1199SEIU’s Asian American Pacific Islanders Caucus (AAPI) held its first annual Asian American Heritage Month celebration at the Union’s Manhattan headquarters on May 20 under the banner of Many Cultures, One Voice: United. Homecare Division organizer James Chang was the evening’s Master of ceremonies and welcomed dozens of members, staff and their guests for the celebration that included a dance performance, traditional Asian foods and a raffle to benefit survivors of the Nepal earthquake. 1199SEIU Secretary Treasurer Maria Castaneda shared the AAPI’s mission and vision in her remarks. Castaneda wore traditional dress from her home country of The Philippines for the event. “We want to recruit more of our members to come next time so we can celebrate more of our cultures,” said Castaneda. “That’s the goal of our Union- to come together and learn from each other.Not only was the event a celebration, but it also recognized 1199ers for their Union-building efforts and organizing among the Union’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. Among them was retiree Rodabaldas Abella, who retired from Manhattan’s Bellevue Medical Center in 2007 after working at the institution for 27 years. “It’s very good to see all of the people from other Asian cultures and all cultures here tonight,” said Abella, who is originally from The Philippines. “It’s great that we can share this, especially among our retirees.