April 16 2015 issue

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PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu

OAHU April 18, 2015 Rimat Ti Burgos Association of Hawaii; 1st Anniversary & Reaffirmation Ball; Dole Cannery, Pomaikai Ballroom; Cost: $65 per person; Contact Person: Mayrose Borromeo 636-6578 April 18-28, 2015 7th Annual Filipino Film Festival Sponsored by Consuelo Foundation; Honolulu Museum of Art, Doris Duke Theatre; Explore the Philippines’ rich culture and history through films by some of the country’s leading cinematic voices. ; Opening-night reception: April 18, 6-7:30pm • This year’s festival starts off with a delicious bang as the museum welcomes New York-based chef Yana Gilbuena! Opening-night reception, dinner and film: $35 • $30 MM Opening-night film only: $15 • $12 MM; Community partners: FilCom Center; Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii; Filipino Association of University Women; AARP Hawaii; Filipino and Philippine Literature Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa; Oahu Filipino Community Council; Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Congress of Visayan Organizations; The FilAm Courier; PaloloValley Brewing Company. Visit their website:www.honolulumuseum.org/events and films for more information April 19, 2015 Cagayan Valley Association of Hawaii, Inc.; In partnership with the Anak Ti Batac International Fun Dance Fundraising; Rumours Night Club at Ala MoanaHotel 5-10 PM; Cost: $35.00 (includes 1 free drink with heavy pupus); Contact Persons: Roger Urbi 7295096; Joe Lim – 927-1687; Dolly Ortal 225-9997 April 26, 2015 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii; Retirement Celebration for Ms.Maggie Pasion Domingo From 57 Years in Radio Broadcasting; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 PM; Tickets $45 adults and 3yrs old and above; Net Proceeds to benefit The Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Scholarship Fund.; Contact Persons: Faye Cudal 783-7552; Janice Sevilla348-6052 and Edith Gudoy 457-0253 May 2, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); President Elpidio Quirino Leadership & Humanitarian Awards Gala; Hawaii Prince Hotel BallroomCost: $65.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Amado Yoro 699-9814 May 2-9, 2015 3rd Flores De Mayo Festival Week and 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta, A week- long celebration highlighting the culture of the Philippines.; Brought to you by Fil Com Center and the Filipino Junior Chamber. May 2, 2015 Fil-Am Young Leaders Conference; 8AM-2 PM, Ala Moana Hotel

May 3, 2015 Santacruzan, 4-7 PM Filipino Community Center, Waipahu; May 4, 2015 Filipino Cook Off 6-8 PM Philippine Consulate May 5, 2015 Business Entrepreneurship Workshop 6-8 PM; 677 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 720, Sponsored by FAMES May 6, 2015 Sine Night (Movie Night) 6-8 pm Fil Com Center sponsored by FJC May 9, 2015 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta& Parade 9AM-5PM; Kapiolani Park, Waikiki; Contact Persons: Flores de Mayo Chairs - Zhoydell Magaoay 478-9802 and Michelle “Michi” Villaluz 386-0740 May 7, 2015 Signing of Sister-City Relationship between Candon City and the City and County of Honolulu; Honolulu Hale, City Council Chambers. May 7, 2015 Filipino Nurses’ Organization of Hawaii (FNOH); Nurses’ Week Fun Dance Fundraiser and PAC Launch; Rumors at Ala Moana Hotel 5:30-10:30 PM; Cost: $45 per person ($35 if payment received before May 1, 2015); Cost includes heavy pupus and one beverage.; Contact Persons: Luanne Long 754-0594, Penny Chung 221-6212 May 16, 2015 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year,; 2015 Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year and Scholarship Awards; Hawaii Prince Hotel 6:00 PM Tickets:$65 Contact Person: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090; Rocky Anguay 696-7970; Paul Alimbuyao 7548691 May 16, 2015 3rd UE Global Reunion Gala Night; Saturday, Time: 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM; Hilton Hawaiian Village-Tapa Room; Call Baybee Hufana Ablan - 753-5616 May 30, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii Super Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2015, 7:00 PM; Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel Coral Ballroom; Contact Persons: President Mrs. Maria AF Etrata (808) 392-2962; Pageant Chair: Ms. Gladys Menor (808) 366-2317 June 6, 2015 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); Miss Oahu Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; Cost: $65 per person; Contact Persons: Armi Oliver Farinas 221-0667; Alex Vergara 551-4303 June 7, 2015 Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General; Filipino Ethnic Food Fair, a kickoff event to celebrate the 117th

Anniversary of Philippine Independence.; PhilippineConsulate grounds. 10:30 AM-2:00 PM Tickets: $35; Contact Persons: Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033; Melga Gendrano 383-7986; Allan Alvarez 392-8230; Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090 and Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 June 14, 2015 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); OFCC Annual Convention; Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu, Lanai; Contact Persons: Alex Vergara 551-4303; Loida Yamamoto 679-9540; Jake Manegdeg 524-6993; Amado Yoro 669-9814; Danny Villaruz 778-0233 July 18, 2015 Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawaii (FNOH); Annual Nursing Excellence Awards and Biennial Installation; Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort Tapa Ballroom 6 PM Cost: $100 Attire: Evening Formal; Contact Persons: Luanne Long 754-0594; Penny Chung 221-6212 and Amie Guillermo 358-5394 July 22-26, 2015 36th PNAA National Convention PhilippineNurses Association of America, Inc.; Host Chapter: Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; Contact Persons:; Tina Salvador, Hawaii Host Overall Chair 426-6183; Marife Armstrong, PNA Hawaii President 542-5133; Ramon Sumibcay, PNA Hawaii President Elect 489-7148 August 21, 2015 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii; Parents of the Year Awards; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown, 6:00 pm Cost $40; The PCFH is accepting nominations for the Parents of the Year

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing events and parties. A veteran radio announcer, she often guests-hosts on KNDI radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns her own adult care business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu and they live in Salt Lake with their daughter Armay.

Awards. Contact Persons: Leo Gozar 630-6268; Janice Sevilla 348-6052; Lina Longboy 4217381 August 29, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA) Oahu Chapter General Membership Meeting and Expo; Fil Com Center, Waiphau 8:30AM-3:00PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494 September 5, 2015 INCAT- Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade; 16th Anniversary, Coronation of Ms.Incatand Scholarship Presentation; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 – 11:00 PM Cost $40; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 September 18, 2015 The Filipino Community Center holds its annual fundraiser. Theme: “Honoring our Plantation Legacy”; Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; 5:30 pm; For volunteer opportunities, please call Event Chairperson Bennette Misalucha at Filcom Center at 680-0288. October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Pageant Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus BallroomCost: $65.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Lina Mercado 526-9009; Amado Yoro 699-9814

mAUI May 22-May23, 2015 Binhi At Ani - Maui Barrio Fiesta War Memorial Gym Complex, Wailuku, Maui Hawaii; Friday May 22, 5-10pm; Saturday May 23, 10am-10pm; Contact Person: Flor Garcia 281-2304.

hawaii June 27, 2015 Big Island Filipino Community Council (BIFCC); Miss Hawaii Island Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; AfookChinen Civic Auditorium, Hilo, Hawaii; BIFCC is recruiting young women of Filipino descent or part Filipino, from 18 to 27 years old.; Pre- sale tickets are $12.00, at the door $15.00.; Contact person, Pageant chair Christina Ranan at 1-808-640-4180 or Melba Daak at 981-2909.

KAUAI April 25, 2015 UFCH/KFCC Golf Tournament; United Filipino Community Council/ Kauai Filipino Community Council; Puakea Golf Course 7:30 AM; Lihue, Kauai Hawaii; Contact person: Jimmy Iloreta 346-0651 May 16, 2015 Kauai Philippine Cultural Center 4th Annual Fundraiser; Kauai Marriott Resorts Ballroom-5:30 PM; Lihue, Kauai Hawaii; Cost: $85.00 per person & Sponsor Tables available; Contact Person: Eddie Topenio 651-8433 June 6, 2015 Kauai Filipino Community Council (KFCC); Miss Kauai Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall; Lihue, Kauai Hawaii; KFCC are actively recruiting young ladies for the pageant. Recruitment deadline: March 21, 2015; Contact person: Pageant chair: Thelma Pascual 651-3022.


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 3

B y R A D I A N T COR D ERO

Let’s Support the Arts

serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Lis0o Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Dr. Leticia Panglinawan Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Jason Ubay MichiVillaruz Neighbor Island Bureau Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES MarivicAldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista 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 located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 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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Art is not just a mere expression through the physical materials that we experimented during our art classes we partook in preschool to high school. It includes actions such as painting, drawing, pottery, music, acting and more. But, it is also so much more than that. Art from people is what is done out of passion. It also allows for engagement between the artist and the audience, such as, what the content and intent of the artist – how they intend to showcase their art, what it actually portrays, and how individuals react to both the intended and actual messages. Art is a part of our everyday lives and is developed through so many factors, such as: religion, education, peer-to-peer influence, role models, and expanding upon experimentation. There is one other factor that is especially pertinent to the development of art and artists’ creativity, and that factor is culture. This issue, we feature art in the form of culinary expression, exhibition, and literal consumption. One major form of art that almost all have been accustomed to partaking in is film. This year, as a part of the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Filipino Film Festival will feature six films that were carefully selected. Filmmaking as an expression of art is very intricate and complex because the imagery itself takes on so many components. The components are interpreted differently by audiences and can be done through people’s ability to recognize

certain aspects of a film more than other components. Components of a film include the narrative, costumes and props, architecture, character portrayal, and even images of power. As mentioned above, there is a specific goal that the artist wants to showcase to their audience. Then, there is the actual context that the audience receives it as, and the reaction and interaction of how the artist and the audience both react to the intended and actual reception. Overall, both intended and actual reception to films complement one another. They also enhance the enjoyment of films and understanding of visual art through the means of film. What films can also do through our reception of watching them, is the ability to learn and understand how other people live, their stories, and get outside of our norms. Whether dialogue is involved or not, a clear theme or not – it gives room to the audience to use their imagination to explore different experiences without leaving their seat. Another art form that we all partake in often, daily

actually, is the culinary arts. The culinary form of art during this year’s Filipino Film Festival is demonstrated by Chef Yana Gilbuena. She is on a mission to visit all fifty states in the United States. Hawaii, the ever-fitting 50th state of the Union, will be her final stop on her Filipino food tour called the “Salo Project.” Gilbuena, born and raised in the Visayas, is using her culture and her ability to cook to share with the country. Driven by her culture and its culinary and the lack of representation it receives in the United States, Yana’s self-taught cooking is an art within itself. She does her best to represent all the regions of the Philippines, to show how versatile Filipinos can be with the resources that they are presented with. Her art is experimenting with what different states’ locally grown food can offer and expanding that by using them in her Filipino dishes. She will be gracing Oahu with multiple events other than her Filipino prepared dinner on Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Superette (3458 Waialae Avenue). For further information,

flip on over to our cover story by Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor Bennette Misalucha in which she features the Filipino Film Festival and its multifaceted and mind-opening films, and also Chef Yana, her project, and her many events during her visit here to Honolulu. It is so thrilling to witness people’s passion and inventiveness to shine through, especially for those of the next generation. It also allows them to actively participate in their community and other communities by presenting their creative talents. We tend to our personal and social responsibilities and with that, we also allow art to influence our lives and increase our understanding of one another and ourselves. So, lets all grow together, by engaging in the issues of your community, represent those who may go on unnoticed, and inspire others to step up as well by voicing your opinion, showcasing your talents, and experiment and expand your creativity.


PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

The 7th Filipino Film Festival: By Bennette Espineli Misalucha

Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor

Our cover....

The movie stills that we used for the cover montage were provided by the Honolulu Museum of Art. Photo concept by Noah Felipe of Orig Media. Mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media. Both Noah and Jeff may be reached at www. origmedia.com or 1149 Bethel St #507, Honolulu, HI 96813. Ph: (808) 447-9559

A Glimpse into the Filipino Soul

From documenting the epic moments in history to providing a glimpse of the every day life of ordinary people, the medium of film has undoubtedly been one of the most effective vehicles in reflecting the soul of a culture. There is something magical that happens when a scene is recorded. The images seem to become more vivid. The human spirit is displayed in all its glory: joy rises to rapture, and pain is elevated to that raw emotion of anguish and despair. The culture of the Philippines as reflected in film will be on display this month as the Honolulu Museum of Art presents the 7th Annual Filipino Film Festival from April 18 to

April 28, 2015. Consuelo Foundation is its major sponsor. The festival is presented as part of the offerings of the Hawaii International Film Festival Spring Showcase which runs from April 10 to April 19 and which features the best films from Asia to

Sundance. There are six films that are being showcased this year, many of them are milestone films such as the world’s first T’boli language feature film. In a case of good timing, the Festival will also feature the new documentary on legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao, who will be facing his nemesis Floyd “Merry” Mayweather in the ring on May 2—a mere few weeks after the film screening. Museum Film curator Abbie Algar has been involved with the festival for the past three years and has seen it evolve into a more popular event. “We like hosting it because it brings people to the museum that otherwise may not visit. It has really grown into a great festival!”. The film festival was originally sponsored by the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii when Dr. May Ablan was President. Dr. Ablan, who loved films, was a tireless volunteer and supporter for many years and enlisted her fellow doctors to support the cause. One of the original volunteers was Dr. Rickie Camara. “It has been such a gratifying experience for me from the very beginning, so I sign up to help every year. Those first few years were rough. But we persevered. When May Ablan moved to New York a few years ago to be with her family,

she made me promise to help the Festival; to make sure that it continues,” Dr. Camara explains. The strategic partnership with the Museum of Art as well as the Hawaii International Film Festival has brought a new energy to the event. There is also an increased effort to reach out to the grassroots community as a way to expand the base. The Museum had added alliances over the years with festival community partners who share the information to their stakeholders and are expected to bring the focused attention that the film deserves. T h i s y e a r, a m o n g s t the festival community partners were the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Oahu Filipino Community Council, the Filipino Association of University Women,FilCom Center; Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Filipino and Philippine Literature Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Congress of Visayan Organizations; The Fil-Am Courier and the Palolo Valley Brewing Company. “I think, with all the partnerships that are being forged, I can rightfully report to May Ablan that the festiva l is not just continuing, it’s thriving,” Dr. Camara adds. For Algar, the partnership makes sense. “We have a large Filipino community in Hawaii and it is important that it sees itself reflected on the screen. Hollywood is great but there is so much more out there in terms of themes and stories, especially in Hawaii where we are so diverse.” The process of selecting the films that end up as part of the film festival is a laborious, albeit an enjoyable process. Algar admits that she looks at films from the Philippines year round and is always on the lookout for fresh talent coming from that country.


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“There is an Philippine indie film movement called Cinemalaya that has a a festival during the month of August, and I have found some treasures from that trove. From there I start making a list,” Algar said as she explained the process. That list can be as many as 30-40 Filipino films, with a diversity of themes. “Once I have identified my screeners, we go to work. The screeners have been helpful in making the selection since they are familiar with the Filipino psyche. They know the themes. I usually am interested in the story, I look at the script, but I do not necessarily see everything culturally, so it is the screeners who can speak to that, “ Algar adds. This year, Algar believes that what makes this year’s film programming special is “the abundance of strong female-driven narratives and female-directed pieces. I think this says something about the role of women as decision-makers and leaders in Filipino culture. The perception of the Philippines as a nation of strong women is not misplaced.” The films represent an amalgam of themes. In one of the films, Director Milo Soqueco sets as a backdrop, the Philippines shoe industry in his feature, Mariquina. In it, the world most famous Filipina— Imelda Marcos—who will always be associated with her 3000 shoe collection— makes a cameo appearance, Another film, That Thing Called Tadhana was derived from a viral hit on social media, and the film used its quotable “hugot” lines. A “hugot”—

which translates literally to “to draw” or “to pull out”—is like a meme, except it usually uses quotes from song lyrics, TV, or film. Hugot quotes from the film regularly receive thousands of likes several months after its theatrical release in the Philippines The festival also features the world’s first T’boli-language feature film K’na the Dreamweaver. Set in picturesque South Cotabato province located in Mindanao. The film proved challenging for stars Mara Isabelle Lopez and RK Bagatsing—both of whom had to learn the T’boli language for the film. Ida Anita delMundo—who also plays violin in the Manila Sy m p h o n y O r c h e s t ra — makes her directorial debut with the film. Bernice Parsons, owner of Vertaccount, is excited to participate this year as a sponsor. “ We really wanted to celebrate the Film Festival because the films represent rich facets of Philippine culture that are not always accessible to our local community in Hawaii. “Manny” is obviously a favorite because he represents Filipino excellence on the world stage, but I personally really like NAMETS because who doesn’t enjoy a movie centered around food? Plus it’s set in Bacolod which is where my family has roots I can relate to the food and the Visayan idiosyncrasies. I am also excited to see “K’na the Dreamweaver” because the colorful, handcrafted T’boli weaving and fabrics make for a visual feast!”

2015 LIST OF FEATURED FILMS Here are the films featured i n t h i s y e a r ’s F i l i p i n o Film Festival. Filmgoers can purchase a Festival Flash Pass for $55 ($42 for museum members),

which allows them entry to six screenings. Tickets for opening night must be purchased separately. Individual screenings are $10 ($8 for museum

members). Please note that audiences can look forward to introductions and postscreening discussions throughout the festival.

Namets! • Yummy!

Third is My First • 1st Kosi 3rd

K’na the Dreamweaver

Directed by Jay Abello. Philippines. 2008. 90 mins. Ilonggo/Hiligaynon with English subtitles. April 18 at 7:30 p.m. (opening night) April 22 at 1 p.m. April 28 at 1 p.m. Christian Vasquez and Angel Jacob play dueling chefs (and ex-high school sweethearts) Jacko and Cassie. The two Negrenses (inhabitants of Negros—an island of the Philippines) grew up in Bacolod City, and their lives revolve around food. When Jacko loses his Italian restaurant over a gambling debt and cedes ownership to local kingpin, Dolpo (Peque Gallaga), the new boss hires Cassie as a consultant for a total restaurant makeover. Together Jacko and Cassie must work to turn the cheesy Puccini’s into a mecca for traditional Negrense food. Shot entirely on location in the Visayan province of Negros Occidental, this heartwarming romantic comedy is full of mouthwatering local scenery and cuisine. Namets! • Yummy! is sponsored by Vertaccount

Directed by Real Florido. Philippines. 110 mins. Filipino with English subtitles. April 19 at 4 p.m. April 21 at 1 p.m. April 23 at 7:30 p.m. April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Corazon (Nova Villa) is a recently retired government employee looking forward to settling into a new phase of life with her homebody husband of 40 years, Alejandro (Dante Rivero). She quickly grows restless, and when her first love, Third (Freddie Webb), unexpectedly returns to her life, her ordinary existence takes a turn for the romantic. Initially avoiding opportunities to meet up with Third, Corazon’s old feelings reignite. This unlikely romantic comedy about first love and old age also marks a long-anticipated on-screen reunion for Nova Villa and Freddie Webb, who for many years played the married couple Ines and Jimmy Capistrano on popular 1980s sitcom Chicks to Chicks. AARP Hawaii will be providing FREE popcorn for the screening of THIRD IS MY FIRST on Sunday 4/19 at 4pm.

Directed by Ida Anita del Mundo. Philippines. 2014. 85 mins. T’boli with English subtitles April 23 at 1 p.m. April 26 at 7:30 p.m. When K’na (Mara Isabelle Lopez), a young princess of the T’boli people (an indigenous tribal group of South Cotabato in Southern Mindanao) discovers that she has been chosen by the gods as her village’s dreamweaver, she has the chance to weave together her village’s warring clans. But will she give up her true love Silaw (RK Bagatsing) to do so? Set against an almost other worldly backdrop of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, this stunning folk tale also showcases the T’boli’s traditional costumes (the tribe is famed for its textiles, which are also called “woven dreams”) and is the first feature film shot entirely in the T’boli language.


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Mariquina

Directed by Milo Sogueco. Philippines. 2014. 120 mins. Filipino with English subtitles April 21 at 7:30 p.m. April 26 at 4 p.m. Imelda is indifferent towards shoes. To her, they are fraught with the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood, one that was marred by a difficult relationship with her shoemaker father, Romeo. Growing up, all of hers were handmade by him. Now a mature woman, she takes a pivotal call from the morgue, spurring her search for the perfect pair of shoes for her dead father. The deeper she searches for the perfect shoes, the more she finds herself. Mariquina is a restrained, touching, and elegant look at family ties and the passage of time. Former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos— famous for her collection of 3,000 shoes—makes a cameo appearance! Manny

Directed by Leon Gast & Ryan Moore. USA/Philippines. 2014. 88 mins. April 19 at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at 1 p.m. April 26 at 1 p.m. Narrated by Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson and directed by Ryan Moore and Academy Award winner Leon Gast (When We Were Kings), Manny takes you behind the scenes and into the life of Manny Pacquiao—a true fighter in every sense of the word. From his early life as teenager who fought to feed his family, to his incredible rise to the peak of his sport as a boxing champion, Manny tells the story of boxing’s only eightdivision world titleholder. Filming began in 2010 and features never-before-seen home footage, as well as

original music by Lorne Balfe (Inception, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes) and interviews with such personalities as Jimmy Kimmel, Jeremy Piven, Oscar De La Hoya, and Mark Wahlberg. This film is the perfect prelude to Pacquiao’s historic welterweight match against Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. May 2. Manny is sponsored by ABC Stores. Co-director and producer Ryan Moore will be in Hawaii to introduce his film Manny on April 19 at 7:30pm. He will also be attending the opening night reception on Saturday where attendees can meet and talk with him. That Thing Called Tadhana

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone. Philippines. 2014. 110 mins. Filipino with English subtitles. April 24 at 4 p.m. April 28 at 7:30 p.m. A charming romantic comedy in the tradition of Before Sunrise, That Thing Called Tadhana follows two loveburned 20-somethings, Mace Castillo (Angelica Panganiban) and Anthony Lagdameo (J.M. de Guzman). The two meet by chance at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and end up on a road trip that might just change their minds about romance. After an awkward first encounter involving a familiar overweight baggage dilemma, Anthony offers to carry some of Mace’s clothes and the two hit it off en route back to Manila. When they arrive, they decide to go for Japanese food instead of returning to their homes. Both in despair and longing for an escape, they form a friendship that will take them on an unexpected journey to Sagada. In 2014 Angelica Panganiban earned Best Actress at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival and the Gawad Tanglaw Awards for her performance of Mace Castillo.

Director and writer Antoinette Jadaone will be in Hawaii to introduce her film on April 28 at 7:30pm. There will also be a meetand-greet with pupus in the theatre organized by the Filipino Association of University Women. OPENING NIGHT A sumptuous meal awaits those who will be attending the opening night at the festival as the museum welcomes Yana Gilbuena, a vibrant chef who is reknown for her Salo Project—and her mission to cook popup Filipino dinners in all 50 states. Hawaii was her last stop on this project. (ED NOTE: Chef Gilbuena was interviewed by the Fil-am Courier and a short profile appears in this issue). Film festival committee member Natalie Aczon discovered Chef Gilbuena and believes “it’s serendipitous to have chef Gilbuena for the finale of her mission of ‘50 States in 50 Weeks’ in the 50th state. I feel having a mover of the Filipino food movement as part of the festival is a perfect way to cultivate a better understanding about what Filipinos are all about.” On the menu will be seafood sisig (octopus with soylime Thai chilies topped with quail eggs), ginataang liempo (crispy pork belly with spicy coconut sauce), sinuglaw (local seafood in cane sugar, Thai chilis, and coconut milk topped with grilled pork belly), and for dessert grilled pineapple flan. The opening night dinner will also feature live music by guitarist Ian O’Sullivan and vocalist PaizLee. Opening-night reception: April 18, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Ticket includes the Filipino dinner by Yana Gilbuena. There is a nohost bar. A screening of the gastronomic romantic comedy Namets! follows the reception Opening-night reception, dinner and film: $35 general admission • $30 museum members

“I was actually on the lookout for a good Ilocano film but we could not find any. There were some that were filmed in the Ilocano region, but somehow that is not enough. I am determined to find one for next year’s festival,” Dr. Camera promised. Dr. Camara also revealed that in the future, the film f e s t i va l s h o u l d e x p a n d to showcase the FilipinoAmerican experience. “I am sure there is such a richness to that material. It will offer a different viewpoint from those of Filipinos living in the Philippines. I can just imagine the themes that may be relevant to that context. It will reflect our present day realities. I am excited about the possibilities.” Algar agrees that the film festival needs to continue to evolve and this Londonborn curator says she feels personal gratification in how she has come to appreciate the Filipino culture with her involvement in the festival. “I have never been to the Philippines but after seeing these films, it’s now on my bucket list of places to see.” “What is important is that we honor the Filipino community with this festival. If we do not do it, we will not do justice to this community and their sense of place.” •••• The Filipino Film Festival runs from April 18-27 at the Doris Duke Theatre at 901 Kinau Street (at rear of museum)

Individual screenings are $10 ($8 for museum members). Or a Festival Flash Pass for $55 ($42 for museum members), which allows entry to six screenings, is also available. Tickets for opening night must be purchased separately. About the Honolulu Museum of Art O n e o f t h e w o r l d ’s premier art museums presents international caliber special exhibitions and features a collection that includes Hokusai, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso and Warhol, as well as traditional Asian and Hawaiian art. Located in two of Honolulu’s most beautiful buildings, visitors enjoy two cafés and gardens, alongside films and concerts located at the theater. In 2011, The Contemporary Museum gifted its assets and collection to the Honolulu Academy of Arts and in 2012, the combined museum changed its name to the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Fil-Am Courier’s Managing Editor. She has been affiliated with the Courier since 1987 as a contributing writer and as Managing Editor since April 2013. She started her career as a journalist, and was a reporter/producer both in Hawaii (at KHON Channel 2 News) and in Cebu, Philippines.

FILM SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Namets! • Yummy! (opening night) April 19 at 4 pm

Third is My First

April 19 at 7:30 p.m. Manny April 21 at 1 p.m

Third is my First

April 21 at 7:30p.m

Mariquina

April 22 at 1 p.m.

Namets! • Yummy!

April 22 at 7:30 p.m

Manny

Opening-night film only: $15 general admission • $12 museum members

April 23 at 1 p.m.

K’na the Dreamweaver

FUTURE PLANS Dr. Camara said that the festival is on a good path to sustain itself. “This year, we made the films free to anyone under 17 years old. This way, we are building the next generation of filmgoers.”

April 24 at 1 p.m.

Manny

April 24 at 4 p.m.

That Thing Called Tadhana

April 26 at 4 p.m.

Mariquina

April 26 at 1 p.m

Manny

April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Third is my First

April 26 at 7:30 p.m. K’na the Dreamweaver April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Third is my First April 28 at 1 p.m.

Namets! • Yummy!

April 28 at 7:30 p.m. That Thing Called Tadhana


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 7

By Bennette Espineli Misalucha

Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor

When the 2015 Filipino Film Festival opens at the Honolulu Museum of Art on Saturday, April 18, 2015, patrons will be treated to a feast prepared by a young innovative chef, Yana Gilbuena, who has achieved reknown as the Salo Project chef. “Salo”, in the Filipino language means, “a gathering”, and Gilbuena’s mission has been to gather and unite people—old and young, Filipinos and non-Filipinos, born in the Philippines or elsewhere, family or stranger—together with authentic Filipino food in all of the fifty states in the U.S. Gilbuena does this by cooking pop-up dinners in stranger’s kitchens, church halls, patios or any place where she can serve her dishes. Armed only with a set of knives, she sources her food locally and tries to incorporate the traditional Filipino food with the local palate. The journey for the Salo project began in Miami about a year ago, and Yana’s mission has caught the attention of people everywhere. She has been featured in CNN and CNBC News as well as local media outlets. “The main goal of this project is to create and raise awareness of Filipino cuisine and to highlight Filipino food by focusing on the flavors of its three regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; also by providing a unique social dining experience with

PROFILE:

my under-ground, pop-up dinners throughou America. Filipino cuisine has been an underdog compared to our Asian neighbors. My quest to bring Filipino food to all 50 states is to broaden people’s palate and bring to light a new cultural social dining experiment experience.” Hawaii is her last stop and has been one of the most meaningful places for her. “It was a conscious decision to make Hawaii as the final state because it is, after all the fiftieth state. I am also on the way to the Philippines where I will be checking up on a project I have been contributing to, called ARK or Advancement for Rural Kids. They are building a school in an area in the Visayas, Philippines struck by Typhoon Haiyan which has a farming and feeding program to empower the youth to be producers not consumers.” Yana Gilbuena was born

and raised in the Philippines; her dad was originally from Cebu and spent some time in Bacolod while her mom grew up in Iloilo and also spent some time in Bacolod. She has lived on the East Coast for a while and admits she finds so much joy in her craft: “I wake up every day feeling so much love for what I do. It can never be just about money, but what you love.” For the young FilipinoAmericans, Chef Gilbuena is emphatic that they need to connect with their roots. “Treasure your heritage, reconnect with your history and honor your ancestors. Be proud of where you came from. That’s my recipe for

happiness.” At the opening event at the Film Festival, Chef Gilbuena will be whipping up the following dishes: seafood sisig (octopus with soy-lime Thai chilies topped with quail eggs), ginataang liempo (crispy pork belly with spicy coconut sauce), sinuglaw (local seafood in cane sugar, Thai chilis, and coconut milk topped with grilled pork belly), and for dessert grilled pineapple flan. Pinoy food fit for the stomach. But also nourishing for the soul. MORE SALO PROJECT For people who can’t make the opening-night reception,

chef Yana Gilbuena has other Honolulu dates scheduled. On April 11 she gave a cooking class and dinner at CookSpace Hawaii in Ward Warehouse. Guests can join Gilbuena in the kitchen as she prepares karekare, the Philippine version of curry made with ground roasted peanuts, ground toasted rice and annatto seed extract; and lumping sariwa, which literally means “fresh spring roll.” Then on April 22, Kaimuki Superette will host a Salo pop-up dinner at 7 p.m., and Gilbuena will be the featured chef at Eat the Street on April 24, when the theme is “Delights from the Philippines.”


PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

By Angie DYTIOCO Santiago

T h e 7 3 rd c o m m e moration of the Araw ng Kagitingan or “Day of Valor” was observed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This ceremony is held on April 9th each year to honor the Filipino-American veterans of World War II and is held on the anniversary of the fall of Bataan, which culminated in the surrender of more than 75,000 Filipino and American troops, and the Bataan Death March, which claimed nearly 10,000 Filipino and American lives in April 1942. Spearheaded by Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin and her consulate staff and by the P h i l i p p i n e C e l e b ra t i o n s Coordinating Committee of Hawaii, chaired by Amelia

73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan Observed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

The wreath-laying ceremony presented by Consul General Gina Jamoralin, Mayor Ericson Singson, Governor David Ige, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Mayor Kirk Caldwell represented by Deputy Director of Facility Maintenance Manglallan, Consular Corps of Hawaii represented by Kiribati Honorary Consul William Paupe and Honorary Consul Agent of Tonga Annie Kaneshiro, Australian Consul General Jeff Robinson, Deputy Consul General of Japan Koichi Maruyama, Korean Consulate General Defense Attache Capt. Yong Mo Yang, WWII Fil-Am Veterans represented by Pastor Garcia/Art Caleda , VFW 1572 1st Filipino Infantry represented by Ben Acohido, and from the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Honolulu (PCCCH) represented by Amelia CasaminaCabatu and Dr. Arnold Villafuerte.

Casamina-Cabatu and cochaired by Melga Gendrano, the comme-moration program included the opening prayer by Chaplain Alex Vergara, and messages by U.S. Representative

Mark Takai, Governor of the State of Hawaii David Ige, and Consul General Gina Jamoralin. The Mayor of Candon, Ericson Singson, M.D., served as the guest of honor and speaker.

PCCCH Members: Bernie Ardiente, Maggie Domingo, Melga Genddrano (Co-Chair), Edna Alikpala (2014 Chairperson), and Amelia Casamina-Cabatu (2015 Chairperson)


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 9

2015 PCCCH Chairperson Amelia Casamina-Cabatu, U.S. Representative Mark Takai, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Consul General Gina Jamarolin, and Capt. Ray dela Cruz, PH LO to PACOM.

Atty. Rhoda Alvarez, Abilino Bagayas, Ben Acohido (2012 – 2013 State Commander), Bernard Jacang, and Ernie Sombrero of the VFW Post 1572: 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, and Angie Santiago.

Seated: After 22 years of waiting for their Visas, Saturnino Lactaoen, Jr., his father Saturnino Lactaoen, and five other family members arrived in Hawaii from General Santos, Cotabato, Philippines on February 28, 2015. They were petitioned by his grandfather Nikko Ivan Lactaoen in 1993. Also pictured: Candelario Tuliao from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Standing: City councilmember Joey Manahan and U.S. Representative Mark Takai.

Anna Dulay, Acting President and Treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary Hawaii Chapter and Domingo Dulay of the Philippines Scouts.

Seated: Dr. Naruso Ramos, Jr. Mariano Guillermo, Salome Calderon, Attorney Abby Shaw, and Art Caleda. Standing: City councilmember Joey Manahan, Juan Corrales, Antonia Corrales, and Teresa Agno.


PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

By brandon elefante Council Member City and County of Honolulu

Over 100 years ago the first sakadas (“laborers”) immigrated to Hawaii to work on the plantation fields in pursuit of a better life for their families. Many of us can trace our roots back to our ancestors who made that journey to Hawaii. The first 15 Ilokano sakadas came from Candon City, Philippines and there have been many subsequent generations that continue to establish their roots in Hawaii. Honolulu and Candon City have always had a strong partnership with similar cultural backgrounds and shared interests from agriculture to education. From 1906 to the present day, Hawaii has maintained strong connections with Candon City. In fact, my g ra n d - u n c l e e m i g ra t e d from Candon City in 1966,

HONOLULU COUNCIL APPROVES NEWEST SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP with the same dreams and aspirations as his fellow family and friends. As a young engineer, Mr. Ignacio Abaya married my maternal grandfather’s late sister, Veneracion Elefante (from Santiago, Illocos Sur), an educator. Together they raised a family of three children and relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii and made it their home. Both of them are deeply rooted in their Catholic faith and gave their children best opportunities that they can have in order to succeed. Today at the age of 96, Mr. Abaya is happily retired as an engineer from the State of Hawaii Department o f Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d continues to live a healthy lifestyle with his ritual

of praying every morning, completing the daily crossword puzzle in “ink,” playing solitaire on the computer, and bowling with fellow seniors. (He’s a really good bowler, too!) I am sure many of you have similar stories about how your great grandparents, grandparents, or even parents, had the same intentions when they moved to Hawaii. We honor them because they had the courage to make a giant leap of faith to pursue a better life. The Filipinos are now the largest ethnic population in the state. Many of us maintain strong connections to the province or towns where we were born or raised. In fact, the City and

Pictured with Honolulu City Councilmembers and Filipino leaders who attended the hearing for Candon City at City Hall.

County of Honolulu now has six sister city partnerships with these cities in the Philippines: Manila, Baguio, Cebu City, Laoag City, Vigan, and now Candon City! On March 11, 2015, the Honolulu City Council adopted Resolution 15-42 which establishes a formal sister-city relationship with Candon City, Philippines and the City and County of Honolulu. The Resolution received unanimous support from Filipino leaders, the community, and Councilmembers. With this formal partnership, both cities can look forward to forging stronger economic and cultural ties. More importantly, we have come

full circle. We can be sure that our sakada ancestors, who worked so hard over the years to pursue a better life for their families, would have been proud. We welcome the representatives from Candon City who will be in Honolulu in May to formalize this new sister city relationship!

Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District VIII which covers Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008 and his email is belefante@honolulu.gov.


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 11

By Dr. Alfred Sison

Let’s talk about Mindfulness. Through my research and readings, there has been such an immense and progressive movement towards accepting the concept of mindfulness and applying it to a variety of psychological, health, and medical treatment settings. Mindfulness has also crossed o v e r t o t h e s e l f- c a r e , coaching, and alternative medical treatment settings. Why such an interest? John Kabat-Zinn, Professor Emeritus of Medicine and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, suggests that mindfulness is so sought after in this moment, “and so necessary … because the world and its institutions and denizens are literally and metaphorically starving for authentic ways to live and to be and to act in the world. We long for some degree of effective balance and wisdom that supports meaningful, embodied, and significant work – the work of making a difference in the world, of adding value and beauty, of individually and collectively waking up to the full range of human intelligence and capacities we share for wisdom, ease of being and kindness.” In other words, mindfulness provides a clearer path for purpose and it really works. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is an ancient eastern practice. It is a

The Attitude of Mindfulness very simple concept: paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgementally. Mindfulness does not conflict with any beliefs or traditions, whether religious, cultural or scientific. It is simply a practical way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells - anything we might not normally notice. The actual skills might be simple, but because it is so different to how our minds normally behave, it takes a lot of practice. We might go out into the back yard or park and as we look around, we might think “That grass really needs cutting.” A young child on the other hand, will call over excitedly, “Hey - come and look at this ant!” Mindfulness can simply be noticing what we don’t normally notice, because our heads are too busy in the future or in the past - thinking about what we need to do, or going over what we have done. Mindfulness might simply be described as choosing and learning to control our focus of attention. As we become more practiced at using mindfulness for breathing, body sensations and routine daily activities, so we can then learn to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings, to become observers, and then more accepting of them. This results in less distressing feelings, and increases our ability to enjoy our lives. With mindfulness, even the most disturbing sensations, feelings,

thoughts, and experiences, can be viewed from a wider perspective as passing events in the mind, rather than as “us”, or as being necessarily true. (Brantley 2003) When we are more practiced in using mindfulness, we can use it even in times of intense distress, by becoming mindful of the actual experience as an observer, using mindful breathing and focusing our attention on the breathing, listening to the distressing thoughts m i n d f u l l y, r e c o g n i z i n g them as merely thoughts, breathing with them, allowing them to happen without believing them or arguing with them. If thoughts are too strong or loud, then we can move our attention to our breath, the body, or to sounds around us. Here is a sample Mindfulness breathing exercise from John KabatZinn: Breathing Meditation (Kabat-Zinn 1996) Assume a comfortable posture lying on your back or sitting. If you are sitting, keep the spine straight and let your shoulders drop. Close your eyes if it feels comfortable. Bring your attention to your belly, feeling it rise or expand gently on the inbreath and fall or recede on the out-breath. Keep your focus on the breathing, being with? each in-breath for its full duration and with each out-breath for its full duration, as if you were riding the waves of your own breathing. Every time you notice that your mind has wandered

off the breath, notice what it was that took you away and then gently bring your attention back to your belly and the feeling of the breath coming in and out. If your mind wanders away from the breath a thousand times, then your job is simply to bring it back to the breath every time, no matter what it becomes preoccupied with.

Practice this exercise for fifteen minutes at a convenient time every day, whether you feel like it or not, for one week and see how it feels to incorporate a disciplined meditation practice into your life. Be aware of how it feels to spend some time each day just being with your breath without having to do anything.

Alfred A. Sison, MA, LMFT, PsyD; “Dr. Al” is a licensed clinical psychologist with a subspeciality license in marriage and family therapy. He services individuals, couples, and familes through the therapeutic process, and maintains a private practice in Honolulu, HI. He holds a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology degree from Argosy University, Hawaii Campus and a Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialty from the American School of Professional Psychology, Hawaii Campus. He completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.


PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

By NICOLE VELASCO

As the Filipino population continues to grow on Oahu and in the state, so has the need for community participation and input from this important group of island residents. Many Filipinos already serve their community as members of their Neighborhood Board. Founded in 1973, the Neighborhood Board System serves to increase citizen participation in the decisions of government. Each month, the neighborhood boards meet and serve as advisory groups to the Honolulu City Council, the City administration, departments, agencies, and other public officials of the state and federal governments. Oahu’s neighborhood boards function as an island-

The Filipino Vote at Neighborhood Boards wide communication conduit in which communities, much like the Filipino community, are empowered to voice their concerns and to take an active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Boards serving the majority of the Filipino community include Kalihi-Palama (No. 15), Kalihi Valley (No. 16), Waipahu (No. 22), and Ewa Beach (No. 23). The communities within the latter four neighborhood districts comprise over 46,000 of the registered voters for the 2015 Neighborhood Board Elections. Despite this large number of registered voters, the Filipino community has had a traditionally low voter turnout for the Neighborhood

Board Elections. What this means is that there is a significant opportunity for Filipinos to re-engage with their Neighborhood Boards by simply deciding to vote. “The Filipino community has a deep and rich history here in Hawaii, from the time of the sakadas to present day business-owners, teachers, and community leaders,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “I encourage everyone in the Filipino community to vote in the upcoming Neighborhood Board Elections as this is an important opportunity for the Filipino voice to be heard.” Today, the Neighborhood Board System has grown to a total of 33 neighborhood boards and 437 volunteer members. This year, the system will

hold the 2015 Neighborhood Board Elections, a biennial election in which all board member seats are available for eligible candidates. Fo l l o w i n g a s u c c e s s f u l recruitment campaign, the Neighborhood Commission Office set a record of 611 individuals registered as candidates for their respective neighborhood boards. This month, registered voters will have an opportunity to decide which of their family, friends, and neighbors will best serve their community. Many people are often surprised to learn that they know someone who serves on their Neighborhood Board or is running as a candidate. We encourage you to learn more about your candidates online here: http://bit.ly/

NBcandidates. The voting period for the Neighborhood Board Elections will run from April 24th to May 15th, and be conducted completely electronically via the internet or touch-tone phone. For more information, please contact the Neighborhood Commission Office at 7683717.

Nicole A. Velasco is a third generation Kalihi resident and a graduate of Princeton University. Nicole serves as the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Board Commission at the City and County of Honolulu. Committed to public service, Nicole is focused on bringing resources to her community through collaborations with Teach for America, Kalakaua Middle School, Farrington Athletics and Punahou School.


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 13

TREPIDATION OVER THE ISLAMIC SUB-STATE

By perfecto r. yasay, jr.

Nothing more foreboding is causing uncertainty and division amongst Filipinos than the flawed GPH-MILF peace process. Unless deftly resolved by a competent national leadership, this serious matter can readily explode into an all out war in Mindanao. M a ny d e v e l o p m e n t s have happened since the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) was signed on October 17, 2012. A Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) incorporating the FAB was finalized on March 27, 2014 where the Philippine Government committed to the establishment of an Islamic sub-state called Bangsamoro comprising all Muslim areas in Southern Philippines. Under the CAB, Bangsamoro is vested with all the attributes of a sovereign power. While the word independence has been carefully avoided both in CAB and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the recognition that the Bangsamoro people have exclusive rights over their historical lands and to chart their own political

future leaves no doubt that its ultimate objective is an independent Islamic State. The BBL is required to strictly conform to the CAB even if the Philippine Constitution is violated. Consequently MILF Chairman, Ebrahim Murad asserted that “It is the duty of Congress to simply pass the BBL. It is not in its power or domain to scrutinize and revise it.” Once approved by Congress, the BBL will have to be ratified only by the inhabitants of Bangsamoro. The entire country, which will be affected by the far reaching impact of the new law, will be excluded from the referendum. During the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain was signed with the MILF for the establishment of essentially the same Bangsamoro juridical entity. However, on October 14, 2008, the Supreme Court nullified the accord principally because the p o w e r s g ra n t e d t o t h e new political entity and its associative relation with the national government

leads to a predictable course of independence, which is repugnant to the Constitution. This decision has become final and is now part of the law of the land that must be obeyed. Nevertheless, some legal experts have opined that it was premature for the Supreme Court to intervene in the peace process initiated by President Arroyo to end the Moro strife. According to them, the MOA-AD was still a preliminary document that did not entail any commitment by either party. Heeding the views of these experts, President Benigno Aquino restarted negotiations with MILF that were conveniently structured to get around the Supreme Court decision. The peace process was divided in several stages where each segment could not be successfully opposed. Corollarily, the President’s supporters claim that the constitutionality of the BBL cannot be questioned until it is finally enacted. T h e s t ra t e g y wa s a deception to divert the

people’s attention from government’s prohibited commitments under CAB. In this sense the BBL serves as a lightning rod to protect the CAB from being assailed constitutionally. We r e i t n o t f o r t h e Mamasapano Massacre where 44 commandos of the Philippine National Police tasked to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, were brutally slaughtered by MILF forces, the BBL would have smoothly sailed through a Congress that is easily bought to support the President in exchange for pork barrel funds. Ironically, this tragic incident uncovered the despicable plot to compromise the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic. It also exposed the arrogance, deceit and insincerity of the MILF in entering into peace negotiations while readily battling government troops and protecting and harboring the dreaded jihadist bomb expert known as the Osama Bin Laden of Southeast Asia.

Serious legal questions imperil the passage of the BBL. However, even if it is diluted to conform to the Constitution, the CAB, which is controlling, can no longer be altered without grave consequences. Both CAB and BBL are ambiguous about Bangsamoro remaining an integral and inseparable part of the Philippines or that its people are Filipinos. Nevertheless, the Islamic sub-state will have its own national flag, emblem and anthem, a separate internal defense force and a system of justice where Sharia Law is supreme. Sadly, the President has characterized those opposed to the BBL as the enemies of peace and its supporters that include the MILF, as peacemakers.

After successfully practicing law in the Philippines and the United States, “Jun” served as Chairman of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission under President Fidel V. Ramos. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Christian University in Manila, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Filipino Community Center. Yasay, along with his wife Cecile and daughter Stephanie, is a resident of Honolulu.


PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

By Dr. Christopher Tortora, M.D. Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye Center

Each year, more than 25,000 people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries, according to Prevent Blindness America. This figure is only a fraction of overall incidents that are reported. April is designated Sports Eye Safety Month to help raise awareness of the importance of wearing appropriate sports eye guards, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries that can damage vision or even cause blindness. Eye injuries occur most often in water/pool sports, basketball and baseball/ softball, ranging from abrasion of the cornea and bruis-

April is Sports Eye Safety Month ing of the eyelid to retinal detachment and internal bleeding. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 90 percent of these injuries are pre-

ventable. Blunt trauma is the most common sports-related eye injury, occurring when the eye is hit with force. Not surprisingly, contact sports that

use balls, rackets or sticks have a higher rate of these types of injuries. Contact sports also have a higher rate of penetrating eye injuries that result when the eye is pierced by an objectsuch as debris from equipment or the environment. With water/pool sports, radiation eye injuries are often overlooked. Water, snow and ice create a reflective surface for ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and can cause photo-keratitis, or UV keratitis, which is when the cornea is sunburned and becomes inflamed. Extended exposure to UV light can lead to serious eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration—

when the central part of the retina, known as the macula, starts to deteriorate. Athletes should wear the appropriate protective eyewear, which varies, for the sport they are actively participating in at all times. Polycarbonate sports eye guards for popular sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, football and hockey are highly recommended by experts—in addition to helmets and faceguards for select activities. Polycarbonate swimming goggles are recommended for athletes of water/pool sports. Those who wear glasses or contacts should speak with their doctor about prescription sports eye guards.

Dr. Christopher Tortora, a board certified ophthalmologist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit www. HawaiianEye.com and www.Facebook.com/HawaiianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 15

By DAVID GARFIELD Immigration Attorney

F a m i l y - b a s e d immigration petitions unfortunately often have long lines for Filipinos, and can cause a great deal of hardship for the families experiencing separation. I would like to bring to light an important option for Filipinos wishing to bring relatives to the United States as Lawful Permanent Residents. The option isa process called “PERM,” an employerbased sponsorship program. In the last year, the waiting time for employment-based visas (such as PERM) for both skilled and unskilled positions diminished greatly, for all countries – including the Philippines. Currently the priority date for skilled (healthcare providers, nurses, dental hygienists, etc.) and unskilled workers is June 1, 2014. This means that any petitions filed with the US Government before June 1, 2014 are eligible to obtain their Green Cards. In my opinion, the Filipino community needs to take advantage of this opportunity. Even unskilled j o b s ( k i t c h e n w o r ke r s , housekeepers, landscapers, etc.) that require no experience have access to this pathway to a Green Card. I am not suggesting in any way that this is an easy process, or that it is always successful. However, given the value of a Green Card, and the lengthy wait

QUICK GREEN CARD OPTION FOR FILIPINOS Don’t Wait Years to Get Your Family to America! times for family based visas, it certainly should be considered as an option if the right conditions exist. There is no risk in trying, aside from the employer’s financial investment for the ads and the legal fees to start the case. If the PERM is unsuccessful, most of the remaining legal fees are waived. What is a PERM? A PERM is a process which used to be called “Labor Certification.” It is a Green Card that is issued to individuals who want to work for a US company or family in the United States. First, the employer must demonstrate that there are no US workers available for the position through a selection process which includes placing ads in the newspaper, etc. If this process is successful, the individual can apply for their Green Card through the USCIS and then through the US Embassy in Manila. However, it is important to have an employer willing to invest time and resources in this process. Before considering this option, some important, qualifying points: 1.) The job offer must be genuine, not a favor. Furthermore, the individual must work with the employer after arriving with a Green Card.

If you are interested in a yearly subscription, please call 595.8787 for more information.

2.)The employer is responsible for paying the cost of the PERM aspart of the process (legal fees and advertising). However, they do not have to pay for the process afterwards, assuming PERM is approved. 3.) The employer must have the financial ability to pay the wage; do not begin process before this is addressed! 4.) If job requires experience, the experience in Philippines’ must be relevant and genuine. 5.)While the process is

ongoing, the worker should not apply for visas to come to the US because later they could be accused of fraud. 6.)An individual can immigrate on a PERM even if they are already in line for a family-based visa. The PERM option is not the only path that applies to Filipinos wanting to immigrate to the United States, (such as the H-1B Visa for professionals, and the R Visa, for religious workers – both of which I hope to discuss in future articles) but given wait

times, the PERM might be the best option. I will be happy to provide a free consultation to anyone interested in further information about this, or any other immigration matter.

David Garfield is a partner in the Garfield Law Group with 30 years of immigration experience. Since moving to Hawaii from Washington D.C., David has been slowly reaching out to the Filipino community through limited advertising and by offering pro bono legal services to Filipinos without financial means through Catholic Charities USA. He can be reached at (808) 439-8555.


PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

By Daniel B. Eisen, PhD Pacific University

After my presentations on race, ethnicity, and diversity, many individuals ask, “how can we fix the problem?” It is clear that a thirst for change and community building exists, as individuals want to know how to mend rifts between generations and ethnic groups. While s t r u c t u ra l c h a n g e s a r e important, micro-level interpersonal change is also vital and can often stimulate structural change. I recently read B r e n é B r o w n ’s D a r i n g Greatly, in which she argues our fear of vulnerability and shame restricts our abilities to be creative, adventurous, and truly seen by others. Furthermore, we protect ourselves from shame and vulnerability with a shield of perfectionism. Adhering

THE LESS THAN PERFECT ANSWER TO “HOW DO WE FIX THE PROBLEM” to perfectionism keeps transformative projects and ideas hidden within an individual, as the imperfection of our ideas or actions often leads our identity to be called into question. Therefore, rather than seeing the idea or action as flawed and something that can be improved, the critique is directed toward the individual by assigning any number of undesirable identity markers (e.g., lazy, unintelligent, etc.) to the individual. In short, Brown argues that one way to transform the world is to embrace imperfection as part of the human condition and recognize perfectionism as “self-destructive simply because [it] doesn’t exist. It’s an unattainable

goal…[that] is addictive because when we invariably do experience shame, judgment, or blame we often believe it’s because we weren’t perfect enough.” While Brown does not address issues of diversity, her work provides valuable insights into “how we can fix the problem.” Applying this work suggests that we need to recognize that interactions that cross the boundaries between identity groups will be imperfect. Often our fear of failure in these interactions separates us, as it seems safer to segregate than have our identity called into question and assigned a stigma because we were less than perfect in these interactions. C o n s i d e r h o w m a ny conversations, friendships,

and collaborations across ethnic groups or generations (e.g., immigrant Filipinos, Filipino-Americans) have never actualized because of these fears. By letting go of perfectionism, we stop holding others and ourselves to impossible standards and create safe spaces for mistakes. Embracing imperfection, however, is not a free pass for marginalizing actions or statements. One cannot simply apologize by stating, “no one’s perfect.” Instead, embracing imperfection recognizes that mistakes are common and room for learning and improvement always exists. Recognizing that we are not perfect creates space to learn from others. It allows us to hear each other and recognize how our own actions, even those that are well intentioned, may

further the marginalization of others. Furthermore, knowing that we are not perfect allows us to reshape our own attitudes, beliefs, and actions to create a more just and equitable world, as our actions can be separated from classifications that define our core self. Ultimately, letting go of perfection and opening ourselves up to vulnerability enables us to reach across the aisle. It enables us to work collaboratively, admit when we don’t know something, and allow others into our lives. By letting go of perfectionism we can begin to have real conversations about mending our segregated communities.

Dr. Daniel Eisen grew up in Ewa Beach and graduated from Campbell High School before attending Pacific University, Oregon to earn his BA in Sociology. After living in Oregon for four years, he returned to Hawaii to earn his PhD in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where his doctoral work examined young adults’ development of a Filipino ethnic identity in Hawaii. Daniel Eisen is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 17

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR NOMINEES SOUGHT

Laptops & Printer Donations to Bingao National High School

The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is proud to announce the search for the 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year. The annual search seeks to honor business owners who demonstrate excellence in business and who have made meritorious contributions to Hawaii’s community. The deadline for submission is April 30th. Nomination forms may be secured from Bernadette Fajardo ar 342-8090. Completed forms may be sent to: FILIPINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII c/o Bernadette D. Fajardo 94-404 Punono Street Mililani, HI 96789 FORMS MAY ALSO BE FAXED TO: (808) 532-1373 or email to: dette@lava.net For more information, call: Rocky Anguay @ 387-5821, Bernadette D. Fajardo @ 342-8090, Paul Alimbuyao @754—8691 and Cecilia Villafuerte @780-4985. The presentation of the nominees and the recognition of the winners will take place during the Awards banquet which will be held on Saturday, May 16 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel at 6 pm.

San Nicoleneous, USA donated two brand new laptop Computers and one printer to Binagao National High School,San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on February 25, 2015. This noble donation will allow the faculty members to better assist the students who are the future of San Nicolas. Picture of Violeta M. Cid, Principal and Faculty members accepting the donations and John H. De Los Santos, President of San Nicoleneous, USA of Hawaii.

FILIPINO CHAMBER AND KAUAI FILIPINO CHAMBER SEEKS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS The Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications to its Scholarship Program. The awards are open to residents of Kauai only. The categories include those pursuing a degree from a four-year accredited university as well as those pursuing a vocational program at Kauai Community College. For more information, please visit their website http://www. kauaifilipinochamber.org or call 651-9139. The Filipino Chamber is seeking to grant scholarship awards to deserving high school graduates who will be pursuing a college education in the Fall of 2015. These awards will be funded by the proceeds from the 21st Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsored by Renato & Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation. For more information on the scholarship forms, please contact the Filipino chamber President Paul Alimbuyao at 754-8691.

CONSUELO FOUNDATION MATSUOKA RECEIVES AWARD The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) recently awarded Dr. Jon Matsuoka of Consuelo Foundation its 2015 Community Resilience Leadership Award at the Pacific Risk Management Ohana (PRiMO) conference Awards Luncheon held last March 25, 2015 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Dr. Matsuoka was recognized for to his work with the Consuelo Foundation and his efforts regarding building resilience in Hawaii and the Philippines. After visiting the Typhoon Haiyan ravaged areas, NDPTC representatives were able to see firsthand some of the projects that the Consuelo Foundation is currently heading. PRiMO is a partnership amongst various Pacific region organizations who are focused on community resilience and risk management. Each year NDPTC selects an individual that is dedicated to building resilience, has made significant contributions to community resilience and shares NDPTC’s concerns related to natural hazards, coastal communities, islands and territories. Current Consuelo Foundation projects in the affected areas include providing assistance to widows by providing counseling, gifting coastal communities with boats to help them regain their fishing industries and rebuilding damaged day care centers and schools in remote areas that are only accessible by boat. The Consuelo Foundation also organized a conference with Philippine scientists at the University of the Philippines to discuss the useful typhoon preparedness information for distribution in low coastal areas.

Aloha, My name is Elizabeth Blair. I would like to share with you my experience with Doctor Robert Holland. I was injured in a car accident in May of 2006. After being turned down by a number of doctors who would not see me because they did not accept no-fault insurance, I decided to try and see a chiropractor. At first I was just looking for someone close to home. I soon realized how LUCKY I was using that as my search criteria. I called Dr. Holland and told him about my situation. He made time to see me that morning and also referred me to Dr. Galindo who is a medical doctor. Two birds with one stone. At each of my visits I would fill out a form to show areas of pain. Dr. Holland would adjust and massage the areas causing me discomfort. He would also give me stretching exercises to do daily. Not only did he treat me physically but also intellectually and mentally. Intellectually by sharing his vast knowledge of injuries caused by accidents. He explains them in layman’s terms so it is easy to understand. He attends seminars and shares the new information he receives. He is constantly updating his information whether it is a car accident percentages for the month of May or the health benefits of going gluten free. Mentally he helps relieve a lot of stress by being sympathetic to what you are going through. He does this because he has been there and understands your pain and suffering. I feel that by getting these 3 things, I have gotten better. Here are a few things I am taking with me from this experience with Dr. Holland. #1 EXERCISE -- bike riding, swimming, stretching #2 NUTRITION -- fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, fresh fish (ahi from Taniokas) #3 When it hurts, put ICE on it. Good luck! Aloha, Elizabeth Blair


PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015

S potlight

S tory

Maria “Carolyn” Cagat

Best Cleaning Services, LLC Coverall Franchised Business Owner

Happiness Is… Helping Others. Some people start their own business because they want to be their own boss. Others do it for the flexible hours. Maria “Carolyn” Cagat started her own business because she wanted to help people. Cagat will be celebrating her two-year anniversary as a Coverall Franchised Business Owner in August, and in that time, has been able to give back to her community by providing

jobs to those interested in joining the business. As a nursing student at Hawaii Pacific University, Cagat has always had a desire to help others. Her passion stemmed from her many visits to the Philippines where she would witness the work that Children’s Ministries Network did helping youth to reach their full potential. That inspired her to do the same for those in her community. Cagat was familiar with the Coverall® System and realized that by becoming a franchised business owner, she could not only create a bright future for herself, but for others who were looking to enter the commercial cleaning industry. “If I can give someone a job and make them happy, that makes me happy,” says Cagat. “That’s also why I went to nursing school. I’m able to help people, which I think is the most important thing you can do with your life – help others.” In her two years with the Coverall® System, Cagat has grown her business to employ a staff of more than 10 and currently has customers ranging in scope from restaurants and commercial buildings to high-end resorts and medical facilities. She credits her success not only to her willingness to help

others, but the training she received from her mentors. For Cagat, training and communication help ensure high quality work and great customer service, which is why she personally spends time with each employee to ensure that their work is consistent and that they’re always delivering quality service. Cagat also believes that developing strong relationships along the way aids in creating longstanding business relationships. She often visits the Coverall Support Center where she takes the lessons she has learned firsthand in the field and shares them with others. “As long as you take care of your customers and employees, you will be successful,” she says. “Business owners don’t do well because of the way they communicate with their employees. I always make it a point to speak with other Coverall Franchisees to give them advice. We’re all carrying one logo, so I want everyone to be do the best they can.” For more information about becoming a Coverall Franchised Business Owner, visit www.coverall.com. This offer is made by prospectus only. See Franchise Disclosure Document for details.


THE FIL-AM COURIER • APRIL 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 19

CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Seeking a full time or part time garment cutter position. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm. Company offer great benefits. Call 841-1882 Gordon

FREEZERWAREHOUSE DRIVER

JANITOR: Pay $7.75$ 9 . 0 0 / h r Looking for candidates with 1 year commercial experience. Buffing, waxing & cleaning floors. Shampooing & vacuuming carpets. Cleaning common areas. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Call Staffing Partners at 945-9300.

LABOR:

LITE INDUSTRIAL/ LABORERS - Warehouse - Driver Helper - Production Line - Food Prep/Dishwashers Pay $7.75 - $8.50/hr 6 mos of recent work experience needed. For interviews call our Ala Moana office 945-9300, Staffing Partners.

Part-time help

wanted to package candies and snacks. PH 833-5135

Live-In Caregiver (CAN/NA)

Hawaii kai is looking for a caregiver for a 5 beds residential care home, must have experience in a nursing home or a care home. Live in or live out. If interested

please call Berly or George 396-4195.

HIRING PT-TIME

GIFT SHOP SALES ASSOC.

IN WAIKIKI, MOTIVATED, ENERGETIC & CUST SERVICE SKILLS,

CALL

383-8282

Clean abstract required, Competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, & 401k, profit sharing benefits. Applications hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Fri Apply In person at: KOHA FOODS 500 Alakawa St. #104 Honolulu, HI 96817

Receive a $300 hiring bonus

No nights. No weekends. No experience necessary. Our wonderful atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Weekly pay check, paid mileage, part time and full time, paid holidays off, $11 per hour guaranteed, and family atmosphere. Call Bonnie Williams at 955-6243. Call or come by our office today. The Merry Maids.

SHORT ON CASH?

Business Oportunity.

$400+

per transaction. Call 295-0577

WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Judge Graulty (retired) -

call 778-8510 to schedule.

for sale

for rent

for rent

Eternal Garden

For Rent 1 bdrm

FOR RENT One Bed Room: $700 including utilities. Close to town.

Memorial Park 4 Lots Available Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines Call Ed (808) 381-8897

VALLEY of the Temples Lot

with marker, interment vault, and ground opening /closing with Saturday charge. Below market price.

Call 232-7262

Condo For Sale

Newport City Resort World Pasay City, 1Brm. Partly Furnished 36 sqm. Ground Floor Call Jimmy

258-4131

w/parking, busline accross Target, Navy Exchange/ Commissary Radford HS. Occupancy for 1 or 2 only,

call 391-5669

FOR RENT AIEA Spacious 2 bedrooms downstairs.

Call 398-8961 Waipahu 2 bedrooms for rent,

has own private entry, kitchen & bathroom, call

678-

9003 or 227-9002

2 rooms FOR RENT:

Available! Call 678-8124

Call 384-0117

room for rent

waipahu 1 person working, including utilities, street

call 6760759

parking,

available!

services INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

Pedestrian/Bicycle Truck/Auto/Slip & Fall; Medical MASSAGE Reduce: Headaches Neck/Back Shoulder/Leg/Hand PAIN 808-223-8243 Robert R. Holland Licensed MT

ADOPTIONS

Former Family Court & Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty. Call 674-2637 for information.



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