FAAI Calendar of Events
Spring/Summer 2013
FAAI’s New Set of Officers and Board of Directors for 2013-2014
FAAI Gen. Assembly
May 19, 2013 at 2:30-4:45
West Des Moines Public
Library,
CelebrAsian 2013
May 11,2013
Iowa State Capitol Complex,
East Campus, Des Moines
FAAI Annual Pig Roast
Picnic
August 3, at 12-8 p.m.
Raccoon River Park, WDM
Coneflower Shelters A,B &C
FAAI & Fil-Am Omaha
Weekend Camping & Picnic
July 19-21, 2013
Lake Anita State Park
Anita, Iowa
(cont. page 3)
FAAI Officers (2013-2014) 1
A Celebration of Love 2
Alma Reed’s Message 3
FAAI Christmas Party 4
President’s Corner 5
Requiem For A Friend 6
CORDILLERA DAY 4
INSIDE PAGE
Remembering Lolo Amado 6
A Room With A View 7
Bayanihan forTyphoon Pablo 8
FAAI Launches Zumbathon 9
FAAI Valentine’s King & Queen
9
Editorial/Contributors 10
L-R: Joy Stachura, VP; Al Snyder, President; Dory Taylor, Secretary; Jim Foster, Treasurer; & Rosa In-
ciong-Reyes, Business Manager. Photo by Rutchie Heiring of Posh Photography
ALVIN SNYDER JR. (President) In ad-
dition to being the new president of the
FAAI, Al is blessed with a wonderful fam-
ily, his wife for 5 years and best friend,
Aireen Nicolas-Snyder. They have two
daughters: Maryen 17, Angelica 3, and one
on the way in July; and two sons: his
namesake Alvin, 32 and Rob 25.
He has heard it said, “It is amazing that
you think, that with each child, you can’t
possibly love anyone as you love them, but
somehow you love the next one just as
much.” He can say it’s true!
Al and his family are parishioners at the
Basilica of Saint John where he completed
his Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults
(RCIA) to become a Catholic and where he
and Aireen were married.
He loves being outdoors with his family,
fishing, boating, biking, picnicking, hunt-
ing, riding the motorcycle, and visiting with
friends.
His career in Electronics Engineering started
in Rome Free Academy in New York and
continued with four years in the United
States Air Force and Rose State College
which prepared him for his 26 years as a
Broadcast Technical Engineer for KCCI –
TV CH8.
He held several volunteer positions over the
years including 12 years as a member of the
Pleasant Hill Fire Department serving his
last five years as Fire Chief.
He is a 26-year member of IBEW Local 347,
currently serving as President of the KCCI
TV Broadcast unit.
He is also currently serving as Grand Knight
for the Knights of Columbus council 644 at
the Basilica of Saint John where he is
blessed to serve as (cont. page 8)
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2
Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa
A Celebration of Love Aricle and photo by Tonee Sinsay– Carpio
The Filipino-American Association of Iowa’s 29th Annual
Valentine’s Party was a night of glitz and glamour. It was
something out of an awards night in Hollywood. This was
a classy, elegant and fun way to celebrate with our loved
ones, friends and family. This Valentine’s Day gathering
celebrated the love’s of our lives with good food, wonder-
ful music and great friends!
I want to flash on several highlights of the party that helped
make it exceptional.
The DJ ensured that the guests got a perfect romantic treat
playing Tagalog love songs while we were having dinner.
The duet performed by Ike Robles and Faye Philips im-
pressed everyone. All the way from California and origi-
nally from Pella, Iowa, we heard the comedic antics of
Andrew Lopez. There was a pleasant surprise in between
the entertainment. Red roses from the Boesen The Florist
were donated by an anonymous donor and were distributed
to the men to give to their ladies. Rutchie Heiring of Posh Photography was
there to make the event more memorable. Saxophonist, Don Brown created
the ambiance during the cocktail hour.
The induction of the new officers by Kim Poam-Logan was also a highlight
of the event.
The night was indeed special for the new King and Queen, Roger and Joy
Stachura as they danced while Angel Philips serenaded them with the song
“Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.” This will be etched in the memory of our new King
and Queen. DJ Rick Runez prepared different genres of music to delight the
crowd from old to young. Everyone was dancing and burning the calories
from the delicious food.
As the event came to end, I remember the famous Cesare Pavese quote, “We
do not remember days; we remember moments.” It was indeed a great and
wonderful evening.
The FAAI's 29th Valentine's Party was a success, the officers and volunteers
made us all proud, with their sincere determination and serious efforts. With
the same spirit and zeal, you made us all proud. Congratulations and let the
spirit never fade away!
Outgoing President, Alma Reed. Photo by Posh Photo.graphy
Kim Poam-Logan inducts the new FAAI officers. From R-L: Al Snyder, Pres.;
Joy Stachura, VP; Dory Taylor, Sec.; Jim Foster, Treas.;& Rosa Inciong-
Reyes, Business Manager. (Photo by Dory)
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Lahi Newsletter Spring 2013 Page 3
Message From a Former President Alma Reed
To The Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI):
First of all, it has never been too late to say thanks to all of
you who made our FAAI so vibrant, visible, resilient and wel-
coming. Let me extend a BIG THANK YOU to our prize do-
nors, performers, food servers, photographers, DJ, cleaning
crew, children who were so well-behaved waiting for their
gifts from Santa Claus (John Davis), guests from out-of -town,
officers, and volunteers. Because of YOU, we had a very suc-
cessful annual FAAI Christmas party and election of officers
for term 2013-2014 with hundreds of party attendees.
One thing that I need to clarify: any FAAI member can also be
a member of any other groups but cannot be an officer for
both. FAAI happily welcomes new and familiar faces - we are
inclusive.
My presidency ended December 31, 2012- my sixth year in
leading this thriving association. As I reflect on the last 38
years of the FAAI, I feel so lucky that our association has
withstood the test of time. Its foundation becomes stronger
facing those unwanted storms that came along. FAAI is still
here, standing firm and will ever be.
It has been a pleasure serving you and working voluntarily as
president for a total of 6 years and watching our organization
grow and flourish in the way that it has. It has given me lots of
challenges, strengths, learning, growth and the opportunity to
share my knowledge and the connection FAAI had developed
through all these years. Anyone knows we have an organiza-
tion that has a very strong foundation along with the solid vi-
sion and strength of the newly-elected FAAI officers for 2013-
2014.
Let me introduce to you these officers:
AL SNYDER – President
JOY STACHURA – Vice President
DORY TAYLOR – Secretary
JIM FOSTER – Treasurer
ROSA INCIONG-REYES – Business Manager
Board of Directors:
RICHARD O’BRIEN
ALMA REED
BOB VIDA
I’d encourage you members and future members to give all
your best 100% support to these new officers for the better-
ment of the FAAI. FAAI’s possibilities are limitless. The as-
sociation’s success is also your success. Be a proud member of
FAAI as I am always and will always be!
Overall, we have accomplished many events including: Gain-
ing new members from Iowa and out of state; Retaining mem-
bers from over 100 miles radius; Showcasing our Filipino cul-
ture in Indianola Spring Fest; FBI Unity Day event – Citizen’s
Academy Class, Omaha, NE; and some Des Moines Public
Schools through my involvement with CultureAll; Few private
firms: Banker’s Trust, Wells Fargo Financial; Retirement
Homes; Iowa State Univer-
sity; Grandview Universi-
ty; Has been participating
as one of the Asian villag-
es during the Asian Herit-
age Festival since 2003
(festival inception); Sup-
ported the Philippine Inde-
pendence Day celebration
in Fairfield, IA; Assisted
the 9th World Festival
celebration, Peoria, IL;
Sponsored the “Glimpse of
Philippine Culture” even-
ing, Bettendorf, IA; Fan-
tastic attendance at the
Valentines party, Summer
picnic, Halloween party
and Christmas party; In-
creasing number of “parol-
makers” at the Science Center of Iowa IMAXX; Attended the
Festival of Cultures, Skokie, IL; Networked at the ADOBOFEST,
Morton Grove, IL; Attended the Philippine-American History
Month celebration in Bolingbrook, IL; Attended the annual Christ-
mas party of the Liloyan Association of the U.S., Des Plaines, IL.
Through this association, I am able and will always proud to repre-
sent myself for the FAAI wherever I am and whoever I am with.
It’s my gratitude to those members and non-members who encour-
aged and supported me wholeheartedly in my leadership. Through
your inspiring thoughts and wisdom, I learned to be strongly pas-
sionate in everything I do. Thanks to those folks who treated me
like a member of their own family. FAAI is always in my heart!
Again, thanks so much for the opportunity of serving you, FAAI.
Keep in touch… My email is: [email protected]. I love you
all….. MABUHAY !
FAAI Calendar of Events (cont.)
FAAI Annual Halloween Party: October 26, 2013
at Our Lady of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church
Ankeny, Iowa
FAAI Annual Christmas Party: December 14, 2013 Our Lady Of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny
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Page 2 Filipino-American Association of Iowa
Calendar of Events
FAAI Celebrates Its Annual Christmas Party by Maria Astra Fecundo
Page 4 Filipino-American Association of Iowa
Christmas... This is one of the most highlighted festivities of
the year. It is always an occasion both young and old look
forward to; a season of joy and sharing, a time of hope and
giving. But the true essence of Christmas as to whom it is
centered to is CHRIST our Lord!
The Filipino Community here in the Des Moines area started
the Christmas Season with a blast. On December 1, 2012 at
Urbandale Senior Center, the Filipino-American Association
of Iowa hosted a Christmas Party, which turned out to be a
great success. A well-attended event by about three hundred
people or even more. Friendship, fellowship, camaraderie,
smiles and fun were witnessed by both members and future
members of the Filipino- American community present at
the event. And not to mention the sumptuous dinner that was
served. Various dishes were brought by the attendees and the
famous "lechon", which was donated by the kind-hearted
couples, Bob & Zen Vida and Roger & Joy Stachura. It was
an event to remember!
To give us a glimpse of that wonderful night, it began at late
in the afternoon, with a registration, spearheaded by Christa
Eribal, and other Fil-Am officers and members. Raffle tick-
ets were sold and complimentary ones were given. It was
very heartwarming to see smiles on everybody's face, and to
meet new and familiar faces and renew friendships. The pro-
gram started at around 6 p.m. with the singing of the Philip-
pine and the American National anthems by Jhen dela Cruz
and Angel Phillips respectively, followed by an opening prayer by
Fr. Aris Aban. Miss Alma Reed, present FAAI president gave her
words of welcome. Then food was served as the election for the
new FAAI officers was undergoing. As the guests were enjoying
the delicious food, the program continues. Candidates were given a
chance to speak and be known together with their plan of actions
for the association and then new officers were elected and present-
ed during the night. Mr. Al Snyder was elected as the new FAAI
president.
To end the night before the acknowledgment and award-giving for
the active and supportive members who tirelessly volunteered their
time and talents for the FAAI, and then finally the dance,
Ms.Vicki Smith, member of the FAAI Constitutional Amendment
Committee gave a very inspiring message that drawn most, if not
everybody's attention. It indeed left a mark of each one's heart.
To sum it all up, the party was a WOW! Probably, most didn't ex-
pect the number of the attendees that crowded the hall at the ven-
ue, so I think, next time we need a bigger hall since we are contin-
uously growing. It was a night full of fun, smiles, high spirits and
excitement. Again, KUDOS to all especially the officers! Thank
you for all the hard work and the effort you all put into this associ-
ation. Also, thank you to our donors for our door prizes & raffle
draws , to our MC, Richelle Manuel, and to Santa Claus (John Da-
vis) who made each child present at the party smile. As long as
there are kind-hearted and service- oriented people like you, we
will keep going forward and keep growing. More to come for us....
Happy 2013!!!
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Lahi Newsletter Spring 2013 Page 5
may contact you to help out at specific events. Please be as gener-
ous as your time will allow.
Wow, what a great Valentines’ party! Thank you to Rosa, Joy,
Alma, Jim, Dory and all their team of volunteers and donors who
made it such a beautiful night.
I am saddened to have to address this issue. As with any large
family, we too had a problem in our organization causing a small
splintering of our group .You are likely aware that splintering has
created a startup group and they are trying to mirror our group
with the same type of events, even going so far as putting them on
the same days causing some of our friends to have to choose or
attend in both events. To make this matter worse, several of their
new members have been told they can not belong to both groups
because of our change in constitution and the newly-adapted con-
flict of interest policy prevent them from belonging to both. Noth-
ing is farther from the truth. Our friends are welcome here and can
be members of both groups. Our conflict of interest policy only
applies to being an officer in both groups. Please make sure your
friends, who may belong to the other group understand that they
are welcome to join our Association and attend events.
Spring is here! Let us get out and enjoy it at the 11th Annual
Asian Heritage Festival on May 11, 2013 at the State Capitol
grounds. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and it provides
several opportunities to help in food preparation as well as the
setup, cooking and serving of the food, and showcasing the Filipi-
no culture in our very own cultural exhibit tent. Yours truly will be
the village leader while Jim Foster and Dory Taylor will be the
village coordinators. Ly Foster will be heading up our kitchen and
food preparation. Joy Stachura, the volunteer coordinator will be
teamed up with Rosa Reyes as the talent and cultural events coor-
dinators. This is a large undertaking, so your help will be appreci-
ated.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our General
Membership meeting to be held on May 19, 2013 in the second
floor classroom of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000
Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines , IA 50265 from 2:30 to 4:45
pm. Please bring any ideas or suggestions you may have to share.
Please mark your calendar for the FAAI Sponsored Leadership
Training Seminar for Immigrant Community Organization Leaders
and Volunteers to be held on October 4-6, 2013.
I am very proud of our team for creating this seminar to
strengthen our leadership skills while developing and cultivating
future leaders, with special emphasis placed on our youth, assuring
a strong FAAI as well as other organizations.
Salamat Po,
Al Snyder
515 240-7856 cell
515 266-6443 home
President’s Corner Al Snyder
I am honored to
be the newly-
elected presi-
dent of the Fili-
pino-American
Association of
Iowa. We
should all be
proud to belong
to such an inclu-
sive organiza-
tion. I never dreamed, during my visits to the Philip-
pines, that I would someday become President of the
Filipino American Association of Iowa. What an
honor to serve all of you! I would like to thank my
wife, Aireen and daughters, Maryen and Angelica
for supporting me, and all of you who have placed
your faith in me. I would also like to thank our for-
mer presidents, Dr. Rullan and Alma Reed for being
kind in preparing me for this position during my
time as their VP and Advisor.
I want to assure each and every one of you that
this organization is moving forward. Together, we
will honor and exceed our founders’ dreams put into
action in 1975. We will do this with the guidance of
our new Board of Directors: senior member Richard
O'Brien, former presidents Alma Reed, and Robert
Vida as well as my fellow elected officers: Vice
President Joy Stachura, Business Manager Rosa In-
ciong-Reyes, Treasurer Jim Foster and Secretary
Dory Taylor. What a dream team of such outstand-
ing and committed individuals you have chosen to
lead our organization.
Our community has suffered a great loss with the
passing of our friends and senior members, the late
Amado Siasoco and Vicky Guadiz. Our hearts go
out to their families. They will truly be missed as
shown by the outpouring of love and condolences
from our community.
We currently have several events scheduled and
are in the process of planning others for us to come
together as a community and promote our cultures.
Like all fully volunteer organizations, we can only
function with the unselfish gift of time from our
members to raise money and provide resources to
support our mission. We are only as good as the sup-
port we receive from each of you. We possess great
gifts of faith and undying will and commitment of
both Filipino and American cultures. We are strong
and will become even stronger with your support,
time and ideas. Please contact any of the officers if
you can help out in any way. Our Committee Chairs
6
6
Requiem For A Beloved Friend by Victoria Grageda-Smith
Page 6 Filipino-American Association of Iowa
Ours was not an everyday friendship,
nor one that makes a weekly call;
time or distance didn’t rend our ties,
cemented in principle and squall.
She was old enough to be my mother,
but treated me her peer and friend;
graced our life with regal presence,
joyful spirit, intelligence.
When crisis came and friendships tried,
she denounced falsehood, vanity, pride;
rejoiced in blessings, hers and mine:
loving family, friends of the loyal kind;
Above all, the just and righteous, true of
color, meek yet strong—these she admired,
for she was likewise these, and more:
devoted wife, mother, mentor.
You will be missed, Vicky Guadiz--but your
light continues to shine, for your love fired
a torch at the core of our hearts,
and we are grateful, ever more.
Remembering Lolo Amado by Jennifer Siasoco-Adrianse All of my life, when I
greeted my Lolo, I
kissed him on the
cheek. And when we
departed from each oth-
er, I’d kiss him once
more on the cheek. The
time spent between
greeting and departing
was usually filled with
television and food and
sometimes television about food. In the last years of
his life, I’d come over and organize and get rid of
things in their apartment with Lola. If it wasn’t the
first question through the door, it would be second or
third, “Did you eat?”, Lolo would ask me. Even if I
had already, I’d still sit down and have a meal with
them. The two questions that rounded out our conver-
sation would be, “Are you still working out West?”
and “Where’s John?”. I’d answer, he’d nod and then
we would go about watching the television at a very
high volume. We usually watched Jeopardy or Antho-
ny Bordain: No Reservations or that bizarre show with
Andrew Zimmern. If there was tennis on, we’d talk
about it and if we watched so-and-so’s match and then
we’d eat some candy. Werther’s Original’s the last few years,
but before that it would be Brachs Milk Maid Royals. This is
where I think I got my sweet tooth.
This was pretty much how my relationship with my grandfather
went. The only different being in college, when one of the three
questions he’d ask me on the phone would be about the weather.
I’d reply and he’d say, “Okay, here’s your Lola.” And that was
that.
This was my Lolo. This is how I’ll remember him. We may not
have always had in-dept conversations, but Lolo amazed me
with his taste in good bread with butter, his knowledge of Jeop-
ardy answers, his love of “lechon”, his diligence with crossword
puzzles, his funny faces to get a smile out of his great grandchil-
dren and the way he roasted peanuts with garlic.
We love you Lolo!
If you would like to advertise your business in the LAHI, the ads are $25 per quarter or $75 per year.
email your request to - Newsletter Editor Aireen Snyder at
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Advertise in the LAHI
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Lahi Newsletter - Spring 2013 Page 7
A Room With A View: The FAAI’s “Parol-Making” by Alita V. Siasoco
Looking for a parking lot at the Science Center, so many cars
were driving around and around the building in the afternoon of
November 3, 2012. They were filled with people going to the
same place. Children’s faces were eagerly looking out of their
car’s windows. Are these people as anxious as I am? Are they
wanting to go to the same room, year after year, wishing to work
on their “parols”?
The answer came up as we walked toward the Science Center
building in Des Moines entrance. Yes, yes and yes, we were all
looking forward to the Filipino-American Association of Iowa’s
annual activity of parol-making (lantern-making). Merrily, we
talked and walked.
Now facing the doorway to the activity room, the sight to behold
struck my heart. There were all kinds of people. Smiling, joking,
sitting and cutting colorful papers, asking and giving help (how
to make the colorful intricate tail), they walked to the supply
table manned by FAAI volunteers- Dory Taylor, Alma Reed, Jim
Foster, and Al & Aireen Snyder .
Larry’s wife, Peachy Rabang, demonstrates the art of cutting the
“tail” and how to insert the inner wind part. Her daughter, Sam-
my holding the dainty creation for her, and her son observing as
Larry at the window sill was “supervising” the task- what a
lovely sight!
Linda, our two-term Iraq returnee and a long-time FAAI sup-
porter, moved around taking pictures (for Facebook?).Tonee SC
doing the same thing as Linda but for the Lahi newsletter, also
snapped pictures of happy faces. Could these photographers
capture the parents’ loving attention given to their children hold-
ing their “parol”? And the grandparents’ delight at working
with their “apo’s” (grandchildren)?
Now there’s Larry Berenguel, getting up and bringing up his
grandchildren to Lola Alita with their “parols”.
Here comes another senior member of the FAAI proudly intro-
ducing her two Japanese students. They were on their way to
Chicago to attend a conference but they needed to stop by and
enjoy their parol-making treat.
Now, here is another friend, Cristina with her daughter, Jenny
and her husband with their two daughters who are newly-arrived
from the Philippines. What a lovely way to connect their very
own old culture. ( cont. page 9)
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8
Page 8 Filipino-American Association of Iowa
( FAAI Officers….from page 1)
Head Usher for the 10:30 a.m. Mass. “Come Join us”- his
invitation.
Al wants to say “Thank You” for your support.
JOY STACHURA (Vice Pres.) lives in Ankeny, Iowa
since 1990. She is married to Roger Stachura who is the
Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of
Omaha, NE. and a mother of two wonderful children Jay,
a senior at the University of Iowa studying Psychology
and Political Science, and Shari Jane, a junior at Truman
State taking up Finance Math and Spanish, minor in Ac-
tuarial Science.
She received her Business Degree from University of
Pangasinan, and Masters Degree in Business from the
University of the East, Philippines. She worked as an
account executive at Webengton Garments Manufactur-
ing in the Philippines and traveled all over the Philip-
pines, China and Hong Kong.
Joy has been employed by Veridian Credit Union for 18
years. Prior to working at Veridian, she held various po-
sitions from different financial institutions . She received
extensive training that requires with her job from Super-
visory, Mastery of Leadership, Exploring Management,
Diversity and Inclusion, Faces of Diversity, Integrating
Leadership, facilitated Dave Ramsey Peace University
program, CUNA Management University, Junior
Achievement Program, and involved in the Latino Jamai-
ca Festival.
ADORACION (DORY)TAYLOR (Secretary) is a mother of three adult
sons (Erik 30 years old, Jonathan 21, and Austin 19). She has been a mem-
ber of the FAAI since 2006 and has been very active along with her moth-
er, Rosie Lane, a senior member of the association. Her boyfriend, Law-
rence also helps out in many FAAI functions and volunteers his home for
many occasions. Dory works for the State of Iowa since 1985. Lastly, she
wants to thank you all for your support.
JIM FOSTER (Treasurer) is an Iowa native born in Britt, Iowa. He has
been in trucking industry for 35 years with over 3 million miles driven
safely. He is married with his lovely wife for 12 years, Ly, and for him,
everyday is exciting.
Jim has been investing in real estate, rental properties for his retirement
with Ly. He is also involved in managing and maintenance and negotiating
“buy’s and sell’s” of other properties. He and Ly have been active mem-
bers and volunteers of the Fil-Am of Iowa for 12 years- VP for four years,
Adviser for two years, Sgt.-at-Arms for two years and now Treasurer.
Jim and Ly would like to thank all of you, members and friends for a good
twelve years in the FAAI. Thank you!
ROSA INCIONG-REYES (Business Manager) is originally from Metro
Manila, graduated with honors in high school from St. Scholastica’s Col-
lege and obtained Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology – Acceler-
ated and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Santo Tomas, trained
in Internal Medicine and completed a Fellowship training in Nephrology
and Hypertension at the Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC. She moved
to Iowa in September 2001 with her husband of 19 years, Dr. Ramon S.
Reyes III who is a gastroenterologist at the Iowa Clinic and their daughter,
Danielle who is now a Freshman at Valley Southwoods in West Des
Moines.
Her leadership skills started in her younger years when she served as
President of her class, Year Representative in the Student Council and Sec-
retary of the HS Drama Club. She was VP of the Accelerated Biology
Class ’87 and Medicine Class ’91. She served as Treasurer and Medical
Missions Officer of the Alpha Delta Mu Sorority of UST and President of
the Youth Charter of the Philippine Medical Women’s Association. In
Iowa, she served as the FAAI Treasurer from 2002-2004 and served as the
Event Treasurer & Fundraiser for the UP Madrigal Concert in Des Moines
in 2007. She taught a conversational Filipino class at DMACC with Alita
Siasoco both in 2004 and 2011 and has written research articles published
in “Seminars in Dialysis”. She organized the first FAAI Zumbathon last
year.
Currently, she is an Advisory Council Member of the IDPH Office of
Minority and Multicultural Health, a community partner/consultant of the
Asian Pacific Islander community. She is also an advocate for the arts and
serves in the Board of the Metro Arts Alliance of Greater Des Moines
which hosts the Jazz in July series, GreenArts, Metro Arts Rock N’ Run
and the newest program, ”Dining for the Arts” which she is spearheading
and was launched on April 6, 2013 in “A Taste of Spring” at the Iowa Cul-
inary Institute.
ALMA REED (Board of Director) has been in FAAI leadership role for
14 years now. Secretary for two years; PRO also for 2 years; President for
6 years; Board of Director (2013-2014). She is very active and involved in
many different private, government or non-profit organizations here in
Central Iowa and in Chicago, IL suburbs.
She was elected City official in Carlisle, IA and served the city from
2008-2012.
She is also active with Iowa Asian Alliance in the festival planning since
2003, and was a Village Vendor director for two years.
(next page please…)
FAAI President, Al Snyder and Filipino Store own-
ers, Dwight & Benilda Roberts (in photo), with the
other FAAI officers would like to thank all of you once
again who donated goods and cash for this Bayanihan
project (fund drive). With your generosity, we were able
to send 10 Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines for the
victims of Typhoon Pablo that struck the country in
December 4, 2012 leaving hundreds of people dead and
thousands of homeless. Maraming Salamat po sa inyong
lahat! Mabuhay ang Fil-Am of Iowa!
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Lahi Newsletter - Spring 2013 page 9
FAAI Launches Zumbathon by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD
On October 6, 2012, a Zumbathon charity event was held to raise
money for the Scholarship and the "Bayanihan" Helping Hand funds
of the FAAI. This high energy, calorie-burning Zumba Fitness Party
was held in Aspen Club and Fitness Center on Hickman. The organ-
izers of this fundraiser were Joy Stachura and Rosa Reyes. Zumba-
certified instructor Kat Joseph hosted the event and our very own
Amper Garland together with Geneva Ross, Larissa Flynn, Kristine
O'Brien, Cristine Rodriguez and Patricia O'Connell. There were
more than 75 participants and a net income of $407.65 was raised for
the cause despite the fact that the Color Run was happening in Des
Moines that same time.
This First Zumbathon was only made possible by the priceless
amount of help from the volunteers: Stage-setters were Dr. Ramon
Reyes, Al Snyder, Jim Foster, Scott Reed and Edwin Tanyag. Other
volunteers who helped were Linda Puzon, Tanya Tanyag, Carmen
Pryor, Dory Taylor, Rosa Lane, Ly Foster, Aireen Snyder, Alma
Reed, Tonee Sinsay, Christa and Nene Eribal.
Hope to see more of our community at our next Zumbathon!
( Alma Reed … from page 8)
She received an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award on July 16, 2010,
and was awarded in 2007 Hall of Fame National Community Service,
Chicago, IL.
Alma finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Social Works at the
Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines. She manages
her own business at LegalShield and currently employed with Home
Instead Senior Care, Inc., Northbrook, IL.
Email her at: [email protected] with any questions.
“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Togeth-
er, we can do great things.” – Mother Theresa
ROBERTO (BOB) VIDA (Board of Director) is a former FAAI
president and a very active member of the association along with his
beautiful wife, Zen Vida.
RICHARD O’BRIEN (Board of Director) was born in Dubuque,
Iowa. He and his wife, Naomi-Basmayor-O’Brien, whom he married
in 1996, live in Nevada, Iowa. They joined the FAAI in 1998.
He wished, as a long-time project, to develop a joint– Asian Cultural
Center of some sort.
Roger and Joy Stachura were crowned as this year’s
FAAI King & Queen during the 29th Valentine’s Party
held at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Ball-
room. Congratulations from your FAAI Family!
A Room With A View (from page 7)
Busy as a bee, my dear friend Aireen and her daughter,
Maryen are winding a roll of multi-colored ribbon at their
“parol”. Wow, what a beautiful, real piece of art!
My own two-week old “apo sa tuhod” (great grandchild),
Frannie was being passed around by joyful Lolo Jim and
Lola Josie while carefully tucking her in a carrier beside the
family as Mommy Jenny worked on her “parol”.
Finished “parols” were hanging at the doorway stand.
Fanned gently by the opening and closing of the main doors,
the beautiful works of art attracted the attention of many
Science Center visitors. People from the community were
peeking in. Some were even deciding to join the activity.
More tables were being set up by some FAAI officers, Jim
Foster (Sgt-at-Arms) and Al Snyder (Vice President). Alma
Reed, the president was busy entertaining the visitors and
helping out too.
See anyone not working or laughing? No! This scene at the
Science Center belongs to the Art Center. What wisdom
expresses that a “parol” (star ) shape would symbolize
world peace?
This year’s “parol-making” sponsored by the FAAI is a big
success and something that we look forward to. Thank you
to the officers and volunteer members and future members
of the association for their joint effort to make this event
happen. See you next year. Mabuhay ang Fil-Am!
10
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Aireen Snyder, Editor
4027 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Filipino-American Association of Iowa
OFFICERS
President……………Al Snyder Vice President……….Joy Stachura Secretary……………..Dory Taylor Treasurer……………..Jim Foster Business Manager…. Rosa Inciong-Reyes Questions or Comments? Call Al Snyder at (515) 240-7856
Editorial Staff and Contributors
Editor-in-Chief -Aireen N. Snyder
Managing Editor– Tonee Sinsay-Carpio
Contributors Maria Astra Fecundo
Alita Siasoco , Rosa Inciong-Reyes,
Jennifer Siasoco-Adrianse
Victoria Smith , Alma Reed
& Al Snyder
*The editor reserves the right to publish or not to
publish an article/s submitted and to edit
them for clarity and brevity.