Oct 1, 2009

Filipino Cultural Association’s

Typhoon Ondoy

September 27, 2009. I get on Facebook and see that I have a

couple messages sitting in my inbox. School things, non-school

things, and pointless things are all I see. Then I see one from

"Migrant Heritage Commission," a non-profit, non-

governmental organization that I'm a part of. Usually I open it

and close it almost instantly since it's usually some event that I

can't go to because of school.

Not this time.

I read the subject. "KABABAYANS SUMMON FOR BAYANIHAN." Basically, it's asking for

help from everyone. I continue to read on. By now, everyone should know what has happened

in the Philippines (and Southeast Asia, for that matter). Typhoon Ondoy (or Ketsana) has

brought the largest rainfall in more than 40 years, submerging more than 25 provinces in Lu-

zon. Metro Manila received 17.9 inches of rain in just 24 hours on Saturday.

The death count has been said to be over 360 people. Many are still missing. I was in Gem's

class on Tuesday when he showed us some things that technology has made possible.

There was a map of the Philippines on Google and had dozens of e-thumbtacks on it. When

Gem clicked on them, you could see how much rain there was in that area. People were actually

updating on the amount of rainfall. There was another page he went to that had a list of people

who were reported missing, who to contact if they were found, where they were last seen, and

their condition. (cont. pg2)

(Typhoon Ondoy, cont. pg1)

Scrolling down, there were people who were found and considered "Safe" but there were many

people still missing. It sent shivers down my spine.

The worst thing about all of this, in my opinion, is that typhoons aren't some rare occurrences.

We call Hurricane Katrina a disaster for us, but that's all. About 20 typhoons hit the Philip-

pines every year. Knowing that, this Typhoon Ondoy

just sounds that much worse.

If you want to help out those in need in the Philip-

pines, you can donate to the Red Cross. Ask your par-

ents if they're willing to help the Filipinos back home

who lost their homes, cars, even family. Go to

www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx. Nicole Calaro, Editor

District 6 Semi-Formal

The annual District Six Semi Formal will be held on Saturday, December 5th at the Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, Maryland. Hosted by George Mason University’s Filipino Cul-tural Association, “Emerald City” is promised to be a fun-filled and unfor-gettable night, as the new D6 King, Queen, and Newbie will be announced. Each school will also perform their modern hip-hop routines and the cham-pions of the legendary Turkeybowl will be awarded their trophies. This prom-like gathering is a chance for D6 to come together party it up, dressed to impress before hitting the books for final exams. Tickets will be $35. You won’t regret it! Matthew Magnaye, D6 representative

Upcoming Events

OCTOBER: FILIPINO-AMERICAN HERITAGE

MONTH

Today: Moon Festival! $2 admission

October 4: Voting for D6 T-shirts end

October 6: Dance Workshop

October 10: Makinig at Mason ($10 ticket)

October 10: GK

October 15: 3rd GBM

October 29: 4th GBM

October 31: FAYD (9am-5pm)

Mondays and Wednesdays: Dance practice—all

are welcome to join!

Also, mark down October 24th on your calendars!

It’s a Taiwain Typhoon Benefit Concert at the Col-

ony Ballroom in Stamp from 8-10pm!

They are looking for both performers and volunteers

to help make their fundraising charity event worth-

while!

Contact Mary Feng, President of the Chinese Stu-

dent Association.

Email: mfeng@umd.edu

SPORTS

Come out for Intramural Sports with FCA!During the Fall Semester there will be: -SOCCER -COED ULTIMATE FRISBEE -BADMINTON -4VS4 VOLLEYBALL -COED INNER TUBE WATER POLO

CONTACT AMY WONG OR PAOLO ASTORGA FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Soccer

Hey everyone! I’m Paolo, one of your lovely

sports coordinators. Here is your FCA Sports

update!

FCA played their final regular season soccer

game last Tuesday, September 22. Despite los-

ing their first two games of the season, FCA

fought hard against highly skilled opponents.

After falling behind early 0-1, one of the guys

on FCA was able to sprint down the field with

the ball and fire a rocket into the back of the

net. Unfortunately, the 1-1 tie was broken

when the other team scored on a breakaway.

After three opportunities at knotting it up, the

whistle was blown. Despite scoring their first

goal of the season, FCA lost 1-2.

After the rankings are final-

ized this week, PLAYOFFS

b e g i n ! ! Paolo Astorga, Male Sports Coordi-

nator

CONGRATULATIONS to the Men’s B 3v3 basketball team for winning

their first playoff game!! They played suffocating defense, causing

the other team to not show up in the first place. Final score: 1-0.

OH-THIRTEEN (doesn’t sound as good as oh-nine)

So maybe talking about the Freshman isn’t a

sport, but I’m doing it here anyways. The

freshman have come and they have come to

participate with us! Sports, dance, and the

freshman representative position!

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m excited to

hang out with all these freshman this year!

Message from the Editor

Wish you had more to read or stuff to do?

Want to be featured for doing something (like

tackling someone during Turkey Bowl prac-

tice)? Email suggestions, articles, whatever

you like to: ncalaro@gmail.com.

Solution: September 17, 2009

Enjoy ! Sudoku

Hard Easy

A Filipino Joke

Russian: We are first to step on Mars.

American: We are first to step on Moon.

Russian&American: How About you Mr.

Erap, what have you done?

Erap: Me? I'm first to step on Sun!

Russian&American: But, we can't go to

Sun... it’s too hot there!

Erap: (Naiinis pa *annoyed) What do you think

of me, an idiot? WE GO THERE AT NIGHT!