A Buffet of Ideas
By Ruby Kumbalek

Just like our famous Filipino pot-lucks where everybody brings something to share, the first FAAWIS Meeting in 2009 was indeed a wonderful buffet of ideas!  Officiated by FAAWIS President, Dr. Marie Abraham-Rebancos, the meeting on January 10th was attended by officers, board members, committee chairpersons and members, who brought their unique insights to the , and helped in accomplishing some very lively and interesting discussions on the agenda items.
    Marie introduced the board members, committee chairpersons and members.  FAAWIS also prides itself in the individuals who have graciously volunteered to be the chairpersons/ members of this year’s various committees.
    Marie acknowledged the presence of 2008 President, Mimi Ballesteros, and expressed the organization’s deep gratitude for her outstanding leadership and continued involvement in helping our members and community.
    The treasurer’s report showed that the FAAWIS Board had decided to donate to Gawad Kalinga  (housing project) for the poor in the Philippines.
    The meeting proceeded to the presentation of the 2009 FAAWIS events, which are listed on page 1.
    This year, we will become more vigilant by implementing various ways to improve collection of membership dues, including having a membership booth at every event so people can conveniently pay their dues.  Families who have adopted kids from orphanages in the Philippines and enlist their families with FAAWIS will enjoy a one-year free membership.
    Recognizing the growing costs of publishing the Bulalakaw, FAAWIS officers proposed to review the membership dues/ fees.  After considering the various valid and pressing views from the members, it was moved and seconded that there will be no increase in the membership dues/ fees this year.  This matter will be revisited next year.
    Marie also convened the group to elect the 2009 President-elect and Vice President.  FAAWIS is proud to announce Sheila Plaga- Jackson as the 2009 President-elect and Chad Albaño as the 2009 Vice President.
    Vic dela Cruz, speaking on behalf of the House of Refuge orphanage, gave a briefing on its current challenges and accomplishments.  Vic continues to promote this worthy program which aims to help a few older kids from certain Manila orphanages find adoptive families here in Wisconsin.  Please see Vic’s article on page 11 as to how you can help.
    Trinity House was also briefly discussed. The Board agreed to set a small budget for each event to help with the cost.
    This meeting was held in the charming Abraham-Rebancos’ residence in Brookfield.  The attendees enjoyed a delectable early dinner catered by Precy Griffin.
    The meeting was adjourned with everybody feeling enthusiastic and excited about the many events and activities lined up for this year.  Though almost everybody is  assuming that 2009 is going to be a very tough year for our economy, we at FAAWIS are already anticipating that the bell of success for FAAWIS will be ringing resoundingly again this year!