Several years ago, I was asked to teach Filipino cooking at the US Naval Submarine Base in Bangor, Washington State. My love for cooking did not stop at the Naval Base, I would go to American homes and proudly present our Filipino cuisine.
In 2005, while organizing the OVERSEAS FILIPINO COUNCIL in California, ANITA'S KITCHEN caricature was sent in through the internet by our President Dindo Generoso, from Australia. I fell in love with the picture, with my signature Hairdo, why not? So ANITA'S KITCHEN became the LOGO and the kitchen came alive VIRTUALLY. OVERSEAS FILIPINO COUNCIL, became OVERSEAS FILIPINO COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL and ANITA'S KITCHEN became the OFCI's hospitality room. - nitz sese schon
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ANITA'S KITCHEN:The Religion of food, food, food!
If there is anything that would ultimately unite Filipinos worldwide, it will be food! Absolutely without exception, anywhere in the world where there's a gathering of Filipinos, short of bringing the kitchen, FOOD is number one in the agenda!
So what's in the Balikbayan box, huh? Let me see…corned beef ( he he he he he he!), anchovies, coffee, chocolates, vetsin, garlic, disposable plates, cups, spoons, bags of rice (for goodness sake!). Rice cooker, portable stove, pressure cooker, food mixer…hmmmm…
Anita Sese-Schon, now living in Bremerton, Washington State USA, loves to cook and learned very early in life studying Culinary Arts at Araullo high while growing up in Manila. She soon realized that while Filipinos would kill each other arguing about politics, there is never an issue when eating is concerned.
Filipinos love their food and Anita has embarked on her mission to unite the Filipinos worldwide- not by her pet project the OVERSEAS FILIPINO COUNCIL, whos board members she cooks for a lot but through ANITA'S KITCHEN- the one unifying force that she thinks, without doubt, will lead to the unity of all Filipinos through their nosetrills and taste buds!
Anita's Kitchen culls from the best recipes of the islands as Anita Sese-Schon embarks on collecting the very best of the best in Filipino Food for publication worldwide. It is her hope that one day, Filipinos will just transcend their destructive politics and simply enjoy the best of Filipino food!
Anita Sese Schon is a lady of gigantic ambition and endless energy. Her enthusiasm can not be contained that she was involved in so many organizations in her community in Bremerton, Washington State. Her network of friends and organizations expanded the world especially in her community, around the USA and the Philippines were countless admired her commitments. She conducted many projects mostly if not all were completed and delivered successfully. She did not hesitate to do her best and willingly spent her own financial resources to bring the desired results of the projects she was involved.
As early as 2000 Ms. Anita Sese Schon began going back to the homeland for class reunions, and to visit relatives and friends. Initially she was dismayed by the socio-economic and political conditions in the Philippines. As she continued to go back she became increasingly disturbed with the widespread poverty, lack of jobs and the continuing migration of Filipinos seeking employments in foreign lands. Many are professionals accepting works way below their educational and professional qualifications just so they could support their families at home.
In her subsequent visits in the Philippines she was able to widen her sphere of influence beginning from her friends from her alma mater, previous officemates, friends, province mates and acquaintances. She contacted classmates and friends in positions of influence. Before long she was organizing civic activities in the Philippines, conducting fund raising for some community organizations and rallied communities to do something, e.g. cleaning the streets and Plant for Life projects just to name a few.
She became ever more adamant and frustrated for the lack of progress for all her efforts in the Philippines and the ingrained graft and corruption, and abuses widely practiced by both government and private persons in any position of influence.
In November 05, 2005 Overseas Filipino Council (OFC) was founded and incorporated in the State of California.
In August 12, 2007 the Overseas Filipino Council was reorganized and named Overseas Filipino Council, Incorporated. Four months later, in December 6-8, 2007, the Overseas Filipino Council initiated the first "Overseas Filipino Congress" a conference participated by leaders of Filipino organizations worldwide met to formulate out plans and programs in which the Overseas Filipinos can contribute development of our homeland, create more jobs, development of Small and Medium Enterprises and other means of economic endeavors. It was held in Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental.
The conference focused in establishing a close partnership with all Filipinos worldwide to help the Philippines achieve a common goal towards economic progress. The focus of the conference is to formulate out plans and programs in which the Overseas Filipinos can contribute development of our homeland, create more jobs, development of Small and Medium Enterprises and other means of economic endeavors.
by: Nelson Paguyo
Dr. Nelson Paguyo is the author of the book HEALTHCARE for all AMERICANS
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Ako ay Pilipino by: Charmaine Clamor (Vocals) and Richard Ickard (Guitar)
