Makabayan Georgia, Inc. (MGI) was established in May 12, 2008 to empower Filipino Georgians and friends, to make a difference in their communities, in the Philippines, and elsewhere in the world. All contributions to MGI are tax deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code as a Public Charity entity with 501 (C) (3) tax exempt status.
MGI supports the annual June 12 celebration of the anniversary of Philippine Independence from the Spanish rule, to showcase the Philippine culture and heritage thereby providing prospective supporters a better perspective of where their contributions go. The MGI livelihood programs empower even the most needy, to become productive citizens and make a difference in their own communities.
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DIDI O'CONNOR Chairman of the Board 678-923-2027 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Didi’s passion to share, promote and preserve the Philippine culture and heritage, was apparent early on her community involvement from 1985 to 2000, holding positions with the Filipino-American Association of Greater Atlanta as Folk Dance Director/Instructor, Culture Chair, and Debutantes’ Ball Program Director/Choreographer. Community Involvements:
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MAYETTE P. BAYANI Corporate Secretary 404-316-9238 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Marianne Pedrezuela Bayani, Mayette for short is a Senior Corporate Tax Accountant for Heidelberg USA Inc. She graduated from UST with honors and once was the youngest professor at the same university. An alumna of Indiana University Institute of Professionals in Taxation and UCLA Masters in Accounting. She worked public accounting in Los Angeles before moving to Georgia in 1993 to join AT&T as a Tax Accountant. Mayette is also the manager and the lead vocals for the JAMMRS Band. She helped several charitable organizations obtained their 501C3 status. She is also a licensed Notary Public. Mayette is married to Art with two sons Avery and Jason. Community Involvements:
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DODDY WARD Finance Director 404-932-4090 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Doddy Ward is a well-traveled entrepreneur who truly understands “world affairs” both on the business and political perspective. She graduated from Misamis University, Ozamis City, Philippines with a degree in Accounting and an M.B.A. She also worked at the same university as an Internal Auditor. Doddy moved to Hong Kong to work as a personal accountant for the British Trade Commissioner. She was once an accountant and Logistics Executive Coordinator for the British Ambassadors to Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Canada and France. After 13 years of crossing the continents, she got a job as a Staff Accountant for Ernst and Young in the Bahamas for 7 years. Doddy has a passion for helping people in need. This led to her new- found career in Home Health Care, which she finds very fulfilling despite the long hours, but satisfies her desire to help others. Working with people is her forte, so in Atlanta she got involved in the Fil-Am community and sharing a similar passion to help others, she and 4 past Fil-Am presidents established in 2008 Makabayan Georgia, Inc.
Community Involvements:
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ELEANOR MAE PASCUAL Community Affairs Director 404-683-0606 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eleanor Mae Pascual is a native of the Philippines and has been a Georgia resident since 1979. A familiar face in the Asian American community, Eleanor shares much of her time, talent, and resources in promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Filipino culture. She relishes the role of “bridge-builder” between the Fil-Am community and the larger Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Georgia and is an active and tireless volunteer for AAPI causes. Eleanor recently retired as a litigation paralegal with the Corporate Law Department of State Farm, after 22 years. A musician by avocation, Eleanor also served in music ministry for many years – as soloist, choir member, organist/pianist, and music director. She currently serves as church pianist at Clarkston International Bible Church and enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Eleanor is married to Alex Pascual, a structural engineer, and they are blessed with three children (Andy, Jonathan and Eileen) and ten beautiful grandchildren. Community Involvements:
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WILLY BLANCO Information Director 770-331-9540 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Willy Blanco is married to Edwina Hilario, and father to Nicole and Kevin. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia from the Chicago area, in October of 1991 when he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager for Beckart Environmental, Inc. for the Southeast territory, USA. Willy has been with the same company since 1988.
Community Involvements:
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WILLEE BONUS CEO Emeritus 678-471-4893 wThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
OR
Make your check payable and mail to:
Makabayan Georgia, Inc.
P.O. BOX 2962
Duluth, Ga 30096
Your donation may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax adviser.
GEORGIA
FILIPINO COVID-19 RESPONSE TASK FORCE (GFC-19) UPDATE
05/24/2020 - The plight of the laid off J1s has been like a roller coaster ride. One day they are booked to go home only to be informed that their flights are cancelled due to Philippine government limiting the amount of citizens allowed to enter the country. Most flights have been rebooked and cancelled several times. Thanks to Ms Elsa Sagun, a Filipina travel agent, we depend on her to assist the J1s secure flights and rebooking when necessary. For the J1s, the challenging part is how to make their budgets last to cover rent and essentials like food and supplies for their extended stay. We reached out to the Filipino American Community for assistance to lessen the concern of the J1s. As expected several community based groups and individuals responded to help.
Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the following:
§ Donors to our website. Your financial donations helped subsidize rent, utilities and airfares to the remaining J1s in Atlanta and St Simon Island.
§
Saranai & Friends. For taking the responsibility of
delivering meals to 12 OFWs from Caymans stranded in Atlanta on a layover to
the Philippines.
Every day from May 3 thru May 19 food and essential supplies
were dropped off by Randy Cabanog. The 12 OFWs finally left on
May 20 full of
joy and excitement for they were one step closer to being with their loved ones
in the Philippines.
They arrived safely on Friday May 22, 2020.
§
The remaining J1s are provided with meals and essential supplies
thanks to the generosity of Ms. Imelda Young, Ms. Isabel Fiorella,
Ms. Venus
Soriano, Ms. Lolit Elliott, Ms. Edwina Blanco, Ms. Nenette Smith, Ms. Lynda
Bonus, Ms. Didi O’Connor,
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Ana Blackburn, Mr. &
Mrs. Oscar dela Cruz, Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Donna Quigly.
§ Ms. Isabel Thompson for volunteering to host J1s at her residence in case the need arises.
§
Under the guidance of PHCG Raoul Donato, the Georgia Filipino
COVID-19 Response Task Force Wil Bonus,
Did O’Connor, Eleanor Pascual, Doddy
Ward, Willy Blanco & Mayette Bayani.
Whose collective efforts made all of
this assistance possible.
You can still help us help lessen the burden on these young J1s
To donate on line visit our website www.Makabayangeorgia.org
Or mail your donations to
Makabayan Georgia, Inc.
P.O. Box 2962
Duluth, GA 30096
Save the Date Sunday May 31, 2020 at 7PM EST Jon Joven Uy will have a virtual concert
Bayanihan Sa Amerika
https://www.facebook.com/events/282064289591678/
COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND DRIVE As of 05/23/2020, we have raised $21,505.00
Breakdown:
| Donor | Amount | Donor | Amount | Anonymous | $10,000.00 | Anonymous | $50.00 | Aquino Joel | $25.00 | Avecilla Alexa Regina | $25.00 | Baccay Romeo | $100.00 | Bartolo Sheryl | $10.00 | Bayani Mayette | $100.00 | Bhuiyan Meg | $100.00 | Blackburn Ana | $50.00 | Blanco Wilfredo | $100.00 | Bonus Wil P | $100.00 | Bruder Barry/Delma | $150.00 | Cadlaon Melvin | $50.00 | Clements Mrs. Angie | $20.00 | Concept Fusion | $200.00 | Credigy Solutions | $50.00 | Eide Maria Redondo | $20.00 | Elliott Lolit | $20.00 | Estacio Eleanor | $50.00 | Fundraiser Facebook | $10.00 | Galing Foundation | $520.00 | Granada Anita | $20.00 | Hagler Lilia | $20.00 | Hawk Sarah | $200.00 | Hawk Sarah | $50.00 | Jones Vilma | $50.00 | Leyva Justin | $100.00 | Llarena Emmanuel | $50.00 | Logarta Anne Marie | $20.00 | Magbanua Mary Joy | $25.00 | Makabayan | $4,000.00 | Manaois Bernadette | $50.00 | O'Connor Didi | $1,700.00 | O'Kelley Yolanda | $25.00 | Ortaliza Alie | $20.00 | Pascual Eleanor | $100.00 | Pelicer Marites | $50.00 | Petermen Pam | $20.00 | Ragheb Shareen | $10.00 | Ragheb Grace | $25.00 | Ragheb Omar | $10.00 | Reyes Minette | $100.00 | Sabiniano Gloria | $50.00 | Salgado Carmen | $50.00 | Sanchez-Tobia Josephine | $1,800.00 | Saranai Club | $250.00 | Smith Nenette | $20.00 | Soriano Venus | $125.00 | Sullivan Maria Teresa | $30.00 | Tagaan Emmanuel | $15.00 | Turner Maurice/Leilen | $100.00 | Valles Myrna | $50.00 | Villa de Sierra Vista | $50.00 | Ward Editrudes | $500.00 | Wilson Ed/Dee | $30.00 | Zabala Beth | $40.00 |
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Covid-19 Response Fund Drive as
05/23/2020 has distributed provisions totaling $11,896.81
| Distribution | Provisions | Amount | Distribution | Provisions | Amount | ATL - BILLY RAY MONDONADO | GROCERIES | $200.00 | ATL1: BILLY | MAY RENT BALANCE | $650.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL2: ATL2 | ATL2 GRP FOOD | $118.00 | ATL2: GROUP_7_TENANTS | MAY RENT 4 DEPARTURES MAY 11 | $1,200.00 | |
| ATL2: JOHN | GROCERIES | $50.00 | ATL2: STEPHEN | Airfare Subsidy Departure MAY 12 | $550.00 | |
| ATL3: AIRA | RENT & GROCERIES | $200.00 | ATL3: MARC | RENT & GROCERIES | $200.00 | |
| ATL3: MARK | Rent & Groceries Departure May 25 | $200.00 | ATL3: ROMMEL | RENT & GROCERIES | $200.00 | |
| ATL5: RICO | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $450.00 | ATL5: RICO | MAY INS PREM | $250.00 | |
| ATL6 - GRACIELA RUMBAOA | GROCERIES | $50.00 | ATL6 - JAZMINNE JUANGCO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| ATL6 - KRYSLE CARIAZO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | ATL6 - PRECIOUS RECIO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| CAY12 - CARINA SEBASTIAN | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | CAY12 - CICELIA SANTOS | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | |
| CAY12 - CRISTINA DIMAUNAHAN | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | CAY12 - ELIZABETH LAMPA | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | |
| CAY12 - EVA PALO | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | CAY12 - HENRY HERRERA | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | |
| CAY12 - JOHN ABEL FERRER | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | CAY12 - MARY ROSE BENARES | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | |
| CAY12 - MYLENE HERNANDEZ | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | CAY12 - OLIVA ASUNCION | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | |
| CAY12 - UZZIEL MAY BUENAVENTURA | CAY13 ALLOWANCE FROM OWWA DC | $100.00 | HOTS - EARL JOSEPH I. TAO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| HOTS - LEVY M. MARIMON | GROCERIES | $50.00 | HOTS - LHEANNA SHANE M. TORRES | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| HOTS - MARY LEE PHILLINE M. CAMELLO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | HOTS1 - EZRA CUSTODIO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| HOTS1 - JADE BASCAR | GROCERIES | $50.00 | HOTS1 - JOSHUA DIESTRO | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| HOTS2 - Hannah Lovella Villaruel | GROCERIES | $50.00 | HOTS2 - Negroprado, Jasmine | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| NASH2 - Sibolinao, Russel Dave | GROCERIES | $50.00 | NASH: TN_GROUP_OF_10 | MAY RENT SUBSIDY | $1,405.00 | |
| ORL1: JAYCHELLE | GROCERIES | $50.00 | ORL: EMILYN | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| ORL: JOSIE | GROCERIES | $50.00 | ORL: JUDY | APR BAL INS PREMIUM | $75.00 | |
| ORL: MOEESHA | GROCERIES | $50.00 | SALT - Deslate, Alfred Ralmahr | GROCERIES | $50.00 | |
| SAV: ANGELYN xx | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE APR 28 | $225.00 | SAV: SEPTEMBERLEE | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE APR 28 | $225.00 | |
| STS: EARL | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $460.00 | STS: KAREN | BOOKING FEE ONLY DEPARTURE MAY 08 | $250.00 | |
| STS: KATE | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $460.00 | STS: KATRINA | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $394.50 | |
| STS: MA.FLOR | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $460.00 | STS: MARIANNE | AIRFARE SUBSIDY TO LA | $184.00 | |
| STS: RIA | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $394.50 | STS: ROY | AIRFARE SUBSIDY DEPARTURE MAY 12 | $462.00 | |
| STS: ST.SIMONS | GROCERIES SENT VIA BANK TRANSFER | $500.00 | STS: ST.SIMONS | ONLINE GROCERIES | $83.81 | |
Here
are some of the interns’ reactions:
“Thank you so much. We are really grateful for all of your
help” from Roy Christian
“On behalf of my fellow interns, I would like to thank you
all for the help in aiding us with food
supplies through this pandemic crisis.
It’s a very big thing for us and you all
made us feel like we have a family
here in the US. We appreciate your efforts
and lending your time on always
checking on us. We Filipinos have a great
courage and have big heart. Again we
thank you for all the help.”
From the Eight (8) interns from St Simon, Ga
Visit www.makabayanga.org
"We are all in this together".
Any amount is a significant amount because they all add up. The more donations we collect, the more we widen the scope of our mission!
WE THANK ALL the ABOVE DONORS!
EIGHT J-1 VISA HOLDERS STRANDED AT ST SIMONS ISLAND, GA
Upon knowing of the situation of the eight (8) Filipino J-1
workers in St. Simons Island, GA, GFC-19 reached out for help to
Fil-Am Coastal
president and NaFFAA Southern Region Chair Melvin Cadlaon in Savannah, as they
are the closest to the area.
As expected, they responded quite swiftly and went on an hour
and a half road trip to St. Simon's Island
to deliver some much needed
donations. Below Please see Melvin's report;
“Just an update from our trip to St. Simon's Island, we
transported and delivered a diverse donation of
non-perishable goods and
snacks, as well as frozen meat to the visa workers around noon today. The foods
mostly came
from 2 local churches in Savannah-- IBCF Savannah church and Open
Door Ministries as well as my family.
As the inspiring news about these young people is spreading, we
are getting more food donations and will be doing more trips!
Thank you all for
your hard work and bringing their need to my attention.
Salamat po and God bless you and your family!”
Melvin Cadlaon
Filam Coastal Georgia president
Naffaa.org Southern Region Chair
Kudos to Mr.
Melvin Cadlaon and Mrs. Jennifer Cadlaon for your initiative and support
of our
stranded Filipino J-1 workers. A true Georgia "Bayanihan" spirit at
its best.
That said,
we continue to appeal to the generosity of Atlanta Pinoys for monetary
donations to widen our scope
in helping our stranded OFWs here in Georgia and
other kababayans in Georgia needing help as a result of Covid-19.
Please donate online; http://makabayangeorgia.org/
RESCHEDULING ANNOUNCEMENT
In view of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Kalayaan Committee is rescheduling the 2020 Kalayaan events as follows:
- Kalayaan Family Fun Day from June 6, 2020 to Quarter 4 2020;
- Save the Date: Kalayaan Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 5, 2021 (next year); and,
- Kalayaan Atlanta Gala from June 12, 2020 to Saturday, June 12, 2021 (next year).
We will be in touch soon with updates.
The Kalayaan Committee is here to answer your questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Maraming salamat.
Stay Informed:
https://www.facebook.com/KalayaanAtlanta/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/…/cases-updates/summary.html