FIND DIALOGUE

Lot of confusion as to what I was to do...open...close...open. When Allyson informed the organizers that she was not coming out, they were having problems finding another speaker. Luckily, I talked them into having Ray speak. Sharmaine and Jocelyn were the FIND speaker chair. Although they are from the 757, they had no clue as to what Ray and I were about. I tried to convince them that we both do the opening and closing together. Afterall, this is Dialogue. Our job mainly is to create the environment of free and non-threatening communication. As the day drew near, they kept asking for an outline. I gave them some junk for I really didn't know what to say...neither did Ray. On Thursday, the cultural night was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons. I think they forgot to rent the room...or...didn't have the money. In any case, we felt there would be a lot of no shows since the culture show was the biggest draw. Also, we found out we were going to close at night...outdoors. WTF??? Not good.

We all met at Lake Wright at 6AM. Gil drove us. He was to meet a co-ed whom he met at salsa at the event. We kicked around some ideas. So many sounded so good that I was already dialogued out by the time we passed Williamsburg. We got to VCU around 8AM. Was totally surprised with the amount of students walking around. Seems like all the districts were gathering early. Limited seating was the main reason. The first 600 could be in the main room. The ones late had to go to another room and watch it on TV.

The room was jammed. Ray spoke first. He was kinda sensitive as to Cory Aquino being referenced. The guy made the entire crowd read aloud...in unison...the Filipino American history month proclamation okayed by Congress. When I got up, I told them about the first conference back in 1971...where everything started badly...folks dissing each other, questioning qualifications of speakers, name calling, etcetc. Finally, everyone gathered into the room. Rules were then conveyed, i.e., no name calling, speak one at a time, agree to disagree. In essence, the dialogue that started initiated an environment of mutual respect. As a result, the whole ethnic studies blew up on the west coast. So, before we are to work together, we have to learn to communicate. Dialogue is paramount. I then told them every odd decade, something great happens...70s was birth of ethnic studies...90s was FIND...this next decade will probably be defending all the gains over the past 40 years since ethnic studies is trying to be cut out of all California schools...beginning at Berkeley. Our session ended with "Scrambled Eggs"...a piece performed by M.A., Lee and DJ. Needless to say everyone was hyped. We were successful!!!

Attended workshops throughout the day. Was kinda upset that most of the stuff was Philippine oriented...but...I had to keep reminding myself this is Dialogue. Getting them on board to the Filipino American ship would have to be another time. Had lunch at a Mediterranean place. Met Gils friend...a nice Pharmacy student that Ray tried to hit on. The last session was led by Sam Umali. By the time closing came, I was tired....and still didn't know what to say.

I was quite nervous for the closing. The crowd generated so much energy it negated the crisp and cool evening stillness. The lights shined upon the podium that I felt like a rock star. I really can't remember what I said but I know I finished it with the sign of the Tamaraw...and the words of the movement..."...makibaka. huwag matakot". On the ride home, I still kick myself in not giving the English translation...or to chant it with hands held high. However, I did remember that folks will forget what you said...but will never forget how you made them feel. I was proud to close this decade with a FIND conference in the spring....a summer symposium...and a fall FIND Dialogue. I know I did good because I feel good...energized...and looking forward for another decade in the Movement. Makibaka!!!