PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu
OAHU May 2-9, 2015 3rd Flores De Mayo Festival Week and 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta, A week- long celebration highlighting the culture of the Philippines.; Organized by the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Filipino Community Center. May 2, 2015 Fil-Am Young Leaders Conference, 8AM-2PM, Ala Moana Hotel May 3, 2015 Santacruzan, 4-7 PM Filipino Community Center, Waipahu May 4, 2015 Filipino Cook Off 6-8 PM Philippine Consulate May 5, 2015 Business Entrepreneurship Workshop 6-8 PM; 677 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 720, Sponsored by FAMES May 6, 2015 Sine Night (Movie Night) 6-8 pm Fil Com Center sponsored by FJC May 9, 2015 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta& Parade 9AM-5PM; Kapiolani Park, Waikiki; Contact Persons: Flores de Mayo Chairs- Zhoydell Magaoay 4789802 and Michelle “Michi” Villaluz 386-0740 May 7, 2015 Filipino Nurses’ Organization of Hawaii (FNOH); Nurses’ Week Fun Dance Fundraiser and PAC Launch; Rumors at Ala Moana Hotel 5:3010:30 PM; Cost: $45 per person ($35 if payment received before May 1, 2015); Cost includes heavy pupus and one beverage. Contact Persons: Luanne Long 754-0594, Penny Chung 221-6212 May 16, 2015 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year ; 2015 Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year and Scholarship Awards; Hawaii Prince Hotel 6:00 PM Tickets:$65 Contact Person: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090; Rocky Anguay 6967970; Paul Alimbuyao 754-8691 May 16, 2015 United Pangasinan of Hawaii 47th Anniversary Dinner & Dance Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom, 6:00 PM; Tickets: $60 Contact person: Cely Villareal 778-2481 or 6894911 May 16, 2015 - 3rd UE Global Reunion Gala Night; Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort Tapa Ballroom 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM; Contact Person: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616 May 30, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii Super Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2015, 7:00 PM; Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel Coral Ballroom; Contact Persons: President Mrs. Maria AF Etrata (808) 392-2962; Pageant Chair: Ms. Gladys Menor (808) 366-2317
June 5, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); President Elpidio Quirino Leadership & Humanitarian Awards Gala; Hawaii Prince Hotel BallroomCost: $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 2210667; Alex Vergara 551-4303 June 7, 2015 Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General presents “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 3837986; Allan Alvarez 392-8230; Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090 and Cecilia Villafuerte 371-8538 June 14, 2015 Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC); 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 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, explore and experience the annual special tour to the Philippines with Philippine Diplomats and visit the cultural heritage sites of Manila and Cebu. For more details, contact the Philippine Consulate General Honolulu (808) 595-6316-19; Aloha Tours and Travel (808) 845-2218; 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 7540594; Penny Chung 221-6212 and Amie Guillermo 358-5394
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing events and parties. A veteran radio announcer, she often guests-hosts on KNDI radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns her own adult care business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu and they live in Salt Lake with their daughter Armay.
July 22-26, 2015 36th PNAA National Convention PhilippineNurses Association of America, Inc.; Host Chapter: Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; Contact Persons:; Tina Salvador, Hawaii Host Overall Chair 426-6183; Marife Armstrong, PNA Hawaii President 542-5133; Ramon Sumibcay, PNA Hawaii President Elect 489-7148
please call Event Chairperson Bennette Misalucha at Filcom Center at 808 680-0288.
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
December 12, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA); Christmas Party and Coronation of Mrs. AFHA.; Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 3840494
August 29, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA); Oahu Chapter General Membership Meeting and Expo; Fil Com Center, Waiphau 8:30AM-3:00PM; Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494 September 5, 2015 INCAT- Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade; 16th Anniversary, Coronation of Ms. Incat and Scholarship Presentation; Empress Restaurant in Chinatown 5:30 – 11:00 PM Cost $40; Contact Person: Augustine Longboy 294-1446 September 18, 2015 The Filipino Community Center holds its annual fundraiser. Theme: “Celebrating our Plantation Legacy”; Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; 5:30 pm; For volunteer opportunities,
October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Pageant; Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus BallroomCost: $65.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Lina Mercado 526-9009; Amado Yoro 699-9814
KAUAI May 16, 2015 Kauai Philippine Cultural Center 4th Annual Fundraiser; Kauai Marriott Resorts Ballroom-5:30 PM; Lihue, Kauai Hawaii; Cost: $85.00 per person & Sponsor Tables available; Contact Person: Eddie Topenio 651-8433 June 6, 2015 Kauai Filipino Community Council (KFCC); Miss Kauai Filipina 2015 Scholarship Pageant; Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall; Lihue, Kauai Hawaii; KFCC are actively recruiting young ladies for the pageant. Recruitment deadline: March 21, 2015; Contact person: Pageant chair: Thelma Pascual 1-808-6513022
August, 2015 Congress of Visayan Organization (COVO) Annual Convention. Daytime session (8am - 4pm) to be held at King Kamehameha Elementary School; Banquet at 6pm at Kauai Beach Resort Hotel.
hawaii May 30, 2015 The Kona Visayan Club present: The 3rd Annual Philippine Cultural Festival and Terno Ball; Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa Keauhou Convention Center; 5:30 PM Pre-event reception Cultural & Vendor Exhibits; 7:00 PM Dinner and Entertainment Tickets: $50 Adults, $25 Keiki (12 under). For more information go to Facebook. com/Kona visayan club 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- 981-2909.
mAUI May 22-May23, 2015 Binhi At Ani-Maui Barrio Fiesta War Memorial Gym Complex, Wailuku, Maui Hawaii; Friday May 22, 5-10pm; Saturday May 23, 10am-10pm; Contact Person: Flor Garcia 1-808- 281-2304
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 3
Bennette Espineli Misalucha
serving The community since 1987
Motherhood
Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Lis0o Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Jason Ubay MichiVillaruz Neighbor Island Bureau Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES MarivicAldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista Marynel Valenzuela CIRCULATION Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu) David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Milli Asuncion (Big Island) Legal Counsel Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.) THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and other material submitted. Reproduction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil-Am Courier.
Telephone: 808.595.8787 Facsimile: 808.595.6883 E-Mail: courier@lava.net www.filamcourier.net m
e
m
b
e
HFAMC
r
Federation of Filipino American Media Associations of the United States and Canada
FFAMAS
Hawaii Filipino American Media Council All rights reserved printed in the u.s.a ©
Motherhood. The word evokes in us such strong emotions. Throughout our lives, our mothers continue to play evolving roles. The giver of life. Our first teacher. Nurse. Protector. Psychologist. Friend. We close our eyes and we remember some pleasant distant memory of our mother hugging us tightly, offering solace amidst a world gone wrong. We smile sweetly and lick our lips at the thought of Mom’s cuisine; a favorite dish, our comfort food, lovingly cooked and served. Or we recall sharing of joyful moments as we celebrated together, the milestones in our lives. No matter how ordinary we may be, our mother lavished attention on us, and allowed us to think we were extraordinary. Seen through her eyes, we were special. For this Mother’s Day issue of the Fil-Am Courier, we are pleased to bring you three extraordinary stories of motherhood. The first one is a profile of Grace Go and her brood of five high-achieving, academicallymotivated children. Discover why this former nurse chose to raise her children in the US while her husband remained in the Philippines. The second story, written by Aaron Shumway, reminds fathers why honoring their wives, is the best gift they can give to their children. Aaron, who is married to a Filipina, the former Eliza May Villanueva, recounts where he learned this lesson from. And we close the loop with this third and final story, a heartwarming account of a couple who dreamed of having a child. With lots of prayer, a fertility dance or two, coupled with the blessings of modern science, the couple, M ike and Judith (Cobangbang) Shozi are now enjoying being first time parents. The amazing part? They are today both in their early 50s, while Hannah, will turn one next month.
My heart just fills with unending joy when I encounter stories such as these three. As I was editing, I started to reflect on my own journey as a mother. I had kept a diary when I was pregnant with my son, Christian and when I re-read them, the entries were filled with hopes and dreams for a new life brimming with potential. My journey as a Mom may not be exactly the same as yours. But we share that common thread of love for our children and our desire to see them grow to be productive contributors to the world. Allow me to share some excerpts from my journal. Although written for Christian, these words also sum up the same sentiments, the same love, in equal measure, for my daughter Danielle. January 15, 1986 Dear Baby, Today marks a special day in our lives. For the first time, you, my baby, fluttered in Mommy’s tummy. It was the first sign of life. Of course, I knew you were in there growing… one look at Mommy’s stomach and there was no denying! But this time, you yourself, affirmed that Life was in my womb. You kicked! Or whatever it was, you did! Mommy was reading a book aloud when Mommy felt a movement in her womb. The first thought was: “It can’t be!” You were supposed to move actively at five months, and you’re barely 17 weeks! This only means one thing: you are going to be a smart baby! Of course, you will be… since you have two smart people as your parents! June 16, 1986 Welcome to the world, my dearest child! When Dr. Spangler announced, “It’s a boy!”, your Daddy took a quick look at you and said, “Shucks, he got my nose!” I laughed. In his excitement, Daddy almost forgot to cut the umbilical cord. .. The nurses wrapped you up and put you on my stomach. I felt so awed. You look so tiny and frail. But when I looked into your eyes, I knew without a shadow of a doubt, that the whole nine months have been worth it. You are such a beautiful baby. I have never felt so blessed in all my life. It’s official: I am a mother now. August 12, 1986 It’s your mom’s birthday, Christian. My first one as a Mom. How do I feel? I feel very young… and old. Young, because, you, my son, make me feel young with your smiles and your sweetness. I feel old because I have grown so much since having you. They say that many years are added to a woman’s life after she gives birth. I think they’re right. I do know one thing, though. Even though you are barely two months old, you are already the most precious person in my life. I am content.
I am so lucky to have Grandma Belen here with me to help me for the first few months after your birth. She has been helpful and great with you. When you grow up, remember to thank her please? May 21, 2003 It’s been many years since I last wrote on this journal, Christian. You are now 16 years old. A man, by some definition.Still a child, in others. In my eyes, however, you will always be my first-born, Anak; the child who made me first earn the label, “Mom”. I felt inspired to write on your journal tonight because tomorrow, you will be embarking on an adventure when you leave for Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. This will be your first trip alone. Although you have travelled without us in the past, it was always with a chaperone or an adult companion. This time, you’re on your own. I hope that the Space Camp experience will help guide you on what makes you happy. Wherever life takes you, know I will always love you and support you. I want you to try and be the best in your chosen profession. I believe, Anak, that there are no accidents in life. Things happen for a reason. I truly believe that, like your sister, you both have a destiny to fulfill; there is place where you can find that higher calling…where you will find joy which you cannot find anywhere else. Find that path, Son. And may God bless you always. We love you with all our hearts. Love, Mom
That was the last entry in that journal. But my connections with my children bridges time and space. They are now grown: Christian is 28 and Danielle is 23. One cannot escape from motherhood. It is my highest calling and my most important work. I pay tribute to my own mother, Avelina Espineli Misalucha, whom I love dearly and who continues to inspire me.
Happy Mother’s day, everyone!
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
A Mother’s Story By Jaco Gallarde
Our cover....
Will miracles never cease? When we decided to feature Grace Go on the cover of the Fil-am Courier, the ever humble mother of five, kept it from anyone, including her own children. Grace told us that the family picture for the Courier cover will be missing one family member because her oldest son, Ramon Christopher, is on the East Coast studying to be an anesthesiologist. To her complete surprise, however, her son had a random short break from school, and came home… just in time to be part of this beautiful family portrait taken by the talented photographer James Ramos. The family is whole; the picture is complete. From left: Kenneth (17), Tia Victoria (16), Grace with her grandson Anthony Jacob Seigle (4), Lovely (32), Kendrick (21). Behind them is Ramon Christopher (30). Our photographer James Ramos can be reached at 808 345 3924 or at james@ jamesramosphotography.com Photo concept by Noah Felipe of Orig Media. Mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media. Both Noah and Jeff may be reached at www. origmedia.com or 1149 Bethel St #507, Honolulu, HI 96813. Ph: (808) 447-9559
Grace Go:
Sacrifice Paved the Way for her Children’s Success When Grace Go was just a little girl, she already knew that being a mother would someday make her happy. T h a t ’s b e c a u s e , s h e f e l t t h a t wa y w h e n h e r parents entrusted her early on with the responsibility of babysitting her younger siblings. In fact, she did more than “watch” them: she nurtured her siblings,loved them and played with them. Taking care of the little ones gave her a sense of purpose as this meant allowing her parents to continue working the fields. Young as she was then, her motherly instincts were already honed and they have stayed with Grace since. Growing up in the
Philippines, in the town of Candon in Ilocos Sur, G ra c e t r u l y u n d e r s t o o d the importance of working together with her family members, and collectively working towards a dream. It was those values that propelled Grace throughout her personal and professional life and which culminated to her raising five beautiful children, all high-achieving and successful in their own unique ways. As an extraordinary mother, Grace embodies and perpetuates the American dream, which lives on in the stories of her children. Grace fondly recalls the values that were instilled in her as a child and how it has guided her style and philosophy as a parent. “There were six of us,” recalled Go, “and there was a strict sense of responsibility entrusted to us in the home. I remember that we were responsible as children, for example, to make sure there was always freshly made rice ready for dinner before the adults came back from the fields. We watered the yard, helped in the fields; we all had a role to do.” Those humble beginnings served as a solid foundation
Photo Credit: James Ramos Photography
for Go’s later success as an adult, in her becoming a nurse and eventually moving to the United States. “I was in my early 20s, and I was determined to go to the US because I felt my family would have a better future here.” It meant making some big sacrifices. For one, her husband, Ramon Go,a successful Chinese entrepreneur, had a thriving business in the Philippines and could not move because of his expansive business interests. “I came to the United States and decided to work first to save money to bring my children,” said Grace. “My husband stayed back in the Philippines for much of our married life. We felt it was important to put the children’s interest first. I believed our role as parents was to provide a good life for our children so they may be able to chase their dreams and fulfill their ultimate potential,” recalled Grace. Grace went back and forth between Hawaii and the Philippines and it wasn’t long before her family grew to five. “I had a very strong marriage and we survived. But the kids were always
with me, here in Hawaii. I was like a single mom though because I practically raised the children on my own with some help from my Mother and my immediate family.” “I think choosing to raise our kids here was the best decision we had ever made.” A l o n g t h e w a y, w i t h five children occupying her every waking moment, Grace decided to make a commitment to being an active parent and gave up her career as a hospital nurse to spend more time at home. “I was faced with deciding on my priority, which was either my children or my career,” explained Grace. “Eventually I began taking care of clients at home as well as working part-time at the hospital. I remember working very diligently to keep myself busy and productive, working overtime and holidays. I always volunteered to take a shift. I was always focused on ensuring that I could provide for my children so that they may receive a good education and pursue any and all opportunities they desire.” In September 2008, Grace’s husband passed away in the Philippines. Although she felt the loss, Grace believed that living in Hawaii
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 5
Sharing happy times with her husband Ramon Go, who died in 2008.
Photo Credit: James Ramos Photography
by herself, raising the children alone, all these years, allowed her to develop her sense of independence and likely, made her more resilient. Grace gives a lot of credit to her own mother for her motherhood skills. Grace remembers her mother always encouraging her to focus on studies, and encouraging her to attend university and become a nurse, even so far as to encourage her to attend institutions away from their home. “I remember my mother would say, ‘Grace go to Manila and study’, to which I would reply ‘Ina, I will stay in the province and go to Baguio so I may stay near’, which shows how important family is to me,” said Grace. “Education was such a big thing for my family, and they supported me one hundred percent of the way and that’s why as a parent I’ve always made it my priority. Even though I have been blessed that my children are selfmotivated, I always teach them that it’s not about having, it’s about looking outward, and that’s what an education helps you to do.” Grace’s has passed on her values and work ethic to her five children. Her oldest, Lovely Mona Grace, 33, is a Licensed Physical Therapist who assists clients to build and retain muscle and joint strength. Her next child, Dr. Ramon Christopher, M.D., 30, is a Doctor specializing in anesthesiology and is in school on the East Coast. Kendrick, 21, is a Pre-Med Biomedical Science Major at the University of Hawaii Manoa, and is hoping for a career in medicine as well. He recently completed a highly competitive internship program in the medical field.
Then we have Kenneth (17), who is a senior at Damien Memorial High School, and who was recently admitted into the John A. Burns School of Medicine Early Acceptance Program (only 5% of students among seniors in Hawaii statewide are selected) as well as an intern in the office of United States Senator Brian Schatz’s Hawaii office. Last but not least, Tia (16) is A sophomore at Damien Memorial High School Student, enrolled in the Honors program with an academic scholarship and will soon explore post-secondary opportunities. “I have four children that are medical professionals,” laughed Grace, “but I am hoping that I can get a nurse to complete the circle.” Grace credits the discipline and studiousness of her children to the values that she consistently made an effort to instill. “Sometimes as a mother you have to put your foot down,” explained Grace. “You have to be loving, but be consistent. Allow them to make mistakes, but help them learn and guide them to perpetuate the values that have allowed our family to remain strong. Every day I pray that they will be good examples to their friends and others around them.” When asked about her inspiration, Grace stated that “my children are my inspiration. They always surprise me with their aspirations, their studiousness, their love and support they give to one another and to me.” “There are countless rewards as a mother- I am truly blessed,” stated Grace. “Hearing my children make decisions in their life with a strong heart and commitment to the service of others really
moves me.” “My family is just like any other family- my advice to other mothers out there is to not give up, but to continue guiding, loving, and nurturing your children. It’s important to continue the culture and values, especially as a Filipino family. To us Filipinos, relationships and family is everything. I am proud to be a Filipino because of these values.”
With the extended family during Kendrick’s high school graduation from Damien where he graduated salutatorian. 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 • MAY 1-15, 2015
by Aaron Shumway
Like many families, we follow a tradition on Mother’s Day of going around the table after a delicious meal and saying one thing we especially love about Mom. One year my wife offered a tribute to my mom that caused me deep reflection: “Mom,” she began, “one thing I really love and appreciate about you is that you married Dad, who set the example for your son, my husband, to know what it means to truly love and cherish a woman.” Rather than humbly deflecting the tribute as she so often did, Mom instead beamed at Dad and replied, “That’s one thing I completely agree with!” And I agreed with her too. My Dad embodied in word and deed the timeless adage – “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Dad made every day a Mother’s Day for my mom, his queen, but he did it in s m a l l a n d s i m p l e way s . For example, I distinctly remember moments asa 3 or 4 year old watching my dad come home from work and heading straight for my mom
Love Their Mother
Aaron and May Shumway with their six children: Kenner (19), Reyna (18), Regina (15), Rachel (13), Rhiannon(9) and Gabriel (4).
for a prolonged hug and a kiss. I remember running to them and burying my face between their knees and wrapping my arms around their legs. We youngsters knew that whenever Dad came home his first priority wa s t o p hy s i c a l l y g o t o wherever Mom was in the house, despite several children clinging to his legs and back clamoring for his
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
Photo courtesy : Jolene Kanahele
blessed by that reassurance . . . . . Don’t withhold those natural expressions of love. And it works a lot better if you are holding her close while you tell her.” I’m not sure I could adequately explain what the knowledge that Dad loves Mom and Mom loves Dad, reinforced daily through kind words, gentle touches, prompt forgiveness, refusal to argue, and genuine smiles, did for my young psyche. My sense of self-worth, my feelings of safety and security, my motivation to try my best in school and sports, and ultimately my desire to be that kind of husband to my wife and that kind of father to our children, are all rooted in my father’s example. So on this Mother’s Day, I too thank Mom again for marrying Dad. And thanks Dad for living up to the Apostle Paul’s standard in Ephesians 5:21: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it.”
The author with his wife, Eliza May Villanueva Shumway
attention. As an English professor, my dad excelled in the art of the “love note.” Sometimes when I had to use their bathroom because the kids’ bathroom was taken I’d find a short note taped to the mirror extolling the outward and inward beauties of my mom,
who because of frequent illness often did not feel beautiful. He understood Church leader Richard G. Scott’s counsel: “Do you tell your wife often how very much you love her? It will bring her great happiness. . . . A woman grows and is greatly
Aaron Shumway is married to Eliza May Villanueva Shumway of Bacolod, Philippines and they have six children. He is a religious educator for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a licensed attorney. He loves Filipino food especially sinigang, balut and bagoong.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 7
By Bennette Espineli Misalucha
Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor
Whenever Judith Cobangbang Shozi gazes at her new baby, Hannah, she utters a prayer in her heart and counts her blessings. One could not fault her for waxing sentimental.There is no doubt, Hannah was a miracle baby. Judith was already in her 40s when she met Californiaborn Mike Shozi, a Master Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force, who was introduced to her by a mutual friend. The couple married in 2006 and over the years, they tried to get pregnant. An only child, Judith had always nurtured this dream of having a large family. In 2009, they decided to seek the help of a fertility doctor. “We went thru the whole process, only to be told that I was not a good candidate for any type of treatment,” Judith revealed. “I got depressed. I wanted to have a child so badly. I had always wanted a family and this was so devastating. I felt empty inside. I felt my happiness was not complete,” she added. Mike was a little more philosophical and was a bastion of strength for Judith. “My husband is very religious. He would tell me, God knows our deepest desires and He listens to us. It will be given to us in God’s time. In the meantime, he said, let’s enjoy this time to get to know each other as husband and wife.” By 2011, however, their prospects for having a baby did not look too promising. Judith’s age was a big factor and with every passing year, the prospects became even more dim. “People were telling us that perhaps, we need to consider adoption. I did not
A Test of True Faith feel right about adopting yet. Somehow I still held on to the hope that my deepest desire will be granted.Mike and I always included, in our daily prayers, how we would like to be parents.” Friends and family sustained that hope and folks would send her religious icons, holy water, and prayer cards, to showcase their support. In one of those memorable conversations, a cousin, Sonia Lagahid, suggested for her to consider a fertility dance in Obando, Bulacan—a ritual which supposedly brings miracles to the pilgrims seeking help. “I have never heard of it. My mom apparently knew about it but had never told us,” Judith recalled. Later that year, while on a trip to the Philippines, Mike and Judith went to Obando and they were accompanied by her parents and some close relatives. Judith shared the experience: “We met with the parish priest, attended a mass and after the mass, the priest introduced us to kids who will teach us how to dance the “pandango” which is the ritual dancing to honor the patron saints of the town of Obando.” Judith recalls that it was a “weird” experience: “As Mike and I danced, the music got
louder and louder. Towards the ending, I don’t know whether it was the heat or the experience, but my knees buckled and I fainted for a moment. When I woke up, Mike and I fell on our knees and we prayed in front of the altar. It was a bit surreal.” “I had so much appreciation for Mike, for going through this with me. He is not Filipino and not even Catholic like I am, yet he trusted me and my faith.” But after they returned from the Philippines, their lives went back to the same rhythm. Shortly thereafter, while doing her annual physical, Judith’s regular doctor advised her to get her annual pap smear done. Since she did not have an obgyn doctor, she looked online for a doctor who would be located close to her workplace. She found Dr. Benton Chun. “He asked me whether I wanted children, and if so, I should bring my husband to my next visit.” The whole process started again. It was a little bit of a roller coaster ride since she became pregnant in February 2013 but miscarried. When she found out she was pregnant again in August 2013, she decided to quit her job and focus on her body: “I did yoga, pilates, took long walks, basically took care of my body. I took every precaution. We had an ultra sound every week.” On May 6, 2014, the 50year old Judith gave birth to a healthy baby girl by C-section. Hannah Claire Shozi was 5 lbs 10 oz. and is the spitting image of her father. “When they brought the baby to me for the first time, my husband and I cried. It was the culmination of our love for each other.” To d a y, H a n n a h i s progressing nicely, is hitting all the milestones and is as active as any one year old can be. Mike and Judith both decided to retire to spend time raising Hannah. Judith said she still cannot believe that she is living this dream. “Even now, when I hold
her, I am reminded that no matter how tough it may be, there is hope and God loves us very much.”’ She chokes with emotion when she shares that this is going to be her first Mother’s day celebration. “Because I am
an older mom, I truly treasure the moments. If I had a baby earlier, who knows, I may not be as mindful. But Motherhood is my most important career.
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 • MAY 1-15, 2015
The Inside Story of the Making of “Manny”
By Danielle M. Evangelista
The fifth annual Filipino Film Festival was held at the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre from April 18-28. One of the featured films was “Manny”, a documentary following the rise of the legendary Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao. I had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Moore, the producer and director of “Manny”. Moore and his crew have been following Pacquiao for five years, chronicling not only his journey as a boxer, but his endearing attempts at singing , acting and dipping his toes in the political field. Here are some of the highlights from the interview. Will you share your ties with the Philippines? Where are your parents from? I was born and raised in California and grew up in a really huge Filipino family— there are about 300 of us there. Even though I grew up on the mainland, I still felt like I was different from my friends because Filipinos are very family-oriented, with bible study during the week and family parties every weekend. It was a routine. Then I moved to the Philippines when I was
14. That was when I really began to understand my culture. My mom was born and raised in the Philippines and grew up really poor. Her father was in the military and he passed away in an accident, so she really didn’t know her dad. Her mother had six children whom she raised as a single parent. They all lived in a one-bedroom house with a sari-sari store attached to it. She would make candies at home to sell. It was a really hard life. When my mom became a nurse and moved to Texas,
she sent money back home to help out the family. I didn’t know any of this when I was growing up on the mainland because no one really talked about it. After I moved to the Philippines, it gave me such a deep appreciation of that honorable past. Why “Manny” as your first project? I have always wanted to be a filmmaker but it was in the Philippines when I began to form my identity and how it played into the kind of stories I wanted to tell. When I applied to the University of Southern California, I wrote in my essays that I wanted to tell Filipino-centric stories but they didn’t really like that, so they rejected me. But I just thought to myself, “I don’t care, I’m going to keep studying it, keep figuring it out on my own.” That’s how I learned to make movies. I took classes here and there but ultimately it was the process of doing. Making Manny was a way to pay homage to my mom and my Lola, who unfortunately passed away before the film came out. It was my love poem to her. The parallels between Manny’s mother and my Lola are so similar. My Lola—I call her
Nanay— was a driving force in my life. My mom, a nurse, worked the graveyard shift at the hospital so my Nanay took care of me during the daytime. One of the reasons why I wanted to do this story is because of Manny’s incredible Cinderella story that resonates with people. Manny is not just about one guy who struggled through a lot—he represents a lot of struggling families. It’s every Filipino’s story. My hope is that the message of Manny will resonate beyond Filipinos and extend to the general public.Typically Caucasians play the leads in movies— your Tom Cruises of the world—but you never see a Filipino. There aren’t any Filipinos in Hollywood, period. It’s been my dream to elevate Filipinos. What were some of the highlights in the filming that you can share? Seeing where Manny came from and actually being one of the very few people he took to see the site where his hut once stood was a magical moment. It was like he was being transported to another time. From there, he showed me how he used to go fishing as a kid, pulling in nets, and he would carry all this water and rice up and down
the mountain. Everyone comes from somewhere, but to actually see him in this context is amazing. Now he’s one of the greatest boxers, he’s a congressman, but he’s still the same guy. He never left this place. Another highlight was getting Liam Neeson signed onto “Manny” and directing him in the studio. When I first started talking to him, he was working on eight different movies and they were all paying him way more money than I have ever seen. For him to agree to be part of this and to direct him on my first feature film was incredible. What is the overall message of the documentary? It’s about how in life we get knocked down all the time. We are faced with adversities and struggles but the message is to keep getting up and moving forward. Even this guy who people see as a champion is, like all of us, flawed. He goes through hardships and he’s successful because he just keeps going at it. Manny has this purity about him. It’s so rare to see someone who has a 6th grade education, whom people would make fun of because he can’t really speak English well. He’s on
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 9
SIDE BAR STORY
a global stage but he can’t communicate that well, can’t sing well, but he does it anyway. He does all these things everyone says not to do, but he does it. When I was making this movie, people would tell me all the time, “This movie’s going to fail, don’t do that,” “That’s not for you,” or “That’s too risky.” I was met with so many challenges and obstacles that I didn’t feel like this movie would ever get made. I really pulled a lot of strength from his story, seeing the resilience and the way he leads his life. Filipinos are so resilient as a people. I tell a lot of Filipinos if they have never gone to the Philippines to go and see it for themselves because it will give you a real good sense of what their family went through and continues to go through. What’s your next project? The follow-up to Manny seems like a natural fit but I haven’t decided yet.I’m obsessive in whatever I do and I want it to be better than the last one. Documentaries are the hardest form of filmmaking. You’re trying to do something with very little money. When a lot of people do documentaries, they’ll do it about past events, interviewing people to talk
about it, getting some b-roll, and recreating the story. I like to capture life as it unfolds. To me, that’s a challenge because you don’t know how it will go. That’s the fun of it. You’re trying to find the story as you go along. Now that I’m older, I also want to have more structure in my life. So I wantto work on a project that I film for two months, edit it, and release it—then it’s a year or 18 month project compared to five years. What is your advice for aspiring filmmakers? Start filming. Start doing it. Don’t try to find any rhyme or reason or structure to it. Everyone has a story to tell, you just have to try it. Work with your friends. Do random things to express yourself. There’s no right way of doing it. You just have to learn.
Danielle Evangelista is the copy editor of Filam Courier. She attended Marist College in Upstate New York after graduating from Punahou Schools. She majored in journalism and fashion merchandising. She is currently employed as a legislative aide at the State Senate. She loves to travel, read comedy books, and is obsessed with all types of music.
During the premiere showing of “Manny”, Director/Producer Ryan Moore brought autographed posters to give away. The “grand prize” was an autographed authentic pair of boxing gloves. The winner, Nikky Leahey from Boston, was here in town to attend her parent’s 60th anniversary celebration. Her parents are Emilio and Lucia Bumanglag. Nikky related the story that, more than a year ago, the family had reserved May 2 as the date for the wedding anniversary celebration. Imagine their dismay when it was announced a few months ago that May 2 was also the night of the “fight of
the century”. Knowing full well that their relatives and friends may choose not to show up at their party, the family decided to bring in pay-per view (at a whopping $3,000) at their venue. Nikky said this was a compromise so the festivities can continue after the fight is over. Nikky believes that winning the gloves was fortuitous and bodes well for a victory for Manny Pacquaio. She gave the gloves to her father, a big time fan of Pacquiao. Photo shows the winners with director Ryan Moore, his fiancee Sarah and some of the organizers including Paul Alimbuyao and Indah Fides Delgado.
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
By Daniel B. Eisen, PhD Pacific University
On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, Pacific University was transformed into an academic conference, as undergraduate students publicly presented their senior thesis projects. A project by Meddie Asuncion, a Sacred Hearts Academy graduate, was of particular interest because I was her advisor for research comparing Tinikling dance groups from Hawaii and the continental United States. Ultimately, she wa s i n t e r e s t e d i n h o w participation in these groups influenced the one’s Filipino identity. Previous scholarly research suggests that participation in these groups can facilitate the strengthening of a Filipino identity by sparking a process of further exploration into one’s ethnic background and history. This often reinforces the cultural knowledge gained through participation in a cultural group and strengthens a sense of pride in one’s cultural heritage. Asuncion’s work, however,
Cultural Practices As Opportunities for Cultural Exploration
Imagine the appreciation for Filipino culture individuals can have when they understand the historical context of Tinikling, the cultural significance of clothing worn during the dance, each dance step performed, and the music to which they are dancing. adds a bit more complexity to this story, as one group she observed, taught the dance without links to Filipino culture, performed a modern form of dance accompanied by pop and
electronic dance music (as opposed to hip hop, which m a ny F i l i p i n o a c t i v i s t s have used to develop a Filipino identity and political voice), and focused the dance’s choreography on the audience’s enjoyment rather than the cultural knowledge the performers would acquire. The majority of individuals in this group did not report learning more about Filipino culture or their own ethnic identity. Therefore, she forces us to question if simply learning cultural practices or the process through which cultural practices are learned is most important for ethnic identity development. This is an important consideration, as the preservation of culture and encouraging youth to be proud of their ethnic background can be quite seen as disparate, when they are intimately connected. For example, many individuals in my own research could name numerous cultural practices (e.g., superstitious practices,
greeting protocols, use of familial terms, religious practices, rules surrounding t h e f o o d , a n d g e n e ra l household rules) that they have adopted. H o w e v e r, many individuals lack a cultural explanation for these practices beyond “we do it because we’re Filipino.” This parallels Asuncion’s work, as the Tinikling dancers were simply following instructions to performing a cultural dance. Bell Hooks wrote that children are naturally inquisitive and constantly seek explanations for the things they are told or experiences they have—a practice adults often find annoying and attempt to circumvent. By employing answers such as “because I said so,” or “because we’re Filipino” to the questions of “why,” the younger generation is trained to take things at face value. This interrogation of the world and nagging question of “why” is important, however, as the answer contextualizes
a practice or experience within a larger cultural framework and provides a deeper understanding of the world. Imagine the appreciation for Filipino culture individuals can have when they understand the historical context of Tinikling, the cultural significance of clothing worn during the dance, each dance step performed, and the music to which they are dancing. The same can be said of all cultural practices. By explaining why, and not focusing solely on the outcome (e.g. dancing Tinikling, addressing a family member correctly, or correctly performing greeting rituals) we create opportunities for an individual to become excited about exploring the culture within which the practice is located. If we, as mentors and teachers, fail to create these opportunities, individuals will engage in cultural practices without reason. As shown in Asuncion’s work, they will dance Tinikling for the sheer fun of dancing between bamboo sticks rather than the enjoyment of celebrating and sharing a practice rooted in culture, history, and tradition. Without an answer to the question of “why,” culture and ethnic identity simply become empty practices.
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 • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 11
By perfecto r. yasay, jr.
There are roughly 4 million Filipino residents in the United States. About a quarter are estimated as undocumented eagerly seeking a better quality of life. Most are college graduates and many are doctors, nurses, academicians, attorneys and engineers who have excelled in their vocations and are greatly respected for outstanding i n d i v i d u a l a c h i e ve m e n t s and contributions to their community. In this sense, any assertion that Filipino workers are not educationally competent and competitive because our high school program is two years shorter than the global norm, is simply exaggerated. Indeed, overseas Filipinos are identified as smart, hardworking and highly skilled. What warps their image today is the lack of teamwork in achieving their common welfare, despite what we brag about as our distinctive “Bayanihan Spirit”. For the most part we are identified by our clannish origins and we tend to segregate ourselves by our respective dialects, special cultural traits and proclivities. In the Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, there are about 36 Filipino organizations that are categorized on the basis of their provincial ties like Cebuanos, Ilonggos, Warays, Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Pampanguenos. Often they harbor jealousies against each other. To a c e r t a i n e x t e n t , we have the same divisive classifications in California, Chicago, Texas, Florida and other states with marked migrant population from the Philippines. Notably, a good number of Pinoys in need of specialized services typically patronize other American professionals who are not any better, but who could be trusted with their deepest secrets. Filipinos are perceived to be “tsismosos”. Other ethnic groups are
OUR DISTORTED FILIPINO IMAGE known to support their migrant compatriots by helping them start in the same business. Subway stations in New York are scattered with small stands conveniently selling sundry items like magazines, newspapers, cigarettes, and candies that provide their mostly Indian proprietors stable income. Chinese merchants are engaged in the same food business in Chinatown and they profit together. Koreans operate fruit and flower stalls in the same confined localities without fear of undermining each other. Japanese restaurants are usually successful, lucratively competing with other international cuisines. This does not seem to be the general case for Filipinos. Perhaps, a little background of our colonial past might help shed some light. Our deeply rooted culture and values predate the arrival of the Spaniards. However, the imposition of Christianity by the colonial power swiftly ruined our rich customs and traditions spread over the expanse of the Archipelago. The cross was used as a weapon for mass subjugation and exploitation instead of a liberating symbol for human deliverance. When Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu on March 16, 1521 he was surprised to see the natives settled in organized communities engaged in trade and commerce with neighboring Asians. He was warmly welcomed by Rajah Humabon who quickly converted to Catholicism to gain personal favors from the European invaders. In a matter of days about 2000 aboriginal inhabitants were herded like submissive lambs into a religious corral. In another expedition, 41 years later, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi saw that the native
population lacked effective leadership. He observed that, “They were deeply divided and can never join together in a demonstration of strength.” Centuries later, the bitter rivalry among our national heroes became a drawback of the Revolution. This prompted Emilio Aguinaldo to order the execution of Andres Bonifacio. In the end, we did not win our independence. It was granted under the terms of our Big White Brother. And yet Filipinos in Hawaii will continue to steadily become an inspiring exception to our negative image for as
long as we solidly identify with our common humble roots and heroic struggles. We should not forget that the first sakadas who arrived more than 100 years ago expanded their horizons and refocused their vision beyond simply shaping a brighter future for their respective families. They devoted their energies towards the economic and political advancement of the territory they called their new home. The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is one of a kind in the world. It is a living testament to what a vibrant
unity can accomplish. It is a fitting monument to our cooperative efforts in nation building. 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 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
Legal Issues in Springtime By Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq.
March, April and May are months in spring. March, or International Women’s Month,took us to the Philippines. April brought us back to Honolulu in time for the solemn comme-moration of ”Araw ng Kagitingan” or Day of Valor at Punchbowl or the National Cemetery of the Pacific with remaining World War II Filipino American veterans. The month of May augurs the bouquet of Lei Day, Flores de Mayo and Mother’s Day celebrations. Even as we journey across two island paradise replete with flowers in spring, it cannot be denied that every now and then, troubles brew in paradise. The relief is, if it’s legal trouble, there are corresponding legal solutions. We tackle one question for each of the highlights of the spring months based on the various experiences of our “kababayans”, those in the Philippines, some recently arrived in the U.S. and those who have been here in Hawai`i for sometime. Question: I e n t e r e d the U.S. as a fiancée of a U.S. Citizen. During our courtship period, when my fiancée visited me in the Philippines, he was nice, kind and loving and I fell in love. I left my family and my job to join him in the U.S. After I arrived in Honolulu, we got married, as planned. However, after living with him on a daily basis, I discovered that he suffers from mood swings, is prone to violence and appears to be mentally unstable. I am afraid of him but I am also afraid to leave him as I have no money and no family in the U.S. What can I do to
protect myself? Answer: There are many instances when the dream of an intermarriage or living abroad with a fiancée, spouse or partner turns into a nightmare. To protect Filipinos going abroad on fiancée, spouses or partners of foreign nationals, the Philippines under Republic Act 10364, An Act Expanding the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2012 requires a mandatory counselling service for Filipinos prior to their departure from the Philippines to join their foreign fiancees, spouses or partners. The Guidance and Counselling Seminar Program implemented by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas aims to manage the expectation of Filipino emigrants, addressing issues such as, culture shock, adjustment in a marriage, language barrier and human trafficking. However, when abuse or human trafficking strikes, no amount of seminar or preparation can sufficiently address the trauma suffered by victims. Human trafficking takes many forms and includes victims of domestic servitude, forced labor and sex trade. If you feel that you have fallen victim to this situation
and you want to explore your legal options, there is no substitute for the advice of a qualified attorney. To report suspected trafficking, call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. For victim support call 1-888-373-7888. Question: I a m t h e married son of a World War II veteran. My father is presently 81 years old. I have been waiting for an immigrant visa to become available for the past twenty years. I am concerned because my father is sickly and not in the best of health. How can I enter the U.S. to be with him? The U.S. Embassy in Manila has previously denied my application for a tourist visa. Answer: To enter the U.S., one must have the appropriate visa, which can be a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa. A visitor or tourist visa is a non-immigrant visa for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2). There are various reasons why a visa application may be denied. It may be because of missing or lacking documentation, or because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she has applied. It may also be because of some information provided that shows the applicant falls within a ground of inadmissibility or ineligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you have been previously denied a
tourist visa, a second look at your qualifications and documentations by a qualified attorney is worth a try to obtain better results. If all attempts at a nonimmigrant visa are futile, it is best to prepare for all the documentary requirements for your pending immigrant visa. This way, as soon as your immigrant visa becomes available in your preference category, you are documentarily prepared to apply for and claim your visa and be reunited with your father and family in the U.S. Question: I c a m e t o the U.S. thirty years ago as a wife of a U.S. Citizen. My husband said that I need not work and he will support me and our children. Now, thirty years later, he found a younger woman and prefers to stay in the Philippines. I have not worked since I came to the U.S. and devoted my time to raising our children who are now adults. I do not want to be divorced; however, he is seeing someone else. What can I do? How can I get my husband to support me? Answer: Under Philippine and Hawaii law, spouses are entitled to mutual support from each other. Your husband has a legal duty to support you as his wife during the marriage, and vice versa. Under Hawaii law, you may also be entitled to support, even after divorce, when the Court awards it. In your case, it appears
that divorce is not yet an option as neither of you has taken steps to file for one. The difference between a marriage and a divorce is to get married, two parties must agree to enter into a contract of marriage. However, to be divorced, it suffices that one party no longer wishes to be married to the other. It is for this reason that in Hawaii, as in many jurisdictions, the Court will grant a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. If you do not want to be divorced from your husband and he also has not filed for divorce, you both remain married to each other and are, therefore, entitled to mutual support from each other. For this purpose, the Court encourages each spouse to engage in activities to support each other. It is only when you file for divorce that the Court steps in to determine that marital assets and debts are divided equitably and awards spousal support or alimony, when circums-tances warrant it, based on the exigencies of the case. 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 • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 13
By Dr. Robert Bachini
As a second generation Filipino whose birthplace was in California and doesn’t speak his native language, my knowledge of Filipino culture was severely limited. I was commonly mistaken by others on the mainland for a Mexican derivative, expected to speak and understand Spanish. My culture was defined by the food we ate, my barong tagalog at Sunday mass, the neighborhood I lived in, my childhood trip visiting relatives in the Philippines, and my father’s friends who would stop by the house and share stories of days gone by. Based on my research on students’ college experiences at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, I discovered many Filipinos in Hawai‘i share a similar lack of cultural knowledge. In fact, they are often embarrassed by the negative stereotypes of being a Filipino. The struggle between local Filipinos vs FOBs (Fresh off the Boat) Filipinos, the color of their dark skin, or broken
If you are interested in a yearly subscription, please call 595.8787 for more information.
On Being Filipino: Food, Family, and the University English and heavy accents are generally viewed as socially accepted humor. These comments, however, are called microaggressions and inhibit the development of ethnic pride and identity for any person of color. Although underrepresented as an ethnic group at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, my research found that Filipino college students found a second home at the university that affirms t h e i r i d e n t i t y. R a t h e r than denigrate Filipinos or require them to leave their “Filipinoness” at home, students can learn about their culture and how to embrace it. The campus empowers Filipinos through
Filipino mentors, Filipino language classes, dance, music, and arts, clubs or organizations such as Timpuyog & Katipunan; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philippine Language & Literature and a minor in Tagalog or Ilokano language and culture. There are even about 151 courses focusing on the Philippines and Filipinos are offered by various departments and programs at the UH at Manoa Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Department of Ethnic Studies, and History Department, among others. As a result of the UH Manoa experience, students report they are able to communicate better with their elders at home, find
comfort from other students who understand and share similar values, empathize with each other regarding some Filipino parenting styles, and are proud to be Filipino. This renewed sense of ethnic pride and identity contributes to students remaining in college year a f t e r y e a r, o r w h a t i s commonly referred to as persistence and retention. With the support offered at UH Manoa, students complete their 4-year degree and break the glass ceiling of a “service industry only” culture. The most popular majors in 2011-2012 among Filipino students were business, nursing/dental hygiene,
and education. Although finances continue to be a major challenge for many Filipino families, UH Manoa is a quality college option for students and should be considered a “first choice”, rather than a no choice or last choice college option.
Dr. Robert Bachini is the Director of Undergraduate Programs in Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. He previously served as a Counselor at Windward and Honolulu Community Colleges and high school Vice Principal/ Counselor for the Hawai‘i Department of Education, Windward District. His research includes the retention and persistence of underrepresented and underserved students.
PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
By Nancy Bernal
Marc Antoine
Rocky Brown and Jordan Segundo at The Hawaiian Humane Society Gala
Larry Carlton and Michael Paulo
More great Smooth Jazz Music is coming to Hawaii on May 30 presented by Apaulo Music Productions! Marc Antoine (InternationallyAcclaimed Guitarist) and Gerald Albright (Top Saxophonist) will be featured in concert at The Magic of Polynesia Showroom located in The Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort at 8:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at TIX.com or (951) 696-0184. For more information, check out ApauloMusicProductions. com Legendary Guitarist Larry Carlton had a great time in Honolulu in April at his concert and enjoyed his stay in Hawaii. This incredible musician has
Eileen Miyoko Kuwaya Olszewski (The Hawaiian Mongoose) with her husband
played with some of he biggest names in the music industry including Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Billy Joel and more and remains a very humble and appreciative individual. •••• Rocky Brown and Jordan Segundo had fun performing for The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Gala Event -Tuxes and Tails - at The Royal Hawaiian Monarch Room on April 4. Musicians from Nueva Vida joined them onstage for this successful fundraiser. •••• The Hawaii Pet Expo is happening at The Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on May 9 and 10 at 10 a.m. til 4 p.m. This is the state’s largest pet event with animal-oriented booths, dog shows, animal exhibitions and tons of pet products. Admission is free and you are allowed to bring your pets to this special event. Check out The Hawaii Cat Fanciers booth where they will feature the largest cat in Hawaii and Dr. Richard Fujie (Owner of The King Street Pet Hospital and Host of the “Love Your Pet” segment on KHON 2) will be present. •••• Eileen Miyoko Kuwaya Olszewski grew up in Hawaii and had dreams of becoming
a professional dancer. When she was a young adult, she went to New York to pursue her dream and was successful. In her late thirties, she was encouraged to enter the sport of female boxing and she did. Now, in her mid-forties, she is a three time World Champion Female Boxer known as “The Hawaiian Mongoose.” She recently came back to Hawaii to visit family and do some promotional appearances. She spread her message of encouragement to aspiring young boxers and is truly an inspiration. •••• The 50th State Fair is opening on May 22 at The Aloha Stadium and will run for seven weekends. Some of the specialty acts this year will be Pig Races, a Grizzly Bear Act, a Horse Act and a large Petting Zoo. There will also be a variety of musical acts including Jordan Segundo with Nueva Vida on June 6 at 9 p.m. For now, That’s Entertainment! (If you would like to submit entertainment information, please contact Nancy Bernal at 947-5736 or e-mail her at NancyBernal@ aol.com)
Dr. Richard Fujie with the largest cat in Hawaii
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 15
Born in the Philippines, Virgie Cruzada has lived on the island of Kauai since 1972. A mother of three adult children, she is a resident of Hanamaulu with her husband, Bobby. She is a retired teacher who devotes a lot of time helping the community, including serving as president of the Kauai Visayan club and VicePresident of the Congress of Visayan Organizations.
A visit to the courthouse library was a great experience. Getting familiar with the Hawaii State Court System, learning the three different methods of interpreting (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation), the important role court interpreters play inside the courtroom, and challenges they encounter at times, were some of the topics presented. Participants had a chance to visit to visit the judge’s chamber while court was in session, but no picture-taking was allowed.
Melody M. Kubo, Court Interpreting Services Coordinator, presentor, is a local resident of Kauai. At the end of the two-day workshop, participants were expected to understand Judiciary requirements to be a court interpreter, have reviewed court systems, procedures and protocol, and key elements of the certification program.
Shown here is Atty. Debi S. Tulang-De Silva discussing the role of an interpreter. Professional responsibility, and code of ethics were some of the important learning outcomes laid out. The workshop gave participants the opportunity to gain understanding of the Hawaii State Court System and court procedure. To know what to expect when called for Judiciary in-court assignments was another learning outcome stressed.. Glossary of selected legal terms were made available for review.
Participants of the Hawaii State Judiciary Court Interpreter Basic Orientation Workshop held on Kauai on March 10 - 11, 2015, with presentor, Atty. Debi S. Tulang-de Silva from Oahu (extreme left), proudly held their certificate for a pose for souvenir having completed the workshop.
Shown in this picture is Atty. Debi S. Tulang-De Silva of Oahu, program director of the Court Interpreter Certification Program. She emphasized that court interpreters have a great impact on legal proceedings. She also stated that court interpretation is a linguistic and access right (Civil Right Statute). The program also service those whose primary language is not English, and those who have limited English proficiency.
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015
By Michi Villaluz Co-Chair, Flores de Mayo Festival Week
Mabuhay! Translated, it means “long live”, or is an exclamation similar the Japanese “Banzai”, the Spanish ¡Viva! or the French Vive! We welcome the community and guests with this phrase because the week of May 2-9 will be celebrated as the 3rd Flores De Mayo Festival Week and the 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta here in Honolulu. I t i s a w e e k- l o n g celebration which showcases the wonderful pageantry of the Filipino culture. Dubbed “Flores de Mayo”, the festival brings to mind the colourful fiesta traditions of the Philippines during the month of May. The event is presented by the Filipino Community Center in collaboration with the Filipino Junior Chamber (Jaycees). The festival opens on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at the Filcom Center in Waipahu as it hosts the traditional Santacruzan. Santacruzan is one of the most colorful aspects of Fiesta with beautifully decorated arches and ladies in costume; the procession depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Lovely ladies and their escorts, each representing a different biblical character or traditional personification will be showcased. The culinary tradition of the Philippines will then be the focus as the Filipino Cook-off goes underway on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the
It’s Flores De Mayo time! FilCom Center from 6pm8pm. Witness the fierce competition as the cook-off will be centered around a main ingredient which all contestants will be required to include as an ingredient in their dish. On May 5, the festival will include a Business forum sponsored by FAMES. The topic will include the basics of finance, business ownership and tips on running a successful business. The event will be held at 677 Ala Moana Blvd Suite 720 from 6-8 pm. Movies anyone? Sine (movie) night at the Filcom will be held on Wednesday, May 6 and will feature a movie with English subtitles. The event will be held from 6-8 pm. Flores de Mayo week concludes the week with a Filipino Fiesta on May 9,
2015 at Kapiolani Park. It will be preceded by a parade through Waikiki and the party moves to the Park at about 9 am and the events closes at 6 pm. When the Filipino Fiesta first began in Hawai`i, the idea was to draw attention to the idea of a Filipino Community Center, which was then a mere dream. Chaired by community leader and President of L and L Eddie Flores, the annual event included a p a ra d e d o w n Ka l a k a u a Avenue and day long festivities at Kapiolani Park. Each year, the event draws hundreds who relish in the non-stop entertainment, the yummy food choices and the opportunity to connect with one of the State’s largest ethnic population. In 2013, with a diversity of events that now precedes
Photo Credit: The Honolulu Advertiser
the Filipino Fiesta, the festival’s name was changed to Flores de Mayo. The name also reflects the name of the man who started it: Eddie Flores. L & L Inc is also the festival’s sponsor for the next five years. Now in its 23nd year and with over 12,000 attendees, the Flores de Mayo celebration showcases the best of what our culture can offer. The Fiesta is a combination of food, music, dance, traditional Filipino culture, and Filipino American culture all in one place. The Fiesta also features businesses that cater to the Filipino community and a cultural village highlighting the different regions of the Philippines including a Filipino American region. Come Join us on May 9th, 2015 and you could be the winner of a roundtrip ticket to one of our two favorite places: Las Vegas or the Philippines!
Maraming Salamat Po to all of our sponsors; L&L Barbeque, The City and County of Honolulu, the Renato and Maria AF Etrata Foundation, KIKU, MoneyGram, We s t e r n Union, Vacations Hawaii, Philippine Airlines, and the Waikiki Sheraton Hotel. Come join the party and we’ll see you at the various events!Mabuhay! For more information on Flores de Mayo please visit: www.fjchamber.org Michi Villaluz is a proud Pilipina American and the President of the Filipino Junior Chamber (Jaycees). She believes defining your personal identity is the key to guiding the daily adventure we call life. As a childhood cancer survivor, she learned early on to take advantage of every opportunity God has given her and that activism is her way of paying rent on this planet. She is a volunteer for KaBATAan: Filipino for Kids summer program. She currently works for New York Life Insurance Company as a Licensed Insurance Agent.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17
FILCOM CENTER HOSTS MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu has announced plans to hold a “Mother’s Day Lunch” with Melveen Leed on May 9, 2014 at the Filcom Center from 11 am to 2 pm. E ve n t C h a i r A g n e s Reyes said the day is a celebration of many things: “We are honored to have the special talents of Melveen Leed grace our event. It promises to be an enjoyable show! We would like to invite the community to share their mother’s day with their fellow kababayans… and to also donate for a good cause.” All proceeds of this event will fund the much needed replacement of the 13-year old carpet of the Casamina-Flores ballroom. The luncheon is also a milestone event because it is the first project initiated under the Special Events Management Production a n d Tra i n i n g ( S E M P T ) program. The program’s mission is to collaborate with various schools and projects to provide skills training and hands-on mentoring on special events activities by allowing use of the Filcom Center facilities as a working laboratory.
Agnes added that “Events like this also hope to revitalize Waipahu and identify it as an alternative site for special events to support the growth of Oahu’s Leeward area, bring back its vibrancy and spur business and economic development of the area.” The Filcom Center is working with Hawaii Pacific University Students for this event. A special buffet lunch priced at $50 for adults and $27 for children below 10 will be prepared by Filcom’s SEMPT program partner Creations and Catering (CIC), which also facilitates student training and event management. S p o n s o r s h i p opportunities are still available. Filcom Executive Director Donnie Juan shared the levels of sponsorship : Pikake Sponsor $5,000.00 Cattleya Sponsor $1,000.00 Plumeria Sponsor $ 500.00 Hibiscus Sponsor $ 250.00 Agnes remarked: “If you have not yet made plans for Mother’s Day, it’s not too late: we hope to see you there.”
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 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
GIFT SHOP SALES ASSOC.
IN WAIKIKI, MOTIVATED, ENERGETIC & CUST SERVICE SKILLS,
CALL
383-8282
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
Former Family Court & Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty. Call 674-2637 for information.
WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Judge Graulty (retired)
call 778-8510 to schedule.
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 • MAY 1-15 2015 • PAGE 19