A friend from St. Louis once asked me, "What is so different about the Filipinos in Kansas City?" The reason for the question was based on his observation that the Filipinos in Kansas City seem to have an unusual affinity for one another. Actually the words he used were UNITY and PRIDE IN THEIR ASSOCIATION.

When the Filipino Cultural Center was inaugurated in June of 2000, Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera, from the Consulate General in Chicago, was full of admiration for the Filipinos in Kansas City. She was amazed that a relatively small group of Filipinos (as compared with those in Chicago or St. Louis) could build, from the ground up, a fairly sizable structure they could claim as their own, thereby rightfully exercising pride in ownership. Most other Filipino groups in the U.S. either rent, lease, or buy an existing building they call a Filipino Community Center. Ours is a Filipino CULTURAL Center.

So, what is so different about the Filipinos in Kansas City? Looking back on our immigration history, it quickly becomes apparent that we started as a small but united group. And while we have had our differences in the past, we have remained united. Our numbers have stayed small, but I would argue that this intimacy has allowed our bonds to strengthen and, most importantly, to endure.

Recently, our unity was tested. One group of members supported a plan for expansion and renovation of our existing Filipino Cultural Center. Another group, concerned about the likelihood the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City not being able to financially support the plan, voted against it. Heated arguments ensued in an open meeting; both sides argued passionately for their respective views.

After the votes were counted and the decision was reached to proceed with the expansion plan, nobody walked out. There was no fight outside, and nobody got shot. And the greatest miracle of all was that those who had opposed the plan still helped with the cleanup of the Center and continued to support the fund raising programs of the Association.

These recent events have confirmed a fact I have known for some time: namely, what an admirable community we have built and nurtured — a community that I have been so proud to be a part of for 42 years.