By Terri Torres
I thought I'd write a little about what a good time we had at the party. First off, Virginia Navarro's home was beautifully decorated, as usual. Her home is gorgeous! Every nook and cranny had some kind of holiday decoration or a cherished photograph of her many family members and friends. Virginia is always welcoming people in her home. You can tell she is loved.
The UOP Kilusan students gave a nice performance of singing holiday songs, they even changed some lyrics to pertain to Filipinos - like instead of “figgy pudding” it was “halo-halo”. They were great!
Once the delicious food was eaten by all, we settled down to a “short” meeting. But, as always, we digressed, but it was to some fabulous story telling. Jerry Paular and Frank Tibon told some great stories about a few old timers, and no matter how I try, I could never do justice to their renditions. You had to be there to get the full effect! We commented on how next time, we should have a video camera going so we can get those spontaneous moments on film. After all, we're supposed to be documenting our history, and those two guys have the best stories!
Virginia Navarro had some great stories that left us laughing and Dick Teczon Jr. told us how he and his brother had some stories from some of the old timers too, and we mentioned how he should be retelling those stories to his daughter and grandkids, who said they hadn't heard any of those stories yet. Those are things that we all should be doing for the future generations.
It was a great party - lots of food, friends, memories, and laughter - and, we took lots of photographs!
Herb Jamero of the FANHS Central Valley Chapter was the guest speaker. Herb spoke on the Jamero Family Museum and the FANHS Central Valley Chapter Museum. Unfortunately, a video player was not available to provide a visual tour of the museum. Herb agreed to return at a later date to share this.
The museum was constructed from a recreation hall that was part of the original Jamero labor camp. During the war, population peaked at approximately 100. They farmed grapes, peaches, and sweet potatoes.
Herb spoke on his family's migration from Hawaii, part of the 1920's Sakadas, and his parents' initial meeting, eventual marriage, and raising their family. He shared stories of growing up, the social events of the time.
Herb's brother, George, had kept family heirlooms that they wanted to display and share with others. There's a room of family photos, an 1896 prized edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, and in a display case, a star-shaped medallion.
A project taken on was documenting the pioneer Filipino families in the area. Another project paid homage to his 'Uncle Oopoong'. This album consisted of his uncle's artifacts reflecting on his thoughts and life history. Uncle Crispo Paguican was 4'7'', sang, and played the French horn in the Daguhay Marching Band.
The Jamero Family museum provides tours. They also have a contract with the school district with a lesson plan.
President Mel LaGasca presented Herb Jamero with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Anita Navalta Bautista spoke on ‘How to Preserve Historical Documents’. The recent flood in the Gulf States that devastated New Orleans and left most residents unprepared was relevant to FANHS members. Anita referred to an article in the Stockton Record dated December 19, 1955, ‘Black Christmas, Stockton Flood of Christmas 1955’. The flood affected areas south of downtown and neighborhoods such as Corona Park. Anita’s house, at 302 W. Third, had a two feet water level. Unlike those in the Gulf States, she had time to save important papers and photographs. The news article was passed around and most members recalled their own experience, its effect on their lives, and how they dealt with it. A hand out was passed out ‘What To Do To Save Your Important Documents and Photos’.
Families should have an evacuation plan, an out of town contact person to serve as a central point of contact, and a meeting place set. Keep some low denomination paper money to purchase needed items. During emergencies, pay phone lines are not as expensive as cell phones.
The FANHS Mission Statement -- Anita Navalta Bautista read and interpreted to members the importance and the need to focus on the FANHS Mission Statement; Emphasizing the collection, preservation, and education of the Filipino American History. Exhibits tell a story visually. Lectures, such as though given at San Francisco and Sacramento State, provide a means to educate and preserve. The FANHS Newsletter and future articles submitted for publication need to focus on this.
Definition of a US Veteran -- Anita Navalta Bautista went through factors that determine an American Veteran. Veterans of Filipino descent or those assisting them in seeking veteran benefits need to know these. Examples include but are not limited to:
1) All American Veterans will have discharged papers. If no paperwork exists, contact Veteran Affairs and request Form 110
2) First Unit Filipino Scouts
3) Filipinos who helped America in the Filipino Spanish War
4) Recognized Guerrillas under the United States military
5) Those who served in the United States Armed Forces Far East (USAFFE)
Anita Bautista was the speaker of the day. Anita discussed ‘Talk Stories’ and referred to the binder and its contents being circulated amongst the group. Each speaker was given a copy of the DVD to review and provide feedback. For future sessions, the format would concentrate on one speaker at a time. This would prevent the speaker from losing his train of thought during the recorded session. Tony Somera recorded and copied the DVDs at no charge. Otherwise, the cost would have been $29.50, per Gluskin’s. Each participant signed an Authorization to be recorded. Evaluation sheets were distributed and should be turned in as soon as possible to help improve this process. Anita stressed the importance of the ‘Talk Stories’ as it preserves the history of the Filipino-American experience told in the speaker’s own words, emphasizing the FANHS Mission Statement. Mel presented Anita with a Certificate of Appreciation for spearheading the ‘Talk Stories’.
Leatrice B. Perez spoke on the topic: “VOICES” which was part of an oral history project done in Stockton some years ago. The book “VOICES” is a collection of short stories of the experiences of early Filipino Pioneers (1900-1950's). Leatrice shared a story written about her husband, Frank Perez, who left the Philippines in 1929 at the age of 16. Frank and Leatrice came to Stockton in 1943 and they will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary this year. Leatrice also shared a story of her oldest sister, Angel, who passed away in 2001.
Guest Speaker Aeko Yoshikawa, spoke on the topic: “Stockton Speaks”. UOP received a grant from the California Council for the Humanity/State History, to interview 54 individuals, which covered 9 ethnic groups. Aeko spoke for one hour covering the interview with Filomena Juanitas Hufana and Gloria Carido Nomura, plus questions. Copies of the project on CD and written scripts were handed out.
Anita Bautista spoke on the topic: "How to Prepare a Simple Genealogy." She distributed forms outlining the information to be included in a genealogy, and described a display posted on the board which she had prepared on her mother to assist those present in the preparation of their own projects. Her suggestions were very well received. She encouraged each to develop a genealogy of a family member and to contact her with any questions.
Summary by Violet Dutra
Ana started out by explaining the title, which referred to "Luzon to Tutuila to America"--(Philippines, Samoa, United States) Ana, a professional writer, freelancer, and editor, has worked for FEMA for 20 years as a spokesperson. Her educational background is in anthropology.
For two months following a destructive cyclone early in 2004 Ana was assigned to American Samoa which is the only American territory below the equator. She was assigned to the island of Tutuila, 54 square miles in size, 58,000 people, with 800 to 1000 of them Filipinos. Here was the historical capital-- Pago Pago (pronounced "Pango Pango"--the "n" sound is always placed between "a" and "g". The main industry is tuna fishing.
FEMA set up temporary offices for Ana and other workers to manage disaster operations. Across the street was one of the numerous seamstress shops on the islands, almost as numerous as the churches there.
She found that all of the seamstresses were Filipinas (only one Pinoy). Their ages were mid 20's to late 50's, were not permanent citizens, would sign contracts for two to three years, then return to the Philippines. Reasons for their being there were 1) to better their lives. 2) to escape poverty at home. 3) to have an American connection.
The shop across the street, called "Amy's", was owned by a Filipino couple who owned four shops in Somoa. On the island of Tutuila alone there are 36 sewing shops. Ana studied the lives of three of the women calling them "Joanie", "Sheila", and "Linda". They worked six days a week, daybreak to midnight, and were required to go to church on Sundays. They lived in the home where they worked, for which they paid rent to the owners. They were exhausted, with a lack of stimulation. Since they were paid by the piece, the more they worked, the more they could make. Once the items were completed, 40% of the price went to the seamstress and 60% to the owners.
The reasons the shops are necessary stem from the fact that all clothing is made to order, there are no ready-made clothing to speak of, and each group, such as church choirs, sport groups, etc. have identical uniforms. All customers are measured for each item, have to try out the item several times to fit well, then the clothing is ironed before being pickup up. Usually the customer brought the material and would bring a picture of what was wanted.
The lives of the seamstresses are exhausting, but the money helps their families at home.