Issue 4 | Volume 1 | 2015

Issue 4 | Volume 1 | 2015

PASS N ewsletter
Fall
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I) E-BOARD PHOTO
II) TABLE OF CONTENTS
III) PRESIDENT?SLETTER
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!

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDEN T

Hello 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 mahal

M aesee Lor
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M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP IN TERN AL

Dear New PASS M embers, Current M embers, 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.

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP IN TERN A

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 M ahal.

Andrew Davenport
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M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP EX TERN AL

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
identities. 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.

M ESSAGE FROM YOUR VP IN TERN A

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 identities
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 M ahal.
Nicole Ramos
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M aesee Lor

Dominic Zot t olo

Andrew Davenport

Nicole Ramos

Chesca Alvarez

Claire Raymundo

Emily Liebau

Joe Sun

Summer Recap
EXECUTIVE 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!

Summer Recap
KALAYAAN PICNIC
This 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 activities 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 POINT
This 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 RETREAT

In 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 tips 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.
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TRAVELS TO TH E PH ILIPPIN ES

LIFE IN THE PROVINCE DOMINIC ZOTTOLO

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.

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 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

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.
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TRAVELS TO TH E PH ILIPPIN ES
ALYSHA KEELING
My first week in the Philippines, I stayed in Manila
with my uncle and his family. During the week
when we weren?t just sitting 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
sitting 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.

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TRAVELS TO TH E PH ILIPPIN ES
DIANA BUNAG
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 activities 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!)

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Current Fil- Am N ews

Joel 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 facilities, 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 titled
?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
titled, ?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 Itliong-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.?
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Five Filipino Fun Facts

DID YOU KNOW?
1. 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.
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Upcoming Events
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, Sept ember 17t h at 7pm in t he basement of M cDonel Hall
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, Sept ember 18t h 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, Sept ember 24t h at Bubble Island st art ing at 7pm
PASSALUMNI TAILGATE
Alumni near and far, come out and party with us! We love to see you and this event is for YOU!
Sat urday Oct ober 3rd at t he W ilson Tennis Court s at 8am
PAINT THE ROCK WITH PASS
A tradition for all to see. Come help us paint the rock!
Thursday, Oct ober 8t h at The M SU Rock, t ime TBA
FILIPINO AMERICANSCOMING 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 6t h - 8t h at t he Universit y of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
PHILIPPINE 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.
W ednesday, November 21st , t ime and locat ion TBA

SEE YOU THERE!

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