SAN FRANCISCO — Giovannie Espiritu lit and led the way. A longtime  member of the Screen Actors Guild who has played roles on the longest running television series “ER” and the new hit “Bones,” Espiritu shared her story of triumph over domestic violence at a Philippine consulate gathering in October 2005.  Until she got on the podium and spoke of her nightmare of a relationship with her abusive ex-husband, Filipinos often only heard or read about domestic violence in their community on the news after a fatal incidence.  Or behind closed doors.  In whispers.

This year the actor and mother deepened her commitment to educate the public about domestic abuse by joining the board of directors of Cora Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, the only Bay Area core service agency for abuse survivors and their children with funding specifically to reach out to Filipinos.

“I tell my story in hopes that some of you out there will realize the red flags in your own relationships, or in those of the people around you and be willing to make a difference in their lives,” explained Espiritu, who reverted to her maiden name after having “transformed myself to survivor from victim.”  She is the first FilAm on the board of the private nonprofit, and she is among many high-profile personalities who have embraced the agency and its cause.

Next week, Colma Vice Mayor Joanne Del Rosario will trumpet her new advocacy at the Cora Kumares and Kumpares fourth annual “DV: Not in Our Community,” a free domestic violence prevention presentation 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3 at War Memorial Community Center, 6655 Mission Street in Daly City.

“As an elected official and in particular a Filipina elected official, I hope to bring this issue to the forefront, especially in the Asian community,” said the only current elected Filipino American woman official in San Mateo County, home of the highest concentration of Filipinos - over half of whom are female - on the U.S. mainland.

Like Espiritu, Del Rosario is marking a milestone:  She is the first FilAm woman elected official to speak up against abuse and challenge both her constituents and her community to face what she believes is everyone’s responsibility.

“We are quick to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to matters such as substance or alcohol abuse, prevention of heart disease, obesity, but are timid when it comes to domestic violence,” Del Rosario emphasized.  “This too can be prevented, but only if we as a community reach out to those around us who are in this situation.”

Before the Pledge to Help End Domestic Violence to be led by Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr., Del Rosario will point out the Filipino cultural values that tend to help or hinder domestic violence prevention.   Her presentation will follow the testimony of survivor Daly City resident Marlene Pinzon, an overview of the need for education particularly among Filipino Americans by Cora Executive Director Melissa Lukin, and the keynote address by San Mateo County Supervisor Mark Church, who chairs the county Domestic Violence Council.  
The event and the cause bared the humanitarian side of Manila-based couturier Renee Salud, known throughout Asia as the Philippine Ambassador of Fashion.  He donated a pair of barong tagalog to be raffled off at the Daly City event along with dinner certificates to Moonstar and Edna’s Ichi Ban restaurants. 
“This is my way of applauding Cora for reaching out to Filipino Americans,” said the designer renowned for his contemporized Philippine gala gowns.  “Every home should be a safe and peaceful refuge for all members of the family.  I’m proud to be a participant in the Cora Kumares and Kumpares campaign for healthy relationships.” The group has celebrated the support of FilAm media celebrities. Early this year, Frances Dinglasan, reporter for KGO News, took on the same assignment, where she stressed the importance of learning the effects of domestic violence on children.

“Children learn from observing others in school, on television, in films,” said Dinglasan.  “They emulate their role models.  Children who witness abuse are likely to grow up emulating the behavior of their parents or adult caregivers.  They could become survivors or abusers themselves.”

Lloyd LaCuesta, South Bay bureau chief for KTVU Channel 2, co-founder of the Asian American Journalists Association and journalism professor at San Francisco State University, proclaimed himself a “Kumpare” after co-hosting a Kumares and Kumpares 2007 seminar.

“As a longtime news reporter, I have covered many stories over the years involving domestic violence ending in death,” said Lacuesta. “In the Asian community too many cases remain hidden, victims suffering in silence and do not come to light unless there is some unfortunate act of violence.  It is very important that victims of domestic violence realize there is help for them.  Educational events could spell the difference between life and death for troubles families.”The outpouring of support validates the organizers’ belief that the ancestral barangay spirit is alive and well among Filipino Americans.

“We are grateful for the generous response from our allies in diverse sectors,” said Cora Kumares president Erlinda Galeon.  “Every year, our list of volunteers, allies and community sponsors grows.”   Formed in 2003, the Cora Kumares and Kumpares are an all-volunteer task force representing the diverse sectors of the Filipino community.  The members are Malou Aclan, RN; Dr. Jei Africa, Psy. D; Alice Bulos, Lorraine Canaya, NP; Sgt. Randy Caturay, Erlinda Galeon, Nellie Hizon, Sarah Jane Ilumin, Jennifer Jimenez, Amancio Liangco Jr., Esq., Lloyd LaCuesta, Edna Biscocho Murray, Mark Nagales, Christine Padilla, Yumi Querubin, Lina Susbilla, Robert Uy, Esq., and Bettina Santos Yap.
For more information, call (650) 756-3277 or (650) 652- 0800 Ext. 115.

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Cora Community Outreach Coordinator.  Cora’s 24-hour tollfree and confidential hotline: 800-300-1080.