Maria AF Etrata Honored as Lifetime Legacy

PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 3
Bennette Espineli Misalucha
serving The community since 1987
Are We Isolating
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Mary Llanos Cordero
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Bennette Espineli Misalucha
Ourselves?
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Radiant Cordero
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A friend who used to live in
Hawaii was visiting this week,
and she commented how
a part of Waipahu was fast
becoming like Little Manila.
There were several iconic
Filipino restaurants, a Filipino
bakery and a Philippine-based
fast food hamburger chain, all
housed in the same shopping
complex. Everywhere in that
neighborhood, one can hear
a smattering of Tagalog or
Ilocano being spoken. My
friend joked that surrounded
by these reminders of the old
country, new immigrants will
not even have the opportunity
to miss “home.”
She has a point. When we
only surround ourselves with
everything that is familiar and
comfortable, are we depriving
ourselves of the chance to
grow? Are we essentially
building a wall that keeps us
Filipinos from exploring the
rest of the world?
When our forbearers
came to Hawaii to work in
the plantation, the Filipinos
were not the predominant
culture. In fact, as the last
immigrants to arrive, we were
on the bottom of the totem
pole. In order to survive, the
sakadas had to be open to
embracing new experiences,
maybe even understanding
new cultures, especially
when intermarriages started
to happen. As they grew
accustomed to living with
others, the sakadas became
more familiar with the defining
characteristics of each ethnic
group and learned to respect
their boundaries. There was
no choice. Hawaii is a melting
pot and no culture can stay
isolated, especially in the
confining quarters of a small
island.
Today, however, we live
in a time where our Filipino
community seems in danger
of living a life of isolation from
the rest of Hawaii.
For example, in many
Filipino homes, their tv
screens seem to fixed on
TFC or GMA, both Filipino
stations with their ethnic
programming. Sure, I get it.
Philippine television is like
comfort food to us. It’s more
than just understanding the
nuances of the language.
We also grasp the humor, we
are entertained by familiar
movie stars, we are lulled
by melodies we recall from
our childhood, we have a
How can we participate in the political exercise if we don’t
even know what the issues are? How can we even participate in the voting process if we are not feeling emotionally
invested? How can we be emotionally invested in Hawaii
if we STILL consider the Philippines as our “home”, and
Waipahu or Kalihi, an extension of that home?
Photo Credit: asianamerica.matters.org.
historical context of the pop
culture, and we can even
appreciate Philippine politics
without anyone having to
explain how the political
structure works.
But what if ethnic
programming may actually
be working against us? Think
about it: if our television
sets are only focused on
the Philippines night and
day, that means we are
not watching local news.
It means we are denying
ourselves the opportunity
to learn more about Hawaii,
our new home. No wonder
that majority of our people
k n o w t h e d e ve l o p m e n t s
in their barangay in the
Philippines, but have no clue
what is happening at the
State Legislature or the City
Council. In some cases, some
are not even able to answer
who the mayor of Honolulu is!
How can we participate
in the political exercise if
we don’t even know what
the issues are? How can
we even participate in the
voting process if we are not
feeling emotionally invested?
How can we be emotionally
invested in Hawaii if we STILL
consider the Philippines as
our “home”, and Waipahu or
Kalihi, an extension of that
home?
Don’ t get me wrong.
I am not saying we turn
our backs on our culture.
Certainly, I am in favor of
cultural diversity which brings
a deeper dimension to our
immigrant experience and
benefits ALL Americans. I
am a strong advocate that we
need to continue to cultivate
our culture for the sake of the
next generation.
But what we need is
BALANCE. We cannot afford to
exist only within the enclaves
of familiar turf. That would
mean we do not grow. In life,
we grow only when we leave
the comfortable nest and
embrace new experiences.
We expand our capacity when
we meet challenges head on
rather than bury our heads in
the sand.
One of the ways that we
allow our community to grow
is through education. In this
issue of the Fil-Am Courier,
we feature Waipahu Science
teacher Michael Sana who was
recently named as the Milken
Educator Awardee, a very
prestigious recognition akin to
the Oscar award for teaching.
Mahalo to our Courier writer
Marnelli Ulep for flagging
this story for our community
paper. Congratulations to
Michael and to Waipahu High
School for the honor, and
we commend Michael for his
passion, his patience and
commitment to science.
It is through educators
like Sana that our
c o m m u n i t y— p a r t i c u l a r l y
through the second or third
generation— can not only
achieve integration into the
mainstream community, but
excellence.
However, it should be
noted that education is not
the magic bullet for the
community as it aspires to
integrate.
In a magazine article
titled, “Assimilating the New
American Immigrant,” author
Barbara J. Elliot, explains the
concept of what else is at play:
“The essence of meaningful
participation in American
life revolves around several
crucial factors: language,
education, employment, and
family. Schools, churches,
and private organizations
have historically done the
job of imparting strengths
to newcomers to the nation,
while building up their lives
and embedding them in the
matrix of relationships that
constitute the fabric of civil
society. If we can invest in the
success of efforts that do this
effectively, we can add assets
to America. We need creative
approaches from strategically
minded philanthropists to
foster such efforts now to
reach this side of a growing,
and changing, America.”
In short, becoming
“American” is not just a
free ride. It comes with
certain obligations and
responsibilities. It comes
with becoming a part of the
greater community.
We h o p e t h a t o u r
community leaders take this
as an action item. How do
we learn to assimilate in
Hawaii without losing our
identity, our self-worth? The
discussion on this issue can
easily fill a semester-full
course work at the University
of Hawaii.
So, let’s start with baby
steps. Let’s begin by making
a point to watch local news
rather than that those
incessant Filipino noontime
variety shows.
At least, if anyone
asks, who is the mayor of
Honolulu,chances are you will
give the right answer.
Bennette Espineli Misalucha
is the Fil-Am Courier’s Managing
Editor. She has been affiliated
with the Courier since 1987 as a
contributing writer and as Managing
Editor since April 2013. She started
her career as a journalist, and was
a reporter/producer both in Hawaii
(at KHON Channel 2 News) and in
Cebu, Philippines.
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
By Marnelli Basilio Ulep
Our cover....
Our cover story subject, Michael
Sana, was photographed on the
grounds of Waipahu High School
by the talented James Ramos of
James Ramos Photography
James may be reached at
808 345-3924 or at james@
jamesramosphotography.com.
Photo Design by Noah Felipe.
Mahalo to Jeff Orig of
OrigMedia.
Both Noah and Jeff can be
reached at www.Origmedia.com
or by calling (808) 447-9559.
Sana at a recent Science Fair
The Waipahu High School
gym roared with excitement
on January 29 when science
teacher Michael Sana was
announced a recipient of the
Milken Educator Award.
T h e a wa r d i s g i ve n t o
teachers across the
country in recognition for
their accomplishments
Photo credit: James Ramos
and promising futures as
educators.
During the assembly,
Governor David Ige
presented Sana with the
award and a $25,000
prize. The reactions of the
students and colleagues
showed just how admired
Sana is on campus and how
thrilled everyone was at the
announcement. As Sana
walked towards the stage,
students chanted his name
and extended their hands to
congratulate him.
As a biology teacher
at Waipahu, Sana has set
up invaluable partnerships
with national science and
engineering organizations
and agencies that offer
wonderful opportunities for
his students. He also works
with the Leeward District
Science and Engineering Fair
each year, where students
study projects related to the
environment, atmosphere,
mathematics, chemistry,
and much more.
Many of these projects
receive awards from national
agencies and students
receive the opportunity to
travel across the country
to present their projects
and findings. Sana also
works with students through
various co-curricular
activities, coaching the
Wa i p a h u Va r s i t y B o y s
B a s k e t b a l l Te a m a n d
advising the Key Club.
Sana has also been
a part of the Sariling
Gawa Youth Council since
2001 as a Board Member,
encouraging many of his
students to attend the annual
conference to learn more
about their Filipino culture
and empower them to be
leaders in the community.
In 2010, he was also
recognized by the United
Filipino Council of Hawaii
for the Education Progress
Award.
With family roots in
Cebu and Tarlac, Sana is a
graduate of Farrington High
School and the University
of Hawaii at Manoa, with
a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Biology and a Master of
Education in Curriculum
studies.
When he is not working,
he spends time with his
family, especially one-year
old son Xavier Alexander,
watching Elmo and Sesame
Street and enjoying the
outdoors.
What does receiving the
Milken Educator Award
mean to you?
I am so proud to be
recognized as Hawaii’s
Milken Educator and more
importantly that I am
Filipino! I hope I can continue
to inspire our Filipino youth.
I hope that by being
named a Milken Educator,
I can inspire students and
teachers to take pride in
what they do and where they
come from. I encourage my
students to strive to be the
best they can be. In doing
so, many find their passion in
science. This is also a tribute
to the many great things
that are happening in our
schools, especially Waipahu
High School. I am proud
to share this recognition
with my colleagues and the
community.
As a recipient of the
award, I feel empowered
to do more to advocate on
behalf of my students and
colleagues and that I will
have the opportunity to
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 5
Michael Sana in action at the Waipahu High School science lab
Michael Sana
inspire and support other
teachers to continue the
great work they are doing.
at the University of Hawaii
at Manoa, when I was given
the opportunity to be a
teaching intern for biology
laboratory classes. After
receiving my Bachelor of Arts
in Biology, I pursued a PostBaccalaureate Certificate in
Secondary Education.
How did you feel during
the assembly?
I was completely
surprised
by
the
announcement, saying, “No
way, no way.” Walking down
the middle of the gym with
the school cheering me on
was surreal, very humbling
and exci ti ng. Standi ng
next to Governor Ige, I
remembered the promise
I made to my mom in high
school. I was a senior at
Farrington and she was
battling thyroid cancer.
Her doctors didn’t expect
her to live long enough to
see me graduate. She made
a promise that she would
fight to see me receive my
high school diploma and
she expected me to go to
college, graduate, and do
something with my degree.
I owe it to my mom for
being my inspiration when I
was young and encouraging
me to be active and most
importantly to do well in
school. She knew that
education was the key to
my future.
Tell me about someone
who influenced your
decision to be a science
teacher.
My high school science
teacher was Mr. Randyll
Warehime. As a student
in his Biotechnology class
I enjoyed the engaging
hands-on labs, such as
transforming bacteria
and making tissue culture
samples from plant cuttings.
He was very honest about
what it takes to be a teacher
and I was convinced that I
was up for the challenge.
The Farrington High
School motto is “Enter to
Learn, Go Forth to Serve”
and I am proud to say that
as Hawaii’s 2016 Milken
Educator, I am living the
Farrington Way, doing my
part to help encourage more
students to pursue science
as a career.
Describe your journey
to becoming an
educator.
I fell in love with
teaching during my final
year as an undergraduate
What are the things that
keep you going as a
teacher?
My passion is science. I
enjoy helping students work
on their science fair projects
each year, setting them
up to work with science
mentors in their fields of
interest and demonstrate
the skills and knowledge
learned in class. I feel that
students learn best when
they take ownership of their
learning.
Often, students are
working on cutting edge
research that has never
been done before and
presenting their projects in
class gives all students the
opportunity to learn about
topics that are not normally
covered in a textbook. This
is authentic learning at its
finest and what keeps me
going.
What would you like
people to know about
being a teacher?
T eac he rs c are a l o t
about our students and their
success. As teachers, we
invest a lot of time, energy,
and even money in making
sure our students get the
best education possible.
Teaching is a job that doesn’t
end when we leave at 3:00
pm and head home. We do
it because we know that we
have a responsibility to our
students.
What is shared in the
news and media often is not
a true reflection of what is
actually happening; schools
are often ranked by test
scores and people think that
because a school has a low
ranking, they assume that it
is a bad school. That is not
always the case.
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
Michael Sana receives a special congratulatory hug from
Waipahu High counselor Trixia Soria, his fiancee.
Are there people
you would like to
acknowledge?
First and foremost I
would to thank our Heavenly
Father for the gift of
teaching and helping me
to find my passion to help
others, especially our youth,
and empowering them to
become successful.
I would like to
acknowledge the sacrifices
that my late parents,
especially my mom, made
to ensure that I got a good
education. I also would like
to thank my sister Evelyn
Quartero and her husband
Lancelot Quartero for their
support in the absence of
mom and dad. Finally, I
would like to acknowledge
my rock of strength, Ms.
Trixia Soria for all of the
countless hours of support
she has given me throughout
my years of teaching.
Message to the
Community:
I would like to encourage
our Filipino community to
continue to support our
students in our public
schools. There are many
great things that are
happening in our public
schools and parents need
to get involved and support
their children, not just in
elementary school.
The middle and high
school years are critical
Sana addresses the gym full of excited students and colleagues after the announcement.
to laying the foundation
for a student’s success
in life. Oftentimes parent
involvement diminishes
when students reach middle
and high school but these
are the critical years that lay
the foundation for student
success in life.
We tend to put a heavy
burden on our schools to
be responsible for a child’s
academic, emotional, and
physical growth but it’s
actually a partnership
between schools and
parents together. I hope
that we can get more parent
involvement in our schools.
Michael Sana with his students
Marnelli Joy Basilio Ulep currently
works at the University of Hawaii West Oahu as part of the Business
Administration Division. She holds
a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
and International Business and
a Master’s degree in Educational
Administration with a concentration
in Higher Education. Marnelli and
her husband own and operate
Glorified Supply Co., and run the
non-profit Reap & Sow, where
they encourage people to use their
passions in life to do good in our
community. She also volunteers
with the St. Joseph Waipahu AGAPE
Ministry, is a board member of the
Sariling Gawa Youth Council, and
was Miss Oahu Filipina 2010.
Photo credit: James Ramos
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 7
Perspectives on Michael Sana
“Michael Sana is an exemplary and committed
educator who is consistently willing to explore
new and innovative ideas to engage his
students in authentic learning opportunities.
Through his experiences, he has expanded
Waipahu High School’s biotechnology program,
enabling students to participate in research at
the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, as
well as being published in the national databases
with Rutgers University. In addition to being the
the science department chairperson, classroom
teacher, and the Leeward District High School
and Middle School Science Fair coordinator,
he also finds time to connect with our student
athletes as the varsity boys basketball coach.
We are fortunate at Waipahu High School to
have outstanding educators like Mr. Sana to
support our students in their learning and in
their college and career endeavors.”
- Keith Hayashi,
Waipahu High School Principal
“Mr. Sana is a really fun teacher. You can
always go to him if you have any questions about anything. When I was a Freshman and
Sophomore, I was scared of him. But he’s really
not a scary person. He’s a very generous and
nice person that you can talk to about anything.
He’ll try to make you laugh whenever he can.
His classes prepare you for when you will be in
college. He is doing that to let you know how
it is like when you go to college. To me, it’s a
good way to have a head start. Whenever I am
in his class, I feel inspired because he is a great
teacher. He knows how to solve problems, he
knows what to do, and all he wants is for you
to do your assigned tasks so you can succeed
later on in life.
Whenever he gives us advice about what we
should do in college, it motivates me more to
want what I want in the future. I either want
to be a dentist or a pediatrician, somewhere in
the medical field.”
- Melara Faye Cabrera,
Waipahu HS Class of 2017
“He is truly a great role model and mentor for
Filipino youth in Hawaii. We hope that many
Filipinos will be inspired by his accomplishments
and strive toward become educators themselves
to impact the lives of young people in our
communities. Also, it is an honor to have his
expertise as a board member of Sariling Gawa
Youth Council. We need more Filipino teachers
like Mike!”
- Milli Macugay Asuncion,
Teacher & Counselor, Hawaii Dept.
of Education; Co-Founder and
Board Member, Sariling Gawa
Youth Council
“I like how Mr. Sana is so outgoing. He will tell
us to fix all your mistakes so you don’t make
them again because he wants you to succeed.
He wants the best for you.
Whenever I pass by his classroom, he is usually
at his desk, frowning at his laptop, or drinking
coffee. And when I wave hi, he would have a
grin on his face.
Mr. Sana inspires me by the way he motivates
me to pursue my career in science. Because
of him, I changed my perspective on science.
I used to hate science. He is the reason why I
want to be a researcher in the medical field.”
- Deserie Pagatpatan, Waipahu HS Class of
2017
“Mr. Sana has inspired me to do my best
through whatever challenges may come. When
I was in his class, I experienced a strong sense
of courage to be able to plow through the
challenges that may come my way, whether
it may be from school or from life in general.
What I enjoyed in Mr. Sana’s class was the
environment. It was nice to have had the
change during class to help one another with
different lessons on the DNA Sequence Analysis
Program.”
- Nikko Magtoto,
Waipahu HS Class of 2012,
Current Biology student at
Chaminade University
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
ABOUT THE MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD
*from http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/
Film has the Oscar™, music
has the Grammy™, science
has the Nobel and sports has
its gold medals, but what about
the true unsung heroes on
the frontlines of shaping our
future? Where is the recognition
for our nation’s educators? Enter Lowell Milken and the
Milken Educator Awards.
Established in 1987 as an
initiative of the Milken Family
Foundation, the Milken Educator
Awards program rewards and
inspires excellence in the world
of education by honoring top
educators around the country
with $25,000 unrestricted
awards. Not an accolade for
“lifetime achievement” or the
proverbial gold watch at the
exit door, the Milken Educator
Awards targets early-to-mid
career education professionals
for their already impressive
achievements and, more
significantly, for the promise of
what they will accomplish in the
future.
To date, more than 2,600
Awards have been given out,
totaling more than $65 million. The one-time award is just the
beginning. Milken Educators
are given access to powerful
networking and development
tools throughout their careers
in education. When combined,
more than $137 million has been
devoted to the overall program.
Recipients are caught by
surprise when their names
are announced at emotional
all-school assemblies in front
of cheering students, proud
colleagues,
There’s a reason why Teacher
magazine called it the “Oscars
of Teaching”—new Milken
Educators have even been
asked for autographs by
admiring students! And while
the celebrity treatment is welldeserved, the Awards aren’t
about the glitz and glamor. They’re about bringing attention
to these classroom heroes;
serving at once as validation,
motivation and inspiration
to current and future quality
educators. The message: We
recognize you.
We value you. We thank you.
Michael Sana is the only recipient of the Milken Educator
award (2015-2016) from Hawaii and one of 40 throughout the
country. In this picture, From left, Hawaii State Superintendent
of Education Kathryn Matayoshi; Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice
president of the Milken Educator Awards; recipient Michael
Sana; Governor David Y. Ige; and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige.
PAST HAWAII RECIPIENTS OF THE
MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARDS
2014 Jana Fukada
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
2013 Michelle Kong Kalakaua Middle School
2012 no Hawaii recipient
2011 Glenn Lee
Waialua High School
2010
YuukoArikawa
Kaala Elementary
2009
Lisa Anne Tsuruda
Mililani H.S.
2008
Karen Heresa
Elsie Wilcox Elementary School
2007
Yannabah Weiss
Kealakehe High School
2006
Dr. Teri Ushijima
Mokulele Elementary School
2005
Dr. Becki Khan Davis
Farrington High School
Carl Matsumoto
Waipahu High School
2004
Clyde Hashimoto
Kalaheo High School
Katherine Nakamura
Moanalua Elementary School
2003
Dewey Gottlieb
Pearl City High School
Elden Seta
Moanalua High School
2002
Lynne Johnson
Aikahi Elementary School
Leonard Villanueva
Honowai Elementary School
2001
Georgina Goeas
Konawaena Middle School
Robert Kitsu
Moanalua High School
Herman S.H. Leong
Radford High School
2000
Cynthia Hagino
Waialua Elementary School
Linda Nakakone
Noelani Elementary School
1999
Jamil Ahmadia
Waiakea Elementary School
Phyllis Nakasuji
Kalani High School
Candy Suiso
Waianae High School
Estelle Wong
Olomana High and Intermediate
1998
Ann LeBlanc-Erquiza
Kamiloiki Elementary School
Kathy Nagaji
Moanalua Middle School
Jane Serikaku
Iliahi Elementary School
Irene Yamashita
Kapunaha;la Elementary School
1997
Jay Chow
Waiakea High School
Wallace Fujii
Baldwin High School
Neal Hirasaki
Kalani High School
Ellen Schroeder
Olomana High and Intermediate School
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 9
By perfecto r. yasay, jr.
The impassioned debates
over same sex marriage have
quieted down in the United
States. This came after the
Supreme Court announced
its landmark decision
declaring civil marriage as a
fundamental right inherent
in the liberty of every person
that must be recognized
under the same terms and
conditions as opposite sex
partners.
When this subject
was publicly discussed in
the Rainbow State in
connection with proposed
legislation to align with the
High Court’s ruling, most
Filipino-Americans shied
away from the controversy
notwithstanding their ties with
the predominantly Roman
Catholic nation in Asia.
S u r p r i s i n g l y, i n t h e
Philippines today, same sex
marriage has become an
overnight sensation. This is
not because of any measure
being proposed for the
Congress to legalize marital
unions between same sex
couples or any pending legal
question brought before the
Supreme Court. It is not
even because of proposed
constitutional amendments
towards resolving this issue
by plebiscite.
Rather, it is because
February 10 marks the start
of the campaign season to
choose a new president and
12 senators of the Republic
scheduled for May 9, 2016.
For this reason, political
debates have begun to heat
up on various national topics,
including those even remotely
relevant to the forthcoming
elections.
Same sex marriage as
distinguished from other
defined legal and human rights
concerns is not a particular
issue in the campaign,
which heretofore had been
percolating within special
sectors, church groups and
other similar organizations.
But, thanks to Manny
Pacquiao ‘the cat is now out
of the bag’.
The congressman of the
lone district of Sarangani,
who is seeking a seat in the
Senate, boldly aired out with
missionary zeal his position on
national television, stirring a
treacherous political hornet’s
nest.
PACQUIAO VS
LBGT COMMUNITY
As a consequence, he
generated irate responses
f r o m t h e l e s b i a n , g a y,
bisexual and transgender
( L G BT ) c o m m u n i t y a n d
their supporters that include
media personalities, public
figures, politicians and liberal
ecclesiastic leaders.
That Manny freely
expressed his firm opposition
to LGBT unions on the basis
of his religious belief is not
what made him the object of
a public outcry. His detractors
claim that he showed his
hatred and disrespect for the
dignity of homosexuals as
human beings by considering
them worse than animals.
Contextually this is what
the Pambansang Kama-o
reportedly said on TV5
network: “Have you seen
any animal having male to
male or female to female
relationship?” “Even animals
recognize gender differences.”
For this reason “same-sex
relationships are worse than
animals.”
Without compromising
his stand Manny immediately
apologized for hurting people
by his statements.
But, while the criticism
against him has been global,
so also is the support and
praises he received for his
straight-forward statements
that he asserts is biblically
based.
Ironically, the widespread
attention it has generated
and the enormous political
rhetoric and propaganda
that are being churned by
dedicated advocates and
opportunists alike, will not
result in a quick resolution of
the issue or any meaningful
change for better or for worse
for the country.
At best the controversy
revealed that the majority
of Filipinos had been quietly
opposed to same sex marriage
that is deeply rooted in their
religion and cultural values.
And yet there is no doubt
about the growing openness
of the population towards
supporting equal rights for
all persons regardless of their
sexual orientation.
But, how long will it take
to tilt the balance in favor of
LGBTs and their backers, is
anybody’s guess.
The fact remains that
the Philippine Constitution
considers marriage as an
inviolable social institution
that must be protected by the
state. While it falls short in
defining marriage as a union
between a man and woman,
arguably, this can also mean
that it involves relationship
between same sexes.
However, the formidable
challenge for gay rights
advocates is getting Congress
to amend the Family Code
that defines marriage as
“ a s p e c ia l c on t r a c t of
permanent union between
a man and a woman”. It
is this implementing statute
that gives teeth to the basic
premise in the Constitution
that the family is the
foundation of the nation. It
is the law directing that the
nature, consequences and
incidents of a civil marriage
are not subject to stipulations
by the parties.
For this reason I believe
that marriage between
opposite sex partners which
is at the core of the sanctity
of Philippine family life is
steadfast. It will remain so
for a very long time unless
someone or something will
deliver the knockout punch
for gay rights.
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
By Khara Jabola-Carolus
Filipinos in Hawaii have
thankfully passed the era of
“firsts.” We had a governor,
a couple of state Supreme
Court justices, and a handful
of individual Filipinos now
in positions of power within
every local institution.
U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e s e
institutions are also a deep
source of inequality for the
rest of our group. Those
of us nestled in the power
structure are “survivors” of
the fate of most Filipinos
i n H awa i i , ra t h e r t h a n
indicators of where our
community stands as a
whole.
One of the biggest
barriers to Filipinos’
collective empowerment
is the rising cost of
higher education, which
exacerbates our already low
enrollment, transfer, and
degree attainment within
the University of Hawaii
system.
We Need
Solutions
to Higher
Education
Struggles of
Filipinos
For example, despite
the fact that Filipinos
total more than 17% of
the state’s population, we
only represent 3.8 percent
of graduate students at
the University of Hawaii at
Manoa. We are not alone in
our status.
According to the
Hawaii State Department
of Business, Economic
Development, and Tourism,
over half of immigrants
in Hawai’i do not have a
high school diploma. Native
Hawaiians, too, join Filipinos
in the lower strata of social
and economic categories,
whether in terms of lowest
per capita income or college
degree holders. Tellingly,
our two groups alone make
up about half of the students
in Hawaii’s public schools.
The prohibitive cost
of college is not the only
reason why our youth
under represented in higher
education, but it is a barrier
that more and more states
around the nation are
working to remove.
Community college in
Hawaii, which was totally
free until 1990, is the entry
point to a higher degree
for many Filipino youth.
Over the last decade,
however, the cost to attend
community college has been
climbing by the double digits
each year. Do the math and
community college tuition
has doubled since 2005.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 11
While tuition only reflects
a sliver of the true cost
of pursuing a degree, it
functions to lock our youth
out of opportunities available
to their peers.
Thankfully our young
leaders remind us that our
past and present do not
have to own us. Last week,
a group of mostly Filipino
community college students
joined the Hawai’i Coalition
for Immigrant Rights (HCIR)
to demonstrate at the Hawaii
State Capitol.
Their demonstration
was not merely to rattle the
cage but to call for a specific
solution. Students are calling
for the passage of House Bill
1613, which would create a
tuition waiver pilot program
to start in Kauai.
This legislative vehicle
may be stalled indefinitely
unless Representative Sylvia
Luke schedules the bill for
a public hearing by the end
of the first week of March.
Whatever the outcome of
this first attempt, we should
be heartened by the Filipinoled mobilization to turn
the tide for all students in
Hawaii.
The campaign needs to
move forward until realized
and interested readers
should contact HCIR for
further engagement. For
more information, please
email us at jabola@
facehawaii.org.
Khara Jabola is the lead
organizer of the Hawaii Coalition
for Immigrant Rights (HCIR). She
is a graduate of the University of
Hawaii’s William S. Richardson
School of Law, where she served
as President of the Filipino Law
Students Association.
3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, 2 PARKING/OFFERED at $410,000 (FS)
4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS OFFERED at $1,650,000 (fs)
3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, 2 PARKING/
OFFERED AT $410,000 (FS)
68-119 AKULES STREET
Waialua offered at $1,650,000 FS
Owners occupied. Allow 48 hour notice, please. Subject to
purchasing and sumaltaneous closing of a placement property.
HOME OWNERS OR INVENTOR’S DELIGHT ! Property is located
near Aweoweo Beach Park. Property was remodeled in 2006.
An upgrade was done in 2013. As you step in the house, a
spacious family room awaits, next to a cozy Study Room. The
house offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bath and a large living room.
You can step out to your lanai from the Master Bedroom &
enjoy the cool breeze and partial view of the ocean. Lost size
gives you room to garden! Was once a licensed card home &
currently licensed as Bed & Breakfast.
•
•
•
•
•
MLS: 201821183
Bedrooms: 1.5
Baths: 1.5
Living Area: 1,142 sf
Lanai Area:126 sf
•
•
•
•
•
Parking:2
Year Built:1973
Maintenance:$440/Month
Property Tax: $72/Month
TMK: 1-9-8-059-001-0106
Ameneties: Pool
Inclusions: Dishwashers, Drapes, Microwave, Range Hood,
Range/Oven, Refrigerator
Schools:
Waialua Elementary School, Highlands Middle,
Pearl City High School
Pacific Century Realty
Lucky Tan (RA)
License #: RS-72715
Cell: (808) 294-7007
[email protected]
1158 Waiholo Street , Honolulu, HI 96821
•
•
•
•
•
MLS 201601502
Bedrooms/Baths:4/4
Living Area: 2,448 sf
Garage Area: 430 sf
Land Area: 7,559 sf
•
•
•
•
•
Views Mountain, Ocean
Year Built: 1965
Remodeled:2006
Property Tax: $167/Month
TMK: 1-6-8-012-022-000
Inclusions: Ceiling Fan, Convection Oven, Dishwasher,
Disposal,Microwave, Photovoltac, Range Hood, Range/Oven,
Refrigerator, Satellite Dish
Schools: Waialua Elementary, Waialua Middle,
Waialua High School
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
By Nancy Bernal
Jon Gibson
Thelma Houston
Jonathan Butler
Apaulo Music Productions
(Michael Paulo – Owner/
Producer) presents a Gospel
and Smooth Jazz Concert
featuring Jonathan Butler,
Jon Gibson, Michael Paulo
and Rene Paulo with their
AllStar Band on March 11 at
The New Hope Auditorium,
290 Sand Island Access Road,
Honolulu at 8 p.m. Jonathan
Butler is an internationallyacclaimed singer-songwriter
and guitarist recognized
for his music classified
as R&B, jazz fusion and
worship music. Jon Gibson
is a singer-songwriter
known worldwide for his
contemporary Christian
Bobby Caldwell
music. Michael Paulo –
Saxophonist Extraordinaire
and Rene Paulo – legendary
pianist join these great
artists onstage for one night
of First Class Entertainment.
Tickets are available at TIX.
com or (951) 696-0184. For
more information, check
out ApauloMusicProductions
.com
••••
The most recent Smooth
Jazz Concert presented by
Michael Paulo on January 30
was a huge success! Richard
Elliot – Premier Saxophonist
- had the audience dancing
in the aisles with his amazing
performance.
••••
Jordan Segundo had
a principal acting role on
“Hawaii Five-0” which aired
on Television on February
19. He did a fantastic job
playing the role of a time
share salesperson and acted
in several scenes with wellknown actress – Melanie
Griffith and “Hawaii Five-0”
regular - Scott Caan. If you
missed the episode, you
can check it out on Jordan
Segundo’s facebook page.
••••
Tom Moffatt presents the
“Friday Night Fever” concert
on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at
The Blaisdell Arena featuring
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 13
Michael Paulo and Richard Elliot
Evelyn “Champagne” King
with her hit song “Shame”,
Thelma Houston with her hit
song “Don’t Leave Me This
Way” and “The Trammps”
with their hit song “Disco
Inferno”. This Mega-Dance
Party will celebrate the
chart-topping songs of the
70’s and 80’s. Tickets are
on sale at The Blaisdell Box
Office and all Ticketmaster
outlets and online at www.
ticketmaster.com
••••
The Blue Note Hawaii
continues to showcase some
of the biggest names in
the entertainment industry
seven nights a week at 2335
Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
One of the big names
performing on March 17, 18,
19 and 20 is popular Singer
– Bobby Caldwell. Check
out the full entertainment
calendar on www.blunote
hawaii.com
••••
Mark your calendar for
The 24th Annual Filipino
Fiesta and Parade and The
4th Annual Flores De Mayo
presented by The Filcom
Center and L & L Hawaiian
Barbecue on May 14 at 9
a.m. til 5 p.m. at Kapiolani
Park. The entertainment
line-up will include major
stars and will be announced
soon!
••••
For now, That’s
Entertainment!
(If you would like to
submit entertainment
information, please contact
Nancy Bernal at 947-5736
or e-mail her at NancyBernal
@aol.com)
Jordan Segundo and Melanie Griffith on the set of “Hawaii
Five-0”
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
A Tour of the Halawa Shaft
By brandon elefante
Council Member
City and County of Honolulu
Honolulu BWS Manager and Chief Engineer, Ernest Lau (left),
BWS Water Quality Division Chief . Erwin Kawata, (center),
and Councilmember Elefante (right) at the top of the Halawa
Shaft
E a r l i e r i n Fe b r u a r y,
my staff and I had an
opportunity to take a tour
of the Halawa Shaft with
the Honolulu Board of Water
Supply (BWS) and learn
more about our precious
water sources. We learned
that the BWS provides
an average of 145 million
gallons of water per day on
Oahu to a population of one
million people. Our water
is piped to us through a
complex system that covers
2,100 miles of pipeline.
To put this in perspective,
that’s nearly the distance
between Honolulu and the
West Coast. In addition,
90 booster pump stations
across Oahu lift the water
higher than the top of Koko
Head.
Halawa Shaft is one of
94 potable water sources,
which include wells, tunnels,
and shafts. The 94 potable
water sources include:
•4 shafts: Makaha, Kalihi,
Halawa, and Pearl City
•3 a r t e s i a n w e l l s :
Ka i m u k i , Ka l h i , a n d
Beretania
•8 t u n n e l s : W a i h e e ,
Waianae, Haiku,
Kahaluu, Luluku,
Waimanalo, Manoa, and
Palolo
•And the remainder and
majority of our water
sources are from deep
wells
Tunnel sources are the
most efficient water source
because there is no pumping
involved.The tunnel water
flows straight into their
respective systems straight
from the dikes using gravity.
On the other hand, deep
well pumps go lower into the
aquifer, placing the pump
closer to the zone of mixture
where fresh water mixes
with salty water.Shafts, like
the Halawa Shaft, have the
least impact to the aquifer
because they skim the water
from the top of the aquifer. To begin our tour, we
met at the Halawa Shaft
Building.
We left the pump room
and walked through a
tunnel for a few hundred
feet, where we reached a
promontory to look down
into the aquifer of pure,
clean water below.
The visit to Halawa Shaft
reminded us all that water
is a precious and limited
resource. We all need to
do our part to conserve
water and to keep our water
sources pure.
To learn more about
what you can do to preserve
the quality of our water, visit
the Honolulu Board of Water
Supply website at: http://
www.boardofwatersupply.
com/cssweb/display.cfm?sid
=1629
To learn more about
water conservation events
and how you can conserve
water in your own home
or business, visit the
Honolulu Board of Water
Supply website at: http://
www.boardofwatersupply
.com/csswebdisplay.cfm?sid
=2217
Let’s all do our part,
in ways big and small, to
conserve water, because as
the Board of Water Supply
reminds us,Ka Wai Ola:
Water For Life.
The elevator let us off in a pump room that looked like
something out of a movie set. There were pipes and monitors
and light switches all painted in a neon green.
Looking into the deep blue,
you can barely tell the top of
the clear, pure water. The
left side of the photo shows
the markers for water levels
in the aquifer. The day we
went, the level was at the
year 1984.
To access the Halawa Shaft Tunnel, we took an unusual
“elevator” ride—sideways and sitting down to get 160 feet
below the entrance.
Brandon Elefante represents
Honolulu City Council District
VIII, which covers Aiea, Pearl
City, and Waipahu. He is an active
member of several organizations
including the Filipino Junior
Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
He can be reached at (808) 768My staff and I at the promontory overlooking the top of the
aquifer. Left to Right: Tricia, Mary, April, me, Dion, and Jan.
5008, and his email isbelefante@
honolulu.gov.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 15
N urturing I dentity D evelopment :
By Daniel B. Eisen, PhD
Pacific University
Identity development
is a complex process. It
involves many stages that
individuals may experience
throughout thei r lives.
Although we often view
identity as deeply personal,
our identities are inherently
social because they are
exhibited in a public setting.
Showcasing our identities
in public brings them into
conversation with others,
who might be at different
stages of developing a very
similar identity. Therefore,
the complexity of identity
increases as one’s identity
development stage may not
align with another’s stage
of identity development
creating tension and
disagreement between the
individuals.
Filipino identity
development is a
great exampl e of thi s.
Psychologist and FilipinoAmerican scholar Kevin
Nadal articulates what he
calls the Pilipino Identity
Development Model.
Aligning with research on
the colonial mentality, he
argues that many individuals
experience an “assimilation
to the dominant culture”
stage, where the individual
privileges Western culture
over Filipino culture. Many
scholars argue that this
stems from Filipinos’ history
A Step in Cultivating
Communities
“When individuals and a community can simultaneously grapple with
the difficult questions of what it means to simultaneously be American,
Filipino, and from Hawaii, a sense of pride in being Filipino can be
developed while bringing more segments of the Filipino population
into active involvement with the community.”
with colonization and the
social settings in the United
States and Hawaii that
worked to place Filipinos on
the fringe of society. While
many individuals do not
leave this stage, Nadal also
identifies an incorporation
stage, where the individual
takes pride in being Filipino,
but also sees how Filipino
culture and Western culture
can inform one another.
It has been argued quite
regularly that education can
help one overcome their
shame in being Filipino and
help them develop a pride
in being Filipino. Recently,
I published an article with
a couple of colleagues
that took a critical look at
educational programs that
attempt to teach young
adults about being Filipino.
Our research suggests
that these educational
programs definitely
helped individuals
become more proud to
be Filipino and assert a
Filipino identity. However,
in doing so it also led many
individuals to question their
Filipino background and
develop a tension being
Filipino, Filipino-American,
and local Filipino.
It is important to note
that this tension is often
a necessary step in the
identity development of
Filipino young adults. Our
research, however, shows
the importance for continued
education and nurturance
of the development of a
Filipino identity in additional
classes and in broader
society. If these individuals’
identity development is not
continuously nurtured, they
will continue to be proud
of being Filipino, but will
understand being Filipino
in a very singular way. This
singular definition of what it
means to be Filipino creates
tension between different
generations and segments
of the Filipino population.
Further nurturance
through open dialogues
about being Filipino and
celebrating Filipino culture
publicly will help nurture
these individuals into Nadal’s
incorporation stage. In this
stage, individuals see how
Filipino culture can inform
an American culture and
vice versa.
It is in this stage that
individuals are truly making
sense of their Filipino
identity, rather than adopting
another prepackaged way
of understanding what it
means to be Filipino. When
individuals and a community
can simultaneously
grapple with the difficult
questions of what it
means to simultaneously
be American, Filipino,
and from Hawaii, a sense
of pride in being Filipino
can be developed while
bringing more segments of
the Filipino population into
active involvement with the
community.
Our recently published
article can be found in the
second issues of the Journal
Committed to Social Change
on Race and Ethnicity, which
can be accessed for free
at https://www.ncore.ou.
edu/en/jcscore/
Dr. Daniel Eisen grew up in
Ewa Beach and graduated from
Campbell High School before
attending Pacific University,
Oregon to earn his BA in
Sociology. After living in Oregon
for four years, he returned
to Hawaii to earn his PhD in
Sociology from the University
of Hawaii at Manoa, where
his doctoral work examined
young adults’ development of a
Filipino ethnic identity in Hawaii.
Daniel Eisen is currently an
Assistant Professor of Sociology
and Assistant Dean of Strategic
Initiatives at Pacific University in
Forest Grove, Oregon.
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
by U.S. Rep. Mark Takai
Over the past year, while I
had the privilege of serving in
Congress, there is one aspect
that I love about representing
Hawaii – we are constantly
reminded of our rich cultural
heritage.
As the most diverse state
in the nation, we should be
proud of having no ethnic
majority.
And although Japanese
were the predominant ethnic
group in Hawaii for a few
decades, Filipinos now make
up more than 25 percent of
Hawaii’s population. To u n d e r s t a n d t h e
tremendous contributions
of Filipinos in Hawaii, our
congressional staff recently
met with Dr. Lindy Aquino
and Consul General Gina
Jamoralin. Both women spoke
about the rich Filipino history
and culture in Hawaii.
The traditions of the
Filipino community have
played an important role in
shaping Hawaii’s past, and
the accomplishments of many
Filipino-Americans continue
to help shape Hawaii’s unique
culture.
The Advocacy for FilipinoAmericans Continues
We continue to press
forward on passing the
Filipino Family Reunification
Act, my first bill I introduced
in Congress last year. We
have asked President Barrack
Obama to use his executive
authority to reunite the
Filipino World War II veterans
and their families.
Another bill that we’re
working on would provide the
Congressional Gold Medal to
Filipino veterans of World War
II.
More than 250,000 Filipino
soldiers fought alongside
U.S. forces in the Pacific.
These bills will fulfil our moral
obligation to the families of
Filipino service members and
these war heroes, who we
need to be honored for their
service.
Supporting our military
and our nation’s defense
continues to be our top priority.
One of my top priorities in
Congress is to make sure
H awa i i s e e s t h e f e d e ra l
resources it needs. And we
delivered. This fiscal year,
because of the efforts of our
Congressional Delegation—
Filipino Veterans visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. supporting Congressman Takai’s
efforts to recognize the sacrifices of these WWII heroes.
Senator Schatz, Senator
H i r o n o, C o n g r e s s w o m a n
Gabbard, and myself – we will
see a five percent increase in
federal dollars to our state.
In addition to sitting on
the House Armed Services
Committee, I’m the Ranking
Member of the Contracting and
the Workforce Subcommittee
of the House Small Business
Committee.
As the Ranking Member
(lead Democrat), I’ve worked
closely with my colleagues
to expand opportunities to
small businesses in Hawaii
and throughout the nation.
We’re working on strategies
to enhance the ability for
small businesses to compete
in the Federal Marketplace,
where contracts in the billions
of dollars are available.
In order to level the playing
field, we are following up on
Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Mark Takai share
in an embrace following their exchange about Takai’s cancer
and the Vice President’s late son Beau.
Dr. Lindy Aquino (left) and Consul General Gina Jamoralin
spoke to Congressman Takai’s congressional staff about the
rich Filipino culture and history in Hawaii.
small business set asides
and will be providing small
businesses the opportunity to
establish past performance as
a sub-contractor. These efforts
will provide small businesses
with the opportunities to
succeed and expand their
presence.
Despite having a fantastic
year representing Hawaii in
Congress, I also had a health
challenge. In November of
last year, I was diagnosed
with pancreatic cancer. I will
never forget getting the news
that I had a tumor.
But today, my family and
I face this health challenge
head-on and with deep
personal faith. Through this
journey, I have been able
to reflect on what is most
important to me, which has
only reaffirmed my lifelong
commitment to fighting for
the people of Hawaii.
Many cancer survivors
say a diagnosis brings things
into focus – it reminds you
of what’s important. For
me, that’s faith, family, and
fighting for Hawaii.
Now that my doctors
have cleared the way for me
to run for re-election, I want
you to know that I am more
motivated than ever to work
for the people of Hawaii. I
know we can continue to
bring Hawaii together to build
the bright future we all want
to see.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 17
By Ryan Piros
Born and raised on Maui, Ryan Piros is currently the Deputy Communications Director
at the office of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. A
graduate of the University of San Francisco,
he worked as an on-air personality, music director and VP/Program Director for 15 years at
KPMW-FM before his present role. He is active
in the Filipino community and serves as an
officer/director in a number of organizations.
If you want to let Ryan know about an event
on Maui, please reach him at ryanp105@gmail.
com or call him at (808) 283-2020.
Senior U.S. Airman
Jarrett Pellazar pins
the badge on his
sister Tamara Pellazar, while their father
MPD Sgt. Nathan Pellazar looks on during
the MPD 82nd Recruit
Class Graduation.
The reopening of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. From (L-R) Councilmember Riki
Hokama, Billionaire and owner of Lanai island Larry Ellison, Founder and Chairman of Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts Isadore Sharp, General Manager of Four
Seasons Resort Lanai Tom Roelens, Mayor Alan Arakawa.
Max’s Restaurant Grand Opening at the Maui Mall. Ribbon Cutting ceremony
by (L-R) County of Maui Managing Director Keith Regan, Ernie Abarro (Owner
Max’s Maui) and Bill Rodgers Max’s Group, Inc. – Director for International.
Chinese New Year Celebration 2016 on the front
lawn of the Kalana O Maui Building.
Mayor Alan Arakawa walked with Operation Sammy Muscular Dystrophy (OSMD)
founder Daryl “Sammy” Sampaga and many supporters as they walked around
the island of Maui to raise awareness for Muscular Dystrophy and to bring forth
awareness of other types of physical disabilities, so that those with disabilities
may live happy and fulfilling lives.
A traditional coin toss at the Max’s Restaurant Grand Opening at the Maui Mall.
Mayor Alan Arakawa crowning the new Mrs. Maui Filipina
Jeremy Zane at the 43rd Mrs. Maui Filipina Coronation &
Maui Terno Ball at the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community
Center.
Congratulations to the new Mrs. Maui Filipina Jeremy Zane
and 1st runner-up Zoila Olsten - The 43rd Mrs. Maui Filipina
Coronation & Maui Terno Ball.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
By Angie DYTIOCO Santiago
Filipino Women’s Civic Club
Hosts Ball and Celebrates
64th Anniversary
Maria A.F. Etrata Honored as Lifetime Legacy Recipient
Miss Maria Clara 2015 Rachel Dela Cruz and Mr. Barong
Tagalog 2015 Froebel Garcia.
The Filipino Women’s
Civil Club (FWCC) celebrated
its 64th Anniversary while
hosting its 44th Maria
Clara Ball last September
at the Hokulei Ballroom
Dole Cannery. Fashionable
Filipinas proudly donned in
Maria Clara traditional or
modern style, with loose
wrist-length flowing sleeves
and a triangular scarf or
panuela, a tapis or a kneelength over-skirt, with floorlength paneled or gored
skirt of satin, silk or lace
in stripes of contrasting
colors. According to the
FWCC President Bernadette
Fajardo, “The Maria Clara
Ball is our signature event
that has become a tradition
of elegance and culture in
Hawaii.”
The event also
awarded four scholarships
to deserving students:
Michelle Cudal, the daughter
of Nestor and Flordeliza
Cudal Manzano, Chloe
Nobuhara, the daughter of
Wade Nobuhara and Cecile
Sebastian, Kenneth Go, the
son of Ramon (deceased)
and Helen Grace Go, and
Anna-Kaelle Ramos, the
daughter of Melfred and
Natalie Ramos.
The FWCC also honored
Maria A. F. Etrata at the
event, presenting her the
L i f e t i m e L e g a c y Awa r d
for Prestigious Leadership
and Achievement. Cecilia
Villafuerte was the event
chair.
FWCC President Bernadette Fajardo, State Representative
Romy Cachola, Lifetime Legacy Awardee Maria Etrata with
husband Renato, Council Member Brandon Elefante, and Mayor
Kirk Caldwell’s Representative Romeo Garcia.
Officers of the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii pose for
a picture before their dance performance: Linda & Conrad
Abuel, Marcie & Lin Wong, Beth & Ricky Simon, and Angie
Santiago & Albert Roque.
Handsome men in their intricate Barong Tagalogs parading
in front of the judges.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 19
Most Elegant FWCC Member - Adela Salacup
1st runner-up - Violet Sadural
2nd runner-up - Luz Bagaoisan
3rd runner-up - Nelly Pongo Liu
Miss Maria Clara Winners
2015 Miss Maria Clara - Rachel Dela Cruz
1st runner-up - Armi Farinas
2nd runner-up - Aurora Sera
3rd runner-up - Raizza Pulido
Ramon Sumibcay serenades Miss Maria Clara 2015 Rachel Dela
Cruz and her court: Engie Pagaduan, Kylie Nishida, Raizza
Pulido, Armi Farinas, Rachel Dela Cruz, Aurora Sera, Nancy
Walch, Leilani Tanaka, Ronnie Allen Campman, and Lovely
Orsino (Miss Maria Clara 2014).
Mr. Barong Tagalog - Froebel Garcia
1st runner-up - Jose Berardy
2nd runner-up - Brandon Elefante
3rd runner-up - Romy Dela Cruz
Consolation Prizes for Mr. Barong Tagalog
1. Zhoydell Magaoay
2. Rocky Anguay
3. Salvador Obaldo
4. Micah Lyman
5. Romeo Garcia
Consolation Prizes for Miss Maria Clara
1. Ronnie Allen Campman
2. Leilani Tanaka
3. Kylie Nishida
4. Nancy Atmospera-Walch
5. Engie Pagaduan
For Advertising information
please call 595.8787
FWCC Members Winners: Luz Bagaoisan, Adela Salacup (Most
Elegant), Violet Sadural, and Nelly Pongco Liu.
Presenting the
scholarships are
FWCC officers, elected
officials, and Senior
Director of Admissions
Paul Billington of
Argosy University,
Hawaii Campus.
FWCC President
Bernadette Fajardo,
Miss Maria Clara 2015
Rachel Dela Cruz, and
Event Chair Cecilia
Villafuerte.
PAGE 20 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
By Jane Clement
Hilo Fil-Am
community celebrates
Valentine’s Day
It was a packed house at
Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale on
February 12, 2016 for the
annual Valentine’s Day soiree
hosted by a group of Filipino
Americans in Hilo. The event
was free and open to the public
and served as a fun venue for
couples, friends, families,
and anyone wanting to
celebrate the day of romance.
Dancing, food and fellowship
highlighted the evening’s
festivities. Attendees enjoyed
a potluck buffet of various
Filipino dishes and desserts
prepared by the event
organizers. Everyone was
kept entertained throughout
the night with song and dance
presentations by different
community groups and
individuals. There were fun
games and prizes for children
and adults alike. Couple
Danny and Raffy Marcos were
named Mr. and Mrs. Valentine
of the night.
Our Big Island columnist Jane Caballero Clement is also
the President of the Congress of Visayan Organizations
Foundation and the President of the Kona Visayan Club. She
works as a Legislative Assistant to Councilman Dru Kanuha.
In addition to her volunteer activities, Jane finds time to
host a Filipino television show on the local cable channel.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 21
STATEWIDE
community CALENDAR
Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU
March 11, 2016
Talk Story with Major General
Tony Taguba (ret) Philippine
Consulate 2433 Pali Highway,
Honolulu HI 5:30 PM-7:30
PM; Free event Light Dinner
provided. Register by Phone:
545-6007 or Online Registration http://aarp.event.
com/Filipino3-11. Presented
by AARP and other leading
Filipino Community groups.
March 19, 2016
United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Golf Tournament, Waikele Golf Course.
Shotgun at 12 Noon Contact
Persons: Joe Quibuyen (808)
256-6399, Maria Etrata (808)
392-2962
March 19-21, 2016
Sariling Gawa Youth Council
holds its 36th Annual Leadership Conference Camp at
YMCA Camp Erdman in Mokuleia for high school and college students. Cost: $140.00
per participant. This year’s
theme is “Today for Tomorrow” focusing on living in the
moment. There will be various
activities ranging from energizers, community building,
Self-awareness & reflection
activities to personal and
leadership development of
skills. Contact Person: Rouel
Velasco at email rouel.velasco@sariling gawa.org/2180833.
March 25, 2016
Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation
Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club.
91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa
Beach, HI. Tournament proceeds fund the Foundation’s
Scholarship program. Scholarship recipients will be presented during the chambers
Filipino Entrepreneur of the
Year & Scholarships Awards
Gala. Contact Persons: Sam
Acosta 306-1428, Eddie Agas
Sr. 783-3327
April 16, 2016
Filipino Entrepreneur of the
Year Award presented by the
Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) Ala
Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM. Cost $65.00
Currently accepting nominations for entrepreneur of the
year Statewide. For more
information please contact:
Rocky Anguay Event Chair
808 387-5821 or email [email protected], Sam Acosta
President 808 306-1428
April 30, 2016
Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club
(HFWC) Annual Terno Ball
Hawaii Prince Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM. An evening
of Awards, Fashion & Culture
featuring Scholarships & Outstanding Women Achiever
Awards. Selection of Ms.
Terno & Mr. Barong Costume
Contest Contact Persons:
Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808,
Carlota Ader 797-4381, Vilma
Valdez 321-3186
May 7, 2016
United Filipino Council of
Hawaii (UFCH) Mrs. Hawaii
Filipina 2016. Pacific Beach
Hotel Grand Ballroom; 5:30
PM.; Contact Persons: Gladys
Menor (808) 366-2317, Maria
Etrata (808) 392-2962
May 14, 2016
Philippine Nurses Association
of Hawaii (PNAH) Installation of 2016-2018 Officers
Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus
Ballroom 6:00 PM-12:00
AM Contact Persons: Ramon
Sumibcay 489-7148, Erlinda
Ferrer 721-1501, Tina Salvador 426-6183
May 14, 2016
24th Annual Filipino Fiesta
& Parade and 4th Annual
Flores de Mayo presented
by the FilCom Center, L&L
Hawaiian Barbecue. Parade
route goes from Fort DeRussy
to Kalakaua Avenue to end
at Kapiolani Park from 9:00
AM-10:00 AM. Fiesta will be
at the Kapiolani Park from
10:00 AM-5:00 PM. For more
details, sponsorship, and
how to participate please call
Arceli Rebollido, FilCom Center Programs Director at 808
680-0451, Paul Gaerlan Alimbuyao, Flores de Mayo Event
Chair 808 754-8691, Vince
Baldemor 808 391-0723. You
can also check FilCom Center
website at http://filcom.org/
May 28, 2016
Ms. Normalites of Hawaii
3rd Grand Alumni Reunion &
Coronation Ball (LNS,INNS,
NLTC, MMSU-CE,MMSU-CTE);
Pacific Beach Hotel Grand
Ballroom 6:00 PM-12:00 AM;
Contact Persons: Thelma
Ortal 389-1847, Pike Velasco
554-9646, Florence Peralta
650 274-7791, Dolly Ortal
225-9997
June 18, 2016
Oahu Filipino Community
Council (OFCC) presents the
Miss Oahu Filipina 2016 Pageant. Hawaii Prince Hotel
6:00PM; Contact Persons:
Alex Vergara, President 5514303, Leo Gozar 630-6268
June 25, 2016
Oahu Filipino Community
Council (OFCC) Annual Convention Philippine Consulate
General of Honolulu Lanai
Contact Persons: Alex Vergara President 551-4303,
Dwayne Bueno 266-0392
July 16, 2016
Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation Annual Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village
Resorts, Tapa Ballroom 6:00
PM. Contact Persons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam
Acosta 306-1428.
July 16, 2016
Santanians Association of
Hawaii-USA Installation of
Officers & Board of Directors
Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus
Ballroom 6:00PM-11:00PM.
Contact Persons: Dr. Julius
Soria 722-9958, Amy Quides
255-6380, Aurora Garcia 7223150 or email [email protected]
July 20-24, 2016
37th Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA)
National Convention Grand
Hyatt Hotel, Washington DC;
PNA Hawaii Contact Persons:
Tina Salvador 426-6183, Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148,
Erlinda Ferrer 721-1501
July 30, 2016
La Union Circle of Hawaii
presents Miss & Mrs. La Union
Hawaii USA 2016. Ala Moana
Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 5:30
PM; Coronation with Dinner.
Cost $65.00 Contact Persons:
Baybee Hufana Ablan 7535616, Laurie Ann Tadina 3580474; Conrad Valdriz 9538888; Ben Pulido 421-9747;
Lolita Domingo 295-1387
August 13, 2016
Philippine Women’s Civic Club
(PWCC) 1st Installation of
Officers Banquet & Gala Ala
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a community leader and a familiar face, often hosting community
events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio
announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is
the former Chair of the Philippine Celebrations
Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns
and operates an adult daycare business and is
happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in
Salt Lake and are blessed with one daughter,
Armay. Please send your event information
to [email protected] or call her at (808)
282-2033.
Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom; 6:00 PM; Suggested
attire: Maria Clara, Kimona,
Terno or Muslim. Join the
contest for the Best in Attire.
Cost:$65.00 Contact Persons:
Letty Saban 255-9429, Edna
Alikpala 282-3669, Mimi Gozar 312-0778
August 20, 2016
UPAA University of the Philippines Alumni Association of
Hawaii Installation of Officers
Gala 6:00 PM Filcom Center 94-428 Mokuola Street,
Waipahu, Hi Contact Persons:
Bea Ramos-Razon 808 7786291, Melody Calisay 808
224-9535, Jenny Normandy
808 286-4426
August 27, 2016
Philippine Cultural Foundation
of Hawaii Recognition Night
honoring the 2016 Parents/
parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 outstanding
achievements of graduating
high school valedictorians in
public and private schools &
presentation of the continuing
scholar recipients. Empress
Restaurant 100 N. Beretania
St. 6:00 PM. We are currently
searching for the parents/parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their children (3
minimum) to college and/or
universities & have attained
their professional chosen
careers. Contact Persons:
Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina
Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas
Gozar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy
841-2881, Maggie Domingo
783-0068
September 17, 2016
Filipino Women’s Civic Club
Annual Maria Clara Ball. Ala
Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM. Join the Maria
Clara Contest Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo,
President 342-8090, Cecilia
Villafuerte 780-4985
November 19, 2016
NAMI, INC. Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc. 15th
Anniversary Gala and Appreciation of RN Review Class
Volunteer Lecturers & Recognition of New RN’s and
Review Graduates; 6:00 PM;
Banyan Tree Showroom, Hale
Koa Hotel Contact Persons:
Bea Ramos-Razon 808 7786291, Jun Obaldo 808 2777495, Bong Curameng 808
383-0135
MAUI
March 19 and 20, 2016
The Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu will be conducting its mobile consular
outreach programs to include
applications for renewal of
passports, notarials, authentication of documents and
dual citizenship during the
two-day outreach program.
Time and place to be announced. For more information and appointments
contact Lydia Rayo from the
Maui City & County office at
808 270-7791.
July 29-31, 2016
United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Convention to be held in Maui. Place
& Time TBD. Contact Persons:
Greg Peros in Maui (808) 2768771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu
(808) 266-0392
July 30, 2016
United Filipino Council Of
Hawaii (UFCH) Miss Hawaii
Filipina 2016 Binhi At Ani
Community Center in Maui.
Contact Persons: Greg Peros
(808) 276-8771, Maria Etrata
(808) 392-2962
kauai
March 5-6 2016
The Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu will be conducting its mobile consular
outreach programs to include
applications for renewal of
passports, notarials, authentication of documents and
dual citizenship during the
two-day outreach program.
March 5th 8:30 AM -5:00 PM,
March 6th 8:30 AM-12:00
Noon. Lihue Neighborhood
Center (New side) 3353 Eono
Street Lihue, Kauai. Contact
Person: Charmaine Bulosan
at (808)652-3667 or email:
[email protected]. For
inquiries, please contact the
Philippine Consulate (808)
595-6316 to19.
April 30, 2016
Kauai Philippine Cultural Center (KPCC) 5th Major Fundraising Event 5:30 PM Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach
Club, Grand Ballroom in Lihue, Kauai Contact Number:
(808) 645-0257 or email:
[email protected]
PAGE 22 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016
CLASSIFIED ADS
HELP WANTED
JANITOR: Pay $8.50$10.00/hr Looking for
candidates with 1 year
commercial experience.
Buffing, waxing & cleaning
floors. Shampooing &
vacuuming carpets. Cleaning
common areas. Must be
able to lift 50-70 lbs. Call
Staffing Partners at
945-9300.
LABOR:
LITE INDUSTRIAL/
LABORERS
- Warehouse
- Driver Helper
- Production Line
- Food Prep/Dishwashers
Pay $8.50 - $9.50/hr 6 mos
of recent work experience
needed. For interviews call our
Ala Moana office 945-9300,
Staffing Partners.
House For Rent
3 Bedroom Available
November 1
Call 230-5515 or
230-4522
DUPLEX FOR RENT
4 BEDROOMS / 2 FULL BATH,
QUALIFIED FOR FOSTER
HOME /CARE HOME W/PARKING /FENCE & GATE, CALL
627-2376
232-9798
FOOD PRODUCTION
WORKERS/DRIVERS,
FT/PT Immediate
opening, AM/PM, Call
Shirley 531-6671
Help Wanted
Live-in Aide work part time
Trade Apartment in
Hana, Maui
Call 808-439-6766
Greg Braymen
PO Box 976, Hana, Maui 96713
for rent
Room for rent
Waipahu 1 person working
$500 a month, including
utilities, street parking,
call 676-0759
services
WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
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call 778-8510
to schedule.
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training and an inintial customer base. Immediate opportunies in Hawaii.
Call Coverall today at
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This offer is made by prospectus
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Apply In peron at:
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500 Alakawa St.. #104 Honolulu, HI 96817
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 23