In Hawaii they say “Aloha.” In the Philippines we say “Mabuhay.” It is a warm welcome from a truly sincere and hospitable people. Filipinos are a sociable group with strong family ties. Join us and share the excitement and togetherness that is the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City.

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Fiesta Filipina Is Just Around the Corner!

Fiesta Filipina, an annual showcase of Filipino culture, food, dance, and music, takes place at the Filipino Cultural Center the weekend of June 13-14.  The Fiesta commemorates Philippine Independence and will feature: a sampling of Filipino food, drink, and desserts; ethnic dances and folk music performances; native arts and crafts; and games and raffle prizes.

Admission is $2 per person.  Children 12 and under are free.  Open Saturday 12-8 PM; Sunday 12-6 PM.  Contact Malou Nix | 913-269-4497 for more information. More...

Register for 2nd Annual Medical Mission 5K Run/Walk

The Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City and the Philippine Medical Society of Greater Kansas City host a 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Family Fun Run/Walk at Shawnee Mission Park on July 25. Proceeds will benefit the medical missions of the two organizations. Register online at Active.com, or contact Beth Rosas. More...

Calling All Past Sampaguita Debutantes and Escorts

If you participated in the 1982, 1992, 1998, or 2004 Debutantes' Balls - or know of a previous participant (including parents) - please e-mail Dr. Lillian Pardo with the following information:

• Name
• Year you participated
• What you are doing now - Work? Family?
• Where you live (city and state only)
• What do you remember about the event (impressions and comments)

Dr. Pardo is writing a brief history about our Sampaguita Balls in preparation for the 2009 Sampaguita Debutantes' Ball souvenir program. We look forward to hearing from you! Please respond no later than July 15.

Book Your Room for the 2009 September Affair

The September Affair planning committee is already hard at work putting together a fantastic gala event. This year it will be at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center on Saturday, September 5.

The Hyatt has blocked 20 rooms for September 5-6 at $119 Single/Double Occupancy.  The reservation cut-off date is August 14. Book your room now online!

Anyone who has Filipino friends or relatives wanting to join the Debutantes Ball, please contact Adela Tan, Annie Covillo, or Sonia Tumanut for more information.

Member Recognized as Civic Leader of the Year

On May 13 the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City honored the accomplishments of local Asian Americans in business, community service and philanthropy, and professional leadership in its annual networking and awards dinner. Our very own Dr. Luz Racela was presented with the Civic Leader of the Year Award.

Along with her husband, Dr. Tony Racela, Luz has been very active in the local and global community, spearheading the Medical Missions Foundation, the Kansas City World Outreach Lions Club, World Outreach Foundation Kansas City, and the Racela Educational Charitable Foundation, among others. Congratuations!

A Weekend at the Races

Volunteers braved the rain and even a tornado - all for the Association - working the concessions at Kansas Speedway in April! What a wet weekend it was. Thankfully, the tornado which touched down only 8 miles from the Speedway, dissipated before reaching thousands of stranded fans and volunteers. One race was postponed from Saturday to the following Monday. A team of roughly 32 volunteers were on hand each day (and 14 on Monday) to raise money for the Association.

The April races are small as compared to the next event – the NASCAR series in October. We must start the drive for volunteers now. About 38 each day would be the right number, allowing for ample breaks and fun!

7/4	4th of July Picnic
7/11	Filipino Breakfast
7/18	Ballroom Dancing Lessons
7/25	Medical Mission 5K Run/Walk
8/15	Free Health Fair
8/21	Ethnic Enrichment Festival

View complete calendar...

Do You Know the Meaning of June 12?

My Early Recollections in the Philippines

Message from the President

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