v-diaries 2006 nyc anti-violence resource guide

F I L I P I N A W O M E N ’ S N E T W O R KA N T I - V I O L E N C E R E S O U R C E G U I D E

N E W YO R K I S S U E | S U M M E R 2 0 0 6

Homeless in New York City

Violence Against Women Act (V.A.W.A.)

M AC H O T R I B U T E TO T H E VAG I N A M O N O L O G U E S M O V E M E N T

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DYNAMICSSPECIFIC TO ASIAN PACIFIC WOMEN

Why Women Stay inAbusive Relationships

Actor. Feminist . Anti -v iolence Advocate.

F I L I P I N A W O M E N ’ S N E T W O R K | w w w . f f w n . o r g

Tessie ZaragozaChair, FWN Board of Directors

There was a burgeoning identity movement in the U.S. that started in the late 60s and continued for decades. Many, if not all, began to hyphenate their identity. There were Chinese-Americans, Korean-Americans, Japanese-

Americans, Vietnamese-American, et. al. including Filipino-Americans. There were so many in the Asian communities that we were all lumped together as Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. A separate box under race/ethnicity was successfully won by the Filipino community claiming unique culture and history. As the decades unfolded, we began to realize that this country provided us a unifying experience of racial discrimination. We began to rally and form coalitions based on our common experience. These common experiences made us realize that we must unite and work together if we want our voices to be heard. Issues

affecting our communities became the standard of unity.

Take the word vagina. It began to appear in our radar screen, first as a blip and after almost a decade, is now viewed in full screen. Literally, the target of violence is the woman’s vagina. Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues captured her vision and mission to create a global movement to end violence against women and girls. It is with pride that the Filipina Women’s Network is part of the “V-Day NYC June 12-27: Until the Violence Stops,” a festival of theater, spoken word, film and performance.

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Th e “ V ” Te a m

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DeVoted Publisher M A R I LY M O N D E J A R

DiVine Editor-at-LargeC H E R I E Q U E R O L M O R E N O

Angel Art DirectorA L S . P E R E Z

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Heart Contributors

C H R I S T I N E M AT I A SI M E L D A O P P E N H E I M

J E S S I C A I S A B E L A N G E L E SK E V I N P I M E N T E L

M A R G A R I T A M U T U CR E M Y A Q U I N O

S H A R O LY N S A L A SV O LT A I R E Y A P

. . . . . . . .

FWN Board of Directors

TESSIE ZARAGOZA, ChairMARILY MONDE JAR, President

DINA GUINGONA, TreasurerLAARNI SAN JUAN, Director

CONNIE LLOREN JUNGMANN, VP, Member Relations

EDNA RODIS, VP, Professional Development

. . . . . . . .

Filipina Women’s Network P. O. Box 192143

San Francisco, CA 94119Phone: 415. 278. 9410

Fax: 415. 840. 0655E-mail: [email protected] site: www.ffwn.org

Marily MondejarPresident, Filipina Women’s Network

Welcome to the world of vaginas and pukis!

Tama Na! (Stop!) Filipinas Speak Out Against Violence showcases our fourth production – the first in New York City – of Eve Ensler’s Obie award-winning The Vagina Monologues. Each production in the last four years has honored as beneficiaries local community agencies whose important work drives our dedication and passion to end violence against Filipina women and girls. FWN has contributed support to these agencies to facilitate their vital programs and initiatives in the Filipino community.

We are also particularly energized to present – for only the second time in the U.S. – Usaping Puki, the Tagalog version of The Vagina Monologues. At

times funny and tragic, Usaping Puki speaks to the core of being Filipina. Tagalog words and phrases that describe women’s sexuality and experiences are spoken out loud and brought to life by a very talented all-Filipina cast.

Filipino culture does not always allow us to freely express women’s sexuality and experiences unique to Filipina women. Even more, talk about violence particularly against women and girls barely rise above a whisper. As victims of violence, women continue to be rendered invisible and are still caught up in a “blame the victim” paradigm.

The recent Subic (Philippines) rape case highlights the challenges and hurdles Filipina women must still overcome simply to get their story heard. “Nicole,” the 22-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by four American servicemen in Subic in November 2005, is still viewed by many as being at fault for entering a club, consorting with American soldiers, then getting into a van with four American servicemen. She asked for it, they said. How can this young woman expect to receive justice let alone share her story when even her

kababayan see her only as a cautionary tale?

The fact that foreign nationals –members of the U.S. military!– on Philippine soil can perpetrate such a heinous crime and expect to be free from responsibility and accountability underscore the value we place on Filipina women’s lives.

In the San Francisco-Bay Area, 28-year-old Claire Joyce Tempongko was stabbed to death by her boyfriend in front of her two children, despite her repeated calls for help to the police and other agency contacts. Only very recently, after five years, was her murderer apprehended in Mexico.

Claire’s death highlighted the lack of meaningful support for women in abusive situations and the staggering numbers of women who die because their government and their community failed to coordinate, communicate, and assist each other so that Claire and others like her are protected. According to a Homicide Survey from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, 40% of women murdered by their partners were Filipinas. (Continued on page 7)

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E F W N B O A R D C H A I R

03

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

F I L I P I N A W O M E N A G A I N S T V I O L E N C E

Bettina Santos Yap

Three years ago, who’d think that we’d be bringing our community production of The Vagina Monologues to New York City–let alone stage the all-Tagalog version, Usaping Puki?

Three years ago, it was perfect timing to answer FWN’s call for auditions in San Francisco because I was always interested in the performing arts, and was personally getting to know more about

domestic violence especially in the Filipino-American community as a new volunteer for the non-profit organization, CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse).

Three years ago, upon hearing the audience’s laughter as I first uttered the word, “Vagina,” I knew I had to do the play again—and again. At that moment, it didn’t matter anymore that I wasn’t originally cast to perform any of the “big” monologues. I realized that every line written by Eve Ensler, whether it was part of an introduction or main story, carried weight. Onstage, I saw how the audience hung on to every word and responded. That was the best feeling.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to perform other monologues within the play. And this year, I

have the honor of co-directing the English and Tagalog productions. What a thrill it was to see the audience’s reaction and how engaged they were from the very first time we said the word, “Puki.”

This entire experience was all the more fulfilling because of my family’s total support, from my husband, Bes and children, Justin and Monica. I am also grateful for the confidence that Elson Montalbo, our first TVM director, and Marily Mondejar, FWN president, had in me as I took on the co-director’s role. Finally, to all the women and men who join us in our campaign to end violence against Filipina women and girls, maraming salamat sa inyo.

Elena Buensalido Mangahas

Start spreading the news!

Women in abusive relationships, women in conflict zones, transgen-der women seeking to assimilate, Philippine “comfort” women demanding resolution for wartime injustice: these women’s voices resonate through Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, as staged by Filipina Women’s Network.

After three years of productions in

our San Francisco home base, we’repushing the envelope further in this 4th Pinay version of Vagina Mono-logues / Usaping Puki. We’ve enlisted the talented Pinays of New York’s five boroughs, and are joining V-Day’s Until The Violence Stops: New York (UTVS:NY) event in a front and center forum demanding an end to violence against women and girls.

Having been a stage actress and an activist for community causes in thePhilippines and the US, I proudly accepted this directorial call insolidarity with the V-Day campaign. I am in the company of many bravePinays, within this production and in the broader effort. I have full faithin Pinays as a force for positive change, and applaud their work to empower women, create advocacy networks, and build and support the sisterhood of women of all races.

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E D I R E C T O R S

Giovannie Pico

FINDING MY VOICE

Trying to figure out my way in lifeTrying to figure out what’s wrong, what’s rightTrying to figure out what’s right for meTrying to figure out my individuality

And yet it’s seen as a lost causeMy questionings have now become a flawDo you remember the memoriesOf me coming to you adoringly?

And now i question my realityAnd who it is i am supposed to be truly

Whether there is a judas waiting in mewhether i am as horrible as you make me out to be

maybe i’m just selfish, wanting to live life by my own rulesmaybe i’m just cautious,

not wanting to play the fool maybe i don’t want to play the game of win or losemaybe i just want my right to choose

i cannot pretend to be more than I’m not.i can only give you what I’ve got.

separating fact from fiction is my addictionis my affliction

my realityis what i want it to be

dailyi can choose my inadequacyor my superiority

it lies within meto decide who i want to be

life’s directionis all about perceptionof where i direct my attention.

About FWN 22

CONNECT 04

Filipino American Human 04Services, Inc. (FAHSI)

TOWNS Launches Justice for 04Nicole Defense Campaign

FWN’s Community Partners 05

Ticket Donors to Domestic 05Violence Residents

Program: “Usaping Puki” & 15The Vagina Monologues

Cast & Crew of FWN’s 16 New York Production

Acknowledgments 19

O N T H E CO V E R Jessica Isabel Angeles 12-13

V ! R E S O U R C E A R T I C L E S V-Resources in New York City 06

Domestic Violence 08Specific to API Women

Violence Against Women Act 09

Why Women Stayed in 20Abusive Relationships

V ! F E AT U R E SUntil the Violence Stops: 10New York City

A Tribute to The Vagina 10Monologues Movement

V-Diaries 11

© 2006 The V-Diaries is a publication of the Filipina Women’s Network.

F I L I P I N A W O M E N ’ S N E T W O R K | w w w . f f w n . o r g04

Image Builds Business Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) FAHSI is a community-based, non-profit organization established in 1993 dedicated to serving the most vulnerable segments of the Filipino community of New York – particularly youth, women, recent immigrants, and the elderly. FAHSI’s

vision is an empowered Filipino American community with a strong sense of identity and commitment to citizenship participation. In support of this vision, our mission is to improve social conditions and enhance the self-reliance of vulnerable segments of the community by:

Strengthening the capacity of Filipino Americans to be significant contributors to civil society.

Developing the potential of Filipino American youth as community leaders and organizers; Raising the awareness of the Filipino American community and the general public concerning Filipino American history and the struggle and contributions of Filipino Americans.

•

•

CONNECT is a New York City based non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of family and gender violence and to the creation of safe families and peaceful communities. CONNECT transforms the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that perpetuate family and gender violence and addresses these complex issues through prevention, early intervention services, and community empowerment. CONNECT’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP) facilitates community-focused responses to violence in the family through community organizing, education, and capacity building. CEP provides Education and Outreach and Capacity Building to our community partners including immigrant rights, faith based, LGBTQ, schools, public libraries and youth based organizations. We work with

our partners to hold seminars, workshops, community forums on domestic violence. For more information or to become a partner call Krittika Ghosh at [email protected], 212. 683. 0015 x239. The CONNECT Training Institute (CTI) provides training to community members, organizers and service providers on intimate partner violence in topics such as parenting in the context of domestic violence, why men batter and abuse and women’s and girls empowerment programs, and domestic violence in faith communities. We design trainings to meet your organizational needs. For information contact Quentin Walcott at 212. 683. 0015 x225, [email protected]. CONNECT’s Legal Advocacy Helpline provides immediate access to legal information and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence city-wide. Legal Advocacy Helpline: 212. 683. 0605 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm For information contact us at 212. 683. 0015 x239 or at [email protected]

For more information, please contact:Venessa G. Manzano, Executive Director • [email protected] American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI)185-14 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432718. 883. 1295 office • 718. 523. 9606 fax • www.fahsi.org

The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS), an organization of women who have been cited for their outstanding service to Philippine society have thrown their support behind Nicole, the 22-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by four American servicemen in Subic in November 2005.

TOWNS women give Nicole their unqualified support because: (a) violence against Filipino women, in any form, should not be tolerated; (b) rape is the ultimate violation of a woman’s dignity; (c) military partnership with the U.S., notwithstanding, foreign servicemen should be subjected to due process in accordance with Philippine law; (d) despite the passage of RA 8505 (An Act Providing Assistance and Protection for Rape Victims) in 1998, which represents important affirmative action, very little has been done by Government to effectively protect victims of rape or sexual assault; (e) the prolonged legal process is expected to exact a heavy emotional and financial burden on Nicole’s family, which has very limited means.

What has caused particular outrage is the way Nicole was taken into a van, brutally raped and then thrown onto the sidewalk while the servicemen hurried to beat the deadline to get back to their departing ship.

As a first step, TOWNS has established the Justice for Nicole fund representing direct donations of TOWNS members. These TOWNS members have also grouped themselves to implement a media campaign as well as a legal strategy for the long haul.

TOWNS foresee a long battle to achieve justice for Nicole. The lack of sufficient government support, especially in the preliminary investigations and from our Department of Justice is quite evident. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales made disparaging remarks about the mother of Nicole, showing ignorance about the trauma which families of victims of rape undergo, even before he decided to downgrade the charges against three of the accused marines from principals to accessories. To make matters worse,

Gonzales declared that his initial sympathetic assessment was made only “to appease the mob.”

TOWNS is appalled at this weak sense of justice and national pride. Filipino women should not be used as pawns of the Government and its allies especially in collaborative undertakings such as “anti-terrorism” and “globalization.”

In its defense of Nicole, TOWNS hopes to guide the public in examining the “Twin Laws’ on rape—RA 8353 and RA 8505, the principal author in the Senate of which is TOWNS member Letty Shahani. RA 8353 redefines rape as a crime against the person and therefore becomes no longer a private crime against chastity, but a public crime. RA 8505 requires the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide medical and psychological assistance to the victim and the family, and the DOJ and the DILG to regularly train their key staff in the meaning of rape as a public crime and the implications of gender equality. So far, no rape victim has won a case (in the Philippines) under these new laws.

By supporting the case of Nicole, TOWNS wants to help restore the dignity and true value of Filipino women by insisting that the laws of the country which empower women should be enforced by the authorities and respected by foreign governments with whom the Philippines enters into agreements.

TOWNS exhorts other women’s groups to also come out and support the Nicole Defense Campaign. Contributions to the Nicole Defense Fund can be coursed through TOWNS Foundation, Inc. telephone numbers: 637-4260 or 637-4259 (Elsa Laguerta).

JUSTICE FOR NICOLE. JUSTICE FOR ALL FILIPINO WOMEN VICTIMS OF RAPE.

Statement from Imelda Villar (TOWNS President), Leticia Shahani & Nina Lim-Yuson (TOWNS past Presidents), Tessy Ang See, June Pagaduan-Lopez, Joi Barrios, Grace Nono, Cora Claudio & Elsa Payumo (TOWNS Members).

TOWNS LAUNCHES “NICOLE” DEFENSE CAMPAIGN

Women’sInterculturalNetwork CALIFORNIA

WOMEN’S AGENDA

05

asian pacific american womens leadership institute

Filipino Community Alliance

West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center


M!"#! L$#%! O%&'(!, &.).UCSF-trained, Board Certified,

Pediatricianinvites you to visit her at her new o!ce

Live WellMEDICAL CLINIC

1150 El Camino Real, Suite 225, San Bruno, CA 94066 • (650) 873-3338

San Francisco Department on the Status of Women

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(FAHSI)

N E W Y O R K

LunaBar.com

The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s ServiceP H I L I P P I N E S

S A N F R A N C I S C O

Consulate General of the Philippinesin New York

Cecilia B. Rebong

Consulate General of the Philippines

in San FranciscoRowena M. Sanchez

2006 TICKET DONORS

Cynthia AlejandroChristine Arca

Kimberly Jonelle BalmileroArlene BieschkeLouise BieschkeFe Caampued

Rowena CaampuedSuky Beccaria & Patrick C. Chu

Eileen CohenOfelia Datuin

Romolo DatuinSonia Delen

Olga DimayugaChristine Dunham

Memory EncarnacionMathilda EspirituKatherine Ferrick

Mely GaleonJennifer Demetria Gronbach

Melissa HirotaStephen & Katherine Liao HwangRobert J. & Cecile Carlos Janicek

Nimfa MagalongOfelia Magalong

Heintje & Emelyn MagpocEdna Murray

Irving R. & Imelda S. PhillipsAby Piñon

Juliet P. & Vincent A. S. ReyesThelma Reyes, M.D.

Blandina RoqueLiza Sacilioc

Miriam SantiagoAris Tagle

Maria Loreto TinioLeah TreppelJoel Viado

Teresita Viray

Adapted from resources provided by the Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI), CONNECT and Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence. For more information, visit www.fahsi.org and www.nyc.gov.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES

NYC 24-Hour Hotline: 1. 800. 621. HOPE (4673) TDD: 800. 810. 7444

Hearing Impaired 24-Hour Hotline: TDD: 1. 800. 810-7444

NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project 212. 714. 1141

Barrier-Free Living (Disabled Clients) 212. 533-4358

Crime Victims Hotline 212. 577. 7777

Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline 212. 227. 3000

New York State Child Abuse Hotline 800. 342. 3720

SHELTERS

B R O N XAegis Battered Women’s Program 1. 800. 621. HOPE

Project Oasis Safe Homes 1. 800. 621. HOPE

New Day Shelter 718. 617. 8762

BROOKLYNPark Slope Safe Homes Project 718. 499. 2151

Women’s Survival Space 718. 439. 1000

New Hope 1. 800. 621. HOPE

Family Project 718. 443. 3928


Women’s Safe Start II 718. 453. 2280

MANHATTANHenry Street Shelter 212. 577. 7777

Sanctuary For Families, Inc. 212. 349. 6009

Urban Women’s Retreat 1. 800. 621. HOPE

Violence Intervention Program 212. 360. 5090

New York Asian Women’s Center 888. 888. 7702 Toll-free

QUEENSTransition Center Kosher facilities718. 520. 8045

Allen Women’s Resource Center 212. 577. 7777


Women Helping Women 718. 291. 2555

STATEN ISLANDProject Oasis Safe Homes 1. 800. 621. HOPE

COUNSELING Safe Horizon Community Offices

BRONXKingsbridge Center 212. 577. 7777

Claremont Center 1. 800. 621. HOPE

BROOKLYNBedford-Stuyvesant 212. 577. 7777

MANHATTANHarlem Office 212. 577. 7777

Washington Heights & Inwood Center 212. 577. 7777

QUEENSJamaica Center 1. 800. 621. HOPE or 212. 577. 7777

STATEN ISLANDStaten Island Center 1. 800. 621. HOPE

ADVOC AC Y AND COUNSELING

CITY-WIDEArab-American Family Support Center 718. 643. 8000

Barrier Free Living, Inc. (Physically disabled) 212. 533. 4358 or 212. 533-4632

Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project 212. 714. 1141

Korean-American Family Services Center 212. 465. 0664

New York Association for New Americans 212. 425. 5051

SAKHI for South Asian Women 212. 695. 5447

Steps to End Family Violence (teens / women defendants) (212) 410-4200

BRONXHostos Women and Immigrants Rights Center 718. 518. 4312

Bronx Independent Living Services (disabled) 718. 515. 2800

St. Rita’s Center (refugees) 718. 365. 4390

BROOKLYNPark Slope Safe Homes Project 718. 499. 2151

QUEENSPragati, Inc. (Women of Indian origin) 718. 456. 4712

Queens Women’s Network 212. 577. 7777 or 1. 800. 621. HOPE

LEGAL SERVICES

Free advice and services for victims of domestic violence.

CITY-WIDESanctuary for Families Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services 212. 349. 6009

Main Street Legal Services, Battered Women’s Rights Clinic, CUNY Law School 1. 800. 621. HOPE

Victim Services West Side Legal Project 1. 800. 621. HOPE

inMotion (Formerly Network for Women’s Services) – Legal assistance for battered women seeking divorces212. 695. 3800

BROOKLYNBrooklyn Legal Services, Corporation B 718. 237. 5500

BENEFITS FOR IMMIGRANTS

Anyone, regardless of immigration status, is eligible for the following benefits

Emergency: 911

City services (Non-emergency): 311

NYC Domestic Violence Hotline (Including domestic violence shelters, legal assistance, benefits)1. 800. 621. 4673

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Outside NYC)1. 800. 942. 69061. 800. 818. 0656 TTY

Prenatal Care Assistance Program (For women and infants)1. 800. 522. 5006

Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline(New York State Central Registry)1. 800. 342. 3720

Child Abuse Prevention Information and Parent Helpline (24 hours)1. 800. 342. 7472

Hunger Hotline (Food emergency)1. 866. 888. 8777

Women’s Healthline9 am to 5 pm, Mon.–Fri.1. 800. 825. 5448

AIDS Hotline9 am to 9 pm, Mon. – Fri.1. 800. 825. 5448

General Health Line9 am to 6 pm, Mon. – Fri.1. 800. 825. 5448

HealthStat Free or low-cost health insurance1. 888. 692. 6116

Education for children All children regardless of immigration status can attend school through grade 12www.nycenet.edu

Department for the AgingFor the elderly212-442-1000 orwww.nyc.gov/aging

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS

Bronx County 198 East 161st Street Bronx, NY 10451 718. 590. 2000 (Main) 718. 590. 2323 (Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Bureau) 718. 590. 2115 (Crime Victims Assistance Unit)

Kings County Renaissance Plaza 350 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 718. 250. 2000 (Main) 718. 250. 3300 (Domestic Violence Bureau) 718. 250. 3820 (Counseling Services Unit) 718. 250. 3823 (Barrier Free Justice)

New York County One Hogan PlaceNew York, NY 10013 212. 335. 9000 (Main) 212. 335. 4300 (Family Violence & Child Abuse Bureau) 212. 335. 9040 (Witness Aid Services Unit) 212. 864. 7884 (North Manhattan Domestic Violence Project)

Queens County 125-01 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 718. 286. 6000 (Main) 718. 286. 6550 (Domestic Violence Bureau) 718. 286. 6818 (Crime Victims Advocate Program) 718. 286. 6562 (Elder Abuse Project)

Richmond County 130 Stuyvesant Place Staten Island, NY 10301 718. 876. 6300 (Main) 718. 556. 7124 (Sex Crimes / Special Victims Bureau)

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Public hospitals are run by the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation. Each hospital has a Domestic Violence Coordinator.

D&TC = Diagnostic and Treatment Center

BRONX Jacobi Medical Center 1400 Pelham Parkway S. Bronx, NY 10461 718. 918. 5000

Lincoln Hospital & Mental Health Center 234 East 149th Street Bronx, NY 10451 718. 579. 5000

North Central Bronx Hospital 3424 Kossuth Avenue Bronx, NY 10467 718. 519. 5000

Morrisania D&TC 1225 Gerard Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 718. 960. 2777


S.R. Belvis D&TC 545 East 142nd Street Bronx, NY 10454 718. 579. 4000

BROOKLYN Coney Island Hospital 2601 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11235 718. 616. 3000

Kings County Hospital Center 451 Clarkson Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203 718. 245. 3131

Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center 760 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11206 718. 963. 8000

Cumberland D&TC 100 N. Portland Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 718. 260. 7500

East NY D&TC 2094 Pitkin Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11207 718. 240. 0400

MANHATTAN Bellevue Hospital Ctr. 462 First Avenue New York, NY 10016 212. 562. 1000

Harlem Hospital Ctr. 506 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10037 212. 939. 1000

Metropolitan Hospital 1901 First Avenue New York, NY 10029 212. 423. 6262

Gouverneur D&TC 227 Madison Street New York, NY 10002 212. 238. 7000

Renaissance D&TC 215 West 125 Street New York, NY 10027 212. 932. 6500

QUEENS Elmhurst Hospital Ctr.79-01 Broadway Elmhurst, NY 11373 718. 334. 4000

Queens Hospital Ctr. 82-70 164th Street Jamaica, NY 11432 718. 883. 3000

POLICE PRECINCTS

Each precinct has at least one Domestic Violence Prevention Officer (DVPO). For domestic violence assistance, contact the DVPO.

BRONX Precinct 40257 Alexander Avenue718. 402. 2270 Main718. 402. 1591 DVPO

Precinct 42830 Washington Avenue718. 402. 3887 Main718. 402. 5301 DVPO

Precinct 44 2 East 169th Street718. 590. 5511 Main718. 590. 5500 / 5501

Precinct 462120 Ryer Avenue718. 220. 5211 Main718. 220. 5254 DVPO

Precinct 48450 Cross Bronx Expwy718. 299. 3900 Main718. 299. 4755 DVPO

BROOKLYNPrecinct 602951 West 8th Street718. 946. 3311 Main718. 946. 3362 DVPO

Precinct 621925 Bath Avenue718. 236. 2611 Main718. 236. 2774 DVPO

Precinct 665822 16th Avenue718. 851. 5611 Main718. 851. 5625 DVPO

Precinct 672820 Snyder Avenue 718. 287. 3211 Main718. 287. 3252 DVPO

Precinct 68333 65th Street718. 439. 4211 Main718. 439. 4225/4216

Precinct 70154 Lawrence Avenue 718. 851. 5511 Main718. 851. 5503/5569

MANHATTANPrecinct 1 16 Ericson Place

212. 334. 0611 Main212. 334. 0618 DVPO

Precinct 6233 West 10th Street212. 741. 4811 Main212. 741. 4800 DVPO

Precinct 9 321 East 5th Street212. 477. 7811 Main212. 477. 7839 DVPO

Precinct 13230 East 21st Street 212. 477. 7411 Main212. 477. 3863 DVPO

Precinct 17167 East 51st Street212) 826-3211 Main212) 826-3210 DVPO

QUEENSPrecinct 10287-34 118th Street718. 805. 3200 Main718. 805. 3249 DVPO

Precinct 10464-2 Catalpa Avenue 718. 386. 3004 Main718. 386. 3044 DVPO

Precinct 106103-51 101st Street718. 845. 2211 Main718. 845. 2227 DVPO

Precinct 1085-47 50th Avenue718. 784. 5423 Main718. 784. 5448 DVPO

Precinct 11091-41 43rd Avenue718. 476. 9311 Main718. 476. 9321 DVPO

Precinct 11268-40 Austin Street718. 520. 9311 Main718. 520. 9284 DVPO

STATEN ISLANDPrecinct 12078 Richmond Terrace718. 876. 8500 Main718. 876. 8609 DVPO

Precinct 1222320 Hylan Avenue718. 667. 2211 Main718. 667. 2299 DVPO

Precinct 123116 Main Street718. 948. 9311 Main718. 948. 5970 DVPO

07F I L I P I N A W O M E N A G A I N S T V I O L E N C E

Message from the Publisher(Continued from page 2)

Clara Tempongko tirelessly spoke out about what happened to her daughter. She insisted on changes. She insisted that people listen. She insisted that we do something. Claire’s story galvanized a community to rally together to effect changes in San Francisco. The formation of the Justice & Courage Panel in San Francisco as a response to Claire’s death and Clara’s passion was a start. The Panel was tasked to review, evaluate, and change San Francisco’s citywide response to domestic violence cases. But why were no Filipina women initially invited to be part of the response? A Filipina woman’s experience and story began this movement but Filipina women were invisible in the fight.

Tama Na! (Stop!): Filipinas Speak Out Against Violence was conceived to break the silence about the cycle of violence against Filipina women and girls. It ensures that Filipina women are involved and visible in the fight to eradicate all violence against women and girls.

Each member of this year’s cast and crew attended anti-domestic violence workshops. The workshop not only deepened their understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence but also allowed them to be knowledgeable peer advocates to women in abusive relationships.

But we still need to do more. While New York City’s Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence has been a helpful resource to many New Yorkers, its list of agencies and shelters that specifically assist women of Philippine ancestry is lacking. In fact, of the over 240 agencies, hospitals, and domestic violence centers listed in its impressive Resource Directory of Domestic Violence Services, only four provide services in Tagalog. Where are all the Filipinos helping other Filipinos?

The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) is to be commended for

their work in the Filipino community. Their work with elders, women, immigrants, and young people ensure that Filipinos can seek help and feel that their unique experiences are heard and understood. But we cannot expect FAHSI to do all the work alone. We cannot relax, and think that having one FAHSI is enough. Filipinos should be doing much, much more.

Campaigns and festivals like Until the Violence Stops: NYC and Filipinas Against Violence are important because they shine the spotlight on an issue that, as Eve Ensler said, “is still the issue that people get to later, when they’re done with the other issues. “Our production, our performances, our voices are the first steps in making sure that this will not hold true of the Filipino community any longer.

As committed Filipinas, we need to ride the buzz and anticipation of these kinds of spotlight festivals and campaigns to make sure our voices –Filipina voices – are heard and recognized. Filipinas are speaking out, and we need to make certain people listen!

We need to get the press and media to cover our issues – Filipina issues – and to amplify our voices.

We need sponsors and partners so that we can focus wholly on our message and advocacy work.

We need the influential Filipinos – politicians, government officials, senior executives, heads of agencies, media directors – to support our work and to include and incorporate domestic violence on their policy and business agendas.

And, more importantly, we need people to listen, understand, get angry, be inspired, and do something. They cannot participate in our goals if they cannot hear them.

Filipinas speak out now! Filipinas speak out loud!

Domestic violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities has some different patterns, forms and dynamics of abuse. There are certainly similarities between all battered women’s experiences; these are not enumerated here. Some of the dynamics Asian and Pacific Islander women describe may be particular only to certain API ethnic groups); some may be common to many of them. We are trying to develop a complex picture of what is happening in our communities, without essentializing or stereotyping them.

Distinguishing DynamicsMultiple abusers in the home: perpetrators may include mothers-, fathers-, brothers-, sisters-in-law, ex- or new wives, adult siblings or other members of a woman’s natal family.

Internalized devaluation and victim-blaming are that much deeper when there are multiple perpetrators.

Our women describe ‘push’ factors (“leave the house, give me a divorce, I can always find

another wife,” etc.) more frequently than ‘pull’ factors (“come back to me, I love you,” etc.).

Gender roles are tightly prescribed and more rigid, minimizing female agency and shrinking the space within which women and men can re-define those roles.

Sexual abuse can includeExcessive restrictions designed to control women’s sexuality; grave threats about sexual activity; being blamed for rape, incest or coerced sex; being forced to marry their rapist; kept in ignorance about sex, sexual health and anatomy; and denied a different sexual orientation.

Young women can be victims of trafficking: as mail order brides, sex workers, or indentured workers.

Women face sexual harassment not only from co-workers but from family members, community leaders, clergymen, etc.

Forced marriages (not to be confused with arranged marriages) can exacerbate sexual abuse.

Marital rape; extreme sexual neglect; being forced to watch and imitate pornography; and being forced into unprotected sex can result in sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

Physical abuse can mean Dealing with multiple abusers; severe isolation because a woman has left her home country and thus her support systems; complete abandonment; hyper-exploitation of women’s, including elderly women’s household labor; withholding health care and medication; and the mistreatment of widows.

Mothers can be threatened with the kidnapping of their children; lose custody of their children because divorced women are severely stigmatized, or because of prevailing cultural beliefs that children belong to their father.

Domestic violence related homicides encompass a broader range of deaths carried out through honor killings, contract killings, dowry (bride price) related deaths; killing of family members in the home country; and being driven by husbands and in-laws into committing suicide.

Same sex domestic violence in API couples carries greater threats associated with outing a partner in a community where homosexuality is ostracized.

Threats to immigration status are part of the pattern of abuseThreats of deportation, loss of children, making false declarations to the INS about her, withholding / hiding passports and other important documents, not proceeding with green card applications

After marriage in the home country women come here and sometimes have to contend with another partner her husband has: her vulnerable immigration status forces her to accept whatever arrangements he insists upon.

Abusive community normsGender discrimination is directed at girls early in childhood by withholding proper nourishment, health care, or education.

Community reinforcements that keep gender violence in place utilize victim blaming, silencing, shaming, and rejection of battered women who speak up or seek help.

Covert or overt support and the lack of sanctions that accrue to batterers, only increase their impunity and entitlement to violence.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Source: Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence www.apiahf.org/apidvinstitute

08 F I L I P I N A W O M E N ’ S N E T W O R K | w w w . f f w n . o r g

Domestic Violence Specific to API Women

Let’s end violence in our community!


Violence Against Women ActBy Kevin Pimentel, Esq.

A quick glance at the State Department’s “Visa Bulletin” (a list of processing dates for when beneficiaries of approved family petitions can immigrate, available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html) shows that immigrants from the Philippines typically have to wait much longer to come here than immigrants from other countries. For example, as of February 2006, it is expected to take approximately 10 years longer for a brother or sister of a US citizen to immigrate to the US from the Philippines than from any other country in the world.

Because the Filipino American community is adversely affected by immigration law, Filipinos value their immigration status in the United States, whether it be a non immigrant visa category, a green card, or citizenship, very highly. However, this has led to a number of very negative consequences.

There are some Filipinos who, unable to withstand an excruciating painful lifelong separation from their families, commit fraud in order to come to the United States. This is done through the adoption of a false identity, or the creation of a false relationship, or denying that a marriage exists. If later, the immigrant who has committed fraud applies for some other benefit, such as citizenship, they come under the scrutiny of the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, and can be subject to a deportation hearing.

The long and strange waiting times from the Visa Bulletin also have forced many individuals to make life altering decisions based on eligibility for immigration benefits. For example, the daughter of a green card holder can only immigrate to the US if she is not married. There are occasions where that individual will not marry, despite having formed a family with someone, having lived as man and wife and having produced children. Another example comes from the recent

government takeover of airport security following September 11, 2001. For the last 12 years, it has taken longer for the unmarried overage son or daughter of a US citizen to immigrate than an unmarried overage son or daughter of a green card holder. Many of the Bay Area Filipino baggage screeners withheld their citizenship applications in hopes of reuniting with their adult children faster. When the government imposed the requirement of US citizenship for the baggage screener position, these individuals were subsequently laid off.

But the most prevalent manner in which immigration status has affected Filipino Americans is in domestic violence. Immigration status has long been understood as a method of reuniting families, and thus it is logical that certain family relationships must be in place in order to qualify for that status. However, in the pattern of behavior typical of many abusive spouses, immigration status is another method of exerting power and control. For example, an abusive husband

may withhold filing a petition for his wife and use immigration status as a means to ensure that she doesn’t leave him. But there are options for those who are in abusive relationships and concerned about immigration status.

In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). One provision of that Act allowed spouses (of either sex) of abusive citizens and green card holders in the Untied States to file a petition on their own behalf. Additionally, any spouse whose child is being abused by the other spouse may also file a petition. VAWA defines abuse as physical abuse or extreme mental cruelty. This definition does not include things like spousal neglect or infidelity. The VAWA petition can take the place of a previously filed petition from the abusive spouse, or can be the first step in immigrating. This petition allows for any minor children to also gain immigration status, including children not present in the US, and children who are unrelated to the abuser. Also, this petition, if determined to be valid at first glance by the Immigration

Service, can allow the abused spouse to qualify for public benefits (such as food stamps, Cal-works, and other programs). The grant of this petition can lead to eligibility for a green card, and later, citizenship. All filings under VAWA are kept confidential by law, so that if an abusive spouse inquires about their spouses VAWA application, the government cannot release any information, even the existence of the application.

Self-petitions are also available for spouses of US citizens who have Conditional Residency (a green card that expires after 2 years). They can use the abuse as a basis for filing for their permanent green card without the consent of the abuser.

Another form of immigration relief is the T visa. This visa is available for victims of human trafficking. Although the media has sensationalized the topic of human trafficking, presenting it in the context of “sex slaves,” some types of human trafficking occur through marriage. These marriages are known as “servile marriages” and happen when someone marries in order to use their spouse as a domestic servant or forced labor. This definition does not apply to a spouse who only refuses to perform housecleaning, cooking, or other domestic chores.

Additionally, the U visa is available for victims of violent crimes that are cooperating with law enforcement investigations. The list of applicable crimes is exclusive, and a requirement of the visa is a certification from a law enforcement agency.

None of these forms of relief are simple applications, and anyone who is considering filing under the above categories should consult an immigration attorney. Domestic violence survivors can receive legal advice from immigration attorneys by calling Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach at (415) 567-6255. We currently have two Filipino attorneys, Laureen Laglagaron and Kevin Pimentel.

09


Until the Violence Stops: NYCApril 13, 2006 (updated May 31, 2006) – V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls founded by playwright/ performer/activist Eve Ensler, brings together artists, community groups and city leaders for UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC. Taking place June 12–27, UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC is a festival of theater, spoken word, performance and community events created to bring the issue of violence against women and girls front and center in the culture and the community.

Featuring performances by Kathy Bates, Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek, Kerry Washington, Rosario Dawson, Diane Lane, Suheir Hammad, Marcia Gay Harden, Sarah Jones, Swoozie Kurtz, Brittany Murphy, Rosie O’Donnell, Phylicia Rashad, Isabella Rossellini, Marian Seldes, Gloria Steinem, Marlo Thomas, Idina Menzel, and more. Jane Fonda’s involvement marks her first Broadway appearance since her 1963 role in “Strange Interlude.”

Authors contributing original works written exclusively for the festival include Edward Albee, Tariq Ali, Edwidge Danticat, Anna Deavere Smith, Ariel Dorfman, Michael Eric Dyson, Nicholas Kristof, Azar Nafisi, Paula Vogel, Alice Walker, Nobel prize winner Jody Williams, Howard Zinn, and more.

Start-up support for the festival provided by the Rockefeller Foundation. Lead corporate support provided by Verizon.

With marquee events with performances by celebrated actors, original works by noted authors, community events throughout the five boroughs, and a citywide messaging campaign, UNTIL THE VIOLENCES STOPS: NYC will take over New York City, putting women, their empowerment and safety directly on center stage. UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC will issue a call to action to all New Yorkers, and to the world: Demand an end to violence against women and girls and become an active participant in ending it.

“Through V-Day, we have witnessed the power of art to transform and galvanize change. It’s time to be bold, to amplify our efforts and to take our movement to end violence against women to the next level. V-Day was born in New York City and UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC takes our message directly to the people of New York. Together, we will make New York City the first safe place for women and girls,”

stated Playwright / V-Day Founder and Artistic Director Eve Ensler.

Founded in 1998 on the principle that art inspires activism, V-Day benefit performances of Ensler’s play The Vagina Monologues are now performed annually worldwide February – March, in thousands of colleges and communities, raising funds for local groups working to end violence against women and girls. V-Day events have taken place in all fifty United States and in over 81 countries from Egypt to Australia to Kenya to the Philippines, raising well over $35 million to date.

Today, V-Day is a model of empowerment philanthropy and public awareness, inviting women and men to use art and performance to raise funds and awareness in their own communities. This New York City-focused campaign will utilize the key elements of performance and theater to raise consciousness and funds and increase the dialogue about violence against women locally, nationally and globally.

MARQUEE EVENTS

Necessary Targets, By Eve Ensler (Monday, June 12th; Studio 54)

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer: Writers on Violence Against Women and Girls (Monday, June 19th; Hammerstein Ballroom)

Any One Of Us: Words from Prison (Wednesday, June 21st; Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center)

It’s Hard Out Here For A Girl: Brooklyn Represented in Language and Sound (Sunday, June 25th; Brooklyn Museum)

Run Until The Violence Stops, 5K Run (Tuesday, June 27th; Prospect Park, Brooklyn; 7pm)

COMMUNITIES IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHSA key element of the Festival is a grassroots campaign to bring anti-violence events directly into communities throughout the five boroughs. V-Day has convened a working group of local organizations working to end violence against women and girls in their communities. The working group is coordinating local events throughout the city. All community events will be listed on a master calendar available via the festival web site sponsored by The Avon Foundation.

A little over four years ago, my ever-energetic wife came to me and said that she just joined the Filipina Women’s Network in San Francisco. “Fine by me,” I said. In my mind, it was another channel to broaden her network and in a way interact with fellow Filipinas and Filipina-Americans. Bettina always had this fire within her to help the church and participate in community-related activities. So this was naturally another door for her to volunteer and share her talent.

Little did I know that this organization would eventually open my eyes to the reality of how women are still treated in some societies around the world.

In December 2003, Bettina called me at work and said that she signed up for Eve Ensler’s play called, The Vagina Monologues. Without the slightest idea of who Eve Ensler was (pardon my ignorance) and the initial shock of my wife participating in some what I thought then was some exhibitionist endeavor not just jolted me but actually provoked me to ask, “Why?”

All these years, I thought that I was quite a loving husband and good provider despite my weaknesses and frailties so what would drive my partner in life to do this? Has living in San Francisco, the United States’ most liberal city, finally done me in?

Well, the rest is history.

This year marks the third year that FWN (Filipina Women’s Network) presented “The Vagina Monologues.” Perhaps in our male-dominated society, speaking the word alone in a different context reflects vulgarity and lack of finesse. Hindi refinado ang nagsasabi nito. Some members of the extremist religious right even abhor the printing and mention of such a word.

But after you claw through the shock of hearing vagina openly said in public setting and sift through the messages behind the movement, only does one begin to appreciate how society in general has treated women.

In a nutshell, women are just objects to satisfy men and even in these modern times, it takes a movement to raise that awareness. It takes shock to provoke people to read and understand the plight of women around the world.

For those of you who might still find the word objectionable, here’s some food for thought – which is worse: to hear the word vagina or to remain blind to how women are treated? It might not be in your household but it could be a neighbor, friend or relative.

Mutilation, rape, prostitution, domestic violence, murder, and all the abuse and crimes that are

committed against women and transgenders only highlight the ignorance of modern society.

In certain societies and even in certain areas in the United States, why do men need more than one partner? How can Howard Stern be several times a millionaire when he is the epitome of how men exploit women?

Why does the querida in Philippine society show up a few minutes after the real wife leaves the party? And to make matters worse, why is it considered a symbol of success in Philippine society when you are able to afford two households? Twisted and sick especially coming from a country that is predominantly Catholic.

Is it a fact that men are by nature, polygamous or is it some societal cop-out?

Why are women deprived of education, commanded to walk in separate sidewalks, obligated to be accompanied by a male relative when walking alone and clothed head to toe without the slightest hint of flesh showing?

When does saying, “I divorce you three times” invalidate a marriage that easily? Since when does infidelity become a license for murder that is tolerated by society?

Why is there a glass ceiling for women in the corporate environment?

After this litany of questions, you might think that it takes two to tango. There is the exploiter and the exploitee. I completely agree. And that is where this movement makes it mark.

Women over the centuries have been “programmed” to accept these as norms in society and they have to live as such. Well, they shouldn’t be.

Women just like men are created equal in God’s eyes and therefore have the ability to say no and reach out to both men and women when they feel that they are being exploited in any way shape or form. Even the atheists would probably have to agree that we are all equal since that has been their platform from day one.

Knowledge and awareness is the foundation that frees men (and women) from the bonds of ignorance. The Vagina Monologues aims to keep us real and current.

Who cares if we missed ski trips and weekends of being together the last three years-the Vagina Monologues have taught me and my family a lot. I tip my hat off to the women of behind the V-Day movement!

More power to you and yes, mabuhay ang puki!

Beyond the ShockA Tribute to The Vagina Monologues MovementBy Voltaire Yap

F I L I P I N A W O M E N A G A I N S T V I O L E N C E 09

At the orientation of The Vagina Monologues, the cast and crew were given a journal to capture their thoughts as the production progressed. Ultimately, they found a deeper meaning to their participation as buried memories and feelings started surfacing. The following are excerpts from their journals reflecting their involvement in The Vagina Monologues and The Filipina Women’s Network.

Homeless in NYCBy Remy Aquino

May 28, 2006. The experience of revealing oneself is both a difficulty and a challenge. It can be painful. It can be angry. It can be frightening. Yet, it will definitely be rewarding. Definitely be cathartic. The revelation process is like a smooth liquid flowing. It exacts from each of us a toll untold until perhaps this very moment.

And though the roads we’ve traveled may be different, our journeys individually unique... our destination remains the same. We are all here equally prepared, equally committed, and equally determined to expose and denounce the truth that lies within the evil of a violence too frequent, too common, too concealed. An evil that is an embarrassment to men and a humiliation for women. An evil that pervades our communities, strips us of honor, and corrodes our dignity.

As a child, I was witness and victim to this evil. I endured silently, quietly, inanimately.

And when I became a woman and the evil returned like an unrelenting wind, a never waning hail storm... I decided. I decided I would not be blown away, not be pelted by the ice. Instead, I acted, I protected, I escaped.

It was the 4th of July. Really just another day filled with irrational arguments exasperated with the usual pushing, hitting, choking and slapping. And though, it appeared that money was at the root of these fights, it was not. In fact, it was actually a result of a deep sadness he bore from repeated beatings he received from his own father. This however was not and is not an excuse.

And on this particular day, the fight led to the violent throwing of a metal garbage bin which shattered a mirror on the wall where I was standing. It was one of those moments that stuns you into a shocking silence.

My mind burning through various escape plans. I left and spent a day in the park. I sat and conjured as I watched the sun fade behind the trees. I left him that night. I pretended, I waited, I packed up my things and allowed myself a chance at freedom.. .a chance for a fresh start. In the middle of the early morning dawn, I returned to the park which would be my temporary home except this time I watched the sun rise from behind the trees. Ironically, I felt safer sleeping in the park.


WBy Cherie M. Querol Moreno

When Jennifer Isabel Angeles marks her 18th birthday on July 30, she can bask proudly in her early accomplishments as a budding thespian, a community activist, and a new Filipina feminist.

Four months ago, she starred in the Filipina Women’s Network production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues in San Francisco. She was one of 43 Filipinas from all over California literally playing their part in ending violence against women and girls. And she was the youngest soliloquist.

Bathed in spotlight onstage at the historic Herbst Theater, Jennifer gave flesh to the adolescent women abducted and forced into sex slavery by Japanese troops in World War II. She ached in her tale of lost youth and innocence, she smoldered in her demand for redress.

The San Francisco-born Theatre Arts major at Cal State Fullerton got much more than she had imagined when she signed on for the Monologues four weeks before opening night. She thought she

would be flexing her acting muscles, yes, but did not realize she was stepping into the world of activism, as membership in the Filipina Women’s Network is a requirement for the Monologues cast and crew.

“I noticed that all these women were coming together and working together for one common goal: to raise awareness about violence against Filipinas,” she recalled. “I was empowered by all of them. They spoke with passion and conviction about an issue that is taboo in the Philippines.”

FWN opened Jessica’s eyes, heart and mind to social change.

“I believe in loving and appreciating yourself as a woman,” she said. “I do stand for equality for women. It’s still hard for a woman to be on the same level as men, in today’s world; however, we are making progress. But men still dominate.”

“Feminist” is an identity she has had to rethink for herself.

“The first thing that pops in my head (upon hearing the term) are overly fanatical women striving for change with a loathing for men,”

she admitted. “I think the idea came into my head because of some extremists. As of tonight, however, my perception has changed.”

Jessica was in New York, attending an FWN meeting for its June 24 production of The Vagina Monologues at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts at NYU. There she met and heard Eve Ensler, and she was promptly transformed.

“My perception changed,” she exclaimed. “I was in a theater with a lot of self-proclaimed feminists celebrating V-Day, showing me that feminism is women’s empowerment. It’s about being proud of who you are as a woman. It’s also about women trying tomake a change for the better,

including equal rights and protection.”

It was a movement to which she had been born and raised.

The outspoken and self-confident Jessica is the third generation of strong women. Her mother, Marisa Gutierrez Angeles is a single mom to her and 16-year-old brother Jonathan (she divorced their father in 2003), bone marrow donor, philanthropist, and Jessica’s co-performer in the SF production of the Monologues. Marisa herself had an example of courage and

ACTOR. FEMINIST. ANTI-VIOLENCE ADVOCATE.


fortitude in her own mother, Terry Orr.

“My grandma has influenced me in the way she commanded herself,” Jessica said. “She spoke with conviction and had great compassion for others. She left her children in the Philippines to come to the United States and find work

in order to support them. She believed in me and always gave me hope and support. She especially helped me cope with my parents’ divorce.”

“It was 16 years after she saw her family again,” Jessica continued. “My grandma’s second husband was Irish. They would travel to Belfast in the summer to escape the hot weather here.”

Jessica had looked forward to her grandmother’s attendance at her graduation, but it was not to be.

“She was hospitalized and never returned to her welcoming home. She never saw me graduate, which broke my heart.”

Jessica and Marisa will miss the New York premiere of FWN’s The Vagina Monologues to take Mrs. Orr’s ashes back to Ireland, where the latter’s husband Roy Orr was laid to rest a year earlier. It’s a fitting tribute to the family matriarch, whose remarkable qualities live on her proud progeny.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

San Francisco Bay Area-based journalist, FWN member and Vagina Warrior 2004 Cherie M. Querol Moreno is community outreach coordinator of CORA Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, a private nonprofit providing core services for survivors and witnesses of domestic violence. CORA’s free 24-hour support line: 800-300-1080.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Top: Jessica with FWN President Marily Mondejar, Jane Fonda and her mom Marisa; Left: Jessica with Eve Ensler, founder of V-Day.

Today was the opening of the V-Day Event – Until the Violence Stops: NYC. It kicked off with a breath taking perfor-mance of Necessary Targets by an all-star cast at Studio 54. The cast included Jane Fonda, Kathy Bates, Kerry Washington, Marcia Gay Harden, Marian Seldes, Emma Myles, and Shiva Rose. The reading of “Necessary Targets” was engaging, emotionally charged, and really opened up the issue of women in conflict zones. After the performance, Eve Ensler addressed the whole audience on why she is so passionate about telling the stories of women who have been victims of violence. She also said that next year’s V-Day spotlight would be women in conflict zones.

There were women from all over who came to V-Day who were representing those in various conflict zones all over the world including women from Rwanda, Lebanon, Burma, and Cambo-dia. Unfortunately, there were a couple of women who could not make it including women from Iraq, Sudan, and New Orleans. Eve has emphasized that the woman from Iraq was denied entrance into the U.S. because she is a woman who was Iraqi.

After Eve’s closing remarks, the entire audience applauded and gave her and the cast a standing ovation. As we were headed out of the theatre, Kathy Bates happened to be trying to get through. Everyone was so

shocked to see Kathy Bates exiting through the front doors along with all the other audience members. Kathy Bates was a nice down to earth person and while standing outside waiting for her ride, signed autographs.

Those who had VIP tickets were invited to attend the after party at the Ava Lounge. This was an ultra-exclusive party in which you had to be on the guest list to be allowed entrance. Marily, Franklin, my mom, and I, took the elevator to the top floor, which was the Penthouse. There we enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres overlooking the city and Times Square.

Later, we were able to get past the velvet rope into the other section of the lounge where Eve Ensler was mingling. Little did we know that the rest of the cast was there as well. We were able to meet Kerry Washington, Shiva Rose, Jane Fonda, and Eve Ensler. Eve, who is a great supporter of FWN, was ecstatic to see Marily once again. After taking pictures and having them autograph programs and mingling with the various VIPs, the night was coming to a close.

Unfortunately, our brush with fame had to end and we had to go home. The V-Day opening events were more than I had ever imagined it would be. I went to support the cause and I came out from the show empowered. After meeting Eve Ensler and the Cast, I have been all the more inspired to strive to make a change in my community.

By Jessica Angeles

“Silence does not halt or heal.”

– Elena Mangahas

“I want to LIVE again.”

– Kathryn Mendoza

“Love is not hurting the people you care about.”

– Genevieve Medida

“Silence shields abuse. Speaking out is the

the vicious cycle.”– Imelda Oppenheim

“I believe that everyone has the right to live a life free from fear and oppression.”

– Owen Donnahoo

“It is not a private matter; it’s a human rights issue.”

– Anna Maloney

“Love is not hurting the people you care about.”

– Genevieve Medida

“My mother spoke and made a difference.”

– Christine Jeanjaquet

“Every woman is born a mother. Would you hit your mother?.”

– Margarita Mutuc

For more info: www.ffwn.org | (415) 278-9410

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OSat., June 24, 2006TWO BENEFIT PERFORMANCES / ONE-DAY ONLY!ALL-FILIPINA CAST

Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts @ NYU566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square SouthNew York, NY 10012

2:30 PM – Usaping Puki (Tagalog Version)7:30 PM – The Vagina Monologues

Admission: $12 (NYU students), $35, $45, $55, $100 (VIP)

To Purchase Tickets: 212-279-4200www.skirballcenter.org

The Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) presents English and Tagalog performances of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues to break the silence about the cycle of violence against Filipina women and girls.

BENEFICIARIES: FAHSI, TOWNS Foundation: Legal Defense Fund for “Nicole” Rape Case in Subic (Philippines) and Filipinas Against Violence.

Tama Na! (Stop!) Filipinas Speak Out Against Violence

A F I L I P I N O C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T I N C O N N E C T I O N W I T H V- D AY ’ S F E S T I V A L – U N T I L T H E V I O L E N C E S T O P S : N Y C

“No one has any right to hurt ANYbody.”

– Sonia Delen

E V E E N S L E R ’ S

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES AND

“USAPING PUKI”

“Violence is for the weak, gentleness is for the strong.”

– Remy Aquino

“I will not lose myself.”– Emy Baysic

“Every woman is born a mother. Would you hit your mother?”

– Margarita Mutuc

I AM A FILIPINA SPEAKING OUT BECAUSE. . .


PART ONEFOREPLAY Kit de CastroWELCOMEMarily MondejarINTRODUCTION Susan Ancheta, Emy Baysic, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet, May Nazareno, Arianne Recto, Christine Matias, Anna Maloney, Abigail Ricarte

INTRO – HAIR Rowena DonnahooHAIR Imelda OppenheimWEAR AND SAY Sharolyn Salas, Rebecca Apostol, Edna Murray, Sonia Delen, Byumi Gonzalez, Jennifer JimenezINTRO – THE FLOOD Kathryn Mendoza

THE FLOOD Susan AnchetaTHE VAGINA WORKSHOP Bettina Santos Yap, Rebecca Apostol, Elena Mangahas

VAGINA HAPPY FACT Emy BaysicINTRO – BECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK AT IT Genevieve MedidaBECAUSE HE LIKED TO LOOK AT IT Remy AquinoINTRO – I WAS 12 MY MOTHER SLAPPED ME Sharolyn SalasI WAS 12 MY MOTHER SLAPPED ME Abigail Ricarte, Margarita Mutuc, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet, Joana PalomarNOT-SO-HAPPY-FACT Abeggaile PiñonINTRO – CROOKED BRAID Anna MaloneyCROOKED BRAID Jennifer Jimenez, Byumi Gonzalez, Sharolyn Salas,

Rinabeth Apostol, Imelda Oppenheim, Owen DonnahooEXTRO – CROOKED BRAID Venessa ManzanoMY ANGRY VAGINA May Nazareno, Margarita Mutuc

INTERMISS IONPART TWO

INTRO – MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE Abigail RicarteMY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE Genevieve Medida, Emy BaysicEXTRO – MY VAGINA WAS MY VILLAGE May JingcoA CAPELLA SONG: ILI-ILIEmy BaysicINTRO – THE LITTLE COOCHI SNORCHER THAT COULD Sharolyn SalasTHE LITTLE COOCHI SNORCHER THAT COULDRebecca Apostol, Rinabeth ApostolINTRO – SAY IT (FOR THE COMFORT WOMEN) Marina Feleo Gonzalez

SAY IT (FOR THE COMFORT WOMEN) Sorcy Apostol, Jennifer Jimenez, Christine Matias, Ariane Recto

EXTRO – SAY IT

FILM CLIP ON COMFORT WOMEN

INTRO – THEY BEAT THE GIRL OUT OF MY BOY…OR SO THEY TRIEDAnna MaloneyTHEY BEAT THE GIRL OUT OF MY BOY…OR SO THEY TRIEDByumi GonzalezEXTRO – THEY BEAT THE GIRL OUT OF MY BOY…

SMELL May Nazareno, Abigail Ricarte, Margarita Mutuc, Genevieve Medida, Christine Matias, Anna MaloneyMY SHORT SKIRT Rinabeth ApostolINTRO – RECLAIMING CUNT Susan Ancheta

RECLAIMING CUNT Bettina Santos Yap

A SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS ASKED Lauren Montoya, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet

INTRO – THE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPYChristine MatiasTHE WOMAN WHO LOVED TO MAKE VAGINAS HAPPY Arianne RectoINTRO – I WAS THERE IN THE ROOM Margarita MutucI WAS THERE IN THE ROOM Imelda Oppenheim, Sonia Delen, May Nazareno, Elena MangahasFILIPINAS SPEAK OUT

CURTAIN CALL

PART ONEFOREPLAYKit de Castro

MALIGAYANG BATIMarily Mondejar

INTRODUKSYON Genevieve Medida, Abeggaile Piñon, Kathryn Mendoza, Emy Baysic, Joana Palomar, Anna Maloney, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet

INTRO – ANG KWENTO NG BUHOK Bettina Santos Yap

ANG KWENTO NG BUHOK Sorcy Apostol

KUNG MABIBIHISAN / MAKAPAGSASALITA ANG IYONG PUKI, ANO ANG ISUSUOT / SASABIHIN NITO? Rebecca Apostol, Rowena Donnahoo, Imelda Oppenheim, Byumi Gonzalez, Jennifer Jimenez, Sharolyn Salas

INTRO – ANG AKING BAHA Kathryn Mendoza

ANG AKING BAHA Sonia Delen

KIKI WORKSHOP Sorcy Apostol, Edna Murray, Elena Mangahas

KATOTOHANANG PUKI: TINGGIL Bettina Santos Yap

INTRO – PAGKAT GUSTO NIYA ITONG TITIGAN Arianne Recto

PAGKAT GUSTO NIYA ITONG TITIGAN Remy Aquino

INTRO – 12 YEARS OLD. SINAMPAL AKO NI NANAY Byumi Gonzalez

12 YEARS OLD. SINAMPAL AKO NI NANAY Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet, Joana Palomar, Kathryn Mendoza, Abeggaile Piñon

ISANG HINDI NAKATUTU-WANG KATOTOHANANG PUKI: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION Rowena Donnahoo

INTRO – TABINGING TRINTAS Sorcy Apostol

TABINGING TRINTAS Edna Murray, Rebecca Apostol, Byumi Gonzalez, Elena Mangahas, Rinabeth Apostol, Bettina Santos Yap

EXTRO – TABINGING TRINTAS

ANG AKING PUKING GALIT Abeggaile Piñon, Kathryn Mendoza

INTERMISS IONPART TWO

INTRODUKSYON SA BOSNIA Bettina Santos Yap

ANG AKING PWERTA, ANG AKING NAYON Rebecca Apostol, Rowena Donnahoo

EXTRO – ANG AKING PWERTA May Jingco

A CAPELLA SONG: ILI-ILIEmy Baysic

INTRO – ANG AKING MUNTING KALACHUCHI Remy Aquino

ANG AKING MUNTING KALACHUCHI Joanna Palomar, Kathryn Mendoza, Abeggaile Piñon, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet

INTRO – SABIHIN NINYO May Jingco

SABIHIN NINYOSonia Delen, Rinabeth Apostol, Bettina Santos Yap, Arianne Recto

EXTRO – SABIHIN NINYO

FILM CLIP ON COMFORT WOMEN

INTRO – BINUGBOG ANG PAGKABABAE SA AKING LALAKIAbbegaile Piñon

BINUGBOG ANG PAGKA-BABAE SA AKING LALAKI Byumi Gonzalez

EXTRO – BINUGBOG

ANO’NG AMOY MO? Emy Baysic, Abigail Ricarte, Margarita Mutuc, Anna Maloney, Christine Matias, Genevieve Medida, Joana Palomar

ANG AKING MAIKSING PALDA Rowena Donnahoo

INTRO – PAGBAWI SA PUKI Elena Mangahas

PAGBAWI SA PUKI Edna Murray

TINANONG NAMIN ANG ISANG ANIM NA TAONG GULANG NA BATANG BABAELauen Montoya, Christine-Marie Jeanjaquet

INTRO – ANG BABAENG MAHILIG MAGPALIGAYA NG MGA PUKE Byumi Gonzalez

ANG BABAENG MAHILIG MAGPALIGAYA NG MGA PUKEKathryn Mendoza

INTRO – NAROON AKO SA LOOB NG SILID Joanna Palomar

NAROON AKO SA LOOB NG SILID

Sorcy Apostol, Bettina Santos Yap, Arianne Recto, Elena Mangahas

FILIPINAS SPEAK OUT

CURTAIN CALL

(Casting for the Tagalog and English shows are subject to change)

USAPÍNG PUKI2:30 PM

THEVAGINA

MONOLOGUES7:30 PM

WRITERS & TAGALOG TRANSLATION

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New York Cast and CrewBy Christine Matias

So how does FWN ensure 18 vagina warriors who are all in a room for the first time, fighting the same cause, get to know each other quickly? Show executive producer, Marily Mondejar and director, Elena Mangahas, co-facilitated a “Conocimiento” exercise, which in the Filipino culture means personal knowledge and acknowledgment. The selected questions evoke the reflection of one’s individual self. The result is a celebration of difference, an inspirational love for living, and a snapshot of a person’s lifetime in a 3-minute presentation. Producer Franklin Ricarte’s name originates from President Roosevelt. The motto he lives by is “no day but today.” Winning a spelling contest against older kids when he was six years old, was the first time he felt his parents were proud of him. Best advice from his parents is to “talk it out.” Least favorite thing to do is swim in the ocean. He attended a seminary and he wants to meet Bill Clinton. His legacy is to live a life without regret. Kiko is his name, which is short for Francis (Bordeos). His name means freedom. His personal motto: “Just do what you want.” A piece of advice his parents shared with him is, “Be who you want to be.” Kiko’s greatest fear is not creating art, even though he is doing exactly that, being the sole photographer and design artist for the show. Aby Pinon says her name means “source of Joy.” Her personal motto is “La vita e bella,” which in Italian means life is beautiful. Best advice from her parents is, “Grab all opportunities that come along the way.” The one thing we wouldn’t know about her is that she is a noisy girl. “I am such a noisy girl. I don’t know why but I make so much noise and often I ask myself, ‘Why are you so noisy?’” Laughter of honest relief fills the room. Abigail Ricarte’s name originates from the bible. Her life motto is: Think globally, Act locally. You can be a follower, but who’s your leader? Dad’s great advice: “Family always comes first.” Mom says, “Just

finish school.” She secretly wants to be a DJ and never wants to be known for being mean-spirited. KitKat Mendoza, also known as Kathryn, lives by her quote, “Try ‘most everything,’ once.” Her parents told her to “try your best in all that you do. Don’t be a victim of jealousy; else you will never be happy.” Margarita Mutuc says her mom was a flower-child hippie who likes cold, alcoholic drinks and she thinks that was how she got her name. Her favorite quote is “all or nothing.” Greatest fear: regret. Bob Marley is a leader who inspires her because he uses music as a positive instrument to bring different races and beliefs together, allowing people to look past their differences. Aileen writes her name with her middle initial, Aileen R. Malogan. Her parents picked Aileen from a book of names. Favorite motto: “Just do it.” Her greatest fear is failing. One thing she says we wouldn’t guess about her is that she eats a lot. With food as part of the Filipino culture’s familial bond, vagina warriors nod in approval. Her legacy to leave behind is to make a difference in people’s lives. Anna Maureen Malone says her mom’s maiden name, Aguinaldo, should be her third name, although her mom didn’t think it was an American tradition. Anna says she was named after her paternal grandmother. “Maureen” was an extra added Irish touch, in which she smiles proudly. Her favorite quote comes from the Katipunan Code of Conduct, “The life that is not dedicated to a lofty purpose is a tree without shade, if not a dangerous weed.” Her greatest fear is that something will prevent her from reaching her dreams and goals. Yuri Kochiyama inspires her and a talent of hers is tying a cherry stem in a knot with her tongue. With cherries on the table, fellow vagina warriors demand a show. Unfortunately, the cherries’ stems were the larger, unable-to-knot kind. Her legacy remains: “Through good times and bad, I always try to help others any way I can.” Arianne Recto says she was named after Audrey Hepburn’s character in the film, “Love in the Afternoon.”

“Recto” is her mom’s last name and in Latin means “for the right side of the page.” Her simple motto: “be happy.” She knew her parents were first proud of her when she had her first print job and her mother told all her friends about it. Her greatest fear is that first minute she’s onstage. Her parents tell her to keep good posture and change your underwear. “You never know when you’ll have to go to the hospital,” she speaks in her mom’s voice. Christine-Marie Stephanie Sunico Cruz Jeanjaquet’s biggest fear is being run over by the New York 546 bus. With 14 syllables, her name has multiple meanings. Christine Marie means Mary Christ of the Cross. Stephanie, her middle name, means “Feast of St. Stephen.” Sunico is her mother’s maiden name, Cruz is her own maiden name, and Jeanjaquet is her husband’s French family name. She knew her mom was proud of her when she played “Mary Had a Little Lamb” at a group piano recital. Greatest advice from her parents is to “try to exhaust all possibilities when working on something.” Solita Monsod inspires her and the legacy she leaves behind is to be “that” someone who “actually” helped somebody else. Her favorite quote is decorated with stars: “When you joust with windmills they can either dash you to the ground or cast you among the stars.” Susan Ancheta, whose motto is to live life to its fullest, says her mom was going to name her Aloha because she was born in Hawaii but then decided on a more American name. Susan realized her parents were most proud of her when she became a professional actress. A piece of advice her parents gave her: “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Greatest fear: not making a difference. Susan has a tattoo, is inspired by her best friend, Mane, and her legacy is to show people that “firth can carry you to an unrealized dream.” Genevieve Medida fears the unknown. She is surprisingly shy and introverted, but always seems to overcome it quickly. Genevieve is a French name that means “pure.” Medida is a

(Continued on page 18)

ABIGAIL RICARTEStudentTemple University

ANNA MALONEYOffice ManagerUnited Nations

ARIANNE RECTOActor

BETTINA SANTOS YAP Marketing Consultant

BYUMI GONZALEZ Operations Agent, Bank of America / Fashion Designer Entrepreneur, B’Yumi Couture

CHRISTINE G. MATIASActor

CHRISTINE-MARIE JEANJAQUETIndustrial Designer, Sculptor

EDNA BISCOCHO MURRAY Clerk, Alameda County Professional Massage Therapist

ELENA MANGAHASProgram Analyst, San Joaquin County Worknet

EMY BAYSIC Actor

GENEVIEVE MEDIDAMorgan Stanley

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK PRESENTS

THE NEW YORK PRODUCTION OF

The Vagina Monologuesand “Usaping Puki”

Who’s Who in the Cast{ }

17F I L I P I N A W O M E N A G A I N S T V I O L E N C E

Playwright:EVE ENSLERFounder, V-DAY

Executive Producer: MARILY MONDEJARPresident, FWN; Executive Director, Institute for Image Management

Executive Producer: TESSIE ZARAGOZAChair of the FWN Board; President, Organ Donor Rights Network

Producer: FRANKLIN M. RICARTEStrategic Planning Consultant

Director: BETTINA SANTOS YAP Marketing Consultant

Director: ELENA MANGAHAS Program Analyst San Joaquin County Worknet

Director: GIOVANNIE PICO Actor, Founder, May “K”: The Giovannie Pico Foundation

IMELDA OPPENHEIM Trainer, Advocate for Arts EducationVagina Warrior 2006

JENNIFER JIMENEZ Client Support Specialist Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA)

JOANA PAULA PALOMARStudent

KATHRYN MENDOZAMarketing ManagerAvaya Inc.

SOCORRO “KIT” DE CASTROMusical DirectorLandsburg Productions

LAUREN MONTOYAStudent

LORAINE ABEGAILE G. PIÑON Actor

SUSAN ANCHETA Actor

TUNTING CRUZ MATTERSAttorney

VENESSA G. MANZANOExecutive DirectorFilipino American Human Services Inc.

MARGARITA MUTUC Vault Supervisor Consulate Film, Ltd.

MAY P. JINGCOLegal ProofreaderKaye Scholer LLP

MAY NAZARENOActor, Playwright, Artistic Director: The Panama Theatre Project

REMY AQUINO Photographer, Model, Actor Remy Aquino Photography

ROWENA “OWEN” DONNAHOO Marketing Consultant Sun Microsystems

SHAROLYN SALAS Children’s Tutor Talk Line Family Support Services

SONIA T. DELEN Senior Vice President Banc of America Leasing

Editor-at-Large, V-Diaries:CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Community Outreach Coordinator, CORAVagina Warrior 2004

Art Director:AL S. PEREZ Principal, Creative i Studio

Event Coordinator:AILEEN MALOGANAdministrative AssistantGSO Capital Partners

Stage Manager: KAI DELEN-BRIONES Student / Golfer Notre Dame de Namur University

Photographer: KIKO BORDEOSFreelance Photographer

Who’s Who in the Crew{ }

N Y 0 6


Imelda Oppenheim, who was originally from New Jersey, and glad to be back in proximity, also has a personal motto, “Trust in your instincts.” She also doesn’t mind if you call her by her nickname (Ching). Kai Delen Briones has a personal motto, “Never give up.” A bit of advice her parents shared with her is to respect everyone around you and take pride in what you do. Edna B. Murray’s personal motto, “If others can do it, why cant I?” The legacy that she wants to leave behind is of her good cooking and the joy it brings to those who are lucky enough to get a taste of it. Sharolyn Salas names Deepak Chopra as one leader who has inspired her. The legacy she wants to leave behind to those who know her is that differences are wonderful and to be celebrated, yet we all share the common need of love. Jennifer Jimenez who provides counseling and support to women of domestic violence, wishes her parents named her Scarlet instead of the common name Jennifer. She says her mother is an inspiration because she is a hard worker and is UNSTOPPABLE. Rowena Donnahoo names Mother Teresa as one of her inspirations because of her courage and strength to lead a life devoted to those in

need. The legacy she wishes to leave behind to friends and family is that she is a strong woman, a good wife and someone who cares about others. Sorcy Apostol who says, “Life is short. Enjoy it while you got it!” is inspired by Nelson Mandela. Rinabeth Apostol’s personal motto is, “When life pisses on your dreams, just add chlorine and keep on swimming.” Her greatest fear is to live in fear. Rebecca Concepcion Apostol was named after her older sister’s Rinabeth’s imaginary panda bear friend. Her personal motto is spoken best by Netzshe: “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” Sonia Teresita Delen’s personal motto is “Do the right thing.” A piece of advice that her parents shared with her is:“do onto others as you want others to do onto you.” Bettina Santos Yap’s personal motto is: “Make it happen – somehow. I believe that there’s always a solution to everything.” She says the one thing we wouldn’t guess about her is that she was extremely shy when she was a young girl.

The San Francisco Cast is coming to New York!By Sharolyn Salas

New York Cast and Crew(Continued from page 16)

Spanish word that means “measurement.” Her motto in life is, “Forget about the small things that bother you. You’ll forget about it in time. Don’t sweat the small stuff!” She realized her father was proud of her when he spoke of his daughter’s degree and career to his friends. Her parent’s best advice is, “Always try your best, God will reward you in the end.” As a legacy, she wants people to associate her as a woman who not only works hard on personal success, but also in helping others. Her inspirational role model is Oprah Winfrey for being a modern pop-culture leader. Emy Baysic agrees. Oprah Winfrey, she praises, “Hands down, inspires me. She uses her show to bring light upon what’s happening in the world, our own communities, and what’s happening with us.” Similarly, her legacy is to live the life she wanted and that she didn’t live safely but really “lived.” Her greatest fear is of the unknown. The greatest piece of advice from her parents is, “Don’t use credit cards!” She realized they were proud of her when she danced in front of people when she was only three years old, even though she admits that she is shy. Her own motto is: do great, excellent work.

Remedy Regulacion Aquino’s legacy is to “stay happy and be true to yourself, thus to others.” Remedy was a “blue baby.” She was born dead and but came alive and her parents think she is a miracle. Her motto is, “I am but liquid, so I’d stay liquid.” She raised herself as a child,, would give her kidney to anyone, and fears not leaving a worthy trail on her path. Her role model is Alexander Pope who says, “To err is human. To forgive is divine.” Christine Grace Matias’ name comes from Spanish origins and her middle name is the first non-traditional, American name amongst her siblings. She admires Angelina Jolie for using her success to help the less fortunate. Her greatest fear is idly passing through life and has an endearing relationship with sleeping bag material. She knew her dad was proud of her at 19 and in college, when he said “I love you” back on the phone. He tells her to “work hard, day and night, for success.” Her mom was most proud when Christine delivered a thank you message from a colleague for raising a good person. Her best advice from her mom: “New York is like Manila or a jungle; lions and snakes are everywhere.” The legacy she wants to leave is that she remained an honest, genuine person despite life’s challenges. Her current motto: “Live and let live.”

Below: V is for Victory, V is for Vagina. New York cast and crew members flashing the “V” sign after an empowering domestic violence awareness workshop facilitated by CONTACT.


V-Angel Sponsors: Tessie Zaragoza, Organ Donor Rights Network • Ayala-Sarmiento Family of Bob & Catherine in honor of Jessica Isabel Angeles

DiVine Sponsor: Marily Mondejar, Institute for Image Management

LoVe Sponsors: Creative i Studio

Heart Sponsors: Edward Butscher • Mark Caton • Carlo & Stephanie Dela Fuente • Connie Hollenbeck • James R. Legge • Exequiel Lugares • Patrick Policarpio • Lisa Richard • Jessica Tongson • Mark & Annette Caton • Carlo and Stephanie Dela Fuente • Paul and Patricia Rocero • Maria Ramona Salazar • Lonae & Richard Swickard • Jessica Tongson • Erin Yamabe • Agnes Alikpala, MD • Agnes Alikpala, MD • Edward Butscher • Mark Caton • Carlo & Stephanie Dela Fuente • Connie Hollenbeck • James R. Legge

V-Day’s UTVS Festival Sponsors: Start-Up Support – The Rockefeller Foundation • Lead Corporate Support – Verizon

Media Friends: Bay Area BusinessWoman: Anna Marks, Publisher • The San Francisco Examiner: Dave Caccirelli • Manila Bulletin USA: Jacqui Conclara, Henni Espinosa, Threese Serana • Pinoy Today: Marilyn King, Thelma Cruz • ABS-CBN International: Len Almaden, Nerissa Fernandez • San Francisco Chronicle: Pati Poblete, Ben Pimentel, Benny Evangelista • Philippine News: Margarita Argente • LFP International Production Inc.: Luis Pedron, Publisher/Reviewer

Awesome Volunteers: Bob & Chikee Philips • Genevieve Dwyer • Macky Sarmiento • Manny Mutuc • Marina Feleo-Gonzalez • Rudy Asercion, Director of Public Relations, Veterans War Memorial Commission • Susie P. Quesada • Sophoan Sorn • Voltaire V. Yap • Melvin Olaes • Sasha Alexander

Fabulous Organizations & Their Representatives: API Legal Outreach: Kevin Pimentel, Laureen Laglagaron • Asian Women’s Shelter: Geene Gonzalez • Bayan Café • Cendrillon: Amy & Romy Besa • Consulate General in San Francisco: Honorable Rowena Sanchez • Consulate General in New York: Honorable Cecilia B. Rebong, Lulu Villamater • Creative i Studio: Owen Starr • Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts @ NYU: Amy Coombs, Ross Peabody, Scott Sullivan, Adam DiLeo, David Roberts • LBC Mundial: Tricia Garcia • Luna Bars • Philippine Center, New York: Zeny D. Avila • The Carnelian Room: Marie Enriquez, Ruby San Juan • Theatreworks USA/Chelsea Studios: Stephen Roath • V-Day: Eve Ensler, Cecile Lipworth

MARKETING MATERIALSLOGO DESIGN

CORPORATE IDENTIT YADVERTISING

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W A N T T O R E A C H T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I C A N M A R K E T ? C A L L T H E E X P E R T S :

Al Perez | 415. 334. 9170 | [email protected], iNTELLIGENT AND iMPACTFUL DESIGN SOLUTIONS

RightsORGAN DONOR “BILL OF RIGHTS”Campaign to develop the rights of organ donors – those listed in donor registries and those who have signed donor cards. Organ donors need to understand the financial implications of the organ donation process.

Tessie Zaragoza, Founder22 Pembroke Court, Oakland 94619510-229-8216www.organdonorrightsnetwork.orgorgandonorrightsnetwork@gmail.com

TO ADVOCATE FOR THE R IGHTS OF ORGAN DONORS

C A P A B I L I T I E S O V E R V I E W

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Why Women Stayed in Abusive Relationships Lowered Self Esteem: “A large part of being battered is being brainwashed and manipulated into believing that you are no good. For me, it was a very subtle process. When I first met him, I liked myself and thought myself competent. As time and bettering progressed, I learned to hate myself, and I felt deserving of the abuse.”

Shame, Embarrassment, Humiliation: “I didn’t ask for help because I thought that people would think that I was stupid for staying as long as I had. Besides, I considered myself a together successful person, not a battered woman.”

Love: “When she* wasn’t being abusive, she was very kind and gentle. She was the woman I fell in love with.”

Desire to Help: “I knew he was abusing me, but he was in a lot of pain. He was abused as a child. I wanted to help him.”

Cultural Differences: “It seemed like no one understood me because of cultural difference. In my culture, keeping the family together is really important. As hard as it was to stay with him, it would be harder to leave. As a Filipina, I had no resources, lived in isolation, and spoke no English.”

Oppression: “I am a battered lesbian* of color. In this society, I am oppressed because of my sex, my race, and my sexual preference. The “system” is not made for people like me. I feel like I have nowhere to turn.”

Responsibility: “In our culture, women are taught that other people’s needs come first, even if meeting their needs means sacrificing ourselves (i.e., being battered).”

Legal Dependence: “He threatened to report me. I am not a legal resident.”

Optimism: “I thought he would change when he got a job, or when he quit drinking. I really thought that things would get better.”

Denial: “I didn’t believe that this was really happening. My partner said I was crazy, and my friends did not really believe that she* was capable of such violence.”

Religious and Familial Pressure to Stay Together: “I was always taught that I should stay married no matter what and that I needed a husband, the kids needed a father, and any problems could be worked out eventually if I tried hard enough.”

Fear: “He said that if I ever left, he’d find me and kill me and if he couldn’t have me, he’d kill himself.”

Economic Dependence: “He wouldn’t allow me to work. He made all the money and controlled all the money. Who would support me and my kids?”

Survival: “I couldn’t leave because it took all I had just to make it through the day.”

“I wonder why people always want to know why we stayed. What about him? If he really believed what he said that I was ugly, lazy, stupid, and a whore, why didn’t he leave? Why aren’t you asking him, “Why did you stay?”

* Battering also occurs in lesbian and gay relationships.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Source: API Institue on Domestic Violence

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Remy Aquino Photography41West 36th St., 2nd Flr. New York, NY 10018Phone: 212-459-4524 Fax: 309-420-8320

www.remyaquino.com

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INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES SUPPORTING FWN!

B’yumi Couture 20Creative i Studio 19Donnahoo Family in Honor of Own Donnahoo 08Filipina Summit 24Institute for Image Management 19In Memory of Robert & Teresita Orr 23Jimenez Family in Honor of Jennifer S. Jimenez 08LBC Mundial Corporation 23Marsha Golangco Consultants 20Nelda Asuncion – Realty World 20Organ Donor Rights Network 19Ramar Foods International 24Remy Aquino Photography 21Sharolyn Salas 23Sonia Delen – In Honor of Aqui & Consuelo Delen 08Whippoorwill 20

The New York cast and crew of The Vagina Monologues and “Usaping Puki” gathered for an awareness workshop. They were asked to define “domestic violence.” They were also asked to describe the many forms of abuse they or someone they know have experienced. Here are their answers – notes from New York on June 17, 2006.

The questions – What is domestic violence? What is intimate partner violence?

The answers – threatening behavior, controlled by partner, deep-rooted, power, being better than other partner, alter somebody else to how they want them to be, dominance, owning a person, slavery (mental, physical), violating yourself, losing your identity, for immigrants, withholding papers, threatening to report to INS even if you are already a citizen or green card holder, not allowing you to learn the English language, isolation.

They were asked the types of abuse associated with domestic violence:

Mental / Psychological AbuseAbuser says, “No one’s going to believe you” or “I’ll take the kids” • Insults, like: “You’re good for nothing” • Saying “you can’t see your relatives / siblings.” • Following me around EVERYWHERE: Church / school / babysitting • Broke into my family’s house and ransacked my room• Lack of self-esteem • Making you feel less of a person that you are • Making the partner feel guilty for accomplishments or activities that the partner enjoys • Loss of power, control, independence, sense of identity • The feeling of being trapped in a dark box / room • While babysitting three children, he came over and threw a huge brick at the garage scaring the children • After being sweet and loving, he would then be aggressive, verbally abusive and mean (it was confusing) • Would always call on the phone! ALWAYS! • Too deep into the relationship. Dependent.

Physical AbusePunching me in the eye • Choking, pushing • Slapping, throwing things at you • Lying his heavy body on you so you can’t breathe • Threaten you with sharp objects• Dagger eye-contact to control you; followed by physical signs • Kidnapping • Breaking things – creating fear • Subtly pinching or grabbing when in front of others so they don’t notice • Grabbing so hard you bruise, kicking • Pulled my hair • Always pushed me against a wall or a car •

Locking me in a room • Putting me in a corner • Spitting at you • Storing household items in higher cabinets so you can’t reach them and not have access to things you need like medication, personal items, etc.

Sexual AbuseJust because you are together, they think they can have sex anytime – you are there to fulfill their needs • “He loves me. . .” • Cheating on you, forcing you to perform certain acts you are not comfortable with • “No” means “Yes” • “You’re frigid” – when partner is not happy about couple’s sexual life • Sex = Love • Not using protection • Possessiveness / ownership / dominance

Cultural / Spiritual AbuseGuilt • It’s a sin to leave your husband /family • Think of your kids. They need their father • Think of the family name / reputation • This is private, don’t tell anyone your business • Losing all faith, hope and trust – especially in God • Shame • It’s okay to take it and not fight for it • In denial • Martyrdom • “It’s your fate.” “Suerte mo.” Suffer in silence• Filipino movies perpetuate abuse against women and children. Patriarchal roles are abusive to women • Not allowing you to see or talk to your family anymore because you have “a new family” already • It’s taboo • It’s your fault. A Filipina woman’s place is not to complain • “You’re a woman. You don’t need to learn how to drive.”

Verbal AbuseShouting • Belittling • “You’re stupid!” • “You bitch! You whore!” • Shouting in public • Condescending to partner • Making you feel inferior “Duh!” • Shouting at me saying “Who are you looking at?” • Telling me, “I better not go to church!” • Telling me, “I better not babysit!” • “Why are you looking at every man at the party?” • “I’m gonna kill you” • “I own you”

Financial / Economic AbuseNot letting the woman work so that she is dependent on spouse • Control of household income, checkbook, shopping needs, car, etc. • Gambling the family’s savings, college funds, etc. • $ = Control• Hiding material things from you • Making you feel worthless as a mother / wife when you earn more than husband / partner• Discouraging employment, advancement, opportunities • Giving material things more importance than your own life

The group was asked their “Next Steps” – how each would stop the violence in their homes and in their relationships and what to do when they know of someone who is in an abusive relationship. Here are their suggestions:

Demystify the shame • Making it comfortable to remove the mask • Healthy relationships – sex education, break gender roles • Showing positive feelings for each

other • Action: “doing something” • Making language inclusive “using language people understand” • Not laughing at sexist jokes • Mentorship • “kindness” values • By example “modeling” • Breaking the silence “Speaking Up” • Using positions of influence in a positive way • Using non-traditional ways to break the silence • Living it, start at home • Use each other for support • Breaking the generation gap • Being a good listener

A couple of weeks ago...


Fundraising Events, Corporate Sponsorships and Naming OpportunitiesPartner with the Filipina Women’s Network and support Filipina women, America’s untapped source for leadership and talent.

Filipina Women’s Network P. O. Box 192143San Francisco, CA 94119Phone: 415. 278. 9410Fax: 415. 840. 0655E-mail: [email protected] site: www.ffwn.org

Mission StatementEstablished in 2001, FWN’s mission is to enhance public perceptions of Filipina women’s capacities to lead, change biases against Filipina women’s leadership abilities and promote the entry of Filipina women into positions of leadership in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors.

FWN achieves its mission through public education forums that heighten Filipina women’s visibility, research on Filipina women’s issues, leadership, skill building and career development programs for Filipina women, and influencing popular culture.

Goals 2006-07Increase financial assistance capabilities to ensure that FWN educational programs and events are accessible to Filipina women of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Increase FWN’s network of Filipina women business owners and those employed in corporations, government and nonprofit organizations and utilize the database as a pipeline for opportunities for corporate visibility and professional development.

Endow the Filipina Leadership Development and Mentoring Program

Generate operating funds for the establishment of a national headquarters and research library to house our historical collection documenting the achievements of Filipina women in the U. S.

How to reach the Filipina Women’s Network • P. O. Box 192143, San Francisco, CA 94119 • Phone: 415 / 278. 9410 • Fax: 415 / 840. 0655 • www.ffwn.org. The views and opinions of advertisers and contributors expressed in this publication do not necessarily state or reflect those of Filipina Women’s Network. © 2005 Filipina Women’s Network. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be published without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

FILIPINA WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCECampaign to stop abuse against Filipina women and girls. V-Day San Francisco Spotlight 2006: Justice to ‘Comfort Women’. All-Filipina women production of “The Vagina Monologues” performed in English and Tagalog (“Usaping Puki”).

Sunday, February 26, 2006Herbst TheatreSan Francisco, California

Saturday, June 24, 2006Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts @ NYUNew York, New York

COUNCIL OF REMARKABLE FILIPINA WOMENMentoring Circles – creating a community of Filipinas helping each other succeed and cultivating future community leaders. Sponsor a mentoring circle. Call (415) 278-9410

4TH ANNUAL FILIPINA SUMMITOctober 27-29, 2006San FranciscoAttention Corporations:Plan Your Participation Now! Send your Filipina employees to the Summit. Call (415) 278-9410.

The Filipina Summit is convened in October because the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the Continental United States was in October 1587 in Morro Bay, California.

“V-DIARIES”: ANTI-VIOLENCE RESOURCE GUIDEAnnual publication designed to provide a voice for domestic violence survivors and Filipina women and girls in abusive situations including a resource list of domestic violence agencies, shelters, legal and counseling services and law enforcement offices. Publication date: March 2006. Call (415) 278-9410 to place an ad.

FILIPINA WOMEN WHO COULD BE PRESIDENTLeadership program for Filipina women. Building the Filipina community’s pipeline of qualified leaders, to increase the odds that some will rise to the president position in all sectors. Sponsor a “presidential candidate.”Call (415) 278-9410

FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK MAGAZINEAnnual publication about the nuances of Filipina culture, empowerment articles, career strategies, and highlighting the accomplishments of Filipina women in the U. S. Publication date: October 2006. Call (415) 278-9410 to place an ad.

KAPAMILYA COMMUNITY PARTNER FUNDEndow research projects and educational programs about the Filipina American Experience.Call (415) 278-9410 for naming opportunities and for sponsorships.


Robert and Teresita Orr

To all the beautiful, strong, wise, wonderful, talented, kind and caring women I have met because of this project, as well as to everyone who has made this performance possible,

for allowing me to be a part of something so special and so important.

Love always,

www.myspace.com/friscos_finest

“You must become

the change you want to see in the world.”

– Ghandi

Filipina Women’s NetworkOctober 27-29, 2006

Crowne Plaza Union Square, San FranciscoQuestions? 415.278.9410

To register: http://fwnfuturesearch.mollyguard.comFor more info: www.ffwn.org/FutureSearch.htm

• PAST: Milestones in society, self, and the Filipina community over three decades

PURPOSE: Experience similarities, share facts of each others’ worlds

• PRESENT: External forces shaping our lives and our community right now

PURPOSE: Talk about same world, find common ground, confront chaos, take responsibility

• FUTURE: Ideal scenarios and common ground PURPOSE: Translates dialogue into aspirations, discover

common ground

• A C T I O N P L A N N I N G PURPOSE: Increase probability of aligned actions

Coming Together As a Community: Managing our Future . . .

Filipina Summit“Shaping the

Filipina Image”A Future Search

Conference

4TH ANNUAL

v-diaries 2006 nyc anti-violence resource guide

Documents

hurdles filipina women

filipina womens networkwelcome

i p i n

f f w n

e n s n e t w o r

staggering numbers of

vagina monologues

filipino community