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tagamantra · 1 year ago

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ruminating on the leftism that guides much of my thinking. i'm avoiding the very common pitfall of simply applying theory (written by people benefiting from colonialism a few hundred years ago) to living conditions here in the neocolony of america and looking for ways to actually apply historical dialectic into here--it takes a lot of self awareness because as with all things the majority left position in the philippines is based off of joma sison's MLM-ness and the struggle for a national democracy, which has now kind of devolved into a ultranationalist jerk off between colonial intelligentsia and constant protesting and rallying. whenever they are challenged by the state, the main response is that "everything they've been doing is completely legal" and that nothing they've done is wrong. of course, paradoxically, as Mark Fisher writes in capitalist realism, much of this ends up just reifying capitalist reals and borders, and neatly squares away activism into yet another portion of capitalist life. activism (now also commonly romanticized by so many of those in the middle class to the petty bourgeois) is now subsumed into capitalism.

of course, from my point of view, doing something is better than doing nothing. i've participated in the movements of the national democratic mass organizations of the PH (anakbayan, etc.) (and still do, though my capacity has become limited and i'm focusing on supporting the communities closest to me for the time being) but they're increasingly becoming a sort of ideological stepping stone and for the most part i believe they have been completely subsumed into capitalist ideology.

i think the philippines is largely mostly just capitalist now, even with some modes of tenancy in the countryside seeming feudal, it operates entirely within a capitalist mode of view and application.

i don't subscribe to the sort of unilinear evolution of societies espoused by some soviet theorists (the classless -> slave -> feudal -> capitalist -> communist thing)--a lot of classical leftist and marxist theories can be pretty easily seen as sort of eurocentric. that's no bash, that's just the work of limited perspective. future marxists like fanon expand the marxist perspective greatly, though they seem to be largely ignored by the white bourgeois in my experience

i think ph leftism should be a lot more aware of local ideas on society, and use that to sort of influence and shape their leftism. a lot of leftists sort of scoff at "precolonial studies" as sort of cute at best and absolutely ethnocentric backwardism at worst (many ph leftists know jack shit about precolonial ph and/or seasia in general due to the education system of the philippines and the america-centric culture of the metropoles)

if we apply historical materialist dialectic all the way back to pre-hispanic times we get a treasure trove of societies to contrast and synthesize upon. a shared culture and binding connections with the rest of asia. the ideal state is of course international consciousnesses and solidarity--one that doesn't fall into the trap of capitalist reification through nationalism and the enforcement of the cacophony of signifiers that only serves to reinforce capitalist structures (jingles, voting, art that just regurgitates old socialist aesthetic, revolutionary art that doesn't really say anything because these artists lack proper class consciousness and/or perspective [many ph left artists come from the metropoles after all and/or have been subsumed into nationalist agenda through education systems and the need to belong in communities, art ph being one particularly egregious example that reinforces nationalist signifiers while becoming ignorant of the signified).

all in all the philippine left is completely defeated, as a movement. many leftists adopt anarchist tendencies, joyful militancies, try to live outside of the confines of communism through communes or living in the mountains. if we are to have any chance of challenging capitalism the ph left must interrogate its own biases, interrogate nationalism, review its literature, and then look inward, look to fellow tribes and societies, avoid the interventionist failures of soviet societies, and actually fight for a world that won't just degrade into more wage-labor slavery

"that's idealistic!" if you're shooting for the moon you land on the stars. the direction of the movement is more important than the speed. i fully believe ideological recourse is needed in the ph left--some might even say if there is a ph left still. i wouldn't mind abolishing the idea altogether--the left is still a eurocentric categorization after all. perhaps its time for a new revolution that interrogates current structures, even within so-called progressive organizations, with violent indignation, and finds a way to upend capitalism through a firm grasp in pre-capitalist structures and international ties

#waksthoughts #might get redtagged kapag sa fb ko pinost so #or baka awayin ako ng mga kaibigan kong tibak wahaha #also i hate the socialist aesthetic #that all red thing they keep doing #but that's just me as a seasaner probably

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seeyouinthespring · 5 months ago

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new anakbayan bandana yayyyy

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catdotjpeg · 1 year ago

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24 Feb 2024, Balik EDSA! Continue the Struggle for People Power! march led by Malaya Movement NY and Anakbayan Queens, Queens, NY

From Malaya NY:

For two decades, Filipinos lived under authoritarian rule while Marcos and his allies enriched themselves through ownership of Philippine press and industry outlets and through the siphoning of funds from U.S., World Bank, and International Monetary Fund loans. From February 22 to 25, 1986, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to protest President Ferdinand Marcos and his claim that he had won re-election over Corazon Aquino. This time, though, Filipinos refused to accept this lie. On February 22, citizens took to the streets on EDSA. On the evening of February 25, the U.S. government facilitated Marcos’s escape to Hawaii. Later that same night, protestors stormed Malacañang Palace, exposing the opulent wealth that the Marcos family had amassed during their time in power. Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989 without returning to the Philippines.

#nico.txt #philippines #antifascism #palestine #anti war #anti imperialism #new york #nyc #queens #id in alt text

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pannaginip · 1 year ago

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Translation + summary:

Anakbayan on Twitter @anakbayan_ph:

"Why is the fight of the jeepney driver also the fight of the commuter? Why should we act and mobilize?

The mass transport crisis will intensify. The government will not be able to compensate for the huge decrease in public transportation units. Tens of thousands of jeeps will no longer be allowed to operate if they do not abide by the program by surrendering their individual franchises + vehicles and joining cooperatives/corporations to replace the traditional jeeps with "modern jeeps." [As of 2 days ago, ~31k jeeps in Metro Manila have yet to consolidate.] Commuters will be faced with even more difficulties if this happens.

Passenger fares will increase. The PUV Modernization program is a business. The gov wants corporations/coops to have collective ownership over the franchises of routes and new units. They will be able to freely increase fares, which are the only way to cover the costs of providing new jeeps. The fares are projected to reach P40-50, while wages everywhere remain stagnant. [For comparison, current jeepney fares are P13-15.]

The long-term effects of the PUV Modernization program on the state of mass transportation in the country will be massive. It is a complete foreign and corporate takeover of the mass transport system. Local manufacturers and industries will be killed off with the influx of imported vehicles.

Our right to quality transportation that is truly for the masses is at stake. There are 3 days left before the consolidation deadline. There is no other time, we must act now."

#no to jeepney phaseout #no to puv phaseout #philippines #idk if there are many eng-only filipinos here but anw hope this helps 🫶#public transportation #translations

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hesitationss · 1 year ago

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i brought some of my own zines to a zine making workshop tonight! hosted by anakbayan! ♡⁠(⁠˃͈⁠ ⁠દ⁠ ⁠˂͈⁠ ⁠༶⁠ ⁠)

#diary

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catdotjpeg · 10 months ago

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if you live outside of the Philippines, you can also donate through p*yp*l or v*nmo to the following organizations (all of whom I can vouch for) working in coordination w groups on the ground in the PH:

National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON)

Kabataan Alliance

Anakbayan USA

the philippines got hit by Typhoon Carina (or known by its international name, Typhoon Gaemi) yesterday and the effects of the nonstop rain put metro manila under a state of calamity as intense flooding hit the capital along with many other areas in luzon

rains have stopped now in most places and water levels are beginning to recede, but since many were evacuated from their homes, lots of people are in need of assistance

here is a running list of donation drives (accepting monetary or in-kind donations) that you can support to help those who were affected by the typhoon

note: all listed drives as of now only accept monetary donations via cash transfer methods that can only be done from within the ph

if youre able to help, it will definitely go a long way. thank you!

#donation post #philippines

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voices-of-resistance · 1 month ago

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On a quiet Friday afternoon over Zoom, I sat down with Olivia Blahuta, an organizer and activist with the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP). We were later joined by Rei and Hillary from the Canada Philippines Solidarity Organization (CPSO). What unfolded was a deeply insightful conversation about the political, economic, and military systems that shape Filipino communities' lives in Canada and abroad.

This interview is part of Voices of Resistance, an ongoing project exploring how Canadian foreign policy, particularly the Indo-Pacific Strategy and labour migration programs impact Filipino communities.

Let’s begin!

Asia Ruggiero (AR): How did you first get involved in Philippine solidarity work, and what led you to your role within ICHRP?

Olivia Blahuta (OB): I first got involved in Philippine solidarity work in 2020. I was politicized around that time, particularly by the murder of George Floyd and the broader movements against police brutality, labour exploitation, and women's and queer rights. I had already been attending rallies, but during that period, I realized the importance of being part of an organization. A high school friend introduced me to Anakbayan, which led me to connect with organizers and learn more about the Philippines' political situation, especially the labour export policies that force many Filipinos to work abroad. Through this, I began to understand the scale of Filipino migration to Canada and the precarious conditions many migrant workers face here, especially those who are undocumented. One issue that struck me deeply was family separation, the reality that so many parents, particularly mothers, must leave their children behind to earn a living. That felt incredibly unjust, and meeting people directly affected by it made the issue feel very personal. In 2022, I had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines as part of the International Observer Mission for the national elections. We conducted third-party election monitoring at the request of people's movements in the Philippines to assess the legitimacy of the democratic process—especially considering the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Rodrigo Duterte's election. The trip was comprehensive: beyond election monitoring, I interviewed people from various sectors—farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, and others—to better understand the conditions they face.Hearing directly from them about what international solidarity should look like, and how we can support and learn from their people’s movement, was transformative. Those two experiences: organizing around migrant issues in Canada and witnessing the struggles and resistance in the Philippines firsthand, were pivotal in shaping my commitment to this work.

AR: It’s incredibly powerful to witness things firsthand, especially during such a significant moment. And once you start learning about these issues, it becomes impossible to ignore them.

OB: Exactly

AR: What does it mean to be part of a transnational solidarity network like ICHRP?

OB: Being part of a transnational solidarity network like ICHRP means coming together around a shared commitment to fight oppression and exploitation. It’s a perspective that unites us. Once you become aware of the profound human rights violations happening in the Philippines, particularly against land defenders and poor communities, it’s impossible to look away. What makes these violations even more urgent is that they’re not just caused by local conditions, they are reinforced by the support of foreign powers, including countries like Canada. When you realize that, you feel a strong responsibility to act. What’s also incredibly powerful about being connected to the Philippine struggle is the strength and history of the people’s movement there. The Philippines has endured over 400 years of colonization, and throughout that time, people have continuously resisted. These anti-colonial movements have won significant victories, and that spirit of resistance lives on today through organizations like BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan), which unites various sectors of society; women, youth, peasants, fisherfolk, queer people, scientists, and more—around a shared vision for justice.That level of organization is something the international community, including movements here in Canada, can learn from. It shows how struggles against exploitation are interconnected and how solidarity across borders can be a powerful tool for change.

AR: Yeah, absolutely. Thank you for sharing that. It’s so powerful to hear how deeply rooted and organized the movement is, and how those connections across borders really strengthen the work happening here, too. So For someone new to this work, how would you describe the goals of organizations like ICHRP and CPSO?

OB: I’m going to start with the word “liberal.” Canada has a neoliberal relationship with the Philippines, and what that really means is it’s an unequal relationship. Canada benefits economically while ignoring the broader social impacts. For example, Canada profits from extracting natural resources, from cheap migrant labor, and from outsourcing business processes to the Philippines. But there’s no sense of responsibility for what that means in terms of healthcare, education, or the well-being of Filipino communities. That imbalance is really at the core of what organizations like ICHRP and CPSO are trying to address. And with new policies like the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada’s presence in the region is only going to grow. That presence is tied to serious human rights concerns—through counterinsurgency efforts, resource extraction, labor exploitation, and violations of workers’ rights. So our work focuses on raising awareness, building solidarity, and pushing back against these forms of systemic injustice.

AR: Thanks for that, I’d like to now dive a bit deeper into some of the specific issues. I have a few questions, starting with labor rights, since that’s something I’m particularly concerned about. What are the most urgent labor rights challenges facing Filipino workers in Canada today; legally, economically, or socially?

OB: One of the most urgent issues is the fundamental right to work. Migration itself often reflects the denial of that right. Whether it's the right to a livelihood or to safe and secure employment.

A good example is a campaign we worked on a few years ago for Danilo De Leon, a migrant worker and cleaner who lost his job and, because he was on a closed work permit, also lost his legal status. That made him undocumented and vulnerable to further exploitation through under-the-table work, with no job security or legal protections. We fought to keep him in Canada on two grounds: first, that his dismissal was unfair, and second, that as an activist and organizer, he faced serious risks if deported back to the Philippines. Both situations highlight how the right to work can be denied here in Canada and in the Philippines. In the Philippines, the economic system is marked by a lack of industrialization, and external economic pressures mean people like Danilo don't have real opportunities for secure work either. On top of that, being a labour activist there can be life-threatening. So, for Filipino migrant workers in Canada, the lack of an inherent right to work and livelihood is at the core of many challenges. This issue also ties into a growing trend of xenophobic labour migration policies, such as increased restrictions on international students, tighter rules around post-graduate work permits, and harsher enforcement of deportations and detentions. These policies increasingly mirror the U.S. model, and we need to pay close attention to how they're impacting migrant workers here.

AR: Okay, that’s interesting. So would you say Canada is adopting a lot of its migrant worker policies from the U.S.?

OB: I think there’s a broader cultural shift happening right now, and we’re already starting to see the effects in Canada’s labor and immigration policies. But I think we’ll see even more changes, especially with the upcoming election and the platforms of some candidates.

The scapegoating of migrants is a major issue. It’s not migrants choosing to work for lower wages, it’s employers and recruiters making those decisions to maximize profit. That’s where the root of the problem lies.

AR: Okay, thank you

OB: I also want to mention a more current campaign: the Tanggol Migrante or Defend Migrants campaign, which is being led by Migrante Ontario, an organization of Filipino migrants here in Canada. It’s a campaign about migrants, by migrants, and for migrants. They’re really at the forefront of defending their rights and exposing what it’s actually like to work here, while pushing back against the myths and misinformation spread by government officials and right-wing narratives. I think it’s important for all of our organizations to support this campaign.

AR: Totally. Thank you for bringing that up. I’ve been really interested in that campaign as well, and I’m hoping to reach out to Migrante about it. I also came across the case involving the recruiter Jeanette Moskito, which really opened my eyes to how serious and repeated recruitment abuses can be. It’s an issue that clearly needs more attention.

OB: Exactly. It’s supposed to be the responsibility of the Philippine consulate to protect overseas workers, but they’ve done very little. Often only taking action when pressured by groups like Migrante Ontario or Migrante BC. Just recently, Migrante BC helped secure a small claims court victory against Promised Land Consultancy, a similar predatory recruiter based in British Columbia. That win is encouraging, but there's still a long way to go.

AR: It’s disturbing that it takes public pressure and shaming just to get a basic response. You’d hope people could turn to their consulate for protection, but that’s often not the case.

OB: One more thing I’ll add from when I was in the Philippines in late 2023. I was deep in the countryside in Mindanao, and even there, on remote coffee plantations, I saw posters advertising work in Canada. They were everywhere. It was shocking to see how far-reaching these recruitment efforts are going to target the most vulnerable, those with the least information about their rights, and in the most desperate conditions. That really stuck with me.

AR: That’s such an important point, especially where those posters are being placed and who they’re targeting. Once people arrive here, many don’t know their rights or who to turn to. And then there’s the added shame of feeling like they can’t return home. It’s a vicious cycle. I didn’t realize the extent of those posters…it’s really eye-opening.

AR: Okay, so let’s talk about Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. How does ICHRP view Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in relation to labor exploitation and militarization in the Philippines?

OB: Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy extends its neoliberal relationship with the Philippines and is part of the broader "Pivot to Asia" led by NATO powers, especially the United States. As Asian economies grow rapidly, Western powers are pursuing two main goals: to secure a share in that economic growth and counter China's increasing influence in a world no longer dominated by a single superpower. Global Affairs Canada has become highly focused on the Indo-Pacific, and the Philippines, Taiwan and South Korea are positioned as key "partners." These are considered "safe" countries for Canadian investment because of their close relationships with ruling elites. However, while the strategy outlines how it will benefit Canadian businesses, it says little about how it will affect people in the region, especially Filipino workers. It makes no mention of the violence linked to extractive industries operated by Canadian corporations or their Philippine subsidiaries. It ignores the lack of labour protections, social support, or human rights safeguards. No mechanisms are in place to hold these partnerships accountable to basic human rights benchmarks. This strategy benefits the political and economic elite: Philippine business dynasties, landlords, and multinational corporations like Dole while exploiting the country's cheap labour and abundant resources. It does nothing to develop local industry or self-sufficiency and instead deepens the cycle of poverty and displacement, pushing more Filipinos to migrate abroad for survival.

AR: I’m also curious about the surveillance aspect of all this. In relation to the Indo-Pacific Strategy, is there an increase in the monitoring or targeting of activists and organizations?

OB: One area where Canada plays a significant role globally is in anti-money laundering legislation and surveillance technology. Through its past collaborations with the Philippine government, Canada has provided tools and training that are now being used to target civil society organizations.

One example is the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, an Indigenous-led organization in Northern Luzon that defends ancestral lands rich in natural resources. These communities have long maintained their cultural practices and territorial autonomy, but their efforts to resist mining and resource exploitation have made them a target. Despite being in a recognized autonomous region, they've been accused of financial crimes under anti-money laundering frameworks, which are politically motivated claims. This kind of targeting is part of the Philippine government's "Whole-of-Nation Approach," which allows all branches of government to participate in a nationwide counterinsurgency campaign. Even local governments that support people's movements must comply with national mandates to suppress them. These efforts are reinforced by the Anti-Terror Law, which grants sweeping powers to silence dissent. Canada's involvement doesn't stop with surveillance. It's now expanding into militarization. One major step was formally recognizing the Balikatan joint military exercises which are war games involving the Philippines, the U.S., France, Australia, and others. These exercises occur in the West Philippine Sea, a contested region with China, and include live-fire drills like sinking ships to demonstrate military strength. Canada's endorsement of these exercises gives them legitimacy and signals support for a militarized regional presence. The next step has been the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a memorandum of understanding between Canada and the Philippines, the details of which have not been made public despite repeated information requests. In addition, Canada has recently completed negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, modeled directly after the U.S. version, which would allow Canadian military personnel to be stationed in the Philippines. We've seen the consequences of these kinds of agreements before. The U.S. military presence in the Philippines has led to widespread social issues; violence against women, abandoned children, and abuse of local communities near bases. Despite public resistance, these deals keep getting signed. Now, Canada is following the same path, seeking to put boots on the ground, which increases the risk of gender-based violence, war escalation, and turning the Philippines into a proxy battleground between Western powers and China.

AR: This is so upsetting, Hearing how deeply these systems are interconnected—and how directly they harm communities. It’s hard to take in.

OB: Yes, it’s incredibly upsetting.

AR: Are there connections ICHRP sees between Canada’s labor migration policies and the systemic issues facing Filipino workers in Canada and abroad?

OB: This is also an excellent question for Migrante since they focus directly on migrant organizing. However, from ICHRP’s standpoint, one of the most significant connections is the lack of national industrialization in the Philippines.

For example, the country has abundant natural resources like iron ore and a large labour force but no essential steel production. Without that foundational industry, the Philippines depends on foreign businesses for industrial development. This lack of self-sustaining jobs creates massive pressure for people to seek work abroad. With a population of over 110 million, many Filipinos have no choice.At the same time, because of currency differences, even a tiny amount of money sent home from abroad can significantly impact a family’s ability to access education, healthcare, or even a burial. For many, that’s the difference between sending their kids to a struggling public school or not at all and being able to afford private school where there might be food and shelter. Remittances comprise around 10% of the Philippine economy, and the rest is mainly agrarian, meaning people survive on farming and food production, which often doesn’t meet other essential needs. So you have these push factors: economic instability, lack of opportunity, and failing infrastructure, and then there are pull factors. Many wealthier countries build their economies on cheap labour. They pay workers far below market value while selling goods at full price, which inflates their profits and strengthens their economies and currencies. It’s a global system that depends on inequality. During the pandemic, Canada relied on migrant workers to keep the economy afloat. But now we’re seeing a political shift. There’s growing rhetoric that frames migrants as a burden, blaming them for inflation, housing shortages, and high rent. This scapegoating feeds into campaigns that encourage migrants to leave, ignoring the fact that Canada actively benefits from their labour.

AR: That’s all I wanted to cover in terms of policy. For my last question, I’d like to shift the focus towards action. What can students and artists in Canada do to support human rights and labor justice in the Philippines?

OB: Art is such a powerful tool for education and connection. It allows people to relate emotionally and humanely to struggles that might otherwise feel distant. Artists can use their practice to uplift the stories of Filipino communities, especially those actively fighting for justice. That might mean collaborating with migrant workers here, organizing performances or exhibits, travelling to the Philippines on a learning tour and creating work based on that experience. Fundraisers are another meaningful way to contribute. Artists could sell prints, host events, or perform, with proceeds supporting grassroots organizations. These efforts not only raise money but also build community and awareness. And to emphasize, all art is political. Whether or not you see your work that way, it reinforces or challenges existing systems. Your work now, sharing stories and building connections, is a perfect example of solidarity through creativity.

AR: Thank you. I’ve been thinking about how artists and collectives might organize fundraisers or donate a portion of sales. Can you speak a bit more about how fundraising works within ICHRP or CPSO?

OB: Generally, both ICHRP and CPSO don’t fundraise for internal costs because our work is volunteer-led and grassroots. Most of our fundraising efforts are either to lower barriers to participation (like covering costs for people to attend exposure trips or conferences) or to support specific campaigns. For example, ICHRP recently hosted an event on climate justice and militarization in the Philippines and raised funds for UMA, the Agricultural Workers Union. That fundraiser was in direct response to a request from UMA, and it aligned with the theme of our event. We often call this “people-to-people fundraising.”

Hillary (CPSO): Right now, CPSO is supporting Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS) and encouraging folks to become monthly sustainers, which helps fund their political advocacy work throughout the year. One important date coming up is April 26, a Global Day of Action in support of the Filipino people’s fight for a just and lasting peace. There’s also a counter-action against NATO planned for June, and CPSO is mobilizing folks to attend CANSEC, Canada’s largest weapons expo, in Ottawa this May.

Rei (CPSO): We also organize cultural fundraising events tied to urgent campaigns. For example, during a recent typhoon relief effort led by Migrante, we held a community event with performances, tabling, and even bake sales. Many of the artists and bakers weren’t formally involved with an organization they just wanted to contribute. If artists or collectives are interested in participating, we are open to collaboration. They could donate prints, stickers, or other works for sale, event table. And if a collective sees themselves as politically engaged, they can also consider joining FFPS directly or becoming an affiliated group.

AR: Thank you Rei and Hillary for your insight, I believe that there are many members of the artist community that would be supportive of your cause and have a lot of fun with fundraising.

AR: Are there specific campaigns or actions that ICHRP is leading that people can plug into?

OB: Yes! ICHRP is focusing on three major campaigns right now. Justice for Duterte's Victims – Calling for the arrest and conviction of Rodrigo Duterte through the International Criminal Court. This is a major victory for the victims of the drug war and for the international solidarity movement. But it needs continued pressure to move forward.

Opposing the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement – This agreement would allow Canadian troops to be stationed in the Philippines and mirrors a similar, deeply harmful agreement with the U.S. that has led to widespread violence and abuse. We're calling for this agreement to be stopped. And supporting the Peace Talks – In the context of the civil war, peace talks offer a chance to address the root causes of violence. They’re grounded in a proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), which speaks to many of the systemic issues we’ve discussed today: landlessness, poverty, and exploitation.These campaigns relate to both external pressures, like U.S. and Canadian militarization and internal counterinsurgency efforts by the Philippine government. Supporting these campaigns means standing against violence and standing for long-term, structural change.

AR: It’s especially important for people here in Canada to understand the role our government plays and how we can help push for accountability and justice, whether that’s through solidarity, raising awareness, or just showing up. What message do you hope young people take away from this work, and how can they stay involved long-term?

OB: The most important thing you can do is join an organization. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are different levels of involvement. But when you’re part of a collective, figuring out how to respond to these massive issues doesn’t fall entirely on your shoulders. You’re in it together. ICHRP and FFPS are trusted coalitions doing this work for a long time. We can support you whether you want to start your own group, join as an individual, or help your organization plug into a broader network. And if you’re not ready to organize just yet, you can still come to action, stay informed, make art, raise funds, or help spread the word. And if you ever have the chance visit the Philippines on a learning tour. Not a vacation, although it’s beautiful there, but a real opportunity to understand the movement firsthand. It’s life-changing.

AR: That was incredibly comprehensive, thank you so much Olivia! This conversation really meant a lot to me. I’ve learned so much, and I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of these issues and how they connect. Thank you as well to Rei and Hillary for being here, your insights were so appreciated.

OB: I’m glad I could share my knowledge and I’m excited to see where you take this work.

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mayarism · 3 years ago

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05.12.22 - letter to mom –

I hope you’ve been doing well in Kansas! I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written you, I’ve been going through an existential crisis lately when it comes to work and I’ve been trying to find ways to care for myself and stay sane. My organization, Anakbayan Manhattan, held a film screening on Saturday to fundraise for the Tinang97. The ‘Tinang97’ are a group of peasant activists that got arrested for reclaiming the land they were forming on (essentially unused land that they decided to start growing food on to feed themselves). Our fundraiser was to support their legal fees. We held the screening outdoors, at “Sunset Park” in South Brooklyn. The park sits on top of a hill, so we were able to see the sunset and the skyline of Manhattan.

I also started work at the new office today. I have a desk facing the window, and the bright light flooding in makes me happy. I also face the billboards, but they’re not as distracting as I thought they’d be. The new location at Times Square is overwhelming, but I love that it’s only a few blocks away from Bryant Park. I went to the city early today just so I could sit at the park and write and read and decompress a little. I brought “The Peace Process” by Edward Said with me on the train so I could read during the commute. It’s a book that uncovers the political mechanism that forces Palestinians to accept the terms of Israel and US, and I find it a thoroughly informed but also deeply principled argument for self determination. Have you been reading or learning that interests you lately? write you soon – love, f.

#letters to mom

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rlljayhon · 1 year ago

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5/12/24 (heppi mothaz day)

"if you're everybody's friend, your own enemy is you" - derived from mike tyson

anywho! i am doing worse in regards to managing my feelings! yippee!!!! idk why is liking someone so annoying HAHA thankfully denise told me something that was a slap to the face and it kept me in line lmao umm I think I deserve better like I should be looking for a relationship where I feel wanted! but alas I do not respect myself nor love myself enough to do that!!! i mean I wasn't actively looking for something before this whole situation occurred which is why I'm "okay" with where I am at??? i guess??? and they have already made it pretty clear they just want to stay friends, and they don't really do anything or say anything that makes me think they are interested either!! so why do I still feel this way!!! it isn't going to go anywhere!! blahhh!!!! i just need to do a better job of keeping things casual methinx!! bc if they like changed their mind (which will never happen, just a hypothetical) like I would have to think, do they actually like me for me??? or just the attention they get y'know??? baggage baggage catch me at LAX bc I be carrying around all this damn BAGGAGE!!! on the plus side! i have learned that I really like someone who has a lot of qualities I wish I had heh also I do not know if I would wanna be /w someone who is like loud and as energetic as I am LMAO I like the dynamic of being silly and making someone embarrassed in public like not in a bad way but I guess causing a scene HAHA bc me and another goofball I think I would get tired of that and it would be like,,, too much of myself

idk i think im just gonna ride it out until either one of us meets someone or decides to call it off! i will be pretty bummed when that happens, bc I mean yeah all this sucks but I mean I am still having fun!! well that day/situation/talk is inevitable like thanos' snap so it is just a matter of when I guess also on tik tok today I got recommended a one shot manga like its just one chapter and it was this cute little romance called parasol alliance and I liked it a lot so I looked for more one shot mangas -> I found a website and sorted by most popular and I found one I really liked! it was really cute!! but towards the last like 20% of the manga IT BECAME A FUCKIN PORN!!! WHATT!?!?! i mean,,, I wasn't gonna stop there yknow I was already invested n gotta see it thru HAHA it was just so silly like I did not expect that shit at all, and all the comments on that website are just a bunch of thirsty ass weeby girls going like, omgggg he is soo hottt HAHA I guess its like the fanfic to hentai manga pipeline or some shit

--------> Had to add in some shit after reading the last post

I LOVE THE KASAMAS!!! <3 anakbayan has been great for me like having a whole new group of friends is so nice and everyone is so fun and it is so so so amazing to know we are all together fighting and working towards the same goal!!! but also even tho everyone likes me a lot I find it sometimes hard to relate bc I'm in the like 10% of the org who is straight LMAOOOOO but that is okay!! i am just so excited to be done with finals so I can game and fuckin work out and read manga and WORK and learn more about the Phillippines!!! also probably buy a balisong and learn more kendama tricks too lol

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fasa-umich · 1 year ago

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A Resignation Letter || Alyssa Caldito, FASA's 2023-2024 Co-President

Dear FASA,

After two and a half years, I regret to inform you all that I will be leaving FASA Executive Board. Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as Co-President of the Filipino American Student Association.

My journey with FASA started before I was ever in college, when I attended UAAO’s Asian American High School Conference and, as my Pinoydar would correctly identify, met FASA’s former Co-President Christian Paneda. He told me that U-M had a Filipino org on campus, and suggested that I join if I ever ended up attending.

Baby me (and Minh-Thu) at HSC! The side part was truly a product of its time,,,

Little did I know that when my family friend, Kris Mallabo, would get to college, she would also join FASA and become our Performance Chair both in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. I also joined Anakbayan Detroit the summer before my Senior Year of high school, where a bunch of the other new members were involved in Wayne State’s FIL-SOC and encouraged me to join a PSA in college.

With the way my life was going, I was 100% sure that no matter what school I went to, I would at least try to join a PSA. I even wrote it in my admissions essays…

“Public health is a field about community. Hence, I hope to join one of the many student communities at U-M as a way to cultivate my identities and interests… Another community I hope to join U-M’s Filipino American Student Association, where I can explore my cultural identity while discussing issues important to my community.”

And when I eventually got accepted to and enrolled at U-M, the first thing I looked for at Festifall was that Filipino flag. I ended up joining FASA, going to mass meeting, and making friends with a couple of girls that unfortunately despawned after Halo Halo. As I got busier with classes, work, and other extracurriculars, I found myself unable to connect with other people in FASA exactly the way I pictured myself doing so. But, I didn’t want to give up on FASA just yet. When PCN season rolled around, Kris convinced me to sign up for a dance, where I would meet my future Co-Pres, Bryson, who was my Sayaw sa Bangko partner at the time.

Bryson, Angeli, me, and Andrew at our Freshman Year PCN Hell Week!

Through dance practices, events, and even informal things like seeing FASA people at the Union, I slowly began to fall in love with FASA. I came to understand why Kris, all my Kasamas from Anakbayan, and all the current FASA members hyped it up so much. Even after my initial shyness or the fact that I “spawned into FASA” Winter Semester of Freshman Year (according to my Intern Class), FASA was always ready to welcome me back into its community. FASA never gave up on me, so I never gave up on FASA.

Let’s speed run the rest of that story. I applied to be an intern and put on an amazing capstone event with my intern cohort.

Ran for Cultural Chair and bridged some generational gaps with JC.

And by the end of my tenure as Cultural Chair, I knew that I wasn’t done. I loved FASA and still felt like I had so much to give to it, and I wanted to be part of whatever FASA did next. Even then, I wasn’t sure if running again would be the right idea. I doubted my leadership skills, and I was scared that I wouldn’t have time to give FASA what it deserved from a President. But, I’m glad that I ran anyway. What a year it has been!

From an amazing PCN

To winning third place at Battle!

And everything in between

We may not have won Rice Bowl but maybe the real Rice Bowl was the friends we made along the way…

Winter FAM/Lin Reveal with the best lineage in FASA (totally unbiased)

My group 100% won the Mass Meeting scavenger hunt

It has been so rewarding to see the products of my time on FASA E-Board. But, I really have to give the bulk of the credit to my amazing boardies.

Nicole, more than just room bookings and dealing with EMS on our behalf, I have loved the overwhelmingly positive and joyful energy that you bring to board every week. I have loved being on Core Four with you!

Andrew, over the years, I’ve truly gotten to know you as a friend while seeing you grow as a leader within FASA. Your corny jokes have been a constant for the last 2.5 years. (And thank you for not embezzling the FASA Funds 😭)

[L]Izzy, it has been such a pleasure working with you not only as your President but also as your Culturals Ate! Your passion and drive for FASA as a community inspire me! I wish you the best in your term as president :) #CulturalstoPresidentsPipeline

Philip, learning from you and how you do your job as Cultural Chair has been such a highlight of this year. You have always brought new and different ideas to the role, and I’ve loved getting to see how each and every one has played out!

[M]Izzy, I have loved getting to know you both as our Social Chair and as a friend! Your humor and energy help make anyone feel welcome, and I love our little giggle sessions 🤭. P.S. we should schedule a hangout soon because I already miss you :(

Gabe, getting to know you and getting close to you this year on board together has been so amazing! Your creativity has made every Social event one that I look forward to, and I’m so very glad to have had my kambal on board with me :)

Eli, your passion and care for social justice do not go unnoticed. Throughout this year, you have continuously embodied what it means to be our Service and Advocacy chair. I have no doubt that you will go on to make a difference both in our community and this world!

Sofia, I seriously can’t believe how you balance school, FASA, and everything else you have going on in your life. Your commitment and love for FASA have always shone through in the work you have done as External Chair.

Therese, I’m not gonna lie, I remember meeting you our freshman year and being incredibly intimidated by you. Now, I can’t even imagine why I ever felt that way. You are one of the kindest and most genuine people I know, and I love getting to geek out about the Philippine Collections with you.

Kendra, or is it Tendra? Or Blondra? Whatever it is, I have truly appreciated every ounce of work that you have put into this year on E-Board. The hours that you have spent choreographing, teaching, and taking care of logistics like GroupMes and Google Calendars have not gone unnoticed. The work that you have put in is a direct reflection of your love for this community and the passion you have for performance.

Ash, it’s been absolutely amazing seeing you grow from that little freshman who told me that you were already planning to transfer at Festifall to the Performance Chair who led FASA Pamana to third place at Battle! Your ambition shines through in everything you do, and I can’t wait to see what you do next both in FASA and in the rest of your life.

Zainab, even though we’ve known each other since high school, I never got the chance to become close with you until this school year. I’m glad I have, because you are genuinely one of the sweetest people I know, and the effort and intentionality you put into your events and towards designing both PCN and Battle have made you an amazing asset to this year’s board.

Kayla, your initiative and creativity have truly lent themselves to your vision as Media Chair. Your care for FASA shows in the initiative you have taken as E-Board, as a choreographer, and as a friend to me and so many others in FASA. You’ve become someone that I trust and confide in, and I look forward to our long conversations.

Taryn, as Media Chair, you have always been such a reliable and warm presence to board. You never fail to bring a smile to people’s faces, and your attention to detail has made you so incredibly equipped to capture all the incredible moments from this year in FASA. More than that, it makes you even more equipped to be an amazing President. I can’t wait to see what you and Lizzy will accomplish next year <3

All of you have had such amazing and headstrong visions going into this school year, and seeing your passion and drive for FASA was one of the biggest reasons that I ran for board again. Getting to serve you all as your Co-President and helping you bring your visions to life has been one of my proudest moments!

And Bryson, a huge thank you for an amazing year of FASA together! It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m glad to have had a person to share this role with and to support me however I needed. I have loved learning from you and all of your perspectives and insights. From my two and a half week trip to the Philippines mid-October to the monster that has been my schedule this year, you have never failed to step up when my own capacity was low. I have always appreciated that and everything else that you’ve done for me as Cos. Sharing this year as Co-Presidents with you is something that I will always treasure!

And just like that, the Johnston-Caldito Administration comes to an end

And thank you to FASA, for giving me the space and support to grow into the person that I am today. Now that I’m stepping away from FASA E-Board, I can’t help but think that I now have this almost-encyclopedic knowledge of Filipino and Filipino-American culture, and nowhere for it to go. However, I also think that I now have such a better understanding of my identity and heritage than I came into college with. When thinking about my identity before college, I often thought of everything that I was missing: my language, my community, and especially my fading memories of living in the Philippines. As recently as this year, I wondered if things would have been better for me if I never left. Now, when I think about my identity, I think about the community that I have here on campus and all the people that are in my life here in Michigan.

Like these ones

Or these

And these ones

I am so incredibly grateful for everything and everyone that is in my life today. Because of you all, I am more sure of my place in this world and within the diaspora than ever, and I have so many more thank yous to give for that. FASA, you will always hold a special place in my heart for being such a huge part of my cultural journey, and I hope that you will continue to be that for so many more people in so many years to come.

And now, some final advice to future boardies from a self-proclaimed FASA Veteran:

You are Board Before Your Chair

There’s a reason that so many of you may have heard this over and over in your coffee chats. No matter how stressful or overwhelming being on Board might get, always remember that you have a team of people who have your back! During your year on board, your fellow boardies will be some of your closest and most trusted colleagues, but more importantly, they will be your friends! Don’t hesitate to lean on them for support.

Remember Your Why

E-Board is notorious for being a huge time commitment, and I’m sure that there will be moments when you are feeling burnt out from FASA. However, in those moments, I encourage you all to remember your why. Remember what it was like before you found FASA and let it remind you what a special place that it is. Remember why you decided to run for E-Board and give back to the community we have here on campus. Let that passion reignite your drive.

Have Grace

You’re not always going to be perfect in your role on E-Board. There will be event logistics that fall through the cracks, questions that you won’t have the answer to, and if you’re anything like me you will always leave an event thinking about how it can be done better next time. Even then, you should always have grace and remember that you are human and that you are allowed to make mistakes. E-Board tends to have a streak of perfectionism, but I am here to tell you that mistakes are a part of learning and growing into better leaders within our community.

Cherish Your Time on Board

A year really flies when it’s punctuated by weekly board meetings, nonstop events, Kaibigan Korners, dance practices, and everything in between. Despite all of that, don’t forget to take a step back and enjoy everything that you’ve built! In a time when FASA is almost completely different every year, always remember that you have the chance to impact the lives of everyone in our community, whether that’s big or small.

Time flies 🥲

Maraming maraming salamat FASA para sa lahat (Thank you FASA, for everything).

Nagmamahal (With love),

Alyssa Caldito

FASA Co-President 2023-2024

#2023 2024 #fasapresident

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