Fil-Am Association of Southern Maryland

Culture.  Heritage.  Food & Fun!

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Mabuhay!  

Welcome. The Filipino-American Association of Southern Maryland

(Fil-Am SoMD) is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers.

It organizes events open to all to promote Fil-Am culture, improve community relations, and generate funds to provide community service, support various charitable organizations, promote its rich Filipino-American heritage, and seeks to strengthen its relationship with the Southern Maryland community.


Membership is open to all regardless of race, color or creed. www.somd-filam.org

Upcoming Events

Friday, May 29 at 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, Jul 4 at 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, Jan 26 at 4:00 PM - Wednesday, Jan 27 5:00 PM
Sunday, Jul 4 at 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A note about Privacy.

We take privacy matters seriously. We will ensure that the privacy of our membership and their families are preserved to the maximum extent possible. Therefore, any photos, videos, articles or social media feeds are in compliance with our policies. 

  • We do not allow search capability with our videos posted on YouTube.
  • We maintain our own private photo sharing service. 
  • We ask our members and those posting to social media to post only post videos of their own families or friends. 
  • Videos of our events and performances posted on behalf of the File-Am are shared only among the membership and their family and friends.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at admin@filamsomd.org.


The 2019 Fil-Am Fiesta is almost here - you can purchase tickets by clicking HERE


If you need any help with purchasing tickets, please email admin@filamsomd.org and someone will assist you.  Salamat po!


CONGRATULATIONS 2020 OFFICERS AND BOARD

On behalf of the hard work from our election committee and the current Board, I want to announce and welcome the 2020  Fil-Am Board. Congratulations to our new Officers and Board Members for 2020!


President: Jean  Bailey
Vice President: Mike Brown
Secretaries: Dale and Liz Coots
Treasurer: Carlos Jelinek
President at Large: Charlene Rohulich

Media Director : Jennifer McNamara

Event Coordinator :  Lovely Ray

Asst. Even Coordinator: Sandy Nguyen


Board Member(s):
Lorna Homan

Julie and Romy David

Charles Landers

Bob and Joy  Gates

Mark Lucas

Ramon Tuazon


Filam Advisors:
Rolina Anderson

Andrei Pugay

Rhoel Galapon

Jennifer Castillo

Andy Magkasi

George Bundalian

Susana Busitzky

Come out and help serve food for the homeless shelter!

Come join us for a day of serving our the needy in our community. We will be serving lunch for our homeless shelter, St. Mary's Caring. We need servers and carolers to bring some Christmas spirit with our local community in the shelter. Please come out and help!

When: Friday, December 21, 2018

Time: 11 am - 1 pm

Help needed: Servers, singers, and clean up

What: We will be serving Filipino food and singing Christmas songs for the homeless in our community

Donations for Hurricane Flo

Dear Fil-Am,

As you know, last month Hurricane Flo struck the Southeast coast of the United States, creating massive flooding, property damage and causing deaths especially in the Carolinas.


On behalf of the Fil-Am of Southern Maryland, I donated $250 to the American Red Cross to assist with the relief efforts for Hurricane Flo.

Our Fil-Am community not only supports our cultural heritage and diversity, but we also actively support our local communities in need as part of our civic responsibilities to serve the community.


Please continue to pray for those families affected by Flo and assist where you can in the relief and recovery efforts.


If you are interested in providing further tax-deductible donations for this effort, please contact us at admin@filamsomd.org and check out our website link here.


 Salamat Po,


Mark Lucas
2018 President, Fil-Am of Southern Maryland

Fall Highway cleanup, SAT September 22, 7 - 9 am, Nena's Oriental Market

July 4th Independence Day BBQ & Beach Party!

If you require base access, please contact our POCs for the event, Quy Nguyen or Joey Castillo. You can also contact our VP, Jennifer Castillo, at 240-581-0784.

Another Successful Fil-Am Fiesta!

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate with us for our annual Fiesta extravaganza! It was a great success with great food and outstanding performances. Here is the link to the candids and group pictures and here is the link to the videos to the performances. Thank you to Mike & Melinda Brown, Andy Magkasi and Ramon Tuazon for the pictures and videos!

Join Us at the Fairgrounds for the Pet Fair on Sat, 10am - 4pm

 

Fil-Am Sports Day Kamustahan May 5th, 11am, Pax River Base Gym

Arts in the Park Cherry Blossom Festival April 9th Noon - 4pm

Greetings everyone! We will be performing at the 2nd Annual Arts in the Park Cherry Blossom festival tomorrow, Sunday April 8th at the intersection of Coral Drive and Tulagi Place in Lexington Park (old base housing area).

We will have 2 performances starting around 12:45pm. The Fil-Am will have a table set up to promote our organization and the Fil-Am Fiesta which will be on Saturday, June 9th.

Please come out for the fun and support the Cherry Blossom festival. Admission is free!

Spring Highway Cleanup! Saturday, March 10th, 7am

To all Fil-Am members & community,


The Fil-Am tradition of participating in Maryland’s Adopt-A-Road program and helping our community continues! Please join us for the first Stop Waste And Trash (SWAT) team pick-up of 2018.


Volunteers will meet at 7 a.m., Saturday, March 10, at Nena's Oriental Market in Great Mills, Md. to clean up along Point Lookout Road. It’s a great way to start your weekend – an invigorating walk that also gives back to the community by keeping our roadways clean and green, and all participants will enjoy a delicious breakfast at Nena's place afterwards!


Breakfast will be complimentary for FIl-Am SOMD Members and $5 donation per person for non-members. There will be a 20 person limit, so please sign up ASAP. And if you are not yet a member, please sign up for our free membership via our website: www.filamsomd.org/membership.


Fil-Am's SWAT pick-ups are scheduled up to two times each year and take roughly 1-2 hours to complete. Friends and family are welcome to join in. If you are interested in learning more about the program, or would like to be a SWAT team volunteer this Saturday, please contact Mike Brown at mikebrown@yahoo.com, text me at 240.538.7088 or you can simply RSVP to this event!


Hope to see you there!

Maraming salamat po!


-Mike Brown

2018 Fil-Am Valentine's Dinner & Dance, Feb 3, 2018, 5:30-11:00pm

Halloween Party 2017

2017 FIL-AM FIESTA

All are welcome! Please join us for our biggest event of the year, celebrating our heritage with food, dance, and friends.

1. Purchase tickets from the FIL-AM board, Nena's, and/or Pinksha's Filipino store.

2017 Fil-Am Valentine's Dance
Please join us for a fun-filled night.  Tickets are available here at Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-fil-am-valentines-dinner-dance-party-tickets-31082673112

Fil-Am Fiesta 2016 


The Online service provider, EventBrite tacks on an additional $2.49 for the Adult tickets. Children’s tickets are 50% off at $16.25. Children’s tickets have to be bought separately so that Discount Code (Child Ticket) only apply to those tickets.

Adult Tickets - $32.49

Children’s Ticket - $16.25

Please buy tickets here at Eventbrite!: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/filam-fiesta-2016-tickets-25290904777

Note:  Table 13 is reserved for Handicapped Guests and a maximum of 2 of their family members only.

Pictures from the Valentine's Dance are up!

The pictures from the Valentine's Dinner Dance are now up at this link!  Thanks to Andy Magkasi for the photos.

2016 Valentine's Dinner & Dance

Support our Organization with Amazon!

Please use the links to the left and here to help our organization through our Amazon link. 

It is a one-step process with no extra cost to you!  Help generate money for our organization through these links.  Amazon donates part of their profits from your purchase.  We also have an associate program with special deals through these links. 


 All you have to do is click either of Amazon Logos and shop like you normally would! Bookmark this link for simplicity! Thank you for your continued support. More Information Easy to use! This is not a discount program, all prices are unaffected. Thanks for supporting!

Our New Web Store is now online!

Come and support the Fil-Am by ordering one of our new moisture wicking Fil-Am T-shirts!

Click here or the above tab to view our store. 

Fil-Am Children's Christmas Party Dec 2015

Fil-Am Caroling Schedule 2015

Here are the updates for the Fil-Am caroling:

Location and Time


    December 5 - River's Edge (Durkin Realty Christmas Party), NAS Pax River, 6:30 pm

                      Kiko & Rita Santiago's Residence (Green Brier), right after River's Edge


    December 19 - Pinksha's Filipino Mart, 1 pm

    December 20 - George & Beth Bundalian's Residence - 6:30(?) pm


    December 26 - Brian and Susan Werring's Residence - 6:30 (?) pm

2015 Fi-Am SoMD Halloween Party

 NYC Trip Oct 16-18, 2015

 We are proud to announce a fall trip to NYC starting on Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2015.
 
Details:
  • Self-drive trip to NYC
  • Lodging at Staten Island Navy Lodge
  • Room rate is $105 per night (2 double beds)
  • The ferry (free of charge) departs for Manhattan every 30 minutes is located a 5 minute drive away
  • Book a Broadway show, tickets to a game, visit the museums, walk through Central Park
 
Please send your inquiries and reservation requests to Mark Lucas, 240-434-5827, marximillian@yahoo.com. Please sign up by September 25, 2015. There are limited rooms available, so please make your reservation now!
 
Hope to see you on the trip.
Mark
Fil-Am President

Lumpia Hustle 5K

We are hosting our first 5K fun run called the Lumpia Hustle.  It will take place on Thursday, September 3rd at 5:45pm in Lancaster Park Pavilion at the end of Coral Drive


Medals will be presented to the top male and female finishers in the following divisions:

Top Overall Finishers - any age, 

Youth 19 and under

Open 20-39, 

Masters 40-49, 

Grandmasters 50 and over


Sign up link is here (www.active.com)

If you have questions, contact Liza Recto (301) 481-0832) or Mark Lucas (240)-434-5827

We hope to see you there!

Dear Fil-Am,

It is with heavy heart and deep regret I learned that "Nanay", Gertrude Tolentino, mother of Susana K. Busitzky has passed this world and joined God last Friday at approximately 11 am. 


Nanay was our Matriarch and Fil-Am community elder who was present at nearly all of our events. I know her spirit continues to be with us today. She is loved and missed by all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Susana and the Busitzky family during this time of grief and mourning.


We put together a loving memorial video in her honor and memory. Thanks to Ramon Tuazon for providing the pictures. 


Nanay, may you rest in peace.


With love, 
The Fil-Am Community


http://filamsomd.smugmug.com/2015/Nanay-Memorial-Tribute/

Fiesta pictures are up!

The FIl-Am Fiesta pictures are up!  Click on this link to view the pictures. More are being loaded throughout the day...


We hope you enjoy them.  Photos courtesy of Andy Magkasi (thank you Andy!)

Seating chart for Fiesta 2015

Click here to view the current seating chart for the 2015 Fiesta.

Fil-Am Fiesta Flyer

Fiesta Dance Practice Schedule MAY 22-23

Please see the schedule for this weekend's practice below. The schedule is subject to last minute changes, so please stay in communication with instructors and/or coordinators:


FRIDAY, 5/22 @ ENERGY ZONE

Studio A...
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM = Carinosa
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM = Haka
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM = Pandango

Studio B
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM = Tinikling


SATURDAY, 5/23 @ ENERGY ZONE

Studio A
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM = Hula
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM = J-Pop
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM = Hip-Hop
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM = Tinikling

Studio B
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM = Sinulog
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM = Haka
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM = Ifugao
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM = Paso Doble
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM = Opening
***board members are requested to attend the practice this Saturday, May 23 (4-5PM @ EZ) to go over the introduction/entrance of the board***


SATURDAY, 5/23 @ RPC Building
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM = Hip-Hop


Thank you,

Liza Bundalian
(cc) Lovely Ray
Fiesta Coordinators


Fil-Am SOMD

Spring Highway Cleanup 11 APR 2015

Spring highway cleanup of our "SWAT" (Stop Waste and Trash) team is scheduled on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 7-9am.

Meet at the Oriental Market (Nena & Nimfa's store) on Hwy 5 and Indian Bridge Rd. Breakfast will be served upon completion of the cleanup.

 

POC, Mike Brown 240-538-7088240-538-7088 or email mikebrown@yahoo.com

 

 

Fiesta Dance Program Information & Dancer Sign Up Meeting 14 MAR 2015

Attention Fil-Am,

We are excited to announce the kickoff of our 2015 Fiesta Program dancer and instructor kickoff meeting!  It will be held at the Lexington Park Library from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015.  There will be a potluck lunch--please bring a small dish to share.

The purpose of the meeting is to introduce our Fil-Am dance program, the instructors, and take sign ups for dancers interested in participating.  All ages are welcome!  Please come out and sign up to be a part of our FIl-Am Fiesta dance program!

POCs: Lovely Ray, Liza Bundalian

If you have any questions, please contact any member of the board or the President, Mark Lucas, or VPs, Jennifer Castillo, Mike Brown.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely, 

Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance Pictures are now available for viewing

Members and guests are welcome to order prints or download the images for personal use.  Click on this link here.

There is no commercial use of the images for publicity without consent from Fil-Am SOMD.

2015 Warrior Dash - Team Pinoy!

Calling all Warriors and fitness buffs!  We are looking for warriors to sign up for the 2015 Warrior Dash held at Budd's Creek, MD on Saturday, May 16, 2015, to help raise funds for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and have some fun as well.

 

 Click here for more information.  Hope to see you there!

Last weekend for ticket sales for Valentine's Dinner Dance

This is the final weekend to purchase tickets for the Fil-Am Valentine's Dinner Dance held on February 14, 2015, at the River's Edge Restaurant at the NAS Patuxent River Naval Air Station from 6-11pm.  


A representative will be at the Lexington Park Library from 1-3pm to sell tickets and collect payment on Sunday, 8 FEB 2015.  Please have your cash, check or money order made to Fil-Am SOMD.  Cost is $35 per person.


A final head count is needed by Tuesday, February 10, 2015, so hurry to get your tickets.  More details are here.  

Announcing the 2015 Fil-Am Officers and Board Members

We are proud to announce the officers and board members serving the FIl-Am Association for 2015. Many are returning for a second term. Please congratulate them - we look forward to another fun-filled year!
Officers:
President: Mark Lucas
Vice President: Jennifer Castillo & Mike Brown
Secretary: Nini Almuete & Liz Coots
Treasurer: Joelson Rollan & Teresita Pugay
Board:
Public Affairs: Ramon Tuazon & Art Castro
Events Coordinator: Mike Brown
Fiesta Dance Coordinators: Lovely Ray & Liza Bundalian
Food Committee Chair: Jennifer Castillo
George Bundalian
Andrie Pugay
Dale Coots
Joey Castillo
Quy Nguyen
Sandy Nguyen
CJ Castillo
Congratulations to the FIl-Am Board for 2015!
Sincerely,
Fil-Am SOMD

Tickets to Fil-Am Valentine's Day Dinner Dance are available on Jan 16, 2015

We are excited to announce that tickets to our annual Valentine's Day Dinner Dance will go on sale beginning on Friday, January 16th.  More information regarding the event is found on this link.


Details:
- Date: Saturday, February 14, 2015
- The cost for the event is $35 per person (for sale via POCs below via check or cash; not for sale at the door)
- Formal attire
- Theme: "Endless Love"
- Base access requests due to Jennifer Castillo by February 10th, 2015
- Buffet dinner with DJ music
- Time: 6-11pm
- River's Edge Restaurant, NAS Pax River


 Contact:

Jennifer Castillo 240-581-2012 

Tess Pugay 240-925-8072 

Mark Lucas 240-434-5827 


We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Mark Lucas
Fil-Am President 2014

Manigong Bagong Taon - Happy New Year!

Manigong Bagong Taon!

Happy New Year!


Thank you for such a wonderful and prosperous 2014.  We wish you all the same for the new year to come in 2015!


- The Officers and Board Members of the Fil-Am of Southern Maryland


We reached our goal!  Thank You!

Thank you to all who participated, attended, sang and donated to our caroling event this Christmas season.  We exceeded our goal of $800, raising over $1300 collected from caroling.  We sent our end of year donations to various organizations such as the Southern Maryland Food Bank, Sagip Kampamilia relief organization in the Philippines and the local Knights of Columbus.  Again, thanks to all for your generosity!

Caroling Donations Deadline December 31, 2014.

Dear Fil-Am, 


We have been Caroling to raise funds to support our local Southern Maryland charities and the Filipino-American Association of Southern Maryland.  Our goal is to raise $800 this year.  The campaign will end on December 31, 2014.  

We have performed at the River's Edge Restaurant for Nena & Nimfa Oriental Market and Durkin's Realty, the Coots' household, and Pinkha's Filipino Store in Lexington Park.  Our remaining performances are on Sunday, December 28th in Prince Frederick for the Calvert Fil-Am Group and the Busitzky household in Lexington Park.

As we perform at each house or organization, we have received donations from various individuals and companies, but many have not been able to provide donations in person.  

Therefore, we wanted to provide you with a few alternative means of donating. You can donate via mail to our address:

Fil-Am SOMD Attn: Caroling Fund
P.O. Box 24
California, MD 20619


Thank you for your generosity!


Salamat,

Mark Lucas
Fil-Am President 2014

Photos from Children's Christmas Party are up!

Click on our photos link for the pictures from the Children's Christmas Party.  Thanks to Andy Magkasi for taking and donating the pictures.  Enjoy!

Fil-Am Children's Christmas Party 13DEC2014, 3-9pm

Hello FIL-AM,

Just a friendly reminder that the Children Christmas Party is tomorrow, Dec. 13th. Here are the final details:

  • Gate pass request had been submitted. 
  • For those that didn’t send gate pass request, we humbly ask to please find someone you know that can sponsor you on base
  • It is potluck, please bring a dish and/or dessert
  • Don’t forget to bring a gift for your child (if you have any); Santa will be there to distribute. Don’t forget to put child’s name on the wrap gift. Adult are welcome, adult can receive as well, not just kids so you may bring gift if you like
  • For those that have extra rectangular folding table, please bring for the buffet set-up
  • Anyone willing to help decorate the place, please come at 8 AM
  • Party starts at 3 pm

Notes:

1.    Beach House is located at Cedar Point Road, Bldg. 486 (Pax River base).

2.    You may contact Mr. Toots Tunaya if you need help finding the place. 

 

This is a time of celebration. Let us all have fun and enjoy the party. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

See you all tomorrow,

Sandy Nguyen

2014 Secretary

Trip to New York City: SAT & SUN, 18-19 October, 2014

Dear Fil-Am friends and families,
 
We are excited to let you know that So Md Filam Association is hosting an overnight weekend trip to New York on October 18 and 19 (Sat/Sunday). Our plan is to leave here in Saint Mary's County at 4 am via Keller Bus to arrive in NY around 9 or 10 am depending if we decide to stop by somewhere for breakfast.We have all day Saturday in NY to do whatever we want. The bus driver can drop us off to designated areas for our convenience. The suggested stops are Ground Zero, Empire State building, Chinatown, Broadway and Staton Island.

When: OCT 18-19, 2014 (SAT & SUN)
Where: New York City
How: Keller Bus service
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott
Cost: $95 per per person; these are approximates only; (cost does NOT include food, shows, fees, sight seeing expenses)
Trip Captains: Liza Bundalian, Lovely Ray (cc'd above)

Details:
The bus will be driving us to our hotel in New Jersey (Marriot Courtyard) for check-in, which is right next to the subway. It is also conveniently located blocks away from Max Restaurant and Red Ribbon. On Sunday, we can tour NY on our own and perhaps attend mass at the Cathedral, take advantage to watch a show in Broadway and/or do you last minute shopping.

Departure time will be around 4 or 5pm to meet from Broadway to arrive back here in Saint Marys County 10 or 11pm. The cost for both overnight stay and transportation is $95 per person. Please bear in mind that we have limited seats (55 in the bus) available and in order to bring the price down, this price is based from us sharing rooms (5 occupants in 1 room, 2 queen size beds with a pullout full size couch) and also getting 55 people to commit on this trip. So far, we already have 25 people committed. Please feel free to email us back if you would like to join us no later than Sept 1. We will also expect payment no later than Sept 16 because both Keller and Marriot will give us no refunds if we cancel 4 weeks prior to the day of the trip.

We hope that you can come join us? We are looking forward to sharing this experience and at the same time exploring the Big Apple with you all. Please respond ASAP ( will accept the first 55 committed people). Contact Lovely Ray or Liza Bundalian if you have any questions or are interested in reserving a seat for this trip. Hurry--only limited seating is available.

Note: The final price will be dependent upon the number of people & rooms needed for the event. The prices listed above are only approximate numbers.

Hope to see you in New York!

Fil-Am of SOMD

July 4th Start Time Delayed (now start at 2-3pm)

Fil-Am,

The weather from Hurricane Arthur is forecasted to clear this afternoon and we will have great weather once it passes.  Therefore, we will delay our start time to approximately 2-3pm.  Some of the board members will be setting up around lunch time.

Thanks and see you then!

Fil-Am of Southern Maryland

2014 Fourth of July Picnic

Friends and family,

'Hope you can join us in celebrating Independence Day.

Also, feel free to join us in Facebook. This is where we share most of our photos and videos.

Salamat po,
Ramon

Thank you! 6/1/14

Thanks to all who participated and performed at this year's Fil-Am Fiesta!  It was a sold out performance and a joyous way to celebrate Asia-Pacific Heritage month with food, music and dancing!

Fiesta Tickets are SOLD OUT!! 5/29/14

Dear Fil-Am,


This is to let you know that we have sold out for our Fil-Am Fiesta event tomorrow.  There will be NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR.

Thank you all for supporting our event.  It will be a joyous occasion full of food, heritage, music and dancing!

Salamat Po!

Sincerely,
Fil-Am SOMD

Final Fiesta ticket sales 5/27/14

This is a reminder to purchase your tickets for tthe Fil-Am Fiesta for Saturday, May 31.  Please see the information below for details on who to contact for tickets.  All those who have unsold tickets, please turn them in along with cash/check(s) from the ticket sales.  There will only be limited number of tickets available at the door and they will be more expensive than pre-ticket sales.  So get your tickets now!

Fil-Am Fiesta Information Session 5/9/14

We will be having an information session at the RPC building on base (behind the base chapel) for those of you interested in knowing more about the Fil-Am Fiesta. We will also be selling tickets so make sure to bring your cash or checks (payable to the Fil-Am of Southern Maryland). Cost is $30 (adults and teens) and $15 (youth), children under 3 are Free.

If you require base access, please send an e-mail to admin@filamsomd.org.


Thank you and hope to see you there!

- Fil-Am of Southern Maryland

Dance practice update 5/8/14

All,

The Fiesta is fastly approaching and we only have 3 weekends of practices left! Because of this, attendance is of utmost importance. Please ensure that you can set aside some time for your scheduled practices. At this time, your normal practice days/times are mandatory (for extra practices, attendance is schedule permitting).

For this weekend, May 9-11, we will have practice at the normal times and locations.

Friday, May 9th @ RPC:
Hula - NO PRACTICE (per Sandy)
Japanese - 6:00 - 6:30
Tahitian - 6:30 - 8:00

Saturday, May 10th @ RPC:
Bulaklakan - 1:00 - 2:00
Chinese - 2:00 - 3:00
Bollywood - 3:00 - 4:00 (extra practice)
Opening - 4:00 - 5:00 (extra practice)

Sunday, May 11th @ Lexington Park Library (Rooms A & B):
1:00 - 2:00
Room A - Haka
Room B - Opening
2:00 - 3:00
Room A - Traditional Tinikling
Room B - Opening
3:00 - 4:00
Room A - Modern Tinikling
Room B - Bollywood
4:00 - 5:00
Room A - Hip Hop
Room B - Bollywood

**NOTE** We know that this Sunday is Mother's Day, but we are asking that participants still plan to practice.

Tinikling:
Please note that practice times are not at the same. Please notify your selected "clappers" to attend practice as well.


INSTRUCTORS:
If you have not yet done so, please give your music with the title to Ramon Tuazon, either by hard or soft copy, ASAP.
If you have not shown us your costumes, please plan on bringing one to your scheduled practice this weekend. And please, if you notice that someone in your group was NOT included in this email, notify or forward this information to them. If you noticed that the times above conflict to your schedule, please let us and your dancers know the correct time.


For the upcoming practices, again, please plan to be available and be in attendance. Sunday May 18, Saturday May 24, and Sunday May 25, are the last set scheduled practice days. During these practices, we want to try and get ALL dances and dancers together to go over the overall flow/order of the program at the Lexington Park Library. We understand that May 24 & 25 is during Memorial Day weekend and families may already have plans, but if you can be there, please be there!

This is a bit of a stressful time and things may seemed rushed, but if we all cooperate and work together, we can make the best of the time that we have. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Thank you!

Liza Bundalian
CC Lovely Ray
Program Coordinators
 

Get your Fil-Am Fiesta tickets!

Attention Fil-Am:
It is now May and Fiesta is fast approaching. We need to have count of tickets sold and money collected must be turned in to Tess Pugay or Jennifer Castillo.  Hence, this will also allow us to estimate a head count for catering purposes.

The POCs for tickets are annotated in our fiesta flyer (sent via e-mail).  Members of the Board will be at the RPC on Fridays and at the Lexington Park library on Sundays during our practices.  Please have check or cash available for payment.

Prices: Kids (0-2 yrs) Free Admission / Youth (3-17 yrs) $15 / Adults (18 yrs & up) $30 
Door prizes available

  

After May 11, tickets will only be available for sale at the Lexington Park library.  Ticket sellers, please provide your payments, receipt forms and remaining tickets to Jenn or Tess on or before that date.
Thank you for your support of the FIl-Am and we look forward for another successful one this year!

Dance practice 25-27 April

Hi everyone,

This is just a friendly reminder about this week's practice schedules.
April 25(FRIDAY)- RPC building Hula,Japanese and Tahitian (5pm to 8pm)

April 26(SATURDAY)-Lex park library ( 9am to 5pm) ROOMS A AND B. This can be your EXTRA day to practice. Please let us know (Liza or me) what time slot you'd like to use?
9-10 Room A or B open
10-11 Room A or B open
11-12 Room A or B open
12-1 Room A or B open
1-2 Room A Bulaklakan B-open
2-3 Room A Chinese B-open
3-4 Room A or B open
4-5 Room A or B open

April 27(Sunday)- Lex Park Library Rooms A and B
1-2 Room A Haka Room B Opening dance
2-3 Room A Tinikling Modern Room B Traditional Tinikling
3-4 Room A Hiphop Room B Bollywood
4-5 Room B Hiphop Room B Bollywood

If you have any concerns, questions , costume ideas and /or additional practice times, please do not hesitate to call us. Liza and I are hoping that at this point of time, your dances are either finished or almost close to being done. WOW time goes by quickly!...5 more weeks?.. FIESTA is fast approaching!

I am excited and looking forward to seeing everyone's hard work, accomplishments and talents coming May? Please plan to be available to practice on these dates May 18 Library room A and B Sun) 1pm to 5pm, May 24 (Saturday) Room B 9am to 5 ...EXTRA day, May 25 (Sun) 1-5pm Room A and B, May 30 Dress rehearsal 5 or 6 pm (Lincoln Center or Hollywood Firehouse- TBD soon)
We plan to have everyone on these dates to practice OPENING to the FINALE of the program. BTW, I will be teaching the finale to the entire group similar to last year's with add-ons.."PILIIN MO ANG PILIPINAS"...It will be easy and FUN!...

I hope you are all having fun and enjoying our practice days? Thank you so much for all your time and hard work. Keep up your wonderful work! I'm surely proud and honored being a part of this group we call FIL-AM.

Sincerely,

Lovely Ray
cc Liza Bundalian

entertainment coordinators

Dance practice schedule APR 6 - MAY 30, 2014

Hi everyone,
 
This is just a friendly reminder that practices are normal this coming weekend.
 
April 4 Friday- Hula 5-6 , Japanese 6-630, Tahitian 630-8pm-RPC
April 5Saturday- 1-2 Bulaklakan, 2-3 Chinese (RPC)
April 6Sunday- 1-2 Opening and HAKA, 2-3 Tinikling, 3-4 HIphop , 4-5 Bollywood  Lex Park Library Room B
 
Please keep in mind  that we only have 8  more weeks to practice. This is just to let you know that down below is the lex park library availability reserved for our FILAM practices:
 
April 6 (Sun)-   1-5 (room B)... Regular practice schedule for Opening, Haka, tinikling, hiphop and Bollywood
April 12 (sat)-   9am-5 pm (room B)--EXTRA practrce..... INSTRUCTORS, pls coordinate with your performers and with Liza/Lovely if you want to pick up extra time here
April13 (sun)- 1-5 (room B)  Regular practice schedule
April 19(Sat)- 9-5pm (Room A)- EXTRA practice PLUS bear in mind Library is CLOSE on SUNDAY. Instructors, pls coordinate with your performers
April 20 (SUn)- Library closed... Practices TBD
April 26 (Sat)-  9-5 (Rooms A and B)
May 4(Sun)-NO RESERVATION-TBD
May 11(Sun)- 1-5 (Rooms A and B)
May 18 (Sun) 1-5 (Rooms A and B)
May 24 (Sat) 9-5 (Room B)- EXTRA...
May 25 Sun 1-5- (rooms A and B).......GENERAL practice...EVERYONE is expected to attend
May30 (Fri) - Hollywood Firehouse (time evening-TBD).....DRESS REHEARSAL
 
I suggest that we should ALL get together during the last three weeks of practices (May 11, 18, 24 and especially 25, 30) so that we can all understand the FLOW of the program and practice the FINALE. Please make arrangements ahead of time so that we can be together during these dates.
 
If you have concerns, questions or feedback, please feel free to call or email us. Again, thanks so much for all your time, efforts and talents . You are all big contributors in making this coming FIESTA  happen. The success in 2014 Fiesta depends on each and everyone of you. Just what I've said before, I can't be more proud being around wonderful people like you! Keep up the good work!
 
Maraming Salamat PO,
 
Lovely Ray (202)3607008
cc Liza Bundalian
 
program/dance coordinators
 
 
Lovely
evlovet@aol.com

Fiesta Dance Coordination & Information Meeting Today 3/2/14

This is a reminder that we will be having an information and sign up session at the Lexington Park Library from 1-3pm on Sunday, March 2nd.  We will go over the proposed dance program and discuss our policies for practices and coordination from now until Fiesta.

The dance instructors will also be available for any questions you may have regarding dance schedule, costume, and expectations.

This will be a pot luck event, so bring some food for all to share.  Keep in mind that the library will open at 1pm, so please allow about 10 minutes for setup of tables and food.  We will begin with announcements approximately at 1:30pm.

Greetings!  From the 2014 Officers & Board Members! 2/24/14

Dear Fil-Am of Southern Maryland,
 
I am proud and honored to be involved with the Fil-Am this year.  For those of you who were not at the Valentine's Dinner & Dance, I'll re-introduce the 2014 Fil-Am Officers and Board Members:
 
Officers:
- President: Mark Lucas
- VP: Susana Busitzky
- Secretaries: Jennifer Castillo/Sandy Nguyen
- Treasurers: Jake Almuete/Tess Pugay
 
Board Members:
- Joey Castillo
- Quy Nguyen
- Rick Busitzky
- Lovely Ray
- Liza Bundalian
- Mike Brown
- Viginia Faizon
- Lota "Margie" Sullivan
- James Curry
- Ramon Tuazon
 
We had our first meeting the other day and have a lot of activities planned this upcoming year.  We are also going to try some new ideas and trips as well.  It will be a lot of fun!
 
Fiesta:
As you know, the event that we have the most fun and also most preparation is the Fil-Am Fiesta, celebrating cultural heritage through dinner, dance, song, food and music.  Our theme this year is Asia Pacific Heritage and our dancers will be performing a wonderful combination of folk and modern dances from throughout the Philippines and Asia.  The Fiesta is scheduled on May 31, 2014, at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.  More details will be forthcoming.
 
Dance Sign-Up Meeting:
On Sunday, March 3rd, we will be having an introductory meeting for all those interested in being a part of the dances.  We are looking for children, teens, and adults to be a part of the dance program.  We will meet at the Lexington Park Library meeting hall at 1-3pm to discuss the program.  Instructors will be available for questions and answers following the meeting.
 
What: Dance program sign-up meeting
When: Sunday, March 2nd
Time: 1-3pm (room available until 5pm)
Where: Lexington Park Library
Who: All interested in participating in the dance program
Why: To disseminate information regarding practice schedules and performance Q&A
Cost: FREE
Food: Potluck--please bring some food to share
 
We look forward to a fun and exciting year!
 
 
Salamat,
 
Mark Lucas
2014 Fil-Am President

Valentine's Pictures Are Up!  Click on the Photo Gallery to view. 2/9/14

REMINDER 2/8/14

This is a reminder that the Valentine's DInner Dance is located at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall in Lexington Park, MD across from the library.  See you there!

Valentine's Dinner & Dance Update 2/3/14

All,

Our Valentines Party Dinner Dance event will be held at Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall in Lexington Park due to the unavailability of River's Edge on base.  As requested, music will be provided by City Groove band, the same band who did our October event.  Food will be catered by Expressions of St. Mary's Catering with the following Entrees:

Roast Beef, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crab Imperial with Rolls and butter, mashed potatoes and gravy, Seasoned green beans, Cole Slaw, Macaroni shrimp salad, pickled beets, peaches, and pickle and olive tray.Coffee and Iced tea are also available. Dessert will be provided by FilAm (we'll also bring rice).

If you are planning to attend, we need to know by noon Monday so we could give a final head count to the caterer.  Hope to see you all on the 8th for a fun-filled night.

R/,
Toots
President, FilAm of Somd

Helping the families affected by Typhoon Haiyan 1/16/14

In December, the Fil-Am of Southern Maryland completed a collection for raising funds to help our local Southern Maryland families affected by Typhoon Haiyan (known as Yolanda in the Philippines) that devastated the southern area of Philippines in early November 2013.  The collection was the result of the generous support from our local community and volunteers such as Lovely Ray, George Bundalian, Toots Tunaya, and numerous other members of our local community.  


Above are pictures from those in the Philippines who had received our support directly and a note from our Facebook page: "On behalf of my husband's folks, who have been badly hit by the horrendous typhoon "Yolanda", I sincerely express my utmost gratitude to the people who helped the Fil-Am Association in SOMD raised funds for the victims! This $400.00 check is definitely a huge help! Thanks for your generosity! May God bless you a hundred fold!!!" 


Thanks for all your generosity and compassion for helping our families!

Valentine's Dinner & Dance Tickets are on Sale!

Information on the Valentine's Dinner Dance is available here on our website.There are limited seats available, so make sure to purchase your tickets today.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by contacting a Board Member or Officer or also by purchase online.  

Christmas Party Slideshow

Children's Christmas Party today, Sat DEC 14, 3-10pm at the NAS PAX Beach House

Our annual Children's Christmas Party is today, Saturday December 14, from 3-10pm at the Patuxent River Beach House.


It is a pot luck event so please bring a dish to share.  Santa will be paying a visit later in the evening, so don't forget to bring a gift for that special someone.


Don't forget to bring some non-perishable food for our annual donation to the Southern Maryland food bank.


There will be performances, food, games, Santa, and dancing!  Please come out and join us!

Status of Donations for Typhoon Haiyan.

To date, Fil-Am of SOMD in coordination with World Gym and through the initiative of Lovely and Geno have raised $838.00 for the Sagip-Kapamilya Relief funds.  We've also sent boxes of relief goods through Forex for the Typhoon victims.  Since tremendous amount of international support (monetary and services) are already going to the areas affected, we decided that the donations collected locally be given equitably among Fil-Am members whose immediate families were severely affected by the typhoon.  We feel that this is the best way to give back to our members who have supported our organization in the past.  Thank you all!  Toots Tunaya, President

Food donations for the typhoon relief.

We need volunteers to help pack and deliver around 10 boxes of relief goods this Saturday, 30 Nov @ 8:00 AM at Nena's place.  They need to be delivered the same morning to Forex in Virginia.  We need at least 2 trucks for delivery.  Please respond if you could help.  
 
R/,
Toots

Zumba for a Cause!

Thanks to everyone who came out to shed some calories with Lovely and the great instructors doing Zumba.  The event was a fundraiser to provide donations to the relief effort in the Philippines from the devastating typhoon from a few weeks ago.  There was over $800 raised and all the proceeds go directly to the effort by way of the Sagip Kampamilya organization in the Philippines.

Kababayans,

Fil-Am Association had our board meeting last night and we decided to use Forex vice LBC to send relief goods to the Philippines.  With Forex, we could send it directly to Sagip-Kapamilya or Red Cross headquarters instead of sending it to the LBC warehouse.  Forex Boxes are available for free at Pinksha's Filipino Mart, located at 21800 N. Shangri-la Road, Lexington Park, MD just to the right of Big Lots.  Drop-off of relief goods (Canned goods, toiletries, medical supplies and blankets) would still be at Nena's Store located at 20259 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD.  Deadline for relief goods drof-off will be 27 November.  Salamat po sa tulong ninyo!
 

R/,
Toots

Donating to the relief effort.


Thank you to those who have already donated to the effort!  For those who have yet to donate, we have several organizations with which you can donate listed through the link below.  Any donations we receive through the Fil-Am will also go directly through the Sagip Kampamilia organization, the organization with whom we've been donating each Christmas: http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/sk/disaster.html.

Help the victims of the Typhoon in the Philippines.

Dear Mr. Tunaya,
 
My name is Rachel Steinberg, and I manage civil society partnerships on behalf of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
 
I am reaching out to you about the Philippines disaster and the possibility of your support for the children there. The death toll is staggering, and the overall impacted number equally so, and we extend our condolences and thoughts to those affected. You probably have been seeing photos, reading in the news, and communicating with those in the country, and the situation is indeed dire- and we want to assist as quickly as possible. I’m sure even further that many of your constituents are worried about their loved ones there, and are eager to help in any way they can. The relief effort will need to be massive, and we will need major financial assistance to help.
 
It is believed the typhoon has impacted some 4 million children living in the area. Children and babies are the most vulnerable after a disaster - not only do they suffer all of what adults suffer, but they are often separated from family and lack the maturity to seek help and care for themselves. UNICEF has been in the country since the 1940s and is well positioned to serve. We already have access, personnel, partners on the ground, as well as the long history of experience in responding to crises.
 
UNICEFs first priorities are focused on life-saving interventions – getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies, safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families. This is not the first natural disaster to strike the Philippines recently as you know, following the earthquake in Bohol three weeks ago, so we know how vital it is to reach children quickly. As I write this, UNICEF’s supply division in Copenhagen is loading some 60 metric tons of emergency supplies, including health, medical and shelter equipment, on to trucks bound for the Copenhagen airport for an emergency airlift. The Supply Division is also airlifting water purification and storage equipment and sanitation supplies directly from suppliers in Europe and Asia to Manila. Additional staff are also arriving from around the world.
 
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is hoping to acquire funds early to enable swift action. Would you consider an emergency gift for children in the Philippines? I am reachable at my desk (212-922-2481), on my cell (201-207-7095) or will be on email all day, and you can also always visit http://www.unicefusa.org/.  I hope to hear from you soon.
 
Thank you so much,
Rachel
 

Rachel Steinberg
Manager, Civil Society Partnerships
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-922-2481

Our Holloween Party is a go!  For those members planning to attend and do not have base access, please email me the names of  family members attending no later than noon Wednesday, 23 Oct 2013.  

Date: Saturday 26OCT
Time: 1200 noon - 4pm
Food: potluck
 
Please remember that is is a Potluck Event so please bring enough food to share with everybody else.  If you have ideas on  activities (games, etc) can be done at the party, please let us know.
 

Movin' & Groovin' with the City Groove Band!


We will be having a concert and fundraiser on Sunday, October 13th showcasing the talented City Groove Band from Virginia.


Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 8, and cost $26, which includes a snack and a drink.  Food and beverages will also be provided for sale at the event.  Contact a member of the board or the link on this website for ordering details.


Location: Bay District Fire Department, Lexington Park, MD across from the Lexington Park library.  Time: 6pm - 11pm.

Thank you young ladies and gentlemen for once again showcasing our FilAm heritage tonight. Silong and Tinikling dancers, you're awesome!! Thank you too to the parents who are always supportive of FilAm endeavors, appreciate all of you!!


- Jean Bailey, Secretary Fil-Am SOMD

Latest News and Events.

Highway Cleanup September 14th


We will be having our fall highway cleanup on Saturday, September 14th from 7-9am.  Meet at the Oriental Market (Nena & Nimfa's store) on Hwy 5 and Indian Bridge Rd.  Breakfast will be served following the completion of the cleanup.  Hope to see you there!

Overnight Camping and Youth Sports Day on Solomon's Island, Friday, August 23rd.


We will be having our annual overnight campout at the Solomon's Island Rec Center on Fri - Sat, August 23-24th.  Check in will be after 3pm on Friday.  We will aslo have Youth Sports Day on Saturday, August 24th.  Bring your own tent or rent one.  We have a group site reserved.  Come join us for some fun and festivities, along with playing sports with our youth!  Further details will be sent via e-mail.

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