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Online in the Near Feature INSIDE: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DAY • ESTABLISHING SAFE ZONES
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University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu
Editor's Note Aloha Everyone! It’s Michelle again and I would like to thank you for another amazing semester serving as the editor of the Michelle Zheng Hoot. Editor-In-Chief Wow! This semester truly flew by in a blink of an eye and now it is the end of a really unique semester and year. I know online schooling isn’t what most of us were expecting or wanting but we got through it and it’s cause for celebration (safely of course). The Hoot promised to stay there with you and although we faltered a bit during the middle of the semester, we’re back and we’ll be back for next semester. Feel free to contact us if you hear any interesting news or want to feature things about your club. We are always open to new ideas and have
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staff ready to hear your story. A big thank you to the staff for their dedication and hard work this semester because I couldn’t have done it without them. Shout out to Alexis, Bethany, Haley, Hosanna, Kylie, and Nick for all their hard work and amazing articles. They are the most creative and brave people who reach out and find things I would never think of writing about. If you yourself are interested in writing, drawing, photographing, or etc for The Hoot, email us at thehoot@hawaii.edu. For news updates, follow us @thehootnews on Instagram and happy holidays from the Hoot and have a wonderful new year. Mahalo, Michelle Zheng Editor in Chief
THE HOOT St u d en t New s p ap er 91-1001 Farrington Hwy Kapolei, HI 96707
Editor-In-Chief Michelle Zheng
Layout Editor Kureha Pambid Staff Writers
Kylie Penullar Hosanna Diocares Alexis Valentine Haley Pactol Bethany Gallarde Nicholas Nii
Cartoonist Haley Pactol, Kylie Penullar, and Alexis Valentine Photographer Staff
Table of Contents UH News: Continuing Forward..................................................4
On The Cover The Hoot staff
Feedback, Submissions, Advertising Inquiries thehoot@hawaii.edu
Questions for the Student Media Board smbwo@hawaii.edu
Rightsizing and Respositing the University.............................4 Celebrating as a Filipino American............................................5 Feature: Indigenous People’s Day.............................................6 ASUHWO Senate Results............................................................7 News Article: Aloha ‘Āina Club...................................................8 Reviews...................................................................................9 - 11 Cartoons..................................................................................2, 12
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Nor does the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu warrant the use of the works is free of any claims of copyright infringement. All views expressed are those of the page author and not of the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu and/or the University of Hawaiʻi system, and any concerns or comments about these pages should be directed to the page author, and not to University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu. © DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 The Hoot
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DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
UH News
Continuing Towards the Future Online With no foresight on the future, UHWO takes the safe route of keeping things strictly online
BY MICHELLE ZHENG Earlier this semester, University of Hawai‘i — West O‘ahu Chancellor Maenette Benham announced that Fall 2020 commencement will be held online. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict guidelines on large gatherings, there is no safe way for the West O‘ahu community to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduating seniors. A Virtual Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 where they highlighted ALL spring, summer, and fall 2020 graduates. Chancellor Benham states “I must commend the fortitude of our campus
community for all you’ve endured in these times. I appreciate your efforts throughout the transition to online learning and working. Please know how saddened I am that we will not be able to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones in person.” Another statement from UH president David Lassner informs students that the following Spring 2021 semester is expected to also be held mostly online. Courses that require labs and workshops will still operate as it has been but classes that do not require an in-person presence will be held online. “We must prioritize the health and well
being of our students, faculty and staff, along with the communities in which we live and work,” says President David Lassner. Luckily, the University of Hawai‘i 10 campus system has not had any large outbreaks this past school semester and that is thanks to the diligence of all the students, staff, and faculty. Fingers crossed for a return to campus in Fall 2021 but we all must continue to do our job as citizens of Hawai‘i and our campus to be safe and make responsible decisions.
OpEd
Rightsizing And Repositioning UHWO For FY22 And Beyond BY SHERI CHING, DIRECTOR OF FISCAL SERVICES AND LINDA SAIKI, DIRECTOR OF BUDGET At the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents Budget and Finance committee meeting on October 1, 2020, President David Lassner reported on the significant fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the university must act expeditiously to address the immediate budget crisis in the current fiscal year and also address at least the next four fiscal years. This is an extraordinary year – not only is the university and state in the midst of dealing with the health and safety consequences of the pandemic, but we are also facing the greatest financial crisis in this century. The impact to UH West Oʻahu is estimated to be a projected reduction of about $3 million (16%) in state general funds in the
upcoming year. The plan is to reduce costs, prioritize signature academic programs, sharpen student services, grow enrollment (and tuition revenue), and increase its efficiency and effectiveness. UH West O‘ahu was fortunate to receive $2.6 million in federal CARES funds, which are used in alignment with federal regulations, for IT upgrades to support the pivot to online courses and telework, emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, PPE supplies, and other operational needs. Throughout September and October, a number of campus conversations were held with students, faculty, staff, and various focus groups about reducing cost while
maximizing access and affordability to quality signature academic programs and learning opportunities. Using the results of these inclusive campus conversations, a systematic data-driven decision making process will be employed to refine our current short-term strategies (FY21) and identify mid-range strategies (FY22 and beyond) that are in alignment with our Strategic Plan. UH West Oʻahu has a new site dedicated to the planning process: https://westoahu.hawaii. edu/planning-process/. Please check it out continually, as it will be updated regularly. The Hoot will stay involved throughout the process and keep you informed of when students can input their voice into the conversation.
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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FEATURE
Kumusta mga Kababayan! Celebrating October as Filipino-American History Month BY HOSANNA DIOCARES
In 2009, the U.S Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. And it is duly late; Filipino Americans are the secondlargest Asian American group in the nation and have had a recorded presence in the US since 1587. Regardless, it is better late than never.
In the young 11 years of the month’s recognition, the pride and celebration of Filipino American identity has spread throughout the nation. Hawai‘i recognizes its strong Filipino American community since they are an integral part of the state’s history during the plantation days and continue to be
To you, what does it mean to be Filipino? “Learning from your ancestors - the ancestral knowledge. There are so many skills that [Western education] deemed as low-tiered - like how to farm or how to sew or how to clean fish - is actually essential ancestral knowledge. Knowing these things and being proud of it! We have a very rich history and heritage. We learn these things from a one-dimensional lens but this pride is multi-layered. We’re not just fulfilling the usual Filipino stereotype of being nurses and caretakers - we’ve fought on the front lines, we waged war for fair pay and unionization. We have our own indigenous practices and more. It’s all of these things and being proud of it .” - Rebecca Carino-Agustin, M.A., College Success Advisor. Why is it important to have a month dedicated to Filipino American History? “It’s important. It allows Filipinos and non-Filipinos to recognize the challenging journey of past immigrants to come here in hopes of a better future. It also invokes gratitude in younger Filipino Americans, realizing that their ancestors paved the way for them to be where they are, with the opportunities they have now. ” - Precious Eligio, Sophomore, Social Sciences.
cultural stakeholders. But besides the adobo fried rice, fangirling about Dante Basco, and karaoke parties, here are some UHWO faculty and students’ experiences as Filipino-Americans.
Do you think living in Hawai’i has contributed to your identity as a Filpino-American? How so? “My parents and I immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when I was young. We first lived in the continental U.Ss, and my area was predominantly white and latinx families. When we moved to Hawaii I felt like I related to the people here more because of the large Filipino population, so it helped me establish my identity as a FilAm.” - Lizchel Ulgade, Senior, Secondary Education Is there anything specific in the Filipino identity that you feel is important to know for a time such as this? “For me personally, it’s just to know that God is in control no matter what happens. Staying close to Christ and reading His word gets me through these times, and I’m sure it also helps many others in the Filipino community who share the same faith.” - Hannah Clark, Senior, Creative Media What is your favorite part about being a Filipino? “The Halo Halo milk. Not the ingredients. Just the milk. ” - Myles Taylan, Senior, Business Administration
For more resources on Filipino American heritage , go to http://fanhs-national.org/filam/ Contact Rebecca Carino-Agustin, M.A ( rtcarino@hawaii.edu ) or the Filipino instructor, Abraham Flores, .r (flores@hawaii.edu ).
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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FEATURE
In Honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day BY HOSANNA DIOCARES
More than 500 years ago, Christopher Columbus’s intrepid voyage into the New World ushered in a new era of exploration and discovery--and with it a slew of injustices to the native people of the land. In order to honor, recognize, and celebrate the original inhabitants of “America”, people have adopted a new holiday to replace Columbus Day: Indigenous Peoples’ Day! In 1977, the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas proposed that a new holiday to replace Columbus Day: Indigenous Peoples’ Day. As of 2020, hundreds of towns, cities, and counties as well as Washington DC and several states — Alaska, Hawai‘i, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota Vermont, and Wisconsin among them — have switched from celebrating Columbus Day to celebrating something else in its stead, be it Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or Discoverers’ Day. Lecture speaker, Christielove Espinosa, explained what is Indigenous
Peoples’ Day: “What is it exactly started to honor and celebrate the native people of Turtle Island, and that refers to their history and culture, but more so now we use it to celebrate all indigenous cultures. Not only do we focus on the First Nations people but now we also focus on the native people from different plains - such as Hawai’i, Philippines, Asia - just all of these different areas where there were indigenous peoples prior to colonization.” The Student Activity Fee Board of UHWO hosted Christielove Espinosa in speaking out about Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They hosted a Zoom call available for students and the public about IPD and even had a few raffle prizes for those who joined the call. Within the Zoom call, Espinosa covered various topics, ranging from helping people understand IPD to answering a few candid questions. A part of the call worth highlighting is Espinosa talking about what it means to be indigenous. “People have this misconstrued idea that [being] indigenous has to do with blood quantum [or it] has to do with how much you practice your culture. But really, what it means to be indigenous is
[on] your ancestral ties to the individuals who were of the land prior to colonization. Being indigenous is more about having that blood or having that genealogy - it’s about having that ancestral tie.” In addition to answering the question of what does it mean to be indigenous, Espinosa covered why claiming the identity is important: “It gives me a sense of strength and resiliency knowing that I am a product and a descendant of an individual who was forced to go through so many trials and tribulations that we out of their control.” By having Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the goal is to help teach, promote, and reframe the narrative to be more accurate by providing differing perspectives ultimately aiding people to rethink true American history. To watch the recorded IDP lecture featuring Christielove Espinosa and the SAFBWO, please watch from this link: http://bit.ly/IPDrecord20 To know more about the events hosted by SAFBWO, follow their Instagram page for updates and info: @safbwo
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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EDITORIAL
Establishing Safe Zones BY ALEXIS VALENTINE
In honor of LGBTQ+ History month-a time which celebrates equality, understanding, and acceptance, letting each other know that we’re all in this together, UHWO hosted a special training open to all students to share resources and knowledge about this unique community. Ever since it’s inception and especially in its expansion, the University of Hawai‘i — West O’ahu has been striving to make the campus and workplace culture more aware and accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. Now as our campus grows in size, it is more important than ever to acknowledge and bring comfort to our community. On October 12, an online Safe Zone
training session via Zoom was hosted by Professor Carmen Nolte-Odhiambo and Frankie Pasion in which participants who attended were able to gain insight and knowledge on LGBTQ+ terminology and resources. The training went through proper definitions, respectful usage of preferred gender pronouns, how to approach topics of sexuality and gender identity, existing policies at our campus, and tips that effective allies/advocates should know. For example, if you are unsure of one’s pronouns or mis-using a friend’s, it is safer to use the gender-neutral “they/them” pronoun when referring to the person. Then ask privately which pronouns they prefer you use in the given situation. Safe zones are places where people
feel safe, welcome, and included. In learning about safe zones and why they are created, we are able to take steps in the right direction and make our entire campus inclusive and safe for all. If you want to know how to become an ally and contribute to making UHWO a safe zone for the LGBTQ+ community, inform yourself by researching helpful things you can do as an ally. No two experiences are the same but the best thing we can do is respect and support one another in each other’s personal journey. You will be amazed by the wealth of knowledge there is to uncover. Also, keep a look out for future safe zone training sessions either through email or campus resources. You won’t regret it!
UHWO NEWS
ASUHWO Senate Election results BY MICHELLE ZHENG Introducing your new Associated Students of University of Hawai‘i — West O‘ahu Senate. After many weeks of campaigning and an eventful national election happening soon after, these student leaders put
ASUHWO virtual meeting
themselves out there to represent what they believe the student body of West O‘ahu would need a voice in. Congratulations to the newly elected officials of the ASUHWO senate.
President: Jenna Marie Marcos
Business Administration Senator: Cami Malalis
Treasurer: Suzy Johnson
Creative Media Senator: Mika Briones
Secretary: Kulanui Perez
Math & Science Senator: Kylie Cousins
Senior Class Senator: Lauren Danner
Maui Distance Education Liaison: Kaileigh Tom
Freshmen Class Senator: Jas Carino
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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NEWS ARTICLE
Aloha ‘Aina Club
A small club from UHWO reinvigorates what “Aloha ‘Aina” really means BY HOSANNA DIOCARES
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ALOHA ‘ĀINA CLUB
“We are in a food insecurity crisis here in Hawai’i. We import over 95% of food and 73% of our energy, and this isn’t sustainable. Should a crisis hit we wouldn’t have even [last] 10 days worth of food,” says Jesse MikasobeKealiinohomoku, Aloha ʻĀina Club leader The University of Hawai‘i — West O‘ahu has numerous clubs and organizations on its small growing campus. But unbeknownst to many people, there is a hardworking intergenerational community that combines students from multiple campuses and external bodies, that are working hard to shine a light on the importance of loving the land and honoring the culture it came from. The Aloha ʻĀina Service club cultivates plants in a remarkable culture of respect, honor, shared knowledge, and love. Through hands-on learning opportunities and activities, the club champions community service and honors the passed-down knowledge and skills of indigenous Pacific cultures. According to the club’s leader, MikasobeKealiinohomoku, the club works to create opportunities for people to truly understand what “Aloha ‘Āina” means and to learn both traditional and scientific perspectives of growing food and planting. Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku highlights that those who want community service hours, for scholarship obligations, can
have them fulfilled by working with the club. It will also provide a wonderful introduction into the green-collar work environment. One of the club’s advisors and UHWO financial aid officer, Indrajit Gunasekara says, “We work to help restore native plants and native cultural practices. We are open to all who want to learn. We are based on sharing and cultivating the knowledge of the agricultural practices and sustainability of Hawai‘i’s food sources.” Gunasekera also shared about some of the events that have taken place for the club. In November the club donated 60 coconut trees to west-side communities (valued at $10,000) as well as host seminars that reached people in Fiji and Micronesia. They have a commitment to help the community, working through the pandemic (in smaller groups) and utilizing online spaces to honor the people of Hawai’i. The club’s leadership also highlights their connection and intention to honor various partnerships, ranging from local farms and small grassroots groups to larger-sale state collaborations. Gunasekera shared a recent victory from the club, where they received the final permissions to obtain a workspace in the school, an effort that spanned three years. The 11,000 square feet of land is secured to be the grounds to plant a variety of
plants and trees, specifically coconut and ‘ulu, as well as a germination nursery for seeds and nuts. Through this workspace, the service club hopes to be able to gift the fruits of their labor to the community on behalf of UHWO. “Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people were lining up at food drives and food banks, is just a small sign of how we are really in an unsustainable system. We have the resources, we have the best weather to grow, and we sit in the Pacific where a lot of knowledge has developed over thousands of years to plant upon the environment. Helping develop land and providing for the community is what we get to do and what we should do - it is the best [option] for us. This is the time to show up for the future generation,” Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku said. “Throughout human history, people were dependent on land. Land comes before humanity. Our generation - we are not an exception. We are able to be in a land that specifically allows us to work on the land year round with no difference to seasons. We have to be willing to work on the land. For me, this is my respect to the Hawaiian culture, to the people, to the land, to the resources. Caring for the land should be our expression of respect for Hawai‘i,” Gunasekara said.
Special thanks to the Aloha ʻĀina Service club, Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku, Indrajit Gunasekara, and Manulani Meyers.
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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(BOARD) GAME REVIEW
Kraft and Heinz Variety Game Pack This arrangement of board games will have your whole family hungry BY NICHOLAS KEKOA NII Growing up as a kid, I enjoyed playing physical games with my family like board games, card games, and dice games. As I grew older, I began to prefer video games, but what I saw at Target reinvigorated my love for those tangible games once more. It was the most hilarious game set and bizarre thing I’ve ever seen on a toy shelf called the “Kraft and Heinz Variety Game Pack”. Rolling on the floor laughing, I had to purchase and try it out. The Kraft and Heinz Variety Game pack came out exclusively at Target this year, and it is a family game night set created by Peggy Brown, but published under the “Big G Creative LLC.” This game pack contains three games based around and named after Kraft and Heinz food products/condiments. The Kraft and Heinz Variety Game Pack includes three games: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese – The Game, Heinz Tomato Ketchup Dice Game, and Jell-O Jiggler Slap Card Game. Each game comes in creative mock Kraft or Heinz packaging
that is reminiscent of those foods we all loved as kids. Gameplays for each game are extremely interesting. In each of the three games included in the pack, the player who most recently consumed that food product goes first in each game. Here’s a small description of each game’s gameplay: For the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Game, players seek to play all their cards and keep the most “noodles” in their possession all while rolling the dice to determine what number card to play. Players must also try their hardest to avoid rolling a total of seven on the dice because it causes the Cheesasaurus Rex to move up a Noodle Meter level on the back of the box, and causes each player to lose the amount of noodles that the number of the level of the Noodle Meter. The player who has played all their cards wins! In the Ketchup Dice Game, players must roll Ketchup Labels or bust. The
winner has to roll a score of 57 without going over and losing. It is very similar to Yahtzee! Last but not least, the Jello-Jiggler Slap game, a card reader must read which Jello flavor card to slap with what hand, and occasionally players must jiggle while slapping the cards. The players collect flavor cards by slapping flavors and the winner is the player that collects one of each of the flavor cards. The games are hilariously and crazy fun to play. I had a whole fun time with the Mac and Cheese game, you never know when you’ll roll a 7, so my family always shouts “Oh No!” before saying “Noodle Boost!” because that means we have to give up some of our noodles. I recommend the Kraft and Heinz Variety Game Pack as a gift idea for college students to play with their friends, and families of any age and size. So I got one question to ask all of you, who’s hungry to play?
EDITORIAL
Beware the Popcorn 2012 Study links butter to Alzheimers BY KYLIE PENULLAR
The season of holiday movies and cheesy Hallmark movies have arrived, and with the pandemic at large we decided it is better that we rather stay home this time around. Regardless of what you have chosen to do, be it chill with friends via web calls, game night with the family, or watching scary movies solo, stay away from the popcorn! ...or well rather the butter. Whether you make your own popcorn from scratch or use the cheaper store bought version, beware of microwave popcorn. A study done back in 2012 by
the American Chemical Society (ACS) looked into a chemical called Diacetyl Exacerbates β-Amyloid Cytotoxicity or just Diacetyl (Die-cee-till) which has a distinctive buttery flavoring. This chemical is used as an alternative to a stick-of-butter in your microwave popcorn packets. Yum, extra buttery popcorn and no bad cholesterol! Instead what you get a higher chance for Alzheimerʻs! It has been found that Diacetyl is one of the two primary pathologies that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Eating this snack will not guarantee your path to Alzheimers, your fate has not been sealed do not worry, but consuming large amounts over an extended period of time will definitely increase your chances. It is also good to know that microwave popcorn is not the other consumable item we find this chemical in our day to day lives. Diacetyl is also in margarine, candy, and ferments naturally in beer. Basically almost anything with that distinctive artificial butter taste and smell. If you are the kind of person who fancies it, maybe it is better you stick with the cholesterol, you can work that one off but any increased chances of Alzheimers, it would be better to stay away from. Happy Holidays!
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DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
VIDEO GAME REVIEW
No Straight Roads
BY NICHOLAS KEKOA NII
“No Straight Roads” is a brand-new roleplaying action video game that came out for the Nintendo Switch on September 15 of this year. It was created and directed by “Final Fantasy’s” Wan Hazmer and “Street Fighter’s” Daim Dziauddin. Although silently marketed, and not popular with the game critic’s, “No Straight Roads” has been extremely well-liked and popular amongst its fans and the general public. I knew that Nintendo Switch games normally cost around $60, so I was not originally interested in purchasing this game but after seeing the beautiful art and unique gameplay, I fell in love with “No Straight Roads”. Who knew “No Straight Roads” would become the greatest game I’ve ever owned, played, and heard of in video game history! Though Nintendo normally is aimed toward kid players, this game is aimed towards adults and is recommended for college students. The game uses minor alcohol references, and the
game has swearing. “No Straight Roads”, centers around a fictional world literally powered by music called “Vinyl City”. It centers around two main protagonists named Mayday and Zuke. Mayday, a female guitarist, and Zuke, a male drummer, are both members of an indie rock band called “Bunk Bed Junction” who are disgusted by the way the corrupt EDM empire is neglecting “Vinyl City” and its people. When the annual “Lights-Up Audition” comes around to look for new artists to become permanent members of NSR to power the city, Mayday and Zuke are determined to audition to help run the city the right way. However, when The Evil CEO of NSR, Tatiana, bans rock music and all other forms of music from future auditions due to her distaste of Mayday and Zuke’s performance, the two vow to end Tatiana’s corrupt EDM empire. They must hijack and defeat each NSR Artist in music rhythm-based boss battles and claim
their districts. Will our indie Rock heroes defeat the elites of NSR and end Tatiana’s reign once and for all? You’ll have to play the game to find out. Since the video game is rhythm-based, players must fight each and every boss and enemy along with the beat of the music. The whole joycon is utilized in this game and may be a challenge for rookie and beginner gamers. There are unique attacks such as shooting, dodging, jumping, and much more. The game is refreshingly difficult, not too difficult but not too easy either. The graphics and the in-game art is gorgeous and different from other video games in a unique way . Even though it is so hard to memorize the rhythms, the music is phenomenal just to listen to without playing the game! Unlike other video games, NSR manages to make all of their characters likeable even their bosses, because each and every character plays a significant part in the plot of the video game. The game storyline is one of my favorite parts because the plot’s twists and unexpected ending both breaks, warms, and mends all players’ hearts. This game tries and succeeds to cater to every type of player.
NETFLIX TV SHOW REVIEW:
Julie and the Phantoms BY BETHANY GALLARDE The spooky season may be about scaring people and monsters, but sometimes it can be singing and phantoms. A new Netflix Original show, Julie and the Phantoms, released on September 10 and is gaining a positive reputation from its strong and passionate fan-base. This show is a reboot of the Brazillian show by the title “Julie e os Fantasmas”, which premiered back in 2011. The story in both shows follows a girl named Julie, who somehow gained the ability to see three boys that are a part of a rock band. Newcomer Madison Reyes makes her acting debut in this show as the titular role of Julie. The twist is that the three boys in the rock band are all actually ghosts, however, they can be seen when they play with Julie. In the reboot version, the boys had their names changed from Daniel, Felix, and Martim to Luke (Charlie Gillespie), Alex (Owen Patrick Joyner), and Reggie (Jeremy Shada). Some
other big names that are involved in the show are Cheyenne Jackson, Carlos Ponce, and Booboo Stewart. Julie and the Phantoms is a musical show with at least one original song every episode. The music was created by David Lawerence, a relative newcomer in Hollywood, but the music is amazing and is sung beautifully by the cast. If you want non-spoiler songs to test run the quality of the songs “Edge of Great” and “Finally Free” are good songs to get a good feel of the main band’s song. The biggest name attached to this project is executive producer and director Kenny Ortega. If the name does not ring a bell, his works surely will as he was the choreographer, director, and executive producer for the “High School Musical” series and the “Descendants” series. If you’re more into story and character arcs, this show also has those in spades. The first season mainly focuses on Julie and Luke,
but the cast promises that in future seasons Alex and Reggie will also have some focus. Julie’s arc focuses on her love of music since it is an attachment to her deceased mom. The band will help her with her grieving process and reignite her love for music. The show is very LGBTQ+ friendly and features multiple queer charcters that aren’t just there to play a role. They have depth and come off with a lot of heart. Without giving too much away about the more ghostly bandmates, each of the band members is unique and loveable that a casual audience member could distinguish between them with ease. Overall the show is five ghosts out of five ghosts.
DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
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MOVIE REVIEW
Reflection of the World The dramatization of the case of the Chicago 7 comes to Netflix at the right time BY HOSANNA DIOCARES The film, skillfully told through Aaron Sorkin’s writing and directing, tells the story of 7 anti-Vietnam war protest leaders being put on trial following the events of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It features a star-studded cast: such as Eddie Redmayne, who plays Tom Hayden, leader of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS); and Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays Abbie Hoffman, founder of the Youth International Party (YIPPIES). The A-grade ensemble acts out the story so well - as if they were the actual figures themselves: pouring out visible heaviness
for the injustice and mistreatment that they witness and spewing out an abundance of cuss words out of frustration of a broken system. The story follows the original eight defendants (one of the defendants, Bobby Seale, will have his case declared a mistrial) planning to protest the 1968 DNC and find themselves 5 months later on trial, arrested and charged with trying to incite a riot. Throughout the film, you see gross (and I mean gross) injustices being done to those who were merely practicing their rights. You see them beaten, tear-gassed, gagged, bleed
out. It seems like it isn’t only for the sake of protesting the Vietnam War, but it is protesting for the voice of democracy, who cries out, muffled by a muzzle made by power in the wrong hands. With this film, you’ll see justice desperately trying to wiggle out of the clutches of the broken system exemplified through the lengthy trial of the Chicago 7. So what makes a film talking about something that happened 50 years ago interesting? The fact that it mirrors what is happening right now in our nation. Watch the film and you’ll see a lot of close parallels between then and now.
FEATURE
Sipping into Seasons Try out a Japanese Tea Ceremony to soothe your stress BY KYLIE PENULLAR The semester has quickly gone by and finals are right around the corner, next thing you know the new year is sneaking behind you. Take the time to relieve some stress and don’t let your finals nor the fear of the future over take you. Recently I’ve picked up on a new activity that helps with just that. Japanese Tea Ceremony is an interesting gem that has sprouted at West Oahu. If you are not familiar with the event, it is a Japanese ceremonial practice emphasizing the appreciation of culture and equal standing amongst individuals with the host and guest. Kazuko Madar has brought over this event to West Oahu in hopes of sharing this esteemed culture with the west side as schools around the east side have already largely invested in the activity. I’ve had the honor in being able to experience these event showings in not only observing but also participating and I would
just like to express how relaxing such a unique experience it is. The event was initially meant as an intimate experience shared between a few invited guests held in a small tatami room, so there is no rush to the process but rather consideration between host and guest to take their time to enjoy the tea and conversation within an intimate space. In history, this space would also eventually be used as a business space for negotiation and other alliances. The tea itself is like none other. In a nutshell, it is Matcha tea but no normal Matcha that you may get at your local Starbucks. Learn and taste what ceremonial grade Matcha is like, containing refreshing antioxidants and a nice boost of caffeine. It certainly puts commercial Matcha to shame. It calms the nerves and the whole experience really gives a nice message to take the time and appreciate what we have in the
present amongst other things. And with the seasons changing, we could really use it. If you get the chance to visit the showings whether it be on campus when things return to normal or via one of Kazuko-sensei’s classes, you should come on down to try it out whether by being a guest or practicing being a host and making a cup of tea. If you would like to learn more about Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kazuko-sensei has a class that she is offering next semester on the history of tea that would help in satisfying the Asian Studies Certificate or any needed upper division elective as well as a club on campus that had previously practiced quite frequently over at the Naulu center. Contact her at madar@hawaii.edu if you are interested in trying this out yourself. It’s a truly eye-opening experience.
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DECEMBER 2020 /JANUARY 2021
