While people can not be in two places at the same time, it can seem like it when they have people in their lives that they can count on. I took part in bringing a speaker and an exhibit to the Pilipino Empowerment Conference at the University of California, Davis (UCD), as well as speak at the Latino Health Conference at the UCD Medical Center.

After picking up, delivering, and setting up the exhibit with the exhibitor, I greeted the speaker and found a person to videotape their presentation. Some co-presenters picked me up and we traveled to do two workshops. After coming back, I did some exhibiting, signed up an individual to join the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), and then took a thirty-minute online training on how to use an investing e-tool.

Ultimately, everything worked out and all the obligations were fulfilled, in an efficient and complete manner. That is productivity. at its best.

It has been a culture-filled couple of days for me. Last night, I attended a culture event put on by Chi Rho Omicron,, Inc. (XPO), Kappa Psi Epsilon, and Mga Kapatid at the University of California, Davis. The speakers were Herb Jamero, Arthur Villarruz, Robert Luna, and Mel Lagasca, four members of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). A couple of questions stuck with me: "My grandfather was a Filipino World War II Veteran and he received money; How come other Filipino World War II veterans did not?" and "Why is so much linked to Stockton?"

Today, I went to the Sacramento Kings Filipino Heritage Night with Anita Bautista--also a FANHS member--and manned a table displaying her exhibit on Filipinos in the military. So many people came by and talked to us about their links to the Filipino American community. It was a very rewarding experience. Both Anita and I were interviewed by The Filipino Channel (TFC) and I saw so many friends and family members.

Altogether, these two days further demonstrated to me how important culture and history is. It also reemphasized for me how integral FANHS is to this effort.

On February 26, 1930, a Los Angeles Superior Court invalidated all Filipino-White marriages performed since 1921. It was a legal affirmation of anti-miscegenation laws, which were prevalent in the early part of the twentieth century. Labor laws, ownership laws, and different policies treated people differently. Today, we are closer to realizing the lofty ideals of equality. Hopefully, we can reach that point sooner than later.

In 1986, United States President Ronald Reagan withdrew his support of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos and his wife, Imelda, had to flee Manila for Hawaii. This was a result of the People Power protest, a nonviolent action of civil disobedience. It ushered in opportunity for Corazon Aquino to take office as the eleventh--and first woman--President of the Philippines.

I still wish that the U.S. could say that we have our first woman President of the United States. To me, it symbolizes more progress, as I believe that sexism runs more rampant than racism. Fortunately, I believe that the U.S. can live up to its ideals. It will only do so if as a citizenry, we demand it, the way the Philippine citizens did in 1986.

The Delano grape strike of 1965 is an event that has been appearing over and over for me lately. I attended a speaking engagement of Andy Imutan, who was present at the grape strike. A couple of chapters of Chi Rho Omicron, Inc. have had the grape strike topic as the focus of their cultural events. Different entries in Sacramento County History Day (SCHD) related the grape strike to this year's theme "Individuals in History: Actions and Legacies."

While the role of individuals of Philippine descent in the grape strike is often overlooked, it is my hope that every group's contribution to history is properly acknowledged.

I do not know who coined the phrase "No history, no self. Know history, know self." However, I know that I believe in it. Jose Rizal stated, "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa kanyang paroroonan." It means, "Those who do not look back will never get to their destination.” The sankofa bird symbolizes the need to look back as one moves forward. As I move forward, I look to the past for perspective and guidance.

My coworkers and I were discussing how we have noticed Filipino family members walk to a crowd of strangers speaking Tagalog, and just engage in a conversation with them. We contrasted the practice against people of other colors and how we really do not notice them do it. I imagine that we were more cognizant and sensitive of it because it was our family members, but one individual, who is not of Filipino descent, has always felt welcomed by Filipinos.

We went on to talk about how Filipinos always offer food to their guests, using their food voice to offer people care and support. While we laughed about it, we also acknowledged that we should not take it for granted, since welcoming personalities are so cherished.

This leads into how many Filipinos have countless cousins, uncles, and aunties regardless of if they are actually related to you genetically. Filipinos just have a tendency to bond over their common experiences, although the tendency to separate over our differences is arguably just as strong. One day, when we can all look at our similarities with common adoration, and respect one another's differences, the world will be very different.

The universe is conspiring along with us, keeping us stay productive, motivated, and fulfilled. There are times in life when events and objects come along at just the right time, and positive momentum builds. Sports enthusiasts sometimes call it "the zone", when outside factors do not affect the concentration and the effectiveness of an individual. It seems like they can do no wrong.

However, many people fail to take risks, choosing rather to not put themselves in positions where they could be wrong. This sort of safe behavior is encouraged, even symbolized by adages like "Better safe than sorry." What keeps me going and trying is the idea that I would not be here if not for a single event or goal that I am meant to reach. I have a purpose to fulfill, and the universe is conspiring along with me.

February 18, 2009, markes the sixty-third year since the enactment of the Rescission Act, which deemed the service of Filipino World War II veterans as inactive, stripping them of all the benefits that were promised for their service under the United States flag.

For those that are not aware, House of Representatives Bill 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes provisions of provide lump sums payments to Filipino World War II veterans. The amounts will be $15,000 for American citizen veterans and $9,000 for Philippine citizens.

While this may appear to be a good deal, this is not full equity. Even with this bill, no bill has passed in Congress that fully honors and respects Filipino World War II veterans for active service. Their service and sacrifice is worth much more than a few thousand dollars.

$15,000 is equal to just under 18 months worth of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments at $850 per month. Veteranos have been waiting 63 years for their appropriate military pensions and recognition. There is also a release provision embedded within the bill which waives Filipino World War II Veterans from applying for further redress.

In addition, a potential issue is the status of a veterano's SSI payments after this lump sum is provided to them. It is unclear whether the payment will push them outside the income levels to be eligible for SSI

This makes a mockery of justice, of equality, and of the ideals that these United States of America stand for.

I met with a few friends regarding the upcoming Filipino American Youth Leadership Conference (FAYLC) and brainstormed different workshop ideas to potentially conduct at the FAYLC. It is always such a challenge to choose workshops that relate to the students and also educate them about a new field. While doing an identity workshop is always a hit, finding a different way to address it is also important. One goal is to not bore those that attended the FAYLC before. We want to advance their learning while not losing those that have never been introduced to these concepts before.

What prominent issues does the Filipino American community face?