Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide

Why I’m Asking for Your Support

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dale Asis

NEXTGEN and Kaluluwa Kolectivo join group discussion in Liloan, Cebu (July 2015)

In late 2014, I committed to helping young Filipino-Americans visit their families’ homeland as part of a NEXTGEN Fellowship, supported by the Bayanihan Foundation, which organized the trip and paid for their travel expenses. The NEXTGEN Fellowship Program is dear to my heart. It speaks to the core of why I was drawn to help back in the Philippines. I believe that if you give people the right opportunity and motivation to help, they can make many small, personal changes that ultimately benefit large numbers of people who need help. That’s why I’m doing this work.

I’m asking for your support and give to the Indiegogo online crowd fundraising campaign: http://igg.me/at/bayanihan

I’m asking you to donate so that young Filipino Americans can have opportunities to reconnect with their culture and heritage, learn the importance of “reaching back” to help others, and gain a larger sense of their responsibilities in the world. Through the NEXTGEN Fellowship Program, they will learn about the foundation’s sustainable projects and learn to develop their own potential sustainable projects. Your contribution will enable us to bring more and more of the next generation of Filipinos back to the Philippines, where they will continue these projects. Your donation will make sure that the NEXTGEN Fellowship will continue beyond its first year.

Your contribution of $10, $100, $1000, or whatever you can afford will enable us to recruit the next generation of Filipino Americans in the cause of cultural, spiritual, environmental, and economic renewal for everyone involved. I believe that small changes lead to large results and that when you change someone’s world, you change the world.

You can also help in other ways:
1. Like us and Share on Facebook and social media. Use the Indiegogo crowd fundraising share tools: http://igg.me/at/bayanihan
2. Follow the blog at www.fdnbayanihan.org
3. Tell your friends and family about this campaign and the Bayanihan Foundation
4. Attend one of the upcoming events planned in Chicago, IL and in Los Angeles, CA: a) Sunday September 27, 2015 – luncheon house party at the home of Dale Asis’ mother, 3752 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago. Enjoy a home-cooked Filipino meal; and b) October 2015 – final campaign send off in Los Angeles, CA (date and details to be confirmed)

I invite you to donate and be part of this. Small changes lead to large results. Your contribution will change these young people’s lives but will also changing the world.

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Youth leadership development | Tagged philanthropy, Philippine giving, youth leadership development | Leave a comment

Change A World, Change The World

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Dale Asis

Kaluluwa Kolectivo and NEXTGEN Fellows enjoy Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Philippines

In July 2015, I traveled with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and the NEXTGEN Fellows. I joined a new generation of Filipino Americans “returning home” for the first time. They explored pre-colonial spiritual practices to create community. They explored their heritage and looked into ways of giving back. We found generosity everywhere.

I would like to invite you to an exciting and interactive REPORT BACK in Chicago, IL to share with you the memorable experiences of the trip. This Chicago event will be held on August 29, 2015 at DePaul University Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave. Room 280 Chicago. We will have:

Interactive rain exhibit and photos
Art & journal sharing
‘Tabi tabi po” (please stand aside) table
Sharing of personal stories
Display of malongs, traditional hand-woven “tube skirt” made of multi-colored cotton cloth

You are welcome to invite your friends and family. Filipino snacks and refreshments will also be served. I know that many supporters of the Bayanihan Foundation are located outside the Chicago area. You are also invited to support the Foundation and join the Indiegogo online crowd fundraising campaign: http://igg.me/at/bayanihan

Your donation will make sure that the NEXTGEN Fellowship will continue beyond its first year. You can also help in other ways:
1. Like us and Share on Facebook and social media. Use the Indiegogo crowd fundraising share tools: http://igg.me/at/bayanihan
2. Follow the blog at www.fdnbayanihan.org
3. Tell your friends and family about this campaign and the Bayanihan Foundation
4. Attend one of the upcoming events planned in Chicago, IL and in Los Angeles, CA: a) Sunday September 27, 2015 – luncheon house party at the home of Dale Asis’ mother, 3752 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago. Enjoy a home-cooked Filipino meal; and b) October 2015 – final campaign send off in Los Angeles, CA (date and details to be confirmed)

I invite you to donate and be part of this. Small changes lead to large results. Your contribution will change these young people’s lives but will also changing the world.

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, Youth leadership development | Tagged diaspora philanthropy, Philippine giving, youth leadership development | Leave a comment

Mind, Body, and Spirit are Fed in the Philippines

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Dale Asis

In July 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation supported travel to the Philippines with the NEXTGEN Fellows and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. The following blog post reflect insights and experiences of that trip.

Last July 2015, I traveled with the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and NEXTGEN Fellows to the Philippines. Besides philanthropic giving, I experienced with them the abundance of spirituality and the natural beauty of the Philippine islands. We enjoyed the delicious native foods and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts. But most of all, I vividly remember the joys we shared with family and children. The mind, body and spirit are fed and nourished in the Philippines.

Abundance of spirituality and natural beauty of the islands

(left to right): E Armea and Crystle Dino struck in awe by the lush forest around them on the road to Samar, Philippines

From the moment we left Tacloban City, I saw the lush canopy of green jungle enveloping us as we head toward Giporlos, Samar. I took a big breath. I could feel the thick, humid air in my face. I could not help but feel the energy that there must be a higher being around me. I contemplated on the larger question posed by the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo, “How do we live as genuine expressions of the Divine Source through every thought, action, and intention?”

(left to right): E Armea and Dale Asis enjoying the awe-inspiring beauty of Tinago Falls, Iligan City

In Iligan City, I took the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and the NEXTGEN Fellows to swim in Tinago (hidden) Falls. We hiked down over 400 steps through a deep ravine of lush jungle, tropical vines and mahogany trees. As I descended through this deep ravine, I felt again the indigenous spirituality that surrounds the islands. I cannot help but ponder on the Kaluluwa Kolectivo’s question: “How do pre-colonial indigenous spiritual practices continue to run in everyday life to build thriving communities?” I felt fortunate that I was able to share these beautiful experiences with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and the NEXTGEN Fellows and that our minds and souls were fulfilled and nourished with questions and deep thoughts. At the same time, it was easy to be awe-struck by the natural beauty of its 7,000 islands. I don’t have to search too far to be nourished by the many undiscovered gems of natural beauty and spirituality.

Stephanie Camba enjoying Tinago Falls, Iligan City

Native foods, delicacies and wonderful hospitality of our hosts

Jeselle Santiago enjoying her first halo halo (ice cream with tropical fruits) served in a fresh coconut shell

Any trip to the Philippines is not complete without enjoying the native foods and delicacies of the islands. “Kain na tayo!” (let’s eat) is the Filipino invitation to eat that we heard over and over and over. Getting fed and nourished in these islands is easy.

I knew NEXTGEN Fellow Jeselle Santiago felt a taste of heaven as she flashed that big grin when she was served her first halo-halo dessert (ice cream with tropical fruits) served in a fresh coconut.

Marc Butiong taking picture of the lechon

How about when NEXTGEN Fellow Marc Butiong was taking pictures of the lechon for our welcome celebration in Iligan City?

Jane Baron (far right) receiving a basket of green mangoes in Cebu

Or the big smile that Jane Baron gave after receiving a basket full of green mangoes in Liloan, Cebu?

(left to right); Vicente Saavedra and Evelyn Castillo enjoying the spread of native foods and delicacies during the welcome dinner in Iligan City

(left to right): Dr. Vicente Saavedra, Mrs. Luz Saavedra and Evelyn Castillo preparing the spread of native foods and delicacies during the welcome dinner in Iligan City

The hosts in all the four islands we visited prepared a fiesta to welcome us. I enjoyed the fresh grilled fish in Samar; the fried kamote (sweet potatoes) on a stick in Iligan; and sizzling sisig (sizzling grilled bits of pork or fish) in Cebu. I don’t think anyone in our group ventured to try balut (fertilized duck eggs with legs), as it’s also known. But what’s really memorable is the warm hospitality of all our hosts and partners in all the places we visited. They did not only fed our bellies but filled our hearts with welcome and contentment.

Joys of Family and the Smiles of Children

Family of Irene Juaniza welcoming Dale Asis (left) and Evelyn Castillo (second from left) to Balayan, Batangas

I was blown away the natural beauty of the Philippines. I was enthralled by the enduring spirituality all around us. I gained weight eating all the delicious food and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of our hosts. But what’s the most enduring of the entire trip was the warmth and joy I shared with the families and children in the Philippines. They fed our mind, body and soul. Our planned trip to the Cordilleras, northern Philippine highlands was cancelled due to two incoming typhoons that closed all the main roads. Evelyn Castillo, the Foundation’s Liaison suggested that we travel to Balayan, Batangas instead and visit Irene Juaniza’s relatives. I was amazed by the wonderful rolling hills and the majestic Taal Volcano on the way to Balayan. As soon as we arrived, Geraldine Baral and her family welcomed us warmly and literally rolled up the red carpet. She cooked the best fried eggplant I have ever tasted! Geraldine, Eric and Irene’s entire family welcomed all of us with open arms and they made our trip to Balayan worthwhile. The warmth of Geraldine and her family was repeated countless times over and over as we visited the country. This is the real gift of visiting the Philippines. The islands and its people will feed your mind, body and soul and they will you make you come back again and again and again.

Posted in Philippine travel, Philippines, Spirituality | Tagged Philippines, spirituality, travel | 2 Comments

Books, Education, and Collective Giving Essentials for Change

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Dale Asis

In July 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation supported travel to the Philippines with the NEXTGEN Fellows and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. The following two blog posts reflect insights and experiences of that trip.

(standing far left) Iligan Central Elementary School librarian Idamarie Navarro symbolically receives the donated books from Evelyn Castillo (second to the right) and Dale Asis (standing far right)

(standing far left) Iligan City National School librarian Idamarie Navarro-Abejo symbolically receives the donated books from the Bayanihan Foundation represented by Evelyn Castillo (second to the right) and Dale Asis (standing far right)

In July 2015, I joined the Bayanihan Foundation NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo in donating over 1,000 books to the Iligan City National High School in Iligan City and to the Coticot Elementary School in Giporlos, Samar. In 2013, members of the Iligan-Lanao Association of the Midwest collected used books in a book drive to help boost the library collection in these two schools. I am proud to involve the NEXTGEN Fellows and the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and show them the power of collective giving and of books and education; they are essentials for long-term sustainability and change.

(left to right); Mrs. Luz Saavedra, Evelyn Castillo and Idamarie Navarro-Abejo at Iligan City National High School

I was shocked to see that all the 1,000 titles of used books that the Bayanihan Foundation donated were already sorted and organized in the book shelves when we arrived at the Iligan City National High School library. The high school librarian Idamarie Navarro-Abejo was proud to show us the donated books already properly catalogued and shelved.

Amedah Dimangadap enjoying one of the 1,000 titles of used books donated at Iligan City National High School

I was most proud when I saw Amedah Dimangadap, 10th grade high school student arrived as soon as the library opened. Amedah was eager to browse through the stacks of donated books and started reading between the stacks. At that moment, I felt that the Bayanihan Foundation made an impact in bringing to Amedah and hundreds of other students like her the gift of books and education.

In 2013, members of the Iligan-Lanao Association of the Midwest, led by Barbara Alban and Helen Tulen. My aunt, Mrs. Luz Saavedra, a long-term resident of Iligan City ensured the local connections and relationships for a seamless donation of these books. The members of the Rotary Iligan East also helped in the delivery and distribution of the used books.

Members of the Rotary Iligan East helped with the distribution of the used books at Iligan City National High School

(left to right): NEXTGEN Fellows Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago presented books to elementary school children in Coticot Elementary School in Giporlos, Samar

The Bayanihan Foundation also donated elementary school books to Coticot Elementary School in Giporlos, Samar. NEXTGEN Fellows Marc Butiong and Jeselle joined me in presenting the books to the students there. Coticot Elementary School teacher, Evelyn Alvaro picked Melinda Apuya, second grade student to go in front of the class and read from one of the books. I was astounded how wide-eyed and eager Melinda was in reading the books and other students eagerly crowded around her to read the book. At that point, I knew those donated books will also make essential impact for change at that elementary school. My hope is that the NEXTGEN Fellows see the valuable lesson of strategic giving and the power of books and education for long-term change. I hope that their visit to the Philippines has inspired them and that they could also make a difference in people’s lives – Filipinos living abroad can contribute to meaningful change to Filipinos at home.

Posted in Diaspora Donors, Diaspora Giving, Education, Uncategorized | Tagged education, philanthropy, Philippine giving | Leave a comment

Education Leads to Action for Philippines Environmental Cleanup

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Dale Asis

In July 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation supported travel to the Philippines with the NEXTGEN Fellows and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. The following three blog posts reflect insights and experiences of that trip.

Young resident of LIloan Cebu, a fisher folk community supported by the Bayanihan Foundation since 2011.

In July 2015, I traveled to the Philippines with the members of Kaluluwa Kolectivo and the NEXTGEN Fellows. They were engaged in the Foundation’s efforts to conduct regular youth environmental workshops, encourage discussion of climate change and environmental sustainability, and prove how individuals everywhere can have a positive impact in their communities. They were exposed to the sustainable community partnerships that the Bayanihan Foundation has supported for long-term local solutions for climate change.

BBC News: Satellites trace sea level change

By Jonathan Amos, science correspondent, BBC News

On September 2012, the BBC reported that 18 years of satellite observations provided a startling view of sea-level change around the world. Incorporating the data from a number of satellites, the study re-affirms that ocean waters globally are rising by just over 3mm/yr. However, that figure hides some very big regional differences – and unfortunately, the Philippine Sea has seen increases in excess of 10mm/yr (Amos: Satellite Traces Sea Level Changes, BBC, September 2012).

The Bayanihan Foundation and its local community partners in the Philippines have responded to these accelerating changes threatening the Philippine archipelago of over 7,000 islands. We believe that we can do something to positively affect climate change locally. I was fortunate enough to share with the NEXTGEN Fellows and Kaluluwa Kolectivo three examples of long-term sustainability that the Bayanihan Foundation has been working on. They are good examples of community-driven, grassroots-empowered solutions to climate change:

I. Conducting Youth Environmental Workshops, Providing Critical Consciousness Raising and Planting Mangrove Trees in Liloan, Cebu

(left to right): James Castillo, board member of the Bayanihan Foundation, long-time supporter of youth environmental workshops in Cebu and Jane Baron, NEXTGEN Fellow

Since 2011, board member James Castillo has conducted youth environmental workshops in Liloan, Cebu. He and other donors of the Bayanihan Foundation, including Heman and Ruth Ezra and Cesar Conde, have enabled hundreds of local youth to attend environmental workshops to raise their awareness of climate change. One effort has been the replanting of mangrove trees to re-establish environmental balance.

Unfortunately, mangrove trees, which provide flood control and fish habitat in the area, have been greatly eradicated partly due to urban growth in Cebu. This decrease has threatened the way of life of many fisher folk community in Liloan. To combat this, hundreds of youth have planted over 20,000 mangrove trees since 2011.

(left to right): Jeselle Santiago and Stephanie Camba planting mangrove trees

NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kauluwa Kolectivo participate in a youth environmental workshop with the Visayas Mindanao People's Resource Development Center (VMPRDC)

NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo take part in a youth environmental workshop with the Visayas Mindanao People’s Resource Development Center (VMPRDC)

II. Leading Environmental Youth Workshops in Giporlos, Samar after Typhoon Haiyan

(left to right): Marc Butiong, Stephanie Camba and James Castillo lead discussion on environmental sustainability and climate change at Giporlos National Trade School

NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo lead discussion on environmental sustainablity at Giporlos National Trade School

NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo lead discussion on environmental sustainability at Giporlos National Trade School

In July 2015, NEXTGEN Fellows and participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo led a discussion with hundreds of high school juniors and seniors from Giporlos National Trade School in Giporlos, Samar. They led the students in a discussion about the connection of environmental sustainability, climate change and the recent super typhoon Haiyan that hit the island. A large number of scientists around the world have formed a consensus that overall storm intensity has categorically increased and could be linked to climate change (Vidal & Carrington: Is Climate Change To Blame for Typhoon Haiyan? The Guardian, November 2013). This was the first time the school had ever held such a discussion on global warming and climate change as the Bayanihan Foundation continues its long-term partnership with the school. In 2014, the Foundation donated ten desktop computers. Later in 2015, it plans to donate two public latrines to the school. These environmental discussions are part of the Foundation’s long-term efforts to help the region recover from the devastating effects of super typhoon Haiyan and begin the long-term process of community work for positive change.

III. Partnering with local government and barangay (village) officials for environmental clean up and long-term sustainability

Evelyn Castillo, Bayanihan Foundation liaison holding up a mangrove tree seedling in Liloan, Cebu

Evelyn Castillo, the Bayanihan Foundation Liaison, led the charge with eight local barangay (village) officials, the Vice Mayor Fritzie Odron, and the municipality of Giporlos to hold the town’s first environmental cleanup effort. In November 2013, super typhoon Haiyan swept through Giporlos and other towns in Samar and Leyte, creating havoc and destruction and leaving behind lots of trash and debris.

Participants from Kaluluwa Kolectivo inspecting the participation of Barangay Parenas in its environmental clean up efforts

In July 2015, hundreds of barangay volunteers, including youth from the Giporlos National Trade School, collected over two tons of plastic, garbage, gravel and debris left behind by Haiyan. Participants from the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and the NEXTGEN Fellows joined to celebrate this effort and hand out certificates and awards to the winning barangays (villages) that did the most thorough cleanup.

While climate change continues to be mired in politics and is a target of naysayers, the increasing amount of trash and plastic in the oceans is an easier issue to address because it is so visible (Parker: Millions of Tons of Plastic in Oceans, Scientist Studying Impact; National Geographic, June 2014).

Evelyn Castillo and barangay (village) officials accpeting awards and certificates after the successful environmental clean up efforts there

Evelyn Castillo and barangay (village) officials accepting awards and certificates after the successful environmental clean up efforts there

(left to right): Evelyn Castillo and Norms Alonso of the Visayas Mindanao Peoples' Resource Development Center (VMPRDC)

(left to right): Evelyn Castillo and Normalyn Alonso of the Visayas Mindanao Peoples’ Resource Development Center (VMPRDC)

(left to right): Evelyn Castillo, Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago gives thank you certificate to Barangay (village) Captain of Parenas, Giporlos Samar

Discussions of global warming and climate change can be overwhelming at times and participants could feel powerless as the discussion is often mired in politics and political stalemate. However, the Bayanihan Foundation shows that grassroots community efforts can happen and make a difference.

I was fortunate to be able to show the Kaluluwa Kolectivo and NEXTGEN Fellows that the Foundation is leading the charge in creating change. These changes happen with four key partnerships: 1) local community organizations like the Visayas Mindanao People’s Resource Development Center (VMPRDC) and Normalyn Alonso; 2) local municipal government officials and barangay (village) officials; 3) consistent donors who support the idea of long-term partnerships for sustainable change; and 4) investment in the next generation of Filipino Americans for learning and connecting locally and globally.

Participants from Kaluluwa Kolectivo and NEXTGEN Fellows pose after conducting environmental workshop in Giporlos, Samar

Posted in Diaspora Giving, Philippines, Uncategorized, Youth leadership development | Tagged environmental clean up, philanthropy, youth leadership development | 7 Comments

Sharing Gifts and Blessings During Ramadan

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Dale Asis

In July 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation supported the trip to the Philippines with the NEXTGEN Fellows and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. The following four blog posts reflect insights and experiences of that trip.

(left to right): Volunteers from Rotary Iligan South, Mrs. Luz Saavedra, NextGen Fellows and Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants join in distirbuting food packages to indigent Filipino Muslims

(left to right): Volunteers from Rotary Iligan South, Mrs. Luz Saavedra, NextGen Fellows and Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants join in distributing food packages to indigent Filipino Muslims

Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a holy day that comes at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is a day of merriment and thanksgiving marked by gatherings with friends and family, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts and putting up lights. It is also a time for reflection, a time to remember those who don’t have enough, to count our blessings while also giving charity to others. The Bayanihan Foundation follows this spirit of giving that cuts across religion and ethnicity.

In July 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation partnered with the Zakat Foundation of America in distributing over 3 tons of rice and food to over 100 indigent Filipino Muslim families in Iligan City, Philippines. Since 2010, the food package distribution was made possible by the tireless efforts of many people including my uncle and aunt, Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra, the local Imam, Atty. Saidali Gandamra and countless volunteers from the Rotary Iligan South and Rotary Iligan East.

(left to right): E Armea of Kaluluwa Kolectivo and Marc Butiong, NEXTGEN Fellow distributes food packages to indigent Filipino Muslims in Iligan City, Philippines

Evelyn Castillo (center) directs traffic flow of recipients during the food distribution

For the last five years, Christian Rotarian volunteers have packed, distributed and provided help in giving these food packages to indigent Filipino Muslims. The years of gift giving has engendered goodwill and trust among the local community and slowly but surely built trust and peace among Christians and Muslims in the area.

Filipino Muslim woman receiving food packages during Ramadan

The local volunteers including the local Imam, Atty. Gandamra chose Barangay (village) Mahayahay to be the recipients of these food packages as many residents there recently suffered a devastating fire in the neighborhood. One hundred families received a fifty-pound sack of rice, canned goods, sugar, coffee, ramen noodles and other condiments that will last them for one month. This must have been the largest food gift giving they have ever received.

I am so glad that I got to share this gift giving and food distribution with the NEXTGEN Fellows and the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo, Filipino-American students and young professionals traveling and rediscovering their heritage. I was fortunate to share this important part of the Philippines where both Christians and Muslims strive to live together and find common ground.

(left to right): Marc Butiong and Crystle Dino distributing food packages to indigent Filipino Muslims

Man receiving sack of rice as part of Ramadan gift giving

Posted in Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Philippines, Poverty, Uncategorized | Tagged philanthropy, Philippine poverty, Zakat | Leave a comment

NEXTGEN Fellow Marc Butiong Considers Going “Home” for the First Time

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Dale Asis

Bayanihan Foundation NEXTGEN Fundraiser May 31, 2015

Marc Butiong (center) shares a happy moment with Dale Asis, Marie Butiong and James Castillo (left to right)

On May 31, 2015, Marc Butiong, Bayanihan Foundation NEXTGEN Fellow played the role as emcee and host for the evening’s fundraiser. The theme for the evening’s fundraiser is coming home (Pagbabalik). I prepared him a short speech to briefly introduced himself and the evening’s program. Instead, he shared a passionate speech that sets the tone for the evening as the Bayanihan Foundation announced the first recipients of the NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship. Marc shares his personal reflections as he travels “home” to the Philippines for the first time.

Marc Butiong, 2015 NEXTGEN Fellow played the host for the evening fundraiser May 31, 2015

“It is such an honor and privilege to be able to share that me and two other recent college graduates have been selected as the first-ever “NEXTGEN: Pagbabalik Scholars” for the Bayanihan Foundation. We have been selected among a talented pool of applicants to travel back home to the Philippines to contribute to local, sustainable projects that will have an impact on the communities for years to come. We will embark on a journey to develop our Filipino identity through the projects we will take part in and look forward to the cultural immersion that will manifest in our travels. This is an opportunity to experience the homeland through a program that will undoubtedly expose our group to the beauty, history, and indigenous practices of our native Philippines.

It is important to note that we take this opportunity as more than just the chance to visit the homeland. This opportunity that the Bayanihan Foundation has awarded us will be a transcending experience. We were chosen for a reason. We were chosen because of our leadership and willingness to allow the experience to transform us. To transform our perception, thoughts, and eventual goals for what we can contribute to the Philippines not only through the trip, but for years to come. It’s important for us to share these stories with our families and friends. These stories and experiences will influence our own communities and serve as the continual reminder that we can always look to the Bayanihan Foundation for inspiration in allowing us to continue to grow as leaders.

(left to right): Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

This is the first year the Bayanihan Foundation has awarded scholarships for second-generation Filipinos to go home. Much of the success of the trip now and years to come depends on a successful first year. I can honestly say that we take that sentiment to heart and look forward to contributing our efforts to build this program to its highest potential. As bridge-builders do, we will be there every step of the way to form a solid foundation. That foundation starts now.”

Posted in Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Youth leadership development | Tagged diaspora philanthropy, philanthropy, Philippines, youth leadership development | Leave a comment

“The Color of Revolution” Reflects NEXTGEN Participant’s Personal Journey

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Dale Asis

Bayanihan Foundation board member James Castillo (third from left) announcing the NEXTGEN Fellows (left to right) Jeselle Santiago, Jane Baron, James Castillo and Marc Butiong

In 2008, I won the Chicago Community Trust Fellowship and I got the chance to go back to the Philippines. That trip changed my life. In 2010, I wanted to duplicate that life transforming experience to young Filipino Americans. I want to give them the gift of travel and give them opportunities to create sustainable projects. The idea was simple – encourage young Filipino Americans to visit the Philippines; know more about the culture; learn about the Bayanihan Foundation’s sustainable projects; and eventually they would develop their own sustainable projects. In 2015, after several tries, the NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship was finally up and running. On May 31, 2015 at the Bayanihan fundraiser, board member James Castillo announced the names of the NEXTGEN Fellows – Jane Baron, Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago. I was standing in the back of the room when I heard his announcement. I could not believe it. I am finally taking the NEXTGEN Fellows to the Philippines, a culmination of a long-term effort. That evening, NEXTGEN Fellow Jane Baron also shared her poem “The Color of Revolution.” She captured the essence of my own personal journey and why I’m passionate to make the NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship a reality.

Jane Baron shares her thoughts about being selected as a NEXTGEN Fellow, her upcoming trip to the Philippines and her own personal journey:

2015 NEXTGEN Fellow Jane Baron, Loyola University Chicago 2016

“Since immigrating to the United States, the Filipino culture is something I have always valued, but in order to feel accepted into the American culture, I forced myself to forget parts of my culture that were labeled as different. It was only recently that I started to become confident in expressing myself through my culture. By immersing myself in Filipino history and culture, I started to understand the internal oppression that I have faced and still face, and it also taught me to fully love myself. My poem, “The Color of Revolution,” represents how I have felt about being forced to forget my culture, and it also tells my hope of rediscovery in the future.

Being part of the NEXTGEN Fellowship and being surrounded by people who have similar beliefs makes me feel empowered to re-explore my culture. I believe that visiting my homeland will help me appreciate my heritage as well as remind me of my privilege. In going on this trip, I hope to rediscover how beautiful my culture is while doing sustainable projects in my homeland, make lasting relationships with the communities we visit, and continue working together to empower our community.”

NEXTGEN Fellow Jane Baron reciting her poem “The Color of Revolution”

Jane Baron shares her poem “The Color of Revolution”

I was 9 when they stole me away
from my mother’s garden
and chopped off my roots.

They chained my hands & feet
and squeezed my heart like clay.

My body was stripped of its
growing leaves,
stuffed in a tiny luggage,
and checked-in for an 18-hour flight.

…A flight to the land of gold streets
…A land of endless opportunities

Any traces of ancestral blood that
dripped from my cuts were carefully
bleached to erase any clues
that would lead my mother
back to Me.

My skin was scrubbed & sanitized,
until the color faded
into purity
and blended in with their own thoughts of
normal.

They cut off my tongue,
sewed my lips shut,
so that the honey-like words
that my mother sang would
cause pain & shame.

My insides were cleansed & naturalized,
and my brain had its memories
beaten out of it.

…the rice fields with houses made of dried nipa leaves

…the rainbow of stars during the hot Christmas nights

…the streets flooded with flowers in February

…the community of brown familiar faces that nurtured my seed

All forgotten and stuffed in a caged box.

But my blue & bruised heart still attempts to fight for Freedom.
Hoping that one day…
my Skin will regain its normal color,
my Tongue will regrow
and my Soul will heal,
…more resilient than before,

…and sprout yellow roses,

…in the Color of Revolution.

Posted in Diaspora Giving, Philippines, Uncategorized, Youth leadership development | Tagged diaspora philanthropy, philanthropy, Philippines, youth leadership development | Leave a comment

‘Kaluluwa Kolectivo’ (Soul Collective) Connecting Community and Spirituality

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Dale Asis

Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective)

In 2000, I’ve met Irene Juaniza. I have always admired her and her community organizing work – training young immigrant leaders in the San Francisco Bay area, organizing low-income working class families in Chicago’s south side, fighting for the rights of restaurant workers in Chicago. She is one of the very few Filipino Americans that I knew that are working as community organizers. Irene truly believes that we could affect the change that we wish to see in the world.

In 2014, our paths have crossed again and this time in deeper meaningful ways than I ever would have imagined. The Bayanihan Foundation is proud to support the group that Irene helped spearhead, Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective). The Kaluluwa Kolectivo is exploring the connection between community and spirituality. The collective consists of e Armea, Stephanie Camba, Crystle Diño and Irene Juaniza.

Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants (left to right): Stephanie Camba, Crystle Dino, Irene Juaniza, e Armea

What is the Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective) all about?

The Kaluluwa Kolectivo explores how Filipino pre-colonial indigenous spiritual practices are continued to be used in everyday life to build thriving communities. The collective’s upcoming trip to the Philippines originates from creating community in order to support the participants’ personal and collective spirit work. Having met through varying social and political endeavors, they are building relationships and supporting each other’s spiritual paths. Although each path varies, the Kaluluwa Kolectivo share a common understanding – we are all spiritual beings living a human existence. For Kaluluwa Kolectivo, it understands “spirit” as guided by a process of inquiry and action to address the question: “How do we live as genuine expressions of the Divine Source through every thought, action, and intention?”

The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will be traveling in the Philippines for over two weeks. They will seek out and learn more about spiritual practices before the advent of Spanish and American colonialism. They will seek out these practices as they are played out in simple and daily routines, whether through cultural practices or overt spiritual spaces. The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will explore their indigenous spirituality at the same time mirror their own spiritual process. This trip is the start of a journey and perhaps will last beyond this first visit.

When will the Kaluluwa Kolectivo travel to the Philippines?

From June 23 to July 7, 2015, the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo will be traveling to the Philippines with the three NEXTGEN Fellows: Jane Baron, Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago. Both Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants and NEXTGEN Fellows will be visiting different regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They will visit Cebu, Samar, Tacloban, Iligan and Manila. Then from July 7 to July 10, 2015, the Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will travel to the Cordilleras in northern Luzon. In each site, the Bayanihan Foundation will provide the travel logistics, connect them to potential partnerships and help them relationships with the local community. The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will also bring goods and gifts to each place from books to wheelchairs, based on what the community thinks they need.

Why is the Kaluluwa Kolectivo doing this?

The participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo have been involved as community activists and organizers for a long time. They have been engaged in the arts and in varying social justice issues. Irene and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants have created spaces for themselves and others to critically reflect, to re-imagine, to build relationships, and to take action. The common goal of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo community work is to assert and support self-determination. This intention echoes the Collective’s commitment to build community through each individual’s freedom to live and love as their Genuine Self.

I will be traveling with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. I will also share the insights of our trip through continued community building. Many of the friends and family of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo have heard their song. They have organized and went door knocking; marched at an action; attended a workshop; danced at one of the fundraising events; sat in a healing session; or traveled with the Collective in ceremony. The Kaluluwa Kolectivo is a community. We invite you to continue this path with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo as we journey together.

How can you help?

I urge you to donate and support the worthwhile efforts of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. You can donate at their online fundraising page http://bit.ly/1Gtfchc Your donation will go towards travel costs, stipends, honorarium, safety materials and other necessary expenses. All donations will be going to the Bayanihan Foundation to support the work fo the Collective. Your donation is tax-deductible as permitted by law.

Kaluluwa Kolectivo image with traditional bamboo and ‘batik’ (traditional dyed) cloth prints

Kaluluwa Kolectivo Participant Bios
e:
Hi. I’m e. I’m a quiet kinky fat transmasculine genderqueer Filipino living and loving in Chicago, the city I was born and raised in. I am my mother’s daughter and my father’s son. I have a strong relationship with the moon, love working with my hands and building little buildings as well as community. I’m a Pisces sun, Taurus rising, and Gemini moon. I’m a platonic husband to 4 people, best friend to three, and a lover of my community and chosen fam.

Stephanie:
I am an undocumented, queer, Chicago based Pilipin@ storyteller, writer, poet, singer, MC, healer, organizer, and all in all funny person. I am on this path to meet my family for the first time in 24 years, to connect with the land I come from and where my ancestors have lived and died, to learn and grow with and from the people and places I interact with, and to let the vibrations of my motherland live through me and allow me to sing our stories and memories of a more just world until we are all free. I launched my fundraising site earlier than the rest of the crew because of additional fees I needed to pay in order to apply for travel as an undocumented person. I’m a Gemini sun, Libra rising, and Leo moon.

Crystle:
I am a Chi-Pinay- multidisciplinary artist, mover and Filipino Martial Artist, believer in healing energy, cultural bearer, and Ninang/Tita/Pinsan/SisterHermana/Daughter/Kaibigan/HomeGirl/Sun/Mahal/Lover. I am deeply grateful and over-joyed that my path is allowing me to re-connect to my Motherland once again. I am excited to embark on this journey with my KaKol Pamilya in remembering carefully the love, power, and presence of our Ancestors and strengthening the connection of the knowledge and gifts that are within us to be shared with our community. I am ready and open to step from a place where fear and shame no longer live, but where Heart and Mind are aligned. I am stepping in rhythm to Tiwala, Tiwala na… Scorpio. All. Ova. This.

Irene:
Born in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, I honor my Batangueña and Waray ancestry, and call on the Babaylan essence as I walk the Spirit path. Leo sun, Scorpio rising, Sagittarius moon, I gift the element of fire to our Kolectivo. Whether cultivating movement consciousness through community building or Soul work, I call on my Divine self to bring forth the perfection of love, life, and light in all that I see, speak, and do. I AM all that I AM.

Twitter: @KaKolectivo
Instagram: KaluluwaKolectivo

Posted in Diaspora Giving, Spirituality | Tagged community involvement, diaspora, Sprituality | Leave a comment

NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home) Fundraising Dinner

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Dale Asis

2015-05-31 17.37.31

The Bayanihan Foundation recognized the ‘Kaluluwa Kolectivo’ (Soul Collective) participants and awarded NEXTGEN Travel Scholarships to three deserving recent college graduates. Please see pictures from the dinner below.

James Castillo, Bayanihan Board Member, presenting NEXTGEN Fellows: Jeselle Santiago (University of Illinois at Chicago), Jane Baron (Loyola University Chicago), and Marc Butiong (University of Illinois at Chicago).

Irene Juaniza presenting the KaluluwaKolectivo (Soul Collective) purpose and members. From left to right; Stephanie Camba, Crystle Dino, Irene Juaniza, and E Armea

The guest enjoyed purple jam cake for dessert.

Dinner attendees enjoyed a delicious Lechon and Filipino comfort food

To see more photos from the Pagbabalik Dinner please Bayanihan’s Facebook page by clicking this link.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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