THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 3
Bennette Espineli Misalucha
ARE YOU A LEADER OR A FOLLOWER? YOU DECIDE!
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1987 PUBLISHER Mary Llanos Cordero MANAGING EDITOR Bennette Espineli Misalucha DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Armando Dela Cruz Busmente PRODUCTION MANAGER Alice Llanos Busmente ASSISTANT EDITOR Radiant Cordero COPY EDITOR Danielle Evangelista PHOTOGRAPHERS/GRAPHICS Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de 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 Camar a 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. A tty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.) THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
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Oh the hubris of youth! There once was a time when I thought that to be a leader meant you had to be the loudest and most assertive person in the room. I thought that in order to be taken seriously, I had to guard my “territory” zealously since others were certainly angling for that position, and just waiting for me to fail. The sleepless nights, the anxiety attacks, the stress levels were such that, at that time, I almost gave up and dismayed with the notion that I did not have the fortitude to be a leader. In due time, and as I gained experience and maturity over the years, I realized that leadership— true leadership—was not necessarily flashy and push y. On the contr ary, a true leader actually gives the stage to the team while he or she quietly works behind the scene to make things happen. David Marquet, an experienced Na vy officer, details his leadership journey in the book, “Turn the Ship Around”. In charge of a navy nuclear ship, Marquet took over the helm when the ship was going through some tough times, including poor morale, poor performance and had the worst retention in the fleet. The story is told that the ship almost had a disaster, and when Marquet investigated how the situation happened, he found out that it was because his people were merely blind followers and were not taught to be leaders. Here is the description of the book which captures the lessons learned : “Turn the Ship Around! is the true story of how the Santa Fe skyrocketed from worst to first in the fleet by challenging the U.S. Navy’s traditional leader-follower approach. Struggling against his own instincts to take control, he instead achieved the vastly more powerful model of giving control. Before long, each member of Marquet’s crew became a leader and assumed responsibility for everything
he did, from clerical tasks to crucial combat decisions. The crew became fully engaged, contributing their full intellectual capacity every da y, and the Santa Fe started winning awards and promoting a highly disproportionate number of officers to submarine command.” I bring this up, because whether an entrepreneur, a teacher, a banke r, o r a community volunteer, we all need to step up and become leaders. In this September 1 issue of the Fil-Am Courier, we highlight the achievements of Anacleto “Joey” Alcantar a Jr, the President of First PacificBuilders and the recipient of the 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year awards. Born with a good business sense, Joey was setting up new companies even at a young age. It’s something he likely inherited from his parents, Lita and Lito Alcantra who are both successful entrepreneurs in their own right. (Lito Alcantra won the Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year award in the 80s and continues to wax strong as CEO of his own company, Group Builders, which is one of the largest construction firms in the State of Hawaii. But at some point in his life, Joey wanted to learn the family business, so he left his own business to work for his dad. From a leader, he became a follower. In the profile written by Gladys Marrone, CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, Joey recounts those difficult years. He worked as a laborer and eventually became the Responsible Managing Employee or RME of the organization. Joey is currently the RME for First Pacific Builders. I am sure that Joey’s current success is due, in part to the skills he learned from being a follower in his dad’s compan y. Knowing Lito— the man who endears himself to his employees and
the community alike with his humble ways— he must have instilled in Joey the leadership precepts that enabled Joey to rise to greatness. What motivates a man to step up to a leadership role? How does one know whether we are currently a leader or a follower? Fortune magazine recently published an article, “Are you a Leader or a Follower” by Travis Bradberry, on how we would know by asking ourselves the following questions. Here is the excerpt: a ) Do you go above and beyond? Followers do their jobs, and that’s it. No matter how good they may be at those jobs, it rarely occurs to them to go beyond their basic functions. Leaders, on the other hand, see their job descriptions as the bare m i n i m u m — t h e foundation upon which they build greatness. Leaders see their real role as adding value, and they add it whenever and wherever they see an opportunity. b) Are you confident? Followers see the talents and accomplishments of other people as a threat. Leaders see those same talents and accomplish-ments as an asset. Leaders want to make things better, and they’ll take help anywhere they can find it. Leaders are true team players. They aren’t afraid to admit that they need other people to be strong where they’re weak. c) Are you optimistic? Followers see the limitations inherent in any given situation; leaders see the possibilities. When things go wrong, leaders don’t dwell on how bad things are. They’re too busy trying to make things better.
d) Are you open to change? Followers are content to stick with the safety of the status quo. They see change as frightening and troublesome. Leaders are maximizers who see opportunity in change. Because leaders want constant improvement, they’re never afraid to ask, “What’s next?” e) Are you decisive? Followers often hesitate to act, out of fear that they’ll do the wrong thing. Leaders aren’t afraid to make a call, even when they’re not sure if it’s the right one. They’d rather make a decision and be wrong than suffer from the paralysis of indecision. Leaders would rather make a decision and be wrong than suffer from the paralysis of indecision. It is often said though that in order for one to be a leader, one must be a good follower first. Followers are mindful of details, provide much needed insights and support, know how to navigate team dynamics and are good collaborators. Did you notice that the same values required of a follower are similar to that of a leader? That is because, many times, we switch roles in our liv es. We m a y b e followers at work, but leaders at our church. A follower in our family but a leader in the community. Therein lies the secret. I believe Leadership is a choice. Whether we choose to be leaders or followers in one context or another may determine success, whichever we deem is the appropriate role. Today, I may choose to be a leader. Tomorrow , I ma y choose to be a follower at the organization I currently volunteer for. Let’s just say, like Joey, I have learned my lessons well.
PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
STATEWIDE COMMUNITY CALENDAR Compiled by AMELIA CASAMINA CABATU
OAHU September 2, 2015 Filipino Junior Chamber General Membership Meeting. 6:00 PM8:00 PM at Max’s of Manila, Iwilei This meeting will start the election process for next year’s Filipino Junior Chamber President, as well as opening nominations for the upcoming board, Presidential nominee speeches/election and Board nominations. Contact Person: Niccolo Gruta, Secretary at niccolo.gruta@fjchamber.org 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 6, 2015 The 10th Annual Mayor’s Remembrance Walk, Hosted by Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts. 5:00 PM. The procession begins with a short ceremony at the Honolulu Police Department on Beretania and continues down Alapai to South Street ending at Honolulu Hale. September 9, 2015 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii General Membership Meeting, 7:00 PM Argosy University, Honolulu Campus; 1001 Bishop Street, 4th Floor. Special Guest Speaker Hilarie Strong of Dakota Internet Designs. Topic: “Social Media Basics & How to Integrate them into your Business Marketing Plan”. RSVP to Bernadette Fajardo; 342-8090 or Rocky Anguay 387-5821 September 12, 2015 Filipino Women’ s Civic Club (FWCC) 44th Annual Maria Clara Ball, Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery, Iwilei; 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 3718538 September 13, 2015 The United Laoaguenos of Hawaii General Meeting and Elections of Officers at the Neal S. Blaisdell Park. 11:30 AM Potluck lunch. Contact persons: Merelle Gonzales, President, ULOH 3863468, Ella Bueno 671-7900 September 17, 2015 ORI Anuenue Hale, Inc. presents a Moon Festival Country Fair, a Health and Wellness Fair for Seniors at the Helemano Plantation’s Wellness Center 641488 Kamehameha Highway in Wahiawa 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Admission is FREE! For more information call Yvonne or R ose at 622-3929 September 20, 2015 Leeward Community Health Fair 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the SonidoAlquero Bldg. (the former American Savings Bank Bldg.) 94-229 Waipahu Depot St. corner of Farrington Highway. Free health screenings & consultations and fabulous giveaways. Brought to
you by the Philippine Medical Association Of Hawaii, PMAH Foundation and other leading sponsors. Contact Persons Imelda 841-4195 or 888-674-7624, email them at pmahinfo@gmail.com September 20, 2015 Journey, A Doctors-On-Stage Musicale 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Fil-Com Center Ballroom 94-428 Mokuola St. Waipahu. For the benefit of Bayanihan Clinic Without Wall, Inc. An Immigrant Health Service. For tickets and other info contact Imelda 841-4195 or 888674-7624, email them at pmahinfo @gmail.com September 27, 2015 FilCom Sunday Ramrambak 3 featuring Amianan and Ilokano Culture, Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, 3:30 PM-7:30 PM Contact Person: Arceli Rebollido at the Filcom Center 808-6800451; October 3, 2015; Iwalani Foundation presents Magnificent Women of Hawaii Breast Cancer Awareness @ Rumours Night Club, Ala Moana Hotel. Doors open 3:00 PM-8:00 PM. Tickets Pre-sale $30, At door $35. Contact Person: Iwalani Tseu 808 623-6776 October 7, 2015 Filipino Junior Chamber General Membership Meeting; 6:00 PM8:00 PM, Max’s of Manila, Iwilei. This meeting is for Board nominee speeches and election. Contact Person: Niccolo Gruta, Secretary at niccolo.gruta @ fjchamber.org October 23, 2015 San Nicoleneous USA 9th Y ear Anniversary Ball, Reaffirmation of New Officers and Awards Night. Pacific Beach Hotel, Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM. Cost: $65.00 (At the door - $70.00) Contact Persons: John De Los Santos 8476566, Lydia Kamiya 859-7147, Gina Lardizabal 389-4817, Beatriz Santiago 223-6892, Rosemarie Aquino 721-4853, Cesar Bonilla 372-0264, Vilma Valdez 3213186 October 24, 2015 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH); Mrs. Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii Coronation and Gala; Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Hotel Tapa Ballroom Cost: $75.00; Contact Persons: Danny Villaruz 778-0233; Lina Mercado 526-9009; Amado Yoro 699-9814 October 31, 2015 The Filipino Community Center, Inc. presents the 13th Annual Ba yanihan Gala Fundraiser. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Cocktails 5:30 PM, Program promptly to start at 6:30 PM. This year’s Gala theme “Honoring Our Plantation Legacy”. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information call Bennette Misalucha Event Chair, or Arceli Rebollido at the Fil-com Center 808-6800451 or visit filcom.org. November 7, 2015 United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Reaffirmation of Officers and Progress Awards, Pacific Beach Hotel, Grand Ballroom,
6:00PM. Contact Persons: Maria Etrata 392-2962, Lynne Gutierrez 728-1700, Ben Pulido 421-9747 November 12-22, 2015 Hawaii International Film Festival, the premier international film event in the pacific, showcases features and documentaries from Asia, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. It has more than one dozen screening sites on six Hawaiian Islands. For more info log onto www.hiff.org November 14, 2015 Filipino Business Women’s Association (FBWA) 32nd Annual Kimona Ball and honoring the 2015 Filipino Business Woman of the Year, Armi Oliver Farinas. Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Nancy Atmosper a Walch 778-3832, Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Lina Mercado 382-7751 November 21, 2015 Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc (NAMI); 14th Anniversary Gala, Appreciation of Volunteer Lecturers and Recognition of newRN's and Review Graduates; Hale Koa Hotel, Bany an Tree Showroom, 6:00pm; Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 7786291, Jun Obaldo 277 -7495 and Bong Curameng 383-0135 November 29, 2015 FilCom Sunday-Pasasalamat! At the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu 3:30 PM-7:30 PM Contact Person: Arceli Rebollido at the Fil-Com Center 808-680-0451 November 29, 2015 Alliance of Residential Care Administrators (ARCA); Annual Christmas Celebration and Inauguration of Officers; Hale Koa Hotel- Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00 PM; Contact Person: Lilia Fajotina 291-1706 December 6, 2015 Pasko sa FilCom At the Filipino Communit y Center in Waipahu 3:00 PM-8:00 PM Contact Person: Arceli Rebollido at the Fil-Com Center 808-680-0451 December 12, 2015 Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawaii (AFHA), Christmas Celebration and Coronation of the new Mrs. AFHA. Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact P ersons: Norma Tan 3584985, Maribel Tan 384-0494 February 6, 2016 Annak Ti Badoc Iti Hawaii Valentine’s Ball and Scholarship Presentation Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00PM Contact Person: Marilyn Tolentino Villar: 678-1482
LANAI (LANAI CITY) October 30, 2015 Lanai Chamber of Commerce presents the Lanai City Fifth Friday Town Party, Dole Park, Lanai Ave. Lanai City, Hawaii 5:30 PM8:30 PM. Celebrate the unique and cherished way of life on Lanai. Free admission, family fun, food,
Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing community events and parties. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and is blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to acmina808@gmail.com.
Welcome Aboard!
JORDAN SEGUNDO We welcome into our ever-increasing roster of writers, a familiar face in the local entertainment industry. 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 currently presents “808 Update”, an events and entertainment segment ev ery Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. on KHON2’s Living808. 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. A proud graduate of Farrington High School, Segundo received an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Honolulu Community College and will complete his Bachelors Degree in Journalism at the University of Hawaii Manoa in Spring of 2016. Through his passion for story telling and his love for the community, Segundo will be writing a monthly lifestyle column starting Sept. 16 that will focus on a variety of topics including health and well-being, fitness, fashion, food and entertainment.
live entertainment, carriage rides and lots of community. Contact Person: Brad Dunn808-649-0808
BIG ISLAND September 18, 2015 Augie T & Friends 1st annual “Laugh with the Stars” A benefit show for Brave Hawaii-a nonprofit bringing awareness to the bulling problem. Enjoy a night of music and comedy. 7:00 PM at the Hilo Civic Auditorium. All seats $15 in Advance $20 at the door. $25 VIP seats & come with a free gift. For tickets and more info go to www.laughunderthestars.com or http://augiet.com
KAUAI September 11, 2015 Augie T & Friends 1st annual “Laugh with the Stars” A benefit show for Brave Hawaii- a nonprofit bringing awareness to the bulling problem. Enjoy a night of music and comedy, 7:00 PM at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St. Lihue Kauai, HI. All seats $15 in Advance $20 at the door. $25 VIP seats come with a Free gift. For tickets and more info go to www.laughunderthestars.com or http://augiet.com
MAUI October 5, 2015 Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony at the County of Maui to kick off Filipino-American History Month in Maui. 10:00 AM; Sponsored by the County of Maui-Mayor's Office and the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Contact Alfredo Evangelista at 808.242.8100 for more information. October 17, 2015 Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival® presented by Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Maui Mall. A celebration of FilipinoAmerican History Month featuring Filipino restaurants, back to back cultural entertainment, games, and events such as the Master P-Noy Chef Cook Off®, the Filipino Fashionista®, the Little Filipino Fashionista®, the Speedy Balut Eating Contest®, the Any Kine Adobo® contest, the Can You Tinikling?® contest, Da SupaSuman® Contest, The Polvoron Challenge: Eat & Tweet®, the Oh Wow! Parol Making Contest®,the P-noy Artist Contest®, and the We Got History Exhibit®. Contact Alfredo Evangelista at 808.242.8100 for more information.
By DREW ASTOLFI
Building Community, Chinatown Style
“What is ultimately most valuable in the book is the careful way that Chin works in an overarching theme about keeping the essential character and culture of Chinatown intact.”
Legendary community organizer Gordon Chin’s recent book Building Community, Chinatown Style (available on Amazon) should be required reading for Hawaii’s politicians, planners, and activists struggling to solve our affordable housing crisis. The book is based on Chin’s nearly 50 years of organizing in the highest land value region of the United States (San Francisco) and the story of his Chinatown Community Development Corporation has many for us here in the Aloha State. And all of them are delivered with the easygoing humanity that characterizes Chin’s community work. Reading it is like taking a walk around San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, a seminar on affordable housing, and
a wise look back at the steady rise of Asian American political power all wrapped up in one volume. But it’s not just a good read. Here in Honolulu the housing crisis has been steadily worsening over the last decade. From the homeless occupying blocks and parks in a desperate search for a safe place to sleep, to the skyrocketing cost of rental and homeownership, pricing our children out of the state they were raised in, all the way through to the difficulty implementing the promises of transit-oriented development, each of these aspects of our crisis is challenging our sense of who we are as local Hawaii people. Luckily for us, Chin’s Chinatown CDC has grappled with and successfully addressed
E R R A TA
Dr. Emma Avila, fourth from the left was incorrectly identified in the last issue. She was named the 2015 outstanding woman Achiever in health care and medicine during the Terno Ball sponsored by the Hawaii Filipino Women's Club.
versions of all of these questions since the late 1970’s. The book is full of colorful examples of these successes, each filled with real life people’s stories to highlight the view from the grassroots. On homelessness, Chin describes how Chinatown CDC reinvented Single Room Occupancy, bringing in supportive services and programs that improved the social character of the buildings. (If there is any silver bullet for getting Hawaii’s homeless population off the street this would be it.) On transit, Chinatown CDC has been ahead of the curve at every step with bussing, highway planning, and most recently commuter rail. Chin exposes the good the bad and the ugly of it all while demonstrating exactly how to make these large scale planning decisions work for the people
and neighborhoods of his city. What is ultimately most valuable in the book is the careful way that Chin works in an overarching theme about keeping the essential character and culture of Chinatown intact. And not in a theme park way that freezes Chinatown in one place and time forever, but in a way that respects the way neighborhoods and people change and grow over generations. It is this larger lesson that seems most urgent for
Hawaii people to learn as it feels increasingly in our state like a wave of gentrification is going to wash away the unique and precious local culture that all of us inhabit. Reading Building Community, Chinatown Style will inspire you to think bigger about the kind of struggles we are facing together as island people, and the kinds of things we might do together to get through them.
Drew Astolfi was the director of FACE- Faith Action for Community Equity for many years, covering both Oahu and Maui. Although he moved to the Mainland early part of this year, he continues to be invested in Hawaii’s future and will periodically contribute articles to the Fil-Am Courier.
PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
By GLADYS QUINTO MARRONE
Our cover....
With Diamond Head in the background, this issue's cover photo of Joey Alcantara, the 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year was shot by noted photographer James Ramos. James may be reached at james@jamesramosphotography.com or at cell (808) 345 3924. Cover concept by Noah Felipe of Orig Media. A big mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media. Both Noah and Jeff may be reached at www.origmedia.com or by phone (808) 447-9559
Photo credit: James Ramos Photography
In June of this year, CNBC ranked Hawaii as America’s Bottom State for Doing Business, the second time over the last three years. While most of the findings were based on Hawaii’s high costs and onerous regulations, entrepreneurs such as Anacleto “Joey” S. Alcantara, Jr., have managed to defy the odds. Joey, founder and CEO of First Pacific Builders, LLC.,was recently honored by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as the
2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year. It took several attempts and missed calls before Joey and I got to chat for this article, as he is a very busy man in the community and running his business. When we finally connected, he had just come out of a meeting of the Hawaii State Contractors License Board, of which he has been an industry member since 2011. His energy level was high and it was clear during our conversation that he loved
what he does and is very good at it.
Entrepreneurial spirit Joey founded First Pacific Builders, LLC, on June 28, 2011, as a small business and pilot venture. It was established during a time when most companies were attempting to diversify their business strategies in order to survive the downturn in the economy. The success of First Pacific Builders, LLC, is a testament to Joey’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his business.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 5
Even if Joey is a product of an entrepreneurial family, he had to start from the bottom and work his way up within the construction industry. After seven years of owning and managing his own retail, restaurant, export and import, wholesale, and construction supply businesses, Joey went to work for his father, Anacleto “Lito” Alcantara, CEO of Group Builders, Inc., as a laborer. He simultaneously entered the Hawaii Laborers Union, Local 368, Apprenticeship Program in 2002, as a construction craft laborer, and graduated with excellence two years later. Immediately after graduation, Joey was placed with a warehouse company of Group Builders, Inc., delivering materials to job sites.
have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
Then, in 2004, Joey was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and soon passed the State of Hawaii Contractors Licensure with ABC license and became the Responsible Managing Employee, or RME, at Group Builders, Inc. He is also currently RME for First Pacific Builders. Forbes magazine lists 25 common characteristics of
successful entrepreneurs, including doing what you enjoy, taking what you do seriously, managing money wisely, remembering it’s all about the customer, asking for the sale, investing in yourself, and creating a competitive advantage. Joey Alcantara, Jr., embodies all
of these traits, and even more.
Old-fashioned values Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made, just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll
Joey says he “runs his business like a 7-Eleven.” With the time difference from Guam, where his business is based, he will happily answer a call at midnight Hawaii time. He is a hands-on manager and involved in every facet of his company, which is another aspect Forbes magazine cites as contributing to the success of a business. Joey works closely with his vendor suppliers, conducts regular and random visits to his jobsites, and maintains an efficient cost tracking system, which supports him monitoring his budgets and profitability effectively. He does his own marketing with clients as
PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
CEO, but “that does not stand for Chief Executive Officer,” Joey says but, rather, “for Chief Entertainment Officer.” He is rarely in his office as he is constantly visiting with his clients, entertaining them, and always going above and beyond what is expected in customer service. Loyalty is highly valued by Joey, whether it be from his employees and clients, or given to them by him. However, “honesty is the most important thing,” emphasized Joey, “it is important to be fair in everything I do.”
Competitive and compassionate The construction industry is extremely competitive, with contractors vying for many of the same jobs. “I have to
(LtoR) Honolulu Consul-General Gina Jamoralin, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Mayor Lucilo "Cecil" Bayron, Paul Alimbuyao, Joey Alcantara and Ambassador Liza Jane Estalilla at Hotel Centro Puerto Princesa.
be proactive in construction, to go out and look for jobs.” He also keeps aware of his
competitors and impending economic turns.
Joey strongly believes that his employees are the key to his successful business, so he takes care of them as the company grows. Many of his employees started with him at a young age, so Joey has taken it upon himself to mold them into seasoned workers who value high quality-craftsmanship. Joey ensures that his own staff remains competitive in the industry by sending his employees or crew members to seminars to learn about products and applications, as well as to conventions that showcase new and
innovative products and materials. Construction is a cyclical industry, ebbing and flowing with high booming times and low and sluggish times. Joey manages his company and manpower in order to keep enough workers on to complete jobs and then allocate workers for future projects. Joey values his employees so he tries to minimize lay-offs due to work stoppages or job cancellations by scheduling enough hours for them to maintain their medical benefits. Joey has even lent some of his field employees to his competitors, helping them out during a time of need. Joey is also very active in the Filipino community as well as in numerous professional membership organizations, mostly affiliated with the business and construction industries. At the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, he coordinated a fundraising campaign that raised about $10,000 to promote the well-being of children in the Philippines and $5,000 for the Ilocos Norte public library. He also served as Vice-President of the Isabella Hawaii Association and raised donations of medical equipment for the province during his term.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 7
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE IN HAWAII by GLADYS QUINTO MARRONE
CEO, Building Industry Association of Hawaii
More Housing Needed at All Price Points
Leading by example The general public’s perception of the next generation, the Millennials, is that this group is entitled and want success but the easy way. Maybe so, maybe not. Whatever the case, Joey’s advice for the next generation entering the construction industry is to “ have the knowledge, experience, good attitude, quality workmanship, and learn as much as you can before starting a construction business.” He likened a successful business to cooking, whereby if you use high quality ingredients, have the cooking skills and experience, cook with passion, then the outcome will be the best. Joey’s son, Anacleto Pio Alcantara III, the next generation at First Pacific Builders, is being groomed to be his right hand and upcoming leader in the company. When asked how his hard work and commitment to his company impacts his children, especially since he divides his time equally between Hawaii and Guam, Joey says that, “my children see how I work hard, take my work seriously, always paying close attention to what I’m doing,” and that his business is nothing to play around with. He instills in his children and his employees
that “your reputation has to be good and people have to trust you,” whether it be his banker or a client that he promised to finish a job on time and on budget.
Hard work certainly pays off First Pacific Builders started as a two-person company, with Joey in Hawaii and a manager in Guam, and in four years has exponentially grown to a peak of 50 full-time employees. Joey’s entrepreneurial spirit, his commitment to his business, employ ees, family, and clients, and all of his hard work has certainly paid off. Joey Alcantara, Jr., and First Pacific Builders are well on their way to being one of the top-ranked construction companies in Hawaii. And you couldn’t ask for a better outcome than that.
Gladys Quinto Marrone is the CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii. She previously served under the late Honorable Patsy T. Mink in Washington, D.C. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the W.R. Richardson School of Law, Gladys is an uber foodie, enjoys politics, international travel, bargain shopping, as well as quiet evenings at home with her husband.
In early August 2015, the median price of a single-family home on Oahu hit $710,000. A median household income of $149,952 would be required to afford such a home. This median is projected by experts to hit $1M by 2018, requiring a median household income of $211,200. Oahu’s population is projected to increase by almost 122,000 by 2030, but we are building homes at the lowest rate since WWII. The State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism estimates that approximately 5,000 new units are needed annually to accommodate new housing formations at existing density. Yet, in 2014, the Department of Permitting and Planning issued just over 1,800 building permits for single-family homes (unclear whether they were new addresses or rebuilds). What can we do to help this situation? It’s quite clear that we have
a supply and demand issue: not enough supply + high demand = high prices. Regulatory requirements, prolonged permitting processes, and lack of back bone infrastructure are barriers to increasing housing supply. We need to build more homes at ALL PRICE POINTS if we want to preserve our middle class, provide opportunities for the next generation to return home to Hawaii, and desire a viable and sustainable future in Hawaii. As we look to the future and contemplate where we might increase the supply of housing at all price points, we are encouraged at what the prospect of the new Rail Transit project will provide in housing opportunities on Oahu. However, strong leadership is needed to ensure that obstacles, such as the lack of infrastructure, are addressed in order to make development around the transit corridor successful.
PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
By BRYAN JACO GALLARDE
As the largest Asian ethnic group in Hawaii since the 2010 census, Filipino Americans make up a significant portion of Hawaii’s workforce. Representing the thousands of union members of the Hawaii Construction Alliance, many of whom are Filipino, Executive Director Tyler Dos Santos-Ta m focuses on values similarly found in Filipino culture to foster relationships with his members, and strengthen and support their stability and competitiveness in the workforce. “As a fourth generation FilipinoAmerican, those values were passed on to me,” said Dos Santos-Tam. “Hard work, humility, and sticking together – those are key foundations to the success of our members and the organizations that represent them.” The 27 year old Punahou and Yale alumni was recently selected by Pacific Business News as one of Hawaii’s “Forty Under Forty”, along with other young business and community leaders throughout the state.
“Although I’m also Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese in addition to Filipino, I have deep roots in the Philippines. My great grandfather was one of the original Sakadas who came from Cebu and my great grandmother grew up in Badoc. But being so distant from the immigrant experience made me feel disconnected from my identity as a Filipino, and the community that surrounded me.”
It wasn’t until Dos Santos-Tam went across the country for college that he had the opportunity to embrace and immerse himself in the rich Filipino heritage that seems to escape many young people. “There weren’t too many Filipinos on campus, but the few that were formed a tight knit group that allowed me to feel like I was part of a family away from home,” explained Dos S a n t o s -Tam. “We were
kasama, sticking together, supporting each other. I even had a roommate who was Filipino-American as well, so that provided a rich experience for me that inspired me to continue this cultural growth as I made my way back home.” Upon returning to Hawaii after graduating, Dos Santos-Tam remains active with the Filipino American community, serving on the board of the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce as
well as the Chair of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus of the Young Democrats of America. “I wish that I could go back in time and tell my younger self to ask my grandparents about what life was like in the Philippines, and to teach me more about the culture,” recalled Dos Santos-Tam. “ There’s so much history and lessons of values in who we are. My
At a regular membership meeting with the members and supporters of the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees).
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 9
Dos Santos-Tam (right) with his fellow awardees at PBN’s Forty Under Forty ceremonies. Flanking Brittany Amano (center) on the left is City Council member Brandon Elefante.
paternal great grandparents were held by the Japanese occupiers prisoners of war during World War II. I think about this story all the time as it relates to who I am today.” Dos Santos-Ta m works closely with his mentors and other community leaders to continue building a cultural renaissance for Filipino Americans in Hawaii.
“You know, Filipino identity and culture is constantly changing, it’s constantly evolving. In Hawaii everyone is a mixed plate and that’s always a challenge for individuals on how to accept, promulgate, and express our own identities as Filipinos. I hope we can continue this trend, and that more Filipinos find their identities and take
part of the celebration of our culture.” To assist in these efforts, Dos Santos-Tam has worked on having the Filipino Jaycees sponsor leadership dinners to invite business and community leaders to meet and speak with their board, with aims to cultivate the next generation of FilAm Leaders in Hawaii. “The Jaycees were really excited to have a dinner series that would focus on areas of important for Filipinos in Hawaii. Bridging together the generations is the key to helping Hawaii produce innovators and entrepreneurs that will start businesses, provide jobs, and help promote a strong Filipino community.” “We need more of this generation to get involve, learn more, and be a part of something great, find your interest and the organization and show up at a meeting. No be shame! Be
proud of who you are and find your own way to express that. Even if it’s just rocking a Manny Pacquiao tshirt”
PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
By ANGIE DYTIOCO SANTIAGO
Accepting the FEOTY 2015 award is Joey Alcantara, Jr., flanked by FCCH officials, judges, family, and friends.
FCCH Recognizes Alcantara as 2015 Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Agas Selected for Young Entrepreneur Award, and Copp Selected to Receive Scholarship For the past 25 years, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) has recognized and honored Filipino entrepreneurs who
Joey Alcantara, Jr.
have demonstrated their excellence in business through their vision, innovation, leadership, courage, hard work, ability to meet challenges, achievements, and meritorious contributions to the community. Last May 16, 2015, six nominees for the Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year (FEOTY) 2015 were recognized for possessing these traits and for managing successful businesses in Hawaii.
Winning the 2015 FEOTY award was Joey Alcantara, Jr., President and CEO of First Pacific Buildders, LLC, a general and specialty contractor operating in Hawaii and Guam. Established in 2011, the company specializes in acoustics, building insulation, drywall, lath and plaster, fireproofing, cabinets and millwork, and exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS). The other five FEOTY nominees for 2015 were Rida Cabanilla of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services; Rose Galanto of Aloha Tours and Travels,
Young FEOTY Awardee Jonathan Agas with proud parents Eddie and Aurea Agas.
Inc.; Marianela Jacob of Healthcare School of Hawaii, LLC; Vinah and Alwin Morales of Ultimate Beauty & Gifthings Hawaii, LLC; and Julie Oasay of Julie’z Restaurant Filipino Homestyle Cuisine.The Chamber also honored Jonathan Agas of EJ2 Enterprises, LLC, as the recipient of the Y o u n g FEOTY award. Brittney Ann Copp, daughter of Daniel and Cynthia Copp and a graduate of James Campbell High school, received a $5,000 scholarship donated by the Renato and Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation. Copp, who was ranked #1 in a class of 637 seniors, intends to further her education in Public Health/Global Public Health and will attend the University of Texas in Austin. Other scholarship recipients include Claire Chief Nobuhara, daughter of Wade and Cecile Nobuhara; Leeyannah Armaine Santos, daughter of Armando and Luna Santos; and Eden Ines, daughter of Alfred and Esther Ines.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 11
Rocky Anguay, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, FCCH President Paul Alimbuyao, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Rose Galanto, Eddie Flores, Atty. Bryan Andaya, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
Atty. Bryan Andaya, Rocky Anguay, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, Marianela Jacob, Vanessa Jacob, Jose Jacob, FCCH President Paul Alimbuyao, Senator Clarence Nishihara, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
FCCH Scholar Awardee Eden Ines, her parents Alfred and Esther, and brothers.
FEOTY nominee Vinah and Alwin Morales of Ultimate Beauty & Gifthings Hawaii, LLC, surrounded by friends and supporters.
Mimi Gozar, Engie Pagaduan, Jeffrey De Mesa, Luz Peirson, Vilma Evangelista Valdez, and Hermie Pagaduan.
Angie Dytioco Santiago, our Gathering Place columnist, is a U.H. Manoa graduate. She is currently a Governor of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH), a Public Relations Officer for the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii (BCAH) and a member of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH). She served as 1st Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) from 2013 to 2014 and as the BCAH President from 2010 to 2012. She is the daughter of Angel &Rubing Dytioco and is married with two sons. She enjoys photography and participating in cultural and social activities and events.
FEOTY Judges: Atty Rick Abelman, Dr. Melody Calisay, Matt Smith, CPA, and Carlton Williams, CPA.
PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 13
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
By BRANDON ELEFANTE Council Member City and County of Honolulu
Genchi Genbutsu means “go and see.” I am a big believer in getting out and seeing things to understand how they really work, and to that end my staff and I are visiting city facilities all over the island. We recently visited two of the city’s largest wastewater treatment plants: Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant. These plants serve the majority of Oahu residents and visitors with Sand Island serving Niu Valley to Halawa (600,000 people) and Honouliuli serving Halawa to Kapolei and mauka to Mililani (400,000 people). Chances are when you washed your dishes today, your wastewater went to one of these WWTPs. The size and complexity of these operations is impressive. The Sand Island WWTP processes approximately 60 million gallons of wastewater per day (MGD). This is the equivalent of 90 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The Sand Island plant has a current capacity of 92 MGD. The Honouliuli WWTP, which serves Council District
8, processes 26 MGD. The city’s Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Division has a staff of more than 300 employees operating the city’s nine treatment plants island-wide. As the flows reach the plant, inorganic materials are removed. Then the grit tank allows smaller inorganic materials to settle to the bottom of the tank. These include things like egg shells, sand, gravel, and other small debris to be collected for disposal at the landfill or HPOWER. The material that goes to HPOWER is burned for electricity like the municipal trash taken there, meaning that your bathroom water actually is recycled to electricity so that you can turn on your bathroom light! After the grit tank, the effluent is moved through a series of pipes for primary treatment. Each plant operates several primary
clarifiers, which look like large round lakes. At Sand Island WWTP, after primary treatment, the sewage then moves through an ultraviolet system of 1,680 UV lamps. This helps to kill pathogens before the treated sewage is released into the deep ocean outfall 1.7 miles offshore at a depth of 230’ deep. Extensive testing of 42,000 samples annually is done on the effluent before discharge through the outfall and ocean teams test the water at the outfall site. At Honouliuli WWTP half of the flows go through a secondary treatment process where the solids from the settling tank and final clarifier are moved to a digester. This stabilizes and dewaters the sludge which is then sent to H-Power to produce electricity. At Sand Island WWTP, Synagro takes the bio-solids of approximately 11,000 dry tons of sludge per year and converts it into fertilizer pellets to be used as a soil amendment. At Honoluliuli WWTP the Board of Water Supply operates a water reuse plant completing treatment of the secondary wastewater to bring it to R-1 quality. R-1 quality water can be used for landscaping irrigation at parks, homes and businesses, golf courses, and for industrial cleaning purposes. The city plans to meet its federal mandate by upgrading both plants to secondary treatment for all wastewater: the Honouliuli WWTP by 2024 and the Sand Island WWTP by 2035. There are three ways the Department of
Councilmember Elefante in front of a secondary treatment tank at Honouliuli WWTP
Councilmember Elefante with Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Division Chief Athan Adachi and Wastewater Treatment Plant District Supervisor Gary Okamura at Honouliuli WWTP.
Environmental Services recycles your wastewater: 1) the inorganic material removed from the headworks and the dewatered sludge product from secondary treatmentis burned at HPOWER for electricity; 2) the bio-solids at Sand Island WWTP are converted into fertilizer pellets; and 3) wastewater at Honouliuli WWTP is treated to R- 1 quality water to be reused for irrigation and industrial uses. By being aware of the how these plants operate
and by understanding the larger picture of wastewater disposal, we can all act as responsible stewards of our environment every day.
Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District VIII which covers Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008 and his email is belefante@honolulu.gov.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17
PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
By DR. CHRISTOPHER TORTORA, M.D. Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye Center
Christopher Tortora , M . D., a Wahiawa ophthalmologist with Hawaiian Eye Center, joined a team of nine volunteer faculty in Yangon, Myanmar this past April for the country’s first western eye surgical training program in decades, following its recent opening to democracy. The four-day Myanmar Eye Meeting, conducted by Hawaiian Eye Foundation in partnership with Yangon Eye Hospital, was attended by about 50 Burmese ophthalmology students and practicing ophthalmologists. A wide range of topics, including cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal and retina disorders were
Wahiawa Surgeon Trains Eye Doctors in Myanmar & Vietnam
covered in lectures, patient consultations, and diagnostic equipment demonstrations.
Myanmar has only about 300 ophthalmologists for a population of 60 million people, a ratio of one to
200,000 people, one-quarter of the World Health Organization’s target, so there is an urgent need for ophthalmic training. Hawaiian Eye Foundation was invited to return for another Myanmar Eye Meeting in 2015, and plans to conduct future meetings in alternating years with its ongoing Imperial City Eye Meetings in Vietnam. Immediately following the Myanmar Eye Meeting, Dr. Tortora and fellow faculty members traveled from Yangon to Hue, Vietnam, to participate in the Foundation’s fifth biennial Imperial City Eye Meeting. The Imperial City Eye Meeting is conducted in partnership with Hue Central Hospital, and is attended by hundreds of eye doctors from throughout Vietnam. In addition to lectures, consultations, and diagnostic equipment demonstrations, the fourday training includes individualized instruction in cataract surgery, using operating microscopes to perform surgery on pigs’ eyes. Dr. Tortora and fellow faculty members traveled to Myanmar and Vietnam at
their own expense to donate their time. “It was so rewarding to teach doctors who are so eager to learn,” said Dr. Tortora, “and we hope our program makes a difference for the people of Southeast Asia.” The non-profit Hawaiian Eye Foundation, based in Honolulu, has sponsored ophthalmic training programs in Southeast Asia since 2006, and for 30 years has conducted humanitarian eye surgery expeditions to Pacific island nations, including Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Palau, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati.
Christopher Tortora, M.D., a board certified ophthalmologist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit www.HawaiianEye.com and www.Facebook.com/ HawaiianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17
By RYAN PIROS Born and raised on Maui, Ryan Piros is currently the Deputy Communications Director at the office of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, he worked as an on-air personality, music director and VP/Program Director for 15 years at KPMW-FM before his present role. He is active in the Filipino community and serves as an officer/director in a number of organizations. If you want to let Ryan know about an event on Maui, please reach him at ryanp105@gmail.com or call him at (808) 283-2020.
County of Maui Managing Director Keith Regan assisting Miss Hawaii Filipina 2015 Chelsea Guzman in crowning the new Miss Maui Filipina 2015 Casey Sales-Salcedo.
Welcome home 292nd Combat Communications Squadron! Back from a six-month deployment in the Mideast. Here TSgt Ross Antolin receives a lei from his son.
Mayor Alan Arakawa presented Certificates of Recognition to the players and coaches from the Maui Mustang All-Star Team PONY Mustang Division for winning the Pony Mustang Division Championships at the 2015 Maui State Tournament and the 2015 Western Zone Tournament and for their outstanding achievement by representing Hawaii at the World Series.
Women's Department supervisor Chelsey Natividad performs a hula number during the grand opening ceremony for TJ Maxx in the Maui Maui.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) invites a small number of Maui Filipino community leaders to a breakfast meeting at Tante's Restaurant during his visit on Maui.
Runners at the Fourth Annual Kraig Vickers Honor Run at Kanaha Beach Park. The event honors the memory of Expolsive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Kraig M.K. Vickers, the 1992 Maui High School graduate killed in action when the helicopter he was riding was shot down Aug. 6 2011 in Afganistan. The event raises money for families of fallen service members.
A graduate of King Kekaulike High School, Kisa Uradomo, a violinist has been selected to play in the prestigious US National Youth Orchestra. She was the only student from Hawaii selected for the 114-member orchestra, and only the second musician from Hawaii ever selected.
PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
by Dr.
RICKIE CAMARA
What’s eating you? Are you constantly pressed by time that you always eat and run? Do you let things and events eat away at you like the ocean waves eroding our beaches? Do you regulate your emotions with food so you either eat like a bird or eat like a horse? Do you create unnecessary stress in your life by trying to eat your cake and have it too? Taking the time to smell the roses is a lot healthier than constantly looking to smell a rat or smelling something fishy. Optimism and positivity trump suspiciousness and negativity every time. I like to list stress and negative emotions as THE major risk factors of heart disease as it can make all the other traditional risk factors worse; factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, hypertension, poor diet, diabetes, lack of exercise, etc. It is fairly well established now that there is a strong link between
negative emotional states, brain function, inflammation, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is a ‘hardening of the arteries’ in which plaques narrow your arteries leading to a host of problems including but not limited to heart attack, stroke, hypertension, cognitive decline, and sexual dysfunction. This process is accelerated when inflammatory-causing chemicals circulate in the body causing systemic inflammation that can lead to worsening atherosclerosis and narrowing of arteries. It has been shown that negative emotions can trigger higher levels of inflammatory chemicals and
that both are regulated by the same brain regions. Conv ersely, stress reduction and increasing positive emotions can reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease. So don’t eat your heart out by dwelling on any regrets from the past or on the fears of the future; be heart happy now. However, what’s eating your heart out might literally be what you are eating. Or not knowing what to eat; what with all the diets out there: Atkins, Paleo, Zone, low carb, slow carb, Scarsdale, Pritikin, Ornish, Esselstyn, Gerson, Vegetarian, Whole, Macrobiotic, Low Fat, Blood Ty p e , Ketogenic, Anti-
Inflammatory, Okinawan, Mediterranean, etc etc. Name a condition and there is now a diet for it. Hippocrates would be happy to know that indeed people are using food as medicine! Rather than sticking to a diet however, it may be better to just understand some important principles. One of the worst things you can do to your heart is to consume a lot of sugary drinks, refined sugars and grains. There is a strong correlation of high sugars in the diet with hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, and heart disease; so eliminating this from your diet should be what you do today. An especially nefarious form of sugar is the high-
fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that you see in soft drinks and even sugary sports drinks. Research studies show that Americans who consume the most sugarabout 25 percent of their daily calories- are twice as likely to die from heart disease as those who limit their sugar intake to 7 – 10 percent of their total calories. There is some controversy regarding fat intake and heart disease with some advocates calling for a low or no fat diet and others calling for up to 50 – 70 percent fats in the diet. The problem with low fat diets is that people replaced them with simple carbohydrates and sugars which lead to the problems discussed in the preceding paragraph. Where there is no controversy however is to avoid trans fats that are found in margarine, vegetable shortening, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that are common in may snack foods and processed foods. In short, when you reduce saturated fat and increase
Dr. Rickie Camara is a BoardCertified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki and at Bikram Yoga Kapolei. He has a yoga-aligned health coaching and counseling practice in Kahala.You can hear him every Friday on the radio at KNDI between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on the Medical Forum with Flor Martinez. Email contact at rickiec@ pixi.com.
THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 19
refined carbohydrates/ sugars, you end up promoting obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It is only the person who has a genetic condition wherein triglycerides and the bad cholesterol are abnormally high that has to be on a low or no fat diet. People with Coronary Artery Disease may elect to be on a low fat diet as there are studies that show reversal and improvement of coronary artery disease with such diets that are also plant-based and whole. For the rest of us, we will need a certain amount of healthy saturated fats from animal and vegetable sources for our cells, tissues, and organs, including our heart, to function well. Aside from fish and fish oil, good sources of healthy fats come from krill, avocados, ghee (clarified butter), organic egg yolks, coconuts and coconut oil, raw nuts, and even grass-fed meats. If you want to lose weight, reduce your caloric
intake and exercise. If you want to live longer, caloric restriction to 20 – 40% of your typical intake has been the only proven way so far to extend life span in animals (human studies are ongoing). If you are dieting for aesthetics and want to look sexy; well the sexiest person in my opinion is the one who is truly thankful for and confident of their body and eats and lives to their healthiest maximum. Being beautiful is simply about eating and living healthy so you feel good inside out and radiate that glow to help others and make this world a better place. There is much wisdom to be found too in Yoga teachings about eating and diet. Aside from breathing exercises, asanas (yoga poses), and meditation, the yoga literature says that for a healthy life, one should eat whole foods (i.e. unprocessed); at least half of the food should be raw (cooking foods make them
more acidic); eat a lot of vegetables and nuts; eat only until half your stomach is full and fill ¼ with water (warm or room temperature better) and leave ¼ of stomach empty so the diaphragm is able to move and you can breathe well. Traditional yogis also used ghee (clarified butter) as a source of healthy fats and to flavor herbs and vegetables. Because yoga’s roots are in India, many practitioners did not eat beef as the cow was considered a sacred animal. So for that heart of gold, pay attention to what you eat; exercise and stretch regularly; manage your stress and negative emotions; actively cultivate self-awareness and meditation; and use your social and community networks to support you in your heart healthy journey. Medicare now reimburses for cardiac rehabilitation programs that include all these components; programs such as the Dean
Ornish Reversal Program (www. ornishspectrum.com) and the Pritikin Program (www.pritikin. com). The good news is that Ekahi Health Systems (www. ekahihealth.com) is launching the Dean Ornish program here in Honolulu. It is scheduled to be launched
in mid-September and will also be covered by HMSA. That is truly an evolutionary leap for our health care choices in our community. Eat well and prosper.
PAGE 22 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015
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THE FIL-AM COURIER • SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 23