MAFA Newsletter

September 2014

In this issue…

From Your MAFA President —> p. 2

Our 2014-2015 MAFA E-Board —> p. 4-8

LR Summary —> p. 9

MAFA School Profiles —> p. 10-11

FACT Cooordinator Q&A —> p. 12-13

MAFAmilies/Daphne Comics —> p. 14

Letter from the Editor —> p. 16

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!! Website: http://wearemafa.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/wearemafa

@We_Are_MAFA

@wearemafa

http://wearemafa.tumblr.com

http://youtube.com/user/WeAreMAFA

“What does MAFA mean to you?” This was one of the mandatory questions to answer for the MAFA Executive Board 2013-2014 application and honestly, it’s one of the hardest questions I’ve ever had to answer. At the time, I really had to think about it because the second question that came to mind was

“Well…what has MAFA even done for me anyways?”

That question is pretty much 90% of the responses I get when I start to talk about MAFA. And it’s an important ques-tion to ask. Why would you invest any amount of time into something that you didn’t even think benefitted you at all? At the time, I certainly wasn’t able to think of much that came to mind aside from the annual conference. But after only one year of being on MAFA board and proactively getting involved with the MAFA community, I feel like I could finally explain why I believe that the MAFA network, if utilized frequently, efficiently, and correctly, has the potential to help any person grow as a supporter, a leader, or as an individual. So…what does MAFA mean to me? Everywhere can be home. One thing I’ve learned from my travels last year is that a good chunk of the MAFA members out there know what it means to have Filipino hospitality. I went to five different MAFA schools, all of which I’ve never visited before, and at each single one, my friends and I were welcomed with open arms. They gave us a campus tour, pro-vided us with a place to sleep and hangout, and even fed us, even when they didn’t have to. No matter what state I visit-ed in the MAFA map, I never felt far from home. That’s because most MAFA members are extraordinarily friendly. All

You never know where you can find inspiration. Being proactive about getting to know people in the MAFA sphere, I’ve become aware of so many inspirational people. I met Chris Sanders, who completely blew me away with her spoken word. I met Rico Maranan, who, to this day, still offers his advice when I ask for his help. I met Corrine Casino, who is always a pleasure to have a conversation with. I met Diana Bunag, who I became extremely close to and still catch up with every night. I could have lived a full life never knowing these amazing people existed out there, but because I took the time to talk to them, I feel that I can see things from newer perspectives, and that I have new relationships that could last me a lifetime. If it wasn’t for MAFA, I’d probably be severely suffering from a lack of drive, but thinking about the MAFA community, and the amazing people in it, gives me a reason to try harder, knowing that they’re counting on me, and that I can count on them too. MAFA helped me connect with new acquaintances and reconnect with familiar faces. I’ll admit…I’m probably one of the worst people for “keeping in touch.” I’ve met so many people over the years, and even though I really want to hear their stories, there’s only so much you can do via social media and texting. Going on MAFA trips helped me reconnect with people that I haven’t seen in years. For example, I met EJ Bagtas about five/six years ago in a church for a Filipino cultural event and didn’t see him again until earlier this year when he made SLU President. Also because of Battle of the Bamboo, I get to see a lot of my high school friends who I once shared the BOTB stage with years before, and even though we represent different teams, we still take the time to talk, say hi, and smile to each other. MAFA events give the “in person” time I need to reconnect. MAFA isn’t just an organization or an annual conference; MAFA is a means to a world unlike anything you can get local-ly. It’s a venue that allows you to see life different than what you’re accustomed to. It’s a resource with hundreds of lead-ers, and thousands of perspectives. By utilizing the network that is MAFA, you genuinely might find something or some-one that can completely change you, the way you think, and/or the way you act.

You can say “the world is big” or you can find out how big it is for yourself.

With that being said, I’d like to welcome you all to the MAFA 2014-2015 academic year. I look forward to working with, and getting to know all of you.

- Neil Miran

From Your MAFA President

OUR VISION

"To nurture a sense of unity and positive change throughout the Midwest Filipino-American community

while supporting our members' individual and

collective growth through networking and education of Filipino culture as well as raising awareness of current

Filipino and Filipino-American issues.”

INTRODUCING YOUR

2014-2015

MAFA E-BOARD!

Neil Miran

Philippine Student Association || University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ||

Biochemistry 2015

I make sure that all the individual positions, with their individual duties are headed towards the ultimate goal we set for ourselves for the year, while maintaining order in the MAFA sphere, and I also act as a resource for all MAFA members.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use?

Family. Because even though I've driven hundreds of miles away from my home In Chicago, it always felt like family was waiting wherever I went. Even if the most talking we've ever done was through Texts/Facebook.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Quite honestly...I wouldn't mind just having a dinner date with anyone haha. Everyone's got their own story and it's likely they see things in a way I've never seen it before. If I talked to someone who was way too famous, and their ideas have already been stolen/reused/revamped, then it's kind of like I'm learning nothing new. I'd much rather just hear the stories of everyday people who are historical figures because they carve their own history. Plus, all the awesome people I'd want to meet are fictional. I never liked history anyways :D

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor?

“Don't let standards ruin the way you see people. We're all alive, we're all working, and we're all aiming to be hap-py. Don't let standards tell you that people aren't important because they don't size up.”

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture?

Happiness. Filipinos are just so unconditionally happy that you can't help but crack a smile when you interact with them. I don't really know how to explain it. It's honestly like magic half the time how Filipinos just know how to smile and rough it out under any circumstance.

PR

ES

IDE

NT

PR

ES

IDE

NT

PR

ES

IDE

NT

“THIS IS GOING TO BE LEGEND -wait for it- “

https://www.facebook.com/neil.miran

“PIVOT!” - Ross from Friends Janine Burgos

Filipino American Association || University of Toledo || Exercise Science

2015

The Vice President External is the representative for the regional organizations throughout the country.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use?

Inspire. I think MAFA inspires us to be proud of our Filipino cul-ture and become something our fellow Filipinos can be proud of us.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Bruno Mars. He's one of my favorite artists of all time.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor? “Time management is key.”

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture? The family aspect. That everyone can work together as a team even though you may not know each other that often. Also the FOOD!!

Andrea Guytingco

Filipino American Student Association || University of Michigan ||

Movement Science 2015

As VPI, I help maintain the intrapersonal relationships between board members, as well as the interpersonal ones between schools.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use? Fortuitous. According to diction-ary.com, the word fortuitous developed in sense from “happening by chance” to “happening by lucky chance” to simply “lucky, fortunate.” I think this is the best description for MAFA because the people I've met through MAFA were by chance, but they became the reason I wanted to be a bigger part of this organization and I'm so fortunate for this opportunity. You never know who you're going to meet, or how they will affect your life.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

J.K. Rowling, because her stories made me fall in love with reading and I would love to talk to her about the magical world she created:) We'd also have Harry Potter-themed food because duh.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor?

"Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary."

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture? Bayanihan. The camaraderie that brings Filipinos together gives us a bond that is so unique from other cultures. I love that our heritage gives us such a sense of belonging.

VP

VP

VP

- --INT

ER

NA

LIN

TE

RN

AL

INT

ER

NA

L

VP

VP

VP

-- -EX

TER

NA

LEX

TER

NA

LEX

TER

NA

L

It's more of a face. Look up the derp. One eye half open, mouth open, blank expression.

https://www.facebook.com/andrea.guytingco @andreaguytingco @andreaguytingco

https://www.facebook.com/janine.burgos.9 @J_0_9 @J_0_9 nenerz13

My laugh. It’s really obnoxious.

Robert Delfin

Philippine Student Association || University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

|| Urban & Regional Planning 2015

Secretary I do two things – record minutes at our weekly board meetings and put together newsletters to keep all MAFA schools up-to-date with what is going on throughout the Midwest.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use?

Influence. No matter what parts of MAFA you’re a part of, MAFA as an organization and the people you encounter in MAFA will influence who you are for the better. In turn, MAFA helps us to positively impact others and the communi-ties that surround us once we go on past college.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

If I could choose, I’d probably pick Pope John Paul II, a man of great faith, joy, and humility and was a total people per-son who knew how to make people laugh and smile. I like to make people laugh and smile too J

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor?

“Take every experience as a learning experience.”

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture?

High-spirited . No matter what is happening to our people, good or bad, we as a culture always keep our heads held up

high and keep our spirits up. We’re always smiling!

SEC

RET

AR

YS

EC

RET

AR

YS

EC

RET

AR

Y

Don’t we look great?!

https://www.facebook.com/robert.delfin.52

Brian Guerrero

Kapwa || Loyola University || Nursing 2014 (Walking 2015)

As Treasurer, I am in charge of handling all of the organizations money, money related transactions, and coordination of fundraising events and projects.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use? Enigma. The reason I say MAFA is an enigma is because you real-ly do not know what you are going to get out of it. MAFA can be mys-terious or puzzling at first because not everyone is going to have the

same first experience which is where the beauty behind MAFA is. MAFA is whatever the individual makes of the experience because MAFA is here to help any and all its members create their own meaning of what it really is.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why? I really don't have any histori-cal figure I would like to have a dinner date with. Every person has his or her own story that they have to tell and I love being able to listen to any persons own story because your own story individualizes you as a person. If I really had to pick I'd pick the creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi or the man that scored most of the Final Fantasy series music, Nobuo Eumatsu.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor? "Never let yourself feel like you are no bet-ter than anyone else. You never have to be or act like someone else to please somebody else. Love you for who you are because you are your own individual. Nobody dictates your life and no one can ever truly control you or tell you what you should be doing"

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture? Family. I am a very family oriented person because of the values that

were instilled in me by grandparents and parents as a little kid. This really influenced the way I grew up because I was

very close to all my cousins from all over the US especially California and Illinois. This aspect also still currently influ-

ences how I view my friends because there are some friends I call my family and that I hold in high regards. Family is a

very important part of Filipino Culture that I embrace fully.

TR

EA

SU

RER

TR

EA

SU

RER

TR

EA

SU

RER

"Yaaaaas!"

Daphne Agustin

Philippine Student Association || University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign || Computer

Science 2015

In the simplest terms, I manage all of MAFA's social media outlets and keep the MAFA social media network up-to-date.

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use? Unity. Because it's what gives us common ground, and it's what reminds us that we're all striving for the same goals.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why? Probably Walt Disney, because his work was incredibly inspiring.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor? “Collaborate to graduate!”

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture? The dances! I've been doing cultural dancing since I was 9 years old.

MED

IA M

AS

TER

MED

IA M

AS

TER

MED

IA M

AS

TER

“Things and stuff. “

https://www.facebook.com/bjguerrero123 @bjguerrero @BJhayyy BJhayyy

https://www.facebook.com/daphnegrace.agustin @theonlyxiiiao

Tracy Mapaye

Philippine Student Association || University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign || Chemistry

2015

Be the liaison between MAFA Eboard and the rest of the Midwest organizations by sharing information and creating a bond/bridge between and being a resource to all the orgs in the Mid-west :)

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use?

MAFA is transformative. MAFA changes with every new e-board that gets elect-ed and the different ideas of all of the organizational leaders across the midwest. MAFA transforms the members and reshapes their attitudes and perspectives on not only issues but also individuals as well. MAFA has definitely transformed my college experience into something I couldn't even have imagined.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

If I could have a dinner date with any historical figure....it would be Pope Francis.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor?

"Don't be trapped by doing things inside the box. Show your creativity and don't be limited. Your friends, family, and the world will be inspired..."

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture? Cultural Dance

CO

CO

CO

- --OU

TR

EA

CH

OU

TR

EA

CH

OU

TR

EA

CH

“Womp.”

Chris Joligon

Filipinos in Alliance || University of Illinois at Chicago || Pre-Nursing 2016

Connect organization members and schools through MAFA families and communication within MAFA representatives!

If you had to describe MAFA in one word, what word would you use?

Family. Everyone that I've met through MAFA has been like family to me and I've found the one family that I can relate to, have fun with, and continue to bond with.

If you could have a dinner date with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Steve Jobs! I love all his ideas for Apple and I think that he's a really interesting human.

What is one good piece of advice that you have received from a mentor?

“Always try your best and always try to succeed, because at the end of the day if you haven't given it your all, you've failed.”

What is your favorite aspect of Filipino culture?

I love the aspect that our culture is respectful and that everyone is so close. People in our culture understand what family means and what value we hold to its meaning.

“MOSTACHOLI , SPAGHETTI, LASNGA, RAVIOLI, ANGEL HAIR I like food. “ CO

CO

CO

-- -OU

TR

EA

CH

OU

TR

EA

CH

OU

TR

EA

CH

https://www.facebook.com/tmapaye @tmapaye @tmapaye

https://www.facebook.com/chrisjoligon @Chrisgetscrunkk @Chrisgetscrunkk Chrisgetscrunkk

From July 25-26, over 30 delegates from across the Midwest gathered at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for the annual

Summer Leadership Retreat, hosted by the MAFA E-Board and the Michigan’s Filipino American Student Association (FASA).

There were many workshops and activities planned by the MAFA board. We started off the

morning learning about the importance of culture in our organizations through learning a

cultural dance (check out John and Kendrick!). From there we broke off into two groups to

build two halves of a bridge and finding out in the end just how much weight could be placed

onto it. Good job team! We ended the morning with some icebreakers including putting our-

selves in line based on our birthdays and finding pur-

pose to objects that we always have with me.

After lunch we focused on work as officer boards. We were given scenarios to solved,

learned how to be interesting, and were given tips on

how best to run our organizations. Our day of wearing

business casual attire ended with an open forum, which

allowed for everyone to ask questions and advice. Many questions were asked regarding what

MAFA is and what MAFA does, but we hope that the session not only allowed you do better

understand MAFA as a board and as an organization, but also opened up communication

with all the other schools present to discuss ideas beyond the retreat.

Saturday ended with the AMAFA Race, headed by FASA board. Teams were created and

traveled across campus to perform such tasks as putting together a puzzle blindfolded, passing

an orange with your neck, and taking selfies with squirrels. Delegates got to tour campus and

get a workout in at the same time (but sorry for the long distances!). On Sunday we all headed

to the local sandwich place Zingerman’s for lunch and had some good old bonding time togeth-

er before we all headed home.

Bonds were made. Ideas were shared. Feedback was given. With LR, MAFA grows stronger!

Thanks for coming everyone!

Photo Credit: Kathleen Guytingco

Know Your MAFAsphere Each newsletter will feature MAFA schools from across the Midwest, with the last question answered .

Come learn about the unique schools and organizations of your fellow MAFA members!

Philippine Student Association

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Year Established: In the 1940s when Filipino students first came to the University of Minnesota

Current President: Noelle Trovela

Website: www.facebook.com/psa.minnesota or www.psamn.weebly.com

PSA encourages a family-like atmosphere and is

known for its inclusive nature; we spread Filipino

culture and promote diversity throughout the campus as exhibited in our cultural

dance group that we performed at PSA Fashion Show 2014, Sayaw at Salu-Salo, an

event that we host annually.

We believe that being a Midwest Filipino means you are one of few, and so it is im-

portant to carry on our legacy and educating others about our culture.

Kaibigan

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Year Established: 2002

Current President: Michael Martinez and Brandon Ko

Website): http://groups.northwestern.edu/kaibigan/

Kaibigan is extremely diverse in its membership. The exec board has sev-eral non-Filipinos and part-Filipinos and this is reflected throughout the rest of organization and in the crowd that we attract to our events throughout the school year. We are extremely proud of our annual Pinoy Show which is a large, themed production entirely performed by the or-ganization involving multiple cultural and modern dances as well as live and videotape skits and performances.

The Filipino community at Northwestern is small and it is the same with Kaibigan with regards to other cultural organizations so being a part of

the great Midwestern Filipino Community allows us to feel a part of a much larger community. A feeling that is lack-ing at Northwestern.

Pilipino Student Association

The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Year Established: Unknown

Current President: Nicole Perea

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/osupinoy/

The most unique thing about our organization is our diversity. We have a mix of

all different ethnicities and cultures joining PSA and we are a very open group.

In the fall semester we have Barrio (Nov 1st for this year!) and in spring we have

our Banquet.

Being a Midwest Filipino at OSU means that we want to embrace our culture

and share it with others. Regardless of race/ethnicity we want to show people

Filipino Student Association

Indian University-Purdue University Indianapolis

(IUPUI)

Indianapolis, Indiana

Year Established: 2009

Current President: Kara Capuli Dayton

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/167344969514/

We find that FSA at IUPUI is unique in being a commute college. Most of our members commute from home and yet still are ac-tive and attend all events on and off campus in the downtown Indianapolis area. We are also unique in that we maintain close ties to other Filipino American organizations in our community, namely the Philippine Cultural Community and the Barangay Club of Indianapolis. These organizations sponsor us and in turn we volunteer at their events and dance for their Christmas parties.

FSA has an annual Philippine Cultural Night (PCN) in the spring. We are proud of this event as it attracts many faculty, stu-dents of all cultures, and people in the Filipino community in the greater Indianapolis area. Each year we chose a theme and incor-porate games, dances and keynotes as entertainment. Many FSA members and their families donate food to PCN as well. For the 2014-2015 school year we are still in the forming stages of the PCN planning committee and are yet to reserve a date but we are looking in March or April.

We [the officer board] compiled our initial thoughts that being a Midwest Filipino means that we have to drive to certain pock-ets of the city to find Filipino food or ingredients. Of course we would just be thinking about food! But after some deep thoughts we concluded that… Being a Midwest Filipino means we are either closely tied to our Filipino roots or we are completely assimilated to white American culture. Our generation- the FSA’s across the Midwest – the 1.5 or 2nd generation Filipino Americans are currently creating that in-between place where we retain our Filipino culture and establish ourselves in mainstream white America. FSA’s mission is to promote Filipino cul-ture, encourage diversity, and create collaborative relationships on campus and in the community. We believe that this pursuit of spreading our culture will aid in establishing who we are as Filipino Americans in the Midwest.

The Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) Conference is coming up this November 7-9th. To let you all know what FACT is and what it’s all about, here’s a Q&A session with the coordinators of FACT – Shannen Bueno, Katreena Casallo, and Eddie Salinas. Enjoy J

Q: Tell us a little history about FACT.

The FACT Conference was originally started by a small group of passionate Filipino American students from the University of Illi-nois at Urbana-Champaign and Michigan State University in the fall of 1992 as a means to discuss pertinent Filipino and Filipino American issues.

Q: Why did you want to be FACT coordinator?

SB: FACT stands for what it is, but it’s more than just that. I wanted to be a leader in my community and listen to those with voices that are quiet, loud, & in between. Looking at where we are now, I am so proud of what the next Fil-Am generation is becoming. We’re moving, and it’s here and now that we have to appreciate the better persons we can be-come. As FACT coordinator, I can witness all of that, and I am grateful.

KC: I can still remember the first time I attended FACT my freshmen year. It was just right after opening ceremonies. I was still transitioning and molding my Filipino identity. Migrating to the U.S. all I can think about was how I wanted to be American and that was it. I completely abandoned who I was, what I am, and how much my culture meant to me.

Then I finally attended my first FACT--I was walking with my freshmen class, surrounded by other MAFA schools. How bright and eager everyone was in meeting all the other delegates. It was a sea of powerful, strong, and beautiful group of people. I've never been so proud of being Filipino. It honestly felt like embarking on a new journey, something that I tried hiding from for so long. After attending all the workshops and meeting all the other delegates, and seeing just how much FACT has changed me. I knew that I also wanted be a vector of change. I wanted to grow more but help-ing other people grow. I wanted to help those who were lost like me to be found. It was ever since then--with that naive little girl who now, found a path where she is proud to tread on. Being a FACT coordinator meant that I can help our AAPI community the way I have been helped.

ES: I wanted to be a FACT coordinator because I wanted to take a larger role in bring this conference about. Last year I served on the FACT Planning committee, FACT PACK, as a Hospitality Manager. Getting to know the facilitators on a personal level and connecting delegates to these individuals made me realize how much FACT can do for someone and how important this conference is. I want to carry on this impact to delegates this year.

Q: What is the theme and how was it decided that this would be the theme?

This year’s theme is “HEAR & NOW” which is centered around unraveling the stories of the past to reflect on the now and create a Filipino/Fil-Am/Non-Filipino community of leaders. Through listening to voices of others we learn how to write our own stories. FACT is a platform for delegates and speakers to share their own narratives, reflect on the now and strive for personal growth as well as growth within the Filipino/Fil-Am/Non-Filipino community.

Let’s Talk About FACT!

What’s something new that FACT delegates can expect this year?

The delegates can expect a different feel with the workshops and facilitators. It's been a while since we've had three coordinators for FACT, so we have more innovative ideas coming together to allow for a safer space and a great con-ference.

What does FACT mean to you?

SB: FACT means community building. It takes one's strengths and weaknesses to come together and collaborate with others so that we all learn and grow from it. Once realized through listening to the past and looking forward to the future, you can then say that living now is meaningful.

KC: FACT to me has always been a community. It is where we can grow with each other. Listen to other people's narratives and voices. FACT is a platform...where our doubts can be diminished, where our hopes can be sparked, where we learn our past, present, and how we can move forward as a community.

ES: FACT has always been about connecting. Connecting with other students and new friends within the Midwest. Connecting your networks with facilitators and professionals within the field. And finally connecting with your roots, your heritage, and your developing identity.

Check out the new FACT

conference logo as well

as this year’s theme

logo!

Hey MAFA! The time has come to sign up for MAFAmilies! MAFAmilies are just like an AKA (Ate, Kuya, Ading) program at your organization except you get a family that your MAFAmi-ly is all from different schools! It’s a chance to connect with other people from other schools and get to know them! Deadline to fill out the form is Sunday, September 21st, so you better sign up quick!

Need more information? Contact Christopher Joligon or Tracy Mapaye (MAFA 2014-2015 Co-Outreach Chairs)

Click o

n Janin

e’s

MAFAm

ily fo

r the

form

!

A Comic By

Media Master Daphne

Fil-Am Basketball Player Drafted

in NBA

Missouri guard Jordan

Clarkson was acquired in

this past summer’s NBA

draft by the Los Angeles

Lakers. Clarkson is the son

to an American father and

Filipino mother. Click on the picture for a link on an article of

the new Laker player!

Hairstylist Cuts Hair for the Homeless

Mark Bustos works at an upscale salon in New York City, but on Sun-

days on his days off, he walks

the streets and gives haircuts

for the homeless for free. He

hopes that these small acts of

kindness will help others to

do the same for the less fortu-

nate. Check out his Insta-

gram pictures by clicking on

the picture right here!

Gilas Pilipinas Makes Noise in FIBA

Tournament

The Philippine men’s national basketball team trended Facebook in the

early rounds of FIBA, with close games against Puerto Rico and Croa-

tia.. Although they were out of contention, they ended the tournament

with a win against Senegal 81-79, led by 18 points from Jimmy Alapag

and Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche. The Philippines was also

awarded the FIBA tournament’s Most Valuable Fan (MVP) Best Coun-

try Award. Click the video for highlights of their last game!

DID YOU KNOW???

The Philippines welcomed its 100-

millionth citizen on July 27, 2014,

making the country the seventh most

populated country in Asia and the

12th in the world.

“Did You Know” Facts Courtesy of http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattortile/buzzfeed-bayan#2fg8wdv

DID YOU KNOW???

Jeepneys were created

from G.I. jeeps of American

soldiers that were brought

to the country during World

War II.

What’s Happening Out There?

What up MAFA!

This is your Secretary, Robert Delfin, speaking. If you are

reading this right now, congratulations! You have reached the very

end of the first newsletter of the year. I hope you enjoyed reading up

on who MAFA board and what other schools are up to. All of these

articles are just a taste of what MAFA and you schools will be doing

for this upcoming year.

But MAFA goes beyond these pages – it goes beyond what’s

talked about on social media or the pictures that we see after a big

event. It’s the nitty gritty behind-the-scenes stuff that all make up

what MAFA is. It’s the hard work and dedication of our officers and members that make MAFA who it is today. And

there’s purpose to it. There’s a purpose to why we do what we do.

My first real experience of MAFA was at MFAS 2013 in Wisconsin two years ago. This was my first outside ex-

posure aside from FACT that showed me just how big and important MAFA is. I met a ton of people (shoutout to Julius

Santos for being in my first “MAFA picture” lol). I grew in friendship with tons of people throughout the Midwest, but

it didn’t end there. We found our commonality of either being Filipino/Filipino-American and/or a love of Filipino val-

ues and culture in an environment that doesn’t see Filipino identity and culture as much as say the West Coast. In the

illustrious words of MFAS 2014 in Toledo: “BEING FILIPINO MEANS SOMETHING HERE.”

So as you go about your year planning and attending the events of your organizations, don’t forget to ask your-

self, “Why am I going to these events? Why am I a part of this organization?” I hope that your answers are around the

lines that you’ve come to realize that being a Midwest Filipino means something here. It’s a sleeping giant waiting to be

awakened (or is slowly waking up already!) and make a positive impact in our communities. And it all starts with us

and the steps that we make to put MAFA in the forefront. Are you ready?

Good luck to all of you in this first full month of school. I and the rest of the MAFA E-Board look forward to meeting

you all real soon!

Stay classy,

Robert Delfin

SEE YA’LL AT FACT!!!