PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
STATEWIDE community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU February 4, 2016 FJCFilipino Junior Chamber 2016 Kick-Off General Membership Meeting and Board Installation. 6:00 PM-8:30 PM; The Social Honolulu Eatery & Bar, 1018 McCully Street. Honolulu, HI 96826 $20 FJC Members / $30 Guests. Contact Person: FJC Secretary, Cynthia, Email at cynthia.cuestas@fjchamber February 6, 2016 Annak Ti Badoc Iti Hawaii Valentine’s Ball and Scholarship Presentation Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom, 6:00PM; Contact Person: Marilyn Tolentino Villar 6781482 February 6, 2016 C’est Si Bon Reunion 1 at the C’est Si Bon Room at the Pagoda Restaurant 1525 Rycroft Street Honolulu, HI 6:00 PM-12:00 midnight. Cost $25.00 per person. No Host Bar & Food prepared by Pagoda Restaurant will be available for purchase at this event. Featured Bands are: Manila Machine, New Experience & Shining Star. Contact Persons Ben Juan & Freddy Von Paraz 808561-6079 or email cestsibon reunion@yahoo.com& JonTMedia@gmail.com February 13, 2016 Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO) 30th Anniversary Celebration Philippine Consulate Lanai 5:30PM-10:00PM. Free Admission. A round trip ticket to the Philippines courtesy of Philippine Airlines for a $2 Donation statewide will be drawn sometime this August. You do not have to be present to win. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the COVO Foundation Disaster Relief Fund. Please call for more info. Contact Persons: President May Mizuno 7414503, Co-Chairs: Marilyn Silva 387-5570, Virgil Vergara 227-8584
February 14, 2016 Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii (PNAH) Valentine’s Dance Fundraiser, “Love is in the Air- Paint it Red” Rumours Night Club at the Ala Moana Hotel; 5:00PM-10:00PM. Cost $25.00 21+ only. Contact Persons: Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Tina Salvador 426-6183 February 16-21, 2016 The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Trade Mission to the Philippines. The delegation will meet with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the business links between Hawaii and the Philippines, optional extended tour to Cebu available at an additional cost. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Maria Etrata 392-2962 February 20, 2016 Vogue Pygmalion Hawaii presents The Lady In Red Gala with Masks, Hawaii Prince Hotel Maunakea Ballroom 7:00 PM Cost: $70.00To benefit the special projects of Pygmalion Arts Fund, a 501c3 Company; Contact Person: Leo Gozar 630-6268 February 25, 2016 FJC Filipino Junior Chamber International Dine Out; 6:30 PM; Kan Zaman (Downtown, Honolulu) Enjoy a night of Moroccan and Lebanese food and culture. Contact Person: FJC International VP Johnny Noblezada, email: johnny.noblezada@fjchamb March 19, 2016 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Golf Tournament, Waikele Golf Course. Shotgun at 12 Noon Contact Persons: Joe Quibuyen (808) 256-6399, Maria Etrata (808) 3922962 March 19-21, 2016 Sariling Gawa Youth Council holds its 36th Annual Lead-
ership Conference Camp at YMCA Camp Erdman in Mokuleia for high school and college students. Cost: $140.00 per participant. This year’s theme is “Today for Tomorrow” focusing on living in the moment. There will be various activities ranging from energizers, community building, Self-awareness & reflection activities to personal and leadership development of skills. Contact Person: Rouel Velasco at email rouel.velasco@sariling gawa.org/2180833. March 25, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club 91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa Beach, HI. Tournament proceeds fund the Foundation’s Scholarship program. Scholarship recipients will be presented during the chambers Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year & Scholarships Awards gala. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Eddie Agas 783-3327 April 9, 2016 Annual commemoration of the Araw Ng Kagitingan coordinated by the Philippine Consulate General of Hawaii in cooperation with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH). National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 9:00 AM-10:00AM & a mass and lunch for invited guests to follow at the Philippine Consulate General Lanai Contact Persons: Deputy Consul General Roberto Bernardo at the Consulate 595-6316, Allan Alvarez 392-8230 April 30, 2016 Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Annual Terno Ball Hawaii Prince Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM. Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Carlota Ader 688-3215
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair of the Philippine 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.
May 7, 2016 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2016. Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom, 5:30 PM. Contact Persons: Gladys Menor (808) 366-2317, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962 July 16, 2016 The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation Annual Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom 6:00 PM. Contact Persons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam Acosta 3061428. July 29-31, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Convention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBD. Contact Persons: Greg Peros in Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu (808) 2660392 July 30, 2016 La Union Circle of Hawaii presents Miss & Mrs. La Union Hawaii USA 2016. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom, 5:30 PM Coronation with Dinner. Cost $65.00 Contact Persons: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616; Laurie Ann Tadina 3580474; Conrad Valdriz 9538888; Ben Pulido 421-9747; Lolita Domingo 295-1387. August 20, 2016 UPAA University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii Installation of Officers Gala; 6:00 PM, Filcom Center; 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu, HI. Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Melody Calisay 808 2249535, Jenny Normandy 808 286-4426 August 27, 2016 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Recognition Night honoring the 2016 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 outstanding achievements of
graduating high school valedictorians in public and private schools & presentation of the continuing scholar recipients. Empress Restaurant, 100 N. Beretania St. 6:00 PM. We are currently searching for the parents/ parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their children (3 minimum) to college and/or universities & have attained their professional chosen careers. Contact Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Gozar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy 841-2881, Maggie Domingo 783-0068 November 19, 2016 NAMI, INC. Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc. 15th Anniversary Gala and Appreciation of RN Review Class Volunteer Lecturers & Recognition of New RN’s and Review Graduates. 6:00 PM Banyan Tree Showroom, Hale Koa Hotel Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Jun Obaldo 808 277-7495, Bong Curameng 808 383-0135
MAUI February 13, 2016 Mrs. Maui Filipina 2016 Sponsored by Binhi at Ani. 5:30 PM at Binhi at Ani. Contact Person: Sandra Tokunaga at (808) 3577796. July 29-31, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Convention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBD. Contact Persons: Greg Peros in Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu (808) 2660392 July 30, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Miss Hawaii Filipina 2016 Binhi At Ani Community Center in Maui. Contact Persons: Greg Peros (808) 276-8771, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 3
Bennette Espineli Misalucha
IF YOU’RE NOT AT THE TABLE, YOU CAN BE ON THE MENU
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 Liso Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Amelia Casamina Cabatu 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
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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(Or Why We Need to Encourage Our Children to Go Into Politics)
“And if you don’t have a seat at that table, even if you are highly effective in a behind-the-scenes kind of capacity, you’re not living up to the full potential of options you have.” – Jennifer Lawless, Co-Author, Running From Office Call me crazy, but the more time I spend at the State Capitol, the more respect I have for these brave souls who are in state politics. Let me tell you why. First, think of how hard they work. Saying the legislative process is a grind is an understatement. With only four months in session and thousands of bills to be written, heard, caucused on, heard again, and caucused again, the pace is that of a sprint rather than a marathon. Many of these legislators put their lives on hold during this period since that adage is true: so much work, so little time. Late nights and 12-15 hour days are often the norm. Session days are not a walk in the park. Second, think of what they go through in the course of making legislation. Politics is certainly not for the faint of heart since in the heat of battle, competing interests often make enemies of friends, and friends of enemies. And intentions do not necessarily count. One may be armed with good intentions but perceptions, or what they call “optics” often rule the day. In many instances, they are forced to face political realities, change tactics midpoint and perhaps, even yield to forces beyond their control. Their prescribed motto? Survival. Live to fight another day, as they say. It must be exhausting, not to mention emotionally bruising to have to go through this heavy drama every day. Then, of course, there is the requisite transparency in both public and private life. Living in a fishbowl comes with the territory. If one is in public office, there are no boundaries to the public’s right to know. Every facet of one’s life is open to scrutiny and deemed par for the course. A politician’s judgment call is considered a reflection of his character and intentions. These lawmakers are certainly not doing it for the money. The average pay for legislators is $57,852 per year. Yes, it is parttime work but many can attest that their work is never really done, and that their overwhelming burdens should be labelled as fulltime employment. After all, during the off-months, these legislators devote their time to constituency work and issues research, in preparation for the next legislative session. The really convoluted part? One has to win an election to subject oneself to this seemingly thankless job. Have you ever tried sign waving in the rain? Not fun. Sign waving in the hot sun? Feeding volunteers on a shoe-string budget? How about walking door to door in an area known for large dogs? In small or large communities, victory in the district requires personal touch. From community events to cultural exhibits to retirement parties, there is a keen sense to stay visible and remain in the public eye. After all,
Filipino-American state legislators at the Hawaii State Capitol.
that is how one gets re-elected. Are you starting to see how tough this job is? The reality is: no matter how you view it, there are better ways to make a living. In fact, many of today’s legislators are attorneys and can command higher salaries if they were in the private sector or even practicing law full time.For sure, there are other organizations that can provide a more supportive and (dare I say it?) healthy, nurturing and less dysfunctional environment than the political arena. Yet, despite these challenges, in Hawaii, there are 25 state senators and 51 state representatives who are willing to accept the terms and conditions that being a politician entails. Who does that? Well, a total of 76 men and women who continue to believe that politics is a noble goal and worthy of making sacrifices for. Many of them, shaped by their life’s experiences, are convinced that politics is how one can affect change. It is not naiveté that drives them to persist. On the contrary, it is, in fact, an understanding of today’s challenges that have compelled them to climb over the proverbial fence and decide to engage. Given all that, how can you not appreciate these legislators? Yes, I know that perspective is against the prevailing norm. In today’s dysfunctional environment, it is easy to cast politicians in a negative light or to characterize them as out of touch. In a world that has seen the advent of reality television, we have witnessed many politicians whose fortunes have risen and fallen with a lapse in judgment. These media images over the course of time have somehow instilled in our consciousness the notion that public office is something to avoid. And it seems many of our children are taking those cues from us. In a book called “Running From Office”, that was released last year, authors Jennifer Lawless and Richard Fox conducted a study where they interviewed 4,000 high school and college students on their views toward politics. The authors
concluded that:”Black or white, rich or poor, liberal or conservative, Northeastern or Southern, the next generation is turned off to politics.” The authors indicated that this generation, often called the millennial generation, is the first generation that has grown up completely in an environment of dysfunctional politics. They cited such news milestones as the government shutdown, debates over raising the debt ceiling or even the Clinton-Lewinsky affairs as markers that characterize what the millennial generation has grown up with. As a result, this generation views politics as argumentative and dysfunctional. And supposedly, their parents, their teachers and the media agree and constantly reiterate this message. Here are some additional findings: When asked if they would ever consider running for office, only 1 in 9 said yes. Lawless and Fox said that many of the millennial generation have very little political aspirations. Interestingly enough, the next generation do want to make contributions but they just do not think that politics holds sway to this effort. In the study, it quoted Leo, a college senior, who told the authors, “In terms of helping to improve the world, I think it is better to work from outside of politics. When you work from the outside, it is easier to see solutions. When you are on the inside, you get caught up in the politics.” But this is an alarming trend indeed since it is predicted that this would mean a drop of 20-30% in young people choosing political careers. The authors opined: “If we had heard that 89% of young people said that under no circumstances would they ever become a lawyer or a doctor or a journalist or a teacher, there would probably be a national outcry.” Parents of today do not encourage political ambitions. In past generations, having political discussions around the dining table was encouraged. According to Lawless and Fox, today’s families do not follow the news or even keep up with current
events. And if at all politics is discussed, the typical topics include mocking politicians, “characterizing the political system as corrupt, and perpetuating the idea that government is complicated, messy, and ineffective.”The political apathy within the family is reflected in the fact that only 25% of the respondents said they went with their parents to vote. If today’s voter turnout is already pathetic, can you imagine what the future holds? Young Americans are disconnected politically. In a Pew study conducted in 2012, people over 65 said they spent an average of 84 minutes staying abreast of the news; Baby boomers, 77; Gen Xers, 67 while millennials only did 46 minutes daily. The millennials said that music, sports and worship are more important to them and they do not pay attention to political news or discuss it amongst friends. One student was quoted as saying that politics “kills the mood, tacky and bizarre.” Why is it important that we change this trend? My take-away from the book was this powerful statement: “And if you don’t have a seat at that table, even if you are highly effective in a behind-thescenes kind of capacity, you’re not living up to the full potential of options you have.” We c a n n o t e m p h a s i z e i t enough: having a seat at the table allows us and our community to bring our issues forward and enables us to have a voice. At the State Legislature, out of 76 legislators, 11 are Americans of Filipino (or part-Filipino) ancestry. In this issue of the Fil-am Courier, we feature these hard-working men and women who carry the banner for us, and for the constituents in their districts. With the opening of the 2016 State Legislature last January 20th, we encourage you to get to know our legislators, reach out to them and share with them the issues that are important to you. And more importantly, show your appreciation by thanking them for all they do in the community. At the end of the day, that is what legislators live for: the validation that all of their sacrifices have not been in vain; that in fact, they are making a difference. Lastly, I ask the parents in our Filipino community to encourage your children to consider going into politics. Bring them with you when you vote. Raise them to be good citizens. Talk to them and instill pride in public service. We as a community cannot afford not to. As we have often heard: if you are not at the table, you can be on the menu.
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
Compiled by radiant cordero
Our cover....
This beautiful cover of our FilipinoAmerican state legislators was photographed by James Ramos on the steps of the Hawaii State Capitol. The legislators pictured here are: (clockwise starting on top) Rep. Romy Cachola, Rep, Henry Aquino. Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, Senator Will Espero, Rep. Della Au-Belatti, Senator Lorraine Inouye, Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Senator Donna Mercado Kim and Rep. Ty Cullen. Not in photo: Senator Donovan dela Cruz and Senator Brickwood Galuteria. James Ramos can be reached at james@jamesramosphotography. com or his cell number (808) 3453924. Cover concept & design by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia. Mahalo to Jeff Orig of OrigMedia. Both Jeff and Noah can be reached at www.origmedia.com or (808 447-9559)
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Photo credits: James Ramos photography
Filipino-Americans in the Hawai‘i State Legislature As the 2016 Session for the Hawai‘i State Legislature gets underway, we take a look at the hard working state legislators of Filipino ancestry in both the State Senate and State House of Representatives who continue to advocate for the interests of all of Hawaii.
S E N A T E Donovan Dela Cruz Senate District 22
(Mililani Mauka, Waipi’o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Villages, portion of Poamoho)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 202 Phone: 808-586-6090 Email: sendelacruz@capitol .hawaii.gov Personal Info: - BA in Communications and Journalism - University of Oregon - Democrat - Assumed office in 2011 D o n o va n D e l a C r u z grew up in Wahiawa and graduated from Leilehua High School in 1991. He then went on to the University of Oregon where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He is currently the Director of Communications at WCIT
Architects. He used to be the Director of Marketing at Watermark Publishing, an Account Supervisor at Stryker Weiner, & Yokota Public Relations, an Account Executive at McNeil Wilson Communications, and a Public Relations Coordinator at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Along with his professional and political experience, he also volunteers his time and participates in community service with the following: Leilehua High School Education Foundation as President, Advisory Council of Leeward Community C o l l e g e a s a m e m b e r, Leeward Community College Culinary Institute Board as a member, Filipino Chamber of Commerce (where he was Vice-President from 2001-2), Wahiawa Lions Club as a member, and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish as a member. In the Hawai‘i State
Senate, he is the Majority Whip. Senator Dela Cruz is the Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee and a member of the following committees: Education; Government Operations; Water, Land, and Agriculture.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 5
Will Espero Senate District 19
(‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 206 Phone: 808-586-6360 Email: senespero@capitol.hawaii. gov Personal Info: - BA in Business Management - Seattle University - Democrat - Assumed office in 2000
Lorraine R. Inouye Senate District 4
(Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 203 Phone: 808-586-7335 Email: seninouye@capitol.hawaii. gov Personal Info: - Married to Vernon Inouye - Three Children - Democrat - Assumed office in 2014
Will Espero was born in Yokosuka, Japan and due to his father’s service in the U.S. Navy, Espero grew up in Washington, California, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Cuba, Italy, and Japan. Espero graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Business Management. In the same year that he graduated, he moved to Hawai‘i, where he has lived until now. Prior to serving in the Legislature, he worked in the finance/banking industry, property management, in Mayor Frank Fasi’s Administration as the Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office. He was appointed to the House of Representatives in December 1999 by Governor Ben Cayetano. In the Hawai‘i State Senate, Senator Espero is Vice President of the Senate and serves as Vice Chair ofthe Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. Senator Espero also serves as a member of the following committees: Economic Development, Environment and Technology; Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health;
Lorraine Rodero Inouye was first elected to a seat in the Hawaii County Council in 1984. In 1990, she became Hawai‘i County Mayor, winning in a special election to serve the remainder of the term of Bernard Akana, who died in office. She served in the Hawaii Senate from 1998 through 2008. After a hiatus, she returned to the Senate in 2014. A former hotelier, she is now involved in the family owned farm, Aloha Blooms, Inc., a 10-acre anthurium farm in Hilo. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Hilo, United Nations -- Hawai‘i Island, Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, Waimea Outdoor Circle, Big Island Filipino Community Council, and the Pepe‘ekeo Filipino Community Association. She is a former Director of the Girl Scout Council of Hawaii, She is a graduate of Hilo High School. In the Hawai‘i State Senate, Senator Inouye is the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Energy. She also serves as a member of the following committees: Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs; Ways and Means; Hawaiian Affairs.
Brickwood Galuteria District 12
(Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mo‘ili‘ili)
Hawai’i State Capitol, Room 223 Phone: 808-586-6740 Email: sengaluteria@capitol. hawaii. gov Personal Info: - Bachelor of Science - Pacific University - Democrat - Assumed office in 2008.
Gilbert Keith-Agaran Senate District 5
(Wailuku, Waihe’e, Kahului)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 221 Phone: 808-586-7344 Email: senkeithagaran@capitol .hawaii.gov Personal Info: - Bachelor of Arts in History - Yale University - UC Berkeley Boalt School of Law - Democrat - Married to Kallie Keith-Agaran
Born and raised on ‘Oahu, BrickwoodGaluteria is of Hawaiian, Filipino, and Portuguese descent. He attended Kamehameha Schools and Pacific University. His professional life led him from being a Hawaiian Airlines account executive and tour director to an entertainer which allowed him to perform at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel with Marlene Sai for three years until he formed his own group. His talent for entertainment earned him a Na HokuHanohano Award in 1985 for Male Vocalist of the Year and Most Promising Artist. He moved his entertainment talents on air on the radio with KCCN and Hawaiian 105 and on television with local shows such as Hawaii’s Kitchen. Galuteria has also served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. In the Hawai‘I State Senate, Senator Brickwood Galuteria serves as the Majority Caucus Leader. He is Vice Chair of the Committee of Housing and a member of the following committees: Economic Development, Environment and Technology; Tourism and International Affairs; and Ways and Means.
Prior to being a Senator, Gilbert Keith-Agaran was appointed to the House of Representatives in January 2009 to complete the unexpired term of the late Bob Nakasone. He practices law and has experience as a Chair and Deputy Director of the Hawai‘i Board of Land Natural Resources, Director of Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and as Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, as well as the County of Maui’s Public Works Director. Gilbert grew up in Paia and Kahului and graduated from Maui High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale College and his law degree from the University of California -- Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. In the Hawaii State Senate, Senator Keith-Agaran is the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor. He also serves on the following committees as a member: Economic Development, Environment, and Technology; and Government Operations. Photo credits: James Ramos photography
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
House of Representatives
Donna Mercado Kim Senate District 14
(Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 218 Phone: 808-587-7200 Email: senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov Personal Info: - Bachelor of Arts - Washington State University - Democrat - Assumed office (Honolulu City Council) in 1985
Donna Mercado Kim has been active in the community for more than twenty years. She is a graduate of Farrington High School and attended the University of Hawai‘i. She graduated from Washington State University as cum laude. She has served as members on the following organizations: Kalihi Business Association, Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Hawai‘i Korean Chamber of Commerce, Moanalua Lions Club, Palama S e t t l e m e n t , H a w a i ‘ i Ko r e a n Millenium Commission, Special Committee on Studying Effects of Economy on Judiciary. Kim served on the Honolulu City Council from 1984 to 2000 and represented Moanalua, ‘Aiea, and Kalihi communities as a State Representative from 1982 to 1984. In the Hawai‘i State Senate, Senator Kim serves as the Chair of the Committee on Government Operations. She serves on the following committees as a member: Hawaiian Affairs; Judiciary and Labor; and Tourism and International Affiars.
Henry Aquino House District 38 (Waipahu)
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 419 Phone: 808-586-6520 Email:repaquino@capitol.hawaii. gov Personal Info: - Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from University of Hawaii – West Oahu - Master’s in Communication from Hawaii Pacific University - Democrat - Assumed office in 2009
Henry Aquino has lived in the district in which he represents for his whole life and has served and volunteered in many aspects of his community, such as the Leeward Oahu Lions Club, Waipahu Community Foundation, Waipahu High School Alumni Association, and the Waipahu Elementary School Community Council. Aquino is married to Cyndi Aquino and together they have two sons. He is a graduate of Waipahu High School. He then went to Honolulu Community College and obtained an Associate Degree in Applied Science with a focus in Administration of Justice. After that, Henry attended the University of Hawai‘i — West Oahu where he attained a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Aquino then went to Hawai‘i Pacific University where he obtained his Masters of Arts in Communications. In the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, Representative Aquino is the Chair for the Committee on Transportation. The other committees that he serves as a member of are as follows: Education; Higher Education; Labor and Public Employment; and Public Safety; Photo credits: James Ramos photography
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 7
House of Representatives
Della Au Belatti House District 24
Romy Cachola House District 30
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 426 Phone: 808-586-9425 Email: repbelatti@capitol.hawaii .gov
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 435 Phone: 808-586-6010 Email: repcachola@capitol.hawaii .gov
Personal Info: - Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University - Juris Doctorate from William S. Richardson School of Law - Democrat - Assumed office in 2007
Personal Info:
(Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa)
Della Au Belatti earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University and her Juris Doctorate degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Belatti is a member and participant in the following professional organizations and community activities: Steering Committee Member of Envision Hawai‘i, Programs Committee Member of Hawai‘i Women Lawyers, Director of the Young Lawyers Division in the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, Director of the William S. Richardson School of Law Alumni Association, member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Makiki Community Library, and a member of the Board of Directors at St. Clement’s School. Prior to becoming a State Representative, Belatti was a Research Attorney with the Hawai‘i State Senate Research Majority Office, and a Law Clerk at the Hawai‘i State Supreme Court with the Honorable Simeon R. Acoba at the Hawai‘i First Circuit Court with the Honorable Dexter Del Rosario. In the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, Representative Belatti is the Chair for the Committee on Health. She also serves as a member of the following committees: Consumer Protection and Commerce; Housing; Human Services;and Judiciary;
(Sand Island, Mokauea, Kapalama, Kalihi Kai)
- Bachelor of Law; Masters of Law - Manuel Quezon University. - Democrat - First assumed office (Honolulu City Council) in 1959 Romy Cachola is not a new player to the Legislature, nor government in itself. He was first elected to the Hawai‘i State Legislature in 1984 where he served for 16 years. He then was elected as a member of the Honolulu City Council where he served for ten years. Cachola was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He obtained a Bachelor of Law and Master of Law degrees from Quezon University in Manila. As a legislator, Cachola has won multiple awards such as Public Servant of the Year from Community Advocate Magazine in 1990, Outstanding Legislator Award from Hawaii Medical Association in 1999, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service from the United Filipino Council of Hawaii in 2011. In the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives he serves on the following committees as a member: Economic Development and Business; Finance; Veterans, Military, and International Affairs; and Tourism
Ty Cullen House District 39
Joy San Buenaventura House District 4
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 316 Phone: 808-586-8490 Email: repcullen@capitol.hawaii.gov
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Room 305 Phone: 808-586-6530 Email: repsanbuenaventura@ capitol.hawaii.gov
(Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch)
Personal Info: - Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Hawaii at Manoa - Master’s in Public Administration from University of Hawaii at Manoa - Democrat - Assumed office in 2011 Cullen has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Masters in Public Administration, all from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. With his education geared for governance, Ty also has the community experience that showcases that leadership in and for his community as his passion. His experiences are diverse and range from education to civic engagement, for example, Cullen participated in the following: Board member on the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, Assistant Coach for youth football in Waikele and youth baseball, member of the Waikele Taking Action Against Graffiti (TAAG) Team, Director of the Village Park Community Association Board, tutor at Saint Joseph’s School, member of the Kahana Valley Strategic Planning, and a member of the Juvenile Justice Compliance Committee. In the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, Representative Cullen is the Vice Chair for the Committee on Water and Land. The other committees that he serves as a member of are as follows: Energy and Environmental Protection; Finance; and Ocean, Marine Resources, and Hawaiian Affairs.
(Puna)
Personal Info: - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas - Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law - Democrat - Assumed office in 2014 Originally from Manila, Joy San Buenaventura grew up in Honolulu. She graduated from McKinley High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. She then went on to the University of Nevada - Las Vegas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She then attended law school at the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
Today, she is licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i, the United States District Court of Hawai‘i and California. Joy still maintains her law practice in the Hilo Lagoon Center and is a member of the Hawai‘i State and Hawai‘i County Bar Associations, the Hawaii Trial and American Trial Lawyer Associations and is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law. She also takes the time to volunteer with the Legal Aid Society’s Self-Help Center, the Ku’ikahi Mediation Center and Volunteer Legal Services of Hawai‘i. In the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, Representative San Buenaventura is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. She is also a member of the following committees: Consumer Protection, Labor and Public Employment; Public Safety; and Transportation.
Photo credits: James Ramos photography
Radiant Cordero is an Assistant Editor at the Fil-Am Courier. She was awarded by the United Filipino Council of Hawaii as an “Outstanding Youth” and by the JCI Filipino Junior Chamber as a “Top Outstanding Young Filipino.” She graduated with honors from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in American Studies in May 2012 and is now a Master’s candidate in the Public Administration Program at UH Manoa. Cordero serves as the Volunteers’ Coordinator for the KaBATAan: Filipino for Kids Hawaii program and works as an External Government Relations and Legislative Aide at the Honolulu City Council.
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
by Dr. Rickie Camara
Picture, in pure, reall i f e , a n a l o g u e c o l o r, a stream cascading down a snow-capped, cloud-kissed mountain. The water moves forward seemingly without effort, without resistance; winding down some paths, going straight on others. And faced with “obstacles” like stones or rocks or trees, it merely backs off for a second and then eddies its way around; and sometimes even going through them smoothening handsome surfaces with a flowing patience. And along its journey, it nourishes, feeds, hydrates and sustains life in all its biodiversity. But in a flash, it too can flood and uproot and pull apart and destroy; but all without ill-intent and simply doing what it does, it flows on and on. In ‘hard’ times, it may dry up, but it is always there as a stream bed; content, and ready to pick up again at any time. Our life is like this too, except that we have a brain and consciousness that allows us to think. And the act of
thinking creates concepts and constructs such as of time, of a self or ego, and of free will or volition. Speaking of the latter, it is interesting that neurological studies actually show that a person’s brain already commits to certain actions before a person becomes conscious of that action. With brain scanning techniques, scientists are able to predict with 60% accuracy whether subjects will press a button with their left or right hand up to ten seconds before the subject becomes aware of having made that choice! We feel that “we” choose but we don’t; our natural intelligence does and we simply go along for the ride. If you look back from your birth to where you are now, you will realize how much you have simply flowed; even from one lifetime to the next. This perspective brings an awareness of life’s essential unity; we simply learn to cooperate with its natural flow and order. You can attain a state of being that is both fully free and independent and at
the same time fully connected to the life force of the Universe; a life force known as mana in Hawaii and as prana or qi or chi in other cultures and practices. There are many meditative practices, including yoga, that nurture the feeling state of being aware of your Life Force, the elan vital as coined by the French philosopher, Henri Bergson. However to do that requires stilling the body, controlling your breath, turning your senses inward, so that we can focus and concentrate the mind in order to meditate and let go of and stop thoughts so as to feel this state of pure SelfAwareness, of the Universal Life Force that you are. You are not apart from but a part of this unity, this ‘one verse.’ It is a feeling of complete trust and total collaboration with what is presenting itself to you. It is like when you have that ‘perfect’ connection with a ballroom dance partner that you actually move as ‘one body.’ The ‘trick’ is to not let emotions compulsively drive you; or to over think and over analyze. Thinking is a tool that creates concepts and objectifies. “Problems” exist only in thoughts; all judgments and problems vanish when thoughts stop. What is fear? It is only a thought with its corresponding feelings. Stop thinking and end your problems. It means acceptance and letting go of the past. You want to end time and feel eternal? Then stop thinking it. ‘Past, present, and future’ are artificial breakdowns in the conceptual construction of time, in what is really a continuum. Even cause and effect are only separate in ‘time;’ without time, they are one. We think and create the idea of a separate individual, an ego; and in so doing, we objectify ourselves. I become an object every time I think of myself. We don’t know our true Self because our thoughts create us as a separate object. You have no objective existence outside of thinking; not even a subjective existence as you.
Because the moment you see yourself as ‘subject,’ then you have made you, the subject, an object. You really only exist as Existence itself! Stop objectifying yourself and you become Eternal because only objects can be born and can die; move beyond the concept of time, and flow. In Taoism, they speak of the way of Wu Wei: moved only by the “Will of God.” In Christianity, we say, “Let Go, Let God.” These both reflect the idea that when you stop objectifying, you live without volition. Every time “I” act as myself, it is an object which acts; and as an actor, I take full responsibility. Better yet, I can act directly as that Life Force; but then there is no “I” that acts and I simply Witness my life as it flows, completely free and unburdened. Learn to follow your heart, be yourself, and trust your instinct. Accept that everything is not in our control and react in the moment. Be aware, trust the Intelligence that you are, go with the grain, swim with the current. Experience yourself as part of the unity of life. Listen to your inner voice and to the voices around you in our environment in a receptive manner, without resistance. And in so doing you live and perform even better, always moving forward like a mountain stream. Mihaly Csikszentmilhalyi, a Hungarian psychologist, described his concept of flow as a highly focused mental state in which people are at their happiest. It is a “state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation that nothing else seems to matter.” People describe this state as being ‘in the zone’ or ‘in the groove.’ He has described it as “doing an activity for its own sake; and in so doing, ego falls away, time flies. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.” You can learn more about how people have used his concept of flow in their lives at the next TEDxHonolulu on July 9th, 2016 at the Blaisdell Arena.
We can consciously cultivate being in this flow. Live simply; do no harm to you or others; be truthful and live with integrity; do not steal or be occupied with lust or greed. Live clean and pure lives; be content; practice austerity even in speech; keep learning and studying and be devoted to a practice and/ or a spiritual tradition. This lifestyle is promoted by all major Religions and mind-body practices such as yoga, qi gong, etc. Such practices teach us the skills of controlling the body and thought activity so we can attain that state of complete absorption and Self-awareness; to realize that we are all Spirit in bodies; and not bodies with a ‘spirit.’ And together, in that one Consciousness, we manifest this world. As Rumi so beautifully writes, “Remember the deep root of your being, the presence of your Spirit. Stop acting so small,” he writes, “You are the entire universe in ecstatic motion!” So let us all play together and play well in this game of life, as Bernard de Koven advises in his book, “The Well-Played Game.” Let us meet our losses and gains with equanimity. That itself is a spiritual practice. Play to grow, to learn, to feel the Truth of what we are; and play for the sake of enjoying playing. Play well and live well; and it is the realization of the well-played game and the well-lived life that makes us timeless. If you play and live well, you are complete. You are moving forward; like a mountain stream.
Dr. Rickie Camara is a BoardCertified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki and has a yoga-aligned health coaching and counseling practice in Kahala. You can hear him every Friday on the radio at KNDI between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on the Medical Forum with Flor Martinez. Email contact at rickiec @pixi.com.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 9
By Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq.
In this month of love, let’s take a look at the issue of love, marriage and immigration benefit. Present immigration law allows for spouses of U.S. citizens to qualify for admission as immigrants into the U.S. as immediate relatives exempt from numerical limitations. Because of this privilege, this path to obtaining legal permanent status is prone to abuse. The typical fact pattern in marriage fraud cases is that a U.S. citizen and an alien get married. The U.S citizen gets paid and they remain married until the alien obtains his green card or U.S. citizenship. Marriage fraud can occur in a “mail order” marriage where either the U.S. citizen or alien knows it is a sham marriage, or a when an alien defrauds a U.S. citizen who believes the marriage is real. The victim in a marriage fraud is not only the deluded spouse, in case he is not a willing participant to the scheme, but in fact a nation as the scheme weakens national security. U.S citizens who participate in marriage fraud for a fee take great risks as they allow the alien access to sensitive information such as personal records, financial documents, retirement accounts and identity records. Participants in these scams render the U.S. open to security threats and make us all less safe as they may be, wittingly or unwittingly, aiding and abetting terrorists or criminal organizations access to the U.S. It is for these reasons and more that U.S. law handles fraud, misre-presentation and marriage fraud seriously and provides steep penalties for violations. Under 8 U.S. Code § 1325 on improper entry by alien, any attempt to enter or obtain entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for
Love and Its Immigration Benefits the first commission of any such offense, be fined or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. For marriage fraud, “any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than $250,000, or both.” Note that marriage fraud carries a much steeper penalty than fraud or misrepresentation. Thus, those who enter into marriage for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit do not only risk having their immigration petition denied. They risk criminal prosecution for their actions. For all the above reasons, and above all, true love and affection and the intent to establish a life together are the essential basis for marriage to a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. Everything else, to include immigration benefits, follow. If you are facing fraud, misrepresentation and m a r r i a g e f ra u d i s s u e s , consult a qualified attorney. Tune in to Legal Pinoy, Friday mornings, 8:30 to 9 AM, and Mondays on the afternoon drive, 4 to 4:30 PM, on 96.7 FM, 11:30 A.M. Cable 882 and streaming on iHeartradio .com.
Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq. is an attorney with offices in Honolulu and the Philippines. She is licensed to practice law in Hawaii, New York and the Philippines. Her practice areas include U.S. Immigration Law, Family Law, Commercial Law and Philippine Law. Atty. Yabes Alvarez can be reached at 1-808-589-7380 or by email at rmyalvarez@filamlaw.com. Her Honolulu office is located at 905 Umi St. Suite 206, Honolulu, HI 96819. Atty. Yabes Alvarez is fluent in Ilocano and Tagalog. Visit her website at www. filamlaw.com.
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
By perfecto r. yasay, jr.
THE END OF AN ERA, THE DAWNING OF A NEW HOPE
I remember my enriching trip to Jaffna in the northern tip of Ceylon in 1970. I was the guest of honor in a national convention of the local YMCA a few months after I was elected the youngest Vice President of the World Alliance of YMCAs in Nottingham, England. I was warmly welcomed by the Lord Mayor and other officials. Thereafter, we ceremonially marched the short distance from the train station to the town hall. A few yards ahead of
us was the town crier who heralded my arrival with the rhythmic sound of his drum. He was bare to the waist dressed only in tattered loin cloth. But he was followed by his little boy similarly halfnaked, who was mimicking his father with his toy drum. The symbolic imagery that I saw was profoundly striking. It poignantly suggested that the town crier and the generations that would succeed him would be doomed forever as part of the lowest class
i n a h e a v i l y s t ra t i f i e d society. Change was not expected to liberate them from wretchedness and destitution that was deeply rooted in their customs. Being born into a caste system, one was bound to remain in his social status for the rest of his life. For this reason, I thought then that Jaffa was somehow encapsulated in a period where time stood still. And yet I was humbled by the experience because I beheld a lowly figure up front that had a unique skill that no one else had. The precise strokes of his calloused fingers and the entrancing cadence emanating from his drum were integral parts of a significant ritual that kept the people in awe and rapt attention. In a true sense, the town crier who quietly accepted his sad fate was essential to the life of the community. The announcement to permanently close the last sugar plantation operated by HC&S has generated sadness and subdued resistance to change from a good number of Filipino Americans that constitute most of the remaining sakadas in the cane fields. That the era of sakadas in the Aloha State is coming to an end has evoked varying sentimental reactions. But for the most part, it has given more meaning to the
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 11
proud heritage left by the 15 migrant Filipinos more than a hundred years ago, who sailed out into distant and unfamiliar shores to become tillers of the soil, driven only by a dream for better opportunities and the self assurance that the dignity of hard work no matter how humble, leads to a brighter future for their families. It also made me recall my instructive experience in Ceylon more than 46 years ago. However, unlike the plight of the town crier in Jaffna whose lowly station perpetuated hopelessness and resignation, the wave of migrant workers from Ilocos and the Visayas from 1906 to 1946 brought with them an abiding faith for deliverance from the bondage of poverty and stagnation. And yet life for sakadas was extremely difficult considering the
backbreaking labor and the harsh working conditions they had to endure from dawn to dusk. Nevertheless, their contributions in shaping the overall development of the Hawaiian Islands cannot be ignored. They expanded their vision and volunteered their energies and best practices towards the economic and cultural advancement of the territory they helped build as their adopted homeland. Initially, they had no civil and political rights to brag about, but this did not discourage them from playing a vital role in charting a course of making Hawaii sustainable and progressive. Every December 20 of each year is now officially set aside to commemorate their contribution to the history and patrimony of the 50th State. It is but fitting and proper for their successors to push that
legacy to a higher level in addressing new challenges and opportunities with the new tools that science and technology has to offer. In turn, it is the duty of government to make change a liberating and rewarding experience that would empower the people to surge confidently into the future.
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 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
By Nancy Bernal Roberta Gambarini
Left to right: Dennis Maher, Paul Klink and Al Waterson at the Trump Tower New Year’s Eve Celebration
There is a new entertainment establishment in Honolulu and it is The Blue Note Hawaii. This newly-renovated music
club serves as the state’s premier venue for worldrenowned artists, from jazz and blues to Hawaiian favorites. Located in the
Rocky Brown and Jordan Segundo at 53 By The Sea on New Year’s Eve
former Society of Seven showroom inside Outrigger Wa i k i k i B e a c h R e s o r t (2335 Kalakaua Avenue), Blue Note Hawaii features a wide range of musical entertainment – from local talent to international sensations – for limited engagements. The Blue Note Hawaii showcases two performances nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. seven days a week, 365 days a year. Artists scheduled for February are Roberta Gambarini on 2/2 til 2/7, Dee Dee Bridgewater on 2/9 til 2/14, Don Tiki featuring Starr Kalahiki on 2/16 til
Vicky Cayetano, Leo Days and Ginny Tiu
2/18, Anuhea & Friends on 2/19 til 2/21 and Joe Robinson on 2/23 til 2/27. For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to www.bluenotehawaii.com or call (808) 777-4890. •••• Congratulations to Jordan Segundo on joining the KITV4 Island News Team as Weather Anchor on the weekend mornings on “Good Morning Hawaii” and Reporter on the weekdays. Prior to joining KITV4, Jordan gained considerable on-camera experience at KHON2 taking on different roles including commentator for “American Idol”, FOX VIP Correspondent and most recently as a weekly host for “808 Update” o n “ L i v i n g 8 0 8 ”. H e i s recognized at the first singer from Hawaii to become a finalist on the nationally acclaimed televised singing c o m p e t i t i o n “A m e r i c a n Idol” in 2003. Jordan will continue to perform and do singing appearances at large events and concerts. For more information, check out www.jsegundo.com
•••• Yasmin Dar Fasi and Sal Fasi welcomed their daughter, Zoya Victoria Fasi born on January 4, 2016 (7 lbs., 3.6 oz.). They are already the proud parents of their son, Gianluca (19 months old). Yasmin is a high-profile news anchor, model and actress, who now works in The Governor’s Office and Sal owns a successful commercial real estate business. Best wishes to this beautiful family! •••• The 67th Narcissus Pageant was held on January 9, 2016 at The Hawaii Theater and the newlycrowned Queen is Ashley Fu. Her court includes: 1st Princess – Cassandra Chang, 2nd Princess – Jill Fukumoto, 3rd Princess – Jessica Cheng and 4th Princess – Lena Zheng. The judges had a tough decision and included notables – Michael Harris a n d D r. R i c h a r d F u j i e . Congratulations to these lovely ladies! •••• Leo Days – The Premier Elvis Tribute Artist in the
Left to right: Dr. Richard Fujie, Narcissus Queen - Ashley Fu and Michael Harris
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 13
Left to right: Larry Price, Holly Becker, Sweetie Pacarro, Leo Days, Michelle Targonski and Michael W. Perry at The iHeartRadio KSSK Music Hall
nation – had the wonderful opportunity to meet with two ladies who actually met Elvis and had the privilege of working with Elvis in Principal roles in his movies. Ginny Tiu acted with Elvis in the movie “Girls Girls Girls!” and Vicky Cayetano acted with Elvis in the movie “It Happened at The World’s Fair”. Both women were little girls in the movies, and their roles are very memorable with Elvis fans around the world. •••• On January 8, 2016, Leo honored Elvis’ birthday with a special performance at The iHeartRadio KSSK Music Hall, which was broadcast live on the radio and livestreamed worldwide. •••• T h e N e w Ye a r w a s welcomed in a big way at
Jordan Segundo at KITV4
53 By The Sea with Jordan Segundo, Rocky Brown and Nueva Vida performing for the celebration. •••• A t Tr u m p To w e r, A l Waterson brought in the New Year at Paul Klink’s prestigious Lux Event and had a great time performing for the audience. •••• February is here and Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y i s o n February 14. Don’t forget to let your loved ones know that you care about them. •••• 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)
Zoya Victoria Fasi
For Advertising information please call 595.8787
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
By Angie DYTIOCO Santiago
Candonians of Hawaii Award Scholarships at Annual Christmas Party Congressman Eric D. Singson and National Artist of the Philippines “BenCab” among Honored Guests
Congressman Eric Singson and Philippine National Artist “BenCab” were each presented with Certificates of Appreciation from the Hawaii House of Representatives. Pictured: Senator Clarence Nishihara, Bernadette Fajardo (Candonians of Hawaii Past President 2004 - 2008), Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Congressman Eric and Grace Singson, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, Grace Go, Council Member Brandon Elefante, and May Mizuno. Photo courtesy of Gabe de Liso.
On December 19, 2015, the Candonians of Hawaii, led by its President Helen Grace Go, awarded five scholarships to deserving recipients at their 15th Annual Scholarship Fundraising and Christmas Party at the Fil-Com Center. Each recipient received a grant from the organization and a $10,000 scholarship to Argosy University. The recipients were John Michael Bang-on, a Campbell High School graduate and the son of George and Maria Lourdes Freedle; Austin Cole Fajardo Mathes, a LaSalle High School graduate and the son of Candice Dario Fajardo and Justin Mathes; Kenneth Villanueva Go, a Damien Memorial School graduate and the son of Helen Grace and the late Ramon Go; Sydney Ellen Valdez Manuel, a Waipahu High School graduate and the daughter of Scott and Maria
Victoria Valdez Manuel, and Charlene Pascua Villanueva, a graduate of Waipahu High School and the daughter of Rolando and Pauline Villanueva. Bernadette Dario Fajardo chaired the Scholarship Program. Congressman Eric Dario Singson of the 2nd District in Ilocos Sur served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the event. The Candonians also honored Philippine National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera. Other special guests included the Congressman’s wife and former Candon Mayor Grace Singson and Philippine Daily Inquirer Contributing Editor Alya Honasan. The special guests were in Hawaii to commemorate Hawai`i’s First Sakada Day at the State Capitol on December 20, 2015.
Seated: Tessie Paco, Victoria Valdez, and Selvida Valdez. Standing: Rosario Valdez, Grace Go, Ted Paco, Sydney Manuel, Mike Rubia, Maryleen Rubia, Melba Roque (Treasurer), Carol Galima, Vicia Guirnalda, and Liberito Valdez.
Neil Gazo (1st Vice President), Rene Gazo, Aida Reynante, Angeles Gambito, Grace Rous, Atty Felipe Pacquing (2nd Vice President), Carol Galima, Vicia Guirnalda, and Dr. Ben Galindo (Director/Advisor).
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 15
Council Member Brandon Elefante, Paul Alimbuyao, Dr. Ben Galindo, Leo Tomas, and Gerhardt Walch showed their dance struts during the men’s best-dressed contest. Bennette Misalucha, in the background, served as emcee. Photo courtesy
The Honorable Congressman Eric Singson and his wife Grace crowned Ms. Josie Banasan as Ms. Candonians of Hawaii and as First Runner-up of Candonians Global International, Inc. Photo
courtesy of Gabe de Liso.
Scholarship recipients Sydney Ellen Valdez Manuel, Charlene Pascua Villanueva, and Kenneth Villanueva Go. Photo courtesy of Gabe de Liso.
of Gabe de Liso.
Seated: Alya Honasan, Grace Go, Tessie Guinto, Carol Galima, Vicia Guirnalda, and Angie Santiago. Standing: BenCab, Adele Galindo, Gerhart and Nancy Walch, Grace Singson, Jeniffer Ordonez, Dr. Ben Galindo, and Representative and Vice Speaker John Mizuno. Photo courtesy of Gabe de Liso.
Seated: BenCab, Congressman Eric Singson, Angie Santiago, and Grace Singson. Standing: Cesar (Director/Advisor) and Bernadette Fajardo, and Atty Alex Sonson (Legal Advisor), and Armay and Executive Director of the FilCom Center Donnie Juan.
Candonians of Hawaii President Grace Go posed with family members and relatives. Photo courtesy of Gabe de Liso.
For Advertising information please call 595.8787
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 17
By brandon elefante Council Member City and County of Honolulu
Adopt A Park
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation has a volunteer program called Hoa Paka. You can work in a park in your community by contributing in a number of ways. One of the easiest ways is to pick up litter at a
As we begin 2016, many people have asked me about my New Year’s Resolutions. I believe that each of us has the power to make a difference in our community, and my personal New Year’s Resolution is to continue to be active in my community and volunteer. I enjoy volunteering because it is a way to give back to my community. Whether it is at your place of worship, your school, or even at your neighborhood park, there are many ways that you can volunteer. Here are just a few examples to help get you started. city park on a weekend, or you can adopt-a-park, and clean it on a monthly basis, quarterly basis, twice a year, or as often as you are able. Hoa Paka participants can also rake leaves, paint picnic tables and benches, paint playground equipment and
conduct graffiti removal. Forms and more information are available at http://www.honolulu.gov/ cms-dpr-menu/site-dprsitearticles/18317-adopta-park.html or you can call 768-3034.
Councilmember Elefante joined Councilmember Carol Fukunaga and Representative Roy Takumi in presenting an Honorary Certificate to Pearlridge General Manager Fred Paine in July 2015.
Ready to React
Nahele Park in Aiea hosts many baseball teams, picnickers, and others enjoying the view of Pearl Harbor.
Everyday Clean Water Heroes are needed!
The City’s Department of Environmental Services Storm Water Quality Branch is always looking for people to participate as a volunteer, in a community event, or at an outreach activity to be an Everyday Clean Water Hero! You can take an active role in making a difference in the environment by helping to preserve it for future generations by adopting a stream, adopting a block, or helping to stencil storm drain markers on sidewalks. Volunteer to help today by going to http://www. honolulu.gov/dfmswq/getinvolved.html or contacting 768-3248.
In October 2015, members of my staff and the community participated in an Adopt A Stream Event at the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail.
I wish you and your family and friends a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2016! Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District VIII, which covers Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008, and his email is belefante@honolulu.gov.
To keep your family emergency prepared, your home safe, and perhaps to volunteer in your community, please consider attending the Ready 2 React event scheduled for July 30, 2016 at Pearlridge. Dozens of city, state, federal, and non-governmental agencies will converge for Ready 2 React, which draws the largest collection of emergency vehicles and equipment of any Oahu event. Now in its fourth year, this event is co-sponsored by Pearlridge Center and the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management. The event is held in Pearlridge Uptown and Downtown Center Courts, bringing preparedness experts together with the public to help prepare residents for emergencies or disasters that may affect Oahu. Meet the experts in emergency response and emergency preparedness so your family will be better prepared for the next disaster. Event information will be posted at http://www. pearlridgeonline.com/events and http://www.honolulu. gov/dem
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016
By Ryan Piros Born and raised on Maui, Ryan Piros is currently the Deputy Communications Director at the office of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, he worked as an on-air personality, music director and VP/Program Director for 15 years at KPMW-FM before his present role. He is active in the Filipino community and serves as an officer/director in a number of organizations. If you want to let Ryan know about an event on Maui, please reach him at ryanp105@gmail. com or call him at (808) 283-2020.
Zolia Olsten and Jeremy Zane are the two contestants vying for the title of Mrs. Maui Filipina 2016, which will be held on February 13, 2016 at the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center.
Judge Rhond Loo signing the Oath of Office during the Swearing in Ceremony for the new County of Maui Director of Transportation Don Medeiros (center) as Mayor Alan Arakawa looks on. The start of the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run in Kaanapali. The annual 5k run raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
Several of Maui’s pageant queens help pass out medals to the children at the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run in Kaanapali. The annual 5k run raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. Photo of kids participating in the sprint race at the the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run in Kaanapali.
After decades of petitioning and planning, the long-awaited Kihei High School in South Maui broke ground off Pi‘ilani Highway on January 11, 2016. The Kihei High School project site encompasses 77.2 acres of undeveloped land on the mauka side of Pi‘ilani Highway across from the Pi‘ilani Village residential subdivision.
Mayor Alan Arakawa, Managing Director Keith Regan and spokespeople from the Guernsey Group took questions from the media during a press conference at the Kalana O Maui county building. The subject was the county’s continuing efforts to study options to the NextEra/Hawaiian Electric proposed deal and the release of the county’s analysis of alternate forms of ownership for an electric utility in Maui County.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 19
CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED JANITOR: Pay $8.50$10.00/hr Looking for candidates with 1 year commercial experience. Buffing, waxing & cleaning floors. Shampooing & vacuuming carpets. Cleaning common areas. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Call Staffing Partners at 945-9300.
LABOR:
LITE INDUSTRIAL/ LABORERS - Warehouse - Driver Helper - Production Line - Food Prep/Dishwashers Pay $8.50 - $9.50/hr 6 mos of recent work experience needed. For interviews call our Ala Moana office 945-9300, Staffing Partners.
House For Rent 3 Bedroom Available November 1
Call 230-5515 or 230-4522
DUPLEX FOR RENT 4 BEDROOMS / 2 FULL BATH, QUALIFIED FOR FOSTER HOME /CARE HOME W/PARKING /FENCE & GATE, CALL
627-2376 232-9798
FOOD PRODUCTION WORKERS/DRIVERS, FT/PT Immediate opening, AM/PM, Call Shirley 531-6671
Help Wanted
Live-in Aide work part time Trade Apartment in Hana, Maui
Call 808-439-6766
Greg Braymen PO Box 976, Hana, Maui 96713
for rent Room for rent
Waipahu 1 person working $500 a month, including utilities, street parking,
call 676-0759
services WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Judge Graulty (retired) call 778-8510 to schedule.
BUSINESS OPPURTUNITY Start a commercial cleaning business.
Low down payments, financing, training and an inintial customer base. Immediate opportunies in Hawaii. Call Coverall today at
808.225.2610
This offer is made by prospectus only. See Franchise Disclosure Documents for details.
12-day Vancouver, Canada & Alaskan Cruise with Holland America Cruise Liner
June 20 – July 1, 2016 $2880 + 550 in taxes – Interior Cabin www.Lionsgatetravel.com
Rev. Cir Domingo
(808) 391-5019
DRIVER & PROCESSION ROOM WORKER
Clean abstract required for driver. Competitive pay, medical,dental, vision, & 401k profit sharing benefits.
Apply In peron at: KOHA FOODS
500 Alakawa St.. #104 Honolulu, HI 96817