The Cure to Viral Racism is Within Our Hands

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On April 2020, the Bayanihan Foundation joins with the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander in Philanthropy (AAPIP) in an open letter to end bias and discrimination among Asian Americans during this Covid19 pandemic: https://bit.ly/2YgEHQn The Bayanihan Foundation joins with hundreds of other foundations, giving circles, philanthropy serving organizations, and individuals in philanthropy in denouncing the anti-Asian climate alongside COVID-19,

In March 2020, the drumbeat has been getting louder and louder in blaming China, Asians, and Asian Americans in general for the Covid19 pandemic. By April 2020, the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council reported over 1,500 incidents of hate crimes and assaults against Asians in the US: https://bit.ly/2YgFz7B

Xenophobia is ravaging Asian communities in the U.S. alongside the physical impacts of COVID-19. While Covid-19 may be novel, the racism accompanying it is far from new. Scapegoating of Asian Americans is fueled by fear and racism simmering just below the surface. When it comes from our country’s top leaders, whether direct or implied, it signals an official stamp of acceptance and puts Asian Americans in harm’s way, including children.

There are more than 21 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., comprising the fastest growing racial group, and they too are impacted, especially health care workers and others that provide essential services who are risking
their lives to save others. And philanthropy is not immune. Our staff and colleagues are also impacted by microaggressions, externally or even within our own work environment when minimized or ignored.

Through every crisis, philanthropy responds. Giving circles, Asian American community foundations and other mutual aid solutions are stepping up to support the community, both to address COVID-19 as well as the unique harms to Asian Americans. Asian and Asian-American philanthropists are also stepping up to be part of the larger COVID-19 solution, donating personal protection equipment for American healthcare workers. Even Filipino Chinese in the Philippines are giving and helping their fellow Filipinos: https://bit.ly/2Yexnop

The cure to viral racism is within our hands. Don’t forward hateful speech and racist posts in your social media. Speak out when you see racism and prejudice against any individual or community. Let’s think expansively about our future together and support a path to finding our full humanity based on trusted relationships and not on hate. In this pandemic, we are one people with a shared destiny. Let’s close this chapter on these harmful stereotypes along with ending the Covid19 virus. Our collective health is strengthened by our shared humanity.

(Major excerpts of this post came from the Asian Americans & Pacific Islander in Philanthropy open letter against hate).

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2020 NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship Program Postponed to 2021 Due to Covid 19 Virus

(from left to right: Richelle Caday, school principal, Evelyn Castillo, Jacob Olaguir, and Camillo Geaga meet the school children of Giporlos Central Elementary School, July 2019

2020 NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship Info

No applications are accepted to the 2020 NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home) Travel Scholarship at this time. Travel to the Philippines for summer 2020 has been postponed to 2021. The recent global pandemic of COVID 19 virus has made travel to the Philippines untenable. Please stay tuned for more details for next year’s 2021 NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ Travel Scholarship Application. Next year’s travel application is slated to open this Fall 2020. The Bayanihan Foundation sincerely apologizes for this schedule change. Please bookmark this page for more details.

In the fall 2020, the Bayanihan Foundation will open applications to Filipino Americans and others to join next year’s Bayanihan Foundation’s 2021 NEXTGEN Program tentatively scheduled for June 19 to July 3, 2021. Stay tuned for more details.

Since 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation traveled with 12 young Filipino Americans and they visited historic sites in the Philippines; learned more about their Filipino heritage; connected with the foundation’s sustainable projects; and encouraged them to give back to the community, locally and globally.

In 2021, we plan to bring another cohort of young Filipino Americans to the Philippines. This immersion trip is coordinated to promote diaspora philanthropy; know more about Filipino culture; learn about the foundation’s sustainable projects; connect and develop the participant’s potential sustainable projects; and connect with relatives and the participant’s heritage.

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Pamasko (Gift Giving) to Help Others – Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2019

Tuesday December 3, 2019 is “Giving Tuesday,” a movement to create an US national day of giving on the first Tuesday of December.   Would you consider donating any amount to the Bayanihan Foundation this holiday season? The Foundation’s ‘Pamasko’ (Gift Giving) to benefit 10,000 children and their families in the Philippines.

Did you know that your $100 donation can send 100 children’s books and help build three libraries in the Philippines? The Bayanihan Foundation ‘Pamasko’ (Gift Giving) Program plans to donate 10,000 books to build libraries in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan; in Pililla, Rizal; and in Biabas, Bohol. Your donation counts and will give the gift of education for children in three different islands so they could have a brighter future.

Donated children’s books from board member Maria Ferrera, Juvenile Protective Association (JPA), Kay Nixon, and many others

Evelyn Castillo and Dale Asis distributing food to street children in Tacloban City, Leyte Philippines

Evelyn Castillo and Dale Asis distributing food to street children in Tacloban City, Leyte Philippines

Did you know that $1,000 can replace one water well and provide clean water for over 1,000 children and their families? The ‘Pamasko’ (Gift Giving) Program plans to repair the three wells in Iligan City, Philippines. Will you consider donating $1,000 and help repair these wells and provide clean water to 1,000 children and their families in rural villages outside Iligan City?

Shirley, six years old, taking water from the well

Did you know that $10 can provide food, rice, and provisions for one indigent student for one week at the Marcellin Foundation? The ‘Pamasko’ (Gift Giving) Program plans to provide much needed food supplies, rice, and provisions to indigent children teenagers who are part of the Marcellin Foundation. The foundation provides much needed shelter, care, and education to foster and abandoned children in southern Philippines. In January 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation visited the Marcellin Foundation and plans to help the indigent Muslim and Christian children and teenagers they support there day to day.

(standing far right): Evelyn Castillo and Dale Asis visits the children of Marcellin Foundation in General Santos City, Mindanao

Your donation of $10, $100, $1,000 or whatever amount you can afford will make a difference in these children’s lives. Would you consider donating today and make a difference? Donate today securely through Paypal. You can also donate to this Facebook fundraiser LINK.

Your donation is being matched by the Foundation’s board members and dedicated donors.  You can also check if your employer could double your donation by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/1NWDFcr You can also donate by typing #donate on Facebook and Twitter.  ‘Like’ us on Facebook and social media. Thank you for your support!

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Be Inspired: Learn Your Philippine Heritage in the Philippines

Apply online at: NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship Application for Summer 2020 NEXTGEN Fellowship open until Friday, February 14, 2020 – 12 midnight (Pacific Time).

This Summer 2020, the Bayanihan Foundation will sponsor partial travel scholarships for up to seven young adults (18 years old and up) to visit the Philippines for 14 days – June 20 to July 4, 2020: https://bit.ly/2VSp9hz  Learn your Philippine heritage in the Philippines. Take advantage of potential travel scholarship opportunities valued up to $3,000 each. They will be awarded based on merit and financial need. The travel scholarship will go towards domestic transportation in the Philippines, meals, lodging, and sightseeing. Anticipated costs that participants are expected to cover on their own are: round trip international airfare from US to the Philippines (around $1000); passport and/or visa costs; incidentals; souvenirs; travel vaccinations (please consult your doctor); and travel insurance. Participants are also encouraged to fund raise a minimum of $200 and contribute to the Community Power Giving Circle.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Visit family & friends and immerse in Filipino culture before or after the NEXTGEN trip (reconnect with your roots)
  • Contribute to the Community Power Giving Circle and  promote diaspora philanthropy (share resources with your homeland)
  • Learn about the foundation’s service and advocacy projects (contribute in sustaining community with action), but most of all
  • BE INSPIRED to take the next steps in your personal and professional life.

(left to right): 2019 NEXTGEN participants Camillo Geaga, Richelle Caday, and Jacob Olaguir prepare the children’s books that were donated in Giporlos, Samar (July 2019)

What’s new for the 2020 NEXTGEN Program

Ate/ Kuya (Elder Sibling/ Elder Sister/ Elder Brother) Buddy System. All 2019 NEXTGEN Fellows (Richelle Caday, Camillo Geaga, and Jacob Olaguir) plan to join the trip in 2020 and will serve as guides and mentors for the newer participants. The ‘Ate/Kuya’ buddy system is integral part to the Filipino culture more than just birth order; it is a responsiblity to help and guide younger siblings. The 2019 NEXTGEN cohort have also guided the design of the 2020 itinerary and have redirected the philanthropic, giving projects to their parent’s hometowns in Tuguegarao, Cagayan and Biabas, Bohol respectively.

(from left to right): NEXTGEN participants Camillo Geaga, Richelle Caday, & Jacob Olaguir holds plaques of appreciation from Leyte National High School after presenting computers & accessories for students with special learning needs.

The Bayanihan Foundation invites you to be part of the 2020 cohort of NEXTGEN travelers. The foundation cannot promise you the same exemplar experiences of Richelle Caday, Camillo Geaga, and Jacob Olaguir. However, the NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship could give the opportunity to be inspired like them, create a path of success for yourself, and discover the spaces in between and the connection to your heritage and beyond. Apply today!

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2019 NEXTGEN Fellows Share Their MemorableTrip To the Philippines

2019 NEXTGEN Fellows enthusiastically shared their trip to the Philippines to their family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. Richelle Caday, Camillo Geaga, and Jacob Olaguir shared their wonderful experiences in the Philippines last summer. They are all excited about their recent trip and that they all plan to join the 2020 NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship and lead the next cohort of young Filipino American travelers. In addition, they plan not only to lead the way in learning more about the Philippines but also lead by example in building three libraries in the Philippines – in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan; in Pillila, Rizal; and in Biabas, Bohol. Lizabel Lozano also plays a critical role in helping put together the library in Pililla, Rizal.

2019 NEXTGEN Fellow shares his trip to the Philippines at the University of New Mexico (September 2019).
2019 NEXTGEN Fellow Jacob Olaguir shares his trip at a presentation at the University of New Mexico (September 2019)

On September 6, 2019, Jacob Olaguir put together an amazing cast of supporters and local sponsors for his presentation at the University of New Mexico. Jacob has successfully garnered the support of multiple organizations in Albuquerque to support him including the Asian American Association, Asian Family Center, Filipino American Foundation, and Working Classroom.

2019 NEXTGEN Fellow Jacob Olaguir (far right) joins lion dancers

On October 19, 2019, Camillo Geaga also made a presentation of his 2019 NEXTGEN trip. This is his third consecutive trip to the Philippines and his presentation was part of the Friends of Echo Park Library Club where is a board member. Camillo shared his wonderful pics and experiences of his third trip. This trip was memorable as he had the chance to meet his distant relatives in Tarlac, Philippines.

Camillo Geaga (standing left) shared his pictures and memories of his third trip to the Philippines last July 2019

Camillo also shared nutritious juices from native fruits and vegetables of the Philippines during his presentation. Camillo is interested in indigenous Philippine fruits and vegetables that could be used for medicine and holistic healing.

(from left to right) Dale Asis, Camillo Geaga, and Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal enjoys nutritious juices from indigenous Philippine fruits and vegetables (October 2019)

On October 27, 2019, Richelle Caday also shared her trip and pics as part of the University of Southern California (USC) Pilipino American Cultural Festival (PACF) celebration.

(from left to right): Camillo Geaga, Richelle Caday, and Dale Asis join Richelle’s 2019 NEXTGEN trip presentation at the University of Southern California (USC) (October 2019)

Special thanks to Bayanihan Foundation board member James Castillo for joining all three presentations. The Bayanihan Foundation also opened up the online application for the 2020 NEXTGEN Travel Fellowship during Richelle’s presentation. All are welcome to apply at this LINK Richelle also performed a traditional Filipino courtship dance as part of the presentation. This was a special treat during the presentation showcasing Richelle’s multiple talents https://youtu.be/UU1OUH2HPo8

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You’re Invited – Dual NEXTGEN Presentations in Los Angeles, CA

In October 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation has dual NEXTGEN Presentations in Los Angeles, CA and you are invited!

First NEXTGEN Presentation by Camillo Geaga On Saturday, October 19, 2019, NEXTGEN Fellow Camillo Geaga will be presenting about his recent trip to the Philippines and his upcoming plans for 2020. Camillo will also be presenting about traditional Philippine fruits and vegetables that have medicinal properties that could aid healing. The presentation will be from 12 PM till 12:30 PM at the Los Angeles Library Echo Park Branch, 1410 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA. The event is free to the public and all are welcome.

(from left to right); Richelle Caday, principal of Giporlos Central School, Evelyn Castillo, Jacob Olaguir and Camillo Geaga joins elementary school students from Giporlos Central School. The Bayanihan Foundation donated over 1,000 books to the school.

Second NEXTGEN Prsentation by Richelle Caday. On Sunday October 26, 2019, NEXTGEN Fellow Richelle Caday will also be presenting about her NEXTGEN trip. Her presentation coincides with the Pilipino American History Month (PAHM) in October 2018 and will be part of the PAHM programs. Her presentation is cosponosred by the Filipino club at the University of Southern California (USC), Troy Philippines and will be part of the larger festivities of the Pilipino American Cultural Festival (PACF). The festival will be held on Sunday, October 27 from 6pm to 8:30pm at the USC Caruso Catholic Center, 844 W 32nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90007. The event is free to the public and will consist of various cultural performances as well as booths for people to learn about Filipinx culture (i.e. clothing, music, history, media, food, etc.). Richelle Caday will be performing a cultural dance and will also be handing out information at a booth talking about the Bayanihan Foundation, her recent trip this past summer, and the upcoming NEXTGEN trip for 2020.

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You’re Invited – Dual Celebrations in Albuquerque, NM and in Chicago, IL

In September 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation has dual celebrations in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in Chicago, IL and you are invited!

Bayanihan Foundation celebration in Albuquerque, NM with Jacob Olaguir at Sub Ballroom B, Student Union Building, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

First Celebration in Albuquerque, NM On Friday, September 6, 2019, NEXTGEN Fellow Jacob Olaguir will be presenting about his recent trip to the Philippines and his upcoming plans for 2020. Jacob has successfully garnered the support of multiple organizations in Albuquerque to support him including the Asian American Association, Asian Family Center, Filipino American Foundation, and Working Classroom. The event is sponsored by Quetzalkuetlachtli, El Centro, and the University of Mexico. Jacob’s presentation will be held from 5:30 PM till 7:30 PM at Sub Ballroom B, Student Union Building, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. This event is free and open to the public. Bayanihan Foundation board member, James Castillo is planning to attend the event. For more information about this free event, click on this LINK

(from left to right); Richelle Caday, principal of Giporlos Central School, Evelyn Castillo, Jacob Olaguir and Camillo Geaga joins elementary school students from Giporlos Central School. The Bayanihan Foundation donated over 1,000 books to the school.

Second Celebration in Chicago, IL On Saturday, September 14, 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation will hold its annual fundraising luncheon. Proceeds will benefit a multitude of projects including a new computer lab for the disabled in Tacloban, Leyte; three new libraries being planned in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Biabas, Bohol and in Pililla, Rizal; and NEXTGEN travel scholarships for Filipino Americans. 95% of your donations go directly to programs. The luncheon fundraiser will be held from 12 PM till 2 PM at Kusina de Manila Restaurant, 632 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Suggested donation is $55 and includes a 12-course Filipino buffet meal. You can purchase your tickets at this Eventbrite LINK

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Bayanihan Foundation Impact in Iligan – Celebrating Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra, Catalysts for Change

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

(from left) Rotary Club of Iligan South President Juel Songkit Honoring Fellow Rotarian Dr. Vicente Saavedra for his assistance in the water well and other projects. Dale Asis standing on the right.

In 2009, I started my giving with the Bayanihan Foundation in Iligan City, Philippines. Why in Iligan? I was fortunate to have my uncle Dr. Vicente, and my aunt, Mrs. Luz Saavedra inspire me in my philanthropic giving early on. In 2019, ten years later, the Bayanihan Foundation have leveraged individual donations and have touched thousands of lives in Iligan, in partnership with the Zakat Foundation and multiple Rotary clubs in Chicago and in Iligan. Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra certainly has been a catalyst in my life. They have demonstrated the power of giving selflessly.

The Bayanihan Foundation has touched over 19, 000 people in Iligan with the help of Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra. The foundation has a long laundry list of accomplishments in Iligan:

(standing far left) Iligan Central Elementary School librarian Idamarie Navarro eceives donated books for library from Bayanihan Foundation Evelyn Castillo (second to the right) and Dale Asis (standing far right) (August 2015)

built two libraries and two latrines;

Filipino Muslim families in Tambacan village, Iligan City receive food packages during Ramadan
Uncle Vic Saavedra (far left) of the Rotary Club of Iligan South distributing food packages to Muslim villages in Mindanao

delivered 5 tons of food to indigent Filipino Muslims;

Inaugurating new water well – Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines

built six wells;

Rotarians from Rotary Club Chicago Far North donated dictionaries to Iligan Central Elementary School in 2012

hosted 23 NEXTGEN youth and Rotarians;

Filipino Christians distribute food packages to needy Filipino Muslims courtesy of the Zakat Foundation (2012 photo)

provided emergency food rations to 800 people after Typhoon Sendong in 2012;

(left to right); Mrs. Luz Saavedra, Evelyn Castillo and Idamarie Navarro-Abejo

donated 3,000 books;

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

helped 18,000 people with rice and food donations to indigent Filipino Muslim families after the annual Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha celebrations.

Dr. Vicente and Mrs. Luz Saavedra have been catalysts for change in Iligan. Their accomplishments live on through the lives they’ve touched. Their inspiration of helping others will go on for many years to come as the next generation of diaspora philanthropy takes on the mantle of ‘Bayanihan’ community giving.

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Running for Social Justice & Healing

MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION GO A LONG WAY! Donate to Levi Aliposa marathon run supporting Circa-Pintig and the Bayanihan Foundation

On September 1, 2019, Levi Aliposa, long-time supporter of the Bayanihan Foundation is running the 2019 Kauai Marathon to support the foundation. His marathon run will benefit both the Bayanihan Foundation and Circa-Pintig. Founded in 2001, Circa-Pintig is a 28-year-old theatre and education organization that engages in active cultural work in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Both nonprofit organizations are honored and excited that Levi is running to support both organization’s mission. Run Levi run!

(Left to right): Cristy Aliposa and Levi Aliposa

“I support both organizations because they are engaged in social justice work that highlights the importance of building and bridging communities especially at a time when our communities are facing multiple forms of violence and trauma – from gun violence, separation and criminalization of immigrant families, displacement of communities, to extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

I am running in support of CIRCA-Pintig and Bayanihan Foundation because I believe that these two organizations not only serve as catalysts for action and social change, but more importantly, they are sanctuaries of healing. In fact, CIRCA-Pintig enters its 28th season with an upcoming Fall production, Silencing Stigma, Reclaiming Life 3.0, which will shed light on issues facing our communities that revolve around labor struggles, mental health, and human rights while anchored by stories of healing and social justice. 

I also support the Bayanihan Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for computers and learning equipment for people with disabilities. They are building a computer lab to help the visually and hearing impaired in my hometown Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.

I am very proud to run for these organizations and thankful for the opportunity to support their work. I hope that you too can join me in helping sustain their work so that we can continue to give voice to our communities and collectively imagine a more just world for the generations to come. 

Thanks in advance for your generous support. Donate by clicking on this LINK You will be redirected to the Circa-Pintig website and pay securely through Paypal. Thank you for your support. Maraming salamat!”

Levi Aliposa

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Bayanihan Foundation donates more books, builds library in Giporlos, Samar

Bayanihan Foundation donates more books, builds library at Giporlos Central Elementary School  while teachers, staff and 2019 Bayanihan Foundation NEXTGEN participants look on (July 2019)

(left to right): (standing left) fisherman receiving fishing net provided as a microloan from Dale Asis (center) and Evelyn Castillo (standing right) (June 2014)

 

On July 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation donated more books to Giporlos, Samar. The Bayanihan Foundation has been continuously supporting the town of Giporlos since the severe devastation of super typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

(left to right): 2019 NEXTGEN participants Camillo Geaga, Richelle Caday, and Jacob Olaguir prepare the children’s books that were donated in Giporlos, Samar (July 2019)

 

 

 

2019 NEXTGEN participants Camillo Geaga, Richelle Caday, and Jacob Olaguir helped prepare the books that were donated to the Giporlos Central Elementary School.

(standing left to right) Dale Asis and Evelyn Castillo handing over six laptop computers to the Giporlos Central Elementary School (2014)

 

 

 

 

 

In 2014, the Bayanihan Foundation donated six laptop computers to Giporlos Central Elementary School as part of the foundation’s recovery efforts after the super typhoon devastation. In 2019, the foundation continues its long-term giving in its efforts for long-term sustainability.

(left to right) Camillo Geaga, Jacob Olaguir, Richelle Caday, Evelyn Castillo, Dale Asis, and Rudy Palana, school principal Giporlos Central Elementary School: 2019 NEXTGEN participants join the celebration as the Bayanihan Foundation continues its giving for long-term sustainability (July 2019)

Bayanihan Foundation donates 500 books to Giporlos Central Elementary School (July 2019)

In 2019, the Bayanihan Foundation donated 500 children’s books to Giporlos Central Elementary School and helped prosper education and long-term learning for the school children of Giporlos.

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