PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
STATEWIDE community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU July 14-July 27 2015 Asia Pacific Dance Festival; The festival is a collaborative project of the University of Hawaii in Manoa Outreach College, Community Services and the East West Center which will include performances from Ballet Philippines, the Philippines foremost classical and modern dance company. Visit their website for more information @ http://outreach.hawaii.edu/ community/asiapacific/apdf July 25, 2015 7:30 PM; Ballet Philippines performance; July 26, 2015- 2:00 PM Ballet Philippines performance; John F. Kennedy Theatre, University of Hawaii at Manoa; Contact Person: UH Manoa Outreach College, Community Services Division, 2425 Campus Road Sinclair Library 30; 956-8246; Or visit their website http://outreach. hawaii. edu/community/asiapacific/apdf 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 or Filipinana; Contact Persons: Luanne Long 754-0594; Penny Chung 221-6212 and Amie Guillermo 358-5394 July 18, 2015 Kalayaan Philippines Hawaii International Presents; 1st Mr. Pinoy Hawaii and Huwaran Awards Pacific Beach Hotel 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Ben Pulido 421-9747, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700 July 22-26, 2015 36th PNAA National Convention, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.; Host Chapter: Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; July 22, 2015 Day 1-2015 Western Regional Conference; July 23, 2015 Day 2-Leadership Institute 7:00AM2:00PM; Aloha and Networking Night 5:00PM-12:00AM; July 24, 2015 Day 3-Educational Program; July 25, 2015 Day 4 5K Honolulu Walk/Run -5:30 AM; Gala Night-5:00 PM; July 26,2015 Day 5 Thanksgiving Mass 9:00AM-10:00 AM; Picnic @Magic Island, Ala Moana Park 11:00AM2:00PM; Contact Persons: Tina Salvador, Hawaii Host Overall Chair 426-6183, Ramon Sumibcay, PNA Hawaii President Elect 489-7148 July 24-26, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Convention Pacific Beach Hotel Contact Person: President Maria Etrata 392-2962, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700, Dwayne Bueno 226-0392 July 25, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH); Miss Hawaii Filipina, Pacific Beach Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Person: President Maria Etrata 392-2962, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700, Dwayne Bueno 226-0392 July 25, 2015 Filipino Junior Chamber FJC Speakeasy; Hawaiian Brian’s 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. 6:00 PM-10:00PM; Special prices for FJC members, Purchase tickets
at fjcspeakeasy.eventbrite.com. Must be 18 years old to attend; Contact Person: Michi Villaluz 386-0740
press Restaurant, Chinese Cultural Plaza. Contact Person: Gladys Menor 366-2317
July 27, 2015 Summer Zumbathon Event for FilCom Center; Consuelo Courtyard, FilCom Center in Waipahu 6:30 PM-8:30 PM; Tickets are $10.00 & all proceeds will benefit the center to assist with their mission. Creations in catering will be providing some delicious smoothies.; Contact number: FilCom Center 680-0451
August 22, 2015 Annak Ti Kailokuan Iti Amerika Fun Dance Fundraiser; August Ahrens Elementary School Cafeteria Waipahu, 5:00 PM- 9:30 PM Cost $10 Contact Persons: Salvador Obaldo 778-3841, Pacita Saludes 839-8016, Lilia Del Rosario 389-4660
August 1-2, 2015 The Society of Seven returns to the islands for a limited engagement. Tony Ruvivar and Bert Sagum, founding members of Hawaii’s favorite group Society of Seven (SOS) will perform shows on Maui and Oahu. On Oahu, Saturday August 1, 2015 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM Hibiscus ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel. Tickets: $55.; Sunday, August 2, 2015 a lunch buffet will be offered at the Hibiscus Ballroom, doors open at 11:00 AM and show starts at 12 noon. Tickets: $79. For Reservations call 944-4333. For more information, visit the Society of Seven website or contact Fran Kirk at (808) 271-3330. August 7, 2015 Confederation of Ilocano Association, Samahang Ilokano Inc. Ms. CIA-SI Hawaii USA Coronation Night and Reaffirmation Of Officers; Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts Coral Ballroom 6:00 PM; Cost: $75; Contact Persons: Arlene Cabatu 220-4959, Joe Quibuyen 256-6399, Eliel Corpuz 227-8068 August 15, 2015 University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii (UPAAH) presents the UP Concert Chorus; Kroc Center, Kapolei; 2pm/$20.00 and 7pm/$25.00. Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 778- 6291, Melody Calisay 224- 9535, Jenny Norm and 286- 4426 and Raymund Liongson 381- 4315 August 15, 2015 Estilo Pilipino 3 Fashion Show By world renowned Fashion Designers Richard Papa, Edgar Madamba, and Edgar San Diego. Pomaikai Ballroom at Dole Cannery Iwilei 6:30 PM. Cost: $60; Contact Person: Armi Oliver Farinas 221-0667; Edgar Dulig 744-5358 August 15, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) presents Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2015 Pacific Beach Hotel; 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Leo Gozar 630-6268, Maria Etrata 392-2962, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700 August 21, 2015 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii 2015; Parents of the Year Awards, & the 2015 High School Valedictorians Recognition Night. Empress Restaurant in Chinatown, 6:00 pm; Cost $40 Contact Persons: Leo Gozar 630-6268; Janice Sevilla 593-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Faye Cudal 783-7552 August 22, 2015 GUMIL Oahu presents Rabiiti Kultura Ilokana, Bukanegan, Sala, Suelto, Daniw, kdpy. Sarsuela: Idi Mangilanding ni Bening. Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano iti Oahu Dinner ; 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM Cost $45.00 Em-
August 29, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA); Oahu Chapter General Membership Meeting and Expo; Fil Com Center, Waipahu 8:30AM3:00PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494 August 30, 2015 The Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); Celebrates its 56th Installation of Officers & Board of Directors and the Presidents of its member Organizations. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom; 6:00 PM Cost $65; Contact Person: Alex Vergara 551-4303 September 5, 2015 INCAT-Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade; 16th Anniversary, Coronation of Ms. Incat and Scholarship Presentation; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 – 11:00 PM; Cost $40; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 September 12, 2015 Filipino Women’s Civic Club (FWCC); Annual Maria Clara Ball, Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery; Iwilei 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 September 18, 2015 The Filipino Community Center holds its annual fundraiser. Theme: “Celebrating our Plantation Legacy”; Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; 5:30 pm; For volunteer opportunities, please call Event Chairperson Bennette Misalucha at Filcom Center at 808 680-0451 October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Coronation and Gala; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Hotel Tapa Ballroom Cost: $75.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Lina Mercado 526-9009; Amado Yoro 699-9814 November 14, 2015 Filipino Business Women’s Association (FBWA); Annual Kimona Ball and honoring the Filipino Business Woman of the Year; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Nancy Atmospera Walch 778-3832, Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Lina Mercado 382-7751 November 21, 2015 Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc (NAMI); 14th Anniversary Gala, Appreciation of Volunteer Lecturers and Recognition of new RN’s and Review Graduates; Hale Koa Hotel, Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00pm; Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 778- 6291, Jun Obaldo 277 -7495 and Bong Curameng 383-0135 November 29, 2015 Alliance of Residential Care Admin-
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing community events and parties. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and is blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to acmina808@gmail.com.
istrators (ARCA); Annual Christmas Celebration and Inauguration of Officers; Hale Koa Hotel- Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00 PM; Contact Person: Lilia Fajotina 291-1706 December 12, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA), Christmas Celebration and Coronation of the new Mrs. AFHA. Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494
MAUI July 31, 2015 The Society of Seven returns to the islands for a limited engagement. Tony Ruvivar and Bert Sagum, founding members of Hawaii’s favorite group Society of Seven (SOS) will perform shows on Maui; Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $12, $35, $45, $55 (plus applicable fees). Available at the MACC Box Office by calling (808) 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org. For more information, visit the Society of Seven website or contact Fran Kirk at (808) 271-3330.
Oahu Show August 1-2, at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom August 16, 2015 All Island Case Management Corporation (AICM) Mandatory In-Service, Maui Office - 291 Ho’okahi Street Suite 109; Wailuku Maui. 5:00 PM8:00 PM Contact Persons: Lynn Carson 380-4730, Elsa Talavera 536-7100 October 17, 2015 Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival presented by Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Maui Mall, Kahului, Hawaii. Contact Person: Atty. Alfredo Evangelista 808 242-8100
KAUAI August 8, 2015 Congress of Visayan Organization (COVO) Annual Convention. The daytime session will be at the King Kaumu’ali’i Elem. School Cafeteria from 8:00 AM-4:00PM The banquet in the evening will be at the Kauai Beach Resort Hotel starting at 6:00 PM. Contact: Virgie Cruzada at 808 652 2176 or May Mizuno at 741 4503.
Errata: The July 1 issue o f t h e F i l -A m Courier featured the officers of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The bio of Chamber Secretary Zhoydell Magaoay was inadvertently missed. Here is his bio. Zhoydell Cortez Magaoay, M.A.Ed., M.S.C.P. Zhoydell Magaoay is an advocate for change. He possesses strong leadership skills and commitment to the welfare of the youth through his involvement in education and development of young Filipino Americans. Zhoydell was born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He immigrated to Hawaii with his family in 1983. Zhoydell is the Student Services Coordinator and Special Education Department Head at his Alma Mater, Farrington High School. As an advisor to three graduating class (2005, 2009, 2013) at Farrington High School and currently the Farrington High School Filipino-American Club, he provides guidance and serves as a role model to his students. He graduated with his Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Master of Arts Degree in Education, and Master
of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Education in Organizational Leadership. Zhoydell devotes his time to the community. Zhoydell serves on the boards of several cultural, communities, academic, and professional organizations. He is currently the Hawaii State Teachers Association Honolulu Chapter Vice-President. He is the President of the United Bacarreneos of Hawaii and the Chairman of the Board of the Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber (Filipino Jaycees). Zhoydell was the co-chairperson of the 3rd Annual Flores de Mayo Festival, 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade in May 2015. Zhoydell is the co-Founder of the Balligi Scholarship for Santo Cristo Elementary School in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The United Filipino Council of Hawaii awarded him with the Outstanding Filipino Educator Award in 2008 and the JCI Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber recognized him as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Filipino Professionals in 2012. He likes to play volleyball and ballroom dancing.
MAHALO TO SUPPORTERS OF THE PCCCH FOOD FAIR LAST JUNE 7, 2015 CONRAD AND LINDA ABUEL OF BULACAN CIRCLE & ASSOCIATES OF HAWAII MERCY PEREZ, CHRISTY MEDINA & LITA PEREZ FOOD VENDORS
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 3
Bennette Espineli Misalucha 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 Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan 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
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I h a d t h e ple asure of interviewing Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin, who, last month, marked one year as the highest-ranking representative of the Republic of the Philippines in Hawaii. This issue of the Fil-Am Courier devotes considerable attention to the philosophical perspective of the consul-general. A year gives one perspective, and when asked what is the biggest issue that faces our Filipino community today, Con-Gen Jamoralin, after a thoughtful pregnant pause, declared, “Political empowerment”. I could not agree more. It is an issue that continues to befuddle us. By any stroke of the imagination, we should be politically astute by now. O u r p e o p l e h ave be e n in Hawaii—lived, intermarried, prospered—for more than one hundred years. Political pundits like to point out that Filipinos certainly have the numbers to sway any election; after all, we are the largest ethnic population base in the islands. We did produce the only Filipino-American to serve at the executive branch—our very own Benjamin Cayetano, who served honorably as the state’s fifth governor. Yes, we currently have a number of Filipino-Americans who serve at the city, county and state levels. Many of them show great promise and could potentially traverse a higher path and achieve greatness. But if their elections were up to the Filipino community, could we deliver the votes that would propel them to victory? My personal assessment, sadly, is no. In fact, Ben Cayetano himself acknowledged this, when he was quoted in 1989 as he was campaigning to retain his seat as Lt. Governor: “Filipinos are real neophytes in American politics. Organization has never been one of our strong suits.” This problem is not just confined to our Hawaii politics: the lack of political empowerment is also prevalent on the Mainland. And the acknowledgement of this problem is not new either. I recently came across this excellent editorial written in 1999 by Nestor Palugod Enriquez who referred to an article from the Harvard University Philippine Forum and
The Conundrum of Political Empowerment Ugnayang Pilipino Quarterly Publication, which was published about 26 years ago. Imagine this: the article could have been written yesterday because the issues remain the same. I am re-printing the editorial in its entirety: “We believe that it is important for Asian Americans to voice their opinions and to participate in the electoral process. But to vote for a candidate because he/she is a good Filipino/Asian will not serve the public good unless that candidate is clearly prepared and qualified for the position sought. The question of ethnicity should neither dissuade nor persuade one to vote for a particular candidate. Similarly voters should not automatically support candidates who field Asian running mates. It is a tenuous line that Asian candidates must walk in order to avoid the stigma of tokenism. Moreover to overcome any questions of qualification, Asian candidates must demonstrate the highest levels of aptitude, integrity, and dedication to the constituency they hope to deserve. Thus, we urge Filipinos with a sense of public service to come forward and represent their community in the process of legislation. As Filipinos will find out in the upcoming 1990 census, they are the largest Asian minority group in the United States. Filipinos also tend to have one of the largest voter registration rates among the Asian minorities (about 27%). Whether the great numbers of Filipinos can be translated into political power will depend on the success and interest generated by able public servants and dedicated political activists such as Hawaiian Lt. Gov Ben Cayetano and Irene Natividad. Call for unity… For years now, a prominent political organization has been
persuading Filipino-Americans of their need to unify. Frankly, “this call for unity” has been annoying. The term unity is vague and those who use the term never make explicit what “unity” can do for FilipinoAmericans. Do they mean “unity for political empowerment?” Unity for social justice? Or do they mean unity for economic advancement? Assuming that the national community of FilipinoAmericans does somehow achieve this state of “unity”, what then? Unless this achievement can be converted into tangible benefits for individuals in the community, that achievement will have served no purpose. If Filipino-American leaders insist on talking about the need for unity, let them at least discuss. A) the steps to take in order to achieve this goal, and B) the specific objectives for which unity is a prerequisite. Otherwise, the phrase becomes nothing more than an overused, unimaginative political slogan. Romel Colanta, MD-PhD ’91 who was raised in Jersey City wrote: The influence that Asian Americans will have in future local, state, and national elections will be linked to their pattern of voter registration. Participation in the democratic process is essential if AsianAmerican communities are to influence the course of legislation. As politicians from the various Asian communities make slow, but steady, progress in the political arena, these communities as a whole can have profound effects on the course of legislation by participation in “constructive activism.” Individually, Asian Americans have exerted a measure of influence by contributing to the political campaigns of non-Asian candidates. Irene Natividad, Chairwoman of the National Women’s Political Caucus warns Asian Americans that “power struggles among the
powerless are useless and the key to addressing our needs is through political power, not only through campaign contributions, but through political representation.” The gap of political underrepresentation will be bridged only after Asian Americans have traversed the political learning curves. Effective and constructive activism, such as that undertaken by the JapaneseAmerican community in their pursuit of justice for wartime internment, demonstrates the possibilities of community action and greater understanding of the inside political game. Filipinos in particular, who do not have common issues and causes to unify them must be ever more diligent in their effort to participate in community activism lest they fade into powerless obscurity. Without active participation in effort such as voter registration, membership in political organizations, and diligent monitoring of current local legislation, Filipinos and other Asians risk not having role models and a spirit of activism within their families and communities.” (http:// philipppines.tripod.com/polJC. htm). I take this powerful message to heart. We are at the threshold of potential political gains. Sure, we can all agree that something ought to be done. So rather than be immobilized by confusion, we need to FIRST go back to the basics: let’s register our people to vote. Here’s a challenge to our various community associations (COVO, UFCH, OFCC) to elevate the discussion and expand our purview beyond cultural dimensions. Let’s all focus on voter registration for the rest of the year. Governor Cayetano was right: we were neophytes in politics. But, don’t you think it’s about time we grow up?
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
By Bennette Espineli Misalucha Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor
Our cover....
Philippine Consul-General Gina Jamoralin was photographed for our cover by the talented James Ramos at the Philippine Consulate at Pali Highway. James can be reached at james@ jamesramosphotography or at 808 345-3924. Cover concept by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia. A big mahalo to Jeff Orig of OrigMedia. Both Noah and Jeff may be reached at wwww.origmedia.com or by calling (808) 447-9559
“The Filipino community here is so involved! I feel blessed.” Consul-General Gina Alagon Jamoralin declared, as she described the Filipino community in Hawaii. Jamoralin, the highest ranking representative of the Republic of the Philippines, marked her
At my office at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo
one year anniversary in the Islands, an assignment that poses challenges as well as opportunities. For one thing, the Filipino community in Hawaii is large and growing, representing, by some accounts, as much as a quarter of Hawaii’s population or about 250,000 people when one counts those with mixed heritage. Filipinos love to join groups, whether the context be religious, regional area of origin, business or civic affiliations—we are a socially connected people and as of last count, there are more than 130 clubs or organizations, if not more. Since these associations all have celebrations throughout the year, managing a Consul General’s social calendar— who is often called upon to administer an oath, crown a queen or be a guest speaker— can be a logistics nightmare; it is not uncommon for her to attend two or three events on a given Saturday.
But Jamoralin takes it all in stride. To her credit, she chooses to focus instead on the more substantive aspects of her role: as an advocate for positive policy changes affecting her Filipino constituencies. After only a year in the state, Jamoralin is already making a difference. For instance, she initiated the effort to declare December 20 th every year as “Sakada Day”, through a bill which Governor David Ige recently signed into law. Sponsored by Vice Speaker John Mizuno, the bill, HB 604 “commemorates the arrival of the first 15 Filipino plantation workers or sakadas in Hawaii. It also recognizes the contributions of Filipinos to Hawaii’s diverse and multi-cultural society and the enduring friendships between the people of the Philippines and Hawaii.” Not a bad accomplishment for a trained economist who fell
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 5
into the foreign service arena, purely by accident. EARLY DAYS Born in Paranaque, Manila, Gina Jamoralin spent her childhood in the small town of Banga in the province of Aklan, an area famous for its world reknowned mardigras, called “ati-atihan”. She is the second oldest child born to Aurora Alagon of Bohol, a housewife, and Ruben Jamoralin, a small businessman from Sorsogon. T h e d e c i s i o n t o m ove the family to the peaceful countryside—her maternal grandmother’s hometown—was initiated by her father, who, after working in the rat-race pace of Manila, appreciated how work-life balance can be achieved there, given the slower cadence of life in the province. Jamoralin recalled the idyllic lifestyle, but she also shares that in her family, everyone worked hard. “We had no maids, so I learned to cook, garden and clean the house at a young age. It certainly was not a spoiled existence.” “My father was a strict disciplinarian. He would drill us and make us solve arithmetic problems before we were allowed to play.To practice my speaking abilities, he made me read newspaper articles aloud to him.” The young Jamoralin’s dream was to be an astronaut. “I was fascinated by the stars, the moon and the constellations. Every evening, my favorite past time was to look at the sky and I would imagine myself walking on the moon. I wanted to be a scientist.” But the dutiful daughter was told that one had to be practical in this world, and so, she resigned herself to becoming an accountant, a profession which her father early on, had steered her towards. After high school, Jamoralin headed for Manila to study at the prestigious University of the Philippines. Ever protective, her parents did not allow her to stay in the school dorms.
Philippine Embassy officers and staff in Tokyo group photo with President Benigno Aquino Jr. during the President’s visit to attend the APEC Leaders Summit in Yokohama in 2010. Consul General Jamoralin, then Minister and Economic Officer is fifth from right, front row.
Instead, her father left the family abode for three years, rented a small apartment close to school and chaperoned her throughout college. “I admit I was Daddy’s girl,” Jamoralin laughed at the recollection. But Plan A flew out the window when Jamoralin enrolled in her first accounting course. “I hated it”, she said, “but during the same semester, I discovered economics. I convinced my father that both disciplines dealt with numbers, so I that’s how I ended up pursuing economics instead.” She has not looked back since. In her junior year in college, she started working part-time at the U.P. College of Public Administration. The professors liked her so much, they encouraged her to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration, which she completed in 1986. Her first job after graduation was in government, as a planning officer of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, which was a part of the Department of Science and Technology. “I initially had a desk job, but after two years, I was promoted to the rank of research specialist, and I was able to travel the entire country to do field research.” “We would travel along dusty roads, to remote farming communities, sleeping in the homes of the barangay captains. I was living my life in a suitcase,” she explained, “After the data gathering, we
Accompanying former President Fidel V. Ramos visiting Soka University, Tokyo
organized the data, interpreted the results and wrote a technical report summarizing our findings.” By this time, Jamoralin said she was living the dream, but thoughts of getting her doctorate degree, maybe even from a university abroad, danced in her mind . She anticipated that she would need to learn a new language to go to school abroad, so she decided to enroll in Russian language classes. “I have always had an interest in studying a foreign language, and I was fascinated by the Russian culture,” she added.
But in the middle of the course, her Russian language instructor then, Alex Lamadrid
(now Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria), topped the Philippine Foreign Service Exam that year and was accepted into the Philippine foreign service program. He encouraged her to do the same. It was not part of her plan, but perhaps emboldened by the travels across the archipelago and ready to spread her wings into distant lands, she decided to take the highly competitive Philippine foreign service exams in 1990. “It was the middle of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, so our test results did not come out until 1991. Thankfully, I passed during the first try!” Jamoralin admitted that qualifying to become a diplomat
During the presentation of credentials of Philippine Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Manuel Lopez to the Japanese Emperor at Imperial Palace, Tokyo, 2011 . Minister Gina Jamoralin is third from left next to Ambassador Lopez together with Philippine Embassy, Tokyo officials
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
With Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Philippine desk
With a Buddhist monk in Hiraizumi, Japan
was not easy. “There were only ten of us who passed the two-day written exams, out of the hundreds who took the written exam. The ten then had to pass grueling oral exams which included an impromptu three-minute speech on an international issue in a formal dinner setting. It was quite intimidating. In my batch, seven out of ten were lawyers,” she added. The first assignments given by the Department of Foreign Affairs harnessed her background, first as desk officer for expatriates in the Science a n d Te c h n o l o g y s e c t i o n , then as special assistant of the Philippine APEC Senior Official at the APEC National Secretariat at the DFA, a post she held for five years which culminated in the Philippines’ first ever hosting of APEC meetings in 1996. For a year, Jamoralin served as special assistant to the APEC Senior Official who chaired the APEC meetings and also acted as Chief Rapporteur leading a team of rapporteurs recording the proceedings and writing the reports at the end of the senior officials meetings (SOM) and ministerial levels. (Note that the Philippines is again hosting the APEC meetings this year. It will be its second time to play host.) “That was my first visit to Hawaii in 1993, when I came for a Senior Official meeting (SOM) to APEC.” Foreign Postings Shortly thereafter, with her parents’ blessings, she
With former Philippine Ambassador to Japan and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr., her boss then, and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (2009-2010) at Imperial Hotel in Tokyo during a Philippine Independence Day reception.
left the country for her first foreign assignment: Bucharest, Romania. “I loved that post! I was there for seven years, first as a Vice-Consul and later on, I was promoted to Consul. I was able to use my Russian and also learned Rumanian. It was a small embassy, all of us women, and we also covered Bulgaria. I got to travel all over Europe,” Jamoralin added. “I arrived in December, in the middle of winter, and on my second day on the job, I had to host the Diplomatic Corps and because I was the highest ranking officer, I had to give a toast to the Romanian Foreign Minister. Really, that post stretched my abilities and skills sets.” Jamoralin also felt privileged to be assigned there at a time of political transition: “The country was changing from a socialist enclave to a capitalistic society, and as an economist, I was fascinated by the impact of those changes to their economy or even their cultural ethos.” Bucharest, with its rich cultural and artistic traditions, was also the place where Jamoralin developed an appreciation for the arts and to which, today, she remains very passionate about. As a young child, she had always wanted to play the piano, but circumstances had prevented her from taking lessons. This time, in Romania, she bought a piano and started diligently taking lessons and practicing. “I only play for fun, for myself”, she laughingly
With McGill MBA classmates , at McGill Desautels Faculty of Management, Tokyo, Japan, 2012
explained when pressed whether she plays in public. She also reached out to the art community, and she immersed herself in the music and the art world, going to operas and concerts as performed by noted musicians who became her friends. When she came back to the Philippines in 2004, her assignment at the office of United Nations allowed her to also pursue and complete her doctorate of economics degree from the University of Sto. Tomas. Her eyes lighted up as she revealed the topic of her thesis: the long term behavior of the peso using the monetary model. When the next foreign assignment came knocking at her door, Jamoralin couldn’t have been happier. The prospect of going to Tokyo, Japan as Head of the Economics Section and the no. 2 officer of the Embassy, was an honor she was mindful about. She oversaw 50 Embassy officers and staff with attaches representing a myriad o f g o ve r n m e n t a g e n c i e s ; Jamoralin knew that leadership and teamwork would be keys to running a tight ship. As Economic Officer at the Tokyo Embassy, she coordinated Japan’s overseas development assistance to the Philippines or ODA including grants and yen loans. These ODA made possible the construction of important infrastructures in the Philippines such as LRT, airports, highways, hospitals, bridges, out of Japanese ODA. She also helped facilitate the implementation of the first Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA, the first bilateral trade agreement between Japan and the Philippines. The JPEPA was instrumental in bringing Philippine nurses to work in Japan. The capacity of the Philippine Embassy was tested, however, when Japan experienced a triple disaster in March 2011: an earthquake that devastated the northeastern part of Japan, which also unleashed a tsunami. Then just eleven months later, Fukushima became the site of
During a Philippine Embassy, Tokyo Independence Day reception.
a nuclear disaster. In recalling that period, Jamoralin shared the level of coordination that was required: “Our Embassy team was awake for the first 48 hours, manning 24-hour hotlines, taking inquiries and requests for assistance from Filipinos affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Sendai. We had about 200 Philippine nationals that had to be transported from Tokyo to Manila. There was chaos, and we had to find shelter for them quickly. At the same time, the Embassy had to stay open to cater to hundreds of Filipinos who lined up at the consular section every day to renew their passports since so many of them wanted to exit Japan during the first few weeks after the disasters. Thanks to our good relationships with the diocese and Filipino community volunteers, we were able to house our evacuees at local churches for a few weeks; it took a lot of community support to make it happen.” “In Japan, I was blessed to have worked under the excellent leaderships of Ambassador Domingo Siazon, Jr., former Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Manuel Lopez, from the Lopez family and former Chairman of Meralco.” By the time she came back to the Philippines after six years at the Tokyo Embassy, she was ready to delve into the new assignment as Executive Director of the Office of American Affairs and later on as acting Assistant Secretary. She seemed to have an uncanny ability to be where the action is, because during this tour of duty, the newly minted President of the United States Barack Obama came for a state visit to the Philippines. “Yes, I met the President! I found him very intelligent, gracious and very friendly! I received a thank you letter for assisting him and arranging for the visit. Truly a highlight of my career,” Jamoralin said enthusiastically. Aloha and Mabuhay In 2014, as the prospects of getting another foreign
Watching a cut-paper Japanese artist
assignment loomed near, she heard rumors that she may be posted to the U.S. East coast. It was a surprise when she was told that Hawaii would be her next posting. “I did not mind it, of course. Hawaii was always a highly coveted post. As I got to know the community more, I realized why. The community here is very friendly and resourceful. They are really connected with each other, and continue to have strong ties with the P h i l i p p i n e s ,” t h e C o n s u l General added. Jamoralin is particularly proactive in engaging with the Filipino-American youth and helping them discover their roots. She points to two initiatives she is proud of. One is the Ilokano Language Acquisition and Immersion for the New Generation or I L A I N G , w h e r e 1 5 yo u n g people completed a threemonth Ilocano course and five were then selected to travel to Ilocos for their language immersion. It is a joint project of the Philippine Consulate, the Candonians of Hawaii, the Filipino Community Center, Philippine Airlines, the Hon. Eric Dario Singson and Hon. Ericson Singson. The other initiative is the 4th Filipino Youth Leadership Program, a national leadership forum, designed to give the emerging generation an opportunity to learn more about the issues as well as to broaden their perspectives through travel to the Philippines. This is an initiative of the Philippine Ambassador to Washington. This year’s Hawaii represent a t i v e t o t h e P r o g ra m i s Representative Ty Cullen. In coordination with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii led by Amelia Casamina, the Consul-General has also successfully spearheaded the first Philippine Food Festival which featured native Philippine food from different regions in the Philippines. In the area of outreach, the Philippine Consulate has gone all out in visiting the neighbor islands to provide consular services. Seven outreach
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 7
At a dinner hosted by Sumitomo executives and their wives for ASEAN diplomats in Tokyo
opportunities have been held in Kona, Hilo, Maui, Kauai and American Samoa where Philippine nationals are able to renew passports, notarials or register Philippine overseas voters. “Since July 2014, we have processed 9,908 passports, 298 visas and 1,746 legal documents for notarial,” Jamoralin stated. As the Consul-General spends more time in Hawaii, she becomes even more cognizant of the challenges that the Filipino community is faced with. “Political empowerment is number one. But it is also
In kimono attire at Hiraizumi hotel
an opportunity. We need to produce more Filipino leaders, encourage more political awareness, and get our people to register to vote,” she named a few action items. She said although there are existing connections between Hawaii and the Philippines, there can always be more: more academic exchanges, more trade missions, more youth forums, more professional networking opportunities. “More frequent dialogue is good. It bodes well for better understanding.” “My dream is to have the Filipino community work as one. Unity is still elusive
Trying the banana boat in Boracay with niece, nephew and a friend of nephew in 2012
During a Hawaiian Night themed dinner at Sanno Hotel, Tokyo Japan, 2010
although we have come a long way. I see the celebration of the first Sakada Day this year (on December 20th) as an opportunity to come together. We share an appreciation for our sakada roots. I am hopeful about the future.”
Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Managing Editor of the Fil-Am Courier. She has been affiliated with the paper for 27 years. She was a former television reporter and producer, both in Hawaii (at KHON Channel 2) and in the Philippines.
With Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairman Mely Nicolas, visiting Tokyo and Vice-Consul Ryan Pondoc of Philippine Embassy, Tokyo
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
Why counties matter By: Kit Zulueta (Maui)
A delegation of 24 elected officials from Quezon City Council, Philippines, led by Vice Mayor Josefina Belmonte, visited Maui during the 4th of July weekend to commemorate the 45th sister-city relationship anniversary with the county. As someone who grew up in Quezon City, this was a special event for me. I wasn’t even born when the friendship was established, but it was reaffirming to know that I’m in the right place. Located in Metro Manila, Quezon City is the national capital and is the most populous and largest city in the Philippines – about 3 million in population. I know that when I visit home in December, I’ll most likely have a sense of “mis” place because of massive spurts of development. But economic data is indicating an upward trend, and I can give that credit to our friends in the Quezon City Council. I last visited Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista in 2012 with a delegation from the Maui County Council. We met the vice mayor then, and several officials from their council. One of the most progressive councilors we met was Allan Reyes. His campaign slogan was “Yes na Yes with Allan Reyes.” Clever. He showed us some of his work, and demonstrated
Officials from Quezon City visit Maui, Hawaii State Association of Counties and National Association of Counties conference a p r o d u c t fr o m o n e o f this livelihood projects, including a desk chair made of recycled plastic. On Facebook, I see him providing entrepreneurial support to residents from his district. He is inspirational. And he wasn’t the only one I admire. They were a mix of the younger innovative ones and the more seasoned and experienced. They were all eager to learn about best practices from the county – they had a lot of questions about our charter, about how county government works on our side of the planet. They are genuine. I say this with much respect and aloha to our friends in Quezon City. Serving in public office is still a very noble job. I admire people who put their name out for public positions and risk losing a private life. There is nothing else more rewarding than making a positive impact in someone else’s life. The power of the pen – writing legislation that will set forth a path for those to rise above the poverty line – is a privilege and a responsibility. I can say the same for our local legislators in Hawaii. They are just regular people like us, who truly care about making a difference in the lives of others. They too, make mistakes, sing faulty tunes in karaoke and ask the same questions that many
QC delegation visits Maui County Council chamber
of us don’t have the courage to do. On June 24-26, we had the Hawaii State Association of Counties conference in Makena, Maui. It was a tremendous success. I wrote about the conference in a blog post at MauiCounty.us, but I just wanted to assure you that no matter how negative government officials appear on media, about 99 percent of the time, they are real people who want to help make a difference in Hawaii. Egos, pride and personalities aside, they all care. They do.
Fast forward to Mecklenberg County in Charlotte, North Carolina – our small Hawaii delegation meets the rest of the 3,609 counties of America in a conference led by one of our own councilmember from Lanai, RikiHokama. There were really amazing people at the conference. The National Association of Counties represent the counties of America on the federal level in Washington D.C. Long story short, we’ll leave the intimidating government work to them but know this – they are fighting for support for the
counties so that the next time you flush your toilet, it goes down ok. Think of the counties too whenever your trash bins are emptied. Think of the counties when you visit a park, when you call 911 or when you ride the bus. Counties matter. And you are integral part of the county system. Let me ask you, do you know who your councilmember is?
Kit Zulueta is the Communication Director for the Maui County Council and is the GintongPamana Leadership Awards chair for the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce. She owns creative firm KitZulueta.com. Follow @ keeet on Twitter.
WANTED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CALL 595-8787
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 9
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
By Nancy Bernal
Left to right: Mariam Dar, Yasmin Dar-Fasi and Shaiyanne Dar
“Burn’n Love Waikiki” is the hottest show in Honolulu receiving rave reviews. Leo Days has earned the recognition as one of the best “Elvis” Tribute Artists nationally and
internationally. He carries on the “Elvis” legacy in this spectacular show wearing legendary outfits, recreating the moves and performing the signature songs of “Elvis”. Tom Moffatt, radio
Sal Fasi, Yasmin Dar-Fasi and Gianluca Salvatore Fasi
jock turned media mogul, was the man who helped bring “The King” to Hawaii on several occasions. He re-enacts his interviews with Elvis in this show from actual radio transcripts. All
ages will enjoy this dynamic production produced by Mike Kattawar that includes dancers, full band and backup singers. For the month of August, Hawaii Residents can experience “Burn’n Love
Jordan Segundo and Trini Kaopuiki - “Living808” on KHON 2
Tom Moffatt and Leo Days from “Burn’n Love Waikiki”
Jordan Segundo with an Adoptable Dog - “Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show”
Waikiki” for 50 percent off the regular admission rate. Just call 971-4321 to make your reservations and use the code “Hawaii50”. •••• Apaulo Music Productions presented another great smooth jazz concert on July 25 at The Hawaii Convention Center featuring David Benoit, Spencer Day and Michael Paulo. David Benoit (pianist) is known for his recordings of the “Peanuts” (Charlie Brown) music and is currently recording more music for a feature film featuring the “Peanuts” gang which will be released in November, 2015. His performance of “Linus and Lucy” always receives a huge reaction from the audience. •••• Jordan Segundo hosts a regular segment on KHON2’s “Living808” Show on every Wednesday at 8 a.m. If you want to know what events are happening each week in Hawaii, tune in to his “808 Update” report, where he has conversation with Trini Kaopuiki about Hawaii’s upcoming activities. •••• Birthday wishes go out to Gianluca Salvatore Fasi, son of Yasmin Dar-Fasi and Sal Fasi, who celebrated his first year with family and friends on June 28 at The Oahu Country Club. Aunties -Shaiyanne and Mariam Dar flew in from the mainland for this special occasion reuniting all three sisters, after living in different cities for several years. •••• Congratulations to Brandon Ihaka Johnson,
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 11
Leo Days (“Elvis” in “Burn’n Love Waikiki) and Executive Producer - Mike Kattawar
son of Bradley and Sweetie Johnson (aka Sweetie Pacarro) on his graduation from St. Louis High School. It was a fun celebration on July 17 with Sweetie Pa c a r r o e m c e e i n g a n d Jordan Segundo performing. •••• “Mango Jam Honolulu” is a locally-produced production happening on the grounds of The Frank F. Fasi Civic Center on August 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m. This wonderful evening of entertainment features Al Waterson and Brother N o l a n d i n a l i ve s t a g e presentation perfect for all
ERRATA
The July 1 issue listed an erroneous bio for Filipino Chamber director Vanessa Kop. Here is the correct one: Vanessa Kop is the Managing Director and broker of Newmark Grubb CBI, a commercial real estate company with sales, leasing, investment and property management services. She has been awarded, two years in a row, 2014 and 2014, for being the retail broker of the year. Vanessa knows how to give back to the community. She sits on the board of the Hawaii State Art Museum, Hawaii Chinese Association as Vice President and Director of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
Eduardo “Eddie” Lactaoen, Sr.
ages. Local Entertainers – Kapena, Jeff & Robi and Kapala will also perform. Admission is free. For more information, call (808) 7686622. •••• The Annual Hawaii Woman Expo is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 at The Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. In addition to the beautiful fashion shows and 200 booths of shopping, there will be great entertainment hosted by Emcee – Al Waterson. The “Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show” on September 12 and 13 at
Left to right: Al Waterson, Michael Paulo, David Benoit, Bruce Hamada and Noel Okimoto
12:30 p.m. will feature VIPS and High-Profile people on the runway holding puppies from the animal shelter dressed in fashions from The Pet Corner. All of the puppies will be available for adoption. Leo Days from “Burn’n Love Waikiki” will be participating and Storybook Entertainment Characters will also there. For a full schedule, check out www. HawaiiWomanExpo.com
•••• Our deepest sympathy goes out to The Lactaoen Family on the death of Eduardo “Eddie” Lactaoen, Sr. who passed away on April 29, 2015. This man was a wonderful singer and the founder of E & M Family Sounds and Productions, a family entertainment business that has been a part of many events in Hawaii for numerous years. Eddie will
be missed immensely by family and friends. •••• For now, That’s Entertainment! •••• (If you would like to submit entertainment information, please contact Nancy Bernal at 947-5736 or e-mail her at Nancy Bernal@ aol.com)
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
Wisdom from Mama, a Life Lived of Faith and Love
By Maribel Apuya
Esperanza “Espy” Gabriel Garcia spends every Monday morning at 10 a.m. volunteering as a docent or interpretive guide for Hawaii’s Plantation Village, and has done so for the past 20 years. With a hint of her comedic nature, she begins her tour claiming, “I’m an FBI – Full Blooded Ilocano.” Ilocanos are from Ilocos Norte, a province located at the northwest corner ofthe island of Luzon, Philippines. Between 1906-1946, many Ilocanos immigrated to Hawaii to work as laborers for the sugar and pineapple plantations. “When I first came to Hawaii’s Plantation Village, I thought ‘Oh this is my life. I was born and raised in the plantation. My Papa was a plantation laborer.” As a docent, Espy shares her life story as a plantation laborer’s daughter. She was born on November 22, 1933 at Kekaha Sugar Plantation. Her father, Cecilio Gabriel, and mother, Marina Manganaan Gabriel, both hail from Camiling Tarlac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. I, myself, have joined Espy’s tour and her personal narrative makes the visit unique and moving. Many have come away touched, understanding better the history and nuances of plantation life. And perhaps the icing on the cake is the lunch that followed – a grand meal of local
and Filipino foods, which Espy prepares herself including beef tomato, pancit, sushi maki and sushi teppomaki, sweet potato leaf salad, bread pudding and
crispy wonton skin desert. As a talented cook, Espy generously shares her gift of cooking to people. She learned the goodness of feeding people from her mother, Marina. When she was a child, Espy saw her mother feed strangers. When she asked her why she did that, Marina replied, “You don’t know if you are feeding Angels.”
In 2006, Espy was chosen to teach well-known chef and restauranteur, Alan Wong, how to cook the traditional Filipino dish Pinakbet for the “Back to the Roots” plantation benefit dinner that featured dishes from old plantation days. Espy showed up with a big pot, pre-cut vegetables, and the “Power of Mama” aka her Mama’s recipe and the cooking gift her mother passed onto her. Espy remembers her mother’s faith, love and strength as the forces that kept their family together. Marina lost four children before she could join her husband in Hawaii in 1928 – two to dysentery and two to unknown causes. She was so heartbroken by her losses that she attempted to drown herself in the river only to be saved by one of
Espy with her tour group doing one of her favorite activities – feeding the fishes.
her neighbors. But Marina healed through her faith in God, something she and Espy shared. “Mama and I are both prayer warriors. I always pray before acting on something. I tell the Lord that if this is something He wants for me, I will do it.” To earn money for her children’s school expenses, Marina did laundry for the single men in the camp. Being an excellent cook, she was hired to cook for special occasions such as weddings and community events. “One thing Mama always said to me was to save my body for my husband, and that stuck with me all my life. She said ‘God is always watching you.’ I cannot sin against God. So I said one man and that’s it! I saved my body for my husband until we were married.” I n t ra d i t i o n a l F i l i p i n o fashion, Espy promised her parents that she would graduate college and get a job before she would marry. She met her husband-to-be, Marcelino, when she was 16 years old. While Espy initially aspired to be a physical education teacher and study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, she didn’t want to wait through four years of schooling before marrying Marcelino. She asked her mother if she could attend business school, which took two years instead of four. Her
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 13
Here is a sample.
This was the 60th anniversary love letter shared between the couple
Espy with family at her high school graduation, c/o 1951 Waipahu High School. Top (L-R): Marina Manganaan Gabriel (mother), Espy, Cecilio Gabriel (father). Bottom (L-R): Josephino Epstein (sister), cousin, Maria Rascal (sister)
Espy with her tour group blessing the food before eating lunch. Espy’s first visit to the Philippines in 1959. From L-R: Espy, two cousins, and 96-year-old grandma Gabriel.
Espy and her husband, Marcelino, when they first met in Kauai in 1950
mother approved. Before Espy and Marcelino could marry, both of their families had a meeting. At this meeting Espy’s father, Cecilio, told Marcelino, “I want you to tell all of us that you love my daughter and then ask me for permission to marry Espy in Filipino.” Espy exclaimed, “My heart sank! I knew Marcelino couldn’t speak Filipino. The room was quiet. Dead silent. And I thought I’m never going to get married, because he cannot speak Filipino.” After a long silence Marcelino spoke, “Tata, I love Espy. I would like permission to marry her, but I cannot say it in Filipino.” Espy’s father laughed. He knew all along Marcelino couldn’t speak Filipino. The whole room laughed as well and breathed a sigh of relief. Cecilio gave Espy and Marcelino his blessing, and they soon became husband and wife. In 1952, Espy had an appendectomy where she was so scarred from the operation that she couldn’t have children. It wasn’t until 1972, when Espy had a complete hysterectomy, that she found out the appendectomy was the cause of her inability to have children. Espy was traumatized. But her husband, Marcelino, stood strongly by her side. Marcelino told me, “I don’t believe in divorce. Whatever comes to our marriage, we will work at it.” Espy and Marcelino shared a deep love for each other
A CHANCE TO WATCH A SAKADA STORY!
Espy with Chef Alan Wong, teaching him how to cook Pinakbet for the “Back to the Roots” benefit dinner in 2006.
that grew each day of their marriage. They were married 60 years until he passed away on July 20th of last year. Espy credits her mother, Marina, for the person she has become today. Espy’s faith in God, her cooking talent and her love for family were influenced by her mother’s teachings and kindness to people. “ M a m a w a s a g r e a t encourager. She said to look for the strong point of a child, that way you will always be a positive force in their life. When I realized my niece Rona loved Hawaiiana, I took her to everything Hawaiiana. She got her Masters degree in Hawaiian Studies at UH Manoa, speaks fluent Hawaiian and spent 20 years with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.” “One day I was at my sister’s house in Ewa, and our family sat outside and watched planes land. I gave my baby nephew, Del, a piece of paper and he drew on it. When Del finished, I looked at his drawing – it looked like the plane landed on the paper. I showed his drawing to my sister and said he is going to be an artist. Today, his work in “food art” has been featured in companies like Meadow Gold and Heinz.” Espy confides, “Before Mama died she told all of us (her children), ‘My dream for the four of you is that you will always be bonded and love each other and know humility. You cannot make comparisons. Do not compare who is better, who has more money. Apo Dios (God) says that’s the only way.”
“A Sakada Story”
-- written, directed and produced by filmmaker Maribel Apuya has been chosen to screen at this year’s `Ohina Short Film Festival at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Academy of Arts. `Ohina features the best in short films produced by local Hawaii talent. Place: The Doris Duke Theatre at the Academy of Arts 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814 “We took her teaching to heart. Whenever something was wrong with any us, we came together somewhere secluded like a park and unloaded. We would cry to and comfort each other.” “When Mama died, my siblings and I agreed to write on her stone, ‘She gave direction to our lives.’ Because she did, and that was her legacy.” “We need to remember that our forefathers and foremothers from the Philippines who came to Hawaii left their homeland seeking a better place for their family and for themselves, knowing it wasn’t going to be easy. They came from hardship, but it was hard here, too. But they stuck it out. And that is the beautiful part.”
Born in the Philippines, raised in Hawaii and a resident of New York City, Maribel Apuya is a writer and filmmaker. She has trained in NYC and London. By traveling the world, she has broadened her cultural knowledge and global perspective. She is passionate about sharing the Filipino culture with the rest of the world.
Dates and times: Fri., August 14 (Premiere Night) Opening reception at 6:00pm-7:30pm. Screening at 7:30pm. Mingle with filmmakers, cast and crew and enjoy beer, wine and food for purchase.
Sat., August 15 at 1:00pm
Tickets on sale at http://honolulumuseum. org/15246-ohina_short_film_showcase_2…. General admission: $15
Academy members: $12
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
By Cecile Joaquin Yasay
Have you ever wondered what happened to a classmate, the one who often got in trouble with the teachers? I did, and was pleasantly surprised to have discovered one 40 years later. Aida Cui is now a world renowned artist who will be having a private exhibition of her works at the Kahala Resort Ballroom in August and a reception at the Wyland Signature Gallery at the Waikiki Beach Walk on August 22 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Aida lived in a world of abundance, of contradiction. We were schoolmates at the Assumption Convent in the Philippines, an exclusive school for girls run by strict nunswhose mission was to educate and discipline the privileged children of the elite. Aida “did her own thing” and was loved by her peers for her candor, her exuberance, and “joie de vivre” but often got in trouble with the teachers for the same reason. For her, school was a place to enjoy with friends. Learning was secondary. Nevertheless, she graduatedwith a Bachelor of Arts degree in
LIFE IS FUN AND BURSTING WITH COLOR Literature, where she honed her skills for interpreting life and understanding the human psyche. Later, this would be expressed through her paintings in canvas. After college, her journey of creative expression brought her as curator to the Galleria Duemila in Manila. With her high physical energy, she found a suitable job as manager at the Mandarin Hotel’s Hutch and Reed Physical Fitness Center, followed by the Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylum in San Francisco – a seemingly contrasting career as a professional in the health and fitness industry. This was her chance to see art in body forms in motion. Her first solo art exhibit in 2000 was in San Francisco, California. She then moved to Sedona,
Arizona and servedas cochair of the Sedona Visual Artist Coalition. Her exhibits brought her to several US and foreign cities, including Austria, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland. She currently r e s i d e s i n B a l H a r b o u r, Miami, Florida. Aida’s paintings give the best insight on her view of life. Her art is described as “singing with a spirit for which pleasure is both justification and aim, and are the portals through which we can enter her incandescent world”. In her painting, “To your Health, Wealth and Happiness”, she employs bursts of color to effect radiance, so that objects appear lit from within, as vessels full of meaning and symbolism. The figures’ soft and sensuous curves reflect vibrancy with a touch of gentleness. In their costumed roles as Three Wise Men unconventionally depicted as bursting with joy, their laughter makes the viewer wonder what secrets lie behind it – possibly a glimpse into an unhesitating, unpremeditated, yet generous world we often forget we live in. In her “MISO Pretty”, she paints a woman holding a skull, presenting from her viewpoint, the comedy in life – where people undergo
MiSO Pretty
To your Health, Wealth and Happiness
many beauty treatments but unable to change what is within, where all “physical embellishments” really amount to nothing. The third painting, “Silence between the Notes” is inspired by a Zen saying – “It is the silence between the notes that makes the music that cages the tiger”. She shows how silence is loaded with interpretations and how it wins arguments. I look forward to enjoying
Aida’s artwork in person. And that “hint of a troublemaker” I told you about? Thankfully, she has remained the iconoclast as reflected in her paintings.
Cecile Yasay currently runs her own company, NuOli Medical Institute and has had an extensive career as an administrator both in the US and the Philippines. She worked as a Community liaison to Senator Donna Mercado Kim during this past legislative session. Married to Perfecto Yasay, they live a bicoastal life between Hawaii and the Philippines.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
Born in the Philippines, Virgie Cruzada has lived on the island of Kauai since 1972. A mother of three adult children, she is a resident of Hanamaula with her husband, Bobby. She is a retired teacher who devotes a lot of time helping the community, including serving as president of the Kauai Visayan club and Vice President of the Congress for Visayan Organizations.
Bedecked with beautiful fresh flower leis, Tina happily blew the candles on her birthday cake as her children and grandchildren looked on with much joy and pride.
The Hon. Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., Mayor of the County of Kauai, presented Tina Bautista a framed copy of his official proclamation during her 75th birthday celebration on May 13, 2015 held at the Kauai Marriott.
Among Tina’s guests seated with Fr. Gerry Somera at the same table were Faye Yoshida of Hanamaulu, Tessie Estenzo, and her husband, Willie Estenzo (Estenzo Plumbing) of Kapaa. What better way to celebrate a very special occasion such as this… good times, good food, and with good friends! Good luck, good health and God bless you, Tina! We wish you pure joy and happiness forevermore!
Tina looked so happy as she greeted her guests at the entrance to The Kauai Marriott’s grand ballroom where friends and family got together to help her celebrate a very special day.
As Tina is the current president of the Kauai Filipino Catholic Club at Immaculate Conception Church, Fr. Gerry Somera (left), the parish priest, was invited to do the invocation. He is seen here with Deacon Bill Farias and his wife, Eileen.
Exuding overwhelming happiness and excitement, the usually soft-spoken and kindhearted Tina Bautista greeted guests with great enthusiasm as they entered the banquet room, making sure they felt her warm welcome. Good vibes permeated throughout the entire evening of fun and entertainment as they posed for souvenir that would be cherished for a lifetime.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17
Flex Time and Wayfinding By brandon elefante Council Member City and County of Honolulu
The group will begin meeting and working toward In my last column I spoke strategies and solutions briefly about two efforts this summer. The intention that I am pursuing here at i s t o d e v e l o p “ c o p i n g the City. These two topics strategies” that will alleviate are especially important to the burden on commuters our community as we see now by addressing current the coming changes to our congestion and to consider transportation systems and t h e t r a f f i c i s s u e s a n d the effects of construction mitigation strategies that on our community. might be used as the rail Directly on point to construction moves into addressing traffic congestion town. and gridlock, I introduced a Looking at the broader resolution to urge employers t r a n s p o r t a t i o n p i c t u r e to explore such options i s l a n d -w i d e , I wa n t t o as flex-time scheduling, i m p r o v e t h e e a s e a n d employer-sponsored van effectiveness of traveling p o o l s , s u b s i d i z e d b u s throughout the island for passes, and other programs residents and visitors alike. to assist employees in Ease of mobility will be d e a l i n g w i t h c u r r e n t particularly important as and foreseeable traffic rail comes on-line and congestion issues affecting t ra n s p o r t a t i o n o p t i o n s all commuters due to rail b e c o m e m u l t i - m o d a l . and other road construction Wayfinding is designed projects. Resolution 15- t o a s s i s t p e d e s t r i a n s 163 specifically focused on and transportation users addressing ongoing traffic to successfully navigate congestion in the Waipahu/ through the community. Pearl City Corridor during A g o o d w a y f i n d i n g rail construction, and was s y s t e m g i v e s s t r o n g adopted by the Full Council indicators of where the on July 8th. user is and how to get to The City Department their destination from their of Transportation Services present location. It generally has formed a working group includes signs, maps, and on this issue to include other graphic or audible large employers such as methods used to convey the University of Hawaii, locations and directions to the State, and the County, travelers. Its focus is to as well as some businesses. provide timely and easily
accessible information. Resolution 15-136 urges the City Administration to develop a wayfinding program for the entire City & County of Honolulu that is unified, systematic, and user-friendly. This Resolution was adopted on June 3, 2015, by the Full Council. A fully integrated system will have distinct graphics and displays that will be easily recognized by all users. It will attempt to integrate the rail and bus systems, our world-famous natural attractions, and our historic and cultural districts. A simple problem like traffic actually needs complex, integrated solutions. These two measures are part of a larger multi-pronged approach to deal with the traffic we all experience daily. I look forward to working with you on other ideas and strategies for finding solutions to improve our quality of life. Please look for other community news at my website at: www.honolulu. gov/council8/default.html. If you have suggestions or comments, I’d love to hear them. Contact me at 808768-5008 or at belefante @ honolulu.gov.
The Honolulu City Council recently honored the Waipahu Community Association on its 55th Year Anniversary and its 15th Year Anniverary relaunch as a non-profit group. Congratulations to all!
Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District 8 which covers Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008 and his email is belefante@honolulu.gov.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015
By perfecto r. yasay, jr.
When Pope Francis decried corruption as “gangrene of the people” he succinctly captured the simple truth that widespread corruption is real and not easy to cure or heal. Unless dealt with extreme urgency and perseverance, the dreaded disease, characterized by the rotting or decomposing of vital tissues will also inevitably lead to the demise of the body politic. Like gangrene, corruption results in impeding the flow of critical resources that provide for
THE GANGRENE OF THE NATION
basic needs, services and opportunities for growth and advancement. It is caused by virulent, incompetent and dishonest public servants that voraciously suck taxpayers money out of the national life blood. It is a plague for countries whose populations are predominantly poor and
has resulted in stagnation, sufferings and unmitigated crime. Like gangrene, corruption requires the radical amputation of a critical limb of government to stem the spread of necrosis - to other healthy body parts.
When the Pope made this declaration in his recent visit to the poor nation of Paraguay, he was not singling out any particular c o u n t r y, b u t b r o a d l y referring to the most corrupt and inept nations in the world, including the Philippines, which he visited not too long ago. Filipinos should not be deceived into thinking that they can eradicate this deadly scourge by putting to jail a few political opponents of incumbent leaders, only to be replaced by equally crooked or incompetent government officials. This is made all the more worse when the powers that be endeavor to protect their corrupt friends and allies under a regime of selective justice. But this is exactly what has been happening in the Philippines where the war against corruption is seen as mainly directed to neutralize the political opposition in order to ensure the victory of the administration candidates in the 2016 presidential elections. In short, even the campaign against corruption is so politicized where deceptive rhetoric has replaced truth. In the end the process of selecting
the people’s representatives in government has become a matter of choice between lesser evils. For this reason, our efforts have not struck a dent on the sturdy shell of systemic corruption, where at its core essential resources continue to be quickly siphoned off to perpetuate power and wealth in the hands of a privileged few. The reality is that corruption cannot be eliminated or destroyed overnight or even within the term of the President. In fact, today, indications are that it continues to grow in the Philippines at an alarming rate. This is because pork barrel there has been so entrenched in the national traditions and practices, even if it has evolved into many forms to conceal its ugly head and notoriety as an instrument of patronage politics. Indeed corruption will not be eradicated in our life time or in the lifetime of our children unless we radically cut-off a good part of our flawed economic and political structures and quickly tear down the faulty electoral system that feeds, nurtures and justifies it.
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.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • AUGUST 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 19
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