June 1 2015 issue

PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

Welcome Aboard!

We are pleased to expand our offerings to our FilAm Courier readers with a new monthly column c a l l e d “ P l a n t a t i o n M e m o r i e s ”, which chronicles the life stories of our sakadas. WIth many of their generation now passing on, we feel it is important to document our shared history. As we understand the struggles of their past, we hope we can all have a better appreciation of their sacrifices and labors.

And writing this new column for us is a familiar face to the Filipino community: Maribel Apuya who was a former Miss Hawaii Filipina.

Born in the Philippines, raised in Hawaii and a resident of New York City, Maribel Apuya is a writer and filmmaker. She has trained in New York City and London. By traveling the

world, she has broadened her cultural knowledge and global perspective.

She is passionate about sharing the Filipino culture with the rest of the world.

Maribel holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Computer Science and Political Science, and was both a Presidential Scholar and National Science Foundation Scholar. She is also an actress and graduated from the famed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, and trained with distinguished theater companies including Shakespeare & Company, SITI Theater, Michael Howard Studios and the Linklater Center. A believer in balance and being a well-rounded individual, she practices yoga and is a certified yoga teacher under the ISHTA lineage in New York City.

ISHTA meaning that which resonates with the individual spirit and the “Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda.”

M a r i b e l r e c e n t l y c r e a t e d “A Sakada Story,” a short documentary highlighting the life story and historic tale of a Filipino plantation laborer’s sheer deter-mination to give his children the education he never had.

She continues to develop new work in film and writing.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 3

Bennette Espineli Misalucha

serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Lis0o Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Jason Ubay MichiVillaruz Neighbor Island Bureau Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES MarivicAldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista Marynel Valenzuela CIRCULATION Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu) David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Milli Asuncion (Big Island) Legal Counsel Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.)

THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and other material submitted. Reproduction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil-Am Courier.

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Building Treasures

There is an oft quoted

help you decide. One is

your treasure is, there shall

to the Philippine based

Bible phrase which states:

from the perspective of the

your heart be also.”

channels, TFC or GMA 7,

“For where your treasure

Chamber of Commerce of

My sense from talking

our TVs become mostly

is, there shall your heart be

Hawaii which is the voice

to our Filipino community in

glued to these stations. Our

also.”

of business in our Island

Hawaii is that, we are NOT

main focus becomes the

State.

We would like to

building enough “treasures”

Philippines and we tend to

we focus our attention

thank Pono Chong, the Vice

locally. We continue to be

become oblivious to what is

on, whatever we dedicate

President for Government

plugged in to the politics of

going on locally.

resources towards, whatever

Affairs at the Chamber, for

the Philippines but we miss

we spend time on...it follows

contributing to this issue.

the developments at the City

of staying connected with

that this merely reflects

Council or the legislature.

our roots.

where our heart is.

legislator’s own voice: State

How many of you know

Philippine movies and

I am reminded of this

Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran

about the latest controversy

programs as much as I love

passage as we bring into

is the chair of the powerful

on the alleged corruption

my American shows.

focus in this issue, the

Judiciary Committee, which

surrounding Vice President

accomplishments of the 2015

had purview of many of

Binay? How many of you, on

on the path to building our

Legislative session which

the proposed bills, some

the other hand, know that

Filipino community as a

concluded several weeks

of which eventually sailed

during the 2015 Legislative

solid socio-political base, we

ago. If one were to apply

through and became laws.

session, the rail surcharge

need to balance. We need

the test using the above

has been extended?

to dedicate the time to be

passage as a measuring

bring you a profile of Sherry

My guess is that more

involved. We need to be

stick, then how would the

Menor-McNamara as our

of our people would know

apprised of the news in our

bills at the Legislature

cover story. Sherry is the

about the Binay controversy-

communities. We need to

stack up? Do these new

President and CEO of the

---maybe even the details---

put a greater focus now on

bills reflect what YOU want

Chamber of Commerce of

rather than the rail measure.

what matters to us here in

your tax dollars to be spent

Hawaii and a source of pride

Hawaii, a place we now call

on? Do the new measures

for our Filipino-American

may be attributed to how

home.

reflect subject matters that

community. Written by Jaco

we spend our time and

are relevant to your current

Gallarde, learn more about

resources on.

is... there shall our hearts

status in life or to present-

the experiences that shaped

be also.

day challenges that we may

her leadership.

Oceanic Cable has one of

all be experiencing.

In Sherry’s article, she

the largest penetration of

Do the new bills or

strongly advocated for the

the FIlipino market with

“treasures” reflect where

need to get involved. I echo

Philippine based channels,

your heart is?

those sentiments even as I

The Filipino Channel (TFC)

In this issue, we bring

bring back the passage that

or GMA 7. The sad part is

you two articles that may

I started with: “...for where

that when we subscribe

Simply stated, whatever

The other article is from a

In a related story, we

Why? A big part of this

As everyone knows,

I am definitely in favor I also love the

But if we are to continue

For where our treasures

PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By Jaco Gallarde

Our cover....

This photo of the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Sherry Menor-McNamara was taken at the downtown offices of the Chamber by noted photographer James Ramos of James Ramos Photography.

James can be reached at james@ jamesramosphotography.com or his cell at 808 345 3924.

Cover concept by Noah Felipe of Orig Media. A special mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media. Noah and Jeff can both be reached at 808 447 9559 or email at team@origmedia. com.

When it comes to improving Hawaii’s business climate, Sherry MenorMcNamara brings a razor-

sharp focus to the job borne from personal history and a passion for seeing Hawaii as a place to do business.

As the first female and first Asian-American President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of

Commerce Hawaii, Sherry works tirelessly to be the voice of business across the entire state. When she was appointed last year, she was also the youngest to be named to the post.

With her hands-on approach, Sherry spends much of her time meeting with stakeholders and policy makers, often appearing in front of legislative committees to testify and comment on issues affecting business-owners in Hawaii, fighting to make Hawaii a good place to foster business and create jobs.

“A lot of my work ethic came from my family,” Sherry explained. “My mother who was from Japan, owned a small business in the travel industry and she spent much time working on that, and my father’s family, the Menor family, came from humble beginnings to work on Hawaii’s old sugar plantations.”

It may be worth noting that Sherry is related to a number of distinguished members of the Menor family. Her father, Barney Menor was one of the first Filipino-Americans to serve in the state legislature. Her uncle, Benjamin Menor, was the first Filipino- American in the United States to be appointed to a state Supreme Court. Her first cousin, Ron Menor has had a long political career and currently serves as a council member at the Honolulu city and County.

Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and F i l i p i n o f a t h e r, S h e r r y fondly remembers the various cultural forces that eventually shaped her into the leader that she is today.

“Culturally I was taught to think of others first, to do good for myself and those around me, and to strive hard,” said Sherry.

“I spent my summers

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 5

in Pahoa on the Big Island where I had chores like picking papaya, oranges, anthuriums, and sometimes even helping to kill pigs!” remembers Sherry. “Hands on farm work really instilled a strong sense of work ethic in me – talk about sustainable living, it was such a rich experience.”

“Family was very important to us, we were taught that siblings always helped other siblings,” said Sherry.

“But I was always fortunate that I was encouraged to be independent and find my own way in life. After graduating from Waiakea High School, I attended UCLA, where I got to experience different cultures and communities,” explained Sherry. “It was experiences like these that helped me to understand and cultivate relationships across the board, in my experiences in business and public affairs.”

Much of Sherry’s work involves navigating the politics of government and helping chamber members and organizations to understand and advocate effectively. She got her first major experience working for the United States Senator Daniel Akaka in his Washington, D.C. office.

“It was such a humbling experience,” recalls Sherry, “every day in that office we learned to cherish and represent the spirit of Aloha, and I definitely learned a lot from the Senator and his staff.”

From D.C., Sherry then continued her adventure to New York where she lived with her sister, eventually landing a position with Estee Lauder in their public relations department, and t h e n w i t h S o ny E n t e rtainment in Japan, where she employed her public relations, govern-ment, and cultural skills to good use.

Upon returning to Hawaii, Sherry enrolled at the University of Hawaii where she earned a Juris Doctorate from Richardson School of Law and a Masters of Business Administration from the UH Schidler School of Business, while also working at the Hawaii Legislature.

the Nation’s capital to raise awareness on our Island State’s business capacity and capabilities.

They say that leadership is never easy. But with her drive and passion, and the support of her Board and Chamber staff behind her, watch for Sherry MenorMcNamara to continue to blaze new trails.

“At this point in my life, I know that all of my education, training, and interests reached a crossroads and that I was really interested in advocacy and public policy,” said Sherry. “After graduate school I was fortunate to have received an opportunity to work with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii where I focused on government affairs for eight years.”

After successfully guiding the Chamber of Commerce leadership through many years on their legislative s t ra t e g y a n d a d vo c a c y efforts, the board invited Sherry for consideration to succeed the outgoing President.

“I absolutely loved my job in government affairs,” explained Sherry, “but this was an opportunity that I really wanted. I wanted to leave my comfort zone, because that’s when we can achieve the most progress.

There is always room for improvement, for growth and for learning.”

“As a woman in a leadership role, it is incumbent upon us to encourage other women to rise and lead and to challenge the status quo. I have been fortunate to have been mentored by so many who on their end, also broke their own glass ceilings, and now I know that it is important to mentor others and help encourage a new generation of leadership.”

With many Filipino American business owners in Hawaii the chamber plays a large role in cultivating a better business climate and advocating for their needs and issues at the capitol.

“The Ethnic and regional Chambers of Commerce are such integral pieces to the

success of our advocacy program,” explained Sherry. “It is important that businesses can network and support each other as well as unite on different issues, in order to create jobs in Hawaii and help to keep the economy strong.”

“Get involved,” urged Sherry. “Get more involved in the public policy process, because that’s the most effective way to make a difference. The chamber will continue to vigorously advocate for the needs of Hawaii’s businesses, but stakeholders and lawmakers alike need to hear from

everyone in the community.

When more businesses and communities get active and involved, so much more is possible.”

Under Sherry’s leadership, the Chamber has initiated new and exciting programs that have brought a new energy to the organization. For example, in a few weeks, a program called “Hawaii on the Hill”, will be occurring in Washington D.C. This initiative is a collaboration with the Office of Senator Mazie Hirono and brings Hawaii business organizations to the forefront at

Bryan Jaco Gallarde is currently the Legislative Office Manager and Senior Advisor to Ewa State Representative Matthew S. LoPresti. He is a proud fifth-generation Filipino American who spent most of his life in Waipahu and Ewa Beach, in addition to his childhood abroad.

Jaco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Communications from the University of Hawaii Manoa. Jaco has over 9 years of legislative, political campaigning, and strategic communications experience. His strategic communications small business, JG Strategic Solutions, has provided consulting services for many campaigns in the last four election cycles, focusing on community outreach, integrated media strategies, fundraising, and infrastructure building

PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By pono chong

Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

Each session, the Chamber represents and advocates for businesses to ensure that companies can continue to be job p r ov i d e r s a n d f u e l o u r economy. As this year’s session ends, highlights of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s advocacy work over the last couple of months include stopping paid sick leave (HB496), Workers’ Compensation ndependent medical examination (SB1174) and the hourly rate increase (SB1122) bills, along with many Health Connector bills that could have increased business’ a d m i n i s t ra t i ve b u r d e n , insurance premiums and taxes.

Members representing various industries attended the Chamber’s Walk Around the Capitol event, an opportunity to meet with legislators and staff to discuss concerns and positions on key issues.

The End of a Successful 2015 Session HB 4 9 6 w o u l d h a v e mandated that employers provide up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave to service workers to be used to 1) care for a sick child/ spouse and 2) seek help for instances related to family violence or sexual assault.

This expanded definition

of sick leave would have p r ov i d e d a n a d d i t i o n a l burden to employers, increased costs and reduced benefits and compensations to employees in other ways.

SB1174 was a bill that sought to alter the current independent medical examination (IME) process

for Workers’ Compensation (WC) disputes. The proposed bill would allow an employer to appoint a physician mutually agreed upon by both parties to conduct the IME. This would increase costs to the WC system by creating a situation in which the insurers will either be able to charge the rate needed to cover expenses, or they won’t cover expenses. If the insurers are able to charge the full rate, businesses will realize they cannot afford it; if insurers are not allowed to charge the full rate, they will not do business in Hawaii.

This bill would have had an adverse effect on jobs everywhere in the state.

SB1122 is another bill that would have increased the cost of business in Hawaii. The proposed bill would have increased the a m o u n t o f g u a ra n t e e d monthly compensation necessary to exempt an individual from the wage and hour law. The amount would have increased substantially and continued to do so as it was tied to the minimum wage, which is set to increase every year until 2018.

In addition to defeating these harmful bills, many bills that the Chamber supported successfully include: making changes to the historic preservation review process (HB830), providing

funding for SBIR businesses (HB1069), establishment of a manufacturing grant program (SB1001), garnering support for early learning (HB820 and HB821) and providing funding to market Hawaii’s higher education to international students (HB775). Other successful bills that will improve the business climate in Hawaii include: the State Affordable Care A c t I n n o va t i o n Wa i v e r (HB576), establishment of a business recovery center (HB1343) and support of a workforce advisory board for the health care industry (HB696).

The Chamber would not have been able to accomplish all of its work this session without the involvement and support from businesses and other trade organizations.

The Chamber would like to thank these businesses and organizations, as well as legislators for their outstanding support this session.

Pono Chong is the Vice President of Business Advocacy & Development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, where he works collaboratively with members to develop the Chamber’s policy initiatives. In addition, Chong works to educate policymakers on the perspective of the business community on many issues before them.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 7

By state Senator Gilbert Keith Agaran Senate Judiciary

If you only know what the legislature did based on TV news or the newspapers, the big issues came down to extending the Honolulu rail tax (HB134 CD1), authorizing privatization for Maui’s public hospitals (HB1075 CD1), and approving medical marijuana dispensaries (HB321 CD1).

For Maui’s delegation, creating a framework for a hospital public-private partnership was THE major bill.

It came down to balancing rescuing health care in our County in the near term with a private sector partner versus the wisdom of continuing government-run hospitals in light of growing financial challenges. In the end, all nine Maui legislators voted in favor without any reservations.

While all three bills received a lot of attention and discussion, much of the bread and butter work of legislation focused on local issues and needs for our own communities.

We funded a new classroom building at Lahainaluna, a new administration building at Waihee Elementary, and improvements to the band/ choir building and sports facilities at Maui High, King Ke k a u l i ke a n d M a k a wa o Elementary. We put money into dredging Lahaina small boat harbor and to complete Heritage Hall in Paia for our Puerto Rican and Portuguese communities.

We also continued funding for modernization of our commercial harbor and Kahului airport.

Several bills addressed practical issues that neighbor islanders and other rural areas face. We all know that we should move away from cesspools but many places in Maui and the other neighbor island counties are not served by county sewer systems. SB878 CD1 allows the counties to approve installing and use composting toilets in areas inaccessible

The Real Issues at the 2015 Legislature CD1 and HB858 CD1) and required police departments t o b e m o r e t ra n s p a r e n t about their domestic violence policies (SB388 HD1). After many years of debate, we passed a Sex Trafficking bill (SB265 CD1).

We funded a farm to school coordinator position to make that program a reality (SB376 CD1). We waived a bureaucratic barrier to restoring Hawaiian fish ponds (HB393 SD2). HB444 CD1 will allow hotel room tax money for beach restoration and other parks and conservation projects.

We passed three Campaign Spending bills aimed at improving disclosure

by Super PACs and reducing anonymous contributions (SB508 CD1, SB654 CD1, HB1491 CD1). SB464 CD1 makes sure that when you sign up for a free or cheap trial offer with an automatic renewal on your credit or debit card, that you’ll get the information you need to cancel the agreement.

On the lighter end, to municipal wastewater systems. Similarly, HB1140 CD1 creates a tax credit for upgrading and converting a cesspool to a septic or other system.

For those of us who live in neighborhoods built in the seventies—and that includes much of Dream City and other parts of Kahului, SB504 CD1 and HB830 CD1 work together to exempt neighborhoods like Kahului’s first increment from State Historic Preservation (SHPD) review and to give SHPD resources to identify properties eligible for listing on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. Some of you may know that when you apply for a building permit to renovate or make changes to your house, the current law requires SHPD review simply because a buildingis more than fifty years old.

We also fixed a law that

was creating questions for local residents selling their own house or the house of a relative. SB756 CD1 reinstated an exemption to the mortgage license law to allow seller-financing rather than forcing all deals into bank financing.

On the health and human services front, the legislature approved an additional $3million for Kupuna Care (SB964 CD1), and funded preschool open doors (SB64 CD1).

This legislature finally approved mandated coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SB 791 CD1) and more information about CMV in Kulia’s bill (HB781 CD1), a measure inspired by the experience of one family from Central Maui. We passed three bills in the Women’s Caucus package dealing with helping domestic violence victims (HB 448 CD1, HB538

implementing a vote by school children throughout the islands, the ukulele is now the official ‘auana musical instrument of the state and the pahu is official kahiko musical instrument (Act 6 HB1275). Also, the Maui dancing bill finally passed.

SB868 CD1 will hopefully lead to a more common sense and practical regulation of dancing in venues that sell adult beverages.

When the next session convenes in January 2016, much of the media attention will again focus on what the pundits identify as the big issues. But much of the real action will again be on what the constituents back home want us to address.

GILBERT S.C. KEITH-AGARAN represents Central Maui in the Hawaii State Senate.

He

chairs the Judiciary and Labor Committee which considered many of the bills discussed in this article.

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

Love our Parks!

By brandon elefante Council Member City and County of Honolulu

Open, spacious parks are vital to building and maintaining a strong community. They serve as gathering places for our families, our social groups, and our sporting leagues for participants of all ages.

They’re the public oases in our vibrant neighborhoods.

In all, the City and County of Honolulu manages a total of 392 parks, recreation areas, and beaches. I grew up playing at our city parks, from hitting the diamond for Little League Baseball to playing on the basketball courts with

family and friends. In fact as a kid, my family would host my birthday parties at Blaisdell Park!

M a n y o f y o u s p e n d countless hours at our city parks, either with your keiki or perhaps with community groups. Having these types of nearby recreational areas are important to our quality of life. Our park employees do a wonderful job in maintaining them and keeping them clean.

However, there are a limited amount of resources available to keep up our parks. Sports league parents have put in

countless hours working on city fields and facilities and they are to be commended.

It is our shared love for our parks and our community that have kept city parks in a welcoming condition over the years.

I believe we need to do more.

Next year’s budget reflects a commitment of $625,000 to fund improvements to some of the parks in Council District 8. Specifically, upgrades to Waipio Soccer Park Complex and the construction of new basketball courts at Waipio Neighborhood Park near Kanoelani Elementary School are planned for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1.

Also, in next year’s budget, there is $1.133M for the development of the Pearl Ridge Neighborhood Park adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Trail and the projected Pearl Ridge transit station.

In mid-May, Hans L’Orange field in Waipahu will undergo

significant renovations to its irrigation system and playing field as well as the planting of fresh, new grass. When it reopens later this year, we can expect a much improved facility for all to enjoy.

Additionally, Mayor Kirk Caldwell committed several million dollars in next year’s budget to further improve our parks by renovating playground equipment and comfort stations. The Mayor has pledged to refurbishing 24 comfort stations and 16 playground apparatus islandwide next year.

By September, Lehua Park in Pearl City will be fitted with new playground equipment for our keiki. There is new playground equipment at Pearlridge Community Park.

All the while, I will continue to plan and coordinate cleanup efforts for our parks throughout the Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu areas. Stay tuned for these upcoming

Elefante during the 1992 Little League baseball season. “

community projects! I encourage all of you to join the fun!

If you have comments or suggestions how we can improve a particular park or our parks in general please contact me at: belefante@ honolulu.gov. I value your input and want to work with you on keeping out parks well-kept and beautiful. If you would like information about the city’s Adopt-A-Park program or how you can volunteer to help our parks call (808) 768-3034, for more information.

Right now, a visioning process is taking place for the future of Ala Moana Beach Park. For those of you who wish to comment on the future design and improvements to Ala Moana Beach Park, I encourage you to share your thoughts at: http://www. ouralamoana park.com/

Mahalo for your continued support! As always, if you have suggestions or comments, I’d love to hear them. Let’s continue to love and malama our parks!

Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District VIII which covers Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008 and his email is belefante@honolulu.gov.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 9

Filipino for Kids offers its 10th annual summer FUN program Waipahu, HI – May 26, 2015 Looking for a short summer fun program with a twist & taste of Philippine c u l t u r e ? “ k a B ATA a n : Filipino for Kids Summer Program” offered at the Filipino Community Center is now seeking participants, volunteers and donors! Now on its 10th year, Filipino for Kids is an annual summer community-based FUN program designed to provide elementary school-age children (5 to 12-year-old) of ALL ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the rich Philippine culture and history. The program includes language and culture components and interactive activities such as games, dances, and songs and a summer reading program.

For the last nine years, about 25-35 children participate in the program and about 15-20 youth & community volunteers assist in this summer program.

This summer 2015, the Filipino for Kids program will be held for five sessions on three weekends: Saturdays, June 20 & 27 (8:30am12:30pm), & Sundays, June 21 & 28 (1:30-5:30pm) with the last day on Saturday, July 4th (8:30am-12:30pm) 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 15, 2015. Donations are also accepted for the program.

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 by doing: Tinikling; the Philippines’ most popular folk dance; Escrima, Philippine martial arts; Cariñosa, 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.

Students also enjoyed other activities including making their own halo-halo, folding/ coloring jeepney, making a science activity with Mayon Volcano and dancing the malong dance from southern Philippines and learning about festivals.

Conceptualized through a mini-diversity grant from the UH SEED office in 2005, this program 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 sessions [with an additional $10 f o r a p r o g ra m T- s h i r t ] .

Participants who will complete all sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation.

For more info, visit https:// www. facebook.com/fil4kidshi or http://filipino forkids. blogspot.com/, or emailfil4 kidshi@gmail.com.

PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By MARIBEL APUYA

Alejandro Bonilla was 24 years old when he immigrated to Hawaii from San Nicholas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – one of the 6,000 Sakadas, Filipino contract workers, recruited by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association (HSPA) in 1946 to work as a laborer for the sugar plantations.He had just been married, and his newborn son, Pedro, was three months old.

“My family has one of the hardest luck in the Philippines. We were very poor.”

The eldest of eight children, “Tata Bonilla” believes he has the responsibility to help support his family. He began working as a farmer at 12 years old planting rice, corn and vegetables and plowing the field with the water buffalo. He also sold wood, bamboo and bolo knives at the market.

“Farming was all we could do before. But farming is hard luck. Sometimes no

Alejandro Bonilla with family

rain and the plant cannot grow or a big flood would destroy the field. Sometimes there was no food.”

Ta t a B o n i l l a ’ s l u c k changed when he received a letter from a cousin, Castor Bonilla, who was

working at Waialua Sugar Plantation. “He asked if I wanted to come and work in Hawaii. For me, it was a dream come true. I could earn dollars worth double the pesos and support my family.”

Despite the sadness of leaving his family, Tata Bonilla departed for Hawaii.

He didn’t know it then but it was the last he would see of his grandmother, who was a mother to him. He traveled for seventeen days aboard the S.S. Maunawili and arrived at Pier 8 in Oahu on March 16, 1946. He was assigned to Waialua Sugar Plantation.

A strong young man, Tata Bonilla was assigned the hardest jobs. He spent a year cutting grass, pulling out the weeds around the sugar canes, and was paid 46 cents an hour. He saved every penny, buying only food and clothes. He bought rice from the plantation store, and caught fish and planted vegetables to supplement his meals.

After a year of cutting grass in the field, Tata Bonilla was reassigned to concrete

Alejandro Bonilla with former Rep. Michael Magaoay who honored him with a certificate from the House of Representatives on his 90th birthday.

products, another tough and dirty job where he mixed cement to build flumes for irrigation. He still labored in the field all day long; this time he worked with oil as part of the process to ensure mold doesn’t stick to the cement. “It was hard. My pants, my hands, my face all covered in oil everyday. The plantation needed strong men to work in concrete products.”

Tat a Bonilla worked in concrete products for the next 36 years until he retired in 1982. He worked at the plantation during the day and also found part-

time work as a carpenter, repairing automobiles, etc. for added income. Limited to third grade education in the Philippines, he sought out certifications to advance his opportunities for work.

In February 1953, he earned an automobile certification.

In August 1985, he gained his contractors license.

He sent money to the Philippines every month, which paid his family’s expenses and allowed his family to lease land to farm.

In 1960, he bought his home in Waialua and since then redeveloped it into a two-story home, renting

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 11

Alejandro Bonilla with son Pedro, sister and nephew

Wedding photo marriage to 2nd wife Regina Juan

Alejandro Bonilla and wife Regina at his 90th birthday

part of the space to tenants for added income.

Tata Bonilla found a stable and happy life in Hawaii, building his dream of a better life with hard work and perseverance.

While working at the plantation was no easy task, he was grateful for the work opportunities and stable income to support his family. He chose to live in Hawaii although he had the opportunity to return to the Philippines after fulfilling his three-year contract.

In 1956, ten years after he left the Philippines, Tata Bonilla returned and reunited with his son Pedro.

Pedro eventually immigrated to Hawaii in 1963; he was 17 years old. However, he lost his wife to an illness.

Tata Bonilla remarried on June 6, 1971 to Regina Juan who later inspired him to obtain his GED. Together they graduated from Leilehua High School in 1996. Tata Bonilla was 76 years old, the oldest in his class.

Today, Tata Bonilla is 94 years old and one of the few remaining Sakadas

left in Hawaii. He enjoys a comfortable life with his wife Regina and is blessed with 2 children, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 greatgreat grandchild. On his 9 0 t h b i r t h d a y, h e w a s honored by the House of Representatives for his contribution as a Sakada and for his hard work and dedication to his family. Tata Bonilla belongs to a dying generation of plantation laborers who helped to build the Hawaii we have today.

Coming from very humble beginnings, he understood the values of hard work, perseverance and honoring family.

His son Pedro says, “My father is an inspiration to me. He tried his best to work hard for his family.

He mentored me as a child taking me to his jobs so he could teach me carpentry, automobile repair and whatever he was doing.

I teach my children the values I learned from him – working hard, being kind to others and providing for my family.”

Alejandro Bonilla, wife Regina Juan and their mothers

Alejandro Bonilla and wife Regina when they got their GED’s from Leilehua High School

Alejandro Bonilla with son Pedro

Alejandro Bonilla at 90th birthday

PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

True love in community service: golf tournament on Maui, FYLPro search is on

By: Kit Zulueta (Maui)

1. Antoinette Jadaone at the Honolulu Museum of Art With the help of the Filipino Association of University Women and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, director of “That Thing Called Tadhana”, Antoinette Jadaone was able to make an appearance at the closing of the Filipino Film Festival in April.

Tonet was a classmate of mine in UP Diliman. She’s now a celebrity director in the Philippines and just recently announced a film she’ll be directing with failed real-life relationship Herbert Bautista, who is the mayor of Quezon City, and Kris Aquino, who has the most distinct way of saying “nakakalokaaa!”

I’m so proud of Tonet. She made it in a very complex industry. And she reminded me about the adrenaline involved in making moving pictures.

2. I graduated from Ka Ipu Kukui Early May, I graduated from a year-long leadership program called Ka Ipu Kukui under the University of Hawaii Maui College. For two to three days every month, I joined my fellowship in community sessions called “halawai” as we explored great leadership, Maui Nui’s assets, challenges, governance and learned the importance of social capital.

I’m really bummed it’s over.

It was an experience!

But I now join a group of about 100 alumni in the program – a group of 20 to 40-somethings who care about the future of our community.

Our graduation was memorable.

Recruitment for the next group of leaders will commence soon. If you find KIK’s Facebook page, we created a “PBS-quali-

Top 10 updates, chismis and politics-talk

ty” video (nice words from one of the founders) in there.

3. FYLPro Summit in New York June 5

The next Filipino American Young Leaders Program Summit will be hosted by New York this year. I’m excited to attend!

I hope fellow delegates Randy Cortez and Kauai’s Mike Dahilig also consider attending. I also look forward to meeting the program’s fourth Hawaii selection – Rep. Ty Cullen, who will join other FilAm leaders across the nation in an exciting trip to the Philippines in July.

Since the first summit in Hawaii last year, some note-worthy updates include the opening of The Filipino School in San Diego. They have courses like Filipino 101: “Being Filipino” for FilAm students who are rediscovering their roots and for those who aim to bridge generational gaps. Find out more at TheFilipinoSchool. com.

4. Maui Filipino Chamber to honor leaders, scholars on June 17

Again this year, I’m chairing the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce GintongPamana Leadership and Scholarship Awards. It’s truly one of the events I cherish because of its simplicity and content. Visit MauiFilipinoChamber.com to find about our awardees this year. The chamber’s foundation will also award $2000 to our top scholar, $1000 to 11 scholars and $1000 to a student at the Maui Culinary Academy.

If you can join us on June 17, the event starts at 5:30 p.m. at Café O Lei at the Dunes at Maui Lani. We are serving their prime rib buffet at $50 per person. Call me at (808) 2919407 if you want to reserve tickets.

5. Visiting delegation from San Juan, Metro Manila led

by Mayor Guia Gomez I attended a meet-andgreet with Mayor Guia Gomez of San Juan, Metro Manila. No, it’s not San Juan in the Ilocos region, it’s the San Juan where Greenhills Shopping Center is located in Manila.

I was seated at a table with Councillor Richie Peralta and we chatted the night away about politics. I got scoops about the Binays and the Aquinos and the possible Roxas-Poe tandem in the next presidential election.

Also, I taught our director at work a new Filipino word – “trapo,” a political term referring to old rags used over and over again. But let’s not talk about Philippine politics.

Like you, I can only probably take news once every visiting delegation to Maui.

6. $621 million proposed budget for Maui County in perspective The municipality of San Juan has about $27 million in their budget. The same amount is Maui County’s budget just for our Fire and Public Safety Department.

The Maui County Council, where I work, will consider a $621 million budget for the next Fiscal Year. We’re proposing to buy land, fix roads, support the visitor industry, and lower property taxes.

Tension between the council and the administration rises.

It has come to a point where terms like “snollygosters” are picked up by media.

Look it up if you’re interested in expanding your political vocabulary, or if you just want some Maui entertainment.

7. What did the counties get after this year’s #hileg session?

Maui’s hospital will continue to serve the community.

If you missed that news about the Maui Memorial Medical Center losing $28 million and threatening to cancel nonessential programs, including child delivery services, fear no more. The State Legislature OK’d a bill to allow for a public-private partnership, which may turn the hospital into a nonprofit.

It was a contentious battle.

Workers’ unions fought against the privatization, which would open the risk of laying off employees. Hospital officials would lay off workers anyway, and shortly after making announcements about a public meeting to receive comments about the cuts, our friends in the capitol did their magic.

Long story short, if I get pregnant now, I know I don’t need to fly to Oahu to deliver my baby. That would be nuts.

In other news, there’s that talk about a new county surcharge – 0.5 percent general excise tax to help support Oahu’s rail system. Not all counties were in support though.

Maui County didn’t want the regressive tax. Instead, we supported the transient accommodations tax or hotel tax, also known as the TAT. And ah, there’s also that marijuana bill that went through. I know little about the bill to make an opinion, but all I can say is… times are indeed changing.

8. Hawaii State Association of Counties Conference on June 24-26

The Maui County Council is hosting this year’s HSAC Conference in Makena, Maui. We are anticipating government leaders and private partners attend the conference to explore our theme “Why invest in our counties? Counties move Hawaii forward.”

Counties provide the community with the most basic services like water and sewer, public safety, trash collection and economic development opportunities. The conference in June will aim to find out why investors continue to invest in Hawaii and why others take their projects somewhere else.

If you’d like to know what’s been keeping me up at night, the conference details are at MauiCounty.us/HSAC2015.

9. Missed out on Barrio Fiesta for Kauai conference

For the first time in 4 years, I had to pass the mic and decline emcee duties at the recent Barrio Fiesta celebration.

I totally missed out. I was on Kauai for another conference for counties in the Western region.

I also wanted to congratulate the organizers of the Filipino Fiesta, led by the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Great job guys!

10. Philippines for Christmas Finally, half the year is already gone. This year, I plan to come home for Christmas and New Year for my brother’s wedding. I cannot wait.

Kit Zulueta is the Communication Director for the Maui County Council and is the GintongPamana Leadership Awards chair for the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce. She owns creative firm KitZulueta.com. Follow @ keeet on Twitter.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 13

by Dr. Rickie Camara

We celebrated Mother’s Day in May and will do the same for Fathers in June; our parents, the source of our genes. As a Filipino people, we recently cheered on Manny Pacquiao and took pride in our ethnic roots even in his defeat. And we got together to beat our cultural drums at the Annual Filipino Fiesta at Kapi’olani Park on May 9.

Do our genes make our destiny? Does our ethnic identity, our culture color it? Does over 400 years of colonization by Spain and the United States, and followed by an occupation from Japan, influence our fate?

The answer is a resounding yes; the force of karma reverberates through the spirals of our DNA, through the rivers of our lives. Our DNA, our genes, are the products of thousands of years of reproductive selection and choices by our ancestors and they code for the proteins and forms that we become. How we look, walk, talk, etc., are all the result of either a onetime romantic fling and/or a deeply, committed long, term relationship; or even a forced or coerced sexual encounter.

To the degree that ethnicity and culture influences our thoughts through language and norms and mores is the degree that our lives are affected. How our world manifests is a direct result of what we think, speak, and do. The outer world is simply a reflection of our inner world.

It is in this same way that colonization by Spain and

Kultura at Karma the United States has made an imprint in our psyche in which we may have selfimages of being inferior or are hesitant in asserting and expressing ourselves and thus constraining our lives.

It was Siddhartha Gautama, aka. Buddha, whose birthday was recently commemorated on the Full Moon of May, who succinctly explained the doctrine of Karma, which was prevalent in India even thousands of years before his birth. He was partly trying to answer why so much inequality exists among mankind; to come up with a concept for universal justice. According to Buddha, inequalities are not only due to our genes, our culture, our environment, but also to our own past and present thoughts, speech, and action. Essentially, the law of Karma states that every thought, word or physical action produces physical and mental effects; and even beyond to have invisible, transcendental effects on our souls. In physics, it is said that every action has an equal and opposite reaction (Newton’s third law of Motion).

The good news is that we can soften and change our karma. We are not entirely bound by our genes, our upbringing, or by our past actions. It requires however being more mindful and selfaware of what we think, say, and do. It requires being less emotional or rigidly logical but finding the middle ground of balanced self-awareness. That

which expands consciousness will be favorable to karma and lead to auspiciousness. The more control you have over self-awareness, the more control you have over your karma.

T h e s i m p l e s t way t o extract and manifest good karma is to choose to help other people. Say and do things that help strengthen positive karma in others and you will help release good karma in yourself. Find a need in your communities, and then find a harmonious, non-harmful way to fulfill that need; Use the world as a mechanism by which you soften your own karma.

Know yourself. Analyze yourself. Where are you going in this lifetime? In this relationship? In this job?

In your studies? If you do nothing different, where will you end up? What do you wish to accomplish today, this week, this month this year, this lifetime? See the next step in your evolution.

Set your goals. Recognize opportunities that present themselves in relation to those goals. Seize and utilize the opportunity. Do not act or refrain from action out of fear.

Expect opportunities to come your way. Believe in yourself and in your life.

Take nothing in this world for granted.” Each has been sent as a sign from the Divine,” Rumi, a Sufi poet, wrote. You came into this world for and with a purpose; do it in this lifetime. It is your birthright.

Remember well. For it is memory, including cellular

and molecular, that keeps us learning. Get rid of biases and prejudices. We are all souls working our karma.

I will end by stating again the great Spiritual Law which is the way to freedom: See a need in the world, and fulfill that need! Namaste.

Dr. Rickie Camara is a BoardCertified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki and at Bikram Yoga Kapolei.

He has a yoga-aligned health coaching and counseling practice in Kahala.You can hear him every Friday on the radio at KNDI between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on the Medical Forum with FlorMartinez.

Email contact at rickiec@pixi. com.

PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By Nancy Bernal Glenn Medeiros

Jordan Segundo

Kathy Paulo

E. K Fernandez presents The 50th State Fair at Aloha Stadium every weekend until July 5. This familyowned kama’aina business has been providing entertaining fairs and events for over 100 years. Each year new and exciting acts from the mainland perform, including some of the best animals acts in the nation.

Beginning May 22 you can experience the wonderful Grizzly Bears until June 7 and then a fantastic horse act will perform until July 5. Every weekend features the exciting Pig Races and the friendly petting zoo.

Musical acts are spotlighted each weekend. Catch Jordan

Margaret Doversola

Segundo and his band on June 6 at 9 p.m. Food, games and rides are always fun for the whole family!

Check out ekfernandez.com for a full schedule.

••••

The Smooth Jazz Concert featuring Larry Carlton, Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo with Al Waterson as Emcee was a huge success on April 25 at The Magic of Polynesia Showroom.

With four Grammy Awards a n d n i n e t e e n G ra m m y nominations, Larry Carlton was extremely humble and an incredible musician. What an inspiration he is to young aspiring artists!

••••

Congratulations to Kathy Paulo on the release of her new CD entitled “Memories o f O l d H a w a i i .” Ka t h y worked with some of the best musicians on this CD, including her multi-talented brother, Michael Paulo, who was the Music Producer/ Arranger/Conductor for this production.

•••• Jordan Segundo has a new ongoing segment on the KHON 2 morning television show “Living 808.” On every Wednesday at 8:15 a.m., Jordan will be providing updates on events, concerts and more happening in Hawaii. Jordan is a professional Singer, Actor and On-Camera Host that continues to perform regularly at large events and his expertise in the entertainment scene will contribute greatly to this exciting new addition to “Living 808.”

••••

If you know of a child that wants to be in commercials and movies, then The Margaret Doversola Acting Workshop for Children on June 14 is the perfect place for them to learn more.

Children between the ages

Denby Dung with Stitch “The Pet Hui” Television Show

of 7 and 14 are able to develop their skills on how to audition and do scene study from one of Hawaii’s premier Casting Directors Margaret Doversola. When those important auditions come to Honolulu, the child will be ready and prepared.

For more information or to register a child, contact 947-5736.

•••• Legendary Superstar Diana Ross is coming to Honolulu in Concert on June 12 and 13 at The Blaisdell Arena. In a career spanning more than fifty ye a r s , D i a n a Ro s s h a s sold 50 million albums, recorded eighteen Number One singles, earned one Academy Award nomination and will be performing in Hawaii for the first time.

Tickets are available at www.ticket master.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

••••

Everyone knows 80s Pop Star Glenn Medeiros and his hit tunes “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” and “She Ain’t Worth It” with Bobby Brown, which was Number One on Billboard.

G l e n n ’s l a t e s t a c c o m plishment is not related to music, but still has him making headlines. He was recently named President of Saint Louis School. Glenn has been working in the school system for a while now in various leadership positions and we wish him all the best in his new highprofile role.

•••• The Pet Hui is the only locally-produced television show about pets and it continues to gain popularity with Denby Dung as Host with her dog, Stitch. In addition, Al Waterson hosts a lost pet segment on the show as the character - “Pet Detective Al Fadog”. You can catch this show on Channel

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 15

Al Waterson as “Pet Detective Al Fadog” on “The Pet Hui”

12 on every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and eight more times throughout each week. For more information, check out the pethui.com ••••

For now, Entertainment!

That’s

(If you would like to submit entertainment information, please contact Nancy Bernal at 947-5736 or e-mail her at Nancy Bernal@aol.com)

Diana Ross

PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq.

The month of June heralds multiple celebrations for the global Filipino. In the motherland, Filipinos c e l e b ra t e J u n e 1 2 a s a non-working holiday to commemorate Philippine independence. Filipinos overseas working hand in hand with Philippine posts celebrate the occasion with parades, galas and other noteworthy community activities marking our nation’s freedom to chart its own course.

Here, stateside, June marks the celebration of Father’s Day, originally an American holiday honoring the fathers in our lives.

Today, Father’s Day is widely celebrated not only in the U.S. but also in the Philippines.

For this our June issue, we will tackle legal issues that pertain to love of country, citizenship, paternity and the enduring paternal tie.

Legal Question: I am a Filipino who became a naturalized U.S. citizen. I am considering applying for dual citizenship to reacquire my Filipino citizenship. I have two sons, one under 18

Daddy (Legal)

Issues years of age and another over 18. When I apply for reacquisition of my Filipino citizenship, will my sons derive my Filipino citizenship as well?

Thus, your younger son below 18 years of age will derive your Filipino citizenship once you reacquire it.Republic Act No. 9225 took effect on 17 September 2003.

Answer:Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 or Philippine Republic Act No. 9225, Section 4, on Derivative Citizenship provides, “the unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who reacquire Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this Act shall be deemed citizenof the Philippines.”

Legal Question: I am an American U.S.Navy serviceman.

I was stationed in Subic Base, in Olongapo, Philippines. As a bachelor, I had several girlfriends during my stay there. When my tour of duty ended and I was back in the U.S. , I learned that one of my girlfriends became pregnant. I was not sure if it was my child and in the beginning, I was afraid the child was not mine. Last year, a person reached me through Facebook claiming to be my daughter. If she truly is my daughter, I would like to make up for the lost years and possibly to bring her to the U.S. so she can be a U.S. citizen based on the fact that she is my daughter. What can I do?

Answer: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born outside of the United States may acquire citizenship at birth if the person has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen and the U.S. citizen parent meets certain residence or physical presence requirements in the United States or an outlying possession prior to the person’s birth. While that is the law in general, there are certain distinctions in the provision of the law depending on whether the child is born in wedlock or born out of wedlock, among other nuances.

In your case, the subject child is of a U.S. Citizen father born out of wedlock outside of the United States.

A child born out of wedlock outside of the United States can claim citizenship through a U.S. citizen father, by submitting evidence of the following:blood relationship between the child and the father established by clear and convincing evidence; proof that child’s father was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth; proof that child’s father has agreed in writing to provide financial support for the child until the child reaches 18 years of age; and that one of these following criteria is met before the child reaches 18 years of age: that child is legitimated under the law of his or her residence or domicile;father acknowledges in writing and under oath the paternity of the child; orpaternity of the child is established by adjudication of a competent court. (INA Sec. 309) When the application is filed in relation to the child’s age is important and therefore it is best to work towards establishing your paternity of the child the soonest. Applications can be denied because of lack of supporting evidence or basis in law. Therefore, it is best to consult and work with a qualified attorney.

Legal Question: I am a single man. I have been taking care of my halfsister for five years now because our mother is drug dependent and my sister’s biological father is in jail. As I have been basically taking care of

my sister for some time, I would like to formally adopt her so she can be entitled to my benefits.

Right now, she has no benefits because father is in jail and mother is drug dependent. Can I do this?

Answer:Yes, you can. You can step up to the role from brother to adoptive father of your half-sister. You can do this legally as a single man as long as all the requirements of a valid adoption are met.

There are two types of adoption under Hawaii State Law, Consent adoption and Non-Consent adoption. The process differs based on whether the required consents are obtained. Adoption creates the parental tie that accords all the rights and responsibilities of a parent to a child and vice versa. It is an auspicious and sentimental occasion, however, it is also a highly technical process.

Hence, it is best to consult and work with a qualified attorney.

For actual cases and controversies, consult 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 1-808-589-7380 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 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17

PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

Zeny Muyot is currently the secretary to the Executive Director of Office of Community Services, State of Hawaii, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She’s been married to Nestor Muyot for 41 years and have one son and four adorable grandchildren ages 8 to 19.

Marilyn and JefreyPatoc (note: Jefrey is ONE “F”) tied the knot on March 28, 2015 at the Hickam Officer’s Club with family and friends from Hawaii and the mainland. The room was filled with guests who enjoyed the delicious food, great entertainment and positive energy as they filled the dance floor and danced the night away.

Congratulations and may your life together as husband and wife be blessed with peace, joy and contentment. Stay in love!

Dion and Angie Pasion of Aiea enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Barber’s Point in celebration of Easter Sunday with the family of Word International Ministries. It was a fun-filled gathering of good food, fun games and fellowship.

Dorothy Mau was installed the Queen of Egyptian Temple No. 13, Daughters of the Nile for 20152016. She’s shown here flanked by Past Queens: RexieEscasa, Leloy Banks (musician), Lynda Baniqued, Queen Dorothy Mau, Dorothy Badget, Fay Arigo, and MiriamFortuno. Middle row: Stella Carter, Nancy Matsuda, Gail Longstreth, Barbara Kwock and Joan Navales. Top row: Sylvia Ching, Starr Scurr, and Susan Schultz. Congratulations, Dorothy! May you have an enjoyable and successful term.

Debby Lee celebrated her birthday with friends at work. From left: Myrna Lactaoen, Debby Lee, Lola Salimova and Chana Khuy. Happy Birthday, Debby, and wishing you life’s best through 2015 and beyond!

Ronald Bloomingkemper, Chairman of the Board of Freedom Equity Group (center) was joined by the Ohana Financial Services CEO and Senior Vice Presidents at the recent training of the fastestgrowing teams in Hawaii.

From left: Rene Vargas, KananiAloisio, Carol Vargas and Sylvester “Sly” Aloisio.You’re doing a remarkable job… keep it up!!!

Glenda Duldulao was treated to a “Wishing You Life’s Very Best” dinner at Camelia’s Buffet before starting a new chapter in her career on the mainland. Seated next to Glenda is Alan Burdick. Standing: Randy Cortez, Danny Villaruz, JovanieDela Cruz and Ben Cabreros. Good luck, Glenda!!!

Hawaii Court No. 6, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) installed Lady Barbara Sheeder, High Priestess, 2015-2016 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on March 15, 2015. From left Sylvia Ching, Barbara Sheeder, Stella Carter and DorinaBadget. The Court and its members are dedicated in their work supporting Shriners’ Hospitals for Children for over 60 years.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 19

By perfecto r. yasay, jr.

Not too many new generation Filipinos know that the declaration of Philippine independence and the acquisition of our status as a sovereign Republic are two separate and distinct events.

While the proclamation of our independence was done in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898, the revolution started in August 1896 by Andres Bonifacio through the Katipunan that was subsequently led by Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo was not given due credit for ending Spanish control over the Islands. Victory was claimed by the United States and our independence was granted 50 years later.

Notably, the date of this historic occasion was preceded by the start of the American-Spanish War on April 25, 1898. Aguinaldo, who was exiled in Hong Kong, secretly met with American consular officials stationed there. He committed to resume the armed struggle to help defeat the Spaniards in return for a promise to recognize Philippine independence.

Soon thereafter, the U.S. Asiatic Squadron under Commodore George Dewey destroyed the virtually defenseless Spanish naval fleet in the ludicrous Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898. On May 19, Aguinaldo was transported back from the former British colony on board the USS McCullough. He quickly assumed command of his revolutionary forces that besieged Manila. This led to the capture of the capital city on August 12 and the establishment of the U.S. military government of the Philippines on August 14, 1898.

This mock land battle preceded by relentless debilitating attacks by Filipino insurgents severely

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY weakened the remaining Spanish defense forces, making it appear that America defeated the enemy.

Consequently, the Philippine Islands were ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris that was signed on December 10, 1899. This formally ended the American-Spanish war. But not before the First Philippine Republic was formally organized on January 21, 1899 where Aguinaldo became president.

Indeed, the decisive contribution of the Philippine Revolution in breaking the yoke of colonial power was deliberately downplayed.

This prompted Aguinaldo to bitterly claim that he was betrayed. Consequently, while the Spanish-American war was being concluded, the brewing Filipino resentment against the new colonizer was about ready to erupt.

February 4, 1899 marked the beginning of the armed conflict with America when a Filipino was shot by a U.S. soldier in the outskirts of Manila.

The Philippine-American War brought about one of the strangest ironic twists. Major General Henry W. Lawton was killed by Philippine rebels under the command of General Licerio Geronimo during the Battle of San Mateo in the Province of Rizal on December 19, 1899. Early in his career, then Captain Lawton was responsible for the capture of the famed Apache Indian chief, Geronimo.

The Philippine insurrection ended on July 4, 1902. However, Philippine independence was granted only on July 4, 1946.

Since then, Philippine independence was observed every July 4 until President Diosdado Macapagal changed the date to June 12. This was followed by the passage of Republic

Act 4166 that statutorily confirmed Independence Day as June 12.

While the change was directly triggered by the refusal of the U.S. Congress to grant additional payment of $73 million for World War II reparations, President Macapagal explained that June 12 was more significant in fostering nationalism and honoring the sacrifices of our noble heroes.

It is understandable why our White Brothers wanted us to be geared up for self governance. 400 years of colonial subjugation

arguably rendered our people unprepared for the demands and responsibilities of nationhood.

I n d e e d , c e l e b ra t i n g Independence Day is not simply an emotional or ceremonial activity. It marks our liberation from foreign control or domination. It serves as a reminder for sustained vigilance against conditions that threaten our sacred rights. It invokes the performance of duties that promote national advancement and the preservation of our hardearned liberty.

After successfully practicing law in the Philippines and the United States, “Jun” served as Chairman of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission under President Fidel V. Ramos. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Christian University in Manila, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Filipino Community Center. Yasay, along with his wife Cecile and daughter Stephanie, is a resident of Honolulu.

PAGE 20 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

By Daniel B. Eisen, PhD Pacific University

THE LESS THAN PERFECT ANSWER TO “HOW DO WE FIX THE PROBLEM”

“…he has a fierceness about him that most [blacks] have — a toughness.

He is a fierce fighter who doesn’t quit…”

”The [Jew] suffered the injury during a sparring session at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles”

After reading these statements many will cringe, feel uncomfortable, and wonder how these statements could be published or uttered in a public setting.

While these statements conjure feelings of disgust and many would like to categorize them as artifacts of an earlier, less inclusive time, variations of these statements were made this year.

This first was uttered at a press conference in April, while the second was published in a news article that appeared in newspapers across the United States.

However Pacquiao promoter, Bob Arum, was referring to “Filipinos,” not “blacks” at the press conference, and the author of the second statement replaced “Jew” with “Filipino” when referring to Pacquiao.

This slight change allowed these statements to be presented in public without raising much concern.

T h e f a c t t h a t t h e s e statements, when made in reference to other racial or ethnic groups, raise red flags about racist discourse provides insight into society’s knowledge about the Filipino history.

When these comments refer to the groups noted in the opening statements, we are reminded of s l a v e r y, s e g r e g a t i o n , the Holocaust, and the continued marginalization and oppression of these groups.

These images are vivid in our minds and we remember how rhetoric similar to the original statements maintained the hatred and oppression of these racial and ethnic groups.

However, society’s lack of knowledge around Filipino history does not allow such images to be conjured when “Floyd Mayweather Delivers Masterclass to Defeat Pacquiao in Superfight but Filipino Complains of Shoulder Injury” appears as a headline in a daily newspaper.

When a post-racial narrative of the United States as a melting pot is espoused and Filipinos are categorized as a model minority, the history of the

Philippines, the reality of Filipino immigration, and current situation of FilipinoAmericans is obscured and slowly forgotten.

Through these narratives we forget the colonization of the Philippines by Spain and the United States. We forget that “No Filipinos Allowed” signs hung in business doors in California and anti-Filipino demonstrations occurred throughout the west coast of the United States. We forget that benefits promised to Filipino soldiers for their service in the United States Armed Forces in World War II were retroactively annulled by the Rescission Act of 1946. We forget that Filipinos were imported to Hawaii to labor on the plantations, where they were paid significantly less than other ethnic groups and lived under the harshest conditions.

We forget that in Hawaii, Filipinos are still overrepresented in service sector work and underrepresented

in managerial positions and institutions of higher education. Ultimately, we forget the dark history of marginalization that Filipinos have faced in their history with the United States.

The ability to ignore and forget this history enables discourses about Filipinos, which would make us cringe when directed toward other racial or ethnic groups, to be viewed as acceptable. While this is a dark history, it is the history that has shaped the Filipino experience in the United States and has greatly affected the way Filipino communities have developed.

Like the history of the marginalization of Jewish and African American communities, the Filipino history with marginalization must be remembered and infused into the public discourse. When this is done, perhaps we may decrease the likelihood that racially charged language reducing Filipinos to a single archetype will to be employed and go unnoticed.

Dr. Daniel Eisen grew up in Ewa Beach and graduated from Campbell High School before attending Pacific University, Oregon to earn his BA in Sociology. After living in Oregon for four years, he returned to Hawaii to earn his PhD in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where his doctoral work examined young adults’ development of a Filipino ethnic identity in Hawaii.

Daniel Eisen is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 21

community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu

OAHU June 5, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); President Elpidio Quirino Leadership & Humanitarian Awards Gala; Hawaii Prince Hotel Ballroom Cost: $65.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Amado Yoro 699-9814 June 6, 2015 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); Miss Oahu Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; Cost: $65 per person; Contact Persons: Armi Oliver Farinas 221-0667; Alex Vergara 551-4303 June 7, 2015 Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General the 1st; Filipino Ethnic Food Fair, a kick-off event to celebrate the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Philippine Consulate grounds.; 10:30 AM-2:00 PM Tickets: $35 Contact; Persons: Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033; Melga Gendrano 383-7986; Allan Alvarez 392-8230; Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090 and Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 June 14, 2015 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); Annual Convention Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu, Lanai; Contact Persons: Alex Vergara 551-4303; Loida Yamamoto 679-9540; Jake Manegdeg 524-6993; Amado Yoro 669-9814; Danny Villaruz 778-0233 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.

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, ex-

plore 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 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 7:00AM-2:00PM; 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 4266183; 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, Jenny Normand 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, Waiphau 8:30AM3:00PM; 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. Incatand Scholarship Presentation; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 – 11:00 PM Cost $40; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 September 12, 2015 Filipino Women’s Civic Club (FWCC); Annual Maria Clara Ball, Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery; Iwilei 6:00 PM Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 September 18, 2015 The Filipino Community Center holds its annual fundraiser.

Theme: “Celebrating our Plantation Legacy”; Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; 5:30 pm; For volun-

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing events and parties. A veteranradio announcer, she often 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.

teer opportunities, please call Event Chairperson Bennette Misalucha at Filcom Center at 808 680-0288.

October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Pageant; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom Cost: $65.00; 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 HallLihue, 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.

PAGE 22 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-16, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Seeking a full time or part time garment cutter position. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.

Company offer great benefits. Call 841-1882 Gordon

FREEZERWAREHOUSE DRIVER

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.

Part-time help

wanted to package candies and snacks.

PH 833-5135

Live-In Caregiver (CAN/NA)

Hawaii kai is looking for a caregiver for a 5 beds residential care home, must have experience in a nursing home or a care home. Live in or live out.

If interested

please call Berly or George 396-4195.

HIRING PT-TIME

Clean abstract required, Competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, & 401k, profit sharing benefits.

Applications hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Fri Apply In person at: KOHA FOODS 500 Alakawa St. #104 Honolulu, HI 96817

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.

SHORT ON CASH?

Business Oportunity.

$400+

per transaction.

Call 295-0577

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

GIFT SHOP SALES ASSOC.

Former Family Court & Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty. Call 674-2637 for information.

CALL

WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Judge Graulty (retired) call 778-8510 to schedule.

IN WAIKIKI, MOTIVATED, ENERGETIC & CUST SERVICE SKILLS,

383-8282

for sale

for rent

for rent

Eternal Garden

For Rent 1 bdrm

FOR RENT One Bed Room: $700 including utilities.

Close to town.

Memorial Park 4 Lots Available Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines Call Ed (808) 381-8897

VALLEY of the Temples Lot

with marker, interment vault, and ground opening /closing with Saturday charge. Below market price.

Call 232-7262

Condo For Sale

Newport City Resort World Pasay City, 1Brm. Partly Furnished 36 sqm. Ground Floor Call Jimmy

258-4131

w/parking, busline accross Target, Navy Exchange/ Commissary Radford HS. Occupancy for 1 or 2 only,

call 391-5669

FOR RENT AIEA Spacious 2 bedrooms downstairs.

Call 398-8961 Waipahu 2 bedrooms for rent,

has own private entry, kitchen & bathroom, call

678-

9003 or 227-9002

2 rooms FOR RENT:

Available!

Call 678-8124

Call 384-0117

room for rent

waipahu 1 person working, including utilities, street

call 6760759

parking,

available!

EWA BEACH FOR RENT

1 BEDROOM WITH A/C, 1 PARKING, BUS LINE, CALL 689-7480.

FOR SALE HOUSE & LOT IN BULACAN NEAR MANILA

1.6M

IN PESO PLS.CALL (917) 312-5081

THE FIL-AM COURIER • JUNE 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 23