The Fil-Am Courier February 1 2021

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PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante & Val & & Edith Doctolero.

“Congratulations - Larry & Marietta Bustamante & Val & Edith Doctolero

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CECILIA VILLAFUERTE Rotary Club of Ewa Beach Charter President - 2018

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante & Val & Edith Doctolero Lynne Gutierrez 2020-2021 FCCH Secretary

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante 2019 Parents of the Year Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii

Cesar & Bernadette Dario Fajardo

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante & Val & Edith Doctolero

ROSE GALANTO FCCH President-Elect

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante!

Congratulations Larry & Marietta Bustamante The Rotary Club of Ewa Beach at their 2020 Installation Event with Current President James Oda. Cecilia was Chartered President - 2018 followed by Paul Alimbuyao - 2019

Rotary Club of Ewa Beach

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 3

PUBLISHERS Mary Llanos Cordero David Cordero DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Armando Dela Cruz Busmente PRODUCTION MANAGER Alice Llanos Busmente PHOTOGRAPHERS/GRAPHICS Amanda Busmente Brandon dela Cruz Gabe de Liso James Ramos Mark Salondaka Alex Vergara COLUMNISTS Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq Vince Baldemor Nancy Bernal Hilda Herrera Borja Cesar Bonilla Bernadette D. Fajardo Amelia Casamina Cabatu Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao Valerie Joseph Grace Manipol Larson Kristian Lei Zeny Muyot Angie Santiago Jordan Segundo Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Lalaine Ignao Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Paola Rodelas Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Benedith Gudoy Ventura Michi Villaruz NEIGHBOR ISLAND BUREAU Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Grace Manipol Larson Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES Marivic Aldaya Rudy Bautista Annabel Cabebe Lydia Kamiya Grace Manipol Larson Florence Tan McCollom Joni Redick-Yundt Marynel Valenzuela CIRCULATION Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro (Leeward Oahu) David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Milli Asuncion (Big Island) LEGAL COUNSEL Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.)

THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES PO Box 17753 Honolulu, Hi. 96817

Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and other material submitted. Reproduction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil-Am Courier.

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By MARY LLANOS CORDERO

In pandemic times, Valentine’s will be celebrated differently especially when pursuing a love interest. Love relationships may develop from a long-distance since we are still practicing socialdistancing. Especially for the single people who live alone, there’s that romantic yearning so they would likely look for partners at dating websites, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Yes, love in the time of coronavirus for the young people is emotionally devastating, thrilling but also exhausting. It can be pure and innocent especially for the young generation or the young at hearts. This sense of emotional purity and deep connection is, perhaps, more salient for most people in quarantine than ever before. For most of last year, we’ve lived in closed-off clusters, interacting primarily with those we already know and trust. The thrilling part to find a true love these days maybe challenging especially when we’re all masked up but it can also be exciting and mysterious. Falling in love with someone all masked up can be quite a risk. Why? We really can’t see the person’s facial expressions or emotions. What is the risk, then, of putting your feelings on the line for someone you barely know? The risk is high that’s why a pandemic crush is simply a chaotic byproduct of these chaotic times.

Whether you’re single, married or heartbroken, there’s always something to celebrate. During this time of the pandemic, many of us have been very fortunate to spend the time we have with our loved ones, developing stronger relationships and rekindling ones we had once forgotten. We are reminded that life is short and to

cherish those we most love. We have slowed down and made time to take better care of ourselves and honoring what it means to practice self-love.

For two couples in our local Filipino community, they have truly embodied what it means to love and what it means to spread that love to the community.

Larry and Marietta Bustamante

Larry and Marietta enjoy playing a participative role in their lives, assisting with their family’s work or school projects, contributing philosophies on work ethic and productivity, and even sharing an occasional tip on history assignments and class presentations. Larry and Marietta are great coaches, not only imparting constructive feedback and lessons, but also supporting their

of Kapolei can attest that raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world.

Their keen focus on serving as good role models, providing structure and supervision, and teaching responsibility and respect has guided their children towards a wide range of successful experiences.

These dedicated parents have also instilled the importance of structure, providing love and guidance to their family. They’ve cultivated a nurturing environment for their children to pursue their aspirations, encouraging perseverance to achieve success in their lives. They lead by example in the community and at the workplace, emphasizing good moral and ethical behavior in every interaction with colleagues, the community, and friends.

Together, Larry and Marietta have internalized and embraced

children and grandchildren in making thoughtful decisions. Through their remarkable experiences, Larry and Marietta have developed a strongknit compassionate family, motivated to take the initiative, assist those in need, and improve the social fabric of our diverse community.

As for Edith and Valeriano “Val” Doctolero, the couple of 49 years never fought and are a model of what true love looks like. The two are the owners of Sunrise Leis & Flowers Hawaii, an establishment that has been part of the Kalihi community for over three decades.

Edith and Val started their own lei and flower shop in 1988. She mentioned that she would have Val stay home at the beginning of their business journey, while her in-laws helped with the shop. Their store grew over time to employ seven workers. Due to the pandemic, they

their long-term commitment of effective parenting -- and now effective grandparenting for their seven wonderful grand-children.

currently have four employees along with themselves.

“In a business, there’s got to be a lot of patience and understanding,

especially since you’ll run into some rude people. You’ve got to be down to earth. Give customers their money’s worth; give good service. We’re so blessed that we’ve stayed around for this long – 33 years! – because of what we do. If I complete a funeral wreath for example, and I see that it’s not nice, I’ll place some more flowers in it to make it beautiful.”

As for marriage: “in a very successful marriage, understanding is number one. If I know my husband is mad, I won’t bother him. We don’t yell at each other. Honestly, we don’t even fight, yell or curse. When my kids were young, Val and I would play-fight, and our kids would just laugh at us.”

Love and relationships are no easy task and require hard work from the individuals. But once you find the perfect balance, life becomes just that much more beautiful and you have the ability to spread that same energy with the world around you.

As the whole world celebrates the month of love, let’s crush the virus in the air and replace it with Love. Indeed, love is in the air and let’s continue to spread it all around not only this month but throughout the year.

May we have a safe, colorful and romantic Valentine’s Day!

Mary Llanos Cordero

PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

ABOUT OUR COVER

Larry & Marietta Bustamante have dedicated their lives serving as active role models to their three wonderful children: Jose, Patrick and Hilary.

By setting good examples, they raised their children, taught them responsibility, and respect for others.

They are a shining example of a perfect couple who withstood the test of time and that’s why they have earned the title Parents of the Year in 2019.

Cover concept by Armando Busmente of ACB Graphics.

Armand can be reached at abusmente@ymail.com

COVER STORY BY:

Larry & Marietta Bustamante PCFH 2019 Parents of the Year

By JOSE BUSTAMANTE Jose Bustamante is the eldest of three children of Larry and Marietta Bustamante. Jose graduated from Moanalua High School in Honolulu, then moved to New York to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, Jose served in the United States Army on various exciting assignments throughout the world. He completed his 9-year career as a Captain in the Military Intelligence Branch, then attended Columbia University in New York City, earning a master’s degree in real estate development.

He transitioned to the civilian sector and has been developing large-scale commercial real estate projects for the last 16 years. Jose and his beautiful wife Nikki have two energetic boys Ben and Max, and reside in Cupertino, California (San Francisco Bay Area).

Our world comprises all

character, responsibility, and ethics

Larry and Marietta Bustamante of

respect has guided their children

types of leaders in many diverse

are keys to maintaining stability and

Kapolei will attest, raising kids is one

towards a wide range of successful

organizations, whether they’re in

prosperity in our communities. One

of the toughest and most fulfilling

experiences.

government, education, business,

fundamental and most important

jobs in the world. Their keen focus

and health industries. As we know

influence in fostering these primary

on serving as good role models,

early on as parents that serving as

from history and recent global events,

pillars is effective parenting,

providing structure and supervision,

active role models and setting good

the leadership pillars of strong

especially at a very young age. As

and teaching responsibility and

examples would be key influences

Larry and Marietta believed

in developing their children Jose, Patrick, and Hilary. Originally from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, Larry and Marietta were raised in strong families with a deep lineage of supporting health, safety, and welfare initiatives for Filipino communities. Larry dedicated 5 years serving in the U.S. Navy on various missions around the world, then transitioned to a 32-year career in the construction industry Second child Patrick with wife Lorelei and children Damian, Desmond, Daniel, Maisie and Pearson taken during the holidays 2020.

building iconic landmarks in Hawaii.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 5

Marietta devoted 31 years with the American Cancer Society, working as Executive Director of significant fundraising and support programs for cancer patients in Hawaii. She later transitioned to SP Plus Corporation managing premier facilities in Honolulu since 2006. They lead by example in the community and at the workplace, emphasizing good moral and ethical behavior in every

The Bustamante Ohana’s 2019 annual family picture.

interaction with colleagues, the

programs for the State of California.

volunteered in over 70 fundraising

community, and friends.

Hilary and her boyfriend JR, a

events for the American Cancer

These dedicated parents

successful immigration attorney in

Society, The Rotary Club, and

have also instilled the importance

Los Angeles, enjoy keeping the

Habitat for Humanity to support

of structure, providing love and

family connected through video tech

important community programs.

guidance to their family. They’ve

and fun events to celebrate family

cultivated a nurturing environment

milestones.

have internalized and embraced

for their children to pursue

Above all, Larry and Marietta

their long-term commitment of

their aspirations, encouraging

have invested their time teaching the

effective parenting -- and now

perseverance to achieve success

values of responsibility and respect in

effective grandparenting for their

in their lives. Jose received his

developing their children. With a 31-

seven wonderful grandchildren.

bachelor’s degree from the United

year career (1976 to 2006) with the

Larry and Marietta enjoy playing

States Military at West Point and

American Cancer Society in Hawaii

a participative role in their lives,

master’s degree from Columbia

and over 14 years (2005 to present)

assisting with their family’s work

University.

with the Rotary Club in Kapolei

or school projects, contributing

He served as an Army Captain

and Ewa Beach, Marietta has been

philosophies on work ethic and

and is now a real estate developer

instrumental in instilling a strong

productivity, and even sharing an

in the San Francisco Bay Area.

sense of community service within

occasional tip on history assignments

Jose is married to Nikki, a

her family since 1976. Additionally,

and class presentations. Larry and

treasury manager and CPA, and they

both Larry and Marietta have played

Marietta are great coaches, not only

have two children Ben (9) and Max

key leadership roles in advancing

imparting constructive feedback and

(6) who attend Eaton Elementary

organizational objectives for the St.

lessons, but also supporting their

School in Cupertino. Patrick received

Augustine’s School in Ilocos Sur and

children and grandchildren in making

his bachelor’s degree from the

the Hawaii Tagudinians Association.

thoughtful decisions. Through their

University of Hawaii at Manoa and is

They embody the values of selfless

remarkable experiences, Larry and

now a senior construction manager

commitment, social engagement,

Marietta have developed a strong-

building premium projects in Hawaii.

and community outreach, and have

knit compassionate family, motivated

Patrick is married to Lore, a dental

molded those principles in their

to take the initiative, assist those in

hygienist, and they have five children

children who all have participated in

need, and improve the social fabric

Damian (21), Desmond (20), Daniel

impactful volunteer events over the

of our diverse community.

(18), Maisie (4), and Pearson (2).

years. The Bustamante family has

Together, Larry and Marietta

Oldest son Jose with wife Nikki and sons Ben and Max.

Third child Hilary with boyfriend JR Catalan taken on the island of Kauai

Damian, Desmond, and Daniel attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, while their cute little sister Maisie attends Seagull Schools in Kapolei and baby brother Pearson keeps his grandparents company at home. Hilary received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University at Dominguez Hills, and serves as a program manager implementing critical employment and economic development Larry & Marietta with children - Jose, Patrick & Hilary

Names of grandchildren - Larry and Marietta with their grandchildren: Damian, Desmond, Daniel, Ben, Max, Maisie and Pearson.

PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

ABOUT OUR COVER

What’s the secret to a long marriage?

For Val & Edith Doctolero, don’t fight with each other!

Yes, they may have a few miscommunications and misunderstandings but they never allow this to escalate into a fight.

Their 49 years of marriage is a testament to that. This couple love, respect and cherish one another until death do they part. Their story is as colorful and vibrant as their flowers.

Cover concept by Armando Busmente of ACB Graphics.

Armand can be reached at abusmente@ymail.com

COVER STORY BY:

By KATHLEEN LEE Kathleen Lee was born on a military

“We’ve never fought,” Edith

Hawaii, an establishment that has

Valeriano (“you can call him Val,”

we were ever going to meet again.

Doctolero stated, as she described

been part of the Kalihi community

according to Edith) was born in

We thought, ‘this isn’t even love,’ you

her relationship with her husband of

for over three decades.

Honolulu and came to the Philippines

know what I’m saying?” She said,

49 years, Valeriano. The two are the

Edith was born and raised

during his youth. Their love story

laughing lightly at the statement.

owners of Sunrise Leis & Flowers

in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, while

started at Narvacan Provincial High

School, where the couple met. (side

his cousin – and Val and I ended

note: according to Edith, the school

up meeting up again at Tamashiro

name may have changed). “High

(Market)! After that, we saw each

school sweethearts! Can you believe

other every day. That was in 1971;

that!” Edith exclaimed during our

we ended up getting married in

conversation.

1972.”

“His friend was the boyfriend of

“When I came to Hawaii, I found

When I asked how she knew

Air Force base in the Philippines and

my best friend,” Edith responded,

he was “The One,” Edith responded:

spent a portion of her childhood in

when asked how Val came into her

“it’s just like a magnet, you know. If

Baguio and Manila, respectively. She

orbit. She said the relationship at

it’s really meant for you, it’ll just be

that time was casual. According to

attracted to you. I believe in that.”

Edith, her parents were strict, and

that family dynamic “didn’t allow for

Clifford, in 1975. Their second

any fooling around.”

son Edward was born three years

nonprofit, and hospitality sectors

After high school, Edith

after. Both of their children are now

since then. She currently runs her own

remained in the Philippines and

married, and Edith stated that she

consulting and writing business.”

finished college at the University

and Val have five grandchildren.

of Manila, graduating with a BSEd

“We have only one granddaughter;

degree, while Val returned to

the rest are boys.” As far as terms of

Honolulu after graduation.

endearment go, according to Edith, “I

just call Val ‘dad.’ Our grandchildren

considers San Jose, California, her hometown, where she attended SJSU and studied Political Science. She made Hawaii her home in late 2009, and has worked in the government,

They lost contact with each

The couple had their first son,

other. “We weren’t really serious…

call us ‘mama and papa.’”

I was in college, he was here (in

Hawaii), and we didn’t even know

Flowers Hawaii come into existence?

So how did Sunrise Leis &

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 7

“I didn’t really have any idea that

I would be in this business. I started working at the lei stand at the airport after I got married.” Edith worked for Lillian Cameron, owner of Arthur’s Lei Stand No. 7 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

“My boss was so good. After my kids

mainland for our high school reunion

not nice, I’ll place some more flowers

yell at each other. Honestly, we don’t

– it was so fun!” The other times they

in it to make it beautiful.”

sweet things every day, because

got older, I told myself, ‘I can’t be only working for somebody – I want

even fight, yell or curse. When my

“Don’t cheat. Be honest. You’ve

we stay together every day.” Edith

left work were for funerals for their

kids were young, Val and I would

to start my own business.’ You can’t

siblings. “No vacation – we’re so in

got to be honest to people. Because

repeated this statement for what

play-fight, and our kids would just

progress working for someone else.

love with our job, I think.”

once you cheat somebody, it goes

I counted as a fourth or fifth time

laugh at us.” Even their kids don’t

around – the news goes around so

during our conversation: “he’s one

So I told my boss I wanted to open

curse, according to Edith. “I’m so

in a million.”

thankful they’ve never talked back

to us.”

located on 423 N. King St. in Kalihi.

The couple has a set routine.

a flower shop. You know what she

“Sometimes we get up at around 2

fast.”

said? ‘I know you can do it. Even if

or 3 a.m.; around 4 to 5 a.m. we get

you cannot make it, you are always

ready. We come to work early, drink

successful marriage, understanding

welcome to come back.’” Edith said

our coffee, and eat our breakfast at

is number one. If I know my husband

sweetest thing they’d ever done for

she was confused as to what to do

the shop. Every day, we look forward

is mad, I won’t bother him. We don’t

each other, Edith replied, “We do

at that time. “I hated having to leave

to work. We work every day; we

her, but I had to go on with my life.”

hardly stop working. And then we

Edith described Lillian as a kind

eat dinner, go home, and watch

individual. “She even gave me extra

dramas” (or at least Edith does: she

money – I’d have to give her back

mentioned her love for “Marimar” the

her money sometimes.” According to

Filipino TV drama series: “I bought

Edith, Lillian would visit her up until

the CDs – I have the whole set of that

she died in 2015; “she was the best

stuff!” Do they call that ‘workaholic’?

boss I ever had.”

When we went to the mainland, our

Edith and Val started their own

customers began to wonder what

lei and flower shop in 1988. She

happened to us! We stay at work

mentioned that she would have Val

more than we stay home. We love

stay home at the beginning of their

it, though!”

business journey, while her in-laws

helped with the shop. Their store

business and their life together, she

grew over time to employ seven

expressed her love for Val – “I’m

workers. Due to the pandemic, they

so thankful to God; he’s one in a

currently have four employees along

million.”

with themselves. “I’ve never had any

problems with our employees. In

business and marriage thrive?

fact, I’ve even forced some of them

to retire.”

a lot of patience and understanding,

The married couple/business

especially since you’ll run into some

partners stay at the shop for most of

rude people. You’ve got be down to

their waking hours. “We work every

earth. Give customers their money’s

day – we rarely take a day off!” Edith

worth; give good service. We’re so

however, described a few times in

blessed that we’ve stayed around

the last 33 years in which they left the

for this long – 33 years! – because

shop. “We went off to the Philippines

of what we do. If I complete a funeral

two times. We also went to the

wreath for example, and I see that it’s

Along with gushing over their

How do they make their “In a business, there’s got to be

As for marriage: “in a very

When asked what was the

Sunrise Leis & Flowers is

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

“Happy Anniversary Manong Val and Manang Edith!

Your marriage is a true example of great love and commitment.

We wish the two of you a lovely celebration.

Love, Salacup Family Thank you Manong Val & Manang Edith Doctolero for your kindness, generosity and service to the community organizations, friends and customers. You’re such an amazing couple.

We love you so much!

From Victor & Rose Aquino

Best Wishes to Manang Edith & Manong Val Doctolero.

Wishing you great love, happiness, peace and abundance all the days of your life.

Rose Aquino

Patient Care Manager Ilocano & Tagalog

Call (808) 721-4853 TLC MEDICAL CENTER AND HONOLULU MEDSPA

1650 Liliha St. Suite 101, Honolulu HI 96817 Tel (808) 538-1905

Primary Care Car and Worker’s Accidents Annual Wellness visit to prevent heart attacks strokes, cancer and weight loss

Our Warmest & Best wishes to Manong Val & Manang Edith!

May your love continue to blossom as you celebrate your 39th Anniversary!

From

Romeo & Froebel Garcia

CONGRATULATIONS! KPRP EMPOWERED COUPLE KING VAL & QUEEN EDITH DOCTOLERO From Emmie Anderson & Cesar Bonilla

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 9

By HILDA HERRERA BORJA

With the recent shift in the National political climate, perhaps some of us may now be wondering what our future holds thereby are not even inclined to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year -“mo’ bettah pospon til we figah wat’s in it fo’us”. Well, I sincerely hope that this is just a passing thought given February 14 has traditionally been observed as a “LOVE celebration” day AND just think what many of us would be missing out on, if we forgo V- Day this year: Twelve fresh long-stem red roses, a box of dark chocolate sweets, three heart- shaped balloons, festive Valentine cards, electronic messages accented with emojis and of course, a warm “Happy Valentine’s Day” greeting gladly exchanged with one another-complimented by a fist or an elbow bump and even an air five or shaka sign. Such an abundance of love wishes are more than enough to trigger happy hormones and make one’s heart leap for joy.

Valentine’s Day is one of our longheld yearly traditions here in the US and in many parts of the world. And even though this special day has not earned the status as a national holiday, it’s still a much-awaited jubilant event.

However, unlike Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, the origin of Valentine’s Day is unclear. In fact, it seems as though the deeper we delve into it’s origin, the more we become bewildered. Information I’ve gathered from various sources attest that Valentine or Valentino was a popular name hundreds of years ago among Christians and there were even tales about several Saint Valentines symbolizing the essence of love.

Suffice it to say that we may never know how Valentine’s Day came to be. And really, what matters the most is the fact that on February 14, we’re reminded about what LOVE is all about.

L-O-V-E. This word should have more than four-letters in it as it carries greater weight than gold. Enamored couples swear to love each other till death; doting parents untiringly whisper “I love you” to their kids, and; some even shower their love gestures to their four-legged family members (a.k.a., pets). And what’s so amazing about LOVE is that it’s essence even

transcends human emotions and understanding— to the extent that The One in love would die to save humankind from their transgressions.

And of course I am referring to The Greatest Love of All-- the embodiment of genuine love who came, live, die and rose again -- that we may have eternal life (John 3:16). Yes, you got it: I’m referring to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Marilyn Hickey, a modern-day Jesus follower shared her uplifting encounter during one of her many evangelistic crusades overseas. During a tent meeting, she was asked by an attendee why she believes and follows Jesus Christ and not any other sage in history. To her own amazement and delight, she instinctively responded: “Because Jesus was THE ONLY ONE who died and rose from the dead.

Indisputably true-- to us, believers. His spirit is ever present and can live within us— if we invite Him in. AND not to forget that He will come again in the flesh (1 Corinthians 15:23).

Skeptics might argue and even question, “What does Jesus have to do with us and why did He even willingly suffer the most horrifying and humiliating death-- on the cross (Matthew 27:50)? Why such a painful self sacrifice despite being mocked, spat on and even abandoned by his friends who feared retribution? Really, what’s in it for Jesus? To answer this major question behooves that we accept-- by faith-- who our loving God truly is to us AND what our relationship with Him has been or — will be, if we

accept His invitation to fellowship with Him. There have been countless expositions on who God truly is—that is, The ONE and ONLY GOD (Isaiah 44:6/Revelation 1:8). God’s Deity can best be understood by making an analogy. Just as we each has different roles as an individual, God has 3 distinct roles namely: (1) God the Father in Creation (James1:17); (2); God the Son (Jesus Christ) in Redemption (John 3:16), and; God the Holy Spirit, the Source of our Wisdom and strength (Acts 2:38). And all these 3 roles sum up who our Supreme ONE GOD is.

Jesus embodies God’s everlasting love by redeeming us from our sinful nature. And having done so, He wants to impress upon us how much He loves us, as His children (2Corinthians 6:18). In fact, King David called each one of us as “the apple of God’s eye” (Psalm17:8). So, as God’s very own, have we even given this declaration a serious thought-- by appreciating WHO each one of us truly is? The Greek Philosopher Socrates recommends for man “to know himself” and French philosopher Auguste Comte elaborates by saying “to know oneself and to improve oneself ”.

Since childhood, we’ve been taught to love others-- which is one of Christ’s greatest commandments. BUT have we even given it a thought to obey the second part of this precept: to LOVE OURSELVES (Matthew 32:37-39)-- as God loves us (Luke 10:27)? This is a serious question needing honest

personal conversations with ourselves and God.

SELF LOVE has been expounded on a positive light as well as condemned as an antithesis to good human relationship. In keeping with God’s Word, let’s not allow anyone to ever convince us that self love is a bad word given: it’s not just a good idea but rather it’s a God idea.

LOVING ONESELF means being respectful and appreciative of as well, as being comfortable with WHO and WHOSE we truly are: l God’s royal children (1Peter 2:9). And being so, we are well-deserving of our own love-- as God loves us (1Corinthians 13:13). Additionally, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (Corinthians 6:19). In human terms, self love is often referred to as self respect and positive selfesteem.

On the downside, some equate self love with egotism, as being selfabsorbed and having an utter disregard toward other’s well-being. These mischaracterizations seem to have gained a far greater influence so much so that “being comfortable in one’s skin” is viewed as being arrogant and even narcissistic. Sadly, “Giving oneself to others till it hurts” (also known as people pleasing) is viewed as a virtue.

Reality is: it’s not our job to please others-- all the time. More so, we can’t please every one anyway. Therefore, there will be times when we may become recipients of slings and arrows but we must humbly and courageously stand our ground knowing who’s got our back.

God commands us to love others by being compassionate, just and respectful. Also, to be able to say “NO” when needed— to uphold and preserve our personal boundary. Placing lower priority on our self worth -- by seeking others’ approval— all the time— with the end goal of being “on other’s good side” and for fear of offending others— is not being true to ourselves and others at all. Codependence benefits no one and the end results are negative self esteem and self loathing on the part of the discontent individual.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s do a “self awareness” inventory and see for ourselves where we stand as far as loving and respecting the apple of God’s eyes: OURSELVES. We are not perfect however we can appreciate ourselves as God’s LOVE gift AND likewise, humbly redirect our shortcomings--in the name of LOVE! Let’s give it a go and see how lovely life could be for us and others!

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and Stay loving!

Hilda Herrera Borja is a freelance writer.

She retired as a Behavioral Health Provider for the Department of Defense. Thereafter, she worked as a Military & Family Life Consultant/Counselor for all branches of the military on the Island of Oahu. Being a columnist for the Fil-Am Courier is her way of connecting with and serving our Filipino community.

PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

U.S. President

Joe Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden: “My fellow Americans: This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.

We’ve learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile. At this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed.

So now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries. As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I know the resilience of our constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I’ve just taken the sacred oath each of those patriots have taken, the oath first sworn by George Washington.

But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union. This is a great nation. We are good people. And over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far, but we still have far to go.

We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.

Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged, or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now. Once-ina-century virus, it silently stalks the country. It has taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost.

Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some

delivers his speech after he was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, January 20, 2021

400 years in the making, moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate, or any more clear. And now, a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat. To overcome these challenges to restore the soul and secure the future America requires so much more than words, it requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity, unity.

In another January, on New Year’s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, and I quote: “If my name ever goes down into history, it’ll be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul was in it today. On this January day, my whole soul is in this, bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation, and I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the foes we face: anger, resentment and hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs, we can put people to work in good jobs, we can teach our children in safe schools, we can overcome the deadly virus. We can reward work, and rebuild the middle class and make health care secure for

all. We can deliver racial justice, and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity, it can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep, and they are real.

But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we’re all are created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization, have long torn us apart.

The battle is perennial and victory is never assured. Through Civil War, the Great Depression, World Wars, 9-11. Through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks our better angels have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us, enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward. And we can do that now.

History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbours, we can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For that without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage, no nation, only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you

we will not fail. We have never ever, ever, ever failed in America. We’ve acted together. And so today, at this time in this place, let’s start afresh all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another, see one another, show respect to one another.

Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in his path. Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war, and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated, and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. America has to be better than this. And I believe America is so much better than this.

Just look around, here we stand in the shadows of the Capitol dome. As was mentioned earlier, completed amid the Civil War, when the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. Yet, we endured. We prevail. Here we stand, looking out on the great mall, where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand where 108 years ago, at another inaugural thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote.

And today, we marked the swearing in of the first woman in American history elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Don’t tell me things can’t change. Here we stand, across the Potomac from the Arlington Cemetery, were heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion

rest in eternal peace.

And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever, not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you’ve placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this: hear me out as we move forward. Take your measure me and my heart. If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy.

That’s America.

The right to dissent peaceably within the guardrails of our Republic is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength.

You hear me clearly: disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans, all Americans. And I promise you, I will fight as hard for those who did not support me, as for those who did.

Many centuries ago, St. Augustine, a saint in my church, wrote that the people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love, defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love that define us as Americans? I think we know.

Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honour, and yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 11

taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power, and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honour our constitution, to protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand, like my dad, they lay in bed staring at night, staring at the ceiling wondering: ‘Can I keep my health care? Can I pay my mortgage?’

Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you I get it. But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don’t look like you, or worship the way you do, or don’t get their news from the same sources you do.

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes as my mom would say: ‘Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.’

Because here’s the thing about life, there’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days, when you need a hand, there are other days when we’re called to lend a hand, that’s how it has to be, it is what we do for one another. And if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future, and we can still disagree.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter.

We’re entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. And I promise you this, as the Bible says, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

We will get through this together, together. Look folks, all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching, watching all of us today. So here’s my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested, and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage

President Joe Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2021. Though the inauguration took place amid the coronavirus pandemic and security threats, it encouraged unity across the country.

with the world once again, not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. And we’ll lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security. Look, you all know we’ve been through so much in this nation and my first act as President, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those who we lost this past year to the pandemic, those 400,000 fellow Americans, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbours and co-workers. We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be. So I ask you, let’s say a silent prayer for those who’ve lost their lives and those left behind and for our country.

Amen.

Folks, this is time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy and untruth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate

in crisis, America’s role in the world.

Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways, but the fact is, we face them all at once presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we’ve had.

Now we’re going to be tested, are we going to step up? All of us? It’s time for boldness for there’s so much to do, and this is certain, I promise you, we will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion is the question? Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well, I believe we will, and when we do we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America, the American story, a story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me.

It’s is called American Anthem.

There’s one verse that stands out, at

least for me, and it goes like this: ‘The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day, what shall be our legacy? What will our children say? Let me know in my heart when my days are through. America, America, I gave my best to you.’

Let’s add, let’s us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children, and our children’s children will save us. They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.

My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with the sacred oath before God and all of you, I give you my word, I will always level with you. I will defend the constitution, I’ll defend our democracy, I’ll defend America. And we’ll give it all… keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but the possibilities, not of personal interest, but the public good and together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division, of light, not darkness.

A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires us, and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history, we met the moment.

Democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch, but thrived. That America secured Liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another, and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts.

May God bless America, and may God protect our troops.

Thank you, America.”

PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

By NANCY BERNAL Jim Brickman

Kelly Hu

Lani Misalucha

••••

February is the month for

confined in the ICU for six days and

romance with Valentine’s Day

Lani was in ICU for four days. They

on February 14; but during the

remained in the hospital much longer

– debuted on Netflix on January

pandemic, for safety reasons, it

and battled symptoms of hearing

29 and it was primarily filmed in

is impossible to attend concerts,

loss, balance issues and pain. They

Hawaii. This adventure comedy

special events and social gatherings.

are continuing their healing with

features some local actors including

There are other options and you

therapy, exercise and medications

Kelly Hu (former Miss Hawaii USA

can celebrate Valentine’s Day in

to regain their health. Through this

– originally from Hawaii), who has

the comfort of your home enjoying

terrible experience, Lani is thankful

been residing in L.A. for over thirty

a romantic evening with your loved

that she and Noli can still walk, talk

years. Branscombe Richmond,

one viewing a virtual concert by Jim

and move and for Lani, to be able

an accomplished actor that is a

Brickman.

Grammy- Nominated

to sing. She has learned during

longtime Maui resident, is also in a

Songwriter and piano sensation

this challenging time that “Life is

leading role in this production. This

Jim Brickman will be taking the

precious”.

is a movie that will be especially

nation by storm this month with

During the last five months, Lani

appealing for Hawaii residents and

“Share The Love” LIVE Virtually

Misalucha was scheduled to co-host

former Hawaii residents, but also

on February 12, 13 and 14. These

the GMA talent search – “The Clash”,

entertaining for everyone.

special concerts will bring the LIVE

but had to be replaced by Pops

concert experience up close and

Fernandez during her illness. Lani

personal with Jim Brickman’s “Love

returned to the show in December,

three episodic series. “Magnum PI”

By Request” concerts filled with his

2020 and was grateful to be able to

is currently filming its third season

own hit songs such as “Love of My

sing and perform again.

on Oahu for airing on CBS. A new

••••

Life”, “Destiny”, “Angel Eyes” and

A new movie – “Finding Ohana”

•••• Hawaii has become the base for

comedy/drama series – “Doogie

“Valentine”. Tickets are on sale at

The Ronald McDonald House

Kamealoha, M.D.” – begins filming

www.jimbrickman .com

Charities of Hawaii received a

on Oahu this month for airing on

I presented the question to Jim

wonderful donation in January, 2021

Disney+. Another thriller series – “I

Brickman, “If you could have one

– a new piano for the house on Judd

Know What You Did Last Summer”

wish granted, what would it be.”

Hillside. Their piano that had been

– begins filming on Oahu this

Jim’s reply was, “I’d love to be able to

in the house for a long time was not

month for airing on Amazon. These

keep doing what I do for many years

working well. A big mahalo goes

productions enrich the economy in

to come. To be healthy enough to

out to several people that made this

our 50th State and also present its

play, write, perform and share my

donation possible. Thank you to

scenic beauty to the world.

music with people for the rest of my

Noly Paa for referring Lee Gordon

life.”

to tune the old piano. Mahalo to

Lee Gordon for trying to tune the old

Stay safe!

Lani Misalucha, Asia’s

piano, but due to its bad condition,

Nightingale, is still recovering

was unable to. Therefore, Lee

entertainment information, please

after being afflicted with bacterial

contacted George Nellas (Owner of

contact Nancy Bernal at 808- 947-

meningitis in September, 2020.

Piano Planet) and George offered to

5736 or e-mail her at NancyBernal@

Lani’s husband, Noli and Lani ate at

donate a new piano to The Ronald

aol.com)

a restaurant in the Philippines where

McDonald House. Thank you to

they were served pork. Two days

George Nellas and Piano Planet

later, they became sick with fevers,

for your generosity! Music is very

chills and disorientation and were

healing to everyone and the families

taken by ambulance to St. Luke’s

at The Ronald McDonald House will

Medical Center where Noli was

benefit greatly from this beautiful gift.

••••

Left to right: George Nellas (Owner of Piano Planet), Nia Huakau (Guest Services at RMHC) and Kanoe Paauhau (Director of House Operations at RMHC) with the new piano in The Ronald McDonald House

Branscombe Richmond

•••• For now, That’s Entertainment!

(If you would like to submit

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 13

Filipinos comprise a huge chunk of the population of Hawai’i.

A number of Filipino Americans (FilAm) have established themselves as chefs, restaurant owners, farmers, and workers supporting the food and beverage industry in the State. Their presence in the food industry is strong and their potential to be purveyors of Filipino cuisine is immense.

To further strengthen the growing influence and the relationships among FilAm chefs, workers, farmers, and business establishments and to help them pivot amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu has partnered with the Filipino Food Movement (FFM) in organizing the Savor Filipino Summit-Hawaii. FFM is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California that works to promote, progress, and preserve Filipino cuisine. The Summit aims to bring together the food community to share ideas on how to market and brand Filipino food and come up with strategies to survive and thrive under the current environment. The online event will be held on February 8, 2021 from 1:004:00 p.m. Participants can register at http://filipino foodmovement.org/.

An array of resource persons representing various fields have been tapped to speak during the

CONSULATE TO STRENGTHEN FILIPINO FOOD MOVEMENT IN HAWAII event. Eddie Flores Jr., a successful FilAm entrepreneur and founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, will give the keynote speech. Renowned chef and co-founder of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine (HRC), Sam Choy, shall serve as one of the panelists in the breakout session on Identity: A dive into the past and exploration of the future of Filipino cuisine in Hawai’i, along with Dr. Pia Arboleda, Executive Director of the Center for Philippine Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Alexandra Dorda, founder of Kasama Rum, a Filipino rum bottled in Poland, Cheryl Tiu, lifestyle journalist and founder of Cross Cultures, and Patrice Cleary, chef and owner of Purple Patch restaurant in Washington DC will be featured in the session on Branding: Breaking the stereotypes of design & popularizing Filipino food around the globe.

Meanwhile, Alexandra Cuerdo, director and producer of “Ulam: Main Dish”, a documentary following the rise of the Filipino food movement in

America, Eric Baranda, contributor at Frolic Hawai’i, and Queenie Laforga, local food influencer will be tapped to share their insights during the panel discussion on Media: How can we get more representation in food media?

On the fourth breakout session, Business: Starting and sustaining food businesses through a pandemic, Peter Oshiro from the Hawai’i Department of Health will talk about food safety regulations in Hawai’i. Eric Elnar, Philippine Trade Commissioner, will provide insights on how to import food ingredients and products from the

Philippines while Joel Navasca, chef and owner of Tiano’s Restaurant will share his experience in establishing and operating a food business in Hawai’i.

Aside from panel discussions, the Summit will feature an online networking session where participants can meet and interact with other attendees. Participants can also visit the virtual booths of participating companies and food establishments at the Expo Area of the event.

“We hope that the Summit

will spark more conversations and generate stronger collaborations among FilAm stakeholders to carve a place for Filipino cuisine in Hawai’i and the global culinary mainstream,” Consul General Joselito Jimeno of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu said in his invitation to stakeholders to attend the Summit.

The Savor Filipino SummitHawaii is supported by AcuGlobal Endeavors, Ramar Foods, and Tuktuk Box. For press inquiries, email andrea. caymo@dfa.gov.ph or call 808-4294458.

PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

By ANITA HOFSCHNEIDER

The virus has sickened Filipinos

disproportionately and led to widespread job losses.

When Jenny Delos Santos got

her COVID-19 positive test result in April, it was only the latest hit in what was already a terrible year.

Santos had been on leave

from her job as a news assistant — mourning the deaths of her two adult children prior to the pandemic

A sign at Big Island Candies in Ala Moana Shopping Center warns shoppers to sanitize their hands. Hawaii has been slowly opening back up as daily COVID-19 counts remain in the single digits.

— when she found out she was laid

Santos no longer had her Honolulu

learned hallucinations are, for some,

of Filipino residents in Hawaii who

task force has partnered with various

off in late March. She was already

Star-Advertiser health insurance.

a side effect of the virus. Despite how

have tested positive for COVID-19

nonprofit organizations and the

sick, and got tested for coronavirus

As it became harder to breathe

sick she felt, Santos didn’t want to

since the pandemic hit the islands

Filipino Community Center to

that same day.

and her cough worsened, she

see a doctor and risk adding to her

nine months ago. According to the

use federal CARES Act funding

By the time she got her positive

hallucinated, seeing angels on

existing medical debt.

state Department of Health, Hawaii’s

to educate thousands of Filipino

test result more than a week later,

her husband’s shoulder. She later

Filipino community makes up 16% of

residents about the virus and how

the state’s population, but compose

to prevent it. The group hosted a

more than a fifth of confirmed cases.

radiothon on Thanksgiving weekend

That’s the second-worst disparity in

and has been offering COVID-19

the state, behind only non-Hawaiian

testing after Sunday masses in

Pacific Islanders. As of Friday, 226

December.

Filipinos have been hospitalized and

58 have died.

the University of Hawaii, estimates

The disproportionate case

the group has reached more than

counts are compounded by sky-

20,000 people through radio, social

high unemployment in Hawaii’s

media and in-person events since it

tourism industry, where thousands

launched its work in November. It’s

of Filipino residents work. Over

racing to spend federal funds before

the last two months, the state and

the December 31 deadline.

community organizations have

launched concerted outreach to the

and mobilize,” she said. So far,

Filipino communities through free

the group’s members have noticed

testing, community meetings, radio

a crucial need for information

and social media.

translated into Filipino languages,

Rochelle Mae Cadiente is

with surveys finding that 75% of

among several students at the

participants in their events speaking

University of Hawaii who have been

a language other than English.

Santos is among thousands

Agnes Malate, a professor at

“We really had to hurry up

working with the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii to pass out

Overcoming Stigma

flyers at grocery stores and post

information on social media to

community isn’t always easy. On

prevent spread.

a recent Sunday, the testing site in

the parking lot behind St. Joseph’s

“When one person is suffering,

Reaching Hawaii’s Filipino

we’re all suffering,” she said.

Church in Waipahu was quiet and

slow. The church has a majority

A grassroots Filipino COVID-19

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 15

Filipino congregation but only about a dozen people opted to get tested.

The challenge extends to

contact tracing, the process of finding people who may have been exposed to someone sickened by coronavirus. Chantelle Matagi, who leads the Department of Health’s contact tracing team dedicated to Pacific Islanders, including Filipinos, said her team frequently battles COVID-19 stigma and distrust of government.

“Much like Pacific Islanders,

Filipinos have their own colonial histories which of course color how they view government entities,” said Matagi.

Many people are particularly

worried that they could get in trouble with law enforcement or immigration officials. Honolulu has issued an unprecedented number of tickets to enforce stay-at-home orders.

“We have to also be very careful

and reassure them that we’re not there to police, police and report,” she said. They tell people, if you cooperate with contact tracers, “You’re not going to get your relative in trouble.”

Kremlin Manuel is a Filipino

immigrant and a U.S. Army National Guard member who works with Matagi on contact investigations. On a typical day, the team will contact 25 families. It can sometimes take up to two hours to speak with families and earn their trust enough to get the information they need. Sometimes, if their loved ones have died from COVID-19, the families are griefstricken and emotional. Other times they won’t answer the phone at all.

Jenny Delos Santos lost her job while sick with COVID-19, experiencing the double whammy of the pandemic that has hit Hawaii’s Filipino community particularly hard.

“Number one thing is the fear,

their fear of getting consequences,” Manuel said. “That’s why they don’t pick up the phone. Or putting a shame to the Filpino community.

That’s another thing.”

Thousands Unemployed

received money briefly in June.

have been extended until March and

“It’s too hard waiting for

she hopes they are able to continue

Matagi’s and Manuel’s

For the first few months of

contact investigations team was

the pandemic, Cadiente didn’t

something you never get,” she said.

beyond that. She also hopes that

created in mid-October and now

know anyone who was sick from

She’s relied on her husband’s

people realize the communities

has 20 members who speak nine

COVID-19. Recently she learned

income, rental assistance from

themselves aren’t the problem, but

languages including three Filipino

one of her friends caught it, and

Catholic Charities and the generosity

they are in a problematic situation

languages — Tagalog, Ilocano and

suspects shame kept her friend from

of her coworkers to make ends

where they don’t have access to

Cebuano. Matagi said the trends

revealing that for weeks. What’s been

meet. She’s also ignoring medical

equitable health care.

she sees in Filipino families struck

more apparent to Cadiente is the

bills she can’t afford.

with COVID-19 mirror what she sees

pandemic’s economic impact. Her

to systemic inequalities,” Matagi said.

among Pacific Islander families:

mother, a housekeeping supervisor

caught the virus, but wonders if it

they hold public-facing jobs, have

at a local hotel, hasn’t been able to

happened at a bus stop when she

support from the USC Annenberg

pre-existing medical conditions and

work for months.

gave directions to tourists. Nine

Center for Health Journalism National

often lack health insurance. Many

She’s not alone. More than

months later, she still struggles with

Fellowship and its Dennis A. Hunt

are also health care workers or work

18,500 Filipinos have filed for

hallucinations and isn’t sure if they’ll

Fund for Health Journalism.

in care homes for the elderly.

unemployment in Hawaii, more than

ever go away.

Their jobs leave them no way to

any other ethnic group, according

avoid the risk of exposure. “If you’re

to state data. That’s not surprising

of Health says her team’s contracts

a nurse, you’re a caretaker, you’re

given so many work in the state’s

working at a restaurant that’s just not

decimated tourism industry.

possible,” Matagi said. “You have to

go into work or you don’t get paid.”

for Unite Here Local 5, says the

national, regional and local awards.

Many also live in crowded or

majority of the union’s 11,000-plus

multi-generational households to

members are Filipino. Many still

afford Hawaii’s high cost of living.

haven’t gone back to work, and

A 2018 state study that analyzed

prospects are so poor for some that

Census data about families who

the union is investing in retraining for

were part-Filipino — about a quarter

different jobs altogether.

of the state’s population — found

that on average, homes owned

likely an undercount of the number

by Filipinos include more than five

of Filipinos who have lost their jobs.

people and rentals by Filipinos

Santos says she eventually gave

average more than four, higher than

up applying for unemployment after

the state average.

struggling with the system, and only

Bryant de Venecia, spokesman

Santos isn’t sure where she

“A lot of these disparities are due This story was produced with

Matagi from the Department

Anita Hofschneider is a reporter covering social issues for Civil Beat. She previously covered city and state politics, the environment, land use and housing. Her work has won multiple Prior to starting at Civil Beat, Anita covered the 2013 Hawaii legislative session for the

Associated Press and interned at the Wall Street Journal in New York. She graduated from Harvard with honors in 2012 and is originally from the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

You can follow Anita on Twitter @ahofschneider, on Instagram @anitahofschneider or

email her at ahofschneider@civilbeat.org.

The state unemployment data is

For Advertising Information, please call 595-8787 or 478-9688

PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

Happy Habits: Fun Ways to Feel Young You can’t escape the extra candle being added to your birthday cake each year.

But just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean you need to feel older.

And there are plenty of things you can do that will make you feel AMAZING, no matter what your age is—possibly even better than you felt in your 20s!

Now, the two big secrets for feeling younger are… you guessed it… eating right and exercising regularly.

But if you’re already doing those two things—or you don’t have the energy or time to make them a habit—below you’ll find some recommended ways for helping yourself look and feel younger.

Try these “happy habits” out and it won’t be long before you’re running circles around your (grand)kids!

CHECK THESE OUT: Happy Habit #1: Try something new.

Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have new experiences.

So go ahead and pick up a new hobby—it’s never too late to try something new or return to something you used to love. Rekindle your love of painting or buy a new road bike and feel the rush of wind in your face.

Unleashing your creativity and moving towards a new purpose will have you feeling more youthful, energized, and excited!

Happy Habit #2: Have sex.

Hubba-hubba ;) According to research, having sex regularly can make you look and feel up to 7 years younger. The release of feel-good endorphins and better blood circulation will have you smiling from ear to ear in no time.

Beats going to the gym, doesn’t it?

Happy Habit #3: Get your hair done.

Having dry, thin, and dull hair that doesn’t suit you will absolutely make you feel older than you really are—but fortunately there’s an easy fix!

Find a reputable colorist or stylist, and give your ‘do an upgrade—I know I sure feel more confident and younger than my years after a trip to the salon.

Happy Habit #4: Go outside.

One of my favorite ways of feeling more “alive” (and youthful) is by planning and going on a little adventure.

Granted, traveling to faraway, exotic locales might not be in the cards right now.

But heading outside of the city to check out a new park, exploring local hiking trails, or even taking a ‘staycation’ can be equally adventurous, and give you the same benefits.

Happy Habit #5: Do what makes you smile.

Smiling more might be the cheapest and easiest trick to feeling younger.

The more you smile, the happier you’ll feel. Not to mention, researchers learned that smiling makes you appear younger than you are whereas frowning does the opposite.

So find things that make you smile and do MORE of those things :) I hope those tips help you feel happy and youthful.

Here’s to looking—and feeling—half your age!

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 17

Hawaii Best Loans, LLC NMLS#: 397936

Tel. (808) 591-1137 Email: ashlee@hawaiibestloans.com Website: www.hawaiibestloans.com

Ashlee Sook Cho James, President NMLS# 368025 Tel. (808) 591-1137 Email: ashlee@hawaiibestloans.com.

Aloha, I hope and trust that all is well with you and that you are weathering this pandemic storm in good health. These are definitely challenging times for all of us. Please stay safe!

The theme for this month’s newsletter is “Mortgage Interest Rate Projections for 2021.” I will try to give you a peek into the future so you will know what to expect as you think about your mortgage loan options.

In the meantime, I want to wish you a very Happy, Peaceful and Joyous Holiday Season. I hope that your 2021 will get off to a great start and that it will be your best year ever.

Ashlee Sook Cho James, President NMLS#: 368025 Hawaii Best Loans - NMLS#: 397936

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

WHAT WILL MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES DO IN 2021?

Let’s get to it! Leading housing agencies are expecting an average 30-year mortgage rate of 3.03% in 2021. Until 2020, the lowest 30-year rate on record was 3.29%. Now, experts are saying interest rates could remain well below that for a year or more to come.

Low rates mean expanded buying power, cheaper monthly payments, and huge savings. But remember, there’s always volatility in the mortgage market. Nothing is absolutely certain when it comes to rate projections.

Don’t base your home buying or refinancing plans on a favorable prediction.

If you’re ready to lock a rate now, it’s a great time to do so. With rates still at all-time lows, there is a counter-theory that they only have one way to go at some point next year … UP! As always, some borrowers will get lower rates than the ‘averages’ seen in the news, and some will get higher rates. That’s because your own interest rate doesn’t just depend on the market — it depends on who you are as a borrower.

Who gets below-market rates?

It’s usually borrowers who have: A credit score of 720 or higher A clean credit report A down payment of 20% (on conventional loans) A low debt-to-income ratio A home price within local loan limits You need to be willing to shop around to find the lowest rate for your situation. This is where I come into the picture. I can help you obtain the lowest rate available based on your own personal profile. My goal is to always find the best deal for my borrowers.

BONUS INFORMATION! 5 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE One of the most important factors in securing a mortgage loan is your credit score. When scores drift down into the low 600s and beyond, applicable interest rates will become higher or a loan might not be possible at all. Here at Hawaii Best Loans, we have years of experience in working with borrowers and know exactly how to get their credit scores to a level where their loan is possible and rates remain low. Here are 5 quick tips for lowering your credit score: 1.

Pay Your Bills on Time ... especially any medical bills that you may have, even if the amounts are low.

2. Get Credit for Making Utility and Cell Phone Payments on Time. ...

3.

Pay off Debt and Keep Balances Low on Credit Cards and Other Revolving Credit.

4. Apply for and Open New Credit Accounts Only as Needed. ...

5. Don’t Close Unused Credit Cards.

For more information and assistance in raising your current credit score, just give me a call and I will show you the secrets to credit success!

I hope that you enjoyed this edition of our monthly newsletter. I’m looking forward to working with you throughout the coming year in an effort to help you achieve your borrowing goals and objectives. In the meantime, If there is anything that I can help you with right away, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks, Ashlee Sook Cho James, President NMLS# 368025 Tel. (808) 591-1137 Email: ashlee@hawaiibestloans.com.

New Book!

As some of you may know, my husband, Jesse, is a speaker, consultant and author.

He has just published an exciting new book titled, “I’m Third”... success secrets and motivational anecdotes from 30 years on the speaking platform.

It is now available through Amazon.com. You can find out more about it at the following link: “I’m Third” It will make a perfect gift for the Holidays. If you purchase 3 books, you will receive free shipping. Amazon Prime members also receive free shipping regardless of the number of books ordered. What better gift than one of motivation, inspiration and a positive outlook in life ... especially during the challenging times that we find ourselves in?

PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2021 • PAGE 19

CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Hiring PT Cashier and Kitchen Help

STORE MANAGER

Fast Food Sushi Restaurant Call Wendell (808) 864-0148

FOSTER HOME

Rent - $8,000 Wheel chair accesible 744 22nd Ave. - Kaimuki Area Possible Foster Home, 3 units 1st 2beds, 2baths 2nd 2beds, 2baths 3rd 2beds, 2baths Total 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms - 2019 built - Brand New House - New Split AC rach room - Car garage

STORE

2161 N. School St. 980 sqft Store - $1,800

SALE

$1,320,000 2006 built almost brandnew - Kalihi Valley 11 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms Excellent rent income

SALE

Ubae LLC. BS/BA Manage, drive sales & create promotions

1284 Kalani St., Ste D-107 Honolulu, HI 96817

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

Sale: $1,320,000, 2055 built almost brand new Kalihi Valley 11-bedroom, 8.5 bathroom Excellent rent income.

ROOM FOR RENT

Call 676-0759

HELP WANTED Seeking Grill Cook & Cashier No experience needed EXPERIENCED PAY UP TO $14 Please call to apply Ala Moana: Cathleen Tadeo 382-3468 NEX: Arvie Ventura 398-4663 Pearlridge: Mannette Garcia 253-1519

HELP WANTED

Looking for KITCHEN HELPER must be able to work early morning hours. Must be dependable, responsible and reliable.

For Advertising Information, please call 595-8787 or 478-9688

HOUSE FOR RENT:

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath House semi furnished near Kam Shopping Center I covered parking, $2,600 per month water, electric, included washer, dyer call Mario:

(808) 232-8157

HELP WANTED

Care Home Rent -

Apply in person 2284 Kalakaua Ave.

4bdrm, 2 bath, parking, $2.295 available now.

Below Nimitz Hwy. Call 386-3997

Call (808) 778-7813

2161 N. SCHOOL ST.

FOR SALE

KALIHI, APARTMENT, DOWNSTAIRS

2 bed/1 bath apt $1,500.00/mo 1-year lease

Apply in person: 64 N Pauahi St. Honolulu,HI 96817.

Between 6 AM to 1:30PM Wednesday thru Monday.

Looking for cooks must be able to work lunch and or dinner. full time or part time, full give medical. Experience $15 00 an hour, No experience $13:00 an hour.

FOR RENT

FOR RENT-KALIHI

Will pay for medical, starting $2800 a month.

$499,000 - Honolulu Tower Condo 2/1/1, 1054 sqft Bus stop China market, restaurant, Business, store

Valley of the Temples, Eternal Love, 3 plots Value $10,000/ea.

Asking $20,000/ all 3 plots.

Call/Text 304-6590

Waipahu, 1 Bedroom for 1 person $500 not including utilities

Tel. No. 922-6868

Ask for Hisao or Almario

CUSTOMER SERVICE/CALL-TAKER Full/Part-time

No experience OK, we will train. Good communication skill, pleasing personality with minimal typing skill.

We offer good benefits-medical/dental, 401k, paid vacation/sick leave, parking.

Call: 943-0000

980SQF Retail Store $1,800

Built Care home 2017 7 bed, close to town, close to hospital call (808) 393-6230 email: lee@Locations Hawaii.com

FOR RENT: Kalihi 2BR/1BA/1PKG $1,225.00, No pets 1922 Kahai St. Apt. D Available 11/16,

Call Virgie 386-3997

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath,

Waipahu area, Formore info, contact Maria @ (808) 365-8310

HOUSE FOR RENT 3 bedroom/1bath Near school, bus stop, and shopping center.

No pets Call 808-208-5880

WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE JUDGE GRAULTY (RETIRED)

CALL 778-8510 TO SCHEDULE