Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, Inc.

Announcements and Reminders 02.26.2008

• The FAAP Dance Troupe will perform at Indiana PA's 5th Annual Family Fun Fest, March 1. Contact: Deedee Portugal
• Take part in our next community service at Global Links, March 4. Contact: Tina Purpura
• Interested in writing? Newsletter article submission deadline is March 16. Contact: Cristina Lagnese, Newsletter Editor
• If you like to play volleyball and/or ping-pong, join us! Interested players, contact Mark Knapp
• Buy presale tickets to the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, May 16 to 18, for $8.00 ($10.00 at door). Contact: Warren Bulseco
• Get your copies while supply lasts: FAAP Cookbook, Golden Anniversary Edition
• The YFAP is planning a trip to the Philippines in July to provide dental and sanitation services to poor areas in Palawan. Contact: Raul Evangelista

Latest News 02.26.2008

• The PNR Committee recently completed an architectural tour of Bahay-na-Bato ancestral houses and museums in the Philippines, and met with local filipino designers, experts, and architects. Site areas included Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite. This educational and historical trip brings the project closer to finalizing an authentic design for the Philippine Nationality Room. Stay tuned for further developments.
• South beat Downtown team at the FAAP Season 2 Basketball League Championship Game held at Carnegie Library of Homestead Gymnasium, Feb 17
• Congratulations to the YFAP for a fun-filled Valentine's Party held February 9.
• Many thanks to the Laurel Foundation for providing a $10,000 grant to the PNR project! This brings the PNR building fund to about $206,000. Kudos to the Grants Committee headed by Teodora Schipper.
• The Board of Directors has created 2 new committees: Finance, and Sports and Recreation.
• Google is providing the FAAP free services under its Google Apps - Education Edition.

A Message from the FAAP President

This year's plan will focus on continuing the positive momentum that the organization has seen recently. Tina's term as President, the Board of Directors and Officers have done a great job last year. A successful model for non-profit organizations are those that have a clear vision and mission, a fully engaged board of directors, and a collaborative approach with the president, officers and committees. Most important is that the vision for FAAP aligns with the vision of the organization's members. I would like the leadership of this organization be responsive to membership issues.

A few issues that I would like to address during my term as FAAP President:

• Address the issue of prejudice in our society. The unfortunate incident at an area public high school last year is a wake up call and a reminder of how important the FAAP vision is in fighting racism in our society. Our organization has the opportunity and the responsibility to promote education and awareness, to put down this ignorance.
• Focus on our youth membership. They are the next leaders in the world and our organization, and we need to ensure that we help prepare and support them in their endeavors. I have seen many of the YFAP members transition from elementary school to college and I am very impressed with their hard work, determination and talents. The parents should be very proud.
• Address the increase in membership this year and how we can continue to support the growth and better serve all of the FAAP members. The website and sports committee efforts along with the members promoting FAAP have taken us to the next level. We need to continue these efforts and work harder to retain membership. Create a strategy for a more collaborative effort with local, regional and national Filipino organizations along with other organization that parallel FAAP. A collective approach could create a framework for a stronger community.

I am fortunate to have been a member of FAAP for 10 years, a board member and a committee chair. But, I am more fortunate to have been surrounded by hard working, caring and passionate people that have mentored me and prepared me for this year. I assure all of you that I will do my very best to serve the Officers, Board of Directors and members of FAAP. I thank all of you for your support and for this opportunity.

Warren Bulseco, 2008 FAAP President 01.01.2008

Outgoing President's Message

The year 2007 comes to a close with friendships formed and renewed, and keeping the bayanihan spirit alive. Thank you for making it possible for the membership to celebrate FAAP's golden anniversary with lasting imprints of a fun and memorable 2007.

The new year 2008 starts the year with youthful energy and innovative ideas through the leadership of our incoming President Warren Bulseco.

Please continue to share with me my passion and pride as a FAAP member.

Peace and love, good health, and good fortune to all as we celebrate the coming year 2008.

Tina Purpura, 2007 FAAP President 12.31.2007

About FAAP

The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, Inc. is an association of Filipinos, Americans and friends whose primary purpose is to develop, promote, and preserve the Filipino cultural heritage among its members and the general public.

The association started out as an informal social group in 1957. It was formally organized as the Samahang Pilipino ng Pittsburgh in 1964 and renamed the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, Inc. in 2000 when it was incorporated as a non-profit organization. It has been granted public charity status and classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The FAAP is a strong and dynamic organization, thanks to its hard-working team of volunteers and supportive members. There is no paid staff and all FAAP funds are directed towards its programs.

By Antoinette Angeles, 2005-2006 President 01.28.2007

Site Purpose

The FAAP's three pillars of charity, culture, and education guide all of the association's efforts and direct the operation of this website. This site is the electronic gateway to resources, services, and other information that are intended to benefit the FAAP's members and to empower them in supporting the FAAP's mission. It also serves as the medium by which the general world community is informed about the FAAP, its history, present activities, and future goals.

By FAAP Website Committee 01.30.2007