H E W L E T T - P A C K A R D C O M P A N Y

PAMET - IN Chronicles S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 1

PAMET -IN 2011-2012

OFFICERS President Tony Ricafort President Elect Josephine Merka Vice Presidents: NW Indiana Easter Claire Don Central Indiana Robert Leonardo Secretaries: Corresponding Sec. Angele Miguel Recording Sec. Elvie Miguel NW IN Sec. James Nuguid Treasurer: Alvin Limiac Carlo Convalecer Auditor Rudy Banzon PRO Marionette Cortez Business Manager: Derrick Alba Editors-in-Chief Al Autajay Tito Balhon Board Members: Ner Dabu Nellie Gallardo Don Guevarra Lauren Tanedo Ethel Urbi Advisers: Nati Dumaual Dan Follas Cora Manahan Susan Salenda Mark Volpe

President’s Report

PAMET-IN President: Tony Ricafort

I welcome and thank each and every one of you for your active involvement and uncon-ditional support of our organization. I per-sonally would like to thank our past presi-dent, Lauren Tanedo, and the officers and members of this organization for their dedi-cation and hard work over the last 2 years. It was a great term to be proud of. Congratu-lations to us all! As we start with my new leadership, I envi-sion the next two years to be full of chal-lenges as well as opportunities. I truly be-lieve that the strength of this organization lies within its members. Therefore, recruit-ment, expansion of membership and reten-tion will be the foundation we will build upon. Professional development will con-tinue to be the core of our growth. Continu-ing education opportunities will always be an important part of our agenda.

Collaboration with local organizations, like the Filipino-American Barangay Club, PNA, IPMA, Indiana Health Alliance, Camp Mabuhay and other organizations, is vital to the exis-tence of this organization. With common goals and shared vision, we will work hand in hand and support each other. No organization will thrive without supporting the needs of their community. The groundwork has been laid by past presidents and more recently, continuing Lauren’s community initiatives will be the foundation for more to come. I am proud to say that our work has already begun. PAMET- IN has partnered with Harrison College of Indianapolis to support their Medical Laboratory Technology Program through mentorships and guest lectures as they prepare their students to align their academic experi-ence with the real working environment. Thank you to Dr. Mark Volpe, one of our organi-zation advisers, for making this possible. There is much to be done ahead of us. Together , PAMET – IN will be stronger and more relevant than ever. Thank you again and God Bless!

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7th Biennial Induction Ball

P A M E T - I N C H R O N I C L E S

“Two years had passed and it was time to induct the newly elected PAMET-IN officers. The 7th Biennial Induction Ball was held at Sheraton Keystone at the Crossing in Oct. 16, 2010. The evening begun at 7:00 pm with all PAMET-IN members gathered together at the dance floor and sang the United States National Anthem followed by Philippine National Anthem. Prior to dinner, Fr. George Ignacio led the invocation of prayer to the Saint of Medical Technologists. On each ta-ble, copies of the dinner menu and program was made accessible to guests together with a list of names and organizations that the group acknowl-edged and thanked for their endless support. A selected gourmet dinner of Roma Tomato Salad with Mozzarella, Chicken and Salmon as main entree, followed by an amazing Turtle Cheese-cake dessert was served and enjoyed by every-one. By: Lauren Tanedo

Our 2009-2010 VP Alvin Limiac was the emcee and time keeper who maintained a smooth flowing program throughout the evening. As the outgoing president, I gave the welcome address, made an inventory of all PAMET-IN’s activities and accomplishments over my 2 years term and ended it with a farewell line. Tony Ricafort the President -elect then intro-duced our guest speaker Dr. MacArthur A. Elayda. He is Tony’s friend and former college classmates in the Philippines. Dr. Elayda is the current Vice President and Chief of Texas Heart Institute of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston Texas. He shared with the group, the evolution of the artificial heart valves and gave a glimpse of what is coming in the future. The incessant process of invention and innovation is endless at their hospital. This is keeping up with the time, needs and demands in the continuously changing patient health care. New officers coming from South, Northwest and Central Indiana were inducted by PAMET-USA President Nile Alconcel from Michigan. It was followed by Tony Ricafort’s presidential speech outlining the activities and goals during his term including the continua-tion of our partnership with Harrison College that got established during my term. Shortly thereafter, I, as past president, also presented presidential award plaques to deserving mem-bers to acknowledge their outstanding service, commitment, dedication, and support of the organization. The commendable recipients were Dan Follas, Adviser, Nellie Gallardo, Cor-responding Secretary, Elvie Miguel, Auditor and Ethel Urbi, NW-IN Secretary.

Nile brought with her plaques from the previous PAMET-USA president Esther Madamba and National Convention Committee chairman Evelyn Ramirez. Usually these awards are given during the National Convention. We missed the Alaskan Cruise PAMET-USA Na-tional Convention because nobody was available to go. True, the boat might have left us on the shore, but the good news is that it came back bearing 2 awards bestowed by our mother chapter. I called it consolation par excellence. Nile presented us these awards; one for “Outstanding PAMET chapter” and another recognition award for “Chapter President Contributor to PAMET-USA”. Time and again we have proven that as a team, we can do great things! For the past 2 years, PAMET-IN did a great job!

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PAMET–IN SPRING SEMINAR: by Ner Dabu The spring seminar was held at the conference room of St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana. Use of the room was secured by Ms. Ethel Urbi of the Community Healthcare Sys-tem of Northwest Indiana. Contact person was PAMET-IN past President Lauren Tanedo. Registration started at 8:00 am. The seminar was on its way by 8:30 am. The topics discussed were “Adverse Effect of Transfusion” presented by Mr. Alvin Limiac. The “Molecular Pathology and Targeted Thera-pies” was by Michael Mihalov, MD. The third speaker, Donna Willeumier, was invited by Lauren. She discussed timely development in the health industry titled “Moving Healthcare to Higher Reliability.” Questions by the attendees were answered at the end of each presentation. Group lunch fol-lowed at the end of the seminar. The seminar was well attended.

PAMET–IN FALL SEMINAR: by Easter Claire Don PAMET Indiana hosted the Fall Continuing Education Program that was held in Harrison College, Indianapolis last October 16, 2010. It was attended by students and members. The sponsoring groups were Community Healthcare System, General BioTechnology, LLC, Harrison College, and Roche Diagnostics. James D. Davis, Roche Diagnostics Training Consultant, was the first speaker, whose topic centered on the “Lightcycler MRSA Advanced Test: MRSA Surveillance through Molecular Testing.” Since there is an increasing challenge of infections caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), the public and the govern-ment are implementing programs to prevent MRSA-associated diseases. He expanded on one reliable way of incor-porating molecular MRSA surveillance into the infection control efforts which is the Lightcycler. It has set the standard for real-time PCR focusing on molecular diagnostics. The next session was “Differential Count Revis-ited.” Ethel Urbi, MT (ASCP) SH, DLM, covered topics focusing on manual WBC differentials and its require-ments of proper handling, automated differentials, and technical interventions in analyzer flagging. She also shared the wonder of automated digital cell morphology using the Cellavision which enables cell grouping, image review-ing, and result archiving. She further discussed on the significant standards being upheld by CAP in blood cell dif-ferential. The seminar was culminated by the topic, “Emerging Stem Cell Technologies” and was presented by the President of General BioTechnology, Erik John Woods, PhD, HCLD. Stem cell technology is a rapidly developing field aimed at the production, expansion and differentiation of multi-potent stem cells. The speaker shared various technologies that offer hope of effective treatment of diseases. As research based on stem cells pose many contro-versies to medicine, the speaker further discussed its effects on cell growth and development and regenerative and therapeutic medicine.

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P A M E T - I N C H R O N I C L E S

PAMET-IN at the Philippine Independence day Celebration in Indy: By Lauren Tanedo

For the first time in history, Philip-pine Independence Day celebration was held at downtown’s Marion County Indianapolis Public Library on June 12. The giant painted hand made Styrofoam tree dis-played the 20 years family history of PAMET-USA in conjunction with 14 years existence of PAMET-Indiana focusing on their leader-ships, visibility and viability. Barangay Club of Indiana planned the event and invited various Fili-pino organizations to join them and showcase the Philippines and something about the organization.

PAMET-IN donates funds to the St Augustine Home for the Eld-erly. By Elvie Miguel For several years now, PAMET-IN has been donating a portion of our annual proceeds to Saint Augustine Home for the Elderly; this year is no exception. On the morning of December 31, 2010, Elvie Miguel and Lauren Tanedo pre-sented the 2010 PAMET-IN monetary donation to Sister Marie Cecilia from Saint Augustine Home for the Elderly. She thanked PAMET-IN for the gener-ous donation.

“PAMET-IN:

Serving the

needs of

Communities

in Indiana”

Angele, Fred and Lauren resurrected the 2009 PAMET-IN winning booth for the exhibit. The huge booth stood tall and matched the massive atrium of the library appearing as though it was always meant to be there. The atrium exhibit lasted for 2 days where other Philippine arts were shown in the gallery throughout the whole month of June. Acting as an emissary of our country, the Barangay Club of Indiana also took this opportunity and donated books on Philippine history and culture that can now also serve as the library’s resource.

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Camp Mabuhay: June 12: By Tony Ricafort Last year I attended the Seventh Annual Camp Mabu-hay Indiana 2010 celebration at the Kokomo Zion United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Indiana. I was joined by my son, Michael Ricafort, my grandson, AJ Ricafort and granddaughter Addy Ricafort. Not only have I participated because of my adopted grandson from our native Philippines, I also represented our or-ganization, PAMET-IN. We collaborated with other organizations like the Barangay Club of Indiana and PNA (Philippine Nurses Association). The Camp was formed for Filipino children with American adoptive parents, so that they can learn our culture and heritage. Since then, PAMET-IN have participated in this event, not every year, but we will strive to support and be part of these celebration this coming June 11, 2011 and fu-ture schedules. It was a blast for me and my family. These are some of the camp activities we participated in last year; tradi-tional dances, music and language activities, museum with exhibits, art projects, cooking lessons, history of the Philippines, games, a Filipino meal, camp t-shirts and a B-day cake to celebrate the camp’s Birthday. This year Camp Mabuhay is scheduled June 11, 2011 at the same church in Kokomo and PAMET-IN will be participating in this celebration.

PAMET-IN Receives Recognition from Asia Services December 1, 2010, Asian Services in-vited Tony Ricafort, PAMET-IN presi-dent to accept the award. Recognition was given for the help that the members of PAMET-IN gave to the Burmese refu-gees in form of winter clothing and other needs of this group. Lauren Tanedo, past PAMET-IN president coordinated this project and was commended at this re-ception. Present at the dinner included Greg Ballard, mayor of Indianapolis and his wife. PAMET-IN will continue to be sensitive to the needs of the Asian community and strengthen collaboration with the Asian Services of Indiana for a common goal.

PAMET-IN was presented a plaque by Mrs. Fiorella Gam-betta-Gibson, Secretary of the Board of the Asian Services of Indiana at the annual board of director’s dinner held at Sheraton hotel, Indianapo-lis. Liz Jackson, representing

St Vincent de Paul Volunteers, April 2010: By Al Autajay

Wheeler Mission November 24, 2010: By Nellie Gallardo

St Vincent de Paul is a catholic lay organization that leads men, women and young adults to join as volunteers by offering a person to person service to the needy and suffering, re-gardless of religious affiliations, race or national origin. The organization also offers its services to hundreds of homeless people and other less-fortunate in Indianapolis by provid-ing them with hot lunches, non-perishable food, toiletries and clothing. It is the largest food pantry in the Midwest serving an average of over 3,000 households per week. All of this is accomplished by an all volunteer staff. In the spirit of dignity and christian love for our fellowmen, we strive to do God's will by sharing His blessings in the form of food with people in need. Last June 26, 2010, a group of PAMET-IN officers and its members donated their time, talents and efforts as volunteers at St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Indianapolis, IN. Spearheaded by our then President, Lauren Tanedo. Lauren was joined by Al and Kathy Autajay, Fred and Nellie Gallardo, Elvie and Angele Miguel, Nati Dumaual, Tito Balhon, and friends of PAMET-IN. Our PAMET-IN volunteers greeted clients, assisted clients in grocery selection, separating, bagging, loading groceries, distribution of food items, re-trieving carts and loading client’s food items into their cars, and in some cases bikes. Our annual" works of charity" event has been a staple for this organization for the last 6 years. It is very essential that a unique gift of volunteerism is needed in what ever time and talent you wish to donate.

Community work by the PAMET –IN at the Wheeler Mission where volunteers helped pre-pare foods to be served for thanksgiving dinner by the center. The Mission usually serves more than 200 needy and homeless people on Thanksgiving day. The menu included de-boned roasted turkey with dressing, green beans casserole, sliced beets, baked sweet potato, and turkey soup. PAMET-IN member volunteers were; Lauren Tanedo, Elvie Miguel, Mark and Jo Volpe, Fred and Nellie Gallardo. Our volunteers had a great time volunteering and after their time at the Mission, the group themselves enjoyed a very nice Italian dinner at Buca Di Beppo.

“PAMET-IN:

Serving the

needs of

Communities

in Indiana”

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The LIVING ROSARY...An Afternoon of Prayers and Devotions... By Kathy M. Autajay Devotion to the rosary is one of the most notable features of catholic spirituality. It is one of the finest and most praiseworthy traditions of Christian prayers especially in honor of our Blessed Mother. The principal aspect of the rosary is to emulate the virtues of each mystery and applied it to our daily life. The aim of the LIVING ROSARY is to ask God, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, to strengthen our faith for the conversion of sinners and the exaltation of the Holy Church. The congregation, who join together for this pious exercise, divide among themselves, the recitation of the prayers of the entire rosary and divide into groups of fifteen, in honor of the fifteen principal mysteries. The intention is to form a human chain, mimicking the rosary beads. The simultaneous lifting of prayers, praising God and honoring the Blessed Mother, made an afternoon of fulfilled meditation for those present. A congregation of Filipino-American from different parishes from around Indianapolis and surrounding counties converged at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway, IN on the first Saturday of October 2010 to participate in this spiritual event headed by Mrs. Flora Villanueva. After a luncheon gathering, the prayer service started inside the church with all the participants holding lighted candles and forming- like a giant rosary. It was a well-attended gathering and it has been an annual event for the last few years. For those that are interested in joining the LIVING ROSARY, a flyer will be sent sometime again and we will let everyone know the specifics.

PAMET-IN, in partnership with PNA-IN, participated in the Asian Festival Community Wellness Screening held at Garfield Park on June 5, 2010. It was a rainy Saturday morn-ing and it appeared that not a lot of people will be enjoying outdoor activities. One of the PNA-IN members provided the tent to protect volunteers from the elements. Despite of the weather, we had a good turnout. There were 78 participants and included Indianapolis Mayor Ballard and 16 volunteers from both organizations. Lina Ferrer, Angele Miguel, Elvie Miguel and Tony Ricafort represented PAMET-IN. PAMET-IN and PNA-IN provided health screening to include BMI and BP check with health teachings and glucose testing. Interested individuals at the festival started to flock the health screening station when they noticed that the weather won’t have any effect on them to get the free services from PAMET-IN and PNA-IN. PAMET-IN sincerely appreciates all the participants and the health screening sponsors Indiana University Health and Roche Diagnostics for their generous support to accom-plish this endeavor.

Asian Festival Community Wellness Screening: By Angele Miguel

“PAMET-IN:

Serving the

needs of

Communities

in Indiana”

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Supporting our Colleagues: By Tony Ricafort

Barangay Club of Indiana Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance, held December 4, 2010 at the Fort Ben-jamin Harrison Country Club, Indianapolis, IN. PAMET-Indiana members, officers and families at-tended the affair: Pictured from L to R are: Al Autajay, Lauren Tanedo, Kathy Autajay, Nellie and Fred Gallardo, Angele Miguel, Nati Dumaual, Tony Ricafort, Elvie Miguel and Robert Leonardo. Dinner was delicious, had good entertainment with a band and a DJ, people enjoyed dancing the Macarena, electric slide, tango, cha cha cha, boogie, rock n roll and etc.. Oh well… we won some prices but not the big one, trip to the Philippines… maybe next year.

Simbang Gabi, St. Monica Parish Church held December 18, 2010. Our very own Tony Ricafort volunteered to be one the members of the Simbang Gabi Choir of Indianapolis , Indiana. Tony was with a group of naturally born singers like one of our PAMET-IN officer Angele Miguel and a long time supporter of PAMET-IN, Josie Croi. Tony was worried at first, because he did not know most of the lyrics. Someone suggested to him to Google the songs to get the lyrics to the songs on the playlist. Tony was very successful in memorizing the songs. However, the jury is still out on his singing. Way to go Tony and An-gele for representing PAMET-IN well!

“PAMET-IN:

Serving the

needs of

Communities

in Indiana”

Supporting our Sister Chapter in Michigan

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Supporting the PNA: By Tony Ricafort The PNA 11th North Central Regional Conference and PNA Indiana 6th Induction, Dinner and Dance Award Night was held last April 18, 2010 at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Indiana. PAMET-IN was represented by our current President, Tony Ricafort. Joining Tony was his wife Tina Ricafort, Red Knotts, PNA Indiana Execu-tive Director, and Lena de Je-sus, current PNA Indiana President. Attendees were able to try their luck at the ca-sino while joining in the fes-tivities. In addition, Tony tried playing a round of golf during their stay in Michigan City with others, but the weather proved to be to cold for the avid golfers’ liking. They stopped short of the 16th hole.

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International Festival: By Tony Ricafort International Festival held at the Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, November 18, 2010. The 2010 International Festival was hosted by the National Council of Indiana, a non-profit, all –volunteer educational foundation composed of more than 30 ethnic organizations and groups interested in celebrating the diverse population of Indianapolis. Since 1976, the International Festival has been a showcase of different ethnic heritage as well as resources and displays of multicultural activities including ethnic cuisine, history, and language. For more than 30 years, the Council has worked on a cohesive group to increase visibility, understand-ing and integration of diverse cultures in the community life of central Indiana.

Last Feb 13, 2010 , Valentine's Day Celebration was held at St. Jude Church compound located at 5353 McFarland Road on the southside of Indianapolis. Guests started arriving after the 5:30 PM mass ended. The event was very well attended since it was a family affair. There were plenty of children and teenagers accompanied by their parents. It was a joyous occasion, plenty of food and the dance floor were always occupied with guests showing their skills, especially the teenagers. Even some vendors were available which made it very convenient for anyone to buy their valentine's present for their love ones or for personal use. PAMET-IN was very well represented at the event. Members included: Lauren Tanedo, Angel and Elvie Miguel, Lina Ferrer, Alvin and Jennifer Limiac, Al and Kathy Autajay, Tito and Nati Dumaual, Jun and Ching Miranda, and us ( Tito and Adel Balhon). A job well done by the Barangay's President, Rudy Cansino and all the officers of the club.

“PAMET-IN:

Serving the

needs of

Communities

in Indiana” Windsor, Canada August 7-8, 2010: By Fred Gallardo A fun trip visit to Windsor Canada on August or Sep-tember was started 2007 by several PAMET –IN members. The main goal of the trip is to do sightsee-ing, see some friends from PAMET- Michigan and to taste fruits like Lanzones, Atis , ripe Jack fruits and other exotic fruits from Philippines and other Asian countries. Fruits like Lanzones are prohibited to enter USA in fresh form and Canada are able to import the fruits. The following people on last year trip were Lauren Tanedo, Tony Ricafort and his wife Tina, Elvie and Angele Miguel, Fred and Nellie Gallardo, Al and Kathy Autajay, Lina Ferrer and her Mother and Daughter. See pictures in the following page.

Valentines Day Fundraising: Feb 13, 2010: By Tito Balhon

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PJ Party and New Year’s Eve at the Volpe’s: By Josephine Volpe The members of PAMET-IN enjoyed an eve-ning of great food and fun at the summer PJ Party at the home of Josephine and Mark Volpe. The night was filled with stories about past and present experiences in the profession, reminiscing about growing up and schooling in the Philippines, the joy vis-iting there over the years while making a life and living in here in the United States and plans to visit there again soon. The socializ-ing, story-telling, jokes and laughs went well into the wee hours of the morning. Though the rooms were ready for the guests; and, if they weren’t wearing PJs, they brought them, nobody was sleepy enough to stop the fun. A few more hours and it would have been called The Breakfast Club! The members of PAMET-IN joined one

another at the home of Josephine and Mark Volpe to celebrate the blessings of 2010 and ring in the New Year 2011 with a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party. Food galore, hats, tiara’s (for the ladies of PAMET who all are our princesses), noise makers (no, not the chatter and voices of all the guests), and champagne were on hand for the celebration; and glitter and glam was radiating from the ladies. The countdown that eve to 2011 was a time to reflect and give thanks for the friendship and good work that is PAMET-IN; and, sharing hugs and kisses among friends and loved-ones at the stroke of midnight as 2011 began, was a testament to the bond that our membership shares.

213 Hollowview Drive

Noblesville, IN 46060

Phone: 317-773-7148

E-mail: asricafort@sbcglobal.net

PAMET-IN

“Serving the needs of Filipino Medical

Technologists in Indiana”

pametindiana.org

Not a PAMET-IN member yet?

Please contact Tony at 317 773-7148

or via e-mail at

asricafort@sbcglobal.net-IN !!!

Planned Events for 2011: By President Tony Ricafort

Newsletter release, 3rd week of April 2011 Spring Seminar, April 30, 2011, Central Indiana St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, May 14, 2011 Asian Festival, June 4, 2011 Camp Mabuhay, June 11, 2011, Mt. Zion Church, Kokomo, IN Golf Fundraising, July 23, 2011, Harbour Trees Golf Club, Nobleville, IN PAMET-USA Executive Meeting, August 5-6, 2011, San Diego, CA Field Trip to Windsor, Canada (Windsor, Toronto, and Niagara Falls), September 2011 Misang Filipino, September 25, 2011, Our Lady of Grace, Noblesville, IN Fall Seminar, October 2011, NW Indiana St. Louis de Montfort Thanksgiving Baskets in Fisher, IN, November 2011 Wheeler Mission Volunteers to serve dinner, November 19, 2011