outstand-

ing and committed individuals you have chosen to

lead our organization.

Our community has suffered a great loss with the

passing of our friends and senior members, the late

Amado Siasoco and Vicky Guadiz. Our hearts go

out to their families. They will truly be missed as

shown by the outpouring of love and condolences

from our community.

We currently have several events scheduled and

are in the process of planning others for us to come

together as a community and promote our cultures.

Like all fully volunteer organizations, we can only

function with the unselfish gift of time from our

members to raise money and provide resources to

support our mission. We are only as good as the sup-

port we receive from each of you. We possess great

gifts of faith and undying will and commitment of

both Filipino and American cultures. We are strong

and will become even stronger with your support,

time and ideas. Please contact any of the officers if

you can help out in any way. Our Committee Chairs

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Requiem For A Beloved Friend by Victoria Grageda-Smith


Ours was not an everyday friendship,

nor one that makes a weekly call;

time or distance didn’t rend our ties,

cemented in principle and squall.

She was old enough to be my mother,

but treated me her peer and friend;

graced our life with regal presence,

joyful spirit, intelligence.

When crisis came and friendships tried,

she denounced falsehood, vanity, pride;

rejoiced in blessings, hers and mine:

loving family, friends of the loyal kind;

Above all, the just and righteous, true of

color, meek yet strong—these she admired,

for she was likewise these, and more:

devoted wife, mother, mentor.

You will be missed, Vicky Guadiz--but your

light continues to shine, for your love fired

a torch at the core of our hearts,

and we are grateful, ever more.

Remembering Lolo Amado by Jennifer Siasoco-Adrianse All of my life, when I

greeted my Lolo, I

kissed him on the

cheek. And when we

departed from each oth-

er, I’d kiss him once

more on the cheek. The

time spent between

greeting and departing

was usually filled with

television and food and

sometimes television about food. In the last years of

his life, I’d come over and organize and get rid of

things in their apartment with Lola. If it wasn’t the

first question through the door, it would be second or

third, “Did you eat?”, Lolo would ask me. Even if I

had already, I’d still sit down and have a meal with

them. The two questions that rounded out our conver-

sation would be, “Are you still working out West?”

and “Where’s John?”. I’d answer, he’d nod and then

we would go about watching the television at a very

high volume. We usually watched Jeopardy or Antho-

ny Bordain: No Reservations or that bizarre show with

Andrew Zimmern. If there was tennis on, we’d talk

about it and if we watched so-and-so’s match and then

we’d eat some candy. Werther’s Original’s the last few years,

but before that it would be Brachs Milk Maid Royals. This is

where I think I got my sweet tooth.

This was pretty much how my relationship with my grandfather

went. The only different being in college, when one of the three

questions he’d ask me on the phone would be about the weather.

I’d reply and he’d say, “Okay, here’s your Lola.” And that was

that.

This was my Lolo. This is how I’ll remember him. We may not

have always had in-dept conversations, but Lolo amazed me

with his taste in good bread with butter, his knowledge of Jeop-

ardy answers, his love of “lechon”, his diligence with crossword

puzzles, his funny faces to get a smile out of his great grandchil-

dren and the way he roasted peanuts with garlic.

We love you Lolo!

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

[email protected] Check us out on:

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Advertise in the LAHI

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Lahi Newsletter - Spring 2013

A Room With A View: The FAAI’s “Parol-Making” by Alita V. Siasoco

Looking for a parking lot at the Science Center, so many cars

were driving around and around the building in the afternoon of

November 3, 2012. They were filled with people going to the

same place. Children’s faces were eagerly looking out of their

car’s windows. Are these people as anxious as I am? Are they

wanting to go to the same room, year after year, wishing to work

on their “parols”?

The answer came up as we walked toward the Science Center

building in Des Moines entrance. Yes, yes and yes, we were all

looking forward to the Filipino-American Association of Iowa’s

annual activity of parol-making (lantern-making). Merrily, we

talked and walked.

Now facing the doorway to the activity room, the sight to behold

struck my heart. There were all kinds of people. Smiling, joking,

sitting and cutting colorful papers, asking and giving help (how

to make the colorful intricate tail), they walked to the supply

table manned by FAAI volunteers- Dory Taylor, Alma Reed, Jim

Foster, and Al & Aireen Snyder .

Larry’s wife, Peachy Rabang, demonstrates the art of cutting the

“tail” and how to insert the inner wind part. Her daughter, Sam-

my holding the dainty creation for her, and her son observing as

Larry at the window sill was “supervising” the task- what a

lovely sight!

Linda, our two-term Iraq returnee and a long-time FAAI sup-

porter, moved around taking pictures (for Facebook?).Tonee SC

doing the same thing as Linda but for the Lahi newsletter, also

snapped pictures of happy faces. Could these photographers

capture the parents’ loving attention given to their children hold-

ing their “parol”? And the grandparents’ delight at working

with their “apo’s” (grandchildren)?

Now there’s Larry Berenguel, getting up and bringing up his

grandchildren to Lola Alita with their “parols”.

Here comes another senior member of the FAAI proudly intro-

ducing her two Japanese students. They were on their way to

Chicago to attend a conference but they needed to stop by and

enjoy their parol-making treat.

Now, here is another friend, Cristina with her daughter, Jenny

and her husband with their two daughters who are newly-arrived

from the Philippines. What a lovely way to connect their very

own old culture. ( cont. page 9)

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( FAAI Officers….from page 1)

Head Usher for the 10:30 a.m. Mass. “Come Join us”- his

invitation.

Al wants to say “Thank You” for your support.

JOY STACHURA (Vice Pres.) lives in Ankeny, Iowa

since 1990. She is married to Roger Stachura who is the

Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of

Omaha, NE. and a mother of two wonderful children Jay,

a senior at the University of Iowa studying Psychology

and Political Science, and Shari Jane, a junior at Truman

State taking up Finance Math and Spanish, minor in Ac-

tuarial Science.

She received her Business Degree from University of

Pangasinan, and Masters Degree in Business from the

University of the East, Philippines. She worked as an

account executive at Webengton Garments Manufactur-

ing in the Philippines and traveled all over the Philip-

pines, China and Hong Kong.

Joy has been employed by Veridian Credit Union for 18

years. Prior to working at Veridian, she held various po-

sitions from different financial institutions . She received

extensive training that requires with her job from Super-

visory, Mastery of Leadership, Exploring Management,

Diversity and Inclusion, Faces of Diversity, Integrating

Leadership, facilitated Dave Ramsey Peace University

program, CUNA Management University, Junior

Achievement Program, and involved in the Latino Jamai-

ca Festival.

ADORACION (DORY)TAYLOR (Secretary) is a mother of three adult

sons (Erik 30 years old, Jonathan 21, and Austin 19). She has been a mem-

ber of the FAAI since 2006 and has been very active along with her moth-

er, Rosie Lane, a senior member of the association. Her boyfriend, Law-

rence also helps out in many FAAI functions and volunteers his home for

many occasions. Dory works for the State of Iowa since 1985. Lastly, she

wants to thank you all for your support.

JIM FOSTER (Treasurer) is an Iowa native born in Britt, Iowa. He has

been in trucking industry for 35 years with over 3 million miles driven

safely. He is married with his lovely wife for 12 years, Ly, and for him,

everyday is exciting.

Jim has been investing in real estate, rental properties for his retirement

with Ly. He is also involved in managing and maintenance and negotiating

“buy’s and sell’s” of other properties. He and Ly have been active mem-

bers and volunteers of the Fil-Am of Iowa for 12 years- VP for four years,

Adviser for two years, Sgt.-at-Arms for two years and now Treasurer.

Jim and Ly would like to thank all of you, members and friends for a good

twelve years in the FAAI. Thank you!

ROSA INCIONG-REYES (Business Manager) is originally from Metro

Manila, graduated with honors in high school from St. Scholastica’s Col-

lege and obtained Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology – Acceler-

ated and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Santo Tomas, trained

in Internal Medicine and completed a Fellowship training in Nephrology

and Hypertension at the Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC. She moved

to Iowa in September 2001 with her husband of 19 years, Dr. Ramon S.

Reyes III who is a gastroenterologist at the Iowa Clinic and their daughter,

Danielle who is now a Freshman at Valley Southwoods in West Des

Moines.

Her leadership skills started in her younger years when she served as

President of her class, Year Representative in the Student Council and Sec-

retary of the HS Drama Club. She was VP of the Accelerated Biology

Class ’87 and Medicine Class ’91. She served as Treasurer and Medical

Missions Officer of the Alpha Delta Mu Sorority of UST and President of

the Youth Charter of the Philippine Medical Women’s Association. In

Iowa, she served as the FAAI Treasurer from 2002-2004 and served as the

Event Treasurer & Fundraiser for the UP Madrigal Concert in Des Moines

in 2007. She taught a conversational Filipino class at DMACC with Alita

Siasoco both in 2004 and 2011 and has written research articles published

in “Seminars in Dialysis”. She organized the first FAAI Zumbathon last

year.

Currently, she is an Advisory Council Member of the IDPH Office of

Minority and Multicultural Health, a community partner/consultant of the

Asian Pacific Islander community. She is also an advocate for the arts and

serves in the Board of the Metro Arts Alliance of Greater Des Moines

which hosts the Jazz in July series, GreenArts, Metro Arts Rock N’ Run

and the newest program, ”Dining for the Arts” which she is spearheading

and was launched on April 6, 2013 in “A Taste of Spring” at the Iowa Cul-

inary Institute.

ALMA REED (Board of Director) has been in FAAI leadership role for

14 years now. Secretary for two years; PRO also for 2 years; President for

6 years; Board of Director (2013-2014). She is very active and involved in

many different private, government or non-profit organizations here in

Central Iowa and in Chicago, IL suburbs.

She was elected City official in Carlisle, IA and served the city from

2008-2012.

She is also active with Iowa Asian Alliance in the festival planning since

2003, and was a Village Vendor director for two years.

(next page please…)

FAAI President, Al Snyder and Filipino Store own-

ers, Dwight & Benilda Roberts (in photo), with the

other FAAI officers would like to thank all of you once

again who donated goods and cash for this Bayanihan

project (fund drive). With your generosity, we were able

to send 10 Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines for the

victims of Typhoon Pablo that struck the country in

December 4, 2012 leaving hundreds of people dead and

thousands of homeless. Maraming Salamat po sa inyong

lahat! Mabuhay ang Fil-Am of Iowa!

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Lahi Newsletter - Spring 2013 page 9

FAAI Launches Zumbathon by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD

On October 6, 2012, a Zumbathon charity event was held to raise

money for the Scholarship and the "Bayanihan" Helping Hand funds

of the FAAI. This high energy, calorie-burning Zumba Fitness Party

was held in Aspen Club and Fitness Center on Hickman. The organ-

izers of this fundraiser were Joy Stachura and Rosa Reyes. Zumba-

certified instructor Kat Joseph hosted the event and our very own

Amper Garland together with Geneva Ross, Larissa Flynn, Kristine

O'Brien, Cristine Rodriguez and Patricia O'Connell. There were

more than 75 participants and a net income of $407.65 was raised for

the cause despite the fact that the Color Run was happening in Des

Moines that same time.

This First Zumbathon was only made possible by the priceless

amount of help from the volunteers: Stage-setters were Dr. Ramon

Reyes, Al Snyder, Jim Foster, Scott Reed and Edwin Tanyag. Other

volunteers who helped were Linda Puzon, Tanya Tanyag, Carmen

Pryor, Dory Taylor, Rosa Lane, Ly Foster, Aireen Snyder, Alma

Reed, Tonee Sinsay, Christa and Nene Eribal.

Hope to see more of our community at our next Zumbathon!

( Alma Reed … from page 8)

She received an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award on July 16, 2010,

and was awarded in 2007 Hall of Fame National Community Service,

Chicago, IL.

Alma finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Social Works at the

Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines. She manages

her own business at LegalShield and currently employed with Home

Instead Senior Care, Inc., Northbrook, IL.

Email her at: [email protected] with any questions.

“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Togeth-

er, we can do great things.” – Mother Theresa

ROBERTO (BOB) VIDA (Board of Director) is a former FAAI

president and a very active member of the association along with his

beautiful wife, Zen Vida.

RICHARD O’BRIEN (Board of Director) was born in Dubuque,

Iowa. He and his wife, Naomi-Basmayor-O’Brien, whom he married

in 1996, live in Nevada, Iowa. They joined the FAAI in 1998.

He wished, as a long-time project, to develop a joint– Asian Cultural

Center of some sort.

Roger and Joy Stachura were crowned as this year’s

FAAI King & Queen during the 29th Valentine’s Party

held at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Ball-

room. Congratulations from your FAAI Family!

A Room With A View (from page 7)

Busy as a bee, my dear friend Aireen and her daughter,

Maryen are winding a roll of multi-colored ribbon at their

“parol”. Wow, what a beautiful, real piece of art!

My own two-week old “apo sa tuhod” (great grandchild),

Frannie was being passed around by joyful Lolo Jim and

Lola Josie while carefully tucking her in a carrier beside the

family as Mommy Jenny worked on her “parol”.

Finished “parols” were hanging at the doorway stand.

Fanned gently by the opening and closing of the main doors,

the beautiful works of art attracted the attention of many

Science Center visitors. People from the community were

peeking in. Some were even deciding to join the activity.

More tables were being set up by some FAAI officers, Jim

Foster (Sgt-at-Arms) and Al Snyder (Vice President). Alma

Reed, the president was busy entertaining the visitors and

helping out too.

See anyone not working or laughing? No! This scene at the

Science Center belongs to the Art Center. What wisdom

expresses that a “parol” (star ) shape would symbolize

world peace?

This year’s “parol-making” sponsored by the FAAI is a big

success and something that we look forward to. Thank you

to the officers and volunteer members and future members

of the association for their joint effort to make this event

happen. See you next year. Mabuhay ang Fil-Am!

10

10

Aireen Snyder, Editor

4027 Dean Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50317


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 Maria Astra Fecundo

Alita Siasoco , Rosa Inciong-Reyes,

Jennifer Siasoco-Adrianse

Victoria Smith , Alma Reed

& Al Snyder

*The editor reserves the right to publish or not to

publish an article/s submitted and to edit

them for clarity and brevity.

FAAI’s New Set of Officers and Board of Directors for 2013 ...FAAI Calendar of Events...

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Transcript of FAAI’s New Set of Officers and Board of Directors for 2013 ...FAAI Calendar of Events...