Here are some questions many have asked about me

When did you develop a passion for writing?
I was always surrounded by books as my family owned one of the most enviable library collections on Southeast Asian literature—The Beyer Library Collection which is currently housed in the Canberra National Library in Australia and in 2004; with the blessings of my grandmother Paz Beyer I donated a major portion of the collection to the University of the Philippines' Main Library. I consider my writing skills to be purely genetic—just as there are families who are gifted to sing; mine have been gifted to write.

What are some of your literary accomplishments?
As a freelance writer and editor my contributions are showcased in the following publications and websites: The African-American Voice, Bilingual Press, Filipino Express Newspaper, Heartlinks Magazine, Inland NW Family Magazine, Spokane Sizzle Magazine, The Binokot Files—a monthly column at New Filipina website, Filipinas Magazine, ALTACO, Spokane Living Magazine, Northwest Woman™ Magazine, The Spokane City Source, Public Broadcasting Station’s documentary, The Spanish-American War, and The Philippine National Commission for the Culture and the Arts. In addition, I compiled the cookbook "Cooking Ng Ina Mo" for the Spokane Filipino-American Association during my term as Vice President and President from 2000-2004.

What issues are you passionate about?

·         Breast Cancer My grandmother and mother are breast cancer survivors. In 2005 one of my best friends passed away from the disease. Whatever I can do today to help find a cure will affect me, my daughters, and my granddaughters tomorrow.

·         Domestic Violence Every woman should be treated like a goddess and a queen. Revered, valued, and respected. Whether you are 5 years old or 55; brown, black or white; a size 2 or 22 …we are all beautiful, precious, and unique. Everyday women and children are still victimized and everyday I must be open to be used as a voice to spread change and create awareness until it stops.

·         Diversity It is 2007, and yet in this day and age whether you believe it or not… racism still exists. There is a growing surge of women becoming CEO’s which is phenomenally outstanding but the number of Minority Women becoming CEO’s is still lagging behind.

Who is your mentor?
I was raised by my grandparents and spent my weekends mostly with my grandmother Zeny who was a realtor and owned an apartment complex. My summer vacations were spent with my grandmother Pacita who owned a general store in addition to rice fields and fruit orchards. In between the harvest season, she would stay with us for many days. Both grandmothers taught me hands on how to run a business, manage a staff, and the value of hard work. They also showed me the power of prayer and to live a generous life. My grandfather Ramon Bagatsing served as the Mayor of Manila for 20+ years. He was the first Filipino-Indian to serve in this position. Raised in an atmosphere of abject poverty, he pulled himself up by the bootstraps and despite many years of racially motivated criticisms he persevered through it all and followed his dreams. His spirit of community service has been ingrained in my heart. But, what mattered most is no matter how busy he was; when I needed him…he was always there.

Name a few of your favorite things
Watching chickflicks with my three daughters; reading a good book while cuddling with Ashton & Pumpkin —my two rescue kitties; writing dissertation papers on Philippine culture and history; race horses, enjoying every imaginable spa treatment especially those that say "hydrotherapy," a good bottle of Pinot Noir, classical music, a box of Fran’s chocolate caramels, and any time spent doing nothing.

Contact Charity Doyl via email here

Vicki Dar - Founder

A TRIBUTE BY CHARITY DOYL

Who is Vicki Dar? I met this amazing lady about nine years ago at the home of Ben Cabildo, who was hosting a luncheon for the Filipino community in the Spokane area. Vicki and I, were baited with a Filipino feast which included lechon—pork roast (a savory Filipino delicacy)—and before we knew it, we were both drafted into the Board of Directors for the Filipino-American Association. Her mother, Geneva Dar, was my partner in organizing fund raisers for the Association and we spent hours on the phone—mostly swapping recipes, craft ideas and prayer requests. After Mrs. Dar’s home-going, I felt compelled to reach out to Vicki and offer the same camaraderie, friendship and support I had enjoyed with her mother.

Vicki and I had many great adventures which mostly revolved around her three publications, The Inland NW Family Magazine, The Inland NW Resource Guide, and her new baby...Northwest Woman™ Magazine. Wanting to see her succeed, from 1999 - 2002 I did everything from cat-sitting, selling ads, taking pictures, and writing articles to everything else in between. In 2003, I had to move on and focus my attention on managing my great-grandfather’s estate—the Beyer Collection. During that time, we managed to stay in touch through forwarded e-mails and by showing up to support each other’s community events.

In November 2004, Vicki asked if I would take care of Northwest Woman™ Magazine. I was very surprised and initially hesitated the offer because I knew how much this publication meant to her. But after assuring me that it was for the good of the magazine and her (love) life. I discussed the idea with husband, prayed about this life changing opportunity and knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

In response, to my question, "Who is Vicki Dar?" She will always be my mentor and kindred spirit who has taken the time to nurture my abilities, whose encouraging words and kindness gave me the confidence to walk in her shoes as the new Publisher and Editor in-Chief of Northwest Woman™ Magazine.

Thank you Vicki...you are a blessing and a great friend