PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
For Advertising Information, Please call (808) 595-8787
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 3
B y R A D I A N T COR D ERO
Summertime of Celebration
serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Lis0o Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Jason Ubay MichiVillaruz Neighbor Island Bureau Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES MarivicAldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista Marynel Valenzuela CIRCULATION Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu) David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Milli Asuncion (Big Island) Legal Counsel Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.) THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
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
e
m
b
e
HFAMC
r
Federation of Filipino American Media Associations of the United States and Canada
FFAMAS
Hawaii Filipino American Media Council All rights reserved printed in the u.s.a ©
Summer is a wonderful time, and it is here in full swing! It is a time that offers adults and children potential downtime to spend together. Many go on trips to other islands, states, and countries. But others - like my family - rarely have time to travel during the summer. So, we try our best to experience the fun activities Oahu has to offer. Lately, we have been going to restaurants that aren’t necessarily new, but, places we have never eaten before. Our gastronomical journey is also accompanied by visiting attractions we’ve never been to, such as the Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail, and also cooling down at the theatres watching the summer’s hottest movies. Independence from structured activities, such as school - or even the sense of independence - can allow for benefits for children and adults. Benefits of downtime have opportunities more farreaching than just helping us blow off steam or get in a little physical exercise. In addition to that, it also helps us to selfregulate ourselves. This helps children and adults to develop healthy mental and emotional development. It also promotes unstructured play where we practice working in groups that creates spaces where we learn to share, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and to even regulate our emotions and behaviors. All these help children and adults promote their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. ••••• This past week, on June 12, the Philippines and Filipinos around the world celebrated another type of independence. Known as the Araw ng Kalayaan, it marks the memorable day that occurred 117 years ago on June 12, 1898, when the Philippines proclaimed sovereignty and independence from the colonial rule of Spain after Spain lost the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. This momentous day also included the unveiling of the Philippine’s National Flag and the National Anthem that we now know as “Lupang Hinirang” but was displayed as the “Marcha Filipina Magdalo.” In the United States,
more than 3.4 million people of Filipino descent celebrated with festivals, food, and fun. In places where large numbers of Filipino-Americans reside, such as Hawaii, grand celebrations were organized to commemorate the declaration of independence. This year, the celebrations in Hawaii were kicked off by the first Filipino Food Fair and capped off with a grand gala celebration by the Philippine Consulate at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It is on that day where we all as Filipinos offer commemoration and respect for the heroes who fought against the struggle toward political emancipation. ••••• Now, as Americans, we are fully aware of the approaching of our own Independence Day which is held on July 4th of every year. A day of fireworks, barbecues, and swarming to the beaches and parks for social gatherings. If it weren’t for this day of independence from Great Britain, the freedom (pun intended) that gave the opportunity for Filipinos, and all others who immigrated, to the United States soil would not have been possible. In 1776 on the fourth day of July, after 86 drafts, the publication officially severing ties with Great Britain was declared through the final publication of the Declaration of Independence. A few days after its publication, the first public readings of the document in Philadelphia’s Independence Square was celebrated to the ringing of bells and band music. The first anniversary of Independence Day saw to it that the acclamation of the historic day was lined with grandeur with ringing of bells, music and the addition of bonfires and fireworks - which are similar to the celebrations we witness and partake in today. As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day again, we remember those colonists who - like the Filipinos in the Spanish-American War - fought for independence with blood, sweat, and tears and never tired of their goal of declaring independence from Great Britain. Now, the Declaration of Independence has become one of our nation’s most cherished symbol of
Radiant with her father, David Cordero
Mary and David Cordero
liberty.
constantly fighting with a thirteen year old. My dad makes grueling efforts to juggle his business, management for other matters, and raising three stubborn Corderos. Those efforts are grueling for us as well, as his hearing diminishes, and we have to repeat what we say, and his advising also becomes repetitive. But these lessons are so valuable, though I won’t willingly admit it, such as: how much he cares for his children’s health and was a great example by how he remains healthy, how to be leaders, how to stand up for what we believe, how to be financially smart and the importance of budgeting, and how to make the effort to learn and become knowledgeable before acting/ saying anything because there could be consequences. My dad has so many lessons for my brothers and me, but along with those lessons are many adventures and laughter, too. Although I get embarrassed by his quirky jokes and when my mom and dad tag-team on friendly teasing to either of my brothers or myself, or even that time they pretended they were monk seals… Thank you, dad, for always helping us, not being easy on us, and giving us the tools to clean up our messes and encouragement to do better the next time. Fa t h e r ’ s D a y i s t h e opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to all fathers, father figures, and those moms/aunts/uncles/other family members who play both roles.
••••• Summer brings another reason to celebrate. This celebration honors a particular person who also has been an important part of who we are, teaches us values, introduces us to our culture and history, and more. This valued celebration is Father’s Day, and this year it falls on June 21. The day was celebrated for many decades in the 1900s. In 1957, Senator Margaret Chase Smith even wrote to Congress that, “Either we honor both our parents – mother and father – or let us desist from honoring either one. But to single out just one of our two parents and omit the other is the most grievous insult imaginable.” Though the day was supported and celebrated by public officials, the day wasn’t recognized and proclaimed on the country’s official calendar by President Lyndon B. Johnson until 1966 and made a holiday by President Richard Nixon in 1972. Though the family dynamic has changed throughout time, it is healthy for families with or without fathers to either celebrate a male counterparts or “father figures” that has made a paternal impact on the family or children. As for my Father’s Day c e l e b ra t i o n , I c e l e b ra t e my father, David Cordero. The person who teaches my brothers and me – to the point of annoyance – to be independent, patient, and hardworking, and much more. Not only does he teach it, he lives it. It boggles my mind how my dad can remain so calm and patient with two twenty-something-year-olds
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
FATHERHOOD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
By Bennette Espineli Misalucha Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor
Our cover....
Our cover photo features Ben and Lidiya Peralta with their lovely daughter Breena. Photo was shared from their family archives. Photo credit: House of Keys Design. Cover Concept by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia. Mahalo to Jeff Orig of OrigMedia. Jeff and Noah can both be reached at www.origmedia. com or by calling (808) 447-9559.
It was a roller coaster week in 2009 that Lidiya Peralta will never forget. After frustrating years of trying to have a baby, Lidiya
and her husband Benjamin Cabella Peralta were given the wonderful news that they were going to have a baby girl. Lidiya was three months pregnant then and just had an ultrasound. That was a Friday. But by Sunday, her husband was rushed to the ER at a nearby hospital. After a battery of test, the bad news came: Ben had stage 3 cancer. “It was heartbreaking for me, for the family. Imagine getting both the good news and the bad news, all the same week!” recalled Lidiya. “But now, when we look back at how the events unfolded, actually our being pregnant at that time was the best thing that could ever have happened to us. Instead of focusing on Ben’s illness, instead of focusing on the negative, we could focus on the baby and all the hopes and dreams of our future together. The baby kept us going through the treatments and
made us closer together. It made saving Ben’s life more meaningful so he can become a father.” To d a y, t h e Pe ra l t a s continue to look at the glass half-full, despite Ben’s continuing health challenges. With their now-four-yearold daughter, Breana, in tow, they continue to draw
strength from each other. On Father’s Day this year, Lidiya pays tribute to her husband, Ben, for his will to survive. “I have never seen a man fight for his life this courageously. He has gone through a lot of treatments, so many rounds of chemotherapy in the last five years. The fight has
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 5
come with a lot of pain and discomfort. But he endures all this, keeps on valiantly fighting because of his love for us, for our daughter.” Lidiya continues: “My husband’s selflessness is so touching. Throughout his health challenges, my husband continues to keep on working at his job. He insists that it is his role to take care of the family. And no matter how tired he may be, no matter how much in pain he may be, he would always take care of Breana.” Ben feels strongly that Fatherhood is worth fighting for. “As a parent I feel you will always have that feeling to always protect and guide your child in the right direction no matter what age they are. They will eventually grow up and have thoughts of their own, decisions they’ll need to make and choices they’ll need to choose from. You only hope that you have given them the best guidance to make those correct choices and if not, hope they learn from the choices that will make them that much stronger. I want to instill good values in her, teach her to be a kind person, but not back down or be afraid of anything if such occasions arise. The fight to me is just to make sure that I’ve given the best guidance and values a father could give and hope that she makes the right choices when she grows up. ” A HAWAII BOY MEETS BULGARIAN GIRL Their love story was the stuff of romance novels. L i d i ya A b a d z h i e va a n d Ben Peralta met in 2002 when they were seated next to each other on a flight from the Mainland to Hawaii. Ben was coming back to Hawaii to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Lidiya, on the other hand, was returning to school after a summer vacation in her home country of Bulgaria. According to Ben, he was immediately drawn to her: “I thought she was a beautiful, kind and a genuine person. Beautiful is an easy part
knew that if the baby came during the week that he had a treatment, he obviously could not assist me in the birthing process because he would be just too weak. We kept praying that Breana would come during his “offweek”, and fortunately, our prayers were answered. The beautiful and healthy 7-lbs-plus Breana was born in July 2010. Her father assisted in the delivery.”
to figure out at first site since it’s something you can physically see. The kind and genuine parts take more time to determine and I was happy that those came to be true too. I lucked out!” Her first impression of him: “He was very handsome, and seemed so curious, like he wants to discover more about life.” They went out for one date and did enjoy their time together but the planets must not have been aligned because the couple lost touch for a while. Lidiya continued to work for a development company in Honolulu while Ben started climbing the career ladder in Seattle. In 2003, Ben—who had left Hawaii at three years old when his father started working at Boeing——moved back to Hawaii to work at Pearl Harbor naval shipyard. A third-generation FilipinoAmerican, Ben is an engineer by profession, having earned his degree from the University of Washington. His parents were both born in Hawaii and grew up in Ewa’s plantations. His mom’s roots are from the Apostatiro family of Cebu while his dad belongs to the Peralta’s of Ilocos Sur. Somehow, soon after, the couple found each other again and started dating in 2004 and after a four year courtship, they finally got married in 2008. “I feel lucky to have found him. Believe it or not, I still have butterflies in my tummy whenever I see
him… and we are together almost every day!” Lidiya laughs. “ I t w a s a b e a u t i f u l wedding, and was the happiest day of my life,” Lidiya smiles at the recollection. Right away, they started trying for a baby, and when many months passed without the desired result, Lidiya said
she felt discouraged. When she finally discovered she was pregnant, Lidiya and Ben were so excited. “The whole time she was in my stomach, we could not wait to meet her. We were such happy campers.” “Ben was going through his chemo treatments at the time when I was about to give birth to Breana. We
BREENA: HER FATHER’S JOY At the time Ben was diagnosed in 2009, the doctors cautioned that the strong cancer medicine may affect his ability to have more children. The couple even considered harvesting some of Ben’s cells for future safekeeping but they decided that would be content with whatever they have been gifted. “The fact that Breana was conceived a mere three months before Ben started
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
his cancer treatment was amazing. She is, to us, really a blessing.” When Ben held his daughter for the first time, it was an experience he will never forget. “It was a rush of feelings - joy, happiness, scared, excitement. She was so tiny and fragile and I wanted to protect her from everything right when I first held her. The nurses would come in and out of the room for check-ups at all hours of the day/night during our stay and no matter what, I followed her everywhere they went cause I didn’t want her to be by herself in this new world without me or Lidi by her side.” Lidiya describes her daughter, Breana as an active, “loud” child with a big personality. “She is rambunctious and artistic. She loves to sing and dance.” Lidiya continues: “She is very connected to her Filipino roots. She loves her Lola and Lolo who just dote on her. Her favorite is chicken papaya and pork gisantes. She has never been to the Philippines yet but someday, we all hope to go.” H e r f a t h e r ’s h e a l t h situation has made a significant impact on Breana. Lidiya explains: Ever since she was a baby, we never hid Ben’s situation from her and so we took her with us everywhere we went, including follow-up doctor’s visits and cancer
treatments. As a result, she has strong emphathy towards people who are sick. When she sees her father is in pain, my daughter holds his hand and massages his back. She helps him with his medication. She sees all this as normal. She has grown up with it and is not bothered by it.” Lidiya smiles when she remembers a moment: “When she was younger, I observed how Breana started to say in her prayers: “I hope my Daddy gets better so he can lift me in the air...now at age 4 in her prayers, she says, I hope my Daddy gets better so we can go to Disneyland.” Does she believe in miracles? Lidiya was quite affirming: “Yes, I believe in miracles. We have seen a few of those. Starting with our Breana, who was a miracle.”
FIGHTING TO STAY HEALTHY It has been five years since the first diagnosis and sadly, Ben’s cancer has metastasized to Stage 4 since 2012. It has been an incredible journey that had led the couple to pursue more aggressive and experimental treatments on the Mainland. Lidiya thinks nothing of it. “I just know my husband will never give up. We are hopeful that this new round of trial drugs will finally stabilize him.” When asked about hopes and dreams for the future, Lidiya’s voice cracks with emotions as she explains, “We don’t look too far into the future. We take each day as it comes. We are always trying to be in the moment. We feel blessed with every day Ben is given. We never take it for granted. “ “We have huge support from our families. It is amazing what people have done and continue to do for us. We could not be where we are without our community of friends and family. I have to say I feel very lucky not only for having him as a husband but also getting the bonus of such an amazing family. My In laws are the best in-laws in the world.” When asked what makes him happy nowadays, Ben replies: “Just spending as much time with Breena and Lidi as I can. One thing you can’t buy is time and so I try to manage my days being
with them even if it’s just sitting on the couch and talking. I love sometimes just talking to her to see what she’s thinking or feeling in her little mind. I don’t remember much when I was 4 yrs old, so I try to listen to her and try to remember as much as I can and put it in a special place in my mind to try to always remember.” “I also like to try to hold her hand as much as I can wherever we go, even if it’s lying next to her in bed or watching tv next to her. I’m not sure when she’ll think it’s not “cool” anymore to hold
her daddy’s hand. So far so good though for now. ” Lidiya, on the other hand, was quite direct: ““I am happy when I see my husband spend time with the family.” Those seem such simple wishes; But it is those simple wishes that Lidiya desires to give to the 39-year old Ben on Father’s Day. She says, “I wish for him a day free of pain, a day when he could be feeling better. He is in so much pain nowadays. He has not felt good in a long time,” she pauses as her voice quivers; the love for her husband is palpable as she continues, “and of course, I hope this new drug we are trying on him would turn things around. I want more time for him. I want more time with him.”
Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Managing Editor of Fil-Am Courier. She has been involved with the paper since 1989 as a writer, and since 2013, has served as its managing editor.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 7
By Carl Campagna
My wife and I are foster parents licensed by the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services. We have seen and experienced both good and difficult cases over the years. We also run a non-profit called Olomea, Inc. where we help redirect foster youth towards services, education and housing as they age or elect out of foster care. Our decision to become foster parents was an easy one for us. We wanted to help children and families in need. We have always reached out to help friends and family and were also raised to help others in need. My wife’s family has “hanai-ed” many people over the years. When we first began, after talking it over with our children, we discussed the opportunity with Family Programs Hawaii and were referred to Catholic Charities for the official State Resource Caregiver classes and training. The training included class time and DVDs to watch at home, followed by testing. We learned the process of becoming licensed foster parents as well as how to interact with the children, what to look for and how to keep track of the daily events for the protection of both the children and our family. In addition, we do six hours of continuing education classes per year to maintain our licensing. You can also choose which ages of children you would be willing to take in or if you have gender specific requests. Not all people who attend these classes stay to become licensed. It is a difficult decision and the process does all it can to prepare you for what can be an overwhelming challenge. Once we received our license we were assigned a licensing case worker from the Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services, who also interviewed us and our children throughout the process.
Becoming a Foster Parent This person is there to help us maintain our license, answer questions and help direct and manage the cases that come our way. In addition to our case worker, each case has an investigative case worker who does the initial inquiry of the case to determine the short term needs of the child and family. After the initial investigation, the case will be assigned a social worker who manages and coordinates the process and plan on behalf of the family and children. The children in each case are also supposed to get a Guardian Ad Litem, whose job it is to look after the best interests of the children as their lawyer. All of these people and more work tirelessly to determine the best possible outcome for the children and families. The first hope is to provide services to the family in hopes of returning the children to the family as quickly as possible, minimizing the shock, stress and trauma of separation. During the process there are periodic meetings for all of the family members involved to discuss the status of the plan and the children. This is called an Ohana Conference. Our job as Foster Parents is to support this effort, care for the children, make sure that their medical needs are met, that they are receiving good support in school and just be there for them mentally and emotionally through this trying time. The stay in our home can be anywhere from a couple days to several months or years, or even permanently. As foster parents, we never know for sure how long they remain with us. We also never know when a call will come asking if we will help some children and their family.
There are several milestones that occur during a stay or placement as it is called. The first is the short term period in wait of finding an extended family member that is both willing and able to take the children. This period could be a matter of days or weeks. In truth, this family finding process continues throughout the entire placement, but typically either occurs early on or after a family member has gone through a more detailed vetting process. The qualifications include being a blood relative in any capacity, though they begin with siblings of the parents and grandparents and then proceed from there. They even pursue family off island and across the United States as family is learned about. One of the primary groups contracted to do the family searches is Epic Ohana. The second milestone is more significant and comes at the 90 day mark, which ends the voluntary services phase. It is by this point that the children are either reunified with their parents or the case moves into the next phase with a more extensive service plan. It is also after this period that the Department of Human Services officially lists the children as foster children within the system and no longer involuntary care. The third milestone comes when a permanency plan is generated and can include either reunification with biological parents, placement with an extended family member or adoption if all other biological family options are determined as unsuitable or decline. The conditions of most cases included drug use and addiction, abandonment, neglect, domestic violence, child abuse, short or long
term imprisonment for either or both parents, an even the short or long term medical incapacity of a parent or grandparent in charge. Homelessness or house-lessness and lack of employment or uncertain financial status are not causes for children to enter into or stay within the Foster Care program. There are court hearings periodically through the process as well so that the judges can see the progress of each case. These usually occur only after the case has officially been moved from voluntary to State guardianship. It is emotionally difficult at all phases as your heart goes into each case and out to each child and family; perhaps never harder on us than when the children are returned to their families knowing that we will most l i kely never hear from them again or learn of their futures. We do the best we can to support the efforts of the Department of Human Services and cooperate with the case and social
workers, the guardian’s ad litem and the courts, including attending the Ohana conferences and court hearings. We do our best to have a positive impact on each child and family while they are with us while also making it clear to them that we are there to help and not replace their families. We continue to learn about ourselves and our children throughout our experiences, as well as the children who stay with us. Most importantly, we learn of the desire and increased capacity for love, attention, caring, sharing and bonding.
Carl Campagna and his wife, Sherry are licensed foster parents and have helped many families and children. They are also business owners (Kamaka Green) and started a non-profit which provides services for foster children. Carl is active in many organizations including the Lions Club, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Prince Kuhio Civics Club and the Democratic Part of Hawaii. Carl and his wife are parents to three children and the family lives in Honolulu.
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
By Dr. Christopher Tortora, M.D. Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye Center
We a r e e x c i t e d t o announce that Hawaiian E ye C e n t e r n o w o f f e r s a new precise, accurate and customized cataract procedure which enhances the surgical outcome. The LENSAR® Laser System uses the latest advancements in refractive cataract surgery to safely remove cataracts and help restore vision with the use of femtosecond laser technology. This technology can help to correct refractive errors (nea-rsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) and reduce the dependency on glasses and contacts for those with vision impairments near, far
Now Offering Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery With the Advanced LENSAR® Laser System T
and in between. The LENSAR Laser ’s innovative integration of functions are unique to this system. With the use
of Augmented Reality™ imaging, the LENSAR Laser provides a 3-D view of the eye, allowing our trained and certified doctors at
Hawaiian Eye Center to tailor treatment for each patient. Our doctors can fully automate and customize critical planning and execution steps for refractive cataract surgery. Surgical planning and mapping tools allow for more specific parameters during surgery, increasing accuracy and precision. About Cataracts: A cataract is when the normally clear lens of the eye starts to become c l o u d y, b l o c k i n g a n d distorting light necessary for the retina to process images. Nearly 24.5 million Americans—with almost 115,000 in Hawaii alone— are affected by cataracts, according to Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute.
Cataracts are a natural process of aging, but some risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet light, diet, smoking, diabetes, use of some steroid medications, and serious eye injuries. The disease usually worsens over time and can lead to blindness if not treated. C a t a ra c t s u r g e r y i s one of the most common operations performed in the U.S. and has a very high success rate. The general process involves removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. Modern cataract surgery can usually be upgraded to include vision correction of refractive errors. Surgery is typically outpatient with very little pain or discomfort reported.
Dr. Christopher Tortora, a board certified ophthalmologist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit www. HawaiianEye.com and www.Facebook.com/HawaiianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 9
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1S
THE PHILIPPINES CELBERATIONS COORDINATING THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL HONOLULU, PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ON JUNE 7, 2015 ON
MAHALO to Philippine Consul Genera BERNARDO, Vice-Consul JOYLEEN SANTOS TESSIE CANILAO, Officers and Staff of
MEMBERS OF AMELIA CASAMINA CABATU Cha ROSSITA PATTON Secretary, GLADYS MENOR CECILIA VILLAFUERTE Assistant T Members: EDDIE AGAS, SR., EDNA Y. ALIKPALA, FAYE CUDAL, MAGGIE DOMINGO, MARIA A. F. ETRATA LEO ROJAS GOZAR, EDITH GUDOY, LYNNE GUTIERRE JANICE SEVILLA, ARNOLD VILLAFUERTE, ETHEL ABELINA MADRID SHAW Legal Counsel, Event Committee
MAHALO TO THE MANY INDIVIDUALS, AND ATTENDEES THAT SU
PREMIER S RENATO AND MARIA A F
GOLD SPONSORS KFG PROPERTIES PHILIPPINE
SILVER SP FIRST HAWAIIAN ADVANTAGE HEALTH CARE ALL ISLAND CASE MANAGE ALOHA TOURS CASE MANAGEMENT P CECILIA VILLAFUERTE EVERLASTING SER FIL-AM ENTER HOUSE OF FINANCE NIGHTINGALE CASE
FRIENDS OF ADELA SALACUP & CAROL CARDENAS, BETTY BEL EDITH GUDOY, HAWAII ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINO MARYANNE MIGUEL, NESTOR & MARILYN HIPOLITO URDANETA CITY CLUB OF HAWAII
FOOD PARTNERS SEAFOOD CITY HAW RED RIBBON BAKESHOP, EAST WEST MARKETING,
MEDIA PARTNERS FIL-AM COURIER, KNDI RADIO, KPHI RADIO
MAHALO ALSO TO MUZIC DRIVE ENTERTAINM CONTEMPORARY PHOTOS, GLENN SAGAYADORO, EVANGELISTA-CALLANTA, NOVIE HARTWELL, LEILANIE SEBASTIAN, ROLAND & EDITH CASAMINA PASCUA, RAUSA, REVEREND ALEX VERGARA, GLADYS MENOR HAWAII DANCERS, CALVIN BAGAOISAN AND FRIENDS THAT MADE IT A SUCCESSFUL
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 11
ST FILIPINO FOOD FAIR
COMMITTEE OF HAWAII IN PARTNERSHIP WITH , CELEBRATED THE 117TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE GROUNDS OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE
al GINA JAMORALIN, Consul ROBERTO SANTOS, Protocol Officer JEFFREY DeMESA, the Philippine Consulate General, Honolulu.
OF THE PCCCH: air, MELGA GENDRANO Vice Chair, Assistant Secretary, ALLAN ALVAREZ Treasurer, Treasurer, WILLIAM CUDAL Auditor, , BERNIE ARDIENTE, SERAFIN COLMENARES, JR. ETRATA, BERNADETTE D. FAJARDO, MARIA JO FARINA, GUTIERREZ, BENNETTE MISALUCHA, RUBY SARMIENTO, ETHEL ALIKPALA WARD, ANGIE SANTIAGO, Members: EDNA BUTAY, CONNIE RAMIREZ, MIMI GOZAR
, ORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATIONS SUPPORTED THE EVENT
SPONSOR F ETRATA FOUNDATION
ONSORS ERTIES, INC. INE AIRLINES
PONSORS AIIAN BANK CARE PROVIDER, INC. ANAGEMENT CORPORATION TOURS AND TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS, INC. ILLAFUERTE FOUNDATION SERVICES, INC ENTERPRISES, LLC FINANCE, INC MANAGEMENT, INC
THE PCCCH: BELMONTE, CJ CHAIR COVERS/ARMI FARINAS, INO TRAVEL AGENTS, JANICE SEVILLA, MARCY CASTRO OLITO, ONE DAY SIGNS & GRAPHICS, RUDY BADUA, AII, LET’S TRAVEL AND TOURS
ARTNERS WAII, PEOPLE’S CAFÉ VALDEZ FARMS, MIMI GOZAR, BEYSELEN LONTOC
ARTNERS RADIO, MIDWEEK, STAR ADVERTISER
MENT, JT SOUNDS & VISUAL PRODUCTIONS, , NORLITA YERE, EUGENE MARQUEZ, LETH ULEP LEILANIE “LEHUA BLOSSOM” TANAKA, RAYMUND , HIMIG AT INDAK GROUP: CHOREOGRAPHER RAY ENOR AND THE GUMIL AND CALAYAB ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS, AND TO THE MANY DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS SUCCESSFUL, SOLD OUT EVENT!
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
By Angie DYTIOCO Santiago Angie Santiago, May Mizuno, Aunty Maggie Domingo, Nancy Walch, and Erlinda Ferrer.
Amelia Casamina Cabatu, Mary Cordero, Vanessa Kop, Espie Badua, Radiant Cordero, Angie Santiago, and Leo Gozar.
Maggie Pasio Many Contri
Maggie Domingo’s cousins and nieces headed by Maria Guira Abellanosa and Maria Antoinette Abellanosa Ting. Photo by Sonny Photographer.
On April 26, 2015, the Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii (PCFH) honored its President, Magdalena Pasion Domingo, for her outstanding public service to the Filipino com-
Aunty Maggie with Kenneth Lee, owner of Empress Restaurant. Photo by Sonny
munity. Nearly 580 family members and friends, community leaders, and State and County officials filled the Empress Restaurant to show their appreciation for her many contributions to
KNDI Personalities and friends: Venus Viloria, KNDI owners Gerry and Nellie Malabed, Edna Butay, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Angie Santiago, Angel Dytioco, Noel Dytioco, Nona Baldonado, and Precy. Photo by Sonny
Tessie Balmaceda, Lydia and Lee Kamiya.
Marlo A. Ting, Maria Antoinette and Danny Ting.
Rocky and Laurie Anguay, Amalia and Prospero Cudiamat.
the community. It is a little known fact that at 6 months of age, “Aunty Maggie,” as she is affectionately called by many, moved with her parents to San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
Gerry Malabed, Jr., owner of KNDI Radio Station; Benedith Gudoy Ventura, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Edith Gudoy, and Rose Galanto. Photo by Sonny
Joyce Mina, Janice Bergado Sevilla, Maggie Domingo, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Sharon and Ron Nagasawa.
Troy and Rose Mendoza, Maggie Domingo, and Tina and Ron Salvador.
in the Philippines. At the age of 24, Maggie returned home to Hawaii and has since become an inspiring and active community leader, successful travel agent, and radio broadcaster with
Paul Alimbuyao, President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, with his wife Maryann and Aunty Maggie.
With nieces Susan Martinez, Edita (Edie) Domingo Tamicala, Remedios, Domingo Johnson, and Maria Lourdes Domingo.
Seated: Vicenta Pagaduan Domingo, LavelinaBual, Jaime Domingo, Angelino Cariaga, and Estrella Cariaga. Standing: Alipio Domingo, Carol Camacho, Fely Ann Mamuad, Manuel Coloma, and Estella Bual Domingo.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 13
Seated: Ron and Sharon Nagasawa, Bennette Misalucha, and Edmund Aczon. Standing: Romeo and Eva Garcia, Ernie Juan, Maggie Domingo, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, LeilaniJuan, ArmayCabatu, and Atty. Donnie Juan.Photo by Sonny Photographer.
Members and friends of Calayab Association of Hawaii: Standing: Roland Badua, Letty Saban, Vanessa Kop, Jeniffer Ordonez, Marilyn Luna, EspieBadua, President Gladys Menor, Maggie Domingo, Erika Ordonez, and Amelia Casamina-Cabatu.
Scholarship recipient JamielIsaquewih parents Joan and AsharIsaque. Photo by Sonny
on Domingo Honored for her ibutions to the Community Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Council Members Ron Menor, Joey Manahan, and Brandon Elefante rocked the room with an impromptu performance, accompanied by two of the Dynamic Trios - Katrina Lopez and Leth Callanta - with an impromptu performance. Photo by Sonny
thousands of listeners. For 57 years, Maggie’s voice has been heard over KHON, KAIM, KCCN, and KNDI. The event also raised funds for the PCFH’s scholarship program, founded
Elsa Talavera, Dora Villafuerte, Nancy Walch, Dr. Arnold Villafuerte, and Gerhart Walch. Photo by Sonny
by the late Soledad Alconcel, for Filipino high school seniors to enable them to pursue higher education. The PCFH also holds a yearly Parents of the Year recognition banquet for outstanding
Amelia Casamina-Cabatu, Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Rep. Karl Rhoads, Senator Wil Espero, Maggie Domingo, Council Member Ron Menor, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Council Member Brandon Elefante, and Council Member Joey Manahan. Photo by Sonny
Dr. Ben and Adelaida Galindo, Maggie Domingo, and Imelda and Dr. Nic Joaquin (2014 Parents of the Year).
Filipino parents who have provided a college education for their children and fostered strong family values enabling their children to become exemplary community members. For informa-
Liliha Bakery employees: Seated: Janneth Acosta-Navarro (Assistant Supervisor). Standing: Maria Narito, Leila Bumanglag, Virgie Ratay, Carol Asentista (Supervisor), Carmen Taguminod, Remy Revard (Supervisor), Marites Antonio
PCFH members. Seated: Lina Longboy, Faye Cudal, and Edna Alikpala. Standing: Janice Bergado Sevilla, William Cudal, and Estrella Ramos.
Kendall and Sandra Moser, Maggie Domingo, Geri Mina, Ashley Moser, and Mike Munguia.
Seated: Fe Velasco and Walton Liu. Standing: Hermie and Engie Pagaduan, Benjie Sanchez, and Nelly Pongco Liu.
tion and applications, contact Janice Sevilla at itsjanice808 @gmail.com. Angie Dytioco Santiago, our Gathering Place columnist, is a U.H. Manoa graduate. She is currently a Governor of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH), a Public Relations Officer for the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii (BCAH) and a member of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH). She served as 1st Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) from 2013 to 2014 and as the BCAH President from 2010 to 2012. She is the daughter of Angel & Rubing Dytioco and is married with two sons. She enjoys photography and participating in cultural and social activities and events.
Members and officers of PCFH: Estrella Ramos, Edith Gudoy, Tina and Joe Lazo, Maggie Domingo, Janice BergadoSevilla, William and Faye Cudal, Lina Calderon, Lina Longboy, and Henri Calderon. Photo by Sonny
Hawaii Association of Filipino Travel Agents with President Rose Gallanta. Photo by Sonny
The event was broadcast live on KNDI Radio Station with Early Morning Radio Show announcer Larry Ordonez, Conrad Valdriz, and David Floirendo. Standing: KNDI Radio Station Owner Gerry Malabed, Angie Santiago, and Mr. Parbangon Show announcer Flor Martinez.
GUMIL Oahu: Erika Ordonez, Esa Mendoza, Milagros Fernandez, Nena Seated: Dr. Belinda Aquino, Vanessa Kop, and Nancy Walch. Bueno, Emelyn Damo, and Myrna Piano Villegas. Standing: Angel Standing: Romeo Garcia, Roland and Edith Pascua, Lina Mercado, Mendoza, Ric Agnes, President Rizal Fernandez, Internal Vice PresGerhart Walch, and David Floirendo. ident Eddie Bueno, Jun Bermisa, and Eddie Villegas. Photo by Sonny
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 15
By Dr. Alfred Sison
Today I will go with a classic husband-wife tale (there are many versions and interpretations of this story, online, in journal articles, and it happens to be about hamburger meat) that might be a familiar story for the long time married couple and may be inevitable for the newly married. WIFE: I asked my husband to stop by the store to pick up a few things for dinner, and when he got home, he plopped the bag on the counter. I started pulling things out of the bag, and realized he’d gotten the 70/30 hamburger meat – which means it’s 70% lean and 30% fat. I asked, “What’s this?” “Hamburger meat,” he replied, slightly confused. “You didn’t get the right kind,” I said. “I didn’t?” he replied with his brow furrowed.” Was there some other brand you wanted or something?” “No. You’re missing the point, “I said. “You got the 70/30. I always get at least the 80/20.” He laughed. “Oh. That’s all? I thought I’d really messed up or something.” This might be a conversation, experience or situation many of us can relate to. One partner does something with good intention but unknowingly didn’t do entirely what the other had asked. What can happen next is a good formula for an argument. The story continues: “That’s how it started. I launched into him. I berated him for not being smarter. Why would he not get the more healthy option? Did he even read the labels? Why can’t I trust him? Do I need to spell out every little thing for him in minute detail so he gets it right? Also, and the thing I was probably most offended by, why wasn’t he more
“Flipping Hamburgers” observant? How could he not have noticed over the years what I always get? Does he not pay attention to anything I do? As he sat there, bearing the brunt of my righteous indignation and muttering responses like, “I never noticed,” “I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” and “I’ll get it right next time,” I saw his face gradually take on an expression that I’d seen on him a lot in recent years. It was a combination of resig-nation and demoralization. He looked eerily like our son does when he gets chastised. That’s when it hit me. “Why am I doing this? I’m not his mom.” What we are finding here are common relationship problems that when we don’t identify them early they become cyclical dyad dynamics that foster resentment, resignation, and demoralization. Three common relationship problems that a couples therapist may observe from this scenario include: 1. Poor communication, 2. Poor problem solving skills 3. I n a d e q u a t e partner support In poor communication the ways couples communicate with each other can lead to increased stress and tension. One example of poor communication would be when one partner criticizes his/her partner, such as calling him / her “lazy”, rather than focusing on behaviors. By focusing on behaviors that are problematic, you are identifying the situation or scenario not the individual. Poor Problem solving involves skills that are vital to working out relationship difficulties when they arise. Some common barriers to problem solving include not identifying the true cause of the problem, choosing a solution before considering
all options, and trying to solve the problem without your partner’s input. Ways to enhance problem solving skills include separating big problems into smaller ones, consider many options and strategies before choosing a solution, and having shared ownership in processing and solving the problem. F i n a l l y, i n a d e q u a t e support means that partners need to learn how to give and receive adequate support. Having unrealistic expectations and demands, relying on your partner to meet all of your support needs likely puts too much pressure on them, and not effectively communicating your needs can result into arguments. Ways to enhance partner support include identifying and being realistic about the support you need, realizing that your partner may not be able to meet all your needs, and communicating and discerning your expectations clearly. Going back to our story, we find the spouse reflective; “ I s u d d e n l y f e l t terrible. And embarrassed for myself. He was right. It really wasn’t anything to get bent out of shape over. And there I was doing just that. Over a silly package of hamburger meat that he dutifully picked up from the grocery store just like I asked. If I had specific requirements, I should have been clearer. I didn’t know how to gracefully extract myself from the conversation without coming across like I have some kind of split personality, so I just mumbled something like, “Yeah. I guess we’ll make do with this. I’m going to start dinner.” She goes on to explain how she realized her nagging was over something very small and that she was putting her partner in a
number of different negative lights that were not accurate to his true character. She and most of us assume that our partners should know exactly what is in our head and when they don’t, or they get something wrong, we pick them apart for it. “In my case it’s my husband of 12+ years I’m talking about. The same man who thanklessly changed my car tire in the rain. The guy who taught our kids to ride bikes.The person who stayed with me at the hospital all night when my mom was sick. The man who has always worked hard to make a decent living and support his family. He knows how to change the oil in the car. He can reinstall my computer’s operating system. He lifts things for me that are too heavy and opens stuck jar lids. He can put up a ceiling fan. He fixes the toilet when it won’t stop running. I can’t (or don’t) do any of those things. And yet I give him grief about a dish out of place. He’s a good man who does a lot for me, and doesn’t deserve to be harassed
over little things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.” Lesson learned lesson gained, for some a more simple approach to solving these common relationship problems might go something like this: “stop flipping over hamburger meat…” Please feel free to contact Dr. Sison via his website at www.alspsy.com. More stories, more lessons.
Alfred A. Sison, MA, LMFT, PsyD; “Dr. Al” is a licensed clinical psychologist with a subspeciality license in marriage and family therapy. He services individuals, couples, and familes through the therapeutic process, and maintains a private practice in Honolulu, HI. He holds a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology degree from Argosy University, Hawaii Campus and a Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialty from the American School of Professional Psychology, Hawaii Campus. He completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
By Dr. Niki Libarios
As an undergraduate student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mânoa (UH Mânoa) with just a pipe dream of one day pursuing graduate school, I remember being asked to seek out Filipino faculty members for mentoring as part of the requirements for the PreGraduate Program. This program, offered by Operation Manong (now known as the Office of Multicultural Student Services), was designed to prepare ethnically under represented students at UH Mânoa for graduate school, particularly Native Hawaiians and Filipinos. The idea behind the mentoring requirement was to provide students with the opportunity to be paired with individuals who can serve as role models, provide guidance, and be a source support for program mentees.
There were a limited number of Filipino faculty members at UH Mânoa to choose from and luckily for me I knew most of them through various Filipino community organizations or from my parents. That was the case 25 years ago and regrettably that is still the case today - there are relatively few Filipino faculty members at UH Mânoa and there is a need for more.
According to the UH Mânoa Institutional Research Office, Filipinos comprise a mere 2.2% of the tenured and tenure-track faculty at UH Mânoa. This is in stark contrast to the representation of Filipinos in Hawai‘i who are now state’s second largest ethnic group at a fourth of the population. Two issues come to mind as I reflect on these demographic conditions. First, UH Mânoa should
strive towards creating an ethnic representation in its faculty such that it mirrors the Hawai‘i community being served. This kind of ratio is endorsed by social justice advocates for both faculty and students. The significance of this is compounded given that Filipino students are also sorely underrepresented at UH Mânoa at only8% of the student body. Second, Filipino faculty at UH Mânoa are treasures who have the profound obligation to serve as mentors and role models for Filipino students. Given the scarcity of the situation, each Filipino faculty member may very well be the sole Filipino role model that a Filipino student may see on campus. It is important that Filipino faculty members uphold a positive image of higher education and make themselves accessible to Filipino students. After all, there are only a limited number of Filipino faculty for a limited number of Filipino s t u d e n t s , a n d t o d a y ’s students may not know who the UH Mânoa Filipino faculty are like I did when I was an undergraduate student. As with the underlying intent of the mentoring component of the PreGraduate Program, Filipino students at UH Mânoa need and will benefit by having more Filipino faculty oncampus who embrace their roles as mentors. Doing so will help Filipino students in identifying leaders within their higher education community who can understand their cultural values, help them in their higher education pursuits,
and advocate for their needs. Fortunately for me, the mentoring relationships I established through the PreGraduate Program made a lasting impression on my graduate school aspirations as I was eventually able to complete a masters and doctorate degree. Currently as a Filipino faculty member at UH Mânoa in the College of Education, I have come full-circle and find myself being sought by Filipino undergraduate students for academic advising and graduate students for feedback on educational research on Filipinos. Also, along with Filipino colleagues in the College of Education, I now have the chance to help develop similar programs like the P r e - G r a d u a t e p r o g ra m through my work with the Tinalak Filipino Advisory Council which serves to increase the number of Filipino educators in Hawai‘i. I cherish my mentor role as I know first-hand the transformative impact a Filipino faculty member can have on Filipino students. Dr. Niki Libarios is an Academic Advisor in the College of Education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mânoa and he is the co-chair of the TINALAK Filipino Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Educational Administration and his research centers on Filipinos in higher education. Niki is a former counselor at Honolulu Community College and elementary education teacher for the Hawai‘i Department of Education. Niki’s parents, Ernie and the late Shirley Libarios, are well known educators in the Filipino community. Niki and his wife Laurie have two daughters.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 17
By Stanley Chang
Editor’s Note: The Philippine Consulate of Honolulu is currently recruiting delegates to the 10th Annual Ambassadors Tour which is scheduled for July 6-10, 2015 with stops in Manila and Cebu. The Tour is touted as one of the best ways to see the country, especially for the first time. For more information on the tour, please call the Philippine Consulate at 808 598-6316. Former Honolulu City and County Council member Stanley Chang has visited the Philippines as a tourist multiple times and writes his impressions. I’d taken a taxi from our hotel to a huge new nightlife and dining complex called “The Fort.” Walking past a huge water fountain and a tapas place, I arrived at a restaurant with a storefront display of gourmet foods. The freshly baked focaccia came with a head of garlic that had been roasted so that each clove was spreadable with a knife and surprisingly sweet. The windows of this restaurant said “Chelsea Market,” after the legendary gourmet food hall in New York, and the food and style lived up to the
My Five Star Experience billing, except for one thing: the cost. Less than $30 for a dinner that had the three of us stuffed. No, this wasn’t New York—this was better. We were in Manila! To sum up my Philippine vacation in one sentence, I enjoyed a true fivestar experience at a twostar price: shopping malls, restaurants, and design that are second to none in the world. The physical facilities, from the hotels to the shopping centers to the restaurants, offer a level of quality and design that’s second to none in the world. A n d the human capital was just as good. With virtually no exceptions, everyone—even a post office worker in a village surrounded by water buffalos and rice fields— speaks English and was friendly and helpful. Don’t miss your opportunity to visit before prices go up and before the rest of the world discovers this hidden gem of Asia. B u t back to the food. Begin your day at one of the international hotel buffets for which Manila is justly famous. At the Peninsula,
waiters will bring you shots of the daily blended fruit smoothie to accompany the vast selection of Asian and Western foods. The Manila Marriott even offers fresh honey from a honeycomb. Yet more impressive is the world class level to which Philippine cuisine has now achieved in Manila. At Restaurante Pia y Damoso, the motto is “subversive Filipino cuisine.” Inspired by the food of the Philippines during the lifetime of national hero Jose Rizal, ingredients like venison come together with familiar favorites like adobo and halo halo in a brightly lit, white interior. Even at such a trendy eatery, it’s not easy to spend more than $20 per person.
Just as remarkable is the shopping. The shopping emporiums of Manila are unequalled in the world. At the top of the Manila shopping pyramid is Greenbelt, which has its own museum and every international brand imaginable. Built around a historic banyan tree in the center, the mall is a quiet retreat from the bustle of one of the world’s densest commercial districts. Greenhills is less posh but no less interesting. For traditional Philippine items and no holds barred negotiating, Greenhills gives you shopping as a contact sport. The grandly named Mall of Asia had it all— machine-made snow falling onto an ice rink, plastic surgery clinics, and car
dealerships. But even in that palace of consumerism, the best thing was the glorious view of the sunset over world famous Manila Bay: the perfect way to end my Philippine vacation.
Stanley Chang r e p r e s e n t e d District 4, East Honolulu, on the Honolulu City Council from 2011 to 2015. He chaired the Public Works and Sustainability Committee, where he oversaw roads, sewers, water, waste disposal, and other basic infrastructure needs of the city. He vice-chaired the Budget Committee, which oversaw the $2 billion operating budget of the City. Stanley found and cochaired the Hawaii Future Caucus, a bipartisan group of young elected officials committed to increasing youth participation in government.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015
STATEWIDE community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU June 16, 2015 White Coats in Wonderland presented by aviacode, Medical Coding Services; Defogging the Business of Healthcare. The Plaza 900 Fort Street Mall, #2000; 6:00 PM; Contact Person: Fides Delgado Sipin 724-0602 June 20, 2015 Cebuano Association 30th anniversary and installation of new members and officers. 5:30 pm at the Sunset Lanai Restaurant at Camp HM Smith at Halawa Heights. For more information, contact Chair Firmo Dayao at 206-817-5864. June 20-21, 2015 Filipino for Kids sponsors the 10th Annual Kabatan: Filipino for Kids Summer Program at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. The event invites elementary students ages 5-12 of all ethnic backgrounds to learn more about the Filipino culture and history during five sessions over the course of three weekends, June 2021; June 27-28, and July 4. Registration is $50 per keiki for all five sessions. For more information call the FIl-Com Center at 680-0451 or email fil4kidshi@gmail.com July 4-10, 2015 10th Ambassador Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour to the Philippines. Manila and Cebu 6 Days and 5 nights of Philippine hospitality. Join, explore and experience the annual special tour to the Philippines with Philippine Diplomats and visit the cultural heritage sites of Manila and Cebu. For more details, contact the Philippine Consulate General Honolulu (808) 595-6316-19; Aloha Tours and Travel (808) 8452218; Everlasting Services, Inc. (808) 841-2881; Noble Travel (808) 244-4609; Panda Travel Inc. (808) 732-6691 Ext. 3; Philippine Airlines Hawaii (808) 840-1109 or (808) 833-0527 July 11, 2015 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation will hold its Annual Installation of Officers and Board of Directors; Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts-Tapa Ballroom, 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 3061428, Rocky Anguay 387-5821
July 18, 2015 Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawaii (FNOH); Annual Nursing Excellence Awards and Biennial Installation; Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort Tapa Ballroom 6 PM; Cost: $100 Attire: Evening Formal; Contact Persons: Luanne Long 754-0594; Penny Chung 221-6212 and Amie Guillermo 358-5394 July 18, 2015 Kalayaan Philippines Hawaii International Presents; 1st Mr. Pinoy Hawaii and Huwaran Awards Pacific Beach Hotel 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Ben Pulido 421-9747, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700 July 22-26, 2015 36th PNAA National Convention, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc.; Host Chapter: Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort July 22, 2015 Day 1 2015 Western Regional Conference July 23, 2015 Day 2 Leadership Institute 7:00AM2:00PM; Aloha and Networking Night 5:00PM-12:00AM July 24, 2015 Day 3 Educational Program July 25, 2015 Day 4 5K Honolulu Walk/Run -5:30 AM; Gala Night-5:00 PM July 26,2015 Day 5 Thanksgiving Mass 9:00AM-10:00 AM; Picnic @ Magic Island, Ala Moana Park 11:00AM-2:00PM; Contact Persons: Tina Salvador, Hawaii Host Overall Chair 426-6183; Marife Armstrong, PNA Hawaii President 542-5133; Ramon Sumibcay, PNA Hawaii President Elect 489-7148 July 24-26, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Convention; Pacific Beach Hotel Contact Person: President Maria Etrata 3922962; Lynne Gutierrez 7281700, Dwayne Bueno 226-0392 July 25, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH); Miss Hawaii Filipina,Pacific Beach Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Person: President Maria Etrata 392-2962, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700, Dwayne Bueno 226-0392 August 15, 2015 University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii (UPAAH) presents the UP Concert Chorus; Kroc Center, Kapolei; 2pm/$20.00 and 7pm/$25.00. Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 778-6291, Melody Calisay 224-9535, Jen-
ny Norma and 286-4426 and Raymund Liongson 381- 4315 August 15,2015 Estilo Pilipino 3 Fashion Show by world renowned Fashion Designers Richard Papa, Edgar Madamba, and Edgar San Diego. Pomaikai Ballroom at Dole Cannery Iwilei 6:30 PM Cost: $50; Contact Person: Armi Oliver Farinas 221-0667 August 21, 2015 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Parents of the Year Awards, Empress Restaurant in Chinatown, 6:00 pm; Cost: $40; The PCFH is accepting nominations for the Parents of the Year Awards. Contact Persons: Leo Gozar 630-6268; Janice Sevilla 348-6052; Lina Longboy 421-7381 August 29, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA); Oahu Chapter General Membership Meeting and Expo; Fil Com Center, Waipahu 8:30 AM-3:00PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494 September 5, 2015 INCAT- Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade; 16th Anniversary, Coronation of Ms. Incat and Scholarship Presentation; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 – 11:00 PM Cost: $40; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 September 12, 2015 Filipino Women’s Civic Club (FWCC); Annual Maria Clara Ball, Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery; Iwilei 6:00 PM Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090; Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing events and parties. A veteranradio announcer, she guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and is blessed with one daughter, Armay.
September 18, 2015 The Filipino Community Center holds its annual fundraiser. Theme: “Celebrating our Plantation Legacy”; Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; 5:30 pm; For volunteer opportunities, please call Event Chairperson Bennette Misalucha at Filcom Center at 680-0288. October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Pageant; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom Cost: $65.; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 7780233; Lina Mercado 526-9009; Amado Yoro 699-9814 November 14, 2015 Filipino Business Women’s Association (FBWA) Annual Kimona Ball and honoring the Filipino Business Woman of the Year; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Nancy Atmospera Walch 778-3832, Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Lina Mercado 3827751 November 21, 2015 Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc. (NAMI); 14th Anniversary Gala, Appreciation of Volunteer Lecturers and Recognition of new RN’s and Review Graduates; Hale Koa Hotel, Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00pm; Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 778- 6291, Jun Obaldo 277 -7495 and Bong Curameng 383-0135 November 29, 2015 Alliance of Residential Care Administrators (ARCA) Annual Christmas Celebration and Inauguration of Officers Hale Koa Hotel- Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00 PM; Contact Person: Lilia Fajotina 291-1706
December 12, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA), Christmas Celebration and Coronation of Mrs. AFHA.; Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494
hawaii June 27, 2015 Big Island Filipino Community Council (BIFCC); Miss Hawaii Island Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, Hilo, Hawaii; BIFCC is recruiting young women of Filipino descent or part Filipino, from 18 to 27 years old.; Pre-sale tickets are $12.00, at the door $15.00.; Contact person, Pageant chair Christina Ranan at 1-808-640-4180 or Melba Daak at 1-808- 9812909.
KAUAI June 6, 2015 Kauai Filipino Community Council (KFCC); Miss Kauai Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue, Kauai Hawaii. Contact person: Pageant chair: Thelma Pascual 1-808651-3022 August 8, 2015 Congress of Visayan Organization (COVO) Annual Convention. The daytime session will be at the King Kaumu’ali’i Elem. School Cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The banquet in the evening will be at the Kauai Beach Resort Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Contact: Virgie Cruzada at 808 652-2176 or May Mizuno at 741-4503.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 19
CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED JANITOR: Pay $7.75$ 9 . 0 0 / h r Looking for candidates with 1 year commercial experience. Buffing, waxing & cleaning floors. Shampooing & vacuuming carpets. Cleaning common areas. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Call Staffing Partners at 945-9300.
LABOR:
LITE INDUSTRIAL/ LABORERS - Warehouse - Driver Helper - Production Line - Food Prep/Dishwashers Pay $7.75 - $8.50/hr 6 mos of recent work experience needed. For interviews call our Ala Moana office 945-9300, Staffing Partners.
services INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?
Pedestrian/Bicycle Truck/Auto/Slip & Fall; Medical MASSAGE Reduce: Headaches Neck/Back Shoulder/Leg/Hand PAIN 808-223-8243 Robert R. Holland Licensed MT
ADOPTIONS
Former Family Court & Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty. Call 674-2637 for information.
WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Judge Graulty (retired) call 778-8510 to schedule.
Receive a $300 hiring bonus
No nights. No weekends. No experience necessary. Our wonderful atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Weekly pay check, paid mileage, part time and full time, paid holidays off, $11 per hour guaranteed, and family atmosphere. Call Bonnie Williams at 955-6243. Call or come by our office today. The Merry Maids.
HOUSE FOR RENT
WAIPAHU DUPLEX
3 to 4 bedrooms w/2 full bath, Care home/Foster home welcome, parking w/close gate. Near bus stop/school & stores. AVAILABLE NOW, Call 627-2376 or 671-5903.