Giving Back and Giving Thanks for your continued support of
FWN's career empowerment and anti-violence campaigns!

2009 was quite a year! Much to be proud of and we report back as we ask for your continued support to continue the good work. 

FWN's 6th Filipina Leadership Summit, the Nationwide Search of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women (2009) and the Filipinas Against Violence awareness and fund- raising campaigns yielded significant results. WE could not have done these projects without YOU - FWN Members, Sponsors, and Supporters! Maraming salamat!

We begin our accomplishment list in December 2008 because the long journey for 'Justice for Claire Joyce Tempongko' has finally come to a close.

Claire Joyce was brutally murdered in 2000 in front of her two young children. Clara Tempongko, Claire Joyce's mother, heroically initiated a grassroots campaign to find her daughter's murderer, igniting the Filipino community and domestic violence organizations to support the hunt for her alleged murderer, Tari Ramirez, and seek justice for Claire Joyce.

Dec. 12, 2008, San Francisco

Judge Robert Dondero sentenced Tare Nicolas Beltran Chuc aka Tari Ramirez to 16 years to life in state prison for the murder of Claire Joyce Tempongko. With time served in San Francisco and Mexico, Ramirez could be eligible for parole in 2021. in solidarity with the domestic violence community, FWN pledges to attend every Ramirez parole hearing to ensure that he is not granted parole.

Dec. 19, 2008, Home of Lissa Sobrepeña, San Francisco

FWN hosted a thanksgiving mass officiated by Fr. Kim Simbulan, SDB, in memory of Claire Joyce Tempongko, in thanksgiving for the efforts of the entire domestic violence and law enforcement communities who brough justice to Claire Joyce, and closure for Clara and the Tempongko family. Thank you Fr. Kim for leading the solemn and joyous occasion and Lissa for opening your home to the community!

January 24, 2009, Intramuros Restaurant, So. San Francisco

FWN launched the 1st Annual Salo Salo featuring the "2009 Adobo Crawl" to highlight Filipino cuisine and to support Filipino entrepreneurship at a time when the economy is broken.

FWN, in collaboration with 12 highly acclaimed restaurants and food organizations, who serve authentic Filipino and Filipino-inspired dishes, embarked on a year-round culinary adventure celebrating the many flavorful and exotic ingredients, cultural and regional influences, cooking and dining traditions of Filipino cuisine.

In 2009, 12 restaurant / food organizations prepared their own unique and secret recipes of the popular "adobo" dish as one of the selections in their Prix Fixe menus.

Salo Salo success goes to the amazing women and men whose tireless dedication made these monthly gatherings happen —

January 25, 2009, San Francisco

FWN officially launched the Time Capsule Project: Archiving the FWN 100's life stories to inspire the next generation of Filipina leaders.

In preparation for Pinay Power 2012 and the celebration of the next 100 years of Filipina presence in America, FWN started interviewing FWN's 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. and the Keepers of the Flame. The purpose is to create a digital and print archive that will serve as a time capsule for future generations.

A time capsule is a way for us to deliver important messages so that our designated heirs have a sense of what life was like for us when they open our time capsule in the future.

When Pinay Power 2012 was birthed at the 4th Filipina Summit in 2006, the Filipino community was celebrating 100 years of Filipino migration in America. Strikingly missing were the stories and documentation of the contributions of Filipina women in the last 100 years. "Never again forget the role of Filipina women in the building of America," said Marily Mondejar, president of FWN. This statement inspired the Pinay Power 2012: Time Capsule Project.

A DVD of women's stories and a coffee table book of Filipina Voices will be distributed to schools and libraries in the U.S. and Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide.  55 FWN 100s (2009)were video-interviewed during the summit.  Go to YouTube.com/fwn100 for the interviews edited to-date.

Many thanks to the behind-the-scenes team who are slowly getting the Time Capsule in motion:

The time capsule will be sealed at the Filipina Leadership Summit scheduled in Washington DC in 2012.  We want to assure that the Filipino Bicentennial Celebration in 2106 will include our stories and our contributions to the building of America.  Talk about advance planning! 

If you wish to participate in the Time Capsule planning committee for 2012 and are a FWN member (dues current), here's how to sign up:

February 19, 2009, Alimango Restaurant, San Mateo, CA

"How do you say good-bye to a Remarkable Filipina Woman? - Tribute for Nini Alvero" - FWN said good-bye to Nini Alvero, Philippine Trade Commissioner for the U.S. Western Region, a valued board member, and friend of the community in a touching event surrounded by friends and colleagues.  Thanks to TJ Simbulan for the cover photo.

March 29, 2009, Red Lantern Restaurant, Redwood City, CA

"Dinner With the PROS" - Filipinas in Motion Discussion Circles in celebration of Women's History Month. Filipina leaders gathered to share their expertise with young women and protégées.

April 5, 2009, New York City :

Pinay WomenTea hosted by Dr. Mutya San Agustin in her elegant home. The meeting was an invitation to FWN members and Filipina women to step up to leadership and organize a support network of powerful women. Thanks Mutya for stepping up! 

COAST-TO-COAST V-Day FWN productions to continue our work for the Filipinas Against Violence Campaign (Washington DC and San Francisco's all-Asian women show).  Beneficiaries included:

• V-Day Spotlight 2009: Stop the rape of Congo women and girls
• API Domestic Violence Resource Project (Washington DC)
• Filipinas Against Violence
  

April 11, 2009, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC:

FWN's Filipinas Against Violence campaign with the productions of The Vagina Monologues and A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, premiered in Washington DC!

All-Filipino cast members - 50 brave women and men - gathered weekly to raise awareness and understand the issues of power and control, the spiral of domestic violence and how it affects families in the Filipino community.

The infectious leadership and unforgettable performances of Gloria T. Caoile, Dr. Bambi Lorica and Nina Nguyen Lagac, changed the story of Filipina women and girls in the Washington DC-area Filipino community. 

A very, very special thank-you to -

- - - - - OUTRAGE! A SAD DAY FOR WOMEN - - - - -

April 23, 2009, Manila, Philippines

The Court of Appeal overturned a lower court's rape conviction of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith and ordered his release. Smith was found guilty of raping a 23-year old Filipina woman in 2005 and sentenced 40 years to life in 2006.

The high profile case threatened the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) prompting Washington to call off large-scale exercises in Manila. Smith was transferred from a Philippine prison to a detention center in the US Embassy where he remained while his conviction was on appeal.

April 25, 2009, Zebulon Restaurant, San Francisco

Every year, since 2004, FWN honors the women and men advocates who keep our community safe from violence.  Click to view previous years' Vagina Warriors.  2009 Honorees were:

May 2, 2009 @ the Herbst Theatre

FWN premiered the first all-Asian American Women Cast of V-Day's The Vagina Monologues. FWN reached out to its Asian sisters to raise awareness about the urgent issues around domestic violence in all our communities. In an unprecedented Pan Asianism solidarity, 30 women gathered to speak in one voice to end violence against Asian women and girls.

May 9, 2009 @ Intramuros Restaurant

We continued the tradition of a Taglish version of The Vagina Monologues.

- - - - - COAST-TO-COAST LAUNCH for the
Nationwide Search for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. - - - - -

May 16, 2009, TAMA Gallery, Tribeca, New York City

Nationwide Search for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. for 2009" launched in New York. The press conference and meeting was hosted by Lilia Villanueva, FWN 100 (2007) and FWN 100 (2009) Selection Committee Member. A photo and video shoot was also scheduled for the FWN 100 based in the New Your area before the evening press conference.

May 31, 2009, Bistro Luneta, San Mateo, CA

Nationwide Search for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. for 2009" launched in California.

Special guest was Mivic Hirose, newly appointed President and CEO of Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco.

June 28, 2009, San Francisco

FWN premiered the first SHEroes Monologues, A Celebration of the Women of the Philippine Revolution to honor Philippine Independence Day. Not much has been written about the Filipina women of the Philippine Revolution. Mostly mothers, wives and/or children of the Katipuneros, they risked their lives on the battlefields aiding the revolutionists in clever tactics to advance the cause of freedom.

FWN debunked the auxiliary status or domesticated representation of the women's sheroic contributions. In a revealing example of containment and domestication, Trinidad Tecson fought in 12 battles under five generals, yet Aguinaldo paid tribute to her nursing services at the revolutionary hospital in Biak-na-Bato earning her the title "Mother of Biak-na-Bato" instead of her successes as a soldier (Ancheta 1953, 39). Trinidad became known as a babaeng-lalaki (masculine woman) denying her recognition as a national hero (Zaide 1970).

Many many thanks to Gloria Ramos and Elena Mangahas who collaborated in writing the SHEroes Monologues script, Florante Aguilar and Kristin Sinajon added the musical arrangements that really made the celebration elegant. The monologues were performed by Bingo Marasigan, Christina Dunham, Esther Chavez, Jennifer Ong, Mimi Amutan, Paulita Malay, Puchi Carrion-Di Ricco, and Sol Manaay.

July 26, 2009, Pâtisserie Philippe, San Francisco

Filipina Women Who Could Be President - How to Get Elected and Appointed to Boards and Commissions in collaboration with California Women Lead represented by Sen. Liz Figueroa, Emerge California represented by Malia Cohen, and Asian Pacific American Leadership Program represented by Board Chair, Timothy Dayonot.

Thought-provoking discussion about public service career paths -- boards and commissions important to the FilAm community, navigating the appointments and election processes, training programs available to effectively prepare Filipina women for an 'elected' career.

August 8-9, 2009, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco

FWN supported once again the 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival.  Led by Al Perez, president of FAAE , the Pistahan honors Filipino American heritage at a two-day festival with a parade, FilAm entertainment, a balut-eating contest, an Adobo Cook-Off, numerous heritage tents and the Filipino American Jazz Festival.  Marily was Hermana Mayor.

August 23, 2009, Mercury Lounge, San Francisco

"Life Planning Workshop: What do you want to do with the rest of your life?" facilitated by Marily Mondejar. As we approached the end of summer, we paused and took stock of our lives for reflection, career pathing, and life planning.

September 12, 2009, Filipino Heritage Game @ HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA

FWN collaborates once again with FAAE.

Ana Julaton won the IBA SuperBantamweight World Championship. First Filipina woman to win a belt that was defended five times by Laila Ali.

September 27, 2009, Carmen's, San Francisco

Filipina Caucus - FWN members discussed the nuts and bolts for building a Filipina Action Agenda. The dialogue included strategies for civic engagements and advocacy of how Filipina women can get involved in the policy-making process.  It set the foundation for further exploration at the Filipina Summit and FWN's participation in the Beijing +15 Conference sponsored by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (New York, March 1-12, 2010).

October 18, 2009, Filipino Heritage Game @ the Oakland Raiders, Oakland

October 26, 2009, Julia Morgan Ballroom, Merchants Exchange, San Francisco

FWN collaborated with 13 women's organizations to convene the 3rd Annual San Francisco Women's Policy Summit.  The goal is to build upon the collective work of women's organization and increase the power and presence of the San Francisco women's community.

Over 150 of San Francisco's most influential women leaders attended.  Marily was one of the speakers and opened the summit.

October 29, 2009, Mayor's Balcony @ City Hall, San Francisco

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom welcomed FWN members and guests at the beautiful City Hall. A glorious evening with a sumptuous buffet of Filipino cuisine prepared by Ramar Foods and beautiful Kulintang music played by Ron Quesada and Caroline Cabading.

Maraming, maraming salamat for the glorious evening! Made more special with the presence of those who flew in timely fashion from many states and the brave souls who patiently endured the long trek to City Hall with the closure of the Bay Bridge.

Our gratitude to the many loving hands in the celebration of everything Filipina! - - -

October 30 - November 1, 2009, Claremont Hotel, Berkeley, CA

FWN's annual Filipina Leadership Summit is a national forum for Filipina professionals - - to celebrate the advancement and contributions of Filipina Americans to U.S. society in observance of Filipino American Heritage Month.

The summit opened with a reception in the beautiful Horizon Room with magnificent views of Berkeley Hills and the glorious sunset.

FWN 100 Awardee Emmie Anderson gifted her co-awardees with beautiful leis flown in especially from Hawaii! Lorraine R. Inouye (former Hawaii Senator) and FWN 100, delighted the FWN staff and summit volunteers with macadamia cookie treats, of course, from Hawaii! Thanks to both of you for bringing warmth and smiles to your Pinay sisters (and Pinoy brothers, too!)

At the 2-1/2 day 6th Filipina Leadership Summit, we learned the latest developments for multicultural professionals in the U.S. workplace from outstanding speakers and made the connections to help advance our businesses and professional careers. Our deep appreciation to the exceptional faculty and volunteers - we won't disappoint you. We will implement the wisdom you've shared and pay forward our learning with future leaders in our community!

Maraming salamat, Xie xie, Terima kasih banyak-banyak, Gratia, Arigato gozaimasu, Muchas gracias to the Filipina Leadership Summit Faculty and Volunteers!

The awards ceremony was masterfully emceed by Gloria T. Caoile, FWN's BFF forever! Jessica Cox, "Nicole" recipient*, delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the FWN 100. The awardees accepted their awards with three words representing their award category.

Read a blog about the gala awards dinner / ceremony written by one of our young guests! 

View an amazing collection of videos lovingly put together by Nanette Alcaro, FWN 100, Founder and President of Archipelago 7107 and filipinovillage.com

You can still order the DVD of all photos taken during the summit, the photo album, souvenir magazines and poster.  Go to www.ffwn.org/events.

The FWN 100 Selection Committee collaborated with the Seattle-based Filipino American Association of Certified Public Accountants who tabulated the selection data.

The FWN 100 awards is the ultimate showcase of the Filipino American community's most inspiring individuals in the private and public sectors, which exemplify innovation, mentorship, professionalism, gender empowerment and leadership. It is part of a larger game plan - Pinay Power 2012 - a dream with a meaningful purpose - double the number of Filipina leaders by 2012.

The prestigious recognition is a working award - the winners are asked to womantor a protégée. Both leaders will return to the Filipina Summit in 2012 to celebrate Pinay Power 2012. View the 2009 FWN 100.

Sustaining Pinay Power 2012 is FWN's biggest challenge. As the excitement dies down and reality sets in, many will drop out and others will pick up the torch. The Keepers of the Flame are the caretakers, ensuring the vision is kept alive. The selection committee has taken the next step - nurturing and executing the dream plan. Kudos to these amazing and dedicated members, now the Keepers of the Flame:

• Lt. Col. Shirley S. Raguindin, Arizona National Guard; Chair, FWN 100 Selection Committee (Arizona)
• Ellen Abellera, National Advisory Committee of the Census Bureau on Race and Ethnicity for the Asian Population; Co-Chair (Washington)`
• Bambi Lorica MD, Asia America Initiative (Washington DC)
• Gloria T. Caoile, Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) (Washington DC)
• Jocelyn Bernal, Carat USA (New York)
• Jopin Romero, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Consulate General of San Francisco
• Lilia Villanueva, TAMA Gallery (New York)
• Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, Philippine Consul General (Los Angeles, California)
• Mutya San Agustin, MD Albert Einstein College of Medicine (New York)
• Sonia Delen, Banc of America Leasing (San Francisco)
• Thelma Boac, Silver Creek High School (San Jose, CA)

FWN in collaboration with the Feed the Hungry organization created the "FWN Women & Children's Disaster Relief Fund" to ensure that women, girls, and shelters for domestic violence and rape victims and survivors are not neglected. 10% of the summit's net proceeds ($1,000) was donated. 

November 6, 2009, Filipino Heritage Game @ the Golden State Warriors

The Warriors featured Arnel Pineda, lead singer for Journey, at a post-game event.  "From obscurity to rock n' roll history" - Arnel's story not only revived the Journey but it inspired millions worldwide. He gave back to our "kababayans" - for the typhoon relief efforts through his Arnel Pineda Foundation.

December 4, 2009, San Francisco Women's Holiday Party @ the Lot46 Nightclub & Lounge

This is the third year that FWN has collaborated with seven other women's organizations to celebrate the holidays in solidarity. We pick the 'hottest and newest' club in San Francisco and celebrate the year together. The party is our annual opportunity to meet and greet with local politicians and their staff including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Board of Equalization Chairwoman Betty Yee, State Senator Leland Yee and others.

December 10, 2009, TAMA Gallery, Tribeca, New York City

1st New York "Kwentuhan" & Salo Salo was an enjoyable evening. Lilia's gallery was beautiful and everyone was in a holiday mood. The FWN 100 shared their inspiring stories.

Philippine Consul General Cecille Rebong also shared her life story highlighting the dichotomy between traditional perceptions and expectations of the role of Filipina women and the empowered Filipina today. Wisdom was shared. Lessons that were learned. The discussion lingered on how Filipinas can support each other. Many thanks to the host committee - Lilia Villanueva, Jocelyn Bernal and Analisa Balares.

December 17, 2009, Patio Filipino, San Bruno, CA :

We ended the year with a most fitting ceremony - a recognition event to honor a Filipina who has brought great pride to the community - Mona F. Pasquil, Acting Lieutenant Governor of the State of California.

Indeed, 2009 was quite a stellar year for FWN. Watch out for 2010 as we launch the next decade.  We look forward to continuing our partnership! We invite you to step up to leadership.  Join a FWN committee today.

Manigong 2010!

Elena, Marily & the FWN Board

 

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