PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 3
By MARY LLANOS CORDERO
serving The community since 1987
ELECTION 2014:
Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha
NAME BRANDS
Director of Design Armand Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editors Paola Rodelas 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 Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Carmela Minaya Gladys QuintoMarrone 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
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A recent TV commercial being broadcast on local TV makes light of the name of Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui. A montage of different types of people are shown mispronouncing Tsutsui’s name and looking baffled and confused. Tsutsui tries to correct several individuals with the right pronunciation and then —— after this barrage of name errors by others proves too much—— simply gives up and says ”call me Shan” at the climax of the commercial. Ts u t s u i ’ s a d i s a surprisingly funny political ad in the context of Hawaii politics. Most local political ads are sober and often laced with attacks on rivals and opponents. Tsutsui’s ad is memorable and sets him apart from the rest of the political advertising now crowding the airwaves. I am making this point because of an obvious reality in politics —— the importance of names. The term “Name recognition” is often stated by pundits and analysts as a major factor why some individuals get elected and why others lose elections. For our purposes here, let’s just call it name brands. W i t h H awa i i ’s Pa r ty Primaries——Democrat, Republican, Libertarian and other political parties—coming up on Saturday, August 9th, it would be interesting to see what names move on to the General Election and which other names suffer electoral defeat. Hawaii has always been a rock-solid Democratic Party state—-both in terms of elected officials and voters since the mid-1950’s. However, note that although the Democrats usually rally behind a chosen candidate in the General election, there have been some fierce primaries in the past. The 2010 primary race for Governor between Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemmann comes to mind. This year, the biggest
primary race that pits former Legislator and Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz against another former legislator and current US House member Colleen Hanabusa for the United States Senate. Hanabusa was the clear choice of the Senate seat’s former occupant Senator Daniel Inouye who expressly stated he wanted Hanabusa to succeed him should he expire. That is indeed what happened in 2012 when Inouye died while still serving as Senator. However, Governor Neil Abercombie opted to name Schatz, his Lt. Governor at the time, to occupy Inouye’s former seat this paving the way for legislator Shan Tsutsui to be named as Schatz’s replacement as Lt. Governor. Schatz was sworn in in 2012 and has served since. Schatz’s succession to the Senate has planted the seeds of what appears to be a divided Democratic Party that is pitting various factions against each other as the Washington Post noted earlier this year in an article they wrote about the election. The US Senate primary will likely be close. A February Hawaii News Now/ Star Advertiser poll showed Hanabusa getting an early l e a d ove r S c h a t z 4 8 - 4 0 percent. However, a February poll by the online news site Civil Beat showed Schatz and Hanabusa tied at 40 percent each-a statistical dead heat. A more recent Civil Beat poll showed Schatz leading Hanabusa 44-39 percent. The Senate Primary is showing some political anomalies at work such as the fact that Schatz is not as well known with local voters and has lesser name recognition than Hanabusa. Again, name brand at work. Another big primary race is the Governor’s race. This is yet another indication of fissures within the Democratic party as Democrat incumbent Neil Abercrombie faces State Senator David Ige. A HNN/
Advertiser poll in February saw Abercrombie with a significant lead over Ige 47% to 38%. However by June, a Civil Beat Poll found Ige leading Abercrombie 48% to 37%. Here name brands do not appear as important although it can be argued that polls are not 100% accurate in predicting the future. Name recognition will definitely be the key when it comes to the race to elect the Democratic nominee for the First Congressional District. In this issue, the Fil-Am Courier brings more information into this crowded contest where the candidates are jockeying to distinguish themselves so they can be separated from the pack. We have seven candidates vying for the honor, and each of them bring their own brand of passion into the mix. Although we have front runners, remember that we still have three weeks before the election, and a dark horse is still capable of winning. Stay tuned! In any event, two races plus the First Congressional District race offer voters an ideal opportunity to express their views. There is a need for people to register and actually get to polling places to vote.
This is especially important for Filipinos, one of the largest ethnic groups in the state and thus one of biggest voting constituencies in Hawaii. The primary should also give political watchdogs and pundits an opportunity to see if name brands work their magic yet again or possibly fail. As for Shan Tsutsui, he’s running against legislator Clayton Hee to retain his spot as Lt Governor. Early polls showed him ahead of Hee. On Election day, let’s see how much impact that ad would have made on Tsutsui’s race. Who knows? If he wins, we would know: There just may be an advantage in having a name that’s difficult to pronounce. Talk about making a weakness into a strength! We wish all the candidates well and congratulate them for taking up the cudgels and standing up for what they believe in. As for the rest of us… we hope you all exercise your civic duty on August 9th. Let us all get our voices heard. Loud and clear. And yes, with the proper pronunciation of candidates’ names please.
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014
A CROWDED RACE:
By Ria baldevia
Our cover....
Cover Concept by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia (www. origmedia.com)
Who will be the Democrat’s Choice for the First Congressional District? The First Congressional District Democratic primary race has a crowded field with seven candidates seeking the democratic nomination to replace Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. The Democratic candidates are: · Ikaika Anderson · Stanley Chang · Will Espero · Donna Mercado Kim · Joey Manahan · Mark Takai · Kathryn Xian We asked each of the candidates to answer three questions related to matters that are important to the community. Four candidates responded. The questions are: 1) I n 2 0 0 9 , C o n g r e s s a u t h o r i z e d o n e - t i m e payments ($15,000 for individuals who are now U.S. citizens and residing in the U.S.; $9,000 for individuals residing in the Philippines) to Filipinos who served as soldiers, guerrillas and scouts alongside U.S. forces fighting the Japanese during World War II. Close to 43,000 claims were filed but only 18,900 were found eligible, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. District (Ala Moana to Hawaii Kai). He graduated from Iolani School and received his BA and JD from Harvard University. After his graduation from law school, he worked as a real estate attorney at Cades Schutte in downtown Honolulu. In 2010, he left this career because he felt a call to give back to the community that had given him so much
Stanly Chang www.stanleychangforcongress .com Stanley Chang currently represents City Council’s 4th
1.) The issue of benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II is one of the most pressing concerns of the Filipino community. Last year, I introduced Resolution 13-144 “expressing support for congressional legislation that recognizes and supports the sacrifices and heroic contributions made by World War II Filipino veterans.” The resolution was adopted unanimously by the City Council. It recounts the distinguished service records of Filipino soldiers in World War II, including many secondgeneration Filipino Americans who joined the regiment from Hawaii. Noting that these brave men “served under the expectation that they would be treated as active U.S. military service members and afforded all the benefits afforded to those serving the armed forces of the U.S.,” the resolution then recounts the shameful treatment of these honorable veterans under the Rescission Act of 1946, which made them ineligible for military honors and benefits. As only about 15,000 Filipino World War II veterans remain from an original population of 250,000, remedying this injustice has never been more urgent. Those who still survive must have their honor restored. That is why if elected to Congress I pledge to continue the fight for
While some veterans missed the September 2010 deadline, others were denied compensation because reconstructed rosters (submitted as documentation) were rejected by the VA and the National Personnel Records Center. How would you address this issue in Congress? 2.) Higher education tuition is on the rise and many students find it impossible to go to college without incorporating student loans in their financial package. What is your vision to address the economic burden of pursuing higher education on the younger generation’s financial well-being, yet recognizing the benefits of having a degree? How will you address a myriad of issues that are relevant to education, such as: financial literacy, the role of community colleges in our society, tax incentives, and government’s role in student aid? 3.) What tax incentives do you plan to spearhead or build on to assist working mothers and families continue their participation in the labor force while raising children?
full recognition of their service. I will support federal legislation including but not limited to S. 461, “Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act ”; S. 690, “Filipino Veterans Fairness Act”; H.R. 110 requiring the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of Filipino veterans’ claims; and H.R. 111 collectively awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino veterans for their distinguished service in World War II. I was particularly proud to stand with several Filipino American veterans as the City Council honored their service for Veterans Day last year. While an honorary certificate from the City Council is a wonderful gesture, I want to go to Congress and work with my fellow members of the Hawaii delegation along with other allies to give these brave men what they need most: full recognition and benefits. Earlier congressional action awarding compensation to some veterans was a step in the right direction, but was ultimately insufficient. In Congress, I would fight against imposing any deadline for submission of claims. These veterans are already elderly and requiring them to adhere to an additional deadline to apply is counterintuitive. The rejection of reconstructed rosters by the VA and the National Personnel Records Center is frustrating, and I would propose expanding the scope of documents allowed to prove service. 2.) Access to affordable higher education is a major concern for young people all over the U.S. Debt is crushing our young generation before they even start their careers, with the average student now graduating with nearly $30,000 in outstanding
loans. One major initiative that I have proposed to reverse this unsustainable trend is to allow students access to the same low interest rates enjoyed by Wall Street banks. Government profiteering from student loan programs needs to stop. Our parents may have been able to work their way through college, but with high tuition and our rising cost of living, this is increasingly out of reach for today’s students. Today, too many college students are forced to take out expensive loans in order to finance their education, and can’t get off on the right foot once they graduate and start working. If subject to predatory interest rates, the paychecks for their first few years on the job will be siphoned away. They will not be able to save to buy a home and support a family, particularly in a state like ours with a high cost of living. If the prospect of paying for college is too daunting for today’s working families, our economy and productivity will suffer in the long run. Let’s make sure that the student loan industry is appropriately regulated so that funding is made available to our young people at reasonable rates. I have proposed a tuition for service plan under which young people would receive one free year of college tuition for every year invested in military service, the Peace Corps, VISTA, Teach For America, or other qualified programs. The years following World War II showed how robust investment in public universities along with support from programs such as the GI Bill combined to create an educated and productive workforce. Education represents a fantastic return on investment. A program to guarantee free college tuition for
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 5
students who devote themselves to service would both produce a workforce for the 21st century and instill a spirit of giving back to the community in the next generation. Beyond affordable loans and tuition for service, I support the expansion of Pell Grants and other federal programs that fund education for young people. I would support federal funding for financial literacy education in colleges so that students are
Will Espero www.esperoforcongress.com
better equipped to understand the loans they obtain. I have been a very strong supporter of community colleges in our state, particularly Kapiolani Community College, which is located in my current City Council district. KCC is a model for the types of specialized career programs that should be emulated nationwide. I believe that the U.S. government should remain involved in facilitating grants and loans to college students, as long as it is
not making a profit from these loans.
Will was elected to the Hawaii State Senator in 2002. He is currently serving his third team. While in the Senate, Will served as the Vice Chair of the Economic D e v e l o p - m e n t & Ta x a t i o n Committee, Chair for the Public Safety, Inter-governmental, Military Affairs Committee, and as a Majority Floor Leader.
waiting to reunite with their loved ones. As a member of Congress, I will continue to work with the Obama administration as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs to make an honest effort to compensate these heroes. The service of Americans like my father who is a Navy veteran, as well as my son, who is a Captain in the Marine Corps, have truly inspired me to take care and honor those who serve our country and defend the liberty and Democracy that make us the proud and the free.
1.) The sacrifices made by Filipino World War II veterans should be honored by the U.S. government and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is absurd that many of these veterans have not received their benefits and are also spending decades sometimes
first elected in 1994 and has successfully won re-election nine more times (1994 through 2012). He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Mark Takai www.marktakai.com Mark Takai is the current State Representative for the 33rd House District, representing the communities of Aiea. He was
Ikaika Anderson www.ikaikaforhawaii.com Ikaika Anderson has worked in government for the last 16 years, and has served two terms on the Honolulu City. He currently holds the position of Vice Chair of the Council. He graduated with degrees in political science and journalism from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
1.) As a Lt. Colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard, I understand the sacrifices that these veterans have made. I believe it is a disgrace that we as a nation have failed to fulfill our duty to render benefits to the brave Filipino veterans that are due to them. This past session, I introduced a resolution that was adopted by the State House urging the President and Congress to grant veterans benefits to Filipino veterans who fought in WWII
1) There is no question that the number of claims denied is staggering and calls into question the process being used to verify and distribute these funds. I would support extending the funding for this program and compelling the VA to accept other forms of verification for the purpose of approving benefit payments. Although I can understand the desire to ensure that claims are paid to only eligible parties, I do not believe that there is no alternative to the current process especially as the VA has acknowledged that their records are incomplete. The VA should work the claimants with the same level of support as these individuals gave to support US troops during World War II. 2) There are a myriad of issues with higher-education in the United States. The single biggest issue is the continuing increases in the cost of higher-education.
3.) My platform, the Agenda for Change, calls for ending tax loopholes and subsidies that benefit the top one percent. I support a more progressive tax system including eliminating the cap on income that is taxed for Social Security. This policy would keep Social Security solvent far into the future. I also support the Earned Income Tax Credit.
2.) Congress must invest in providing our students a quality
but were subsequently denied the benefits to which they were entitled. I will work hard with Hawaii’s delegation to ensure that these veterans who volunteered to serve after being promised full veteran benefits are owed what is rightfully due to them. Providing these benefits does not correct the injustice and discrimination done over 60 years ago, but it is a small step in making reparations. 2.) I have always viewed higher education as a stepping-stone for advancement. Because I recognize that cost is a major factor for attending college, I worked six years to get the Hawaii College Savings Program passed. This 529 College Savings program allows parents to save money and earn interest tax free
The first and most obvious step is to continue to push for student loan reform. College has become unaffordable to most, so the majority of students and their families have had to rely on student loans to pay for college tuition. The system is unbalanced and too many of America’s emerging professionals enter the workforce in severe debt; making it extremely difficult for them to advance financially. Higher education is not a corporation— its interests must not be solely for profit, it must also deliver a workforce that can be competitive in a global marketplace while also being accessible to America’s middle class. In addition to this, we should also be focusing our resources on supporting public institutions. The correlation between the expanded availability of student loans and the rise in tuition at private institutions is too obvious to ignore. I believe that our
I would advocate for incentives that reduce the cost of childcare for working mothers, such as tax credits for companies that provide in-house daycare programs. The U.S. is nearly the only country in the world, and the only industrialized nation, not to mandate paid maternity leave. Implementing this policy would go a long way toward encouraging working mothers to remain in the labor force while raising children. While the
Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, we are long overdue to join the rest of the world in recognizing the unique challenges faced by mothers in the workplace. We must ensure that women are guaranteed both job security and reasonable compensation during this critical time in the development of their children.
and affordable education, to prepare generations for an increasingly competitive global workforce. As a member of Congress, I will join leaders like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, to give students the same interest rates that our government gives banks and those on Wall Street. I would also support expanding 0% interest loans with opportunities to repay through work-study programs. Many of our Filipino students work diligently and are shining examples of the American dream - I pledge to continue to give them the tools and resources they need to achieve that dream.
3.) I would continue to support the Earned Income Tax credits that benefit needy families, which includes many working single mothers. Our Congress should invest in our working families to help them be successful and independent. When families can provide food and shelter for their children, they perform better in schools, and thus are more likely to continue their education through college, and become part of an innovative and globally competitive work force.
for college, giving more middleclass families a chance to go to college and graduate with little or no debt. Like many, I was appalled when a bill passed last year that doubled student loan interest rates and made loan rates variable. It was an outrageous giveaway to big banks that have profited on the backs of our students. I support President Obama’s recent plan to allow federal loan borrowers to cap their monthly loan payments at 10% of their discretionary income. If elected, I would support legislation such as the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act that would reduce student loan interest rates. I believe the govern-ment’s role in providing student aid is
very important. That is why I support Pell Grants, Work Study programs, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit to help make college affordable for those who want to attend. 3.) I have always been on the side of working families. In Congress, I would continue to support the Earned Income Tax Credit and support such legislation as the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2013, which modifies that Earned Income Tax Credit so that more working families will be able to take advantage of this credit.
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Ikaika Andersen nation’s higher-education system would be far better off increasing funding to public institutions in lieu of using that money to provide loans to students for private institutions. 3) I am not sure that tax
Joey Manahan www.joeymanahan.com Joey Manahan currently serves as a Honolulu Councilmember. He was a former State Legislator representing the 29th House District in Hawaii. Joey earned his Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. 1.) The most logical solution would be to extend the application period for eligible World War II Filipino Veterans to apply for the benefits provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). I would also ensure
incentives, alone, are the best mechanism through which we can provide support to working parents and families. In most cases, an individual or a family needs to have a decent income to benefit from tax incentives. Expanded tax benefits for
individuals living at, below or near the lower-end of the income spectrum would likely provide only marginal benefits. Tax incentives are very difficult to tailor to meet regional needs and are frequently underutilized due to lack of awareness by the
that the funding for their benefits have not lapsed and are still available for a claim. Finally to address the issue of accurate record keeping, I would work with the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Philippine Ambassador to the United States to reconsider denied applications and find an efficient way to verify and identify eligible World War II Filipino Veterans in the swiftest manner possible.
them at a lower rate. Last year, Congress passed a bill to set loan rates lower for new loans. Someone who took out a loan before July 1 is paying almost seven percent in interest rates; someone who took at the same loan after July 1 is paying just under 4 percent. That doesn’t make a lot of sense – those with older loans should be able to refinance. These are just two ideas where we can provide some relief now. But I’m interested in hearing from families here in Hawai’i about how we can make sure the dream of a college education doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
2.) One of the reasons my mom and I came to America was so she could pursue a college degree, which she had not been able to do in the Philippines. Having that degree opened up whole new avenues of opportunity for her, and gave me a first-hand example of the importance of higher education. Today, there is $1.2 trillion national student loan debt. This is a problem we need to deal with aggressively now or risk leaving an entire generation behind. To start, we need to stop treating student loans as a money-maker for the federal government. The government should do a much better job pricing loans closer to their actual cost to manage and refinance
3.) I support tax incentives that make it easier for working mothers and families to continue to work while raising children. We need to invest in Child Care Tax Credits and advocate for paid family leave as well. At a time when most families need two incomes to get by, we should be doing everything possible to help, not only for the good of those families, but for the next generation.
taxpayer or simply because many filers do not elect to itemize their returns. I think that the better approach is continued support for and expansion of the existing social safety net programs. Equally important is the fact that although many of
these programs are funded at the federal level individual States can tailor these programs to better meet the needs of the citizens.
loans low and simplifying the federal financial aid program: one grant, one loan, one repayment program. Moreover, I support increasing financial aid to universities that keep tuition hikes below income inflation, offer online courses and workcredit programs, purchase less expensive and more sustainable eTextbooks, and participate in a newly created national textbook exchange.
Kathryn Xian www.electkathrynxian.com Ka t h r y n X i a n i s a h u m a n rights activist and Democratic candidate for Hawai’i’s first congressional district. Born in Honolulu and raised in Pupukea, O’ahu, she directs Girl Fest Hawai’i and Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, a nonprofit service provider for survivors of human trafficking. 1.) Considering the lack of care for which the VA has been criticized lately, I would rectify these technical errors by affording Filipino veterans with the compensation promised to them. Their good service should not be ignored, especially due to technical oversights. 2.) We must work to make the college dream more affordable by keeping interest rates on
3.) I support current legislation (proposed by Rep. DeLauro and supported by President Obama) to fund paid parental leave to new parents through the Social Security Administration. This would require only a 0.2% increase in taxes and alleviate the burden on 80% of American workers who can’t currently afford to take time off immediately following the birth of their child, which can result in lost wages, job loss, and extended unemployment. I would also ensure more funding for high-quality nondenominational early education for keiki, which allows parents to return to work or increase the amount they are able to work. I would alleviate tax burdens on single income families or single mothers. I would also create funding for college tuition scholarships for single mothers as well as fully funding public preschool education and afterschool programs.
**The FIl-Am Courier reached out to all the campaign teams to provide the candidates an opportunity to respond. Unfortunately, we did not hear from Donna Mercado Kim’s campaign in a timely manner. Ria Baldevia describes herself as a “world traveler, a small business owner, creator/author of children’s series MeenaAndFriends.com, a Latin dancer & choreographer, Venetian Renaissance enthusiast, Beethoven-focused pianist, and blogger.” She is currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Diplomacy & Military Studies.
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THE THE FIL-AM FIL-AM COURIER COURIER •• JUNE JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 79
International Luzviminda Charity Fashion Show:
Defining Our Culture Through Dress By randy cortes
Over 100 curious individuals descended at the Cupola Theatre in the Honolulu Design Center on Saturday June 28, 2014 as the JCI-Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber held the inaugural International Luzviminda Charity Fashion Show. A portion of the fashion show’s success can be attributed to the generous financial contributions of the Renato and Maria A.F. E t ra t a Fo u n d a t i o n , t h e main sponsor of the event. Also worth mentioning is Vacations Hawaii, another essential sponsor. Filipiniana, the Filipinoinspired outfit, garnered the spotlight at the show. Various costumes from the different regions of the Philippines were featured, tracing the diverse influences that shape the Filipino manner of dress. Notable designers Audie Espino, Lyle Ibanez, Raoul Ramirez, and Sidney Perez Sio portrayed the Filipiniana’s evolution from Pre-Spanish era to the present time, highlighting the transformation in fabrics
and silhouettes, a product of the political and social issues during the respective periods. With this endeavor, these four designers help define our culture through dress. Several commemorative certificates were presented in recognition of the special event. Deputy Counsel Joy Espinosa-Santos gave a certificate on behalf of the Philippine Consulate. Meanwhile, Jason Espero, son of Senator Will Espero presented a similar certificate for the Senate. Lastly, Radiant Cordero, Legislative Aide to Councilmember Joey Manahan handed a framed document on behalf of the City and County of Honolulu. Lead organizer Rhonee Rojas enthusiastically remarked: “I was proud to be able to share the c r e a t i v i ty a n d s ty l e o f these very talented Filipino designers with the people of Hawaii.” A portion of the fashion show proceeds will be donated to the GMA Kapuso Foundation. As the premier young
leaders organization in Hawaii, the mission of the JCI-Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber is: To perpetuate the local Filipino heritage and provide development opportunities that empower young active citizens to create positive change. Fo r i n q u i r i e s a b o u t membership, please contact President Zhoydell Magaoay at magaoayz@gmail.com or call (808) 478-9802. Further information can be obtained a t www.fjchamber. org.
Randy Cortez will be entering the University of Hawaii’s William S Richardson School of Law in the Fall. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy along with a Bachelors in Filipino and Philippine Literature at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Currently, Randy is the Chairman of the Board of JCIHawaii Filipino Junior Chamber (a.k.a Filipino Jaycees), and also devotes his time to the Knights of Rizal - Hawaii Chapter.
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a story as told by Nicky
Little Sparrow” and has a
the ancients describe in the
Sehra, a student of History,
beautiful message.
Far East.
Sometimes our
Corporate Communications
days are good or bad, black
and Public Relations, who
ADOPTIONS
vs white, hot and cold.
was told this story by a
Former Family Court & Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty. Call 674-2637 for information.
Situations such as not
WEDDINGS-ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
changes can cause an influx
getting a job promotion,
Once upon a time there was a little sparrow,
failed relationships or life
She loved to fly so high in the sky
So innocent and free
One day while flying
She sensed an immediate threat
Looking down, she saw a hunter
creates a different dynamic
With his pointed rifle straight up at her
and teaches us to focus
Ready to flee,
on the blessing of every
She looked upwards
misfortune.
Only to see
Even more danger
An eagle eyeing her from way up above
Like a piece of candy
The Little Sparrow with no choice to be free,
What happens when our
Decided to let go,
needs or desires are not
Surrendering her life to God,
met?
We become fearful,
In complete serenity
angry, and even resentful;
In that precise moment
A snake bit the hunter,
Who misfired his rifle,
Whose bullet grazed the eagle
Setting the Little Sparrow free.
of emotions. We must do our
Judge Graulty (retired) - call 778-8510 to schedule.
best to focus on the positive
Tommy’s Auto Body & Paint. Call 671-8252 for
are not met.
FREE ESTIMATES.Satisfaction Guaranteed.
SHORT ON CASH?
Business Oportunity. $400+ per transaction. Call 295-0577
GRAPHICS? LAYOUT?
GET IT IN THE MOST • Brochure • Poster • Catalogs • Souvenir Programs • Banner • Ad Layout Call (808) 595-8787 Leave a message to call back ASAP!! WE DO THE LAYOUT! YOU PRINT IT! or... WE CAN PRINT IT FOR YOU!
when our expectations Why? This
There will be
occasions when the mind or ego will conjure up stories how each situation must unfold in order to facilitate our needs of happiness.
it’s almost as if the world owes us! There is something each and every one of us can do to alleviate all the frustration we carry, and this is simply to “Let Go”.
“Surrender to what is.
Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” – Sonia Ricotti
Letting go is to stop
living through the mind and to live through the heart.
The Little Sparrow is a reminder to trust where you are at any given moment. If we can all remember to surrender and “Let Go”; anything in life is attainable! Why do you think it’s so hard for people to let go and trust that maybe life has better plans for us? Comments and questions to DrSison are welcome. Aloha!
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 17
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WINNERS OF THE KNDI FATHER’S DAY POETRY CONTEST 1ST PRIZE WINNER (Ilocano) Mercy Rabago Manligot (Honolulu) Pamagbaga Ti MaysangaAma Kasladalluyon ti marikriknak, No lagip ti umapaykaniak Ti ayatmoAma, ngamanglapunoskaniak Dalluyon Ti biag, rag-o di matngelan Agburburayoknga di magawidan PamagbagamAma, naitalimeng man itikaunggan Ngauray no addakanitisidong Ti namarsuan Naitalimengditoypusok ti nabalitokanngapamagbagam Pamagbaga ,TimaysangaAma Nga no ipangagketaddanamnama KunamAma, ngaagadal kayo tapnoaddanapintasngamasakbayanyo Taypagsasaongainkaimabati AmangaKunam... “Ti tao a nakaradkad, itiagnanayon ngabiagdintopulosagrigat Ta rang-ay ton ken ragsak Ti naruay to a pasamak Gunggona ken supapakket Purusenngaidatonagpaayitisapasap Nangnangrunakadagitimaikuskuspil ken marigrigat Aniannganagpintas NabalitokanngapamagbagamAmakaniak Toy pusokagragragsak KetmanginanamaAma, Ngadagitoyketnaitalimeng da kaniak Ngaisu’tinspirasyonkongaagbiag Kettungpalbiagaddan to lattakaniak.
1ST PRIZE WINNER (Tagalog) Maria Lucia Pascual (Kapolei)
2nd prize winner (Ilocano) ArtemiaBagoyo (Honolulu) Tatangkodikantopulosmalipatan, Dagititalugadingmo a naindaklan’ Kinaanus, kinaalibtak, ken kinasingpet, Intakdermo’tpamilyambabaenbukodmo a ling-et. Nariwet pay laengaddakayon ken Nanangiti talon, Napudot a kapenganagiling ti inkaybinalon, Ken kilabban ti inkayoninbulon, Tapno addakiredyoinga’tpangaldaw a madanun. Tatangko, dika man langingin-gina, Bannog ken rigatida, Awanpayenpanawenmongaaginana ken mapanmakidaya, Ta panpanunutemket nu kasanu’tpanangisakadpamilya. Ketitan,oras na komanngainkamimettensubalitan, Amin a sakripisyongainibturam, Kayatmolaeng a diminmapasaran, rigatainkalinak-am. Ngemapayentatangkongainka met simminan, Ditoy a biaginnakaminulilanketsakit ti nakemdiak san mabaelan, Awanmabalin, no ti namarsua ti mang-ngeddeng, Isungaintayiparikna ken tatang dung-ngo ken panag-raem, Ta isuna ti nakautangantay ti biag ken naimbag a nakem, Dios ti ag-nginatatang a natakneng!
SECOND PRIZE (Tagalog) By Dino Pascual (Kapolei) Ang Pangarap ng Tatay Ang buhay ng tao Ay payugto-yugto Tama ang pangaral Ng amakonggabay
Salahat na galaw Ng akingbuhay Ang amako Ang tangikonggabay
Mgaanak, akingminamahal Pakingganninyoakingsasabihin Mgapangaralna di napapatid Itanimsapusodiwa at damdamin
Siya ay walangkapantay Salahat ng bagay Lalo na kung pagmamahal And pag-uusapan
Ang pag-aalitan, mgapag-aaway Ay di naalissamagkakapatid Kusangdumaratingsakaninongbahay Di man ninanais, di man binabatid.
Kung babasahin mo Ang tulakongito Ay mababasamo Mgagintongaral ng amakonggabay Binusogniyaako ng mgapangaral Maging spiritual or mundomangyaman Ang amako ay tangikonggabay Patungosatuwid na daan Ang buhay ng tao Ay payugto-yugto Tama ang pangaral Ng Amakonggabay Ang pag-aaway ng magkakapatid Ay karamniwanggalawsakanilangbuhay Huwagpatagalin, howagitatanim ang galit Sapuso’tdamdamin Pangpapakumbaba at pagpapatawad Ang kahanga-hanganainyonggawain Si Kristo ang inyonggayahin Sapagpapatwad sa mgakaaway Walangatubilin Sana’ynapulutan ng mahalagangaral Ang akingtulangnagsasalaysay Samgakabataan, pakinggan ang mgasinasabi ng ama At siya ang inyong tanging gabay. Ditonagwawakas Ang akingpanambitan Na akingminana Saamakonggabay
Kung saka-sakali Kayo’y mag-aaway Sigawan, hidyawan ay di humuhupay Mgasumpaan ang mangingibabaw Ang panahonnatinmadalinglumipas Bawat, Tik!Tak! ngorasan Ay pakinggan at pakinabangan Panahonglumipas ay walangbalikan Ang buhaykahapon Ay isanghistoryananagsasalaysay Mgagawain na masama ay isinusumpa Mgagawainmabuti ay pinagpapala Minsanlang ang taong Dumaansamundo Bakas ng kahapon Tanhgingalaalanybuhaykongito. Ang buhaykobukas Ay isanghimala Di iniingatan, di pa pinapansin Bukaspalawala ng dadatnan. Huwagipagpabukas Mgagawainko, mgapagbabago Ngayonna! Ngayonna! Bukas ay hulina.bukas ay hulina.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JULY 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 19