So what the hell am I doing in Mexico?

For folks who are my friends on facebook and twitter, you’ve probably noticed I’ve been talking about Mexico a lot. Because it’s not a normal occurrence, I’ve received various questions about what’s going on. Then I realized I didn’t do a very good job of explaining what I’m doing and what’s going on here in Mexico.

I’m in Mexico to attend the 3rd International Assembly of Migrants & Refugees. This assembly was first started as a response to the United Nations-sponsored Global Forum on Migration & Development. Don’t let the pretty colors fool you, the GFMD is a place where the big, industrialized nations come together and discuss the continued exploitation of migrant workers for their benefit. Migrant organizations couldn’t just sit idly by while decisions about them were being made. At least not without their voices being heard.

While I’m here representing the League of Filipino Students- SFSU, my main task is to document and blog about the whole assembly. You know, put those school skills to use.

I’ve been here for less than a day and there’s already so much to report. Mexico City is hella high up, its freakin’ freezing here, and I’ve been having bouts of narcolepsy. But being in a room with such strong and determined people from all over the world makes any lack of sleep irrelevant.

So I’ll try and write again tonight, if I can over come the problem of a lack of outlets.

Armed Journalist

Journalists are often told that we shouldn’t be involved in organizing/ politics. That in order to be completely objective, it’s important to be an observer, not a participant.

To me, this is a little ironic. And a privileged thing to say. Unfortunate isn’t it? That speaking the truth, doing your job as a journalist is something that you can be killed for.

For the journalists in the Philippines, they have two choices. One: stay silent, support the status quo, report celebrity news, don’t ruffle the establishment’s fetters, stay alive. Or two: do your job, speak up for those who can’t, challenge the establishment, risk your life, risk your family.

In order to do their job, they don’t have the privilege to just stay on the sidelines. They have to fight for the integrity of their profession and for the truth. Even more unfortunate is the fact that they’re not the only ones who are being killed for doing the right thing. Hopefully if you’ve been following anything I send out, you know that everyone who is fighting for the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the Philippines are being threatened. If those in power see that you’re asking questions, they’ll find a way to shut you up. It’s a sorry state of affairs in our homeland.

There are days when I question why I wanted to be a journalist in the first place. Looking at the conditions the journalists in the Philippines face and their bravery in risking their lives to report what the people are going through, it reminds me really quick.

For more information on the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: http://www.nujp.org/

UPDATE: Another journalist has been killed: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100621-276729/Another-journalist-killed

REPOSTED FROM www.bulatlat.com

Text and photo by ARTEMIO A. DUMLAO
Bulatlat.com

BAGUIO CITY — Rather than be cowed, a journalist prefers to be armed for protection, at the heels of another media killing, the second this week.

Broadcaster-anchorman Joselito Agustin, 37, more popularly known as “Aksyon Lito” of DZJC Aksyon Radyo in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assassins Tuesday night. He died early morning Wednesday, making him the 139th journalist killed since 1986 and the 102nd since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

RUN LKC: The Party Marathon

The Liwanag Kultural Center presents…

The Liwanag Kultural Center’s very own Matt Ledesma will be running in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in Seattle on Saturday, June 26. He has decided that that the donations that he will be fund raising for the marathon will go directly back to the organization that he’s been a part of, the Liwanag Kultural Center.

The Liwanag Kultural Center has decided to help his efforts by throwing one last Fund Raising Party to send him off in style before he endures the 26.2 miles for the cause. By helping Matt reach his goals to fund raise, you will be directly helping an organization that serves the people of Daly City. Please come out and support.

21 and Up
$5-$10 Sliding Scale
NO DRESS CODE

If you have any questions, please email lkc.outreach@gmail.com

We hope to see you all there!

Kalayaan School for Equity x jC Photography: Photo Workshops (June 25 & July 2, 2010)

Kalayaan School for Equity (KSE) presents a photography workshop by jC Photography and MotionScope Studies:

Part One:
Photography (June 25, 2010, 7-9:00pm)
- Composition
- Lighting
- “Intentional” Photography

Part Two:
Marketing (July 2m 2010, 7-9:00pm)
- Pro bono vs. bartering
- The “How to’s” on how to get out there
- Understanding “value” in photography

To register or get more info, email LKCvargas@gmail.com, leave a message at (650) 641-2891 x573, or visit KSE at kse.liwanag.org

Liwanag Kultural Center
222 Lausanne Lane, Daly City, CA 94014Kalayaan School for Equity (KSE) presents a photography workshop by jC Photography and MotionScope Studies.

SF Progressive Workers Alliance Launch and Rally WED JUNE 16 12pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Mario de Mira

(415) 333-6267/ Mario@filipinocc.org

TITLE

THE SAN FRANCISCO PROGRESSIVE WORKERS ALLIANCE, A COALITION OF LOW-WAGE WORKERS, WORKING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, SPEAK OUT AGAINST BUDGET CUTS AND PUSH FOR A WORKER’S BILL OF RIGHTS!

On Wednesday, June 16^th @ 12pm on the steps of City Hall, dozens will gather alongside the newly formed San Francisco Progressive Workers Alliance (SF PWA) to unite against the budget cuts and introduce a low wage worker Bill of Rights. Low wage workers are in crisis with the prominence of wage theft, exploitation, and unemployment and the crisis will only grow with more budget cuts.

SF PWA is an alliance low-wage worker organizations across San Francisco.  We are Chinese restaurant workers from the Chinese Progressive Association in Chinatown, Latino Day-laborers and Domestic workers of La Raza Centro Legal in the Mission, Filipino Caregivers of the Filipino Community Center in the Excelsior, multi-racial young restaurant and retail workers of Young Workers United, GLBTQ workers of Pride at Work, and more.

PWA is reaching across language, race and community in San Francisco and we are united and ready to fight for a Low-Wage Worker Bill of Rights that will: call for job opportunities and training, protect workers rights and enforce labor laws, support responsible businesses, protect the social safety net, and demand equal treatment for all workers because in San Francisco there should be NO second-class workers!
Other individuals and groups to be present include: Supervisor David Chiu, Lin-Shao from the Office of Supervisor Eric Mar, UNITEHERE Local 2, POWER, Jobs with Justice, Mujeres Unidas y Activas, and more.

and how could I forget…Happy 89th Birthday Yuri Kochiyama!

I can’t forget about one of the biggest pioneers of Asian American activism. She helped connect me more with my own identity and reminded me that while it’s okay to be proud of Filipino and all that, I should always be an internationalist. I love the film X, but one thing I wish they included was reference to Yuri, since she was present at Malcolm’s assassination.

One of my favorite moments here in the Bay was being at an anti-war demonstration and seeing her out there. I was hella starstruck. Even if she couldn’t physically march, she still knew how important it was for her to be there. I hope all of us who are active in our community live as long as she has. Mabuhay si Yuri!

Happy 85th Birthday Malcolm X!

It was in high school where I first listened and read the words of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz aka Malcolm X. The teacher who introduced Malcolm X to me was my favorite high school teacher, Ms. Gaulin (who got married after I graduated and I don’t know what her new name is now). For the first time, I was able to relate to the words of someone in English class. This helped ignite my path towards self-discovery and lead to where I am today with my consciousness.

Like many important leaders, he was taken from the world much sooner than he should have been. His words still live deep in many of us and his autobiography is still the starting point for many activists and organizers.

We recognize his birthday and gain inspiration from his work in order to advance our own. I am proud to share the same birthday month as him. Mabuhay si Malcolm X!

(he has a lot of powerful speeches out there, but I’m feeling this one the most today, so happy birthday!)

Power Struggle Album REMITTANCES Press Release

Beatrock Music presents

REMITTANCES Album Release

Produced by Fatgums and Mister REY

Lyrics by Nomi

Released by Beatrock Music

May 18, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO, California- May 18, 2010 – Beatrock Music is proud to present the release of Power Struggle’s forth coming album REMITANCES, lyrics written by Nomi and production by Fatgums and Mister REY.

REMITTANCES- takes the listener on an intimate journey through the American landscape from the perspective of a working-class immigrant disillusioned by the American dream. With guest appearances by comrades and friends, verses rap stars and tastemakers, REMITTANCES reflects Nomi’s nomadic life-story that represents Minneapolis, Brooklyn, San Francisco and the Philippines. Remittances balances between subtle social commentary, to outright blood knuckle rage.

Over the past few years lead-vocalist Nomi has created an impressive resume releasing albums with groups like Oddjobs (Third Earth Music) and Kill the Vultures (Locust/Jubdoor). His music has been featured in Urb Magazine, Blow Up (Italy), Mixer, Yellow Rat Bastard, Time Out NY, SF Weekly, etc. Nomi has done extensive touring with groups like De La Soul, Atmosphere, Lyrics Born, Dj Shadow and Brother Ali. With a strong belief in Social Justice, Nomi is also committed to worker’s rights advocacy, working as a community organizer at the Filipino Community Center in the Excelsior District of San Francisco.

Producers Fatgums and Mister REY have also been prolific in their musical endeavors over the past few years. Notable production credit for Fatgums includes Bambu’s two latest solo albums, …exact change… and …paper cuts…, as well as the collaborative FATGUMS X BAMBU ep. Mister REY is responsible for the entire score to Denizen Kane’s latest album Brother MIn’s Journey to the West.

Together, Nomi, Fatgums and Mister REY deliver an album abundant in musical pleasure that addresses the discontent of exploited people, yet serves as an inspiration to keep struggling for power.

Purchases available at:

www.beatrockmusic.com

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/powerstruggle2
http://www.cdbaby.com/Search/cG93ZXIgc3RydWdnbGU%3d/0

**Upcoming Performances

“Remittances” Album Release Party!!!

Sponsored by Beatrock Music and Oh Dang Magazine

21+ Admittance

Friday June 4, 2010

Doors Open: 8pm/ 10$

Pier 23 On the Embarcadero, San Francisco CA 94111

Performances by:

Denizen Kane

Dirty Boots

Otayo Dubb and the Counter Parts

Power Struggle

Dj Wonway

All AGES ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

In collaboration with Robin David and Angela Angel, Power Struggle is proud to perform at the closing reception of World Wide Hustlers.

We are double-billing this event as a closing reception for WWH as well as an ALL AGES RELEASE PARTY.

Saturday June 12, 2010 /Performances start at 3pm/ Free Event

Luggage Store Annex Gallery- Tenderloin National Forest

509 Ellis Street, San Francisco CA

Performances by:

Somos One of BRWN BFLO

Dirty Boots

Power Struggle

Contact:

Mario de Mira

nomiemail@gmail.com

(415) 516-0986

Fighting for Affordable Education is Not a Crime!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2010

Reference: Jessica Antonio, Chairperson, lfs.sfsu@gmail.com

Fighting for Affordable Education is Not a Crime!

From across the Pacific, the League of Filipino Students at San Francisco State University stand along side our sisters and brothers in the Philippines fighting for their basic human right to an education.  Students from different corners of the globe in Austria, Spain, the Philippines and the United States have been rising up and protesting the rapidly increasing fees hikes as politicians continue to gut resources from education.  Voicing their outrage against the proposed 1666% increase in tuition, students led a protest at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on March 18th, throwing broken chairs and desks from the fourth floor, highlighting the Philippine government’s neglect.  Five student leaders from the Student Council, League of Filipino Students, and Kabataan Partylist were harassed and arrested by police charged for robbery of school property on March 24th during the walk out protest of hundreds of students.

PUP, like our California State University (CSU) system, boasts about being the most accessible colleges, affordable to lower income students and working class people. With these outrageous increases however, many students can no longer afford to receive a higher education.  With over $583 million in cuts to CSUs comes 80% increases in student fees and a lower quality of education.  March 4th was a statewide mobilization for education bringing together K-12, community colleges, CSUs, and UCs to demand for education to be a top priority.  What kind of future for our children is there if education is inaccessible?

For students in the Philippines who have been able to finish college, they are still unable to find jobs after they graduate.  This points to the deeper issue of the government’s blatant disregard for providing basic living needs for the people.  As the government tries to increase the price for education, it continues to spend money on a military, which has been documented by organizations such Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Karapatan, as a repeated human rights violator.  Since this current administration has been in office, there have been well-over 1,000 cases of extra-judicial killings. In relation to this, the United States continues to pour tens of millions of dollars to the Philippines to support its armed forces, while students in America are having to pay more for their education while getting less back each semester.

The League of Filipino Students at San Francisco State University stand in solidarity with the PUP students who continue to fight against tuition increases and cuts to education. We applaud them in their victory to stop the proposed 1666% increase and we hope that through our efforts here in United States, we can achieve the same goal. We demand for the release of Cheyser Soriano, Judy Anne Fabito, Pi Em Canela, Fennin Louise Umagat, and Abriel Mansilungan, the five students arrested for demanding basic services that the government tried to take away.  It is not a crime to fight for accessible education when it should be provided for all!  The true crime is the lack of regard by the Philippine government for the majority of Filipinos who continuously are forced to leave their home country to find jobs elsewhere! The struggle for accessible and relevant education persists throughout the world and we will continue to fight to secure this basic human right!

Education for All!
Release the PUP 5!
Long Live International Solidarity!

LFS-SFSU presents Asian-Am Cinefest!

The League of Filipino Students presents…
Asian-Am Cinefest:
a film screening fundraiser for our summer Philippine exposure trip, Baliksambayanan

Thursday, March 25
7PM @ Burk Hall 28
Sliding Scale $5 – $10

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Featured films:

Bampinay by Matt Abaya

Bampinay is the retelling of familiar Asian American themes, but the obvious is replaced by a campy horror film narrative. Bampinay (Tina Chilip) is a gothy AmericanAswang (Philippine Vampire) who enjoys taking advantage of naive white male Asia-philes as night approaches. She is pursued by Mahal (Samantha Chanse), a tough young vampire hunter bent on her destruction. When the two clash, they begin to see that their differences are few in their similar day-to-night struggles.

One Year by John P. Raposas

A hidden layer of a relationship is revealed during the course of a couple’s one year anniversary celebration.

Mula 3rd Avenue Hanggang sa Dulo (From 3rd Avenue to Eternity) by Sipat

Three members of youth gangs share their angst and conflicts. their wars and struggles, their damnation and eventual freedom from hopelessness. Shot in an urban poor community, the film also presents the bleak situations, cutting contradictions and discounted thrills of the people living amid abject poverty and government neglect.

Q & A with directors Matt Abaya and John P. Raposas.
Food and merchandise will be sold!

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What is Baliksambayanan?
Balik meaning “Going back” and bayan meaning “home.”
Baliksambaynan means going back to the homeland.

An exposure trip where students travel to the Philippines to learn, understand, and experience first hand the daily struggles of workers, students, and other sectors. From this, we organize with the sectors and apply what we learn to our work back to the states.

We hope to see you there!

Darah
General Member
Co-head of Asian-Am Cinefest
League of Filipino Students

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To learn more about the League of Filipino Students, Baliksambayanan (BSB), or how you can be a general member, please attend our open house on Monday, March 1st at 7pm in Burk Hall 352. Or if you want to know about future events, such as open mics, hip hop and rock shows and others, please join our info listserve by emailing us at lfs.sfsu@gmail.com. Thank you.