PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
STATEWIDE community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU March 19, 2016 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Golf Tournament, Waikele Golf Course. Shotgun at 12 Noon Contact Persons: Joe Quibuyen (808) 256-6399, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962 March 19-21, 2016 Sariling Gawa Youth Council holds its 36th Annual Leadership Conference Camp at YMCA Camp Erdman in Mokuleia for high school and college students. Cost: $140.00 per participant. This year’s theme is “Today for Tomorrow” focusing on living in the moment. There will be various activities ranging from energizers, community building, Self-awareness & reflection activities to personal and leadership development of skills. Contact Person: Rouel Velasco at email, rouel.velasco@sariling gawa. org/218-0833. March 25, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club 91-050, Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa Beach, HI. Tournament proceeds fund the Foundation’s Scholarship program. Scholarship recipients will be presented during the chambers Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year & Scholarships Awards gala. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 3061428, Eddie Agas Sr. 783-3327 March 27, 2016 FilComSunday: MAD Fest (Music Art and Dance Festival). 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, FilCom Center, Waipahu HI. Presented by the Rizalian Youth Council and The Filipino Community Center. For questions and registration email them at rizalianyouth council@ gmail.com. Or Call the FilCom Center (808) 680-0451 April 2-16, 2016 Filipino Film Festival 2016 Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 South Beretania Street. Films will be shown at the Doris Duke Theatre. This year’s Filipino Film Festival showcases the Philippines’ rich, diverse cinema, revealing a vibrant culture. Come and see films that explore life—from the joys of first love to the triumph over grief in the face of tragedy. Community partners: The Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of HI (PCCCH), the Filipino Community Center of Hawaii (FilCom), the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii, the Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW), the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC), Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH), and the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH). Hospitality sponsor: Outrigger Resorts. Tickets: $10 | $8 museum members.
April 2, 2016 Filipino Film Festival Opening night reception, 6-7:30 pm; Honolulu Museum of Art. Ticket includes dinner with a no-host bar. Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo screens at 7:30pm. $35 | $30 museum members. For more information visit the website: honoluluacademy.org April 3, 2016 Incat Alumni Association of Hawaii 17th Anniversary, Installation of Officers & Service Awards Ceremony Empress Restaurant; 100 N. Beretania Street in Chinatown; 6:00 PM; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 April 16, 2016 74th Commemoration of Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) Presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu in coordination with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) 2:00 PM-4:00 PM National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, Honolulu. RSVP required to email: pcghonolulu.culturalsection @gmail.com or call 5956316 to19 extension 112 by April 7, 2016. April 16, 2016 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Award & Scholarship Awards Banquet presented by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; 6:00 PM. Cost $65.00 Attire: Formal/ Business Suit. Currently accepting nominations for entrepreneur of the year Statewide For more information please Contact: Rocky Anguay Event Chair 808 387-5821 or email Ranguay@ fhb.com, Sam Acosta President 808 306-1428 April 30, 2016 Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Annual Terno Ball; Hawaii Prince Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM. An evening of Awards, Fashion & Culture featuring Scholarships & Outstanding Women Achiever Awards. Selection of Ms. Terno & Mr. Barong Costume Contest Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Carlota Ader 797-4381, Vilma Valdez 321-3186 May 7, 2016 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Mrs. Hawaii Filipina; 2016 Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom; 5:30 PM. Contact Persons: Gladys Menor (808) 366-2317, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962 May 14, 2016 Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii (PNAH) Installation of 2016-2018 Officers Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; 6:00 PM-12:00 AM. Contact Persons: Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Erlinda Ferrer 721-1501, Tina Salvador 426-6183
May 14, 2016 24th Annual Filipino Fiesta & Parade and 4th Annual Flores de Mayo presented by the FilCom Center, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Parade route goes from Fort DeRussy to Kalakaua Avenue to end at Kapiolani Park from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM. Fiesta will be at the Kapiolani Park from 10:00AM-5:00 PM. For more details, sponsorship, and how to participate please call Arceli Rebollido, FilCom Center Programs Director at 808 680-0451, Paul Gaerlan Alimbuyao Flores de Mayo Event Chair 808 754-8691, Vince Baldemor 808 391-0723. You can also check FilCom Center website at http://filcom.org/ May 28, 2016 Ms. Normalites of Hawaii 3rd Grand Alumni Reunion & Coronation Ball (LNS,INNS, NLTC, MMSU-CE, MMSU-CTE) Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM-12:00 AM; Contact Persons: Thelma Ortal 389-1847, Pike Velasco 554-9646, Florence Peralta 650 274-7791, Dolly Ortal 225-9997 June 18, 2016 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) Presents the Miss Oahu Filipina 2016 Pageant Hawaii Prince Hotel 6:00PM Contact Persons: Alex Vergara President 551-4303, Leo Gozar 630-6268 June 25, 2016 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) Annual Convention Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu Lanai Contact Persons: Alex Vergara President 5514303, Dwayne Bueno 266-0392 July 16, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation Annual Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom 6:00 PM. Contact Persons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam Acosta 306-1428. July 16, 2016 Mr. Pinoy Hawaii USA 2016 presented by Kalayaan Philippines International, Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 5:00PM-11:30 PM Contact Persons: Calvin Bagaoisan (Interim President) 286-4334, Ben Pulido (Executive and Program Director) 421-9747 July 16, 2016 Santanians Association of Hawaii-USA Installation of Officers & Board of Directors Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM-11:00 PM. Contact Persons: Dr. Julius Soria 722-9958, Amy Quides 255-6380, Aurora Garcia 722-3150 or email santanian sofhiusa@gmail.com July 20-24, 2016 37th Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) National Convention Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington DC; PNA Hawaii Contact Persons: Tina Salvador
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a community leader and a familiar face, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair of the Philippine Celebrations 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 are blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information toacmina808@gmail.com or call her at (808) 282-2033.
426-6183, Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Erlinda Ferrer 7211501 July 30, 2016 La Union Circle of Hawaii presents Miss & Mrs. La Union Hawaii USA 2016. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 5:30 PM Coronation with Dinner. Cost $65.00 Contact Persons: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616; Laurie Ann Tadina 358-0474; Conrad Valdriz 9538888; Ben Pulido 421-9747; Lolita Domingo 295-1387 August 13, 2016 Philippine Women’s Civic Club (PWCC) Filipiniana Ball Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM; Cost: $65.00; Suggested attire: Maria Clara, Kimona, Terno or Muslim. Join the contest for the Best FilipinianaCostume. Contact Persons: Letty Saban 255-9429, Edna Alikpala 282-3669. Mimi Gozar 312-0778, Edith Gudoy 457-0253 August 20, 2016 UPAA University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii Installation of Officers Gala 6:00 PM Filcom Center 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu, Hi Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Melody Calisay 808 224-9535, Jenny Normandy 808 286-4426 August 27, 2016 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Recognition Night honoring the 2016 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 outstanding achievements of graduating high school valedictorians in public and private schools & presentation of the continuing scholar recipients. Empress Restaurant 100 N. Beretania St. 6:00 PM. We are currently searching for the parents/parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their children (3 minimum) to college and/or universities & have attained their professional chosen careers. Contact Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Gozar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy 841-2881, Maggie Domingo 783-0068 September 17, 2016 Filipino Women’s Civic Club Annual Maria Clara Ball; Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM. Join the Maria Clara Contest Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo, President 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 780-4985 November 19, 2016 NAMI, INC. Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc.; 15th Anniversary Gala and Appreciation of RN Review Class Volunteer Lecturers & Recognition of New RN’s and Review Graduates. 6:00 PM Banyan Tree Showroom, Hale Koa Hotel Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Jun Obaldo 808 277-7495, Bong Curameng 808 383-0135
MAUI March 19 and 20, 2016 The Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu will be conducting its mobile consular outreach programs to include applications for renewal of passports, notarials, authentication of documents and dual citizenship during the two-day outreach program. Time and place to be announced. For more information and appointments contact Lydia Rayo from the Maui City & County office at 808 270-7791. April 23, 2016 The Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament The Dunes at Maui Lani. Shot gun start at 7:00 AM; Now accepting teams and sponsors. For more information and application form go to www.mauifilipinochamber.com/golftournament June 16, 2016 Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awards Maui Beach Hotel 5:30 PM Cost: $50.00 If you renew your membership or become a member of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce by May 15, 2016, they will include you in this year’s membership directory. Contact Person Kit Zulueta, President (808) 291-9407 or email: info@maui filipinochamber.com and visit their website:www.mauifilipino chamber.com July 29-31, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Convention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBD. Contact Persons: Greg Peros in Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu (808) 266-0392 July 30, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Miss Hawaii Filipina 2016 Binhi At Ani Community Center in Maui. Contact Persons: Greg Peros (808) 276-8771, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962 October 15, 2016 Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival presented by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation Maui Mall in Kahului, Maui 10:00 AM3:00 PM. Flag raising ceremony at the county building on October 3rd at 10:00 AM. For more information contact Kit Zulueta, President (808) 291-9407 or email: info@maui filipinochamber.com and visit their website:www.mauifilipinochamber. com
kauai April 30, 2016 Kauai Philippine Cultural Center (KPCC) 5th Major Fundraising Event 5:30 PM Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Grand Ballroom in Lihue, Kauai Contact Number: (808) 645-0257 or email: Kpcc2020@gmail.com
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 3
B y R A D I A N T COR D ERO
One Year of a
serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero
New Voice
Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Liso Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Amelia Casamina Cabatu Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao Zeny Muyot 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
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Happy anniversary to you and me, dear reader! One year ago, I wrote my first note, “A New Voice,” and what a development and journey has it been. As with time and progression, it is good to reflect back and see the growth and changes a year can provide. A year ago, I highlighted many things, in “A New Voice” and now, I reflect on two growths, among a few, that I have experienced: • M y b r o t h e r “ F i l ” : Finally, after 25 years of seeing the Fil-Am Courier as my “brother,” w h i c h wa s h o n e s t l y through my innocent notions of why my family and parents would be always focused on their work for the newspaper, I now come to see it for the vehicle that it is. It is a product of our Filipino community and it is truly its “vehicle,” because, that is exactly what I experienced for the first year... Fil has transformed from my “brother” to my very own vehicle to where I - or even those in my generation - can be heard and understood. Never would I have thought that people actually read my Note monthly, until, people I don’t know or those I hardly expect it (such as non-Filipinos, legislators, family members of friends, professors, customers at restaurants, people walking pass as I clean the trunk of my car, etc.) approached me either from knowing my name or recognizing me from my photo.
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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 ©
They make the effort to talk about aspects of my Notes: Many are older
than me and comment on how they have a new perspective on a subject (like my marathon note), others comment on how I used a quote that they fancy, and sometimes, others want to know more about the experiences that I mention in a particular note. It is amazing to see people interacting, reacting, and responding to what I write. With that, I want to show my appreciation for each and every single person who has supported the Fil-Am Courier, whether it’s been since 1987 or if this is your very first issue you’ve picked up, thank you! • P ersonal update: A year ago, I introduced you a bit to myself. I mentioned how I am in still in school, am receiving my first few wedding and baby announcements, and working while I was actively searching for an internship. Well… Unfortunately (to me), not much has changed. Since then, I am still in school, working harder than I can remember in our local government, more baby and wedding announcements have trickled in, and I am very close to finishing my internship under an agency under the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and am two months away from graduating. Despite not many updates in my life, the time that I grew with writing this monthly Note, I have grown in so many aspects: meeting and communicating
with more people in the community who I would see, but, never acknowledge; learning about and reconnecting with people through the paper whether they were featured or readers of the paper; and, I even learned more about myself by sharing and opening up to the community. So whether it is my shared experiences and advising I provide through those situations, or speaking my mind on a particular subject, it has certainly been a great year for me to learn and grow. I can only hope that with time, I will grow more as a writer, and, most importantly, as a person. As we join one another on a new year together, I look forward to sharing and starting more conversations together. Speaking of time, progression, and growth, it is with great pride that this issue of the Fil-Am Courier features the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center.
The seed of the cultural center on Kauai was planted six years ago with a Planning Committee. Now, in 2016 key leaders and supporters and community participants will be celebrating and holding the center’s groundbreaking ceremony on March 29, 2016. The center did not just arise from thin air… Like in our professions, hobbies, and activities, we didn’t master these all in a year or two - it all requires continuous effort and practice to better ourselves, to rid the kinks, and to learn to get through the difficult times. The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, too, it took time, patience, hard work, and diehard dedication for the progression to take the center from just an idea to fruition and now to its groundbreaking. Read more about the center, its history, and more in this issue and join the community for the groundbreaking on March 29!
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
By Bennette Espineli Misalucha
Managing Editor, Fil-Am Courier
Our cover....
The Story of Kauai’s Philippine Cultural Center Our beautiful cover photo features the children of Kauai who are the bearers of the legacy of the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center. Photo was taken on the grounds of the Kauai County building. Photo credit by the talented Charlie Valentine. Cover Concept by Noah Felipe. Mahalo to Jeff Orig. Both Noah and Jeff can be reached through Orig Media at www.origmedia.com or phone number (808) 447-9559
A Community Coming Together,
Truly a Place for All
To say that Kauai-based successful entrepreneur Elesther “Lesther” Calipjo is a man on a mission is an understatement. There are those who say the man gets by with very little sleep nowadays and as a result he is losing more weight. In the spacious second floor of his business office in Puhi, Kauai which serves as his
unofficial hospitality suite, the thin and lanky Lesther can usually be found either poring over numerous plans and blueprints, conducting a board meeting with some leaders, or making calls to get a building permit or paperwork, done. It is apparent that he approaches this project with the same single-mindedness that he invokes with his business dealings. And these days, the subject of his undivided attention is the Kauai Philippine Cultural
Center, a project that stands to unite the Kauai community in ways which has never been done before. The Center will celebrate a milestone on March 29, 2016 when it will hold its groundbreaking ceremonies which is expected to draw government officials, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Kauai l e g i s l a t o r s l i ke S e n a t e President Ron Kouchi and Representative Jimmy Tokioka as well as friends and supporters who have been all invited to witness the fulfillment of a dream.
“This is so important to us”, Lesther explains with his round black eyes that seem to grow larger with intent coupled with a distinguishable undercurrent of passion in his voice, “We have waited so long. It is more than a symbol of unity to us. It represents who we are. I will not stop until we will get it done.” If Lesther Calipjo strikes one as adamant and determined to the point of stubbornness, there is a reason why. Building a Filipino center has been a
(Left to right) Rep Derek Kawakami, Senate President Ron Kouchi, Lesther and Mila Calipjo, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Rep. Jimmy Tokioka
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 5
daunting dream for Kauai’s Filipino community for a very long time. After all, the other Filipino communities in other islands have already built their own centers: the Filipino Community Center on the island of Oahu, and the Binhi at Anifacility on the island of Maui.It can be argued that it’s now Kauai’s time. Kauai, with its lush and verdant greens, majestic mountains that gloriously dot the perimeters of its horizon and a quiet lifestyle that evokes the Hawai‘i of old, is home to a large Filipino population, many of whom are descendants of plantation workers or sakadas. In fact, according to the 2010 census, Kauai, of all the islands, boasts of the largest ratio of Filipinos, relative to other ethnic groups, at 30%. B u t a s m a ny k n o w, culture is more than just a numbers game. It is easy for a community to get so assimilated into the American lifestyle that the traditions can get lost. But not on Kauai. As generations of Filipinos planted roots on the Garden Isle and became integrated into the diverse fabric of the community, Ka u a i ’s F i l i p i n o s n e ve r turned their backs on their culture. In fact, throughout the years, there has always been a concerted effort to preserve the Philippine’s rich cultural heritage, as can be gleaned by such examples as the Bailes de Jose Dance Troupe, a dance company organized by cultural iconoclast Jose Bulatao. The troupe has an extensive repertoire of Filipino authentic dances with Spanish, Chinese and indigenous cultural i n f l u e n c e s . To d a y, t h e troupe is still a regular performer during special community events and can be counted on to add color and pageantry to every occasion. In addition, there are the annual events in the Filipino community calendar that demarcate the season like clockwork such as the annual Kauai Terno Ball which showcases the cultural traditions in all its splendor. The Terno is one the national costumes of the Philippines which is characterized by the shoulder grazing butterfly sleeves. At these well-
Governor Neil Abercrombie, flanked by Lesther Calipjo (right) and Rep Jimmy Tokioka, as he signs the symbolic check for $1.5 million. ALso in the picture is Mayor Bernard Carvalho and members of the board of KPCC.
attended events, women, bedecked in their colorful Filipiniana attire in every hue of the rainbow, and wearing their best family jewels, usually compete for the honor to be Ms. Terno. How can one resist such fun while gaining appreciation for the originality and beauty of the Filipina in a terno? In truth, it is difficult to ignore the Filipino community on the island. Their reach is wide, and their stakes are deep. Kauai’s Filipinos, like many of their countrymen, maintain close ties with each other and these relationships are not limited by blood or marriage. Regional connections abound so Filipinos seek affiliations through their ties to the Philippine province or district they trace their family roots from. Hence, Kauai has strong organizations such as the Visayan Club under its President Virgie Cruzada or the Laoag Saranay Club which enjoyed the leadership of past presidents Charlmaine Bulosan or Emiliano Remigio. In addition, the Filipinos’ pious nature and devotion to the Catholic Church have paved the way for a very active Catholic l ay m i n i s t r y o n Ka u a i . Amongst the Diocesan Filipino Catholic Clubs in the entire state, Kauai’s clubs — St. Catherine, Immaculate Concepcion, Holy Cross-Sacred Hearts, and St. Theresa—are often the strongest and most active. These connections speak volumes of a healthy social structure that exists amongst the Filipinos. Set against this backdrop, it’s easy to understand how the argument about how Kauai ought to have a representation of the
Filipino strength on the island can play out. Many leaders slowly realized that a building would serve that purpose and it can also serve as a gathering place that will affirm the Filipinos rightful place on the Garden Isle. Thus was the dream born. But like all dreams, the journey is never easy. “ E v e r s i n c e I c a n remember, maybe since I came to Hawaii in 1985, whenever I would go to an installation of a new President of a Filipino organization, they would talk about building a Center,”Lesther recalled. “It bothered me because it seems we could not get our act together. When you build something like that, you have to unite towards that common goal. But sadly, somehow, we were not.” However bothered he may be by the lack of follow through, Lesther, was too busy building a financial empire at that time to make
a big fuss about it. But the hand of destiny, albeit slow, was making its way towards him, and could no longer be denied; with his good business sense, the community needed him, and he, in turn, needed to give back to the community. “I was coming from an early retirement, and was taking stock of my life at that point. I was feeling blessed but did not really know what to do,” Lesther recalled on why he decided to get involved. When the late Ernie Pasion asked him to become his Vice President at the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce in 2008, Lesther agreed.Two years later, by 2010, Lesther Calipjo was sworn in as President of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce. Ironically, like many leaders before him, Lesther too, bared his dream to build a Center during his President’s message at the 2010 Filipino Chamber inaugural banquet. But
herein lies the difference. Whereas the others may have only expressed their good intentions, Lesther did his homework and actually acted upon his aspiration. “As I prepared for my inaugural speech, I knew I needed some assurances of a funding source. So a few days before the event, I called up Senate President Ron Kouchi, Representative Jimmy Tokioka and Mayor Bernard Carvalho separately. I asked them if I did this project, would they support me? Each of them said yes. Thank God! “Lesther explains with a laugh. During that 2010 speech, Lesther also announced the creation of the committee to explore the building of the Center. To kick start the effort, he needed to appoint the Chair of the committee. This is an important role and Lesther could not afford to have the wrong person in that position. So he looked around for the most competent and most organized person he knew: banker Sonia Topenio. Lesther shares how he recruited Topenio: “I approached Sonia and I gave her my vision of building the Center. She turned me down! She told me, ‘I don’t want to get involved.’ I went back to her a second time. I told her, ‘this will allow us Filipinos to be united”. Still, she said no. But stubbornness and persistence are two sides of the same coin, and Lesther happened to be imbued with both. “I did not
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PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
listen to her. In front of the audience, I announced that Sonia Topenio would be my Committee Chair. People were surprised, and turned to look at where Sonia was sitting. It was kind of funny!” Calipjo remembered the occasion. Sonia, on the other hand, described the moment as such. “When you have more than 600 people looking at you and witnessing what was just said, what can you do? Like anything else, you roll up your sleeve and say, Okay sign me up then, where do I stand? Would you believe, Lesther called me for a meeting the day after the installation banquet. He put me to work right away!” It has been a productive partnership ever since. Along with their spouses, M i l a C a l i p j o an d E d d i e Topenio, Sonia and Lesther and their familiesoften socialize and the relationship has transcended to that of a family. They discuss strategic and tactical issues, and more often than not these days, they huddle to resolve the latest wrinkle in the building plans. For the borderline-obsessive Lesther, no issue is too minor to grapple with. Lesther admits he pushes Sonia a lot: “I rely on her good judgment a lot. She has a lot of corporate and organizational skills so she can help me run meetings, set the agenda, deal with the technical stuffs. Many times, when I drive by their house, and I see that the light is still on, I knock on their door, so we can resolve
The members of the KPCC of Board during one of the annual fundraisers.
issues that night rather than wait for the morning! I know, I know, I’m crazy!” Sonia became an excellent guide during the due diligence process. To learn from those who had paved the way, a delegation visited the other Filipino Centers on Maui and Oahu. Sonia and Lesther also met with the Executive directors of these centers as well as those who were involved in the fundraising. It was then time to convince Kauai’s Filipino community that they mean business. Although Lesther was a well-respected businessman, he had not yet developed deep relationships within the island’s Filipino community at that time, and trust was still tenuous, at best. Whether it was a small group or a large contingent, Lesther and Sonia met the Filipino community leaders with humility. They fielded questions and responded to concerns. These quiet outreach meetings during t h e e a r l y d a y s , wa s a key factor in laying the groundwork for the work within this community. Lesther remembers the
exact moment when he realized that the dream of building the Center may actually become reality: “I talked to Rep. Jimmy Tokioka and he suggested that we apply for a Grantin-Aid from the State Legislature for a feasibility study. The deadline was fast approaching and so, we went to Planning Director Mike Dahilig for help, and he turned the paperwork around in one day. We literally almost missed the deadline by minutes! When Jimmy called to say we got $30,000 for our strategic planning session and for the feasibility study, we were so happy! That was the moment I knew this is for real. It’s no longer a dream.” In fact, it was around this time that KPCC also received its first community donation of $2000 from the Kauai Visayan Club. The monies were proceeds from their International Ball and the group voted to give the donation as a symbol of their hope for the Center. Topenio continues to be amazed at how quickly things had fallen into place from that time on. KPCC applied for a Grant-in-Aid from the Legislature in 2012, shortly after KPCC received its IRS tax-exempt status. After a short wait, the money was released by Governor Neil Abercrombie, thus securing a major portion of funding. “My phone rang at 2 pm and it was Jimmy Tokioka. He was so excited to break the news that the Kauai delegation secured the $1.5 million for KPCC. I was so happy, I jumped out of bed. The following morning, I got a call from Senator Kouchi and he said, ‘I guess you heard the news?” I was so grateful! These two legislators really helped the Filipinos,” Lesther recalled. With the funding behind them, Sonia and Lesther
then started to focus on the land acquisition. They explored various options with other entities, but each of the locations proved to be less than ideal. Sonia recalls that they then went to Mayor Carvalho. “The Mayor was very supportive and he first sent us to talk to Wally Resentes, Director of Finance. They wanted us to look at a county property in Hanamaulu.” “But I grew up in Puhi and one day, I saw this empty lot next to the YMCA and I asked, why don’t we look at that? So we went back to the Mayor, and to our surprise, the land was available! We had to work with the YMCA on some issues but they were quickly resolved. So shortly after, the County Council, through a unanimous decision, passed a resolution gifting the land to KPCC.” “There were other entities as well which have since stepped up to help. For instance, Grove Farm, through its CEO Warren Haruki is leasing out 12 acres of land to KPCC that covers a period of 100 years at a very low rate. The acreage is big enough to accommodate the building of a parking lot as well as a little nature trail. We cannot thank Grove Farm enough.” In the meantime, Lesther meets with the KPCC board almost weekly, sometimes
twice a week. He pushes, cajoles, and inspires his board members to go the extra mile. “I admit. I am a pusher,” Lesther laughs as he explains, “but it’s for a good cause. One thing I know, when I promise something, I will make sure I deliver. I am grateful, though, to have such a hard working board who are willing to roll up their sleeves to work,” Lesther states. As the groundbreaking day approaches on March 29th, Lesther and Sonya are deeply aware that the need for fundraising will need to ramp up. “We need the support of our Filipino community right now. We all need to take ownership that this is OURS. It is a culmination of our dreams. It is for our children. It is for our future generations, “ Sonia stated. Lesther pauses for emphasis: “I don’t care if our fellow Filipinos give $10 or $2000. As long as they invest their hard earned dollars, no matter what amount, into this building, we will all be happy. We need everyone to be a part of it. After all, this Center was all our dreams.” There will be two phases of the project. Phase 1, the basic structure, is expected to take 18 months to complete, including 6-8 months of site work. It will have a hall and some meeting rooms. Phase 2 will be undertaken shortly as the longer financial plans continue to evolve. “Look, when we launched this initiative, we said it was going to be Vision 2020. Meaning, it will be done by 2020. But like a miracle, we had events that happened so quickly. For example, our tax exempt status. They said it normally takes 6-8 months; ours took 48 days.
KPCC Vice President Sonia Topenio with Millicent Wellington
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 7
Kauai Philippine Cultural Center CORPORATE OFFICERS
KPCC Members of the Board of Governors
So with everything going on, we believe we will finish by 2017. Three years ahead of projection!” Lesther adds. These are exciting times for Kauai’s Filipinos. When asked about what they thought about the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, many cannot help but feel nostalgic about the memory of their forefathers who braved the unknown to travel to Hawaii from the Philippines, in search of a better future for their children and how that single decision has made a profound impact on their families. Some of them speak about the Center representing the Filipino heart and soul, which is known for its resilience in the midst of any crisis; and how Filipinos everywhere, including those on Kauai, are able to blossom where planted. Others point to the Center as the “piko” or the navel since it will soon connect us to Philippines, o u r m o t h e r c o u n t r y ’s culture and traditions like the umbilical cord once connected us to our birth mothers. But for so many others, the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center will simply be “home”. A place to gather after a hard day’s work, where one would feel the comforting embrace of a caring community. It will be a place where all can find common ground no matter your beliefs. It will be a place where our stories will be gathered, retold, over and over again to the next generation. It will be a place that brings unity and strength to relationships and enables us to aspire to be better. Truly, it will be, a Place For All.
TIMELINE 2011 • Corporation was registered with the State of Hawaii, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on February 15, 2011 • State Legislature appropriated $30,000 grant in aid for feasibility study
2012 • First Fundraising event held on April 14, 2012 at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club • Grant in Aid of $1.5 million was appropriated for the building • County of Kauai approved a 99-year License Agree ment for 3.5 acres next to the YMCA swimming pool • John Latkiewicz of Small Business Development Center was hired to do a Feasibility Study
President
Elesther Calipjo
Vice President
Sonia Topenio
Secretary
Charlmaine Bulosan
Treasurer
Emiliano Remigio
Board of Directors Chairman
Elesther Calipjo
Vice Chairman Secretary
Dr. Arnulfo Diaz
Liza Cabal Trinidad
Financial Secretary Marynel Valenzuela Directors
Dr. Ramon de la Peña
Paul Kyno Edwin Navarro Oscar Portugal Eduardo Topenio Hannah Timbol Millicent Wellington Of Counsel
Mike Dahilig
Board of Governors
Amefil Agbayani
Bryan Andaya Maria Etrata Phyllis Kunimura
2013
Mary Anne Kusaka
• 2nd Fundraising held on May 11, 2013 • Selected Ron Agor Architecture, LLC to initiate site preparation, architectural rending of the area
Wade Lord Scott McFarland
Brian Yamase Peter Yukimura
• Grove Farm approved a License Agreement for the 11 acres adjacent to the site from the county
2014 • • • •
3rd Fundraising held on May 3, 2014 Class 4 Zoning approved on May 24, 2014 Submission of Building Permit Capital Campaign
2015 • 4th Fundraising held on May 16, 2015 • Selection of a contractor
2016 • Sheraton Kauai Resort Names Kauai Philippine Cultural Center Table 53 Beneficiary for January 2016 • Ground Breaking Ceremony on March 29, 2016 • 5th Fundraising Event on April 30, 2016
Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Fil-Am Courier’s Managing Editor. She has been affiliated with the Courier since 1987 as a contributing writer and as Managing Editor since April 2013. She started her career as a journalist, and was a reporter/producer both in Hawaii (at KHON Channel 2 News) and in Cebu, Philippines.
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
KPCC LEADERSHIP Charlmaine Bulosan Corporate Secretary Born on Oahu but raised on Kauai, CharlmaineBulosan is KPCC’s Corporate Secretary. She is the current President of the Kauai Filipino Community Council and also is active in the Kauai Filipino Women’s Club, LaoagSaranay Club and the Immaculate Concepcion Filipino Catholic Club. Charlmaine’s roots in the Philippines are from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on her father’s side and Laoag, Ilocos Norte on her mother’s side. Charlmaine has been a travel consultant for Mokihana Travel for the last 27 years. She is married for 38 years to Adam Bulosan and they have four grown children.
(In Alphabetical order)
a Board of Director of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, Adviser to Kauai Filipino Community Council, past President of Kauai Pangasinan Association, and member of the Immaculate Conception Filipino Catholic Club. He is a recipient of multiple professional and community awards and governmental commendations. He was also chosen as Kauai Outstanding Older American. He is married to Dr. Luz B. Diaz, M.D., has two daughters and a two grandsons.
Paul Kyno Elesther Calipjo Born in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Lesther Calipjo came to Hawaii in 1985 to marry his longtime sweetheart Mila. His head for business coupled with luck has enabled him to build a good portfolio of businesses that he and his family now manages. Amongst his past business include landscape services, janitorial company and solar heater sales. in 1998, Lesther sold the successful businesses in order to retire. However, after a year, he returned to work and started to build his portfolio again. Lesther is the President of KPCC and has been its visionary leader since it started. He is a past President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and served as Vice President under the late Ernie Passion. He is married to Mila and they have four children, three girls and a boy.
Dr. Ramon de la Peña Director
Ramon, an Emeritus Professor, Agronomist and former Regent, University of Hawaii, was born and raised in San Jacinto, Pangasinan. He obtained his B.Sc. degree from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños in 1958 and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in 1964 and 1967, respectively. He has served as officer of various Filipino organizations including the United Filipino Council of Hawaii, Kauai Filipino Community Council, the St. Catherine Filipino Catholic Club and the Kauai Pangasinan Association. He has also been a member of the County of Kauai Planning Commission, Charter Review Commission, Board of Ethics, Office of Elderly Affairs Policy Board and Director of the Office of Economic Development. He was director of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2010, Wilcox Memorial Hospital Board of Directors from 2004 to 2014 He finished his second 4-year term on June 30, 2012 as member of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents from 2004 to 2012. He remains active in agricultural research and development as a Consultant in International Tropical Crop Production with emphasis on root and tuber crops. He retired from the University of Hawaii after more than 41 years of service as Agronomist and Professor. He resides in Wailua Homestead with his wife, Lita. They have four children, and four grandchildren.
Dr. Arnulfo Diaz, Vice Chair Board of Directors Dr. Arnulfo B. Diaz, M.D. practiced medicine in Hawaii as an internist for 38 years. He had his internship at Kuakini Hospital and residency in Internal Medicine at Queen’s Medical Center. His first job was Employee Health Physician at Queen’s Medical Center. He was a former chief of Medicine at Wilcox Memorial Hospital and at the Kauai Medical Clinic. For twenty four years he was Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Medical Staff Executive Committee, By-laws Committee, and a Board of Trustee at Wilcox Hospital. He is also active in the community. He is a volunteer at the Kauai Office of the Elderly Affairs with the Happy Aging Partnership. He is
Paul, a resident of Kauai since 1983, is a Realtor, EcoBroker Certified and a top producing realtor at Sleeping Giant Sotheby’s International Realty. He has sold close to half a billion dollars in real estate over the last 12 years. He is also a developer; owner of an oceanfront restaurant on Kauai, Oasis on the beach; and owner of Hawaii Volcanic (a bottled water company). Mr. Kyno was appointed to the position of Director of the HHFDC (Hawaii Housing Finance & Development) by Governor Neil Abercrombie; he is a Member of the Board of Directors for the Kauai Filipino Cultural Center; he founded the Kauai Housing Development Corporation, a 501c3 non-profit specializing in the development of affordable housing and he has represented the State of Hawaii on the Affordable Housing Advisory Council for the 9th District of the U.S. through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.
Edwin Navarro Edwin is an electrical inspector at the county, serving the Public Works, Building Division. This year marks 18 years of working for the county. Edwin is a director of KPCC and has also served as a Past President of the Kauai Filipino Jaycees and the Filipino Club of Immaculate Concepcion. He also currently sits on the Board of Governors for the United Filipino Council of Hawaii. Born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Edwin was 20 when he migrated to Hawaii. Oscar Portugal Oscar Portugal is one of the most dedicated community leaders in our community. He is the Founding President of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce and served as a volunteer Executive Director from 2002 to 2015. Oscar also started the Kauai Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (the Jaycees, known as the “Kauai Fil-Am Jaycees”) 35 years ago and served as its Founding President. He is a retired Kauai County Surveyor and was in government service for 30 years. Oscar currently serves as director of KPCC. In addition, he serves on a number of community boards, including the Garden Island Federal Credit Union in Lihu‘e. He has received many awards including Distinguished Service Award in Leadership (Kauai Filipino Chamber), Statewide Awards of Excellence in Community Services (UFCH), Minority Small Business Champion of the Year (US SBA), Employee of the Year-Engineering Division (County of Kauai) and the Monsignor Osmundo Calip / Outstanding Member Award (Diocesan Congress of FCC). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (University of the Philippines) and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (University of Hawai‘iWest Oahu).
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 9
KPCC LEADERSHIP
(In Alphabetical order)
Eimiliano Remigio Treasurer
Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Emil Remigio was a Certified Public Accountant and a College instructor in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States in 1974. Upon arrival on Kauai, he worked as an accountant and then Controller for a number of auto dealerships until his retirement from King Auto Center in July 2011. Not the type to let grass grow from under his feet, he has embraced a second career in the financial services industry, where he is now the Senior Marketing Director of an association which offers free financial literacy workshop and a wide variety of financial services. Previous community involvement include being a Past President of the Kauai Fil-Am Jaycees, President of LaoagSaranay Association, Officer and member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Kauai Immaculate Concepcion Parish Finance Committee. Emil currently lives in Lihue with his wife, Clarita and they have two children and three grandchildren.
Hannah Timbol Hannah is a retired Head nurse from the State hospital. In 2003, she continues to be active in the committee and chairs different committees. In addition to serving as a Director for KPCC, Hannah is also the past President of the Kauai Filipino Women’s Club and a Past Vice President of the Kauai Filipino Community Council. Hannah is an avid supporter of the UH FOundation and has given an individual scholarship every year to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Eduardo Topenio Eddie Topenio is the Administrative Assistant to the County Clerk in the County of Kauai. He served as Deputy County Clerk for a couple of years prior to that. He has extensive experience in the tourism industry having once served as a Banquet Manager for Princeville hotels in Princeville, Kauai. He graduated from UH Manoa with a Political Science degree.Eddie is a director of KPCC and also volunteers in a number of activities including Kauai Hospice and Kapaa Rotary. He is past President of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce and a current board member. Sonia Topenio Sonia Topenio is a senior vice president and island manager for Bank of Hawaii on Kauai. Born in the Philippines, she moved to Hawaii when she was 9 years old. She joined the bank as a management trainee on Oahu in 1981 and transferred to Kauai a year later as operations officer and district coordinator. She has held a variety of positions with the bank on the Garden Isle since then. Sonia Topenia is the Vice President of KPCC. She graduated from Kauai High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Her other community activities include Island School, The Salvation Army, Hawaii Community Foundation, Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, and the Kapaa Rotary Club. Lisa Cabal Trinidad
Liza was born and raised in Castillejos, Zambales, Philippines. A registered nurse, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 1974 and moved to Hawaii in 1978. She first worked at Wilcox Memorial Hospital as a staff nurse and advanced to director of the Med-Surgical/ Maternity unit. She is currently the Hospital Administrator for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kauai. Liza is also the owner of Kauai Nurse Aide Training Center, located at Kukui Grove Mall. Liza recently became a grandmother to Bryxtyn Monroe Trinidad Borja from her daughter Karen Trinidad and Tony Borja. Actively involved in the Filipino community, she served as president of the Kauai Filipino Women’s Club and as secretary of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce where she spearheaded the NCLEX review for graduate nurses from the Philippines. Currently, she is vice president of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii. Her vision to establish a filipino cultural history facility on Kauai was first verbalized in her speech when she was installed as the president of the Kauai Filipino Community Council in 2009. She is now the Board secretary for the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center.
Marynell Valenzuela Marynell is the president and owner of Inkspot Quality Printing Corporation, a commercial print shop in Lihue, serving Kauai for over 27 years. She is also the Founder and owner of the signature red carpet event, KFW Kauai Fashion Week.Marynell has a passion for serving the community. She currently servesas KPCC’s Financial secretary and the Chair for the marketing, development and website committee. She is also the Vice President of Kauai Hospice, a member of the Kauai Filipino community council, Women’s Club, Kauai Chamber of Commerce and an advocate for many other non-profit organizations. A past president of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Marynell continues to provide support as a member of the board of directors. Marynell started her career as a Buyer and Shoe Dept Manager for Nordstrom in Windward Mall, Kaneohe. Nowadays, Marynell counts traveling, shopping and fashion as some of her passion. She asserts that strength and inspiration comes from her 2 talented daughters, Zhanelle and Khrystelle and her very supportive husband of 19 years, Rommel Valenzuela.
Millicent Wellington, Director A retired educator, Millicent Wellington comes from a background of community service. She was appointed by former Mayor Kusaka to an administrative position as the Kauai County Public Information Officer during Kusaka’s term of office after they both retired from teaching. For over 20 years Milli had served with the Hawaii Community Foundation in various communityserving capacities finally serving later as a member of its first Kauai Leadership Council. Milli’s current community work involves grant giving as a member on Young Brothers Community Advisory Board, Mayor Kusaka’s Ambassadors of Aloha and Mayor Carvalho’s Action with Aloha grant funding board. Her community work also involve the FRIENDS OF Kauai Community College advisory group and serving as president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, ETA Chapter of BETA BETA Hawaii, an international society for women educators.
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
REFLECTIONS ON MY
By Jeff Orig
The Filgrimage is an affordable, all-inclusive trip to the Philippines. It was designed to help FilipinoAmericans reconnect with their roots and culture in the Philippines. It is an amazing blend of fun, culture, education, party, service, and food. We were a group of about 40 FilipinoAmericans. The age range of participants was from 21 to 72, though we had children as young as 8 years old join us for parts of the trip. I have only been to the Philippines twice before. Once as a ten year old and the other as a college student. Both times were to visit with family. So those trips consisted of 24 hours of travel to get to my Grandma’s house. Then staying mostly in her living room dealing with boredom or hanging out with people much older than me speaking a language I barely understood. The Filgrimage is different. We stayed in 5 star hotels, ate amazing food, visited gorgeous beaches, and partied at fun
FILGRIMAGE TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES bars. But the Filgrimage is more than late night karaoke and beachside massages. We visited historical sites and learned from social entrepreneurs making huge change and opportunity for the Philippines. We learned of the sacrifice Jose Rizal made to help free Filipinos. We met professors and doctors creating sustainable farms and rebuilding the coral reef in order to create more opportunities for Filipinos. We also visited a slum in the Philippines. I didn’t
know what to expect. You see shanty towns peppered throughout the island. It is unavoidable. They look scary. These are hundreds of tiny shelters cobbled together from sheets of metal, scraps of wood, b a m b o o, r o p e , p l a s t i c , old signs, and whatever materials can be scavenged together. This is the kind of place you were taught to avoid driving by and never go into. You can’t help but wonder what it’s like in there. Our air-conditioned, luxury bus dropped us off on the side of the road by the covered basketball court. We piled out and met with our police escorts armed with machine guns. Our group waited on the basketball court for our local contact to meet us. Small children and their moms were curious to see who we were. A group of little boys ran around playing tag and I started taking their picture. They were curious and came up to me to see the camera. I showed it to them and I gave them a high five. Soon all the little kids were wanting high fives. After a few minutes of playing up high, down low, too slow, our local contact gathered us and we made our way deeper into the slum. The passageways between shelters are very narrow and we had to walk through in a single file. There is no rhyme or reason to the path since shelters
were continually added to throughout the years with no planning. Even though it was broad daylight on a clear Filipino day, the passageways were shaded. The shelters are so close together that it covers a lot of the light. I can only imagine how dark it would be at night with no streetlights for these makeshift walkways. The occasional graffiti was scrawled on the walls and freshly washed laundry made the ground wet. There is garbage and litter everywhere. Surprisingly, It did not smell bad. We were careful not to get separated from the group. As I walked through the passageways, I could glimpse inside some of these shelters. They are dark and don’t have windows since they are built right next to each other. Plus, the access to electricity is limited to what they can siphon from a nearby power line. Occasionally, I could see and hear little TV’s in some of the structures. I could also see curious and cautious faces looking to see our group of FilipinoAmericans pass by. I was careful not to stare to avoid upsetting anyone. Our fun and playful group was quiet as we made our way through. We stopped at a corner and asked to see if we could talk to one of the residents, Annalisa and her mother. They agreed. Annalisa is a mother of
three in her thirties. We were quietly surprised when her mother said she was 59 because she looked much older. She looked as if she were in her 70s. Our group gathered around as one of our tour organizers, Rico Luancing, asked questions and translated for us. We learned that her mother first came to Manila from a farm town in order to create a better life for her family. But she was unable to find good work and they got stuck in a cycle of poverty that has lasted three generations and sixty years. Annalisa has some side jobs washing laundry or cleaning for neighbors for 100-300 Pesos which is about $2-$6 a day. Her husband works in construction and her mother cuts up old tires to make trinkets to sell. One person in our group asked Annalisa what her dream in life was. She replied she has none. It is just for her kids only. I was able to go inside their tiny house. It is only about 10 feet wide by about 15 feet long. It is divided into three little rooms. The structure is built on stilts above the ground. The floor is a mishmash of bamboo and old random wood boards. There are wide gaping holes in the floor. The boards are far enough apart where you can see the dark and muddy ground below which is covered with old plastic wrappers and other pieces of trash. I was
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 11
afraid the floor wouldn’t hold if too many people went inside. There is no running water, only various water containers that they bring in. To cook they use a makeshift charcoal burning stove and they wash dishes in a small bucket. Their few possessions of clothes, dishes, some stuffed animals, a basketball, and various images of Jesus lined the walls. As we listened to Annalisa and her mother talk, we couldn’t help but cry along with her. They are good people. They are people like you and me. Hearing Annalisa tell her story reminded me of my parents’ story. Like A n n a l i s a ’s m o t h e r, m y father left his hometown to find a better opportunity. Though for him, he left the Philippines and came to Chicago in search of a better life for his family. The difference was that my dad had an education and better opportunities. Annalisa and her family are good people that work hard and want what we want. She wants her kids to have a better life than she had. Wanting something better for your kids is something all Filipinos share. It is part of what makes us one Filipino family, no matter where you are. As we left the interior of the slum, we walked along the busy highway next to it. We came across a disabled woman who could barely sit up. We learned that she used to work in the laundry of a hotel in Manila but got injured and could no longer work. Her children stopped taking care of her and she ended up homeless in the slum. The people of the slum pulled together what little money and resources they had and built her a tiny little 3 feet by 4 feet structure that she lives in. They also help get her food. Even though their neighbors have very little, they come together to help. This is an example of the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan. The spirit of helping your neighbors. When we left the slum, w e l i t e ra l l y d r o ve f i ve minutes away to a waterpark to have lunch. The kind with waterslides and lots of fun activities for families. We didn’t swim or play but it was a stark contrast to the extreme poverty we just
witnessed. After lunch we took a mini-bus to another village. Picture an extended Jeepney that could seat forty people. This village was designed and built by people from the slum we visited with the help from a group called Gawad Kalinga (www.www .gk1world.com) Basically, poor people are given an opportunity to build their own home and create jobs for themselves, get an education, and learn trades. They must agree to not do drugs, drink, or gamble. Then they must invest 1500 hours and help build their neighbors home. It is a win for everyone involved. The poor build their homes and create jobs. The land which was formerly a swamp is now developed into a bright, beautiful, and safe community. The nation itself is built up to a better level. It was amazing to arrive in their village. The school children greeted us with a chorus of drums and xylophones in a most exuberant welcome song. We were also given simple leis made of ribbons. In their village, we saw opportunity and hope hard at work creating a new future for these people. We helped paint one of the new homes and got a glimpse into their lives. The words we use are important. If you ever had your heart broken, you know the ache and pain you feel in your chest. It feels like your heart has really been broken. That’s why they choose the word “heart” and not your foot. The same goes for the word “roots.” The word was chosen specifically because of it’s meaning. The roots feed and nurture the plant. The roots of a plant keep it grounded and standing tall. Roots also mean it is the cause or origin of something. If you cut the roots of a plant, the plant dies. The same goes with us a s F i l i p i n o -A m e r i c a n s . Certainly, we are well-rooted in the United States and we are proud Americans. Our roots also run through the Philippines. It is important to visit the Philippines to see our beautiful land, culture, and people. If you are able to experience the beauty and the culture you experience
a sort of awakening. You have these epiphanies and realize why your parents and grandparents do things a certain way. It’s not some weird thing that they do but something that is steeped in tradition. These epiphanies are when your Filipino roots reconnect with your soul. Where I grew up, my friends were mostly white. They did not take their shoes off at the front door at their house. I had to teach them to do that at our house. Eating with a spoon and fork was a normal thing at our house but at their houses it was just a fork. Neither of these things are wrong - only different. But when you’re a kid, you don’t want to be different. You might want to feel special but you want to fit in. Hundreds of years of oppression, racism, and
colonialism have skewed our self-perceptions but the past does not mean we have to do it again in the future. This oppression, racism, and colonialism has made us doubt the validity of our culture. It makes some of us ashamed to be Filipino. We need to let that go and now discover the beauty and majesty of our motherland, our people, and our family. Every shade of brown is sexy. People pay lots of money and spend lots of time to get to our sexy shades of brown. Our languages are beautiful. Our culture is amazing. We are a creative, passionate, and smart people. We have taken things from all over the world whether from oppressors or allies and made them uniquely Filipino. The Jeepney is a remnant of American World
War II occupation and has been transformed into a Filipino icon. Pancit is a unique Filipino staple with clear origins from China. Spanish and English words are adopted and integrated into Filipino without batting an eye. “We can make a difference. When one person goes back to the Philippines for two weeks, it creates opportunities and jobs for Filipinos. It also helps reconnect someone to their roots. It helps reawaken the spirit of being Filipino” - The Spirit of Bayanihan. “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.” -Jose Rizal To learn more about the Filgrimage visit www. Filgrimage.com
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
By Dr. Alfred A. Sison
A lobster is a soft mushy animal at birth, it grows from a very young age in a very rigid shell, and well apparently that rigid shell does not expand. So how does the lobster grow? As the lobster grows the shell becomes very confining. The lobster feels itself under pressure and uncomfortable. It goes under more rocks formation from predators and the reef animals; CASTS off the shell and produces a new one. And then eventually that shell becomes uncomfortable, so again the lobster casts off that shell, goes under the rocks, and produces yet another shell, the lobster produces this cycle of casting off the shell, hide under more rocks, and produce a new one, happens numerous times. What is the stimulus for the lobster to do this cycle numerous times? The stimulus to grow for the lobster is that it is
growing uncomfortable. Ok great story from a lecture I listened to on a social media page. More interesting was the speaker’s interpretation of this evolutionary phenomenon… “But if lobsters had doctors they would never grow, because as soon as the lobster feels uncomfortable, he goes to the doctor, he gets a Valium gets a Percocet, he feels fine. He never takes off his shell.” As a psychologist listening to the story, I am assuming that when the lobster feels “uncomfortable”, the lecturer is paralleling the human
experience of pain/stress/ or mental health issues. And with that assumption, I must say I have mixed feelings about the lecturer’s assumption that “if the lobster had doctors” all doctors would simply do to treat is to medicate. Fo r o n e , P s y c h o l o g i s t s / Psychotherapists do not prescribe medication because they don’t need medications to treat. There are several evidenced based behavioral interventions that allow the patient “to grow another shell” without the need of medication. I cannot discount that there are now sub-specialties in Psychology that do study the science of psychopharmacology and that there is a need for specific mental health populations, but the majority of the populations treated cannot be effectively helped solely on medication; and any effective psychotherapist’s first question to the patient is NOT ”what medication should we use to treat you?”. The mind and body connection is many times more powerful than a pill. Three, I truly believe that when I meet with a potential patient/client they are asking me to hold and help them “take off their shell”. And once their shell is off, yes they are vulnerable, but are in a “safe place” to process, to grow, and become even more that they imagined.
When I meet with patients for clinical sessions, my primary assumption of each patient is that they are diverse in the way they respond to emotions, to situations, to thoughts; so diverse that each patient is unique. I meet in dialogue ‘to where they are” in there uniqueness and from there I hope to help them clarify their incongruence with their present life situation and their present perceived self. Yes, I come across several individuals seeking their perceived quickest way to “normality” to “being fixed” - “just give me the meds doc.” But most, are “taking off their shell” for the first time when they come.They are willing to bring out their authentic selves because in psychotherapy at least, there is a confidentiality, there is neutrality and non-attachment to anyone or anything except to themselves. The lobster story ends with the realization that when the lobster is uncomfortable he/she chooses to change his/her shell. In a way, the natural process of evolutionhas preprogrammed the lobster to change its shell in a state of uncomfortableness or
maybe a lobster has never met a psychotherapist. The lecturer opines that in “Times of stress (it) is a signal for times of growth and if we use adversity properly we can grow from adversity.” My questions for all of you is what will or do you chooseto do in times of adversity/stress/ life challenge? My quick answer – believe in yourself and have faith in what will be. Aloha, Mabuhay, Peace, … Amen.–Dr. Al Alfred A. Sison, MA, LMFT, Psy.D. email: als@ alspsy.com; website: www. alspsy.com
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.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 13
by JORDAN SEGUNDO
NEED MORE SLEEP?
In a recent sleep study, Hawaii was
ranked as the most sleep deprived state. In a perfect world, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night would be ideal. If you’re one of the 56 percent of Hawaii residents not getting enough sleep, here are a few tips that might help you get a better night’s sleep. •
Keep a Regular Sleep Routine - If you keep a regular sleep schedule going to bed and getting up at the same time each day, you will feel much more refreshed and energized than if
SPRING CLEANING
March 20 marks the official start of spring. For many people, it’s the perfect time for spring cleaning; a chance to get rid of the clutter. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some may give up on. Here are a few tips to make your spring cleaning less painful. • Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room - Before getting started, walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out can help you stay organized while you de-clutter and clean out the cobwebs. • Work on one room at a time. - It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side. • Set an amount of time to work on each room.–It’s easy to get distracted while cleaning, looking at old photos or reminiscing about an item. Set a timer to help keep you on track, and make sure to take breaks.
you sleep the same number of hours at different times. •
Prepare
a
Sleep-Friendly
Environment - Cool, dark, and quiet are essential. Turn out the lights or use light-blocking curtains or shades. If you live in a noisy environment, white noise machines or earplugs may block out •
Ingredients:
1 orange, peeled and quartered
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
some of the sounds.
1 cup coconut water (or fruit juice)
Cut down on caffeine - You might
1 cup frozen mango chunks
be surprised to know that caffeine
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
can cause sleep problems up to ten to
twelve hours after drinking it! Consider eliminating caffeine after lunch or cutting back your overall intake. ·
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE
Take control of your worries -Residual
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender,
and blend until smooth.
Serve immediately.
stress, worry, and anger from your day can make it very difficult to sleep well. When you wake up or can’t get to sleep, take note of what seems to be the recurring theme. That will help you figure out what you need to do to get your stress and anger under control during the day.
Jordan Segundo is most noted as the first contestant from Hawaii and the first Filipino-American selected as a Top 32 finalist on season two of American Idol. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of Hawaii’s top entertainers. In addition to singing, he has branched out into acting and television hosting. He is currently the weekend weather anchor and a reporter for KITV4 Island News. Aside from performing, Segundo is also very active in the community. He generously volunteers his time and talents to worthy causes and non-profit organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the D.A.R.E. Program and the Oahu SCPA. When not performing, Jordan enjoys working out, cooking and hiking. To contact Jordan Segundo, visit his website at www.jsegundo.com
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, 2 PARKING/OFFERED at $410,000 (FS)
4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS OFFERED at $1,650,000 (fs)
3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, 2 PARKING/ OFFERED AT $410,000 (FS)
68-119 AKULES STREET Waialua offered at $1,650,000 FS
Owners occupied. Allow 48 hour notice, please. Subject to purchasing and sumaltaneous closing of a placement property.
HOME OWNERS OR INVENTOR’S DELIGHT ! Property is located near Aweoweo Beach Park. Property was remodeled in 2006. An upgrade was done in 2013. As you step in the house, a spacious family room awaits, next to a cozy Study Room. The house offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bath and a large living room. You can step out to your lanai from the Master Bedroom & enjoy the cool breeze and partial view of the ocean. Lost size gives you room to garden! Was once a licensed card home & currently licensed as Bed & Breakfast.
• • • • •
MLS: 201821183 Bedrooms: 1.5 Baths: 1.5 Living Area: 1,142 sf Lanai Area:126 sf
• • • • •
Parking:2 Year Built:1973 Maintenance:$440/Month Property Tax: $72/Month TMK: 1-9-8-059-001-0106
Ameneties: Pool Inclusions: Dishwashers, Drapes, Microwave, Range Hood, Range/Oven, Refrigerator Schools: Waialua Elementary School, Highlands Middle, Pearl City High School
It was a Valentine’s Day was Pacific Century Realty
when he was just courting me (RA) and we had finished Lucky Tan License #: RS-72715 dinner in a posh hotel Cell: (808) 294-7007 He must have restaurant. missluckytan@yahoo.com bribed the manager because 1158 Waiholo Street , Honolulu, HI 96821 we were the last
• • • • •
MLS 201601502 Bedrooms/Baths:4/4 Living Area: 2,448 sf Garage Area: 430 sf Land Area: 7,559 sf
• • • • •
Views Mountain, Ocean Year Built: 1965 Remodeled:2006 Property Tax: $167/Month TMK: 1-6-8-012-022-000
Inclusions: Ceiling Fan, Convection Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal,Microwave, Photovoltac, Range Hood, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Satellite Dish Schools: Waialua Elementary, Waialua Middle, Waialua High School
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 15
The Yoga of Lent by Dr. Rickie Camara
We are in the middle of March, the midst of Lent. It is a time for preparation; anticipating Spring and the promise of resurrection in Easter. The zodiac year ends in dreamy Pisces and starts again with the impulsive energy of Aries. Flowers are poised to blossom while mountains shed their white snow caps. The Dharma Wheel turns; it’s squeaks removed by karmic oil. As the darkness of winter passes, it gives way to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth. Now is the time to prepare the ground for these to happen. And so it is in Lent that we spend 40 days in prayer, meditation, reflection, abstinence or sacrifice, and in doing good works to be ready to embrace the light. Not just the physical light of the sun,when after the Spring or Vernal Equinox the days begin to get longer than the nights; but the Light of GodConsciousness too. The story of Jesus Christ is referred to as “the greatest story ever told” because it is in fact the story of our own spiritual evolution. It is the story of our redemption and resurrection; the transformation of our being. As Angelus Silesius, a seventeenth-century mystic and poet wrote, “Christ could be born a thousand times in Galilee- but all in vain until He is born in me.”In other words, like Jesus, we can undergo a radical and permanent transformation of being; born of flesh, we too can become “One with the Father” by filling our lives with Spirit in awareness and in action. To be a mystic is to know first-hand, by experience,
what God-Consciousness is. To be religious is to have Faith in the second- or third hand knowledge from others of this Consciousness. To be a student is to keep looking inward; to keep yearning to find this Selfawareness; to keep listening to that nagging voice that says nothing external can completely fulfill the deep longing within for something more.”Longing is the core of mystery. Longing itself brings the cure.” – Rumi. The original Greek word for ‘sin’ is ‘hamartia’ which literally means forfeiture because of missing the mark; the mark being that we are originated from and empowered by GodConsciousness. The way of the Cross is literally dying to one’s own self-will or ego so that we can attune to our Higher Self and allow the will of God. When we deny or fail to be aware of our profoundest part, i.e. that we are Spirits/ Gods in bodies; then it is said we live in “sin.” Here lies the foundation for the miracle of being able to heal the root cause of every form of suffering; which is the delusion that we are separate and apart from God. For to miss the mark is to suffer. And the cure is apprehending our own nature as individualized Spirit and perceiving Spirit as the essence of everything.
“There is no reality but God; there is only God.” – Rumi. We can learn to control our thoughts, life-force energy, and physical body to be in God Consciousness.Living morally by abstaining from harming others, falsehoods, stealing, incontinence and covetousness yields selfcontrol. Living with purity, contentment, austerity, study, and devotion to GodConsciousness yields mental calmness. Disciplining the body through mind-body activities such as yoga or qi gong allows one the ability to assume and maintain postures for meditation and prayer. Controlling the lifeforce by breathing exercises can calm the heart and remove sensory distractions from the mind. This withdrawal of the mind from the senses yields the power of complete mental interiorization and stillness to be able to become one-pointedly concentrated upon God. And this opens one up to experience the vastness of God, the endless expansion of Cosmic Self Consciousness; i.e. the full realization of the soul’s oneness with Spirit. To “be still, and know that I am God”- Psalm 46:10. We thirst for love in our hearts because we are made in God’s image of Love. To love God and the blissful feeling of GodConsciousness is to know
God in our bones. And then we share that love by loving our neighbors even as we love our Selves. In Mayan tradition, there is a greeting,” Lak’ech Ala K’in,” which means “I am another yourself;” acknowledging the Divinity that we all come from. In yoga, we greet with “Namaste,” i.e. “The Spirit within me bows to the Spirit in you.” The Kingdom of God is within you. Right now, right here; whether you are awake to it or not. Jus2t behind your perceptions, your thoughts, your feelings, God is right there. “How far is the light of the moon from the moon? How far is the taste of a kiss from the lips?”- Rumi, the Persian
poet, asks. Every breath you take, every move you make is God. And so Rumi invites us to “Come to the orchard in the Spring. There is light and wine, and sweethearts in the pomegranate flowers. If you do not come, these do not matter. If you do come, these do not matter.” Have a Blessed Lenten Season.
Dr. Rickie Camara is a BoardCertified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki. 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 Flor Martinez. Email contact at rickiec@pixi. com.
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
By Angie DYTIOCO Santiago
Last October 23, 2015, the San Nicoleneous, USA, (SNUSA) re-affirmed its new officers for the 20152016 organization year. The reaffirmation took place during its 9th Anniversary and Awards Night held at the Pacific Beach Hotel.
San Nicoleneous, USA Re-Affirms New Officers, Presents Awards Honolulu Philippine C o n s u l G e n e ra l G i n a Jamoralin, who conducted the reaffirmation ceremony, welcomed the new officers: President John Delos Santos, 1st Vi c e P res i d e nt C e s ar Bonilla, 2nd President
Rosemarie Aquino, Secretary Beatriz Santiago, Assistant Secretary Kathy Kobashigawa, Treasurer Vilma Valdez, Assistant Treasurer Gina Lardizabal, Auditor Warlita Baltazar, Assistant Auditor Vicky Caraang, Public Relations
San Nicoleneous, USA 2015 - 2016 Officers pose with ConGen Gina Jamoralin.
Officers Lydia Kamiya and Charing Reyes, Board of Directors Fely Burigsay, Letty Tesoro, Teddy Reyes, Cresente Guillermo, Lee Kamiya, Agustin Tolentino, and Emelita Guillermo, Sergeant-at-Arms Hermie Tesoro, Edgar Santiago, Rolando Lardizabal, and Orlando Delos Santos, Advisors Estrella Cariaga and Froebel Garcia, and Legal Advisor Ben Martin. During the event, the S N U SA r e c o g n i z e d t h e following awardees: Anacleto and Lita Alcantra for Magnificent Couple and Tower of Greatness, Gerry Agonoy for Drafting and Designing Business, Victor Aquino for the Field of Plumbing (Construction and Engineering), Jesse
Badua owner of Jesse’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant for Excellent Restaurant Management, Alejandro Bumanglag for Insurance Business/Public Service, Estrella Cariaga for Paragon of Ilocana Virtues (Melchora Aquino of Hawaii), Edith Gudoy owner of Everlasting Travel for Tourism/Travel & Tours, Nicanor Palafox owner of Nick Palafox Construction for Cons-truction and Engineering, Belma Raguindin for Provider of Excellent Care to the Elderly and the Needy, Hermie Tesoro for Field of Labor Services, and Letty Tesoro for Provider of Excellent Care to Elderly.
Rep. Romy Cachola, Orlando Delos Santos, Beatriz Santiago, John De Los Santos Jr., Cesar Bonilla, Lydia Kamiya, Vicky Caraang, Gina Lardizabal, and Rolando Lardizabal.
Seated: Francisca Alcantra Tupat, Lucy Llenea, and Maria and Renato Etrata. Standing: Cesar Caoili, Rosemarie Aquino, Jacinta and Representative Bob McDermott, Raizza Pulido, Alex Vergara, Novie Hartwell, Marcelina Caoili, and Carl Campagna.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 17
Awardees Edith Gudoy, owner of Everlasting Services, Inc., and Jesse Badua, owner of Jesse’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant, are surrounded by families and friends.
Linglingay Dance Troupe headed by Ramon Acob - Chita Viernes Recaido, Linda Tacadena, Rosebella Martinez, Grace Gaoiran, Relyn Bonilla, Jade Juliano, Letty Juliano, Marietta Domingo, Adelle Caraang, Remy Rucafor, and Luz Ruiz.
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 Alex and Lita Fajardo, Clem and Linda Lorica, Joe and Greg Carreon, Awardees Hermie and Leticia Tesoro, and Andy and Ofelia Baoec.
& 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.
Nelly Pongco Liu, SNUSA President John Delos Santos, and Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu Gina Jamoralin, and Elisea Jamoralin.
Angie Santiago, Jenny Quezon, Rose Galanto, Myra RocesLazaro, Engie Pagaduan, and Vilma Valdez.
Standing: Estrella Martin, CJ Wratchford, Vilma Valdez, Rio Ballesteros, and Kimberly Tuliao. Seated: Edna Lail, Mary Jane Fajotina, Ludi Quero, and Engiela Pagaduan.
Lydia and Lee Kamiya, Vilma Valdez, and Gina and Rolando Lardizabal.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016
By Steven Rhee, D.O. Corneal Specialist at Hawaiian Eye Center
On average, Americans spend seven hours a day on the computer for work purposes. All that time spent staring at a screen takes its toll on your eyes. (Not to mention those endless hours spent watching TV and using cell phones and tablets.) Between 50 to 90 percent of computer users experience symptoms related to computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain. March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month to raise awareness about this very common and treatable condition. CVS can occur from extended use of any device
with a digital screen. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck and shoulder pain. CVS is caused by any
combination of the following factors: uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism), poor
lighting, screen glare, and poor workstation setup for posture and viewing. The good news is that there’s currently no scientific evidence that CVS permanently damages the eyes; however, some experts believe daily computer use may be a contributing factor to the rise in dry eye disease. Dry eyes can lead to more serious eye conditions and even vision loss if not properly treated To p r o t e c t y o u r s e l f from CVS, the first step is to correct any refractive errors by visiting your eye care professional. It’s estimated that around 11 million Americans 12 and older suffer from easily treatable refractive errors, according to the National Eye Institute. Having the proper glasses, contacts or surgery to correct these issues will decrease any added strain on your eyes. The next step i s to p r o p e r l y a r ra n g e y o u r workstation: position monitor between 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes; adjust chair to support upright sitting that allows you to view the screen’s center just below eyelevel at a 15 to 20 degree downward angle; change screen contrast and brightness to level comparable to surrounding
light; and use screen covers, lower lighting, and curtains or blinds to reduce glare. L a s t l y, f o l l o w t h e s e simple tips: take regular breaks and blink frequently to rehydrate your eyes; every 20 minutes,focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20/20/20 rule);and try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. If CVS symptoms become chronic, speak with your eye care professional to see if special computer glasses are needed or treatment for dry eyes is recommended.
Steven Rhee, D.O., isa boardcertified ophthalmologists at Hawaiian Eye Center. Along with his colleague Christopher Tortora, M.D., Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye, Dr. Rhee hosts “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. Hawaiian Eye’s dedicated doctors and support staff 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 621-8448 or visit HawaiianEye.com and Facebook. com/HawaiianEyeCenter. “For 40 years, life has never looked better.”
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016 • PAGE 19
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PAGE 20 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 16-31, 2016