Before summer finally came to an end this year, Damayan gathered some of the warmest people in The Netherlands to share an afternoon of pinoy film-showing, videoke singing and lots of barbeque eating. This Tigum-tigom of Filipino and Dutch cultures was held last Sept 2 at a cosy abode in Grootmeesteplein, Utrecht. Incidentally, it was also the birthday celebration of Damayan’s new auditor, Josephine Galang-de Boer. She generously prepared the mouth-watering barbeque served during the occasion.
To have a glance on an aspect of Filipino culture, the belief in superstitions, everyone was enjoined to watch the film "Feng Shui". It is a suspense thriller-type of movie, which stars Kris Aquino. The story started when Joy, played by Kris, and her family moved into a new house in a sparsely populated village. For them, this signals a new beginning, a new hope at life. On a not-so-fine day, Joy saw and picked up a package left by a co-passenger in a bus. She realized that it contains a "bagua", a red hexagonal object with a circular mirror at the center which is usually put on walls above house doors for it is believed to drive bad lucks away. Thus, the title Feng-shui, the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space, which is claimed to achieve harmony with the environment.
Joy tried to return the bagua to the owner but she was not successful. Being superstitious herself, she kept the bagua and anticipated good things happening to her and her family. Little did she know that this object is cursed. That is, every good luck she gained is paired with a bad one, even death, to each of her friends and loved ones. As the movie proceeds, more deaths and terrifying scenes scare the hell out of the audience. The plot generally points to the suspenseful discovery of how the curse would end.
After the movie, everyone shared in a scrumptious meal composed mainly of grilled chicken, pork and sea foods, with vegetable salads and desserts on the side. For more fun and entertainment, some had the guts to lead the crowd on to videoke singing and dancing, maybe after a few glasses of beer and wine. Altogether, the event had been gezellig! Everyone enjoyed a harmonious company of two different cultures.
15.12.06
Damayan breaks ground for a local market for women [10August 2006]
On August 10, barely a year after Damayan won the top prize in the annual Migrant Idea Contest 2005 for the Maria Goes to Town (MGT) Project, a ground was officially broken for the new local market in Cabubuhan, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental. The ceremony was led by Mayor Santiago Ocot, Jr. and witnessed by the Damayan representative Basco Fernandez.
In his motivational speech, Basco emphasized the role of women in the project and the unique role played by migrants in pursuing development for their communities of origin. The event was also participated by a representative of JEP Consultants, the organization that is responsible for the livelihood training and social preparations of the women. Mayor Ocot ended the event by calling for cooperation among leaders and the public, asking for less politicking to encourage development.
Damayan Elects New Officers [27 May 2006]
On May 27, the General Assembly (GA) of Damayan was held at Buurtcentrum ‘t Dok, Nieuwegein. About 20 members, including the current Executive Committee, were present to take an active participation in this annual occasion. Some tagged along their respective families and friends. Aside from their precious time and efforts, foods were also brought and shared by the generous attendees.
Before the meeting proper, a film entitled “Dubai” and starring Claudine Barretto, Aga Mulach and John Lloyd is shown. As the title implies, the film gives a glimpse of experiences of Filipinos living and working in this middle-eastern city. It is a story of two siblings, played by Aga and John, with the same dreams and aspirations of having a comfortable life after working in a foreign land. However, when an amiable and attractive woman, played by Claudine, crossed their paths, little did they know that everything between them would lead to decisions that could either break or bind their relationship. As every Filipino overseas could relate to this film in one way or another, almost everyone in the audience got teary-eyed after the show.
On the main and more serious agenda of the GA, an update on the current projects of Damayan such as Project Salamat, Gintong Aral and MGT was presented. Then, the existing constitution of the organization was reviewed and revised. Main points for revision were as follows:
1. The change of correspondence address to Damayan at Brigittenstraat 15 3512 KJ Utrecht.
2. The emphasis on responding to the needs of the next generation to cultural heritage as part of the main objectives and purposes of the organization.
3. Majority of Damayan members are Filipino by origin upon receipt of new application for membership from a Non-Filipino resident of The Netherlands.
4. Each member has the freedom to leave or terminate his or her membership in the organization after giving a formal written notice to the Executive Committee.
5. Each member has the duty to pay the annual membership dues of fifteen euros (€15). The collection of such amount is the main responsibility of the treasurer, with the assistance of the Vice-President for Internal Affairs and Secretary.
6. The executive committee (EC) shall be elected by the GA (through show of hands) every two years and six months prior to the start of each term, which starts on the first Saturday of the calendar year. It is composed of a President, two (2) Vice- Presidents (Internal and External), a Secretary and a Treasurer.
7. The Oath taking of officers shall be held during the Damayan Christmas Party.
8. The EC shall ensure funds for other administrative and operational expenditures and shall make efforts to seek financial assistance.
9. Major disbursements of funds shall be decided upon by the EC, who shall draft the Finance policies for approval of the GA.
After everyone has been enlightened about the amended Damayan constitution, the GA nominated and elected the new set of officers for 2007 as follows:
President: Tess de Man-Selibio
Vice-presidents: Yolanda Villanueva (for Internal Affairs) and Basco Fernandez (for External Affairs)
Secretary: Jonathan Palero
Treasurer: Cheryl Panizal
Before the meeting proper, a film entitled “Dubai” and starring Claudine Barretto, Aga Mulach and John Lloyd is shown. As the title implies, the film gives a glimpse of experiences of Filipinos living and working in this middle-eastern city. It is a story of two siblings, played by Aga and John, with the same dreams and aspirations of having a comfortable life after working in a foreign land. However, when an amiable and attractive woman, played by Claudine, crossed their paths, little did they know that everything between them would lead to decisions that could either break or bind their relationship. As every Filipino overseas could relate to this film in one way or another, almost everyone in the audience got teary-eyed after the show.
On the main and more serious agenda of the GA, an update on the current projects of Damayan such as Project Salamat, Gintong Aral and MGT was presented. Then, the existing constitution of the organization was reviewed and revised. Main points for revision were as follows:
1. The change of correspondence address to Damayan at Brigittenstraat 15 3512 KJ Utrecht.
2. The emphasis on responding to the needs of the next generation to cultural heritage as part of the main objectives and purposes of the organization.
3. Majority of Damayan members are Filipino by origin upon receipt of new application for membership from a Non-Filipino resident of The Netherlands.
4. Each member has the freedom to leave or terminate his or her membership in the organization after giving a formal written notice to the Executive Committee.
5. Each member has the duty to pay the annual membership dues of fifteen euros (€15). The collection of such amount is the main responsibility of the treasurer, with the assistance of the Vice-President for Internal Affairs and Secretary.
6. The executive committee (EC) shall be elected by the GA (through show of hands) every two years and six months prior to the start of each term, which starts on the first Saturday of the calendar year. It is composed of a President, two (2) Vice- Presidents (Internal and External), a Secretary and a Treasurer.
7. The Oath taking of officers shall be held during the Damayan Christmas Party.
8. The EC shall ensure funds for other administrative and operational expenditures and shall make efforts to seek financial assistance.
9. Major disbursements of funds shall be decided upon by the EC, who shall draft the Finance policies for approval of the GA.
After everyone has been enlightened about the amended Damayan constitution, the GA nominated and elected the new set of officers for 2007 as follows:
President: Tess de Man-Selibio
Vice-presidents: Yolanda Villanueva (for Internal Affairs) and Basco Fernandez (for External Affairs)
Secretary: Jonathan Palero
Treasurer: Cheryl Panizal
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