Our Mission Statement

To unite the Filipino students within the Rutgers community by

establishing solidarity on the basis of a common heritage, to educate

the Rutgers community on various aspects of the Philippine culture, to

provide information of current socioeconomic and political conditions

about the Philippines, and to provide services and programs that will be

beneficial to Filipinos both within and outside the Rutgers community.

Mission Statement 2

Letter from the Editor 3

Line Up 4

Performer Blurbs 5

Underclassmen Representatives Introductions 10

Join RAPS Studio 12

Join the Balita 13

RAPS Press Release 14

RAPS Updates 15

Inside this issue:

Page 2 Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014

Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014 Page 3

Dear friends, family, and guests,

Welcome you to RAPS’ annual Halo-Haloween! Tonight’s event will

be full of music, dancing, and laughter! I would like to applaud the many

performers who will showcase their amazing talents! RAPS is excited and

honored to have Jeremy Passion as our headliner for Halo-Haloween!

I would also like to congratulate and welcome this year’s Under-

classmen Representatives! On behalf of RAPS’ E-board and myself, we

wish them best of luck with their first event as Underclassmen Repre-

sentatives!

On a final note, the Balita is always accepting admissions! Hopefully,

the Balita will be able to spark your interests! If you would like to con-

tribute to an issue of an upcoming Balita, please do not hesitate to con-

tact me!

Sincerely,

Katrina Iledan

Balita Editor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WHAT IS HALO-HALOWEEN?

Halo-Haloween is Rutgers Association

of Philippine Students (RAPS) showcas-

es talents from RAPS itself and its ex-

tended community. At this event, we

come together to support the amazing

performers all while enjoying the night

with friends. Make sure to indulge in

the Filipino food we will be serving as

well! We would also like to welcome

our headliner, Jeremy Passion, to our

biggest event of the Fall semester!

WHAT IS HALO-HALO?

Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino dessert

with mixtures of fruits, jelly, legumes,

crushed ice, and evaporated milk. The

Tagalog name translates to “mix-mix”

which is an apt description for the col-

orful ingredients that is typically

served in a tall, clear glass.

“Jeremy Passion Manongdo is a singer/songwriter known for his soulful, melodic voice, and

delivers his music with messages on love, life and faith. Born and raised in San Francisco, he

grew up with an immense appreciation and love for music. At the age of 4, he taught himself to

play piano and, at 15, started songwriting. By the following year he was self-taught on the gui-

tar and developed his talents into his signature style today.

Considered a “YouTube Sensation” to his fans and musical peers, he is acknowledged as a pi-

oneer of the acoustic R&B /soul movement on the internet. Passion was one of the first Asian-

Americans to go viral online with his famous original songs “Lemonade” and “Well Done,” and

his acoustic covers of “So Sick” and “Cater 2 U” featuring Melvin. His subscriber base has ex-

ceeded 243,000 followers and has over 37 million channel views.

Passion is well versed in travel as he has toured across North America and internationally in

more than a dozen countries. He has performed with artists including Colbie Caillat, Kirk

Franklin, Bobby Valentino, Jo Koy, Ernie Halter, Alain Clark and Goapele, among others. In ad-

dition to his writing and vocal talents, he is also an up-and-coming producer, creating tracks

for Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), Slim (112), Megan Rochelle and more.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: JEREMYPASSION .COM

ABOUT JEREMY PASSION

Page 6 Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014

ANN CLAIRE MACALINTAL is from North Jersey, and music has always been a part of her

life ever since she could talk. Throughout high school, Ann Claire’s teachers introduced her to

new perspectives on music and helped her grow as an overall person. And because of them, she

created her first Youtube channel and started from there. Although music is such a big part of

her life, she still plans to hopefully work with special needs children down the line.

CHRISTINA ROGADO is a sophomore at Rutgers.

She was involved in RAPS last year as a freshmen repre-

sentative and is glad to have made such a loving family at

RAPS. Her accompanist for the night is Jasmine Cheung

who is also a sophomore at Rutgers. Jasmine and Christi-

na have been friends since middle school and they hope

you enjoy their rendition of Jessie Ware's "Say You Love

Me".

TEAM TECHNIQUE, established in 1998, originally consisted of a group of bboys who

switched to choreography in hopes to attract girls. Now, they have expanded their team to in-

clude a variety of people, such as; Lemur Experts, Ninjas, and Leprechauns. They strive to edu-

cate the dance community of the ever dwindling lemur population through the art of dance, and

they hope that you enjoy their show!

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY OF FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS (RUFMA) is a sports club

dedicated to exposing the Rutgers Community to the ancient and traditional art of Eskrima. Eskrima is a

martial art that is part of a larger group generally referred to as Filipino Martial arts or FMA, which in-

clude but are not limited to Arnis, Filipino Kali, Eskrima, and Eskrido. We offer students a stepping-stone

into the FMA world and encourage members to seek out and experience various styles. Eskrima, unlike

other martial arts, starts by teaching students to defend themselves using either one or a pair of sticks.

The stick fighting techniques taught are instrumental in developing quick reflexes and becoming ambi-

dextrous. Students go on to learn empty hand fighting, where many of the techniques they have learned

using sticks is applicable to empty hand. We welcome all Rutgers students who are interested in experi-

encing Filipino Martial Arts. Our meetings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-11 pm at the Werblin Rec-

reation Center in the Multi-purpose room across the weight room.

TONIGHT’S PERFORMERS

Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014 Page 7

CARL DEL ROSARIO is a sophomore and an Electrical/Computer En-

gineering major here at Rutgers. He occasionally enjoys writing poetry

when I need to get away from all the math and physics. He’s only become

active in RAPS this semester, but he’s felt nothing but love from them ever

LESTER PERNALA is an audio engineering student at

SAE in NYC. He has been an avid performer for a few

years now and loves to entertain. He’s always happy to

play music for RAPS.

CHEESE BANDITS was established in 2010 by a couple of friends who shared a love of dance.

Since then, many members have come and gone, but we try to uphold the ambition and style

that the team originates from. Cheese Bandits draw inspiration from not only the dancers we

look up to, but our fellow teammates. Above image and competition, we value just spreading

our love of dance and catering to the growth of everyone who comes our way.

PI DELTA PSI was founded on February

20, 1994. Members of Pi Delta Psi seek to

bring about Asian-American unity by break-

ing down cultural barriers amongst Asian

communities by upholding and/or instilling

the fraternity’s pillars of: academic achieve-

ment, cultural awareness, righteousness, and

friendship/loyalty.

RAPS CULTURAL DANCE TROUPE (RCDT) is a performing subcommittee of RAPS that uses

dance as a medium to showcase Filipino pride. Being

a member of RCDT means to explore and appreciate

one's heritage, to honor a rich history influenced by

both Spanish colonization and native Filipino cus-

toms. RCDT holds meetings every Tuesday and

Thursday at 9 pm at the Richardson Community Cen-

ter, and is always ready to welcome new members.

DOMINADOR JOSEPH UY is a freshman at Rutgers University

class of 2018, He enjoys swimming, wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Dom plays the ukulele in his free time. He is studying exercise science/

pre med courses. Proud to be Pinoy!

MARC INTAL is a RAPS Senior, making this

his last time performing at HaloHaloween. He's a

self-taught musician who loves sharing what he

enjoys doing. He is accompanied by a talented

musician and good friend, Lester Pernala, the

current RAGS Co-Coordinator, Gabe Tecson,

and his little, Bernadette Corpuz.

MOSHI MOSHI is a band of college music majors who are addicted to anime and video

games. Based in Fort Lee, Tim, Victory, Caleb, Raychel, Karen, and Nelson perform music that

has been featured in video games, anime, and Japanese pop culture. Along with performing

these songs in the original style you are familiar with and nostalgiasize over, Mōshi's repertoire

also includes many freshly rearranged versions in styles ranging from lounge jazz to hard rock

that are certain to take you by surprise! Be sure to check out their Facebook page

(Facebook.com/MoshiMoshiBand) for music, performance dates, and more!

RAPS Dance Troupe (RDT) is a collegiate dance

troupe affiliated with Rutgers Association of Philippine

Students. RDT is a group of committed and driven danc-

ers who strive to inspire and grow in the art of dance.

Dancers, movers, and music-enthusiasts of all different

ethnic backgrounds, colleges, and ages come together

unexpectedly. This family of dancers works hard to grow

and promote the art of dance and entertain audiences in

varying arenas. From shows for different RU organizations

to urban dance competitions and even retail promotions,

RDT pushes itself to take on new challenges. RDT offers

extensive and challenging dance training for its members

as well as lessons applicable to other areas of life. Amped

and motivated with a few placements under their belt,

RDT hopes to present entertaining sets in the upcoming

competition season throughout Boston, NY, and NJ.

KIMBERLY BALAO is a aspiring singer songwriter

who likes songs that rhyme.

Delta Chi Psi is an Asian-American interest fraternity

founded on the principles of dedication, determination,

and dignity. Delta Chi Psi was established in 2004 at Tem-

ple University. They strive to cultivate and promote Asian

-American culture within the Rutgers community.

Page 10 Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014

UNDERCLASSMEN REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTIONS

JARETH ANTONA

Class of 2018

Major: Mathematics

Fun Fact: I enjoy bothering my little bunso, Jade.

3 Adjectives to Describe Yourself: Diligent, Caring, Hungry

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: Kill la Kill, Grave of the Fireflies, Howl's Moving

Castle

Celebrity Crush: Cara Delevingne

Dream Vacation: The Grove at Los Angeles

Hobbies: Playing/Listening to Music, Buying Overpriced Mexican Food

Favorite Musicians and/or bands: Blood Orange, Purity Ring, XXYYXX

CARL DEL ROSARIO

Class of 2017

Major: Electrical/Computer Engineering

Fun Fact: I am extremely color blind.

3 Adjectives to Describe Yourself: Level-headed, Abstract, Friendly

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: The Lion King, Arrow, Vampire Diaries

Celebrity Crush: Chrissy Constanza

Dream Vacation: Australia

Hobbies: Taking naps in public, going to the gym, watching WWE, writing

poetry, playing video games

Favorite Musicians and/or Bands: Nujabes, Sam Smith, BABYMETAL, Fall

Out Boy, Blink 182

JOSHUA PAUL CHAN

Class of 2018

Major: Engineering

Fun Fact: I learned to wakeboard in the Philippines

Adjectives to Describe Yourself: Eccentric, Jolly

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: Arrow, The Flash, Sherlock, The Mentalist, and

Mystery Incorporated

Celebrity Crush: Emma Stone

Dream Vacation: London to Bangkok with friends

Hobbies: Programming, Reading, Drawing/Designing, Writing, Building re-

ally cool things

Favorite Musicians and/or Bands: Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz

Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014 Page 11

DOMINADOR JOSEPH REYNO UY

Class of 2018

Major: Exercise Science (Pre-Med)

Fun Fact: I am a two time national pankration (MMA) champion , schoolboy

an cadet division.

3 Adjectives to Describe Yourself: Determined, humorous, respectful

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: Gladiator, Bones

Celebrity Crush: Ariana Grande

Dream Vacation: Fishing for a week in an open lake

Hobbies: Twerking, singing, playing music, martial arts, wrestling , swimming,

dancing

Favorite Musicians and/or Bands: Tori Kelly, Mariah Carey, Michael Buble

NICCA TEMPLO

Class of 2017

Major: Visual Arts (Design)

Fun Fact: My favorite League of Legends champion is Miss Fortune.

Adjective to Describe Yourself: Creative

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: The Walking Dead, You Who Came From the

Stars, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Celebrity Crush: Ki Hong Lee

Dream Vacation: Europe in one Summer! (Primarily Italy, France, England, &

Germany)

Hobbies: Drawing and traveling

Favorite Musicians and/or Bands: SHINee, Ailee, Ariana Grande, Sam Tsui

ALAN LEE

Class of 2017

Major: Sport Management

Fun Fact: I'm really good at that bean bag toss game.

3 Adjectives to Describe Yourself: Laid-back, friendly, caring

Favorite Movies/TV Shows: Dragonball Z

Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, IceJJFish

Dream Vacation: Trip to Chipotle

Hobbies: NBA 2K, finding new music

Favorite Musicians and/or Bands: Bobby Shmurda

Page 12 Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014

JOIN RAPS STUDIO

RAPS Studio is our

newest subgroup

dedicated to the

visual arts! If you

are interested in

graphic designing,

drawing, painting,

or any other form

of art please con-

tact our Graphics

Coordinator,

Shaun Suarez,

through Facebook!

Your artwork can

be featured on our

Balita newsletter

and on our web-

site! Check out the

cover photos for

Halo-Haloween

made by its mem-

bers: Alan Lee,

Nicca Templo, and

Caitlin Torres!

Issue II, Oct. 18, 2014 Page 13

WHAT IS THE BALITA?

The Balita is the Rutgers Association of Philippine Students’ official

newsletter. It serves as a medium of communication between our

organization and or members. We feature articles written by our

very own members, current events, news, features, pictures, as well

as upcoming events. We invite all of our interested members to

send their submissions to be featured in the future publications of

the Balita.

Are you an avid writer, photographer, illustrator, blogger or pursuing

a career in journalism? The Balita is currently looking for contributors

to feature in our future publications. We accept anything from pho-

tos, articles, comic strips, poems to caricatures.

Contact Katrina Iledan [katrinailedan@gmail.com]

for more information!

JOIN THE BALITA

Page 14 Issue I, Sept. 17, 2014

RUTGERS ASSOCIATION OF PHILIPPINE STUDENTS

SAYS “MABUHAY” TO ALL!

E-board members initiate a more diverse program that will change the

RAPS culture’s history.

NEW BRUNSWICK, October 01, 2014 – Known for being one of the largest college Filipino organizations in New Jer-

sey, Rutgers Association of Philippine Students (RAPS) is inviting Rutgers students that are interested to partake in

cultural diversity and explore that RAPS is the center of the Filipino student life. Starting this Fall 2014 semester,

RAPS is strategically outlining their events to organize different social mixers.

In the five months that the RAPS executive board has been together, they have spent a significant amount of time

setting goals for the following 2014 – 2015 school year. One of those goals is to collaborate with different Rutgers

(RU) organizations and develop relationships to enhance the cultural experience. “We simply want to connect with

other organizations in order to build a stronger environment for the RU Student Life, while focusing on the cultural

diversity provided by RU,” said Vanessa Palma, president of RAPS 2014 – 2015.

RAPS demonstrates a close-knit family environment with its general body members. Having that welcoming atmos-

phere makes it inviting for other students to easily participate within the organization. In order to spread awareness

about the organization, building relations with other organizations will open a gateway to more networking relation-

ships. As RAPS builds these relationships, ideas to collaborate social mixers will easily integrate the different cultur-

al backgrounds, which will eventually enhance the diversity in Rutgers.

Every Wednesday night, from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM, RAPS hosts general body meetings at the Busch Campus Center,

room 174. The objective of these weekly meetings is for the general members to participate and learn more about

the Filipino culture. The meetings consist of interactive activities that tie in the cultural theme of the meeting. RAPS

provides more than a cultural perspective for the organization. With the accumulated members, RAPS provides op-

portunities for their members to socially interact. These members can later on take part on the new direction RAPS

strives to achieve.

“RAPS has provided with me multiple opportunities to get me where I am today,” said Palma. “As one of the largest

Filipino organization in the state, it is my duty to lead this organization to greater accomplishments. One of them

being integrated with the other cultural organizations based in Rutgers. It would be an honor to at least initiate the

stepping stones for the future E-board members to integrate and collaborate events with another organization. We

have a lot planned for this coming school year, things planned beyond our organization.”

By: Aleyssi Agustin

Issue I, Sept. 17, 2014 Page 15

Scan the QR code with any QR code scanning

app on your smartphone to see what we’ve been

up to!

Visit us on our website

www.rutgersraps.com

ANTONIO MIKEE SIOPONGCO FOR

MR. PI We invite you to join us in supporting our own An-

tonio Mikee Siopongco in New York University’s

International Filipino Association’s Mr. Philippines

2014: Gentlemen of the Philippines! Tickets are

$10 for Non-NYU students, $5 presale for NYU stu-

dents, and $7 at the door for NYU students! Pro-

ceeds from the ticket sales from Mr. Philippines

will benefit FulPhil the Mind which is a charity that

provides educational resources to underprivi-

leged students in the Philippines.

Don’t forget to use the hashtags #MRPI2014 and

#TEAMMIKEE on all of your tweets and Instagram

posts to help Mikee win the Mr. Buzzworthy title!

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