PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
By MARY LLANOS CORDERO
serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero
POMP AND NEW CIRCUMSTANCES
Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando D. 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
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.
Telephone: 808.595.8787 Facsimile: 808.595.6883 E-Mail: courier@lava.net www.filamcourier.net m
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Hawaii Filipino American Media Council All rights reserved printed in the u.s.a ©
June is normally known nationally for being THE wedding month. However, the first month of the summer season is also graduation season for secondary schools-both private and public in Hawaii and while commencement exercises often begin in May, they also spill over in June providing a lot of work for local florists and balloon companies. For many local families, graduation season means seeing either their own teenagers or the teens of relatives don robes and mortar boards for that special weekend; when they will sit through speeches and songs before making the stroll to obtain their diploma and thus end their high school years. For Filipino families, such ceremonies are especially important because they indicate that a focus on setting educational goals for their children has been
either totally or partially completed. For some, a high school graduation ceremony is significant because it is considered a milestone, from the vantage point of immigrant families endeavoring to seek new opportunities in a new country. For others, the high school diploma is just a step towards furthering their ambitious career goals, that of perhaps becoming a Doctor, a Lawyer or a Teacher. In any event, the importance of having some form of education-whether it is obtaining your basic high school diploma or moving on to college to get a Bachelor, Masters or PhD-is rarely disputed in this society. In fact, recent reports note that high school g ra d u a t i o n ra t e s h a v e gotten much higher. The Associated Press reported this year that-
based on 2012 statisticsthe average US public high school graduation rate is now just over 80% with at least 1 out of 5 students getting a diploma. This beats the 2009-10 average of 78.2% which was the highest graduation rate since 1974. According to the website localschool directory.com, Hawaii has a public school graduation rate of 76% ranking 28th out of states nationally and a drop out rate of 5.4% which is ranked 42. While the statistics are commendable, the message that is missed around graduation time is oddly enough, what the future holds for graduates. The vast majority of high school graduationswhether public or privatefocus largely on endings and not beginnings, departures and not arrivals. Graduations seem to be an event almost stuck
in time, frozen in academic amber. The reality however is that leaving school is really about adulthood. This will mean making vital personal, financial, economic and scholastic choices. Graduations usher in more responsibilities, greater expectations and bigger roles to fulfill. Yes, graduations do mark an end to adolescence of sorts but it also indicates the continuity of life. In the end, a lot of the rhetoric about graduating high schools seems fixated on what already occurred in one’s life. In truth, the emphasis should be on the present and the future. After all, there will be plenty of time to think about one’s schooldays in the future especially after one’s career and financial goals have been reached. Congratulations to the 2014 graduates. We wish you well in your journey t o a d u l t h o o d ! Ke e p o n dreaming of a better tomorrow!
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 3
community CALENDAR Compiled by Edna Alikpala
OAHU June 14, 2014 Philippine Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General, 6 p.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom. Cost: $75. Contact: Edna Alikpala, 282-3669; Melga Gendrano 383-7986 June 14, 2014 Annual Convention of the Oahu Filipino Community Council at Philippine Consulate General Lanai. June 25, 2014 First Annual Gathering of Hawaii Ethnic Chambers of Commerce, sponsored by Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Maria A. F. Etrata, President. 5:30 p.m. at Empress Restaurant in the Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St., #304. Cost: $25 includes dinner. Registration/rsvp by June 11, 2014 at www.filipinochamber. org or email to knakasone@ ksglaw.com June 26, 2014 United Filipino Council of Hawaii, Golf Scholarship Tournament at Ewa Beach Golf Club. Tournament fee: $150/player or $450 for 3-player team. Contact: Ben Cabreros 3890614 June 29, 2014 Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii, 6 p.m., Ala Moana Hotel. Contact: Jenny Quezon, quezonj001@hawaii.rr.com. July 5, 2014 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, 60th Anniversary and Installation Banquet. 6 p.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, $75. Contact: Paul Alimbuyao 754-8691 July 5, 2014 Kalayaan Philippines Hawaii International. 15th Year Anniversary and the 7th year Huwaran Award for Outstanding Filipino Americans in Hawaii. 5 p.m., Pacific Beach Hotel, $60. Contact: Ben Pulido 421-9474; Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700, Di Bucasas 398-8483 July 2014 First University of the East Alumni Association Hawaii Basketball Tournament. Calling all alumni from different Philippines colleges and universities to participate in this tournament. Contact Baybee Hufana Ablan, 753-5616
July 25 - 27, 2014 United Filipino Council of Hawaii Annual Statewide Convention, Island Council Host: Oahu Filipino Community Council. Location: Pagoda Hotel July 26, 2014 Miss Hawaii Filipina 2014 sponsored by United Filipino Council of Hawaii. Pagoda Hotel, 6 p.m.
August 23, 2014 2014 Parents of the Year and 2014 Outstanding High School Valedictorians, at Empress Restaurant. Sponsored by Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii, Maggie Domingo, President. Contact: Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 and Janice Sevilla at 595-8000. August 23, 2014 University of the Philippines Alumni Association, Hawaii Chapter, Installation of Officers Banquet, 6-11 p.m., FilCom Center Waipahu. Cost of Dinner $50.00. Event Chair: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778 6291 and Incoming President Melody Calisay 808 224 9535
August 30, 2014 KARAT, The Gozum-Dysangco Fashion Conspiracy, at Hawaii Prince Hotel, Maunakea Ballroom, 7 p.m.. Sponsored by Pygmailion Arts Fund. For tickets and sponsorship information, call 630-6268 and 312-0778 September 13, 2014 Maria Clara Ball of the Filipino Women’s Civic Club of Hawaii at Hawaii Prince Hotel, 6 p.m. Featuring the Miss Maria Clara and Mr. Barong Contests, presentation of the Filipino Icon Woman of Inspiration and scholarship award recipients. Contact: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090
AT THE FILCOM CENTER: • FILIPINO FOLK DANCING – rehearsals at breezeway or courtyard. Saturday afternoons. • BANDALAN DOCE PARES ESCRIMA – Saturday afternoons • COMPUTER ENRICHMENT AND WORKFORCE TRAINING WOR KSHOPS – year round. Computer Basics, every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2 p.m.-4 p.m., four session cycles. WORD – every Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 noon, four session cycles; EXCEL, every Saturday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., 3 session cycles. • ZUMBA – taught by Pinoy808 crew, Mondays at 6:30 p.m. CONTACT: Filcom Center, 808-680-0451
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
FLYING HIGH!
Our cover....
Our cover photo features three outstanding young people of Filipino-American ancestry who recently graduated as high school valedictorians: (left to right) Christian Joseph Peralta, Jholina Codera, and Kenner Villanueva Shumway. Photo credit: James Ramos Photography
Photo was shot at dusk at Koolina’ Beach Park by talented photographer James Ramos (jamesramosphotography.com). Cover Concept by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia (www.origmedia.com)
Codera
Shumway
Peralta
PROFILES OF OUTSTANDING FILIPINO-AMERICAN VALEDICTORIANS
Photo credit: James Ramos Photography
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 5
Jholina and her fellow Associated Student Body officers take a jumping photo at their last school event.
By RADIANT CORDERO
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”
Jholina with her closest friends on their last day of school.
In some ways, it may seem counterintuitive to have to l earn to know yourself. Surely, that should be a given, right? Not necessarily. Luckily for us, the experiences that people can take away from school, extracurricular activities, people we surround ourselves with (and those we choose not to), and how we handle situations help to shape people into who they are or will be. Many of life’s gifts and surprises allow people to discover what they are passionate about and even what they want in life. Jholina Codera entered high school with the goal of getting to know herself and become one of the valedictorians for her graduating class, saying, “I knew I wanted to have a reason for my parents to be proud of me.” With the support of her parents, Alex and Ulesis Codera, Jholina’s ambitions to succeed and discover her passion and,
most importantly, herself was mercifully abound. Families are the fertile soil from which all good things grow. The support of a loving family has limitless advantages, especially for teenagers. Codera’s family constantly reminded Jholina of how proud she makes them and always encouraged her in the littlest of ways. Jholina recalls that, “When I would stay up all night to finish assignments or when I was completing my senior project, my parents would give me coffee during the night or in the morning when they would see I was still awake.” Her parents also expressed their understanding of Jholina’s ambitions and allowed her to stay out late to attend to her extracurricular activities, such as Student Government. Student Government is not all that Jholina participated in while in high school. She took Farrington High School’s motto, “Enter
to learn, go forth to serve,” to heart and eagerly partook in the activities that Farrington offered with the hope of discovering her strengths and weaknesses and to be a part of the change she wished to see in the school. Codera was the Associated Student Body secretary during her senior year, a member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) during her four years in high school, and became president of FCCLA in her senior year. She was also active in her school’s math team. While at Farrington, her energy and hard work did not go unnoticed. Codera was a recipient of the Farrington Academy of Business cord, Gold Medal Award at the C a r e e r a n d Te c h n i c a l Student Organizations ( C T S O ) S t a t e Fa m i l y ’s Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition, Farrington GOV Award, and the Oahu County
4H Foodshow Blue Ribbon Award twice. C o d e ra y e a r n i n g t o discover herself while in school was critical to her growth. At such a young age, she is already attuned to what she can learn and uses it for her well-being. Certainly, in order to improve, you must first ascertain where you are and then how you want to be. As a graduate fresh from high school, it can be a confusing or trying time. But through h er journey during high school, one thing that Codera has most strived for is self-discovery. Codera is satisfied with the progress of that journey: it will likely be one that will go on for a lifetime. In August, Codera will be entering her first year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she aims to obtain a degree in accounting. Not one to rest on her laurels, Codera plans to join
many clubs and participate at school. Currently, her goals for the near-future include becoming employed and surviving her freshman year of college. After her years of schooling are done, Codera dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and opening her own CPA firm in New York. For someone like Jholina Codera, dreams like these are the blueprint for reality. 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.
Jholina’s supportive family celebrated her graduation beside her.
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
KENNER SHUMWAY
By Kathleen Lee
A family that prays, plays, and learns together, succeeds together. This is what Kenner Shumway’s roots could teach the rest of the community. A 2014 alumnus of Kahuku High School, Shumway rose to the top of a class of over 210 high school seniors as one of KHIS’ three Valedictorian graduates. In the six years he spent at Kahuku, the Red Raider tackled Advanced Placement (AP) courses which contributed to his GPA of over 4.0. Shumway was also involved in Student Body Government, was a
“MAKING GOOD CHOICES” member of the National H o n o r S o c i e t y, a n d participated in ‘History Day,’ an avenue that allowed him to compete in Nationals five years in a row. He developed his musical chops as part of the school’s Choir and Band, even creating his own Jazz band for his Senior class project. According to Shumway, being in Band will be one of the things he will miss the most about high school.
Outside of academia, the 18-year old keeps himself occupied by playing tennis, spending time with his family, playing computer games, and watching movies. He also assists the community with his volunteer efforts; Shumway recently earned Eagle Rank, the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting obtained through rigorous requisites of leadership and community service. When asked what Shumway was most proud of, his response: his family. Shumway hails from a Family of eight. He is the oldest of six siblings - Reyna (17), Abby (14), Rachel (12), Rhiannon (8), and Gabriel (3). In line with their big brother’s footsteps, Reyna, Abby, and Rachel also attend Kahuku High School and participate in Band and Choir. His parents, Aaron Merrill Shumway and Eliza May Villanueva Shumway, both
attended Brigham Young University – Hawaii. Aaron then earned his law degree from Washington & Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. After twelve years as an attorney in a Honolulu law firm, Aaron left the industry to be a religious educator for the church his family belongs to: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. May, Shumway’s mom, currently owns and operates her own music studio, where
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 7
she conducts private piano lessons and directs three choirs. The Shumways are originally from Arizona, but have lived in Hawaii since 1966. The Villanueva side of the family tree is from Bacolod, Philippines. One way Kenner Shumway’s family acknowledges and stays connected to their Filipino heritage is through food. According to Shumway’s mother May, the children’s favorites are sinigang, tinola, pansit, adobo, bangus, tilapia, nilaga, ginataan, lumpia, torta, suman - you name it. In fact, she says, Kenner’s dad, Aaron eats balut and bagoong! The family has also taken trips to visit relatives in the Philippines. The most recent one was this past Christmas and New Year, where they
experienced Noche Buena and the Christmas traditions. In regards to the Filipino language, May Shumway reveals, “I speak to Gabriel exclusively in Tagalog so all the kids now learn the words he does. I’ve taught all our kids to dance the Tinikling and we sin g Christmas songs in Tagalog - their favorite is ‘Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit’.” T h e S h u m w a y matriarch also mentioned that the family moved back to Hawaii for the children, after Aaron finished law school. “We wanted our kids to feel that they were truly half-Filipino and know their culture and hear the language spoken often. We also wanted to be closer to the Philippines so we could afford to visit every few
years. We are very proud of our Filipino heritage.” Daily scripture reading and family prayer are part of the Shumway household repertoire. Monthly parentchild “dates” - switching between Mom and Dad as the one the child goes on the “date” with - are also observed. Other influential family members are Lolo, Lola (the Villanueva seniors), Grandma, and Grandpa (the Shumway elders), since, “their examples of love, devotion, sacrifice, discipline and family values have had a tremendous impact on the family,” May stated. S h u m w a y ’s p a r e n t s offer the following advice in regards to raising a cohesive family: discipline with love, praise children more than you correct them, plan
wholesome recreational activities, emphasize the importance of education, have good study habits, no electronics during weekdays, and always do your best. T h e r e c e n t Ka h u k u graduate has advice of his own, for his younger peers: “the little choices you make now will completely change the kind of experience you have in your last couple years of high school, so make sure they are good ones!” Kenner Shumway will soon be leaving Hawaii to serve a two-year mission in New Delhi, India, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his mission, he will be attending BYU in Provo, Utah, where he plans to major in Mathematics. Kenner Shumway’s favorite
quote is, “Do Hard Things,” since according to him, “the things in life which are worthwhile and right, are never going to be the easiest options.”
Kathleen Lee spent the 80’s in the Philippines - born in Batangas on an Air Force base, and raised in Baguio (PMA, Fort Del Pilar) and Manila (Quezon City), respectively. She and her family moved to San Jose, California in the early 90’s, where she ended up at San Jose State University to study Political Science. In 2009, Kathleen moved to Hawaii, and learned more about the community working for the Hawaii State Legislature and YMCA of Honolulu. She currently works as a professional in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
By randy cortes
All throughout high school, Christian Joseph Peralta pushed himself to stay focused and do his best. Yet, when he was selected as Valedictorian of James Campbell High School’s Class of 2014, he said it was still somewhat of a surprise. He admits setting his goal early: “I wanted to prove to myself that if I really tried and put effort into my actions, I can accomplish great things,” he said. Without question, Peralta’s 4.0 GPA is a direct reflection of his tireless efforts. Other than academics, Joseph was an active member
of a club through which he helped to raise public awareness of the negative effects drugs produced within the community. To educate the community, the
club attended various events throughout the island and set up informational booths. In addition, he was also given several opportunities to attend conferences
locally and nationally as a representative of Hawaii. Peralta traveled to The Big Island and Washington D.C. (C.A.D.C.A.) in order to attend conferences with other drug free and awareness groups. Yes, there are trade-offs. Peralta said he sacrificed his social life in favor of academics. In fact, Peralta confessed he did not have a social life aside from spending quality moments with his younger siblings Justin (13 years old) and Janelle (10 years old). Interactions with his friends were normally conducted at school and limited to text or phone. To
manage schedules, Peralta created a support system amongst friends ensuring that they all understood the lesson and assisted each other with homework. Peralta will be attending UH Manoa in the Fall. When asked where he derives his inspiration and motivation from, Joseph simply replied: “when I see the lives of others around me, when I see someone successful, I imagine myself being just like them someday. Other times, when I see someone struggling, it makes me want to do my best so that one day I can go back and help those in need.”
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 9
With his family on graduation day: parents Randy and Melanie Peralta and siblings Justin and Janella.
Peralta plans to go into engineering and possibly attain all his flight licenses to become an airline pilot - his dream job. With the extra money he would earn, he plans on giving back to the less fortunate. He even revealed that he would “Maybe sponsor and support children to go to school and make their lives better.” On a fundamental level, he wants to “affect the less fortunate people’s lives by helping them improve and get back on track in life.” When prompted to discuss his Filipino identity, Peralta resoundingly exclaimed: “I feel very proud to be a Pinoy! I enjoy being a Filipino, a minority in America. I feel very proud to bring a good name not only to my family, but the Philippine race and the generations to come.” To stay in touch with his Filipino heritage, Peralta visits his grandparents, who still own their farm, in the Philippines. These visits usually occur every two to three years. While on these trips, his grandparents would educate Joseph and his siblings on the basics of farming, raising farm animals, and cooking.
Peralta discloses that “It is a wonderful thought to know that we as a Filipino Community are here for one another, supporting one another. We all share a common goal of preserving our Filipino legacy.” In 10 years, he predicts that the Filipino population will grow in significance. By that time, Joseph hopes that he “would have been able to impact at least one person’s life.” From his perspective, “Hawaii will continue to be the refuge for Filipinos seeking a new start in life. However, I hope I to be around to make a difference”
Randy Cortez is a Program Specialist managing federallyfunded programs for the Office of Community Services at the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. 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 President of the JCI-Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber (a.k.a Filipino Jaycees), but also devotes his time to the Knights of Rizal - Hawaii Chapter
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 11
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
LGBT RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES By perfecto r. yasay, jr.
T h r o u g h o u t h i s t o r y, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and fairly recently, transgenders have been the object of ridicule and condemnation. Intolerance and bias against homosexuals have b e e n m o r e s e ve r e a n d unforgiving than it has been against women in patriarchal societies and against men in legendary Amazon communities where fantasies about female supremacy are depicted in many literary tales, largely due to cultural taboos and religious ethos. In the Philippines, sexual orientations encompassed in the acronym LGBT that do not fit squarely within the biological definition of male and female have been unjustly ostracized. P a r a d o x i c a l l y, t h e Constitution mandates as a matter of principle and policy that the State values the dignity of human beings and requires full respect for their basic rights. It also provides for the protection of life, liberty and prosperity and guarantees to every individual equal protection under the law. What constitutes basic human rights has been broadened in time. Civil rights, political liberties, social justice and other equal opportunities for growth and development, regardless of gender identity, race, ethnic background and religious beliefs, have been added to the list of elemental human needs for food, shelter,
clothing, health care and education. Curiously, while the Constitution zealously protects the rights conferred to every man, woman and child, including the unborn with specific provisions that promote their welfare, it says nothing about whether the same rights apply to everyone regardless of gender inclinations. Not e ve n t h e a u t h o r i t a t i ve commentaries about these significant constitutional provisions adequately explain the coverage of LGBTs under the fundamental law. Perhaps, this omission demonstrates Philippine society’s deeply rooted sexual prejudices and ignorance engendered by cultural and religious influences. If this is the case, then there is little hope that the LGBTs in the country can easily assimilate and find themselves accepted as part of God’s wondrous creation, deserving of the same liberties and freedoms granted to all natural persons. Parenthetically, a good number of the members of the Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution were appointed because of their
religious background to set the guiding principles for the moral directions of the nation after long years of martial law. On the other hand, it could also be that the constitutional oversight had nothing to do with any deliberate and concerted effort to prevent if not delay the inevitable influx of what is dreaded as extremely liberal ideas, especially from the United States. These have been facilitated by the overwhelming advances in technology that has shaped the manner, depth and speed in which knowledge and information regarding fashion trends and social values for example are fostered, transmitted and imbibed. In that event, the unfair treatment of LGBTs can be readily addressed by remedial legislation. This explains why some lawmakers encouraged in s u p p o r t i n g m ove m e n t s and advocacy groups that promote LGBT rights are now beginning to sponsor bills that aim to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
As expected, various Christian churches and other religious organi-zations acting as guardians of the people’s social and moral life have quickly expressed their views in the hope of influencing the outcome of the legislative process. Their respective arguments represent a broad spectrum o f i d e a s ra n g i n g f r o m vigorous opposition on the one hand to cautious open mindedness on the other. The most hard-line of churches uncompromisingly reject the measures. They argue that women, who feel, act and think like a man (lesbians), and vice versa (gays), or those that adopt both proclivities (bisexuals) or underwent physical transformation to actualize their sexual preferences (transgenders) are characteristic aberrations that are biblically condemned. To them homosexuality is sin. In the middle are some self-professed reformed church groups that support affirmative actions against the discrimination of LGBTs, but call for moderation and restraint to allow for substantive scrutiny of the bills, asserting that they contain sweeping provisions that opens the floodgates against excessively liberal legislation. In turn, as they allege, this will facilitate the legalization of same-sex marriage and divorce. At the opposite end are affirming churches that recognize the need to meet the prejudices of society against LGBTs by not only supporting the pending legislative proposals but pushing for educational seminars and fora that will promote better understanding, equality of treatment and gender sensitivity.
Furthermore, some churches have acted independently of their affiliates abroad. To s u m m a r i z e , a l l these denominational and individual churches accept the constitutional policy that the State values the dignity of every person and guarantees respect for their human rights. The majority also recognizes that safeguards against unfair treatment apply to all regardless of gender identity. And yet, at the core of their apprehensions is that while sexual orientation is not the same as sexual behavior, the former primarily drives the latter. Simply put, any predisposition to aberrant sexual behavior is dictated by sexual orientation. This explains their moral r e s e r va t i o n t o w a r d s a wholehearted endorsement of the intended new law. For this reason there is guarded optimism that an acceptable solution towards the passage of the bills may yet be worked out. In the public hearings, Congress can begin by clearly identifying deviant offensive sexual acts to be prohibited that are socially and religiously offensive. This will help immensely in assuaging conservative fears that the next level of progression would be validating samesex marriage and divorce. After successfully practicing law in the Philippines and the United States, “Jun” served as Chairman of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission under President Fidel V. Ramos. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Christian University in Manila, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Filipino Community Center. Yasay, along with his wife Cecile and daughter Stephanie, is a resident of Honolulu.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 13
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
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The one-of-a-kind “kaBATAan: Filipino for Kids Summer Program” offered at the Filipino Community Center is now seeking participants and volunteers! Now on its ninth year, the annual summer cultural enrichment program is designed “to provide e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l -a g e children of ALL ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the rich Philippine culture and heritage. The program will be held for five Saturdays: June 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants between the ages of 5-12 years old. Volunteers need to be at least 13 years old. Deadline for registration is June 16, 2014. This year’s theme is “Bayanihan” which refers to the Filipino spirit of helping and sharing. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the devastation that happened in the Philippines brought about by the world’s worst typhoon. At the end
of the program, kaBATAan: Filipino for Kids will adopt an elementary school in Tacloban to allow an avenue to help and sharebasic school supplies. The program includes language and culture components and interactive activities such as games, dances, and songs and a summer reading program. In previous summer programs, students learned about Tinikling; the Philippines’ most popular folk dance; Escrima, Philippine martial arts; Carinosa, the Philippine national dance; Sipa, formerly known as the Philippine national sport and Alibata or Baybayin, the Philippine ancient script; and Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. In past years, students also enjoyed other activities including making their own halo-halo, folding/coloring
jeepney, and dancing the malong dance from southern Philippines in Mindanao. The program was conceptualized through a mini-diversity grant from the UH SEED office in 2005 and has now become an annual summer collaborative project of the Filipino Community Center, University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hawaii Chapter, UH Filipino and Philippine Literature program, the UH Katipunan Club, Alumni and Friends, and community organizations and volunteers. Registration is $50 per student for all five Saturdays [with an additional $10 for a program T-shirt]. For more info, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ fil4kidshiorhttp:// filipinoforkids .blogspot. com/ or emailfil4kidshi@ gmail .com.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 15
By Jeffrey Moniz, PhD
“Are you Filipino?” was the question that my Grandpa Leonardo Pagarigan often led with whenever he initiated conversations with strangers. Growing up in a household of eleven — and sometimes more, I often followed him on his errands around Waipahu, relishing every bit of attention that a boy could get from his grandfather. He was a friendly man, striking up conversations, exchanging information with strangers that invariably resulted in the exclamation “we are related.” Then, Grandpa would always turn to inform me that this person, once a stranger, was actually a relative and, as such, should be afforded my respect. I open with this vignette about being related and showing respect to our relatives as a way to view Filipinos’ relationship to the recently embarked worldwide voyage of the Polynesian sailing canoes Hôkûle‘a and Hikianalia. The Mâlama Honua (Care for Our Earth) voyage aims to promote care for our oceans and island earth by learning, creating global relationships, and exploring, through their journey around the road. While the vessels on the journey are Hawaiian voyaging canoes—a clear source of pride for Native Hawaiians, Polynesian sailing canoes have their roots in the long canoes with sails and outriggers that Austronesians from Asia brought to Near Oceania. Filipinos share these seafaring roots. We are related. The first time that I learned this lesson was when I taught fourth grade on Moloka‘i. During the 1995 voyage of the Hôkûle‘a, educators from the Moanalua Garden Foundation, in cluding 1976 Hôkûle‘a crew member Penny Martin,
Mālama Honua Filipino shared a fourth grade lesson from their ‘Ôhi‘a Project curriculum called “Visions of Voyaging.” The thing that stood o u t f o r m a n y, i n c l u d i n g myself, was a chart that showed how some common words from Polynesian and Philippine Languages of the Austronesian Family compared. I noticed how students from immigrant families— English language learners, suddenly became more interested in the lesson when they learned how the Polynesian voyaging that they were studying was connected to their home languages. We learned, as depicted in that chart, that Samoans, M a r q u e s a n s , Ta h i t i a n s , Hawaiians, and Maori—all classified as Polynesians, are also related to those who are Ilocano, Tagalog, Visayan, Mindanaoan, and Pampangan. Note that this list of relatives is not exhaustive. This was just what was included in the table, for illustrative purposes. The commonalities across groups, particularly in counting, were striking. That’s because we are related. In my work as a professor who specializes in matters of culture, ethnicity, and race, I challenge my students to appreciate the diversity of our communities. In addition to our emphasis on understanding and appreciating differences, we also learn to discover and emphasize our points of connection. Scientific developments have made it possible to trace our genetic ancestry. Endeavors like National Geographic’s Genographic Project and Ancestry DNA are capable of showing one’s genetic family tree.
Our ancient ancestors’ movements around the world are reflected in the genetic footprints still imprinted within us today. The greatest lesson learned here is that the farther back you trace, the more you become related to the whole of humanity. Also, our connections extend beyond all our fellow humans to all animals, plants, and fungi. Molecular biologists tell us, for example, that we share 84% of our genes with dogs, 65% with chickens, and 24% with rice. Based on the genes we share in our common heritage, scientists estimate that all animals, plants, and fungi share an ancestor from
1.6 billion years ago. Sharing common ancestry, we are related. Finally, if you caught the recently aired series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey you might have learned that everything is made up of atoms—the building blocks of matter. Thus, we are even connected to everything at the subatomic, magnetic
level. The lesson learned from all these examples is that everyone, as relatives, should be inspired by the aims of Mâlama Honua to everything in it—including each other. Note: See the “Lessons Learned” column from the April 16, 2014 issue, written by Maria Elena Clariza, to learn about the FOB Project, a current educational project celebrating Filipinos’ seafaring roots.
Jeffrey Moniz, PhD, is a former schoolteacher who is now an education professor at the University of Hawai‘i at M?noa. He currently serves as the director of Secondary Teacher Education Programs. Jeff, a graduate of St. Joseph School in Waipahu and Damien Memorial School in Kalihi, earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Beloit College in Wisconsin. He also earned Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He teaches and writes about matters of race, ethnicity and culture and espouses a pedagogy grounded in multiplicity. Born and raised on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, he savors life on his home island with his wife and two sons.
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 17
TWO SESSIONS ON DACA TO BE HELD SOON By veronika geronimo
Community groups are poised and ready to provide immigrant youth and their families information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to help with the application process. Immigration attorneys will be on-hand to answer questions at two DACA informational sessions on Oahu this summer: Tuesday, July 8 @ 6pm at First United Methodist Church, and Saturday, July 26 @ 10am at the Filipino Community Center. DACA is a form of immigration relief fought long and hard by undocumented youth themselves, who laid their own safety and futures on the line to unabashedly and courageously called for our leaders to take action on immigration. The result of their activism is DACA. Under DACA, undocumented youth who came to the United States as children and who meet certain requirements, may be granted a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.” People who receive deferred action may apply for and obtain employment authorization, a driver’s license, and a social security number. In his announcement of the program in 2012, President Obama said that the U.S.
DACA offers work permits, drivers’ licenses, and relief from deportation for immigrant youth without papers
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would not deport undocumented youth who receive DACA. Despite the benefits of this program, low numbers of Filipinos --- an alarming 6% of applicants--- have come forward to take advantage of the program. As of March 2014, more than 670,000 requests for DACA were received since the implementation of the program in 2012. Only a little more than 4,000 of those requests were from immigrants from the Philippines. The low application rates clearly reflect concern and reservation about DACA in the Filipino community. However, the benefits to immigrant youth and their families outweigh the perceived risk. Many parents, who may be out of status themselves, fear that if their child applies for DACA, that immigration officers might come after them. Although there are no 100% guarantees, hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth throughout the country have been coming out of the shadows, getting jobs, and slowly letting go of the fear of deportation, because of DACA. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), information provided in a request for
deferred action, including information about family members and guardians, will not be shared with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the purpose of deportation proceedings unless your case involves fraud, a criminal offense, a threat to public safety or national security, or other exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, it is against USCIS policy to refer cases to ICE where there is no evidence of fraud, a criminal offense, or a threat to public safety or national security, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Still, there is the shame that some families fear will come from their own community if it becomes known that they are not in valid immigration status. This fear
should not overshadow opportunity presented by this valid, legitimate immigration benefit. Filipino parents make immense sacrifices in order to pursue a better life for their children. DACA doesn’t go far enough, but it does provide a temporary way out for many immigrant youth who are trapped because they can’t get a decent job, get a driver’s license or who live in debilitating fear of being deported. Those who are interested in applying and learning more are encouraged to get as much information as possible, and warned not to take advice about immigration from a notary public or an immigration consultant. Contact only a qualified immigration lawyer or an
accredited representative for legal advice about your immigration case.
Veronika Geronimo grew up as the eldest child in an immigrant family, raised by a single mother. Her work alongside immigrant communities began over ten years ago, advocating for equal access to justice, education, and economic opportunities. Veronika has held leadership positions with the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, California Immigrant Policy Center, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (formerly Asian Pacific American Legal Center), and is committed to supporting grassroots and community-based movement for policy change. Veronikais a graduate of Pepperdine University and the UCLA School of Social Welfare. She and her family now call Hawaii home.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014
Legal Pinoy By Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq.
Father’s Day is a salute to all fathers. Fatherhood is never easy and some fathers just have it more difficult than others. The following problems provide a glimpse of the complications and legal challenges confronting good fathers when unrepresented by counsel. Question: I did not have an attorney during my divorce in 2010. In the decree, I agreed to pay child support to my ex-wife with the understanding that she will take custody of our minor son. However, from the date of the divorce up to present, our son has lived with me. I love my son and I want to support him reach his full potential but I have also been paying child support for four years to my ex-wife while our son lives
Exhorting the Unrepresented Fatheron Father’s Day with me. What can I do to correct this situation? Answer: The issue of child support is vital in divorce proceedings. In fact, the Family Court will not approve a divorce if child support is not properly addressed by the parties. Because child support obligation lasts for years, it is important that it correctly reflects the situation of the parties. Child support is for the maintenance and benefit of the child following the end of marriage or relationship. Child maintenance is paid directly or indirectly by an obligor to an obligee for the care and support of children of a relationship that has been terminated, or in some cases never existed. Often the obligor is a non-custodial parent. The obligee is
typically a custodial parent, a caregiver, a guardian, or the state.When the child is of age and responsible, child support can be paid directly to the child. It is different from spousal support, also called alimony. If you are the custodial parent as the parent with whom the child resides, child support should be paid to you and not the other way around. From the facts of your case, it appears that your ex-wife is benefitting from your child support payment, and not your child. In this case, you need to go back to court, this time assisted by counsel, to modify the existing child support obligation. With the proper application forlegal remedies, you can correct your situation by terminating your existing court mandated child
suppo rt obligati on and commencing child support obligation payable to you by your ex-wife. Question: I brought my wife to the United States from the Philippines. She has no family in the US. During happier times, my wife , child and I all lived together with my parents in our family house. My family has been our support group in helping us raise our child. However, good times quickly ended and my wife and I are now divorced. Because I work two jobs and I did not want my child to live just anywhere, I decided to move out of our family house so my child and ex-wife can continue to live in a safe and secure environmentwith my parents. Imay not be in good term with my exwife but I know she has no family in Hawaii and I care very much for our child, I did not want her to be just out there. In our divorce, I was not represented by an attorney and I ended up being with exorbitant child support obligation. Can I be made to pay steep child support obligations even if my ex-wife and our child live in our family house with my parents? My ex-wife does not pay rent and all of my child’s needs are provided for by myself and by my family. How is the amount of child support determined? Answer: How much child support and who pays is determined by the facts of each particular case. The facts are determined either by a judge after hearing or by agreement of the parties. In either case, computation is made following the formula in the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. In your particular case, because you care for your child, you took some extra precautions for your child to live in a safe and sound environment. You
surrounded her with your family members who have assisted you and your exwife raise your child. Your family does not charge your ex-wife rent and basically, most of the expneses are absorbed by your family. This may be an unusual arrangement but your intention is for the best interest of the child. If these facts are presented before a judge, and with the able assistance of an attorney, the amount of child support that you are made to pay can be determined correctly so your kind heart does not get exploited. Alimony or spousal support when it is not due should not be collected by your ex-wife in the guise of child support obligation.Child support must be for the benefit of the child and is not meant to exploit obligors such as yourself, in this case. Send us your legal questions at Legal Pinoy P.O. Box 161102, Honolulu, HI 96816. Ask us about U . S . i m m i g r a t i o n l a w, Philippine and Hawaii family law issues. It is our hope that by our column, a proper understanding and application of law can improve our reader’s lives. For actual cases and controversy, there is no substitute for the advice of a qualified attorney.
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. Atty. Yabes Alvarez can be reached at 1-808-5897380 or by email at rmyalvarez@ filamlaw.com. Her Honolulu office is located at 905 Umi St. Suite 204, Honolulu, HI 96819. Visit her website at www.filamlaw .com.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-31, 2014 • PAGE 19
Aaron Lugmao Aranza and his mom, former Hawaii resident Sonia Lugmao Aranza, recently attended Gonzaga College High School’s Mother/Son Brunch and Awards where Aaron received another Presidential Scholarship for academics. Gonzaga is a private college prep school for boys in Washington, DC and is considered one of the top in the nation. Aaron is the son of former Honolulu attorney Danny Aranza and is the grandson of Nick and Annie Lugmao of Waipahu. Sonia recently signed WalMart Global Services as her latest client and she will execute leadership training in China and Costa Rica.
Miss Hawaii Filipina Erika Ordonez recently paid a courtesy visit on House Speaker Sonny Belmonte in the Philippine Congress. The visit was part of Erika’s goodwill tour of the country. Accompanying her on the tour are members of her family, including her parents Larry and Jeniffer Ordonez of Mililani.
Happy Birthday to former Honolulu Resident Mrs. Belen Misalucha on her 80th Birthday. Belen, who now resides in Manila, marked the occasion with a surprise visit from her daughters, Belenda Misalucha Espiritu of Utah, Benjeline Misalucha Quirante of Texas and Courier Managing Editor Bennette Misalucha. Her two sons, Belmin and Benson Misalucha of Paranaque, Philippines joined the celebrations.
Brandon Elefante, seen here during the recent Family Fun Fair at his alma mater, Aiea High school where he volunteered to assist with the food booth. Brandon works for City Council member Breene Harimoto.
More than 600 people recently attended funeral services held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for Father Timoteo Quintero, an icon in the Episcopal Church who served the Filipino constituents of St. Paul’s for fifty years. Apo Padi, as he was fondly called left an indelible Mark with his ministry. His children, Wayland Quintero (now living in Malaysia) and Laurie Luczak (Vice Principal at Kalihi Kai Elementary) delivered eulogies for their father. Father Quintero left behind his wife, Luisa, son-in-law Tom, daughter in law Desiree, and two grandchildren, Isaiah and Sophia Luczak.