Fil-Am Who's Who, December 2018

fil-am who’S WHo December 2018

Stevenson Van Derodar Extraordinary Leadership

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At Your Service • Trade Representative Nicanor Bautista Organizations We Love • Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) Community Movers & Shakers • Jocelyn Bernal • Penn Baluyut Milestones & Moments • BackApp Grand Launching • Qudos Grand Launching Cover Story • Stevenson Van Derodar

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Rewind • Event Photos by Rolan Gutierrez

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A Word from The Editor

Oliver Oliveros

We’re Counting Our Blessings!

Every year around the same time, I get to read back through the previous issues of Fil-Am Who’s Who, especially the issues published recently. For me, it is always a healthy exercise to reflect on what our editorial, marketing, and sales team have done exceptionally so, and, also, to point out the sticky areas that need improvement in the next publication.

In 2018, we were so blessed we had Donald and Lea Frain; Sam and Carol Sibbaluca; Sally Nunez, Maria Lea Batomalaque, and Florida Lucas; the hard-working people at Philippine Airlines (PAL)-New York; the outstanding visionaries at Qudos ride-sharing mobile application, and the young leaders at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippine-New York, among others to grace our cover. Our official website at FilAmWhosWho.com had its welldeserved facelift as well, with the help of Chanz Global, an IT firm in the Netherlands and the Philippines.

Exceptionally unforgettable—ticked off our bucket list—were our familiarization visits to Manila, Davao, and Zamboanga, organized by the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and PAL, and our exclusive interviews with Atty. Nicolas Caraquel, PAL President & COO Jaime Bautista, and Qudos Founder & Director Neil Anthony Rollon, among others. We were also exuberant at the Philippines launch of the Fil-Am-made BackApp, a homecare mobile application, spearheaded by remarkable nurses Sally Nunez, Maria Lea Batomalaque, and Florida Lucas.

Through the years, the core inspiration for Fil-Am Who’s Who does not change: its commitment to telling the real-life success stories of growing Fil-Am communities, primarily in the New York Tri-State as well as to support various Fil-Am events such as concerts, fundraisers, pageants, and whatnots. In 2019, we vow to keep what we have started since the inception of this publication—five years ago.

Christmas is a time for thanksgiving, shared joy, and much anticipation as we look forward to many more Christmases and milestones to achieve for Fil-Am Who’s Who. On behalf of my copublishers, Rolan and Myrna Gutierrez, and our contributors and columnists, I would like to extend my warmest Christmas and New Year’s wishes to all!

Fil-Am Who’s Who accepts article submissions, event photos, and news tips. Send us an email at info@filamwhoswho.com.

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Erratum: In the October 2018 issue of Fil-Am Who’s Who, singer Angel Ram’s full name was misspelled. Angel Ramchand is the correct spelling of the singer’s name.

We use information sources that we believe to be reliable, but do not warrant the accuracy of those sources. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Fil-Am Who’s Who articles and other information on the website are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the publication date.

fil-am who’s who

STAFF Executive Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Layout Artist & Photo Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Contributing Writer Maricar CP Hampton • Contributing Writer Rachel Davis • Contributing Writer Wendell Gaa • Contributing Writer Ferdinand Esguerra Contributing Writer Niza Esguerra • Contributing Photographer Miguel Gutierrez • Marketing Executive Cecile Duyongco • Philippines Marketing and Sales Manager Jekelyn Nisola Publisher Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc. Copyright © 2018 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. For inquiries, please email info@filamwhoswho.com or call (917)

502-9887 • (917) 502-9891.

Nicanor Bautista

At Your Service

Wendell Gaa

Expanding the Philippines’ trade in the Northeast USA finance and trade beckoned him to different posting assignments throughout Asia and the Middle East.

He began his work as a professional for the Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Company as an auditor, before becoming a resident officer at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd (HSBC) branch in Manila, where he was employed for eight years during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He then rose through the ranks to become assistant vice president at Asiatrust Bank, before he officially joined the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and was designated the trade representative to the Republic of Korea.

By the late 2000s, he became DTI trade representative to Taiwan and deputy director for commercial affairs at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, followed by a stint as trade representative and commercial attaché in Kuwait between 2009 to 2011. Not long afterward, he was reassigned back to the Republic of Korea as DTI commercial counselor, a post he held for four years before being handed his first U.S. assignment as the DTI trade commissioner in San Francisco in 2015. He had been there for a little over a year before finally being assigned as special trade representative in New York.

Bautista also happens to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and since 1986, has been a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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laying a huge role in encouraging the world’s financial capital’s business community to invest in the Philippines is Special Trade Representative Nicanor S. Bautista. As the head of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York (PTIC-NY), Bautista is tasked with the key role of expanding the country’s trade in goods and services with the entire Northeast U.S. region, along with attracting U.S. investments in priority sectors into the Philippines.

Since officially assuming his post as a special trade representative on 01 November 2016, Bautista has been the prime official at the New York Philippine Center to whom people from the corporate sector and beyond have been turning to for information and updates on the investment climate of the Philippines and, no doubt, he has been doing his bit to help spread the good word on how favorable the country truly is as a hub for business and development within the greater Asia-Pacific region.

Born and raised in Obando, Bulacan, Bautista is a proud alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) educational system. He is a graduate of UST High School (Class of ’81) and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting, at UST in 1985. From then onward, a career in

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One of his proudest accomplishments so far within the nearly two years of his New York posting has been the decision of a U.S. Fortune 500 company to invest in the Philippines’ healthcare information management industry. “The decision is expected to result to an initial 3,000 jobs, and in the medium-to-long-term will probably require around 15,000,” he comments, adding, “outside of the obvious economic contribution, the investment reinforces the country’s position as a competitive, secure, sustainable, and profitable destination for US capital.” Such noteworthy achievements motivate Bautista to carry on his mission in encouraging U.S. investors to explore all possible business opportunities in the Philippines.

In his spare time, he devotes himself to his personal passions such as taking photographs and reading non-fiction novels, as well as spending time with his wife. Whenever he has the chance to travel back to the Philippines for both business and pleasure purposes, he calls Makati City, the nation’s prime financial center, home.

Bautista wholeheartedly views the Fil-Am business community as an essential contributor to the expanding economic development of the Philippines. “You are part of our country’s global human resources and play an important role in the growth of the Philippine economy to becoming one of the largest economies in Asia in the next decade,” he says. “There are enough reasons, quite apart from the fact that it is your home, to recognize that the future of the Philippines is now in our hands, and we all have the power to ensure that we pass on a better, stronger Philippines to the next generation.”

JCI Philippine-New York

Organizations We Love Myrna Gutierrez

Continuing Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

By Justo Iralle

Rollie Balanza

Photos courtesy of JCI Philippines-New York

Ricky Rillera

Jesse Arteche

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Brandon Schumacher

Steven Van Derodar

hich organization offers young people between the ages of 18-40 in the Filipino-American (FilAm) community the opportunity to develop their personal and professional skills, serve their community through a range of projects, and create a positive change in the nation and beyond?

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) or Jaycees (as it was called then).

Rollie Balanza and Ricky Rillera served consecutively, which was a rarity then with more than 65 chapters in the state with close to 3,000 members. Arteche could have done the same feat following Rillera but opted to wait for another year. Rillera pushed the notch further to become the first Fil-Am National Vice President and JCI International Vice President assigned to 5 state organizations in the US and 7 countries in Asia.

Fifty-five years ago, a group of idealistic 25 young men chartered the first ethnic-based chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI-USA) to serve the social and civic needs of the then-fledgling Fil-Am community. According to local historians of the JCI Philippine-New York, it took two years of debates in the highest levels of JCI-USA to secure its charter in 1965.

Through the years, the JCI Philippine-New York has been accorded highest state and national awards. On many occasions, the chapter has been named the Most Outstanding Chapter in the state of New York. Individual members were likewise honored with state, national, and international awards.

Back then, Jaycees were formed only based on well-defined geographic boundaries. An ethnic-based chapter was then considered a revolutionary idea--an idea that brought the JCI Philippine-New York chapter to distinction and continues to make history until now.

JCI is a “worldwide community of young active citizens who are changing the world, one community at a time.” It has members in 5,000 communities in more than a hundred countries in the world-Africa, Asia, Americas, and Europe.

About 5,000 local members have joined JCI Philippine-New York since its founding in 1963. Within this span of time, it has produced movers and shakers of the Fil-Am community, visionaries of corporate America, as well as officials and lawmakers of governments. Non-Filipinos have joined the chapter, too, with the same idealism and fervor as Fil-Ams. Three of them Rene Goicochea, Brandon Schumacher, and Alex Drogeanu have served as presidents.

To mark the chapter’s 55 years of community service, JCI chapters from the state of New York elected Stevenson Derodar as the 88th State President. He follows the legacy left by his predecessors who also had served in the same capacity: Rollie Balanza, Richard Rillera, Jesse Arteche, and Brandon Schumacher.

JCI Philippine-New York pioneered and continue to run projects beneficial to its membership and community needs. One of its continuing signature projects is providing help to the New York City Marathon every year.

It also ran Aksyon Agad and Operation Gift Lift projects benefitting street children and Amerasian kids in the Philippines. It helped raise funds for calamity victims in the Philippines such as the Typhoon Yolanda and Ondoy, and the World Trade Center Relief Fund.

It conducted seminars for the youth through community leadership excellence workshops (CLEWs), Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY), and Outstanding Young New Yorker (OYNY) programs.

Recently, under the leadership of Derodar, he revived the Distinguished Service Award, which he renamed ICON Awards honoring outstanding community leaders.

JCI Philippine-New York propagated the Jaycee movement in the metropolitan New York area. It helped form chapters such as the New York Korean, Brooklyn, New York Japan, Flatlands, ChineseNew York, Bangladesh-American, Staten Island, Rockland, Hudson, Yonkers, the African-American, the New York City, Hispanic, and most recently, the Queens and Manhattan. december 2018

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Meet the 2018 JCI New York State Local Chapter Fil-Am Presidents

By Steven Van Derodar

Community Movers & Shakers

Myrna Gutierrez

Carlos Miguel Jesus I. Cabrera

Cecile Duyongco

City you were born: Manila, Philippines

City you were Philippines

Age: 40 Education: BS Marketing Management De La Salle University Interests: Health and financial progress, being in a positive environment, spending time with family and friends, personal development, various sports Why did you join the Jaycees: I followed my parents’ footsteps. They were both presidents of their respective chapters in Cagayan de Oro. As I child, I saw that they were always surrounded by people and we traveled a lot to meet others in different parts of the Philippines. Seeing them serving the community and getting recognized for the many projects and activities they were a part of made me proud of them even more. The several awards displayed at home were my daily reminders of the impact they’ve created.

I also joined to network, more specifically to create friends in different parts of the world since this organization is part of virtually every country. Also, one of my main reasons in joining the Jaycees is to find like-minded individuals who have that entrepreneurial drive and great attitude and may want to partner.

Goals for the chapter: Continue providing each member the opportunity to achieve their goals and make the chapter an avenue to stay active and help the community.

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born:

Carolyn Joyce P. Marticio Davao

City,

Age: 39 Education: Business Computer Application - Silliman University; Health Information Management - University of California San Diego Interests: Apart from being a foodie and passionate traveler, who appreciates the intercultural exchange, I have always been passionate with crafts and quality content, and have mastered the art of scaling teams for success and constantly and enabling their growth in both leadership and claims resolution. My work at Columbia University Medical has afforded me those opportunities. I have been involved in various corporate special events and Fil-Am Who’s Who magazine as a marketing executive.

Why did you join the Jaycees: Moving from San Diego to New York two years ago had provided me avenues to enrich my professional and leadership pursuits-I was part of various organizations such as the Silliman University Alumni Association, KIDS Philippines, and PACEC. With the many involvements I have been into and realizing to step up, I responded to the challenge to lead a new chapter as a Jaycee Chapter President early this year. I believe it is essential for a leader to take risks. There is no growth or inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable.

Goals for the chapter: Encourage others to achieve a sense of involvement in the community while developing leadership in the process and contribute to their personal and professional successes.

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City you were born: Brooklyn, New York Age: 39 Education: Adelphi University Interests: Cooking, singing, advocating for causes such as End to Global Warming, Stop Human Trafficking, End to World Hunger, and Nothing But Nets Campaign-Eradicating Malaria Why did you join the Jaycees: I joined the Jaycees to develop the skills that will help me grow in my catering business and hospital work. I also want to network with people in my field. And I love making new friends.

Goals for the chapter: My goals for the chapter is to develop it into a chapter that will reach many youth and young professionals that need direction in their lives. I would like to develop them into good citizens that help our community and the world.

Community Movers & Shakers

Jocelyn Bernal

Myrna Gutierrez

A Behind-the-Scenes Leader Photo by Rolan Gutierrez University. She wrote about her experience during People Power 1 and the overthrow of the Marcos family to make way for Cory Aquino to lead the Philippines. She was accepted with a partial scholarship that made her mother proud. It was after graduation that she decided to join an organization that changed her life forever.

Jocelyn discovered the Philippine-New York Jaycees in 1992 after meeting a very ambitious, motivated membership vicepresident in the person of Ner Martinez. She was convinced to join this group of young professionals who wanted to change the world one project at a time utilizing leadership skills that could develop them to be better versions of themselves. After three years, she was tapped to become the 33rd chapter president.

She was only the second female leader of this predominantly male organization. She was a reluctant leader but with much support from the senior generation of leaders, she took the position.

As president, it was the hardest year to lead. Instead of growth, the organization’s membership declined significantly and with that came reduced manpower, less money and fewer projects.

The important lesson learned was to cut losses in order to rebuild—much like a corporate chief executive who had to make difficult decisions when times are tough. Out of this difficult time emerged a leader who could stand tall and justify choices and decisions made and still lead the chapter to survive with great creativity and prudent use of limited resources and manpower.

From the local chapter level, Jocelyn served at the state level as the second international affairs vice-president. She then joined the international affairs committee at the national level, which led to an appointment at the world level. She served as one of the five executive assistants to the World President Yong Suk Choi of South Korea in 1999, assigned to cover North and South America.

After 11 years of service, Jocelyn was recognized with three lifetime awards: The New York State Jaycee Governorship (#235), the United States Jaycees Ambassadorship (#3777) and the Junior Chamber International Senatorship (# 64518). She is the only fifth chapter member and the only woman to achieve the triple honor.

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ocelyn always considered herself an introvert who dreamed about Through the years, she also served at the NYU Undergraduate doing great things but was usually too shy to go after what she College Alumni Council, co-founded the Asian Institute of Management Alumni Association East Coast chapter, and was wanted. one of the active members of NAFFAA New York. In 2007, she Jocelyn is the eldest of three girls born to parents Jose and Rosalinda was recognized by the Filipina Women’s Network based in San Bernal. She was followed by her twin sisters, Lourdes and Concepcion. Francisco as one of the 100 Influential Women in the United States in the category of “Behind-the-Scenes” leadership.

The family lived in Jakarta, Indonesia from 1969-1981.

Today, Jocelyn considers herself an extroverted introvert who is In 1981, the family moved back to Manila. Jocelyn went to high school no longer afraid to reach for her goals. She is proud to contribute at St. Scholastica’s College. Just as things were humming, tragedy to community building and is humbled to be recognized as struck. Her father passed away at the age of 46. Jocelyn was 13. JCI Senator Jocelyn Bernal by members of her beloved Jaycee Within a few months, she left her childhood behind and tried to become organization. an adult right away. Surviving freshman year at UP Diliman in 1985 was challenging enough but to be uprooted to move to New York in For whatever may come next, you can rest assured that 1986 proved to be another thorn in life to overcome in order to live she will always serve and live by the last line of the Jaycee a better life. After settling in Flushing, NY, she applied to New York Creed: “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 7

Atelier Design Builder Inc. Architect and General Contractor Services: • Design and Construction • Residential and Commercial • Specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom • Department of Building Expediting

Architect Penn D. Baluyut Proprietor Mobile: 516.509.4092 Email: Pennbaluyut@gmail.com

Architect Penn Baluyut

Community Movers & Shakers

A Scout Spirit That Never Gave Up

By Ferdinand Esguerra

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez went down in 1985 and left with no other choice. He accepted a job offer and migrated to the US with his family.

“I started from zero again,” Penn said, adding that he worked for different architectural firms. “I was laid off twice and lost my US working status two times.” Left with very limited options, he decided to become a handyman in 1995--doing demolition work in construction projects, plumbing, carpentry, and tile work.

“I was nobody and did not know anybody in New York. But through it all, I never wavered. With my faith and devotion to the Scout Oath, my family and I were able to survive all those trials,” said Penn, an Eagle Scout, the highest rank that can be achieved in the Boy Scouting program. Even as he struggled to be back on his feet again, Penn never forgot to do a good deed. Oftentimes, he would put a quarter in the parking meter of an adjacent car whose meter was about to expire to save the owner from getting a ticket.

He affiliated himself with various organizations through which he could help other people in whatever way he could--Knights of Rizal, Lions Club, the Jaycees International (JCI) and a few others.

He would host dinners, no matter how simple, to welcome fellow Filipinos. He would provide construction and architectural advice for free and do some other little things. The first organization he joined was the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), which asked him to design and execute the plan for the PIDC celebration on Madison Avenue. Then came other projects involving the Filipino community. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I guess my desire to be of help to other people in my own little way has paid off,” said Penn, a lifetime JCI senator, who describes himself as an avid golfer. “I like the sport as it is very challenging n my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my and allows me to play in a green scenery, reminding me of my days country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all when I was a Boy Scout.” times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” – The Scout Oath Recently, Penn, who founded the Letran Alumni USA East Coast, was selected one of Letran’s Outstanding Alumni, a testimony to his Many consider Penn Baluyut, founder of New York-based Atelier hard work and willingness to be of help to others. The Boy Scout Design Builders Inc., a very successful architect. He designs and spirit has, certainly, taken Penn to where he is now. And we can renovates high-end apartments in Manhattan. In the Philippines, only expect more and bigger things to come from and to this Scout. where he used to practice, his clientele included moneyed people who had their houses built in very exclusive villages, such as Corinthian Gardens, Greenhills, and Valle Verde. What many do not know, however, was that Penn had gone through a lot, but was always able to bounce back. Thanks to his scout spirit and adherence to the Scout Oath, which has guided his entire adult life.

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“I have suffered so many downs in my life, but unlike others, I never gave up,” said Penn, a native of Manila, who migrated to the US in 1985. “I guess my being a Boy Scout, which built my character, has a lot to do with that. I have a strong belief in God, and I know God has a plan for me--to be able to serve my country and be of assistance to my fellow men.”

After finishing his high school in Manila’s Letran College, Penn attended the University of Santo Tomas where he obtained his degree in Architecture in 1972. He put up his own firm sometime in 1977, building houses for rich people. His once lucrative business december 2018

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Milestones & Moments

Myrna Gutierrez

Photos by Rolan Gutierrez

Josephine (Josie) Neri-Jampayas

Newly crowned Josie Neri-Jampayas (center) with her court

L-R: Consul Kerwin Tate, Consuelo Almonte, Restituto Estacio MD, Ismael Jampayas, Josephine Neri-Jampayas, Myrna Gutierrez

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Ismael Jampayas with wife Josephine Neri-Jampayas

Fil-Am Developed Homecare Mobile App Launches in the Philippines

By Robert Encila-Celdran

L-R: Florida Lucas, Co-Founder, SLF Management Systems Inc.; Lea Batomalaque, VP for Marketing, SLF Management Systems Inc.; Dr. Paz Pecson Corrales, Director III, Assistant Regional Director, Department of Health; Angelica Cayas, Director III, Board of Investments; Ryan Ramos, Head of American Division, Board of Investments; Sally Nunez, President & CEO, SLF Management Systems Inc., and Alex Alejandrino, Administrator, RN Express Staffing Registry LLC

he rapid growth in mobile technology has made a massive impact on the way we conduct our daily lives. With increased innovation, we have more information in our hand than ever before, allowing greater access to a variety of resources that improve our connections with the world around us.

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No aspect of our personal lives is more important than our health, and in today’s hectic world, it’s comforting to know that technology is an ally that lets us obtain immediate, quality healthcare.

SLF Management Systems Inc., together with Advanced World Solutions Inc., announces the launch of its mobile app in the Philippines, BackApp, an all-around staffing solution that connects healthcare facilities and home-based patients with highly qualified caregivers.

BackApp had its initial launch in 2017 among nursing home facilities in New York City. Because of its continuing success in the United States, the company is confident in its ability to create a similar impact in the Philippines where the app is certain to be useful among families who could use a convenient alternative to a hospital visit.

BackApp comes in three types: (1) Long-Term Care, a staffing solution used by affiliated staffing agencies, (2) Acute Care, a staffing solution for hospital-based nurse managers seeking lastminute staff replacements, and (3) Homecare, an easy access to private nurses and caregivers for home-based patients.

According to SLF Management System Inc. President and CEO Sally Nunez, “...the Homecare BackApp aims to keep the Filipino

Photo by Hannah Baldelomar

family together by eliminating the need to send your sick family member to the hospital or nursing home. This ultimately reduces hospitalization costs, thus lessening the financial burden of the family.”

This is great news not only to families who need the care, but certainly to health professionals who seek employment outside the hospital environment, where the hours are flexible and the compensation is competitive.

In nursing facilities, BackApp has proven to enhance the work of caregivers. Edwine Joseph, assistant director of nursing at Mary Manning Walsh in New York City, says, “Before BackApp, for us to find staffing when we are short on a shift, what we would do was to pick up the phone and start calling people. The process used to be lengthy because you had to call around 15 people just to get one nurse...Finding manpower now is prompt. I can not imagine our lives without it now.”

BackApp products run on Android version 4.4 (Kitkat) and up, and on iOS version 10 and up. It also has a back-office system that lets case managers and administrative staff closely monitor each nurse or caregiver on duty.

Advanced World Solutions Developer Bryan Bautista is confident of the future of technology and its capacity to improve the quality of healthcare. “We are striving towards continuity of care, and in a few years’ time, we aspire to bring the ‘Next Generation Electronic Health Record (EHR)’ platforms that will cater to all types of healthcare facilities (big and small) by linking fragmented systems of different healthcare providers and the families and communities they serve.” d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 11

QUDOS

Launches in New York Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Milestones & Moments Myrna Gutierrez

Neil Anthony Rollon. Founder of Qudos Technology

Qudos with the press (L-R): Conrado Ariola, Rolan Gutierrez, Do Marivir Montebon, Neil Anthony Rollon, Luz Maqu

A toast from Conrad Ariola, COO

Sister and brother artists Precious and Andrew Sahagun

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Luz Maquilan introduces the founder.

L-R: Myrna Gutierrez, Luz Maquilan, Marilou Cristobal, Consul Generals Claro Cristobal and Nipon Petchporrnprapas (Thailand)

on Tagala, Myrna Gutierrez, Cristina Pastor, uilan and Fernando Mendez.

Emcees Myla Macappia-Carrion & Jocelyn Lapay

L-R: Conrad Ariola, Neil Anthony Rollo, Fubu Mobile executive Anthony, Atty. Scott Collins and Ruduel Olvina

L-R: Mike Balagyozayan - Sales Consultant of Siver Star Motors, Christian Charvet - Sales Manager of Silver Star Motors, Conrado Ariola-COO of Qudos and Pastor Christian Preda. d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO

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Milestones & Moments

Myrna Gutierrez

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & LEGACY OF MARK SHAFFER Maria Consuelo Almonte, on the occasion of her late husband Mark Shaffer’s birthday, celebrated his life and legacy by launching the ‘Mark Shaffer Endowed Fund’ for the Lenox Hill Hospital Division of Nephrology. She presented a check for the continued research and study on nephrology and related diseases. A reception was held at the Asia Society.

Consuelo Almonte speaks about her life with Mark.

L-R: Cora Rivera, Myrna Gutierrez, Renato Salvacion, Fr. Erno Diaz, Consuelo, Loida Nicolas Lewis and Angie Cruz

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Consuelo Almonte presents a check to fulfill her late husband Mark H. Shaffer endowment to Lenox Hil Hospital’s Division of Nephrology..

With cousins Dr. Carmen Almonte, Coring Almonte and Jerru Almonte

L-R: Luanne McGrain, Lenox Development Director Northwell Health Foundation, Consuelo, Dr. Maria Devita and Dr. Michael Michelis, Chief of Nephrology Department - Lenox Hill Hospital

L-R: Ambassador Nabeel Munir of Pakistan Mission to UN, Consuelo, Dr. Michael Michelis - Lenox Hill Hospital

L-R: Dr. Michael Frank Michelis, Consuelo and Tom Nargosky - Executive Vice President of Asia Society, New York december 2018

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 15

Steven Van Derodar Making His Mark As State Leader of JCI New York

By Wendell Gaa

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

: A native of Cebu City, Stevenson attended his hometown’s Southwestern University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. It was also during this time his leadership capabilities and association with JCI, or more commonly known as the Jaycees, began in earnest. In 1997, he joined the collegiate chapter of Metropolitan Cebu Junior Jaycees Inc. He also served as the Governor of Southwestern University’s College of Physical Therapy. His persistence and hard work as a collegiate youth earned him awards from the Office of the Cebu City Mayor, Archdiocese of Cebu, and Ayala Corporation’s Ayala Young Leaders Program. Right after graduation, he worked as a registered physical therapist in a few local hospitals.

It was then in 2007 when he began his life’s chapter in New York City, where he was assigned as a real estate salesperson for Ayala Land Inc. (through its International Channel, Ayala Land International Sales Inc.), one of the most highly respected private corporations in the Philippines. In 2009, he officially became a member of the local JCI Philippine-New York chapter. “Joining the Jaycees was a natural extension for me, having been able to work with them in the past as a Sangguniang Kabataan official in our locality,” he remarks, “I have had the opportunity to work with many Jaycees in various projects, as well as with the Cebu City Youth Commission. The organization has developed my skill sets and provided interpersonal connections and opportunities to work on various projects.”

This writer had the honor to first meet Stevenson in 2011, the year I was assigned as a diplomatic staff at the Philippine Consulate General in New York. That same year, Stevenson also became a permanent New York resident. Upon my initial acquaintance with him during one of the Consulate’s several Fil-Am youth forums, I sensed an enthusiastic and genuine spirit of community leadership within him. My intuition was that he would immensely benefit the general community and second-generation youth, and I am personally happy to know that his current position has vindicated my belief in him. No doubt the Jaycees are in good hands under his watch as president.

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aking on a leading role in spreading awareness of the Philippines amongst the Fil-Am youth of the New York Tri-State is Stevenson Van Derodar, who is the current State President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce International (JCI) New York State Organization, a non-profit non-government organization. Together with the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, Stevenson is busy running and implementing the programs and objectives of JCI-New York.

“Being that we are a young leaders’ organization, comprised of young people who are between the ages of 18 to 40 years old, we advocate for social responsibility, participate in efforts towards social and economic development, and international cooperation, goodwill, and understanding. We do this through training, projects, and various networking opportunities,” he explains.

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“The organization has connected me to people around the world, like-minded individuals who wanted to become their best and contribute to society.” Stevenson further praises the JCI for helping to enhance his professional skills in proper planning, budgeting, collaborating with partners, and the occupational advancement. On a personal level, he notes how being a Jaycee has helped him in dealing with personal circumstances and challenges as a leader.

“Leadership is a key concept in life,” he says, “the better leader you become, the more successful you can be. Business, personal relations, communities, and organizations require leadership. I believe strong leadership skills will build us to be better persons and the fact that JCI welcomes people between 18 to 40 years of age, it is truly a great phase in our lives to learn so many opportunities and experiences.”

Elected as JCI New York State President in 2018, Stevenson takes pride in his mission of creating new chapters and overseeing the growth of the organization’s membership. Relatively fresh in his current leadership role, he takes pride in having assisted a few individuals from their own JCI chapter and spreading the good word to community youth of the professional and social benefits that come from being a Jaycee member.

His list of other accomplishments as a Jaycee member is nothing less than extraordinary. In 2013, he had initiated and supervised “Letters to Oklahoma: Raising Sentiments, which helped the victims of the Oklahoma Tornado. In 2016, as President of JCI Philippine-New York, he recreated the “Distinguished Service Awards” and changed it to “Icons of Impact.” Then in 2017 as State Vice President, he proposed to bring back the State Convention in New York City after more than 15 years. This year, he sealed a State-hosting opportunity to hold a “socials” event with the delegates of the JCI Global Partnership Summit in in the city, along with a pilot homelessness community activity in the Bronx, which serves as an avenue for the delegates to heighten their introspection on gender equality and sustainable development goals on a destitute center setting.

Stevenson further holds the proud distinction as one of only three Most Outstanding Local Chapter Jaycee Presidents in the USA. It was also under his watch when in 2016 the Philippine-New York JCI was awarded the Most Outstanding Local Chapter in the USA. Additionally, he has received National Awards in different categories on numerous occasions.

When he is not busy with his work as a physical therapist, real estate salesperson, or JCI New York State President, Stevenson thoroughly enjoys his hobbies of acting, lounging in cool hotels for social meetups and get-togethers, and watching movies in cinema houses, all the while pondering over some possibilities with creative engagements in films or event productions.

Stevenson plans to continue lending his support to JCI beyond his presidential term. As for his message to aspiring Jaycee members, he only has the following to say: “Joining the organization has impacted me in countless ways. I have found a world, through my involvement, where I can work on improving myself; continuously learning things from past mistakes; making and achieving goals via numerous projects; building my character; understanding others; working with teams; making and gaining lifelong friends around the world, and giving back to the community.”

Photo courtesy of Steven Van Derodar

Installation of 88th JCI New York State President

Stevenson Van Derodar december 2018

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Photos courtesy of Steven Van Derodar

JCI USA Board with ExCom and State Presidents in the USA

Stevenson’s Heart of lmpact Team in 2016, where he served as Chapter President

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Kevin Obate

Two Passions and a Dream

Star Turn

Ferdinand Esguerra Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

And this is how Kevin exactly felt when he first came to the US in June 2017.

“Yes, I was able to realize my dream of working in the US, but my first few months here were really hard, very lonely, as I didn’t know anybody,” says this native of Dumaguete City, who graduated from the Silliman University in 2014, where he also earned his master’s degree. “I had neither friends nor relatives, I was alone,” says Kevin, who first worked in Connecticut. “What helped me keep my sanity were my constant video chats with friends and family back home… and my music.”

Kevin has come a long way since then. Wanting to sharpen his knowledge and skills to serve his patients better, he pursued a doctorate degree at the Shenandoah University in Virginia.

Kevin is now addressed as “doctor.” He has also moved to New York, where he now works.

Additionally, he is pursuing further studies and certification at the New York University.

His other passion? Well, he had two concerts with additional shows here and there, in less than one year. He had his first solo concert titled “Have Yourself a Jazzy, Little Christmas” in Albany in 2017, followed by a Valentine’s 2018 USA Concert Tour covering New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, Texas, and California, which he did with other Filipino artists. Recently, he had performances with Martin Nievera, Pilita Corrales, Ogie Alcasid, and Ariel Rivera, all known music personalities back in the Philippines.

Kevin, the vice president of Jaycees International Manhattan Chapter, is doing another Valentine’s concert in 2019.

“Actually, my first ‘performance’ in the US was back in Connecticut where I shared my music with a group of patients that I gathered in the nursing home’s function room,” says Kevin, whose music genre includes smooth jazz, bossa nova, blues, and pop.

K

evin Obate, a physical therapist and a jazz crooner and saxophonist on the side, has a favorite piece: “Over the Rainbow.”

“Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” And so goes the Judy Garland iconic song from the 1939 film, “Wizard of Oz.” The song has been covered by a hundred different artists many, many years after Dorothy and Toto looked up to the skies and belted this beautiful melody. But no matter whose and what version it is, the song would always echo a certain sense of sadness, longing, and hope.

Recently, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc., a New Jersey-based organization that promotes development, primarily of Asian Americans, has selected Kevin as one of its awardees, in recognition of his accomplishments as a “Sax Virtuoso and Excellence in Physical Therapy.”

“Music can really make people feel better. I really believe that. I consider myself very lucky, as I am able to combine my two loves: my work and my music. It is really one dream come true,” Kevin says. d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 21

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Search for the 1st University of the Philippines (UP ) Unicorn UP College of Engineering(UPCOE) Roadshow NY/NJ Philippine Consulate of NY

Consul General Claro M. Cristobal welcomes the delegates and supporters.

Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez

The roadshow presents to the Engineering alumni and friends in the US ways for Technopreneurship to improve Philippine competitiveness.

UPCOE Dean Dr. Rizalinda de Leon speaks about the UPCOE current situation and recent its achievements.

UP Engineering Research & Development Foundation Inc President Chato Calderon outlines strategies of advising, investing and commercializing innovations.

The UP Tau Alpha East Coast takes the front (L-R): Rolan Gutierrez, Bede Torralba, Jun Mendoza, Nelson Villacorta and Jojo Basilio.

Kindling Sindaw Upper East Side, NYC

The Kindling Sindaw Heritage Foundation led by its founder Potri Ranka Manis performed Mindanao tribal dances and fashioned authentic tribal woven wear at the residence of Loida Nicolas Lewis.

Myrna Gutierrez & Loida Nicolas Lewis wear T’boli woven jackets.

Music from a piece of sculptured bamboo

Loida Nicolas Lewis welcomes friends and guests. december 2018

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 25

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Community Calendar

Dec 6-14, 2018 Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado The Philippine Consulate General in New York invites the FilAm community to its annual “Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado” at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (556 Fifth Ave., NY) at 6 p.m. (weekdays) and 3 p.m. (weekends). “Mapayang Pasko Para sa Maunlad na Pagbabago.”

Dec 30, 2018

Knights of Rizal - Tri-Chap NYS Christmas Party and Knighting

The Knights of Rizal-Long Island, New York and Metropolitan (TRICHAP-NYS) holds its Christmas Party and Knighting at Leonard’s Palazzo of Great Neck (555 Northern Blvd., Great Neck, NY) starting at 12 noon. RSVP through Sir Rocky Singson, KGOR (516) 639-6340, Sir Mariano Aquino, KCR (646) 496-7985, or Sir Donald Frain (917) 301-4956.

Jan 17-18, 2019 Womensphere Capital Summit The Womensphere Capital Summit is part of month-long Womensphere Festival, a celebration of Womensphere’s 10th anniversary. The summit will discuss funding, investment, income, closing the gap, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial technology.

For tickets, visit EventBee.com/ event?eid=114564112#/tickets Jan 26, 2019 JCI Queens Executive Board and Members Induction The JCI Queens Chapter will induct its 2019 Executive Board and welcome its newest members at Sheraton LaGuardia

East Hotel (135-20 39th Ave., Flushing, NY) at 6 p.m. For more information, visit JCIQueens on Facebook.

Feb 15, 2019

Saxophonist Kevin Obate Valentine’s Concert – Jazz For Love

Bring your date, enjoy jazz music c/o of saxophonist Kevin Obate at Sheraton La Guardia East Hotel (135-20 39th Ave. Flushing, NY) at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Queens Asian Fest, Fil-Am Who’s Who, and JCI Manhattan, “Jazz For Love, New York City,” featuring Kevin Obate, has Cutuy Herrero, Kirby Asunto, and Arianne Aldecoa as special guests. Professor Jun Javier with the OZAM Orchestra and Eric Celerio will provide the accompaniment. Get your tickets ($40-$60) from Cecile (619) 518-6864 or Myrna (917) 502-9887.

Feb 16, 2019

Geo Live at 54: The Encore

Geo Rebucas, the Standing Ovation Diva, returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 W 54th St.) at 7 p.m. One of “Pilipinas Got Talent’s” most memorable finalists and biggest belters, Geo will pay tribute to Whitney Houston, one of the most awarded female acts in the music recording history. Buy tickets from 54Below.com.

Apr14, 2019

Gary Valenciano In Concert at the Town Hall

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano is back for a concert at the Town Hall on Times Square (123 W 42nd St.) The doors will open at 6 p.m.; show will begin at 7 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon.

SHOOTER’S TIP I took this photo of my model artist Clara Angeline after her outstanding performance at the NaFFAA “Most Outstanding Fathers Award” event. Clara does an attractive pose showing her outfit blending with the background of earthy colors.

Shot with a Canon 5D iii 28-70mm at 70mm f/5.6 1/80 sec ISO 2000 and a Canon EX600RT II flash.

Keep on shooting!

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