To unite the Filipino students within the Rutgers community by establishing solidarity on the basis of

a common heritage, to educate the Rutgers community on various aspects of the Philippine culture,

to provide information of current socioeconomic and political conditions about the Philippines, and

to provide services and programs that will be beneficial to Filipinos both within and outside the Rut-

gers community.

2

MISSION STATEMENT & ITINERARY

Introductions 5:30-6:10PM

RAPS Performance 6:10-6:30PM

PARE Performance 6:30-6:50PM

IFA Performance 6:50-7:10PM

PASALUBONG Performance 7:10-7:30PM

INTERMISSION 7:30-7:50PM

CMSV Performance 7:50-8:10PM

MUFASA, FASA, & FUNK Performance 8:10-8:30PM

PUSO Performance 8:30-8:50PM

FACE & TROPA Performance 8:50-9:10PM

POH Performance 9:10-9:30PM

Philippine Consulate 9:30-9:50PM

Anakbayan Skit 9:50-10:10PM

Megan Batoon Performance 10:10-10:30PM

Closing 10:30-10:45PM

Megan Batoon Meet & Greet 10:45-11:30PM

ITINERARY

Battle of the Barrios is a competition where schools from all over FIND Inc. District Three come and

show off their creativity in a skit that includes originality, humor, modern and cultural dancing. This

event has been a long-standing annual tradition for FIND’s D3 schools. Each competing school works

their hardest to put on a great skit for their audience. We hope that you enjoy the show!

RAPS’ MISSION STATEMENT

WHAT IS BATTLE OF THE BARRIOS?

MISSION STATEMENT & ITINERARY 2

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 3

MEET THE JUDGES 4

ARK 6

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 8

SPECIAL THANK YOU 14

CHRISTINE’S BAKERY 15

UPCOMING EVENTS 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

D WHAT?!? D3!

3

Hello Family, Friends, and District III!

Welcome to Rutgers Association of Philippine Students’ biggest event of the year, Battle of the

Barrios XIV! Every year Battle attracts the best of District III and gives us the chance to come together to

showcase our talent, humor, and skills. Each school brings something special to the table and never fails

to make each and every event unique.

I look forward to this competition because of the amount of teamwork it takes to make it success-

ful. It is during this season that our members, old and new, congregate together to work towards a com-

mon goal: to raise awareness about issues plaguing Filipinos and to foster friendships that can last be-

yond the confines of college. I know that my organization isn’t the only one that feels this way. During

Battle, we see and feel the heart of each organization. Battle of the Barrios is more than just a competi-

tion. It’s an opportunity for the members of our respective organizations to get involved. This helps build

pride and allows them to grow closer together as a family. Thank you everyone for your hard work and

for making this event as great as it is. Battle would be nothing without you guys.

Again, thank you so much to everyone who is participating in Battle of the Barrios XIV. Battle

wouldn’t be the competition it is today if it wasn’t for you all participating every year. A big thank you

also to my amazing executive board. I wouldn’t be able to do everything I do in RAPS if it wasn’t for you

guys. Y’all are awesome! Special thanks to all the judges, sponsors, vendors, administration, DJ Sanchez,

and Megan Batoon, for being part of Battle of the Barrios this year!

And thank YOU for coming out to Battle of the Barrios, for showing your support, and for making this

eventpossible!

Love, Vanessa Palma

RAPS President 2014 - 2015

MEET THE JUDGES

4

MEGAN BATOON is a dancer, host and YouTube personality. She

has amassed over 15 million views on her YouTube channel and over 200

thousand subscribers. She's a Half-Filipino, Florida-bred Nutella fiend. After

appearing as a MOB dancer in Step Up Revolution, she relocated to Los An-

geles to pursue the industry while also branching out to creating online con-

tent including vlogs and sketch comedy.

Now the host of WOD weekly, she delivers current news, events, and videos

of the urban dance community to our social network as well as at the live

events.

You can catch her performing or hosting at many World of Dance tour stops,

every week on her YouTube channel, or in your local Chick-Fil-A drive thru.

KHRYSTINA CORPUZ Vice Consul at the Philippine Consu-

late General New York, and is responsible for Consular Section, Public Diplo-

macy and Community Affairs for the Second-Gen Sector. This basically

means that she sits on her desk the whole day accepting passport applica-

tions, approving visas, signing legal documents, drafting speeches, writing

Press Releases and Community Advisory and spends her evenings attending

cultural events and planning the future of the Filipino-American community

during happy hour meetings with youth leaders and influencers.

RYAN LETADA is the co-founder and CEO of NextDayBetter. A

serial entrepreneur, he has helped launch and/or grow several tech-based

social enterprise companies including eKindling, Catchafire and Feast On

Good. He was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship focused on explor-

ing mass eviction of urban poor communities in the Philippines.

NextDayBetter is a creative speaker and a food series for diaspora communi-

ties. Their events celebrate the change makers from untapped communities

and call them to action. NextDayBetter believes that diasporas or diverse

global communities are hubs and inspiration for social innovation and world

changing ideas. Our global events have led to NextDayBetter social good

campaigns which have reached 25 million people around the world.

YVES NIBUNGCO was born and raised in Philippines. He is cur-

rently the National Chairperson of Anakbayan-USA, a national Filipino ac-

tivist youth and student organization that works on issues affecting Filipi-

no-American youth and community in the United States. He is also one of

the founding coordinators of Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network, a national Fili-

pino youth and student relief network established in response to typhoon

Haiyan. Locally he organizes with a Jersey City-based organization called

Filipino Immigrants and Workers Organizing Project (FIWOP) which focus-

es on the advancement of Filipino workers and immigrants’ rights.

Yves was awarded as one of the Top Filipino-Americans of New York

(TOFA-NY) for Community service and Advocacy and a New York Life

award for Leadership, Culture and Community Service. Aside from his ac-

tivism, Yves also takes the time to play the drums, go hiking and take long

walks in the park when it’s not cold.

AYESHA VERA-YU is the CEO and co-founder of the nonprof-

it organization ARK (Advancement for Rural Kids). Each year she sets goals

to achieve it's mission. She listens intently and asks many questions until

the organization gets to the root of the problem. She assembles the talent-

ed team - at the board, executive, and operating team levels - whose

dreams align with that of the organization and whose passion, experience

and grit enable them to co-design solutions and implement them with the

community successfully. She hustles and tells the incredible stories of the

partner communities, engaging champions and support for the partner

communities' dreams to feed, keep their kids in school, create sustainable

income all of which will pave a different future, devoid of poverty, for their

kids and their community.

5

ANTHONY SACHS has learned a fair deal of the Filipino culture

by hosting several Phillipine-American events over the NY/NJ area . A danc-

er since age 13 he's been all over the country not only competing, but also

hosting events like Defining Rhythm, FLASH, and D3 event Miss PI pageant.

Although not being Filipino, his knowledge of language, food, and customs

makes him a true example of how far our customs, traditions, and culture

have spread across the world. As Mr. Sachs has said, "I feel more Filipino

now than ever. I'm obsessed with lumpia, there is no.better variety show

than ASAP, and I'm rooting for Pacquiao May 2nd...because I won’t have

friends if I back Mayweather."

ARK ADVANCEMENT FOR RURAL KIDS

8

ARK, Advancement for Rural Kids, partners with rural communities in the Philippines

to keep kids in school and create new income. We are ridiculously serious about cre-

ating solutions WITH the community, only investing in communities that invest in

themselves and

only in solutions

that locals can af-

ford, tracking im-

pact and cash

flows, and creat-

ing a better future

for all involved in

the journey – stu-

dent, teacher, par-

ent, community,

investor, ARK die hard. We chase impact, are a registered 501(c)(3) organization in

the US, collaborate with talent and accept support from all over the world.

This year Battle of the Barrios

XIV is partnering with Advancement

for Rural Kids (ARK)! We're trying to

raise $10,000 to build a classroom in

the Philippines! On the next page

are some FAQs to help you under-

stand what we're raising money for

and how you can win Most Charita-

ble!

IMAGE: ruralkids.org

BUILD A CLASSROOM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DOES IT WORK? So you wanna battle? Take it to the field!

Fundraise with your family, friends, and school and build a classroom at Battle of the Barrios XIV!

There are 13 classroom pieces up for grabs. Which one will you claim as your gift to the kids and contribution

to the classroom?

Highest fundraiser will win the "Most Charitable" Award.

HOW DO WE DO IT? Be creative - pick a target classroom piece (dream big!) and organize a fundraiser. Rally up your members and

determine how much

each person should raise

for your school to meet

its fundraising goal by

Feb 28th.

WHY DO IT? To leave your mark. To

make an impact. To have

your school or org's name

etched in the furniture

you've claimed forever.

Forever-ever? Forever-

ever! Thanks to your ef-

forts, we are getting kids

devastated by Haiyan

back in classrooms, one

of which will be funded

by YOU and the entire

Battle of the Barrios XIV

community!

But like, a classroom?

Forreal?

Yes - forreal. Check out

this video to get a

glimpse of what a class-

room will look like!

http://

youtu.be/8E11qEWDywc

9

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS RAPS (RUTGERS NEW BRUNSWICK) // PARE (ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY)

10

Over twenty years ago, a

group of Filipino students at

St. John's University had a

vision to come together to

build a strong cultural organ-

ization which aimed to pro-

mote unity and awareness of

Philippine culture to all. This

vision became a reality when

the Filipino Society was

founded in 1985. These

young men and women

came together wishing to

learn more about their histo-

ry, background, and origin.

In 2004, the Filipino Society

was officially changed to P.A.R.E., Philippine Americans Reaching Everyone. Today, P.A.R.E. has grown into a large organi-

zation, comprised of approximately 80 general body members. Sticking to our roots and our original vision by holding

traditional events and [new] collaborative events,, we enjoy sharing our love for our culture, for each other and our uni-

versity with the everyone. We strive to not only have our Filipino members connect to their roots, but non-Filipinos as

well.

Rutgers Association of Philip-

pine Students (RAPS), named

“the dopest organization

alive” by the amazing

Vanessa Palma, was founded

in 1985. Through the years

RAPS has grown and today

we are a huge family that

loves each other. We laugh,

learn, and live together in

celebration of Filipino cul-

ture. Our mission statement

is to UNITE both Filipino and

non-Filipino students on

campus, EDUCATE the com-

munity about Filipino culture,

history, and current events, PROVIDE services for our community, and BUILD a legacy. This year at Battle of the Barrios

XIV we have the opportunity to build a classroom in the Philippines for children devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. We are

excited to partner with ARK to make this possible. Just as the generations of RAPS before us has built us up from the

past, we would now like to give back and build the future for generations to come. Also, since we are RAPS, you already

know we spit fire. We got a fuegs mixtape coming atchu March 23rd. 17 tracks. All of them flame. Getcha fire extinguish-

ers and fire alarms ready in every room.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IFA (NEW YORK UNIVERSITY) // PASALUBONG (BERGEN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE)

11

PASA PASA WHAT WHAT!! PASA-

LUBONG hails from the northern

most region of New Jersey in an

area known as Bergen Community

College. We may be small, but we

always bring our best efforts to the

table. Anyone who knows us knows

that we are some of the friendliest

people you'd ever meet! Like many

other D3 competitions, Battle of the

Barrios is just a way for PASALU-

BONG to showcase their talents &

personalities. We outchea makin'

moves haaaan~ enjoy the show.

Founded 30 years ago, New York

University's International Filipino

Association (NYU IFA) came togeth-

er with the goal of uniting Filipinos

and Filipino culture enthusiasts on

the NYU campus. Ever since its cre-

ation, NYU IFA has not only

brought students together on cam-

pus, but has also tied NYU Filipinos

closer to their roots in the Philip-

pines through philanthropic en-

deavors, as well as participation in

events such as Battle of the Barrios.

Having won "Best Modern" seven

years in a row, NYU IFA's dance

team is proud to have harbored

such a strong tradition of excellence over the years. Battle of the Barrios is one of the events that NYU IFA members look

forward to the most, and they hope to share their enthusiasm for dance and Filipino heritage on the stage. "Dancers

don't make IFA Dance Team. IFA Dance Team makes dancers."

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS SAMAHAN (COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. VINCENT)

6

"Samahan" is a Tagalog word that conveys

the feeling of belonging. As a verb, it

means "to join" or "to be a part of." As a

noun, it can be defined as the "coming

together" of people. Adopting this word

as our identity, SAMAHAN- the Filipino

Students Association of the College of

Mount Saint Vincent- brings to our com-

munity the vitality and richness of tradi-

tions and the pastimes of the Filipino peo-

ple. SAMAHAN is committed to helping

Filipino students get in touch with their

roots. It is the organization that is INCLU-

SIVE of Filipino students, but NOT EXCLUSIVE of students from other backgrounds. Exposing other students to Filipino

culture. Projects and events have both social and educational value. Ultimately bringing people closer together by pro-

moting an understanding of our common humanity.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

MUFASA (MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY) / FUNK (KEAN UNIVERSITY) / FASA (RAMAPO COLLEGE)

7

Montclair Unified Filipino American Student Association (M.U.F.A.S.A.) is a class III organization of Montclair’s S.G.A. &

was established in the Spring of 2013. The purpose of this organization is to spread the Filipino culture and to spread the

Filipino identity on Montclair’s campus.

The Filipino American Student Association at Ramapo College of New Jersey, is dedicated to promoting and encourag-

ing Filipino and Filipino-American culture both on and off campus. We aspire to inspire. No, you don’t have to be Filipi-

no to be a member!!! FASA is all about networking with organizations nd doing events both intercollegiate and intercol-

legiate level. No history, no culture, no self. Know history, know culture, know self. At FASA….we’re family.

Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean, better known as F.U.N.K., is a cultural interest group at Kean University. The purpose of

F.U.N.K. is to educate, inform and promote awareness of Filipino Culture, Filipino Issues and current events within the

Philippines and Filipino-American Community in a fun learning environment. F.U.N.K. will also work in collaboration with

other organizations within Kean University as well as other collegiate institutions to become a fully functioning and de-

veloped organization. Membership is open to ALL people, especially those interested in learning about Filipino Culture.

We would like to shoutout Mel Viltalicio & Michelle Baquiran for helping us make choreo!! We also would like to

shoutout Megan Lubiano for helping make our costumes & set. Last but not least we want to thank all the members of

FUNK, FASA, & MUFASA that has supported us throughout this whole process. We're very grateful to have all three of

our schools come together and become closer because of this competition.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS PUSO (STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY) // FACE (WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY)

12

With a successful 21 year history,

three distinct and established dance

teams, a choir group, and over 90

active general body members, the

Philippine United Student Organiza-

tion, otherwise known as PUSO, has

strived to provide an environment

that cultivates and celebrates Filipino

history and culture. As one of the

largest and most influential cultural

organizations in Stony Brook Univer-

sity, we create a thriving social envi-

ronment that enables the rest of the

campus community to learn about

what it means to be Filipino; a social

environment where our culture is “advocated, discussed and celebrated”. We do this through our own original events,

collaborations with other clubs on campus, and dance performances.

The Filipino American Cultural Entity

of William Paterson University

(F.A.C.E.) was founded on the

grounds of aiming to bring about a

cultural awareness within our cam-

pus community while promoting a

sense of friendship and belonging

amongst our general body members.

We are very excited again to work

with UCC's TROPA to showcase to

you a favorite Disney past-time mov-

ie. This experience has brought our

two schools closer once more and

has encouraged us to create new

bonds and ratchet memories. The

planning process and sleepless nights we've went through are all in efforts to provide to you a Barrio skit that will bring

you laughs, smiles, and maybe have you shed a tear. This barrio process for us has been memorable and we hope that

our performance is just as memorable to your beautiful FACE's! *wink

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS TROPA (UNION COUNTY COLLEGE) // POH (HUNTER COLLEGE)

13

Since its founding in 2004, the

Pilipinos of Hunter, an organiza-

tion that has been built by the

students and for the students, is

committed to creating a sense

of community among peers

identifying with the Filipino cul-

ture while welcoming Filipinos

and non-Filipinos as well. Be-

sides celebrating and educating

students about Filipino tradi-

tions, we are dedicated to net-

working with other Filipino or-

ganizations to raise awareness

and create dialogues about the Philippine history and culture. As a club, we grow and have fun together as

we try to find ourselves as students and as Filipino Americans. Besides being known for our cultural aspect,

we love to eat. You can find us pigging out on foodie places or skating in the rink at Bryant Park. Stop by our

club meetings! We meet on Wednesdays from 1-3 P. Because “On Wednesdays, we go to POH."

The Regiment of Philippine Advo-

cates (T.R.O.P.A) is one of the up-

coming, aspiring and prominent

clubs within Union County College's

community. Our aim, our focus is

like many but like no other. Aside

from spreading cultural awareness,

We create what is around a family

table at dinner time. We share, we

listen, we eat, and most importantly

experience each other. Tropa is

proud to do barrios again with Face

because of the amazing chemistry

between both schools that has been

created and built up over the past

year, and to continue the fun we had collaborating with each other last barrios. We are ready to show the hard work we

have collectively put together over the past couple of weeks for the enjoyment of all. From the writing process, to creat-

ing the choreography, all the way to putting it all together and bringing our imagination and creativity to life. We hope

to bring you many more memorable performances in the future.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

14

RAPS Executive Board

Megan Batoon

Khrystina Corpuz

Ryan Letada

Yves Nimbungco

Anthony Sachs

Ayesha Vera-Yu

ARK

DJ Sanchez

Douglass Student Center

Christine’s Bake Shop

OPT Apparel

UniPro

Baonanas

Bread & Bullets

YOU!!!

RAPS UPDATES

CHRISTINE’S BAKE SHOP AUTHENTIC PHILIPPINE DELICACIES

15

Cecile had loved baking since she was young, always experimenting until it was just right. Moving

here to the US did not hinder her experimenting. She often brought these native treats to various

parties and gatherings. One item became a popular request -- the Ensaymada. Soon, friends would

offer to purchase these precious commodities so they could enjoy them at home too. Paired with

Ed's enterprising skills, the two decided to try selling these tasty rolls to the local Asian grocery

stores. After the initial taste test, these stores willingly began to purchase by the dozen.

As the demand continued to grow, opening a bakeshop seemed to be the next logical step. On

March 2, 1985, we opened our first shop in Bergenfield, NJ. Staffed with a handful of family mem-

bers and close friends, we were left only with empty shelves and a fatigued crew.

Just as the Filipino community has continued to grow, Christine's Bake Shop has grown too. You can

find our products in Mid Atlanctic State as well as southern parts of New England. In addition to our

Bergenfield shop, we also have shops in Jersey City, Colonia, and North Plainfield. At all of these lo-

cations, you will find an ever-expanding variety of authentic Philippine delicacies baked fresh daily

the traditional way. You'll taste quality in everything we bake, so stop by today to experience it for

yourself!

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOIN YOUR RAPS FAMILY AT THESE EVENTS!

ruphilippinestudents.com