NOVEMBER 23, 2024
FEATURE celebrating Pacita cabUlera salUdes
CANDID PERSPECTIVES trUmP’s negative diversity sWeePs the nation
Thanksgiving and 32nd Anniversary Supplement
COVER STORY
haWaii filiPino chronicle, a labor of love that KeePs giving
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS Prayers for an Uncertain World
Publisher & Executive Editor
CNN, MSNBC and Fox News pundits, and other corporate mainstream news personalities recognize what a powerful and influential force alternative online news, podcasts, digital and social media had in the General Election.
Some in left-leaning media like Jen Psaki and Van Jones outright blame social media for vice president Kamala Harris’ loss; while some in right-wing media saw the election results as a repudiation of mainstream media that’s largely left-leaning, that spent most of its election coverage fearmongering against Trump which ultimately fell on deaf ears. Sean Hannity of Fox News, said mainstream media is “dead.”
But to simply tie the election results to Americans’ media habits is intellectual laziness and dishonesty because there are plethora contributing factors that led to Donald Trump winning and Harris losing. It’s also far from truth that corporate mainstream media is dead, either. Waning? Yes.
What is certain – and welcomed news – has been the gains in popularity of alternative media in online news, digital news, podcasts, live streaming and social media. “Alternative” in the sense that journalists, former mainstream journalists, academics, and people from all walks of life are “microphoning up” to podcast or ramble on with their posts on social media. Regular Americans talking about and engaging in political dialogue online is good for the country, good for freedom and democracy. But the traditional corporate-backed “gatekeepers” of news and punditry not only consider that political talk to be their business (figuratively and literally) but is increasingly threatened by the social media political populist trend.
In a way, political punditry of ordinary citizens sounding off on social media can be viewed as a new form of “intellectual populism.” No longer are corporate-approved and corporate-filtered opinions and framing will dictate to a vast majority of Americans what are acceptable ideas or what Americans should be thinking. No longer do billionaire companies and their media conglomerate chains solely control what you see, read and hear.
It’s safe to say now that we have a legitimate alternative to corporate mainstream news. Polls show that most Americans are getting their news from both traditional corporate mainstream media as well as alternative online and digital media. For the younger generation, online news is the primary source for their news.
Online news is not the same as “Alternative” online news
It’s worth to distinguish here that “alternative online news” is not the same as “online news” (generally speaking) because corporate mainstream media also have a presence in the online news ecosystem. But they’re not “alternative” per say. The online content of CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ABC and all the other three-letter media giants, has the same “corporate” content they pass off on their billionaire-owned cable channels and TV networks.
What they’re doing is Wall Street (big corporate mainstream media) buying up the digital space on Mainstreet, which really should be left for Mainstreet Americans. What these giants should be doing is staying in their own Park Avenue Lane. The CNNs of the world penetrating into the online di-
The ever-expanding digitalization process of media has created a huge reservoir of options in today’s media ecosystem. New tech from news apps to multiple platforms and digital devices make access to news 24-7 and instantly available. And it’s not just tech changes that are unfolding rapidly, we also see rich content diversity with legitimate news sources online being established that’s giving traditional corporate media stiff competition.
For our cover story this issue, HFC associate editor Edwin Quinabo reports on the rising of digital media – podcasts, live streaming, digital news, social media – and waning of traditional mainstream media in the context of the recent General Election. What are some of the shortcomings in this new media environment? How is big Tech responding to some of the fake news spreading online? These questions and more are examined with a few members in our community commenting on these significant changes.
Also in this issue, we have two post-election articles. First, columnist Emil Guillermo submits “Trump’s Negative Diversity Sweeps the Nation.” He writes: “Don’t think his fascist tendencies go away with a victory. If you’re one of the many Filipinos who felt as citizens you have nothing to worry about, just wait when ICE goes into workplaces to question and detain anyone who looks like they could be undocumented. Second, HFC columnist Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon offers a counter view in his article “Trump Victory – Is It An “Act of God?”
HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma does a Book Review on “The Hawai’i Book of Rice: Tales, Trivia and 101 Great Recipes.” HFC columnist Seneca Moraleda-Puguan submits “Prayers for an Uncertain World.” We also have a feature “Celebrating Pacita Cabulera Saludes” written by Lerina C. Saludes-Galvez. Pacita was a long-time HFC columnist-contributor and author who recently passed away.
Speaking of HFC staff, this issue we have a special Thanksgiving and 32nd Anniversary supplement celebrating our newspaper’s decades of public service, our staff and our Filipino community. We are truly grateful for all your support over the years. Please read my husband Dr. Charlie Sonido and my joint message in the supplement. We have a cover story “Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Celebrates Over Three Decades of Empowering the Filipino Community” that highlights some of our challenging and memorable moments in this remarkable journey.
Also in the supplement, we have a Staff Chronicle Pulse answering the question, “What accomplishments do you believe the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has achieved during its 32 years of service to the community? HFC columnist Carlota Ader provides a reader’s Chronicle pulse, “Why Do You Read the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle?” and HFC editorial and production assistant Jim Bea writes an editorial “Support the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle: Your Voice and Advocate in the Community.”
Lastly, from our staff to your family, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. May Thanksgiving Day as well as the holiday season be filled with joy and fond memories. I would also like to mention that proceeds of this issue’s supplement will go towards the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s Journalism scholarship program. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!
Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Associate Editors
Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo
Contributing
Editor
Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.
Design
Junggoi Peralta
Photography
Tim Llena
Administrative Assistant
Lilia Capalad
Editorial & Production Assistant
Jim Bea Sampaga
Columnists
Carlota Hufana Ader
Rose Cruz Churma
Elpidio R. Estioko
Willie Espero
Emil Guillermo
Gary Hooser
Arcelita Imasa, M.D.
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
J.P. Orias
Charlie Sonido, M.D.
Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.
Contributing Writers
Clement Bautista
Edna Bautista, Ed.D.
Teresita Bernales, Ed.D.
Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.
Dr. Dylan Bothamley
Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D.
Linda Dela Cruz
Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand
Amelia Jacang, M.D.
Caroline Julian
Max Levin
Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D.
Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.
Matthew Mettias
Maita Millalos
Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D.
Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Jay Valdez, Psy.D.
Amado Yoro
Philippine Correspondent:
Greg Garcia
Neighbor Island Correspondents:
Big Island (Hilo and Kona)
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai
Millicent Wellington
Maui
Christine Sabado
Big Island Distributors
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai Distributors
Amylou Aguinaldo
Nestor Aguinaldo
Maui Distributors
Cecille PirosRey Piros
Molokai Distributor
Maria Watanabe
Oahu Distributors
Yoshimasa Kaneko
Shalimar / Jonathan Pagulayan
Advertising / Marketing Director
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Account Executives
Carlota Hufana Ader
JP Orias
ilitary experts say the most dangerous escalation in the Russian-Ukraine war came just days ago that could potentially bring the U.S. closer to direct war with Russia in what essentially would be WW3.
In a significant reversal of U.S. policy which only allowed Ukraine to fire American long-range missiles in Ukraine territory, President Joe Biden just approved the use of American Army Tactical Missile System or ATACMS (long range missiles) to be used into Russian territory.
It’s also expected that this green light from Biden will likely allow British Storm Shadow long-range missiles to be used in Russia as well, U.S. officials said. The British previously gave Ukraine permission to use their Storm Shadow missiles, but they needed U.S. approval because these
gital and social media space is gentrifying that space. For now, there’s no consequence of sharing that space with Mo and Minnie, but who knows what kind of business model lies ahead when big money is thrown at big Tech companies. What happens to this space?
There’s already some data suggesting that algorithms are being manipulated through what’s known as shadow blocking to limit content. And that big Tech companies are influenced by advertisers. Could the next step we see is corporate media doing what they’ve done in traditional media -- monopolize online media by throwing their big money around?
What does it mean to be online alternative media?
Digital and online podcasts, livestreaming etc. are collectively considered “alternative” because of their means of distribution of news differ from traditional media’s distribution via
missiles contain U.S. components.
Ukraine has pleaded for months with the Biden administration to be allowed to strike inside Russia but was denied permission. But during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit in September, Biden was giving it serious consideration. The Pentagon, however, advised Biden against it, officials say.
Top military brass rightfully discouraged Biden because of the strong threat by Russian President Vladimir Putin who said an attack into Russia using these weapons would mean a direct attack from the U.S. and NATO, and that means Russia would strike beyond Ukraine, suggesting landing attacks into NATO-member countries.
“Flight assignments for these missile systems can, in fact, only be entered by military personnel from NATO countries. Ukrainian ser-
TV, hard copy newspapers and radio. This is alternative “distribution.”
But equally or arguably more important is the “content” aspect of alternative media, which preceded the “distribution” (online) aspect. In other words, alternative media predates the internet and there were alternative media newspapers and smaller TV productions that were alternative before the digital age.
Alternative media just as it were “before” the digital age is media that is not big corporate owned or government owned. It is media that expresses unconventional ways of looking at society. It challenges perceptions and viewpoints commonly expressed in corporate mainstream media.
For example, “ethnic” media has always been a subset of “alternative” media, along with other subsets that include politically left and politically right media that’s not owned by big corporations. What technology has done is blown wide open all
vicemen cannot do this. And therefore, it is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of making a decision whether NATO countries directly participate in the military conflict or not,” Putin warned in September. In other words, because it would require U.S. military or U.S. contractors to launch these type of weapons – that Ukraine military cannot do because they do not have the expertise and it requires satellite-intelligence that Ukraine does not have –it is this direct engagement (the U.S. directly involved in attacking Russia) that Putin is drawing a red line.
President-elect Trump reacts
In response to Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles into Russia, Trump posted on X “We have never been closer to
channels of media – defusing and decentralizing mass communication to what we have now.
It’s important to point out this historical tension that existed between corporate and alternative media before the digital age. Why? Because traditional corporate mainstream media have always been at odds with alternative media and categorically generalized it as lesser or fake So, what we see now, corporate media’s criticisms that the online media sphere as being brothels of fake news spreading disinformation is nothing new. The fact is it’s intellectually dishonest to broad stroke millions of internet users into anything, let alone, agents of fake news and disinformation. This is an old strategy by corporate media to delegitimize the competition.
Clearly, fake news is widespread on the internet. But there is also journalistically rigorous alternative online news as well. In fact, there are interview formats where many of the world’s
WW3 than we are today under Joe Biden. A global conflict between nuclear armed powers would mean death and destruction on a scale unmatched in human history. It would be nuclear Armageddon. Nothing is more important than avoiding that nightmare…We risk global war. We must be absolutely clear that our objective is to have an immediate and total cessation of hostilities…We need peace without delay. In addition, there must also be a complete commitment to dismantling the entire globalist Neocon establishment that is perpetually dragging us into endless wars, pretending to fight for freedom and democracy abroad.”
One of Trump’s campaign promises is to end the wars, particularly in Ukraine. While Trump in his latest statement on X calls for dismantling the Neocon establishment, critics of Trump have valid concerns over Trump’s cabinet nominees who are mostly Neo-
most fascinating and intelligent people will get 1 hour or longer to discuss a topic that is not possible on mainstream media due to time constraints. This is an improvement to the traditional media interview format. As for dishonesty in news, that can also be said of corporate mainstream media as well in their framing, censoring, and
cons and Warhawks.
Then, “Why did Trump appoint these Neocon Warhawks like Marco Rubio to Secretary of State and other Neocons to top positions in his Cabinet in the first place if he is calling for dismantling the Neocon establishment?” and “How seriously will Trump take these advisors in matters of peace and war?”
It’s a decision that must be backtracked now President Biden is engaging in extremely highrisk escalation that should be reversed immediately. A nuclear catastrophe can develop very quickly. Biden has about two months left in office, and he should not be making this kind of policy that can have monumental and historic ramifications or end civilization as we know it in a worst-case scenario. There is no existential threat to the U.S. for Biden to be escalating this war that the next administration already promised to settle.
at times, inaccurate reporting.
The decentralization and diversification of news in both content and distribution is a step in the right direction. Corporate mainstream media do not corner truth telling. There are many small online media outlets doing excellent reporting and interviewing.
By Edwin Quinabo
igital media started in the 1990s, 30 years later, today, it is fully entrenched to where the media environment is fragmented with information streams everywhere on multiple digital devices and platforms. Online streaming and podcasting of alternative news – both from the political right and left -- is fiercely competitive to traditional corporate media, and both are jockeying for relevancy and a larger share of the communications market.
DHigh profile, award-winning journalists moving to online news, motivated by greater freedom
Legendary journalist Chris Wallace recently announced he’s leaving his $7 million a year job at CNN to go all in on for streaming online via podcast. Wallace said he’s leaving because he sees the potential for deeper conversations and greater freedom outside traditional broadcasting, and he’s ready to make the leap. He highlighted how podcasters including Joe Rogan and Charlamagne tha God (popular podcasters) had set the agenda during the presidential election, but added, “I don’t flatter myself to think I will have that sort of reach.”
CNN wanted to retain Wallace but his decision to quit is seen as a sign of CNN’s waning influence in the media landscape, as other cable news have seen their ratings dip in this current media environment.
Wallace is among a growing list of high-profile journalists to cut the cord from traditional media to “social” (the umbrella term for online, digital, podcasting, livestreaming, electronic news, social media).
In April this year, MSNBC’s award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan left after his show was cancelled even as the TV cable giant wanted to retain him for other regular segments. Instead, Hasan formed his own media company called Zeteo, a subscription-based mostly online news organization. He described Zeteo as a place where inde-
pendent and unfiltered journalism is making its comeback. The platform, he says, “brings you hard-hitting interviews and unsparing analysis that you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a movement for media accountability with good old adversarial journalism.”
Like Wallace who mentioned greater freedom in the online media environment, Hasan said he wanted to establish Zeteo in part so that he can address more thoroughly the war in Gaza, among other issues. Hasan is a vocal and vociferous critic of the Gaza war and big corporate-based media have been known traditionally to stifle and sterilize coverage on wars.
While Wallace is centrist and Hasan a liberal, political libertarian Andrew Napolitano, retired judge, formerly of Fox News and Fox Business also started his own YouTube show Judge Napolitano- Judging Freedom. His channel already has 400,000 subscribers, indicating an appetite for even a Libertarian engagement.
Judging Freedom regularly hosts guests who are former high-level military and intelligence officials, people formerly in high places in government, and journalists critical of the U.S. establishment not frequently welcomed to appear on traditional corporate media. His YouTube channel described his show as “a daily discussion of news from the perspective that government is the negation of liberty, and the individual is greater than the state.”
Wallace, Hasan, and Napolitano – all from major news outfits CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, respectively – are a sampling of many others who’ve left traditional media to carve a space in the diverse online media environment, where they are joined by countless of other credentialed journalists and non-journalists impassioned over current events.
The Big 6 traditional media also engaged in online presence
The growing popularity of online news is not just a haven for former mainstream journalists and self-appointed, entrepreneurial news pundits, but it also has the Big 6 traditional media giants staking their presence in the digital world as well. Six huge conglomerates control most of the major news outlets that are often referred to collectively as corporate mainstream media that includes 24-hour news stations, newspapers, publishing houses, TV and Film. Who are the Big 6: 1) National Amusements owns Viacom and CBS properties, Simon and Schuster; 2) Disney owns ABC News, A&E, ESPN, Marvel, Walt Disney Studios; 3) TimeWarner owns Time, Life, DC, HBO; 4) Comcast owns NBC, Universal Pictures; 5) News Corp owns Fox News, FX, Wall Street Journal, New York Post; and 6) Sony. Most of the popular newspapers, magazines and radio stations are owned by a few chain companies that critics say monopolize traditional media.
While print subscriptions for major traditional media like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post have been in decline, they are experiencing digital growth. The New York Times alone saw a 32% increase in digital-only subscriptions in 2022, surpassing 10 million subscribers and continuing to grow, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (continue on page 5)
(
(SEC). Corporate media’s penetration to online markets is standard industry practice.
Besides corporate mainstream media’s online digital presence, many have streaming on various platforms and podcasts – an example, Dateline NBC is the sixth most popular podcast.
While big corporate media is available in the online news environment, diminishing public trust in corporate media remains. Media experts say an appetite for alternative online news was established out of a distrust in corporate media in the first place, so seeking their online presence is counterintuitive.
Critics of traditional corporate media say their content is restrictive and designed to promote the status quo in society. Their coverage is mostly identical and pro-corporation, pro-military and self-censoring when it comes to workers concerns and in-depth coverage on popular issues like Medicare for
Diverse, multiple news sources are preferred, despite shortcomings
While both traditional corporate and alternative online news both have their shortcomings, the fact that there’s still room for expansion and growth shows Americans are in favor of multiple and diverse news sources, experts say.
Lizette Nolasco, Aiea, 23, a communications major said, “I recognize that while corporate media has the option to regulate content to serve as more well-rounded coverage and that other noncorporate options can publish false information, a variety of sources is still important.” She adds, “I’ve seen issues that are covered by smaller sources that the larger stations have neglected. Corporate mainstream media has a target audience they cater to, same as the smaller sources. Having other sources allows for different points of view since we all have varying opinions on several subjects. It gives a voice to those wanting to express their concerns that
All, raising the minimum wage, or labor rights. Traditional corporate media is innately protective of institutions because they are an institution themselves largely owned by a small super wealthy class, critics say.
Public intellectual and social critic Noam Chomsky said that, while the U.S. news media are adversarial toward U.S. government and policy at times, institutional filters operate to ensure that the criticisms made generally stay within narrow bounds set by the U.S. political and corporate elite.
Traditional corporate media defenders say the trust factor cuts both sides in that online alternative news sources, particularly podcasters and influencers without journalism backgrounds, report fake news and share misleading news memes. The silo effect critiquing traditional corporate media, that they are out-of-touch with average Americans, defenders of corporate media say, applies also to online news sources engaged in building niche audiences and politically ideological branding.
others may not have considered due to each individual’s limited worldview. However, this can only be considered the right direction if there is accountability for the truth.”
On corporate mainstream media, Nolasco said she dislikes that corporate mainstream media tends to focus on a singular viewpoint. On its accuracy, “there have been times when I’ve seen accusations with photographic backing of articles being published and then removed or changed after publication to align with an alternate point of view,” she said.
Tess Bernales, Kailua, a political independent, gets her news from various sources and platforms. “These days, I get news from various sources and platforms. In the past I have subscribed to the Star Advertiser, but it has become expensive for the kind of news and features it carries. I would go to the library for corporate mainstream media such as the Washington Post and New York
(continue on page 6)
“These days, I get news from various sources and platforms. In the past I have subscribed to the Star Advertiser, but it has become expensive for the kind of news and features it carries. I would go to the library for corporate mainstream media such as the Washington Post and New York Times. When they started charging a fee, I stopped going to their sites. I look for other sources available online for national and international news. For Cable TV I tune in to -- CNN, Local TV News, all 3- Fox, ABC, NBC. For print media- Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and Star Advertiser. For social media - Facebook and other online news such as Google news and Yahoo News. I also read online news from Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and Rappler. It [traditional corporate media] has become commercialized, heavy focus on advertising revenues. There are too few media outlets due to consolidation resulting in biased reporting, few dissenting voices, less substance and decreased local coverage. For positives, I can get news from around the world in one paper including a variety of supplements like Food, Best Sellers, Travel, etc.”
– Teresita Bernales Kailua
1. Position : DRIVER
2. Duties
• Assist the Consul General in Honolulu with diplomatic, consular, and other official duties.
• Operate mission vehicles safely and in compliance with local law and regulations regarding vehicle maintenance and operation.
• Perform routine maintenance on mission vehicles.
• Keep the mission vehicles neat and clean.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Consulate General Office.
3. Qualifications
• Eligible to work in the United States (U.S. Citizen / Green Card Holder)
• Driving experience in the U.S., preferably in Hawaii
• Proficiency in English
4. Employment Benefits
• Wage: $2,500 per month. (Monthly Gross Income)
• Additional overtime pay will be provided for commuting support to and from the Consul General’s residence. (90 minutes per day, equivalent to $800 per month)
• Bonus: Equivalent to one month’s basic pay, awarded annually.
• Medical insurance with employer portion of 98.5% (employee portion will be 1.5%)
• Holidays : Every Sat, Sun / Korean National Holiday (4 days a year) / U.S. Federal Holidays
• Severance Pay : Employee who has successfully worked for at least one year / one month average wage will be calculated per year
5. Employment Conditions
• Expected start date : January 2025 (subject to change)
6. How to Apply
• Email your application and resume to consulatehi@mofa.or.kr with the subject line “Application for Driver Position – [Your Name] – [Your Contact Information].”
• Include a criminal background check, and documents verifying your education and employment history as listed in your resume.
• Submit applications by Friday, December 5th, 2024(HST).
7. Additional Notes
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• Candidates who do not meet the requirements will not be considered.
• Interviews will be conducted at Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu in December 2024 (subject to change).
• Inquires will only be via email.
(COVER STORY: The Media ....from page 5) Times. When they started charging a fee, I stopped going to their sites. I look for other sources available online for national and international news. For Cable TV I tune in to - CNN, Local TV News, all 3- Fox, ABC, NBC. For print media- Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and Star Advertiser. For social media - Facebook and other online news such as Google news and Yahoo News. I also read online news from Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and Rappler.”
While Bernales said she’s neutral in her feelings about corporate mainstream media, she offers some negative critique. “It has become commercialized, heavy focus on advertising revenues. There are too few media outlets due to consolidation resulting in biased reporting, few dissenting voices, less substance and decreased local coverage. For positives, I can get news from around the world in one paper including a variety of supplements like Food, Best Sellers, Travel, etc.”
Sol Domingo, 56, Waipahu, a self-described “news junkie” said, “I watch and read everything I can get a hold on including news on my phone from news apps. When I have more time, I listen to podcasts on YouTube. People give online news and social media news a bad rap. If you seek fake news, there’s plenty out there. But if you are discriminating and serious about news, there are also professional journalists out there. There are journalistically rigorous online news sources and podcasts. In fact, time and time again, you will also see fake news reported by traditional corporate media that will retract their inaccurate report-
ing. This happens even in the New York Times. The fake news label is not exclusive to online news sources.”
Domingo said, “what I look for on YouTube are news channels that have extensive long interviews – we’re talking 30 minutes to 1 hour – of academics. Cable news interviews are very short and superficial, and they tend not to have academics with critical viewpoints. Even if they did have guests with critical opinions, they’re given at most five minutes or so.”
Domingo said, who is supportive of today’s diverse and expanded news environment.
Red flagging, censorship, demonetization and shadow blocking
Media experts and social media influencers say there is increasing monitoring by Tech companies of their platforms that is working to stop the spreading of fake news. There are red flag notifications and straightout censorship by multiple platforms. YouTube and other platforms that monetize users will also use demonetizing to curb or stop misleading or inflammatory content.
Other serious alternative news journalists say demonetizing and censorship while valid in some cases, are also weaponized to suppress valid criticisms. In such cases, these Tech giants are acting as gatekeepers of valuable information that should be disseminated and are no different as when corporate mainstream media does their filtering. A common complaint of social media users is shadow blocking, which they describe as algorithms designed to hide or limit – partial censoring –of sensitive information like criticism of the Gaza
war. Independent studies have shown shadow blocking to be a real phenomenon.
CEO/founder of the Young Turks (TYT) which has 27 million subscribers told Variety that it’s important to call out both right and left-wing media for their inaccuracies and biases, suggesting that both traditional corporate media and online media are guilty of them. He asserts that traditional corporate media are influenced by politicians and advertisers, and that online media are also influenced by advertisers or subscribers.
Former White House press secretary and MSNBC political analyst Jen Psaki is blaming social media disinformation for Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss. “One of the things that’s changed even since I got involved in politics is just the rise of the percentage of people who get their information off of platforms that have no fact checking mechanism and no accountability for having disinformation spread,” she said.
Echoing the same sentiment, CNN senior political commentator Van Jones, said, “We got beat because the Republicans and conservatives built a different media system that has to do with online, podcasts, streaming platforms. And they were spending their money there. We were laughing at them. And the knocking on doors in Philadelphia and Detroit was like, there’s no Trump people. They’re not dropping literature, knocking on doors. We were making fun of Donald Trump for having thrown away his ground game and doing some
weird stuff online. We thought they were idiots. It turned out we were the idiots. We woke up in a body bag because while we were knocking on doors, they were making these phones into 24 hour a day political weapon for themselves.”
How big is social media. Here are just a few of the social media platforms where news is shared with over 100 million registered users: Twitter, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), YouTube, and TikTok.
Campaign strategists and media analysts said Harris’ refusal to appear on the number one Podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience hurt her. Rogan has an estimated 11 million listeners per episode and Trump spent hours talking to Rogan – realizing the show’s importance -- which is why Trump was late to his own rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Rogan eventually endorsed Trump.
Nolasco said, “With such a vast number of options, people are choosing to follow sources that align and cater to those with their values and beliefs. Without fairly neutral ground or accountability for publishing the truth, people may believe the information they see without questioning the agenda or source. I’ve seen headlines that were exaggerated or false being published across the internet that very well could have led to the result of the election.”
Fox hosts have long accused most of American news media as pro-Democratic party. Fox News comedian Greg Gutfeld said the General Election saw the loss of not only Harris,
but the media. “The media is dead,” he said. His prime-time colleague at Fox Sean Hannity, said “It’s dead,” suggesting that most mainstream media rallied behind Harris with their partisan reporting, but it didn’t work with Harris falling to Trump.
CNN Brian Stelter said a radio journalist he interviewed, who spoke on anonymity, said it is “hard not to see this election as just a national repudiation of what we [mainstream journalists] do.”
Some alternative news online journalists say this election only confirms that traditional mainstream news outlets are struggling to remain relevant and that audiences are increasingly embracing online platforms, podcasts, YouTube videos and other sources of digital media. They believe it’s in corporate media’s self-interest to scapegoat alternative online news as fake news because millions of Americans are leaving traditional news channels.
Bernales said, “The General Election’s outcome pointed out loud and clear that the media’s influence is waning as Americans turned to alternative news sources. There’s a growing distrust leading the majority to seek information from diverse platforms. The proliferation of social media has become significant sources of news allowing users to tailor their information needs according to their preferences. The emergence of extreme polarization of politics has driven many people to seek information that aligns with their views only. The platforms exacerbated partisan animosity by enabling echo chambers and spreading disinformation.”
By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon
On Election Day, November 5, a Caucasian asked me: “Who do you think will win?” My reply was: “I am a Republican and I hope that Trump will win. But the anti-Trump media has made it appear that the election is close and that Harris will win. So I leave everything to God. I trust that God wants America and the world to be better.”
I believe that when Trump was saved from assassination, God saved him. He must have had a plan for him.
The atheists and agnostics might quibble: “What’s all this talk about God? Did not Trump campaign hard in the battleground states?” (A “battleground state” is a state that could be won by either a Democrat or Republican presidential candidate). Trump indeed concentrated his campaign in the battleground states. His contributors reportedly poured money on attracting the undecided voters.
The strategy paid off. Trump won 312 electoral votes to 226 for Harris. Trump won all the battleground states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona.
The main issue in this election was the economy. In the only debate between Trump and Harris, the moderator’s first question was “Do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?” “NO” is the answer of most people.
The average inflation rate under the first Trump presidency was 1.9% while under Biden-Harris it is 5.7%. The high prices is apparent in food, gas, credit card and mortgage interest rates.
Illegal immigration was another major issue. Trump denounced the millions of illegal aliens, many of whom are criminals or sick with contagious diseases or carrying dangerous drugs and guns, claiming that the Biden-Harris administration was allowing them to enter the country. They are taking jobs away from African Americans and Hispanics, Trump warned.
The threat of nuclear war was also an issue.
Biden was risking a nuclear war with Russia by supporting and sending weapons to Ukraine to attack Russia. Putin was reported to have said that if NATO helps Ukraine fire long-range missiles at Russia there will be a war with NATO with the likelihood that Russia would use nuclear weapons.
On the day after the election, the stock market rose by more than 1,000 points. The Federal Reserve Bank cut the interest rate.
Trump is not against aliens. He is against illegal aliens. Trump announced that his administration has “no choice” but to carry out mass deportation of illegal aliens, regardless of the cost.
The federal government is considering using the national guard and asking local law enforcement authorities for assistance. (I have received calls about this matter from Filipinos who fear that they might
be deported. If you are a TNT (tago ng tago), you might not be the principal target but might be picked up when the immigration authorities make their sweep of illegal aliens. So, it is best to legalize your stay. You have the benefit of having entered the U.S. with a visa unlike the illegal aliens. You have simply overstayed.)
The dollar will become stronger under the Trump administration.
Trump is a protector of American industries and plans to impose tariffs on imported goods. He wants our country to become self-sufficient on energy.
Trump has promised less regulation and lower taxes.
Trump said that he will end the Russian-Ukraine war even before he is inaugurated.
Many of Trump’s plans and policies might not require congressional approval. To the extent that they do, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and they will approve them.
We are fortunate in Hawaii that we have Tulsi Gabbard, the daughter of State Senator Mike Gabbard and
Carol Porter Gabbard. She attended two years of school in the Philippines. Only 21 in 2002, Tulsi was the youngest to be elected as a Representative in the Hawaii legislature. At that time she was Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo. Her first husband Eduardo Tamayo is said to be from Laoag. After serving in the military in Iraq, she ran and won as a Representative for Hawaii’s second congressional district. I was at the launch of her presidential candidacy in 2019. Tulsi resigned from the Democrat Party, and supported Trump. She has become very close to Trump and helped prepare Trump in the debate against Harris.
Tulsi said on X (formerly Twitter): “This election result is a mandate. It rejects the neocons’ agenda of costly, unnecessary wars and embraces Trump’s promise to end wars, prevent global conflicts, revive our economy, and lower the cost of living for Americans.”
We anticipate a cabinet position for Tulsi in the Trump administration. From that vantage point she can help Hawaii.
(Disclosure: I first met citizen Donald J. Trump on July 20, 2016
in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Republican National Convention. I was a Trump delegate from Hawai’i. After his nomination, he met with the original 500 of his supporters. I was invited. When he shook my hand, I handed him my business card, he read it, then he looked at me, smiled, and put the card inside the left pocket of his jacket. I said “God bless you, Mr. President.” God blessed him - he was elected the 45th President of the United States. And now he has been elected the 47th President of the United States.)
TTY. EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON was a Fulbright and Smith-Mundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He placed third in the 1955 bar examinations. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publisher and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the annotations and case notes to the Immigration and Nationality Act published by The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and Bancroft Whitney Co. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, politics, and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: https://www.tiponimmigrationguide.com.
By Keli’i Akina
Athreat is looming as the Hawaii Legislature prepares to reconvene in January.
That impending menace can best be described as “the Blob” — an army thousands strong that sucks precious time and attention from our legislators and their staff.
During the 2023-2024 biennium, the Blob comprised a staggering 5,810 bills that were introduced by just 75 lawmakers who have no meaningful limit on how many bills they are allowed to introduce each session.
And from that massive Blob emerged only 536 measures, fewer than 10%, that were approved by both the House and Senate. Even fewer, 516,
were signed into law by Gov. Josh Green.
Richard Wiens, an editor at Honolulu Civil Beat, noted in a recent commentary that former House Speaker Scott Saiki attempted to contain the Blob at the onset of the 2023-2024 biennium by limiting representatives to 20 bills each, with a higher limit for committee chairs. But the feeble rule allowed waivers, of which 36 of 51 representatives took advantage.
Hawaii’s small group of 25 senators introduced even more bills during that biennium than their counterparts in the House.
Most of the Blob never even sees the light of day through public hearings, yet it reemerges every year as a monstrous
drain on public time and money.
Think of all the legislative staffers tasked with managing the Blob — researching and writing these bills, processing them and referring them to committee, most for no grand purpose but to appease various special interest groups.
Perhaps the worst consequence of allowing the Blob to overtake our Legislature year after year is how little time it
leaves to pass meaningful measures at the end of session. In their annual mad dash to outrun the Blob, lawmakers inevitably find themselves rushing to pass a flurry of important bills in the final hours.
The Blob is clearly out of control. So how do we contain it?
Our senators and representatives simply need to observe some good old-fashioned self-control.
They have the power to impose limits on themselves, and they should. At least 24 other state legislatures already do, with some limits as strict as only five or six bills per year.
New House member Kim Coco Iwamoto has suggested a limit of seven bills per representative per session, which I support.
They must at least start somewhere — because battling the Blob every year has become far too unproductive and inefficient.
We don’t have to accept the Blob as a necessary evil. Banishing it will not only bolster transparency but make our legislative process run more smoothly for all.
KELI‘I AKINA is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
By Lerina C. Saludes-Galvez
Pacita Cabulera Saludes was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte on March 27, 1930. She attended Badoc Elementary School and her first three years of high school was at Juan Luna Memorial Academy, also in Badoc.
She finished her high school education at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon in Bangued, Abra. Pacita finished her Bachelor of Science Education at Divine Word College in Bangued (DWCB) majoring in English, and a minor in Science. She took electives in short story writing, poetry, drama, and stage presentations.
Soon after graduation, she accepted a teaching position at Abra Valley College. While teaching, she also pursued other journalistic endeavors. She edited Anaraar, a newsletter in Bangued, Abra, as well as a columnist for the Lowland
Herald in San Fernando, La Union.
She organized GUMIL Bangued in l967; and GUMIL Abra in 1968 and was elected as president of the organization. She migrated to Hawaii with her seven children on January 27, 1970, to join her husband Fred Saludes, an American citizen.
Upon her arrival in Hawaii, she discovered that there was no organized group of Ilokano writers.
With her friendly attitude, she was able to gain the trust of many people.
They’ve also come to know about her through Filipino radio as well as reading about her from the Bannawag, the national magazine of Ilokanos with international circulation, including Hawaii.
Shortly after arriving in Hawaii, she organized GUMIL Hawaii on January 16, 1971, and has acted
as president for more than three decades.
From l971-1980, Pacita was hired as a professional bilingual by the University of Hawaii (UH) to teach Nutrition Education and parenting classes to immigrants and locals.
While working at UH, she also took the opportunity to take up courses to further her teaching career. Upon her retirement from UH in 1980, she accepted teaching positions at KCCA from 1980-1983; St. Luke’s School from l9831985; Hawaii Child Center from 1986-1989.
Pacita was also a Com-
munity Worker for Susannah Wesley Community Center. She was a case manager for Filipino immigrants under the Immigrant Refugee Support Services Program. She helped many of her newly arrived countrymen with their concerns and problems.
Aside from her major activities, Pacita had also engaged in part-time jobs. She worked as interpreter-translator for an agency called Bilingual Access Line. This agency employs translators for materials written in English to different languages like Iloko, Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.
She also wrote and edited books for children for Bilingual/Bicultural Program, Hawaii Department of Education. She also served as a Counselor of Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
Pacita also organized Ilocos Surians of Hawaii in 1977; Annak Ti Kailokuan (AKA) in 1986; and lat-
er, Annak Ti Badok. She tirelessly led and served in these organizations which are still in existence today.
Besides her countless activities, Pacita is a tireless media-woman. She served as an announcer at KAIM Radio from 19701973; KORL Radio in 1993; KISA Radio with her program GUMILIANA SHOW on Sundays and her early morning program called Early Filipino Community Hours on Thursdays to Sundays from 1973-1996.
On television, she appeared on Channel 13 with her Ilocaniana Variety Show from 1971-1974; and on Oceanic Cable Channel 23 OLELO from 1985-1996. Lately, her channel was changed to OLELO OAHU SPEAKS—a community programming on Channel 52 and 53 until 2017.
As a writer, she served as a columnist for the Bannawag with her Dateline
(continue on page 13)
By Elpidio R. Estioko
Technology, especially the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has made our world more complicated and rapidly transformed our lives!
It’s making us confused so, we need to understand its role in society to be able to appreciate its significance and relevance in our lives today.
The annual community reading and discussion on topics selected for all sectors in the Bay Area which touches mainly on AI is set!
While it is on the Mainland, we need to be cognizant of it even while we are here on the island of Hawaii. AI is touching everyone’s life all over the world, As I See It!
The program is called the Silicon Valley Reads.
I’ve participated in the past and I tell you, I enjoyed it and made me understand better what I read with the help of the authors themselves and the community reading and discussing as a community, as one.
I was then the chair of the Milpitas Library Edu-
cation and Advisory Commission (LEAC) and the program was open to all.
The theme of next year’s Silicon Valley Reads 2025 is Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World. It is the highly anticipated annual community engagement program promoting literacy and discussion.
The theme with an emphasis on AI, will explore the future of technology, focusing on its impact and potential to create a more just and equitable society through reading as a community, according to the release issued by Mariana Walker, Associate Communications Officer, Santa Clara County Library District, Services & Support Center.
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads said in the release:
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our lives. We are excited to provide books and programs that ignite conversations about AI’s potential, helping everyone better understand and engage in these empowering tools.”
In 2025, Silicon Valley Reads offers a diverse se-
lection of books, catering to all ages and addressing the myriad of ways technology intersects with our lives.
Reading as a community is not new but annually being encouraged by the district. I think it should be a regular activity by local libraries in the district to make sure we can build rapport with the community through reading.
The book selections for adult readers released by Mariana Walker included eight carefully selected books for the community to read.
The first one is “The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI” by Dr. Fei-Fei Li. This is a thought-provoking examination into the world of AI from a leading expert recently dubbed “The Godmother of AI” by Wired Magazine. Dr. Li shares her personal journey and insights into the development and potential of AI, offering a unique perspective on the technology’s impact on society.
Then, we have “The Mountain in the Sea” by Ray Nayler, a captivating sci-fi tale by a former Santa Clara University professor. This novel follows a marine biologist who is studying a highly intelligent octopus species, sparking a global race to understand and potentially exploit the species. The story touches upon themes of environmentalism, technology, and the complexities of human nature.
Another interesting book, “Loneliness & Company” by Charlee Dyroff, dwells on human connection in a near-future New York, where isolation has seemingly been eradicated. The novel follows a woman tasked with training an AI companion, leading to an exploration of the complexities of human relation-
ships and the potential consequences of technological advancements.
With the program, young readers can embark on their technological journeys with books like “Someday, maybe” by Diana Murray for early learners; “ARTificial Intelligence” by David Biedrzycki for lower elementary students; and the beloved book (recently adapted to film) “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown for upper elementary students.
These books are all enlightening materials for our full understanding of what technology can do to us.
For teens, local author Lindsay Lackey’s “Farther Than the Moon” is the recommended and compelling graphic novel, while “The Infinity Particle” by Wendy Xu is best suited for high students and young adults.
Interim County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Charles Hinman said: “As a newcomer to the region, I am excited to participate alongside community members to learn more about AI through the power of literacy.”
In addition to the curated book list, Silicon Valley Reads will host a series of events designed to foster deeper understanding and engagement with the theme.
The events include author talks, panel discussions, educational workshops, demonstrations, activities, story times, crafts, and more throughout February and March.
Jill Bourne, Library Director for San José Public Library and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads said:
“In a world increasingly shaped by technology, libraries play a pivotal role by empowering community members to learn and engage with new technology through literacy and programs. Here at SJPL, we’re committed to fostering a more equitable and inclusive future in which
we can bridge the digital divide, spark critical thinking, and inspire innovative solutions.”
In light of modern technology and the emergence of AI, we need to fully understand its complex impact on society. The Silicon Valley Reads will surely provide the vehicle for understanding this latest phenomenon.
On January 30, 2025, Silicon Valley Reads will kick off with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino. This will allow us to hear from the authors of the featured books for adults in a discussion moderated by Sal Pizarro of the Mercury News.
The complete schedule of events will be available on the siliconvalleyreads. org website in the new year.
The Silicon Valley Reads community engagement program is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library in conjunction with other public libraries, community colleges and universities, and community organizations.
For those who are interested in getting more information, you can get in touch with Mariana Walker, Associate Communications Officer, Santa Clara County Library District Services & Support Center at www. sccld.org, 1370 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, or (408) 293-2326 x 3047 | mwalker@sccl.org.
Let’s read as a community – the Silicon Valley Reads – way!
Maybe a Hawaii literacy group can conduct one based on the suggested readings the Silicon Valley Reads has proposed!
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com
By Emil Guillermo
ABlack, South Asian Indian woman, from Oakland, California, the first ever to be elected to the United States presidency.
That was the headline of hope.
Kamala Harris represented joy and positivity. Her election would have been a historic win for America and our country’s great diversity.
But on Election Day, the electorate did not turn the page on the chaotic hate of Donald Trump.
Was it a gut punch or a reality check?
When major networks called Pennsylvania for Donald Trump, it was essentially game over. There was no way, Harris could get to 270 electoral college votes without Pennsylvania.
Trump, with substantial leads in Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona, went on to get 312 electoral votes, more than enough needed to become the 47th president of the United States.
The good thing is, Trump, ready to pounce with fake charges of vote rigging and cheating, now doesn’t think our electoral systems are all that bad.
We were spared that useless denigration of our democracy’s integrity.
Plus, now we don’t have to worry about the peaceful transfer of power as CFDT34, (Convicted Felon Donald Trump, 34 counts), the twice-impeached former president gets to call the White House home again. And all his legal problems and possible prison time will soon be forgotten.
In January, Trump will be able to invoke his favor-
ite parts of Project 2025— deportations of thousands of Filipinos among the undocumented, plus the vengeful roundup of his political dissidents, the “enemy from within”—all without fear.
Who will stop him? The checks and balances are practically gone. The Senate and possibly the House will be in Republican control. The Supreme Court already is.
And the corporate media as a watchdog? When major newspapers failed to endorse a candidate, they were already on bended knee.
Where does that leave good, non-elite regular people who tried to do the right thing in this election?
Among them: The women angered over the loss of their reproductive rights.
Activists who fought against further erosion of civil and voting rights.
The hundreds of thousands of undocumented, including Filipino TNTs who now face Trump’s threat of impending ICE roundups.
The parents of trans children now see their children endangered after Trump used transphobia as a wedge issue.
The voters were repulsed by the hateful, misogynistic, sexist, racist, and bigoted sentiments that came out of the Trump campaign.
They were outvoted by those who saw the Trump record, and weighed all the fascist fears, and still said Trump was OK by them.
It’s the kind of thing that has plunged Harris voters into a deep depression.
They now must find a way to keep fighting for our rights in our democracy. Or they will drop out and join the ranks of the so-called
“low propensity/low information” voters, go back to their lives, and tune out until some politician or issue comes around to turn them back on.
Maybe they go with the flow and learn to hang with Trump by just staying quiet and apolitical.
We may be at that point already. When one of my columns critical of Trump was being circulated on the Facebook site of my former San Francisco high school this week, one reader blasted the person posting it for triggering readers over the politics of the day.
The immediate reaction was to declare the site a “politics-free zone” because politics was a turnoff.
That’s called censorship.
Or maybe the person who blocked my column was just ashamed of her own politics because she voted for Trump?
It’s now clear there’s a new strange coalition of working-class urban people, non-college-educated women, and rural voters who revere Trump.
They’ve all gone Republican, along with one in three voters of color.
The voter profile flipped. Too many Blues went Red. And now the Reds are gloating.
“This will be the Golden Age of America,” Trump said as he spoke at an ear-
ly morning victory rally in Florida and heralded MAGA’s diversity.
“Union, non-union, African Americans, Hispanic American, Asian American, Arab American, Muslim American, we had everybody, and it was beautiful,” Trump said, saying his coalition was “the party of common sense.”
Or nonsense. People voting because of inflation for Trump who espouses inflationary policies. People voting for Trump even though he wants to deport their parents and grandparents.
Add these voters to Trump’s Bro/males, the original “low propensity/ low information” voters, a good deal of them who are Black and Latino, and it makes up a new winning American electorate.
They’re voters who react to the feels of a political brand. Trump’s is strong. Harris was seen as weak, of course, because she’s a woman. The misogynists couldn’t see Harris going up against Putin and Xi, even though Harris has prosecuted more bad guys than Trump ever has.
Trump’s bro appeal that prevailed. That plus the simplification of issues into basic selfish matters like the affordability of gas and food.
Don’t talk ideology. Fill my tank. And my refrigerator.
That’s all it took to provide the winning edge of a few percentage points. But definitely NOT a mandate.
Trump loves these “low propensity-low information” types because he’s one of them too. He never read a briefing book in his first term. He wants you to be the same way. Real debate over issues isn’t necessary.
The better to subject us all to his authoritarian bent.
The New Fear In America
And that’s still the fear. Don’t think his fascist tendencies go away with a victory. If you’re one of the many Filipinos who felt as citizens you have nothing to worry about, just wait when ICE goes into workplaces to question and detain anyone who looks like they could be undocumented.
Minor inconenience? Or major civil rights infringement?
And that’s just one area of concern.
Now, you may be one of those who voted, but did it secretly, not publicly. You stayed private maybe because you felt the fear of being trolled. Or you feared the threat of violence.
That’s more real than the price of gas or eggs.
Trump talked about rifles training on Liz Cheney’s face. That could easily be yours.
Across the U.S., 36% of voters said they would feel scared if Trump is elected president, according to an early CNN exit poll.
47% said only Trump was too extreme.
71% said they were concerned about violence as a result of the election.
On Election Day, American voters were far from celebratory as they exercised their right to franchise.
Many were just plain afraid. So they voted with the bully.
And a little less than 3% of voters say they’re all right with that.
This is how Americans voted. Ask your neighbors why they’re so afraid, possibly of you.
This is the New America in 2025 we did not expect. Not when we had a real choice for history.
EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok. com.
By Rose Cruz Churma
Acombination of cookbook and culinary history, this book offers a new look at rice, a staple in Hawai`i’s kitchens, and reflects the diverse cultures of the residents that comprise the islands.
In Chapter One, “Rice Chronicles,” the author provides cultural ties and little-known facts about rice. Included are snapshots of the cultural and historical significance of rice to four of the first immigrant groups that came to the islands to work in the sugar plantations: China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
Some of the rice tidbits offered in this chapter is the establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) by the New York-based Ford
and Rockefeller Foundations in 1960.
Located on 470 acres in Los Banos, in the province of Laguna, IRRI is a non-profit organization focused on rice research, education, farming technology, and genetic diversity of rice. The institute also maintains offices in 17 countries in Asia and Africa.
Another interesting rice trivia is that the state of Arkansas is the largest producer of rice in the United States, accounting for 50% of the total US harvest—followed by California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.
Rice used to be planted in Hawai`i from 1860 to 1960. Rice ranked second to sugar until 1910 in terms of acreage and generated income but fell into decline soon after.
Chapter Two is devoted to the history of sake in Hawaii. Hawai`i’s first sake brewery was established at Pauoa Valley on Oahu in 1908. By 1986 it was named Honolulu Sake Brewery but closed down in 1992. Commercial sake brewing would return to the islands only in 2020.
Chapter Three is on “The Business of Rice” with emphasis on the sake shops that sprouted around the state, one of which was the Islander Sake Brewery which debuted in March 2020, two days before the country would be shut down due to the pandemic.
Another interesting tidbit on rice was the opening of The Rice Factory in Kaka`ako by a Japan-based entrepreneur in 2016. About 10 milled-to-order rice va-
rieties are available and come from different prefectures in Japan.
After choosing a rice variety, the consumer can determine how the rice is milled—or what percent of the bran is removed.
For brown rice, only 10% is removed to 100%—if white rice is the choice. The more processing the rice goes through, the more nutrients are removed.
Chapter Four is a collection of personal anecdotes on rice from folks with diverse backgrounds. One of the contributors is an immigrant Filipina who described how she adjusted to her new life in America. One of the dishes was lelot, a Filipino rice soup of chicken, lemongrass, ginger and fish sauce, as prepared from her native Pampanga province. It is also called arroz caldo in other regions of the Philippines.
Chaper Five “rice-ipes” covers a whole range of dishes from soups and salads to sweets and drinks and everything in between. Instead of just a straight-out recipe, each contributor also adds an anecdote about the dish.
My contribution was how to make palitaw a Filipino dessert made of sweet glutinous rice flour (called malagkit), sugar, and fresh grated coconut. I recalled how friends who were completing their dissertations at the University of Hawai`i hosted their wedding reception at a tea room in Manoa.
The bride decided to reduce the cost of the wedding reception by making the tossed green salad and the dessert. Her choice for the dessert was palitaw—since we both
knew how to make it, was easy to make and light on her budget.
The book launch for this second volume was held at Hawai`i’s Plantation Village (HPV) in Waipahu on the first Sunday of November 2024.
The diversity of Hawai`i’s residents was showcased beautifully by the size of the multi-ethnic audience who attended and by the nourishment that was served—all made of rice but from the different ethnic groups that we recruited to work in Hawai`i’s plantations.
The author, Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is an award-winning travel journalist. She is the author of 13 books on Hawai`i. A graduate of Kalani High School, her former classmates were on hand to cheer her on and take photos as mementos to mark this special occasion. Also attending were the dependable volunteer docents of HPV who have kept this valuable museum and community center relevant and unique.
The first volume was issued in 2011 and is still available in most local libraries. This second volume will be available at local outlets such as Walmart or similar in time for the holiday season. Until supplies last, it can also be bought at HPV.
The book is a wonderful addition as a collectible to local families and to former Hawai`i residents who long for home – having rice as the main staple for each meal.
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Reflecting on the past months, it has truly been an eventful season.
Wars have erupted in various corners of the earth. Typhoons have battered the Philippines, relentless as waves against a shore. Spain has endured its worst flooding, claiming hundreds of lives. The effects of climate change have never been more evident. And there is so much more.
If there is one truth that stands clear, it is this: the future is uncertain. Each day, the constant bombardment of news — wars, natural disasters, and tragedies from across the globe — drives home the fragility and fleeting nature of life.
It becomes more apparent with every sunrise that tomorrow is never
promised. To wake up to a new day is to receive a precious gift, one we should hold with deep gratitude.
The latest headline: Trump has returned to office. For reasons beyond explanation, the world’s eyes and ears are always fixed on American leadership transitions.
As an old adage states, “When America sneezes, the whole world catches a cold.” Though I am neither an American citizen nor do I live in the U.S., the ripples of this decision will be felt here in Switzerland, in my family’s little corner of the world.
I am not a supporter of Trump, nor am I deeply familiar with Harris. I am not here to voice political opinions on the recent U.S. elections. How-
)
Hawaii from 1972-1973. In Hawaii, she also served as a columnist for various papers: Pacific Courier, 19721979; Pacific Journal, 1979-1981; Hawaii Filipino News, 1977-1987; KISS Magazine, 1984-1988; managing editor of Paradise Magazine, editor of Ilokandia Magazine, 1976-1977; Phil-Maui Wave Bulletin, 1995; Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, 1995-2019; Mahogany, the magazine of “People of Colors”, 1978-2015.
Along with her various accomplishments, Pacita is highly recognized as a literary writer and a playwright. She has written plays and directed them for the annual programs of GUMIL Hawaii and Fiesta ti Kailokuan of AKA.
Pacita also edited and co-edited books which were published by GUMIL Hawaii.
For all her contributions and accomplishments, Pacita was a recipient of many honors and awards. She was awarded first prize in a poetry writing contest sponsored by KAIM Radio in 1971.
She received an award given by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos for her role in preserving Ilokano culture and arts in the State of Hawaii. She was an Outstanding Writer
ever, as a global citizen and a daughter of a Filipino-American, I can do one thing: pray.
A Prayer for the World Father, You are Lord and King. Thank You for Your sovereignty over all nations. You are the Alpha and Omega, holding the present, past, and future in Your hands.
While we may not know what lies ahead, we trust that You do, and that You are good. Even in the bleakest moments, we believe in Your promises
of the Year of GUMIL Hawaii for several years.
Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren recently celebrated her 94th birthday. In the course of her declining health, Mama Pacita continued to talk and show concern about the future of GUMIL-Hawaii and Annak ti Kailokuan, the two organizations that she founded and nurtured.
After the death of her husband Fred in 2018, her nine children: Lydia, Lina, Lerina, Lerma, Dan, Dino, Dennis, Laarni and Lyra all continued to support her in her endeavors. Pacita sadly passed away on October 22, 2024.
Mama Pacita has been blessed with 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 greatgreat children.
Pacita’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 20 from 4-5pm at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park - Makai Chapel. The funeral service will be help on Saturday, December 21, at St. Philomena Church, Honolulu from 10am to 1:15pm. Burial to follow at 2pm at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
and Your higher ways.
Lord, thank You for Your love for America, the Philippines, and every nation. You see the struggles of Your children and hear their cries for mercy. Bring healing and restoration to the nations, comfort to every weary soul, and peace where it is needed most.
Specifically, I pray for the United States as it transitions into new leadership. May Your plans and purposes prevail. Thwart the enemy’s schemes and dismantle every selfish agenda. Grant wisdom to the leaders and inspire unity among the people. Protect the nation’s borders, cities, infrastructure, and airspace. Preserve its sovereignty, freedoms, and God-given rights. Restore and heal the land, and may Your glory cover the nation as the
waters cover the sea. May the U.S. be blessed as it seeks to be a blessing to others.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12
As the U.S. steps into a new chapter, I would also like to offer a blessing for the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle as it celebrates 32 years of service to the Filipino community.
May God continue to use the Chronicle as a platform where every voice is heard and as a beacon of hope and encouragement to its readers.
Hau’oli lā Ho’omana’o, HFC! Mahalo nui loa for being a blessing to many!
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By HFC Staff
As the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle begins its 32nd year of publication, the newspaper is raising funds to bring back the state’s only journalism and mass communication (JMC) scholarship program for local Filipino students pursuing higher education here at home.
From 2019-2022, the Chronicle has awarded a total of $10,000 to students. The newspaper, which first published on Oct. 1, 1993, wanted to give back to the community by helping students finish their college degrees and jump start their careers by continuing its scholarship program.
“The Chronicle hosted a gala back in 2019 to celebrate our 25th anniversary and introduce our first scholarship
recipient to everyone. People generously donated to our scholarship program through the nonprofit Filipino Media Foundation,” said Dr. Edna Bautista, chair of the scholarship committee. “Unfortunately, the pandemic had affected our efforts to raise enough funds to sustain the scholarship since then. So we had to put our program on a pause after 2022.”
However, the Chronicle is already preparing to revive the scholarship in 2026. Details on eligibility and application requirements will be provided later. But between now and then, the newspaper is actively seeking “dollars for scholars” to fill its reserves and be able to offer a financial reward to more students.
PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The journalism scholarship was created because Chona A. Montesines-Sonido, publisher and managing editor of the newspaper, was concerned about the under-representation of Filipinos in JMC in general.
Declining enrollments in JMC schools negatively impact the number of qualified graduates entering the field. The Chronicle hopes that the journalism scholarship program would be a good motivator for local Filipino students to study and work in Hawaii’s media and reverse the situation.
“We need future FilAm writers and leaders in the field of journalism and mass communication. We are short of Filipino journalists who will continue our work and serve the Filipinos and our community-at-large in the future,” Sonido
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Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
(née Acob), Kapolei
• 2020: Brenna Flores, Waipahu
said.
“The scholarship award serves as a powerful and constructive opportunity that strengthens our commitment and pursuit of a voice and advocacy for the Filipino community. It empowers Filipino youths to transform their dreams of a journalism career into reality,” she continued.
“Ultimately, the Filipino community will benefit from these efforts by fostering a new generation of passionate writers who are prepared to articulate our concerns, share our rich narratives and address our essential needs for a brighter future.”
Since the scholarship program’s inception, the Chronicle awarded $2,500 each to the following:
• 2019: Alyssa Laureta
• 2021: Jasmine Sadang, Ewa Beach
• 2022: Lizette Nolasco, Aiea Laureta double-majored in Integrated Communications and Mass Communications and graduated (virtually at the height of the pandemic) in May 2020 from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). She got married in December 2022 to Vien Laureta and both serve as campus ministers for Every Nation Campus. Laureta uses her JMC skills to share the “Good News and the gospels”. She also worked as the digital media manager for Pearlside Church.
Flores, a Communication major with a Marketing emphasis, graduated in May 2021 from Chaminade University. She currently works as a local-based project coordinator for TransPerfect,
(continue on page 15)
LET’S ZUMBA | Filipino Community Center | Every Monday starting January 8, 2024 at 6:15pm | FilCom Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu | Need to unwind in movement and dance after a long workday? Join the community as we Zumba through the evening. Only $5 per class. Proceeds go to support these program-types for FilCom Center.
PASKO SA FILCOM | December 1, 2024 from 4 to 9pm | FilCom Center | Pasko sa Filcom brings together Filipino and non-Filipinos for a day of cultural exchange and experience through singing, dancing, crafts, foods and exhibits.
HONOLULU MARATHON 2024 | Honolulu
Marathon Organization | December 8, 2024 at 5am | Starting location at Ala Moana Blvd/ Queen St. Extension, Honolulu | The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in the
U.S. after New York, Chicago, and Boston. There is no time limit and everyone is allowed to finish - just Aloha Spirit. Register for the 2024 marathon at www. honolulumarathon.org.
SAKADA DAY | December 15, 2024 from 5:15 to 9pm | FilCom Center | Gov. Ige proclaimed December 20 as “Sakada Day’ in Hawaii to honor the first sakadas and the contributions of the Filipino Community.
By Dominick Robert Stazzone Jr.
Today, I want to share a powerful message of hope and transformation—one that speaks to the incredible changes that can occur in our lives through faith and love.
If you’ve ever felt lost or burdened by your past, I hope this resonates with you.
I was listening to a beautiful song today titled “Proof” by Seth Addison.
Upon hearing the lyrics, I felt compelled to write a message about it, as it pertains so closely to my own life and struggles. I hope this message blesses you as much as it has blessed me to share it with you.
Imagine witnessing the dead rise from the
grave. This is what Jesus did for me. He brought to life the parts of me that felt lifeless, symbolizing the profound resurrection that can happen within us when we embrace hope.
If you’ve never seen perfect love break the chains that bind us, know that such love exists; it’s the love of Christ, ready to set you free from whatever holds you back.
Mercy has the power to fade depression, illuminating a path to healing. Through Jesus, I found that mercy is real and transformative.
If you’ve never seen a miracle face-to-face, I invite you to open your heart and mind, for miracles are all around us, especially in the transfor-
(FEATURE: HFC Raising ....from page 14)
a global company that provides translation and language services.
Sadang was a Communication Studies and Practices major who graduated within 3½ years in December 2022 from HPU. She did a couple of marketing internships and was a corps member for Teach for America Hawaii before becoming a 7th grade English teacher at Ewa Makai Middle School.
Nolasco, the Chronicle’s most recent scholar, graduated this past May from Chaminade with a degree in Communication
with a Mass Communication concentration. After graduation, she worked on a project on the Sustainable Development Goals with the United Nations CIFAL Center as Director of Photography. She now works in creative marketing, using her JMC skills to do web design and development, photography and videography.
All the scholars were honor graduates. Links to their biographical profiles, articles they wrote for this newspaper and feature stories about their graduation may be searched on the Chronicle’s website.
mations we experience in our own lives, thanks to Him.
I want to share a piece of my journey with you. If you knew my past and the struggles I’ve faced, you would understand the depth of gratitude I feel.
I’ve walked through valleys of despair, but through it all, I’ve experienced the love of Jesus—a love that knows no bounds. It has lifted me, restored me, and given me a reason to sing
The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, Inc., journalism scholarship program is administered through the Filipino Media Foundation, a public 501(c) (3) charity non-profit organization. Donations are welcome in any amount and are 100% tax deductible. To donate, please contact the Chronicle office at filipinochronicle@gmail.com or call 808-284-4185 or you can send your donation to Filipino Media Foundation, c/o 46-471 Holonui Place, Kaneohe, HI 96744.
and dance.
Each breath I take is a testament to the power of faith in Jesus. My life stands as proof of what can happen when we trust in something greater than ourselves.
If you’ve ever battled anxiety, know that through Jesus, it can bow to faith. If addiction has held you captive, grace can set you free through Him.
Generational curses are meant to be broken, and I stand here as evidence of that truth—this is what Jesus did for me.
And here’s the beautiful realization: If you never receive anything more, know that what you’ve already been given through Christ is more than enough.
You are loved, you are cherished, and you are never alone on this journey. When we recognize that divine presence in our lives, we can’t help but express our gratitude and let our praises flow.
I’ve seen too much to doubt. I’ve witnessed the power of change, the beauty of grace, and the strength of love in my life through Jesus. So I
encourage you—lift your hands, sing, and dance! Embrace this moment, for it is a chance to celebrate the miracles in your life that He has made possible. Trust in the journey, for you are exactly where you need to be. Let this message serve as a reminder: you are loved beyond measure, and your story is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when we let faith guide us.
With all my heart, I urge you to trust, to believe, and to celebrate the life that you have. You are a miracle waiting to happen, just as I have experienced through Jesus.
With love and gratitude in Christ Jesus, Dominick.
DOMINICK ROBERT STAZZONE JR. is a digital creator and an avid friend and follower of Jesus Christ, his Savior. He describes himself as an ordinary layperson who holds a profound love for the Lord, finding immense joy in writing about Him. His greatest passion is to spread the gospel of Christ to every individual he encounters as he experiences His power to save “ a wrenched sinner” like himself.
