The building of a multi-purpose cultural center has been a hot topic of discussion among FILAMemphis members lately. Follow the discussions here to find out what's going on.

"Letter to the Editor "
Following is a letter submitted to the editor of The Commercial Appeal by Amanda Eugenio. It was published November 3, 2005.

We know the impact Rosa Parks had on our society. Your Oct. 26 front-page article about her made me think about how far we have come in terms of racial discrimination and segregation.
Or have we? A few sections over, an article on your Memphis & Region page showed that discrimination can still occur (Bartlett OK's Davies annexation/Board also approves Filipino Cultural Center").
The Filipino-American Association of Memphis, which has been part of this society for decades, wants to build its cultural center in Bartlett. It has been part of our "dream" to be able to have a place where we can gather with friends and celebrate our culture.
The highlighted quote from the story was appaling:"We're not trying to stop their dream. We just don't want their dream in our neighborhood."
The article said residents of the community feared traffic, noise, lights and decreased property values, and that an ammendment to to the resolution forbids sale of alcohol at the center.
Who do they think we are? My parents both from the Philippines, have great careers at FedEx. I know many Filipino nurses who dedicate their lives to helping heal patients. I know Filipino doctors and other health professionals who travel overseas each year to give free medical care.
Rosa Parks had a dream. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Our roles in society may not have been as significant as theirs, but our dream of having a cultural center is still very much alive and equally as important. It's a shame this kind of discrimination still exists in our society, especially in the place we call home.
Amanda Eugenio

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"Filipino Dream"
To my kababayan: Our officers and board of directors attended the town hall meeting tonight (October 24), organized by the planning commissioner of Bartlett. The venue was at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center. It was attended by some members of the Board of Alderman and mostly by the residents of the Subdivision who live close to the property we are trying to acquire to build our dream of having a home away from home. What I gathered from the meeting was that people tend to believe the worse of other people. We heard comments like: "we don't want you there because you will be having parties,getting drunk and creating a lot of noise", "increasing crime rate", "decreasing property value". Even after I have explained who we are as a community, what we have done for our community, our goals and aspiration for our organization, it seems that people tend to still believe the worse.

We came here to America believing that the people here in this great country are fair, willing to give everybody an opportunity to grow, to express their identity and be able to accomplish your dream if you work hard for it. I believe that we as a community have done our share and have given back to the people in this country. We are law abiding citizens, hardworking and a contributor to the wealth and economy of this country.We have served not only the poor people in our country but also the poor in our neighborhing community. We have given some of our financial wealth and services to help the poor people in this country. I believe that we have served our community well.

Tomorrow night will be the final meeting and the city officials-Mayor and the Board of Alderman will vote on our request for a special permit to build our cultural center. We have done our best in answering their concerns, I pray that we will be given the opportunity to show the City of Bartlett that we are going to build a center that not only we as Filipinos can be proud of, but the City of Bartlett as well. 

To all my kababayan, I want you to keep on working hard and praying and know that you have done well in supporting our organization.As Blessed Mother Teresa wrote in her poem:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
forgive them anyway
If you are kind,people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
be kind anyway
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
succeed anyway,
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
be honest and frank anyway
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
build anyway
The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow; 
do good anyway
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
give the world the best you've got anyway
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God,
it never was between you and them anyway.
God bless us all !!
Your President-Olive Cabigao

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To all attendees of the Sunday, Sep25 meeting,
I hope that the meeting with Atty. Sharon Lusk answered some of your questions, if not all. I gathered from the meeting that there is support for the project from the majority of the group. It was naive of me to aspire for 100% support. However, I know and every Filipino knows the benefits that can be derived from such a project. So, to all the supporters, please send in your pledge. To all the potential guarantors, please let me know by the end of the month if you decide to become one.
For any other question, please don't hesitate to call me or any of the other officers. We are here to answer your questions honestly and to the best of our ability. 
Olive Cabigao

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Win-Win Situation
Thank you for your honesty and opinions. I appreciate the concern of those that have fears or doubts about the cultural center project. Here are some of my thoughts.
I had the privilege to observe the Hawaii FilAm community construct their cultural center several years ago on the island that I grew up. The completion of the Hawaii Filipino cultural center which is incorporated as the FilCom Center spanned 10 years from initiation of the planning committee in 1992 to grand opening of the center in 2002. The Hawaii group also experienced hardships during their project. They overcame all the financial, political and legal hurdles to complete their center. Their building is 50,000 square feet on two acres and was built at a cost of $14 million dollars. Mariles and I took a tour of the FilCom Center in January 2003. We were proud of what the Hawaii Filipinos have accomplished. I knew this is what the Memphis FilAm needed! However, I wondered if it could ever be done in Memphis.  
I feel now the time is right for Memphis to accept this challenge. The Memphis Cultural Center project is very similar to the Hawaii FilCom center but on a much smaller scale in size and cost. We have the opportunity to complete a sizable center surrounded by a park like setting on 7 acres of land. I feel confident that our FilAm leadership and building committee are on the right track.
This is a win-win situation. We have nothing to lose but all to gain. This center can be a catalyst to bring more Filipinos together as a group in Memphis. I see nothing but positive energy and good will to be produced from this endeavor.

We will need all the support we can get for this project. Let there be no more doubt in our minds. Now is the time to act on this great opportunity. Interest rates are low. A prime location is available. The price is excellent. Let's look past the small obstacles and believe in our cause! I am committed to do what it takes to see this project completed.
Scott Quiseng

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Support will be there always...
Mga kaibigan, I read all the exchange of e-mail, i just don't have time to join you guys, but our support to this endeavor will be there always....we salute madam president and the chairman for doing an excellent job.. mabuhay mga kababayan!!!  AndGOD BLESS...
Rexie

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Big Meeting September 25, 2005
Dear Mariles and everybody,
I finally got a call and e-mail from the lawyer who is an expert on non-profit organization. She apologized for not being able to get back with her availability date because she had 26 family members from New Orleans that she had to help relocate. The real estate lawyer is trying to see if he can re-arrange his scheduled activities for that day. Anyway, the BIG DATE: September 25, 3:00 PM at the Natitivity Hall. Ka Nato has already booked the place for us. If you know anybody who wants to come to this meeting, please let them know. I personally told Ching about the meeting and told me she'll let the interested parties know.
My schedule this week is awful : every other day call starting tomorrow till Saturday. Anyway, I am going to try very hard to make it to all this meetings, however, if I can't, Ka Nato and you and some of the other officers would have to cover for me. Ed is working Thusday night so he might not be able to make it, but he can definitely make the Sat. meeting. Call me if you have any concerns or questions.
Olive 

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HEALTHY is the word
I don't mind at all. You can post all of mine. HEALTHY is the word.And let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on the website- sorry for my slow pace- it is well done!
C-C

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There is a common ground
I see the dialouge and exchange of thinking going on as a very healthy sign of an organization. There may be  differences in opinions, which is natural, but it sounds like our common ground is for the good of the organization. Now that varying opinions are out in the open, maybe this will encourage even more thoughts and ideas to come in. And hopefully, this will make the bond among us even stronger.
andy

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Most objective response
Maraming salamat, Lorrie, for your response to this e-dialogue. Yours, so far has been the most objective-not accusatory, not defensive and certainly inviting...and to think that all I was doing was exercise my right as a paid member to voice my concern. Thank you -yes, I will raise these questions when you schedule an open forum.
C-C

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We need everyone's 110% support and participation
Greetings to Y'All 
Although, there has been ongoing discussions for many years about having a Filipino Cultural Center, I understand that there are many Filipinos still with questions about the project.  During these many years of discussion there has been wide spread support shown for a Cultural Center.  I feel that that support will continue and we are now fortunate to be so close to achieving our dreams.  I hope that during this time of enormous opportunity that all Filipinos in the mid-south will come together and show support for our dream coming true by supporting our Fil-Am president and officers. 
It is truly my hope that we all work together so that we may realize our dreams of having a place we can call our own.  This project is not just for us but for our children and the future generations. I commend the dedication of Olive, Dr Ed, Ka Nato and the members of the building committee, the board of directors and officers as well, for their hard work.  They really are putting a lot of time and effort to this worthy cause.  To our friends who still have concerns/questions, let the Fil-Am Officers know them, we may not have all the answers to every question but we'll certainly try to respond to any and all questions.  We need everyone's 110% support and participation.
What do you say mga Kababayan, halina kayong lahat at tayo ay magkaisa.  Mabuhay and mga filipino!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless Us All
Lorrie

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Nabuhayan ako ng loob
Mga kaibigan at kababayan,
My first reaction to these exchanges of opinions was sadness because I felt like there are more Filipinos who have negative views about our project than we thought.  However, after reading the responses of Ka Nato, Mariles and Andy, nabuhayan ako ng loob.  Like these dedicated people I mentioned, I believe that NOW is the time to make our dream to have our own place a reality.  Everything/everybody  seems to be working towards this goal except (sadly) some of our kababayan who remain indifferent and, as I said earlier, negative.  As a mother of 3 who are raised here in the United States, I want to see something that will give them a clearer definition of their roots, something that they can call their "home".  This project is not for us, it is for our children and their children.  To Olive and Ed,  you have our undying support and admiration for your hardwork and dedication.  To all our officers/ wellwishers, keep up the great work!!   And to our friends who still have doubts,  we're here to answer your questions and to ask you, magkaisa tayong mga Pilipino sa magandang layuning ito!  Mabuhay!!
Sol

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Better things can happen to our organization
To you all,
It is true that time and time again the same group of people is carrying the "ball". I believe you are speaking about the officers, board members and "active" members, who time and time again have given their time and money to the organization. These are the people that believe that better things can happen to our organization and they can see the vast opportunity owning our own cultural center can bring to the community. These are the people that believe that mayroon pang pag-asa ang mga kababayan natin. They believe that we are capable of showing unity and be role models to the younger generation that will keep our culture and heritage alive. One has to show by example and hopefully make believers out of non-believers.
I have only been active with the organization for the last 5 years. I do not know what all happened in the past. But I can tell you all that one of the reasons why Ed and I remain active is because of the changes we have noticed with our membership. The people that carry the "ball" in our organization do not care for the "credit" they can get in working or helping our kababayan. They just want to be active and help out in whatever little way they can help.
If it seems that we are moving hastily, we really are. This is because we have a deadline to meet. The seller of the property has set a deadline and we believe that we should not let this opportunity get by us. We may never have any other opportunity to get this kind of property. For the location, size and potential for future appreciation, this property is a bargain. Thank God for Ka Nato and his committee's persistence, we are given this opportunity.
To all of you who are carrying the "ball" with me.... God bless and thank you!
Olive   

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The door is open to everybody
I am sorry if my response was perceived as one of the adjectives you mentioned ( if not all). I was merely explaining what is happening on the other side of the fence which I wholeheartedly believe is very positive. The door is open for everybody, especially those who have concern and doubts.
We have some scheduled meetings this week with two groups. We invite you to join us. It will be this Thursday and Saturday. Or we can come and visit you.
Mariles

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NOW is the time
Ching,
Your comments are appreciated. The direction of Fil-Am has greatly changed since we became a non-profit org. Gone are the days where activities revolved on social and religious events only. While these are important, we have now moved into a new direction continuing our humanitarian projects and now building the dream of every Fil-Am since the founding of our organization- our very own cultural center that will give us the identity and visibility as Filipinos in Memphis.  With the younger generation's enthusiasm to know more about the culture and heritage of the Philippines, and the hard work that a few active members have put in to find the most desirable land, the conditions are right for the realization of our dream.  To answer your question, NOW is the time!  We cannot take time to slow the process down and smell the roses anymore- we have been doing this the last 25 years.  The momentum for this cultural center is at an all time high from maybe a few dedicated members and officers,  If we stop or decelerate at this point, everybody will lose interest and this project, this dream, will be dead in the water!  If not us, then who....If not NOW, then when?  Do you think there is anybody out there willing and able to take on this project and make it happen in the future?  Are you willing to take this endeavor later on?  The magnitude of a project like this not only requires money but more importantly guts and dedication.
The people who have been working on this project have invested the last 18 months of their life to make this project happen.  There are members who have no idea of what is going on because they have not been involved. It is the duty of the officers to continue on going projects and to initiate new projects. What we present in the meetings is the culmination of the hard work of the building committee and the officers.All we ask of the membership is to listen, read and understand the nature of the project, its importance and the impact on the future generation. The outcome of this project will determine the future of the organization.
To all the potential guarantors, who are waiting for another meeting with the lawyer, that day will come. I am trying to get the availability of the non-profit and real estate lawyer to answer their questions.I will let everybody know of the date as soon as possible. Bear in mind that this is not the only thing that I do and that it takes time to schedule all this meetings. In fact, I have 2 meetings to go to in the morning ( on my day off from work) regarding this project.
I hope this answers your questions. Ka Nato,the building committee members, the officers and I will always be available to answer any question regarding these project.
Olive

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Never mind who gets the credit if this project is successful
It is true that the recent presentations intended for the whole Fil-Am community were attended only by a few. It maybe because of the weather. When there were many people we could not understand each other because the microphone was not in use. We still have time to make up for it if everyone will help to deliver the message.
Why now? I heard this goal when I arrived in Memphis 25 years ago. The price of land was cheap and the supplies are plenty. This goal was written year after year to see if the public would support the idea. In January our President and the Officers asked me to lead a building committee to find a suitable location. The strategy is to identify the site as a tangible property so we can show to the community that this project is real.
The time is now not next year or later because we have made significant progress preparing for the purchase of the property. The contingency factor depends on financing. When you consider the strategic location, the wooded track, and the cheapest price compared to the adjacent site at a million dollar commercial rate, this property is too good to be true. This property has sewer, utilities, and a new DOT road in place.
Our first chance to buy the 5.5 acres failed because the owner withdrew. This land was not listed for sale. I was depressed when the President asked my committee to start looking again. I prayed and then one day the owner called me to meet him at the site. He offered the 7.5 acres also which turned out to be more attractive than the other. This is the second and our last chance because he already started developing the track into a subdivision. The owner is a developer very willing to help us. The City of Bartlett is behind us. We can sell the excess portion of the land at a higher price and hope to pay for the building.
We have a group of doctors and other professionals who have the resources willing to put up their capital in line with the burning desire to start this project and give the legacy to the next generation.
Never mind who gets the credit if this project is successful.
But I will take the blame for one, if this fails,
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Renato

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If not now, when?
Ching has a point that we can't ignore. At the same time, we have to search and find out the reasons why. This morning, I had a chance to ride the bike with two guys who are not active with the association but very interested in getting involved. I found out that the situations our organization had in the past were big factors for them for not getting involved anymore. I told them about the cultural center project and they were very enthusiastic and even have great ideas on what this center can be used for in the future. One of the two is aware of the Tampa   project and he's wishing/dreaming that the same thing can happen to Memphis.
The Filipinos in Memphis are really growing. We see them everywhere. We hear about them, coming, staying and most of them wonder where the rest of the Filipinos in Memphis are.
The time is really now to take action, do something and make it happen. We may face stumbling blocks along the way such as the naysayers and nonbelievers.  But with the great leadership of our president  and with the strong support she's getting from the officers, kayang-kaya 'yan. And God' willing, this dream will be a reality soon.
If not now, when? If not us, then who else will?
Panahon na, kabayan. Tulong-tulong tayo para maging successful ito!
Andy

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is there a best time?
A townhall meeting had been scheduled but the numbers of attendees were disappointingly low. I understand what Ching ching is saying and like her I have seen the many ups and downs of the association. But when is the best time to start this noble deed? Or is there a best time?  I admire Olivia and Ka Renato for taking us to this direction and hope that whatever obstacles we are facing that we may able to hurdle them together. I applaud mostly Young Kim and Scott Quiseng ( not because he is my part time lover..he he he) for stepping up to the plate. You see these two are not even full blooded Filipinos and yet they are so willing to do what it takes to make this project a reality.  My fervent prayer is for unification of us, Filipinos, that we may be able to support the growth and development  of our association.
Thank you and may God bless you all
Mariles

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The "pulse" of the membership
I think it behooves you to scedule a series of meetings with small groups rather than one townhall gathering. From what I discern you have yet to have a "successful" meeting to date due to low attendance, lack of equpment,et.
Please don't get me wrong. Camilo and I are privileged to have been one of the founding legs of FilAm. We have been steady,staunch supporters of this organization- I just hate to see great strides wasted. I wholeheartedly applaud the trmrndous energy spent and sacrifice sank into this endeavor by Olive, Connie, others and especially Renato. You are doing an awesome job... but let's face it... perhaps the time is not right.
I earnestly think that you are going at it too hastily. I pray that I have neither dampened your spirits not quelched your hopes- God knows it is not my desire. If anything, my sincere wish is that I shall have alerted you to the "pulse" of the membership and to forewarn you to go a little"slower". Take time to" smell the roses ". In the final analysis, in the eyes of the general membership, your noble efforts shall not have been diminished or in vain. And in the annals of FilAm history, let it be etched- "the movement to purchase a site for the cultural center was initiated during the tenure of then Preident Olive Cabigao and her officers.
God bless.
C-C

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Concerns...legitimate and important ones
Dear All,
I have attempted to send a response twice but got bogged down by my "session being timed out" by my server because of the length of this text so I will now attempt to send this reply in two parts. Please bear with me.
I can understand your frustrations! But have you ever noticed that time and again, ahandful of people show up and actually "run with the ball" whenever there are activities and events sponsored by FilAm? And that it is the same group of people everytime? So it is happening again- you expect a response from the mailings of these pledge packets yet lo and behold!- nary a single return. Now why is that?

In the history of this association, never has there been an undertaking the magnitude of which the project you are currently launching carries. I bet these members have alot of trepidation, intimidated, perhaps? Not to mention a great deal of worry as to the future of this project, continuity of leadership, etc.etc. I, too, like a few who have come to me for clarity, have a number of concerns... legitimate and important ones in fact that they can't be simply dismissed. They won't go away unless you address them. This particular group has been promised the audience of a real estate lawyer- and they are still waiting! This group has the makings of potential backers- depending on how you can fill their whats and whys. My advice is to satisfy their queries. To be continued....
C-C

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No personal gain to earn from this...
Hello everybody! Will take the privilege of forwarding this letter of Olive Cabigao, our Pres. Yes, it is really frustrating and it seems like only the officers and a handful of active members are interested to work and make this project to happen. But if each and everyone of us active ones will start to pull a hand or two of the other uninterested members, maybe we will be able to secure the trust of everybody and unite to make it go through.We are all idealistic, our goal is to promote our heritage;not any personal gain to earn from this.I'm not sure how many packets of pledges were already distributed among the members; but hopefully we can help by personally distributing them to other members and non-members. I believe if we do not get any considerable amount of pledges by October, then all our efforts are mute!
Olive, these are my thoughts.Let's try to E-mail and contact others to share this goal;also inform everybody to visit our impressive WEBSITE.
Connie

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Second guessing our intention
Connie, Bank of Bartlett can't do it on Sat. He said the loan officer who will be meeting with us will be out of town this weekend. So, we are pushing with the meeting on Monday afternoon. We will also be meeting with Bank of America early Monday afternoon. I will be missing your moral support. Hopefully, Dinia and Ka Aveling can come. I also told Bob to come if he can.
I am trying to schedule small town meeting for the different groups that are being gathered by the different officers:

1. meeting with the other non-catholic group on Sat.17 @ 4 pm
2. meeting with PT basketball players at Resurrection church on Thurs.
3. i am attending the b-day gathering for dinia given by the charismatic group to try to talk to them or answer their questions.

I am still trying to coordinate with the non-profit lawyer to see her availability. I don't know when i can schedule another meeting with the other potential guarrantors,ie-Ungab,Verzosa,Basco and others..
To tell you honestly, I am getting tired and frustrated. With all the work that we have done, it seems that people are still second guessing our intention.
I went to our PO Box today to check if any of the pledges have come back...well sad to say our mailbox was empty.
If we do not get enough pledges, I think that we will have to think hard whether to continue the project. If the community can not support the buying of the land, how can they support building the center and maintaining it. What are your thoughts?
Olive