OCTOBER 26, 2013

Photo by Frank Mancao, courtesy of National Pinoy Archives, FANHS Becoming Filipinos: By Clement Bautista wo years ago, my family and I Writing Our Histories took a road trip from Oregon down T the length of California and back. WHAT’S INSIDE Once we left Oregon and visited a his- ■ Knights of Rizal Hold Initiation, Recognition Ceremonies S3 toric Chinese town hidden away in the ■ Bold Dreams, Uncommon Valor: The Florentino Das Story S4 Sacramento Valley farm fields, we had ■ Fil-Am History Fest 2013 to Feature Eskrima S4 planned an overnight rest in Stockton, ■ Jose Rizal’s Legacy and Nation-Building: A Book Review S5 California. In the morning, while for- ■ Fil-Am History Fest 2013 S6 aging for breakfast in Downtown ■ Get to Know the Last of the First American Filipinos S7 ■ Ilocandia Exhibit on Display at UH Hamilton Library S10 Stockton, our eyes caught sight of a ■ Filipino Filmmakers Accentuate 33rd HIFF S11 building sign reading Filipino Center ■ Filipino-American: A Hyphenated-State-Of-Wonder...? S11 Plaza. Investigating this unexpected ■ Fil-Am History to Be Taught Statewide S12 find was something we couldn’t pass ■ Community Forum on Mindanaw* S13 up. ► Continue on S2 ■ FilCom Center Concludes Fall Citizenship Class S16 S2  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

COVER STORY FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013

BECOMING... (from page S1) neous or nonexistent portrayals doctor, became a labor con- The elderly gentleman of Filipinos in mainstream nar- tractor when he immigrated to greeting us at the seemingly va- ratives of Asian Americans. Stockton in 1963 to join his fa- cant Center was Jose Bernardo, She sets out to “rewrite the ther, Pablo Mabalon, and his who also happened to be one of dominant narrative of Asian brother, Tex. In Stockton, my its founders. He was distinctly American history, which has father could not find work as a proud to show us around the downplayed Filipina/o Ameri- doctor. He worked as a con- Center—describing how it was can community building to tractor every year from 1963 envisioned, the obstacles en- favor a male-centered, so- to 2005, when he passed away countered during its construc- journer narrative; and to ex- at the age of 80 during the as- tion and the challenges faced to amine the important local paragus harvest in April. He remain solvent. But most of all, communities, identities and in- typed out lists of his workers Bernardo was especially stitutions built by early immi- on his manual typewriter, cal- Fil-Am Veterans Band & Orchestra, Aala Park, July 4, 1946. pleased to inform us that their grants and investigate how culated payroll every week on Photo courtesy of Ben Acohido and eFIL Archives. 40-year old mortgage was they were constructed and his ancient adding machine about to be paid up, giving the changed over time.” and called his workers in the non-profit Associated Filipino But LMH really begins and beginning of the seasons to be Organizations of San Joaquin ends with Mabalon herself: ready for pruning and har- County, Inc. sole ownership of starting from her birth and vesting grapes, peaches and the Center. childhood memories of passing asparagus. So dedicated was While we were both fasci- time with “old-timers” at her my father to his crop, his crew nated and inspired by the sto- grandfather’s diner—the and to the Yamadas, the ries Bernardo told us about Lafayette Lunch Counter—to Japanese American farming Center’s formation, his chroni- the establishment of a “vibrant family for whom he worked for cle intrigued us for what he did community of hotels, pool four decades, that even when not say: There didn’t seem to halls, dance halls, restaurants, he fell suddenly ill at the as- be many Filipinos in the neigh- grocery stores, churches, union paragus packing shed and had borhood, so why was a Center halls and barbershops.” Her to be rushed to the hospital, he Protest march to save the original Ota Camp in Waipahu, ca. 1974. Photo courtesy of UHM Office of Multicultural Student Services and eFIL Archives. here? In fact, with the excep- heartwarming narrative contin- agonized about his workers tion of the elderly residents of ues with the tragic but fateful and the crop. When my father insult. He passed away in ipina/o community in the na- the Center’s housing complex, demolition of the same com- died several days later, some 2005, four years before Con- tion. Urban development and there didn't seem to be any munity, including the building of his workers grieved along- gress voted to issue a $15,000 highway construction had de- signs of anyone actually “liv- which had housed her grandfa- side my sister and me as if one-time payment to each eli- stroyed the beloved community ing” around the Center. The 10- ther's diner. We eventually end their own father had died.” gible Filipino veteran—a pay- of thousands of Filipinas/os in story complex seemed to stick with Mabalon’s desperate ef- This early passage not ment some felt was insulting in Stockton and obscured the his- out in a ghostly collection of forts to reclaim the vestiges of only recounts the memories of its implication that the veter- tory of Filipinas/os in Stockton low-rise commercial office what was once called, Stock- an observant daughter watch- ans were mercenaries instead for new residents and new im- spaces—a telltale sign that an ton’s Little Manila. ing her hard-working, dedi- of loyal soldiers who were migrants.” unwanted neighborhood was These personal memories cated and underemployed serving their Commonwealth For Mabalon, rewriting previously relocated. of Mabalon are situated in the father at work, it also reminds and country.” the dominant narrative of Fil- We knew Stockton had overarching historical context us of the complex interactions Mabalon also uses her ipinos in the U.S. is part of re- once served as a hub for Asian of Philippine-U.S. relations, with other Asian American own family history as authen- claiming and realizing the immigrant workers in central initiated by the U.S. coloniza- groups. Mabalon again returns tic illustrations of the negative memories of space. Through Californian, but the Center’s tion of the Philippines and its to a personal vignette to illus- effects of social relations, pub- the Little Manila Foundation, immediate neighborhood gave exploitation of cheap, avail- trate the disastrous effects of lic policy, and the urban re- Mabalon continues to raise no indication of any major able labor. The Filipino mi- post-WWII policy: newal destruction of Little public awareness of spaces presence, Filipino or otherwise. grant laborers’ experiences of “Receiving the worst post- Manila. They are stories that that once existed through Thanks to a recent book by San racism, discrimination and war benefit package were the easily resonant with many Fil- printed words and images, in- Francisco State University as- acts of violence would only be more than 250,000 Filipino ipino immigrant families and ternet blogs and commemora- sociate professor Dawn Bohu- tempered by their displace- veterans who had joined the to read them is to relive mo- tive events. In this way, new lano Mabalon, “Little Manila is ment toward the Japanese USAFFE in the Philippines, ments in our own life experi- spaces and memories are gen- in the Heart: The Making of the Americans during WWII. among them my father, ences. A final example of erated. In 2008, Mabalon and Filipina/o Community in Because Mabalon’s story Ernesto Mabalon. In 1946 these “moments” takes place others published “Filipinos in Stockton, California,” the puz- of Little Manila is framed by Congress passed the Rescis- as Mabalon brings herself into Stockton,” a collection of his- zle posed by Stockton’s Fil- her own personal history and sion Act, which declared that the narrative: torical images of the vibrant ipino Center Plaza’s oasis-like recollections, what has even- their service ‘shall not be “The remaining two blocs Filipino community which existence was explained. tually fallen victim to the deemed to be or to have been of Little Manila gradually de- had once occupied Stockton’s wrecking ball is not merely service in the military or na- cayed as the old-timers died Little Manila district. Opening Little Manila's Heart bricks, wooden frames and tional forces of the United and businesses closed. My “Little Manila is in the glass windows of a quaint States or any component grandfather sold the Lafayette Doing History Heart” (LMH) is the latest neighborhood—it is the col- thereof or any law of the Lunch Counter to another Fil- Mabalon’s account of Lit- among a wealth of books on or lected memory and identity of United States conferring right, ipina/o American family. A new tle Manila is personal history about Filipino Americans ap- a community and, signifi- privileges or benefits,’ even generation of Filipina/o Amer- writ large. LMH is compelling pearing just before and after the cantly, of Mabalon herself. though President Roosevelt icans—I count myself part of for its “eye-witness” coverage 2006—the commemoration of Some of the most poignant had promised them full equity this group—was born and of a community’s lifespan 100 years of Filipino migration passages in LMH are when with other veterans. My father, raised in Stockton with little or through documents, oral histo- to Hawaii and the U.S. Ma- Mabalon reveals herself as a veteran of the campaigns on no knowledge of the vibrant ries and Mabalon’s own recol- balon ambitiously sets out to narrator: the island of Panay, consid- urban landscape that had been lections. This “first-person” remedy the incomplete, erro- “My father, a medical ered the Rescission Act a deep home to the most populous Fil- (continued on page S3) SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S3

FEATURE FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 achieve reforms and change in Knights of Rizal Hold Initiation, government. He concluded his speech with the observation that the Spaniards buried Rizal Recognition Ceremonies without a coffin, making it By Serafin Colmenares Jr. Philippines would be like a easier and faster for his body century hence. to mix with the earth, fertiliz- he Knights of new members with the first Judge Baxa said Rizal’s ing it and giving birth to a free Rizal-Hawaii degree rank of Knight of Rizal ideas were practical and Philippines. Chapter held were Jeffrey de Mesa, protocol showed that Filipinos could In appreciation of his serv- initiation and officer of the Philippine Con- develop self-sustainable com- ice, the Chapter presented recognition cer- sulate General; Franz “Don- munities like in Dapitan dur- Judge Baxa with a copy of the T emonies on Oc- nie” Juan, a practicing lawyer ing his exile. He also book “Jose Rizal’s Legacy and tober 19, 2013 at the and CPA; and Gerhart Walch, expounded on Rizal’s patriot- Nation-Building,” a collection Philippine Consulate General. a local businessman. The new ism and love for his fellow Fil- of papers presented during the The ceremonies were part of members were given their first Guest speaker retired Judge Baxa ipinos—by proving that 4th Knights of Rizal U.S. Re- the organization’s objectives degree pins and certificates. spectively. The awards were Filipinos were not uncivilized gional Assembly held last year of expanding its membership Members of the initiating team given on behalf of the before the arrival of the in Honolulu. The book was and recognizing the work done were Villafuerte; Felipe Tan, Supreme Council by Serafin Spaniards, exposing the ex- co-edited by Liongson and by its members. chapter deputy commander; Colmenares Jr., area com- cesses of Spanish rule through Colmenares and published by The ceremony started with Darwin Arellano, chapter mander for Western USA, and his two novels, the “Noli” and the Knights of Rizal-Hawaii the entry of colors led by Jay chancellor; and Fernandez, Liongson. the “Fili,” and returning to the Chapter. Raymundo, Ryan Fernandez acting chapter pursuivant. Retired Circuit Court Philippines despite the dan- Closing remarks were de- and Florante Pumaras. This Two members of the chap- judge Artemio Baxa flew all gers that awaited him. Rizal livered by Tan and followed was followed by the singing of ter received their Distin- the way from Maui and was could have a life of comfort by photo opportunities for the the national and state anthems, guished Service Awards which the speaker. He delivered an and ease but instead chose knights, their ladies and and an invocation by Richard were awarded by the Supreme inspiring speech on the values martyrdom. guests. The event ended with Ancog, chapter chaplain. Council of the Order of the and principles of Dr. Jose Judge Baxa also discussed dinner and socialization. The Arnold Villafuerte, chapter Knights of Rizal based in Rizal as reflected in his life Rizal’s emphasis on the need next scheduled event of the commander, gave the wel- Manila. Past chapter com- and writings. He discussed for education and a strong Knights of Rizal-Hawaii come remarks, while Ray- manders Geminiano “Toy” Rizal’s view of the youth as moral compass as prerequi- Chapter will be the commem- mund Liongson, past chapter Arre and Clement Bautista re- the “fair hope of the mother- sites for political development. oration of Rizal’s death an- commander, served as the ceived the Distinguished Serv- land,” his high respect for Above all, he emphasized niversary to be held on emcee. i c e M e d a l a n d t h e women, and his being a vi- Rizal’s focus on peaceful December 29, 2013 as part of Initiated as the chapter’s Distinguished Service Star, re- sionary who foretold what the rather than violent means to FilCom Sunday. ■

BECOMING... (from page S2) but it is an important addition History Month. Now a City segregation in Hawaii that ex- tricia Antonio Brown, president approach produces an effortless to those narratives. Mabalon Councilmember, Manahan isted for Stockton’s Filipinos. of the Filipino-American His- empathy for Mabalon, an im- not only weaves a detailed maintains the hope Hawaii will For sure, Hawaii's Fil- torical Society of Hawaii mediacy highlighting both the story of a century of coloniza- recognize and appreciate the ipinos have experienced re- (FAHSOH), recognizes that, strengths and paradoxes of tion, racism and repression but legacy of Filipinos in Hawaii: pression and racism, and we “Published oral histories on writing history: we are often also one of opportunity, re- “Official recognition, hav- have not been immune to divi- Hawaii’s Filipinos are available left to ask the questions, What’s silience and resistance. ing something in the books, is sions within our own commu- at FAHSOH’s digital archive missing? Who wasn’t inter- Retelling the past, then, is important because it ensures nity. Sometimes, as evidenced website [efilarchives.org] and viewed? Did everyone agree? always a story of becoming. that future generations will be by the building of Waipahu’s at the University of Hawaii and What else was going on? Through LMH, Mabalon hopes able to commemorate and cel- Filipino Community Center, many State libraries.” How- Writing history and even to motivate and mobilize Fil- ebrate their heritage. Filipinos we overcame these divisions ever, Brown adds the caution, reporting news are inescapably ipino Americans, young and have made a positive and last- and momentarily acted to- “There are those who naively personal projects. This is true old, to take responsibility for ing impression not just here in gether; at other times, we’re believe we have collected whether it takes the form of their communities. Dissension Hawaii but all over the United still not so selfless. Nonethe- enough information about our- Thucydides’ “objective” chron- within a community can some- States. Filipino-American His- less, behind all these social selves—we have not done so icle of the Peloponnesian War, times be overcome to address a tory Month is a time to com- processes—good and bad, in- by any means. Some of our Francis Parkmans’ “subjective” common challenge, but even if memorate the contributions of ternal and external—are stories best stories are yet to be narration of his Oregon Trail everyone cannot come to a our ancestors and be proud of to be told. And this is what sep- shared.” expedition, or Dan Brown’s common agreement, if we act who we are and what we have arates Stockton’s Little Manila All history, like politics, is fanciful story of the Da Vinci responsibly in our separate done.” from ours—we lack stories. We local, and our story in Hawaii, code. History is always written paths, good things can result. Hawaii’s large and grow- are content with the contempo- irrespective of surface similar- from point of view, for a spe- Both Stockton’s Filipino Cen- ing Filipino population is di- rary, such that the story of our ities, is different from that of cific purpose and addressed to ter Plaza and Mabalon's Little verse and geographically becoming is often created with- Stockton’s Filipinos. Unfortu- a particular audience. In other Manila Foundation are good dispersed. Many of the former out reference to our past. As the nately, much of our history re- words, it is always filtered and things emerging from separate gathering places for Filipinos, dominant view of Hawaii per- mains untold. As Gina never complete. paths. which were also gathering petuates images of social cohe- Vergara-Bautista, an archivist Furthermore, a little appre- places for other segregated eth- sion and contentment (a.k.a. with the Hawaii State Archives, ciated truism is that, “history is Hawaii's “Little Manila”? nic groups, have largely disap- “Aloha Spirit”), we stand to reminds us, “No records, no not about the past but rather In 2008 then-State Repre- peared. Some neighborhoods lose the spaces and memories history. Our Filipino commu- about the present.” LMH may sentative Joey Manahan intro- on each island continue to have of the struggles and successes nity must collect, preserve and not “rewrite” the dominant nar- duced House Bill 3343 large Filipino populations, but that uniquely underlie our com- share their recollections of the ratives we read in schools or al- designating October as today, there is no longer the munities’ identity. past so future generations will ways hear in the mass media, Hawaii’s Filipino American same monolithic geographic On the need for stories, Pa- not forget.” ■ S4  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FILIPINOS... (from page S2) BOOK REViEW FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Bold Dreams, Uncommon Valor: spiration” for young Filipinos in Hawaii and back in the The Florentino Das Story homeland, valorizing heroes By Federico V. Magdalena, Ph.D. and role models. In fact we all need those. We like to hear t is rare for Hawaii sailed for Samar on a 25-horse- non-Filipino public. As the say- more Tinoy stories that exem- Filipinos to stum- power driven sailboat, Lady ing goes, an image conveys a plify values of hard work, bold ble upon a book on Timarau (a misspelling for thousand words. Photographs dreams and attempts at the im- an exemplary “tamaraw”), across the vast and and maps, though some are old possible. COVO also deserves kababayan (fellow forbidding Pacific Ocean. True and fading, nevertheless have I added vitality and meaning to special mention for this book Filipino), espe- enough, he is the most daring project, whose material would cially a seafarer. In fact, the Pinoy one could ever imagine. the Das narrative. have been left buried in obliv- publication of “The Florentino He was to cruise a distance of At the end of the road, ion in the archives. Das Story” is the first of its some 5,000 miles from Kewalo browsing this 100-page As in every written work, kind in this Island Paradise. Its Basin, in Honolulu Harbor, for odyssey of a run-of-the-mill the Das story suffers from voyaging saga antedates the 45 to 55 days. Yet, his boat was Waray leads one to ask ques- minor lapses or controversies Hōkūle‘a adventure among not equipped with modern tions. Would Florentino Das (e.g., p. 85 does not show the Polynesians. wherewithal of navigation merit a pedestal reserved for program that appears on p. 64, Filipinos are better known known today, except a primi- heroes? Is his untold story expressing words in Cebuano as entertainers or celebrities of tive compass. He would rely on worth a bibliophile’s time? rather than in the Waray lan- sort—pugilists, singers, the stars, birds’ flight and blow- The book’s merits lie in its After all, readers would know guage spoken by Das and some dancers, musicians, artists, ing of the wind. simplicity and easy reading. Its where Tinoy is coming blurry images or pages). But beauty queens, name it. Thus, a For his provisions, he six chapters and appendix con- from—like another person these are overshadowed by its text about Florentino Das is in brought 150 gallons of gaso- taining the voyager’s personal next door of humble begin- virtue. This little book is a must a class of its own. Reading it line, 35 gallons of fresh water, diary are seamlessly woven ning. Unlike known Warays read for all Filipinos, indeed! ■ brings a mix of joy and sad- four gallons of wine and four into a mosaic of how Flo- who descended from a favored ness, of pride and pity, of fam- quarts of whisky (heavy drink- rentino Das lived his life—sans class (remember Sumuroy, (Federico V. Magdalena, PhD., is ily life and disconnection from ing is a stereotype for a happy ending. Its prose is Abanador, Lukban, de associate director for the Center it, of conflict between love of Visayans), canned goods, veg- hewed to the ordinary man’s Veyra?). The authors of “The for Philippine Studies, University nation and selfishness. Origi- etables and meat to last 90 without esoteric, its beauty ex- Florentino Das Story” do not of Hawaii-Manoa. “Bold Dreams, nally meant as a biography of days. Experiencing engine uded by constant appeal to hu- pretend to know or provide an- Uncommon Valor: The Florentino Das Story” is written by Serafin Das, the authors crafted the trouble in deep waters, he manity. The authors are also swers to these questions. They P. Colmenares Jr., Cecilia D. book as a learning resource for stopped at Ponape (a Microne- able to connect the ordinary to admit nonetheless that Das’ Noble and Patricia E. Halagao. K-12 students to teach Filipino sian island close to Mindanao) something profound. They re- unique achievements are to be Copies are free while supplies last values and behaviors. The “Re- where he stayed for a month to late to readers of various per- judged more as a “personal but COVO will accept donations flections Questions” and “Ac- repair Lady Timarau. suasions, perhaps including the success” and a “source of in- of $10 per book). tivities” at the end of each He finally made it to Siar- chapter reveal this purpose. gao Island, on northern Min- FEATURE In the authors’ preface, danao, after 346 days of Das is a Visayan Waray from hardship, hunger and fatigue. Allen, Samar who came here Arriving home at last, he re- Fil-Am History Fest 2013 to in 1934 as a stow-away kid. ceived tremendous accolades agricultural use and for 19th cen- This is unusual. Most Fil- befitting a hero’s welcome. Feature Eskrima tury colonial warfare. In addi- tion, the prolific nature of the ipinos in Hawaii are Ilokanos, This was temporary, however. By Erwin Legaspi who came here to work as For some reason or another, he moro-moro/komedya plays, which utilized Filipino martial sakadas (laborers) in the sug- could not make it back to Hon- o commemorate arts in its stage fight scenes, also arcane and pineapple fields. olulu. His Hawaii patrons re- Filipino American helped to popularize the use of Tinoy, as he is fondly called neged on their promises, so he History Month in rattan as a ‘simulated blade’ in by family and friends, was stayed in the Philippines with Hawaii and as part of Fil-Am History the practice of the art. Later, atypical. He was a carpenter, barely enough to make a de- T Fest 2013, the Fil- postwar sporting competitions shipyard worker, mechanic, cent living. He remarried ipino-American Historical Soci- between various martial arts prize fighter inside the ring— there, his wife in Hawaii doing ety of Hawaii (FAHSOH) is clubs also added to the primary a jack of all trades. Back the same after a consented di- presenting “Filipino Martial Arts emphasis on rattan stick training home, he grew up in a small vorce to support their children. in Hawaii,” an exhibition and and competitions. fishing community. His father Meanwhile, Das’ health demonstration of eskrima—the Like Chinese kung fu, the was himself a fisherman who began to fail. A diabetic, he martial arts from the Philippines. phasizes heavy training in Filipino martial arts also are owned a paraw (sailboat) to turned completely blind. He Fil-Am History Fest 2013, weapons, particularly rattan known for having many differ- ferry passengers and cargo. died penniless at the young age which is part of the Filipino sticks and simulated steel train- ent regional styles and systems In Hawaii, he took a wife of 46. However, Tinoy is re- Community Center’s series “Fil- ing blades. However, it also em- of the art. In regards to weapons and raised a family with eight membered by a marker put up Com Sundays,” is scheduled for ploys hand–to-hand techniques fighting, it can be roughly di- children. Nostalgic, he wanted by the Congress of Visayan Or- Sunday, October 27, 2013 from and grappling methods. vided into three categories that to go home and see the family ganizations (COVO) at Ke- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Filipino martial arts differ are determined by fighting dis- he left behind. That started it walo Basin and by a lonely from many traditional Asian tance: long range (largo mano), all. He dreamed boldly to go plaque in Siargao where he A Brief Introduction to Eskrima fighting arts in the sense that it medium range (medyo), and solo, aboard a small boat he made his landing. At least, he The Filipino martial arts are teaches weapons first, then short range (corto). Largo mano himself built from scrap and received a 21-gun salute as the most commonly known by many hand-to-hand combat later. This can be characterized with a salvaged materials. hearse took his lifeless body to names, including arnis (de has to do primarily with the weapon length 30 inches or On May 14, 1955, he its final resting place. mano), kali and eskrima. It em- “ubiquitousness” of the bolo for (continued on page S6) SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S5

BOOK REViEW FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Jose Rizal’s Legacy and Nation-Building: A Book Review

By Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Raymund Cortes, drew atten- menares wrote the main intro- book entitled Mary Grace Ampil-Tirona of tion to what I will refer to as a duction and its first two pages “Jose Rizal’s the Philippine government’s consciousness gap when it include a headshot and basic Legacy and Na- Commission on Filipinos comes to the subject of Rizal bio of Rizal for readers who tion-Building” Overseas, the authors of the pa- and nation-building. On one know little about him. The sec- A was launched pers are University of Hawaii side are (relatively older) Fil- ond background is Dr. Belinda last month by the system professors and/or KOR ipinos who remain allegiant to Aquino’s “Rizal’s Vision: To Orders of the Knights of Rizal leaders. their country of birth and/or Build a Filipino Nation.” To lay (KOR), an organization that The paperback book is sur- have a strong consciousness of out Rizal’s idea of nation- was established by Philippine prisingly small, only 9”x 6” Rizal as the national hero of the building, she walks readers Republic Act 646 to serve as and about ¼ inches thick. Yet, Philippines. Most of the book’s through many passages from the bearer of Rizal’s teaching it is precisely the book’s lean authors fit this description. On Rizal’s writings and touch on and vanguard of his virtues. appearance that will make it the other side are Filipinos and his relevant activities, too. The book was published by the less intimidating to readers es- non-Filipinos who were raised The breadth of Rizal’s Hawaii Chapter of KOR and pecially in this social media and educated outside of the works can be sensed from Dr. edited by two of Hawaii’s more era. The book’s cover speaks book’s 127-plus pages, one is Philippines where nation- Liongson’s “Rizal’s Critical visible Filipino-American for itself and its spine will help automatically drawn to the building and heroes are not Consciousness and Nation community leaders—Dr. Ser- readers spot it easily from any pages containing the authors’ centered on the Philippines nor Building.” Encouraging critical afin “Jun” Colmenares Jr. and bookshelf. The selected papers photos and bios as well as Jose Rizal. Most of our sec- thinking and reflection on var- Dr. Raymund “Ray” Liongson. are presented along a pleasant quotes and replicas of Rizal’s ond- and third- generation di- ious topics, Liongson quotes It turns out that the book is rhythmic pattern—title of the signature. It was the appeal of a aspora Filipinos fit this latter Rizal on a wide range of 19th a compilation of the papers that paper, a quote from Rizal’s paper’s title, not their order in description. One of these century topics that resonate were read at the 4th USA Re- writings followed by an image the table of contents that book’s challenges is to be relat- with today’s socio-economic gional Assembly and Confer- of Rizal’s signature, main text, guided what I chose to read able if its contents are to instill and political issues. (e.g. edu- ence of KOR that was held references, photo of the author, first. Rizal’s legacy. cation, government, church, September 1-3, 2012 in Hon- name and brief bio. Two of the book’s authors, The book starts with two women, youth and more.) olulu. With the exception of In flipping through the Clement Bautista and Paul background papers. Dr. Col- (continued on page S6) S6  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

FEATURE FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013

FIL-aM hIStOry... (from page S4) more; medyo styles employ Fil-Am History montH weapons that are about 25-29 ctober is Filipino American History inches; and corto styles utilize weapons that are 24 inches or Month in Hawaii and the U.S. In 2008, less. Some systems favor one Othe State Legislature passed HB 3343 range, while others are a multi- HD1, which designated the entire month of Oc- style, composite—teaching all tober as “Filipino-American History Month.” The three ranges of combat. bill was introduced by then-State Representa- In regards to empty hand tive, now City Councilmember Joey Manahan, martial arts, the more popular and signed into law. To commemorate Filipino- styles and systems include: pangamut (hand techniques ob- American History Month, events have been tained from weapons move- planned throughout October, including the re- ments), panantukan (which maining: The history of the Filipino petitions in which many practi- often include Western boxing martial arts often excludes the tioners, fearing shame of defeat elements and training methods ● October 23 - 31, 2013 history of eskrima or kali in and the threat of having to close from eskrimadors that became UH-Manoa’s Center for Philippine Studies presents: Hawaii. The first eskrima down their respective schools, boxers), sikaran (indigenous Photo/Art Exhibit by Art Tibaldo & Dave Leprozo at schools in the U.S. actually chose to fight until they were se- k i c k i n g a r t s ) , a n d UH-Manoa’s Hamilton Library, 1st & 4th Floors opened in Hawaii before it be- riously maimed or killed. dumog/buno/gabbo (grappling). came a state, not on the main- The most well-known win- (continued on page S15) Some systems also include im- land as popularly believed. ner of such ‘death matches’ was ported elements from kuntao, Grandmaster Braulio Pedoy of a Visayan from Bantayan Island knowned for his ability with the Filipino martial arts that decolo- (A Southern Chinese kung fu Leyte, taught his ‘Derobio” style that immigrated to Kauai, named Filipino bullwhip), Richard nized the origins of the arts and style), silat, (and Indo-Malayan in the 1940s, to fellow plantation Floro Villabrille. Grandmaster Bustillo (Waipahu boxing remains a highly debated topic style with emphasis on throw- workers and brothers in his Villabrille had many notable alumni and Bruce Lee student) today among many Filipino mar- ing) and various Japanese mar- church, the Moncado Federation Hawaii students who became in- and Greg Lontayao. These tial artists. tial arts systems. of America. In addition, during ternationally well-known: Ben Hawaiianos helped to popularize Other masters of noteworthy the 1930s and 40s, there were Largusa (his successor), Eu- their system of kali and proposed mention include Raymond To- Eskrima in Hawaii highly publicized eskrima com- staquio “Snookie” Sanchez (re- a different alternate history of (continued on page S15) jOSE... (from page S5) have not read (or watched ing” and also knowing more work. Romero writes that Rizal the KOR and the community Depth can be found in Dr. movie versions of) Rizal’s nov- about “Pepay,” a compelling healed the sick, put up a have been challenged to Patricio Abinales’ “Simoun’s els. Abinales revisits the radi- female character in “El Filibus- sewage system and street light- process and reflect on Rizal’s IED: The Fili in the National- cal Rizal and suggests the need terismo.” ing, made a relief map, taught legacy with more honesty and ist’s Imagination” and Dr. Lilia to examine Rizal’s “El Filibus- Readers who can only han- children and more. Romero integrity. In “[Un]-Boxing Quindoza-Santiago’s “Rizal, terismo” more for this side of dle so much of rhetoric will be calls on readers to be like this Rizal’s Legacy,” Bautista chal- Women, and Nation.” These Rizal. Quindoza-Santiago pleased with two papers and Rizal and states, “Today, many lenges his fellow KOR mem- two papers examine characters, stimulates more thought about their calls for action. In his Filipinos venture into politics bers to reflect on its Code of plots, events and statements in women’s roles especially with paper entitled “In Every Fil- with the excuse that they want Ethics and begin to clarify Rizal’s two novels, “Letter to her statement that “Maria ipino, a Rizal!”, Mr. Reghis to serve. But look at Rizal, he what “love of country and the Young Women of Malolos” Clara, Rizal’s most famous and Romero II draws attention to a did not have to run for any of- people” and other codes really and other writings. most hyped woman character, Jose Rizal who used his exile fice or seek influence, yet, he mean in the context of a dias- Readers will likely struggle is overinterpreted or misinter- years in Dapitan as opportuni- was able to transform a com- pora community. In “The with analytical details if they preted.” She suggests “meet- ties for a variety of community munity into a progressive one.” Question of the Plural, and the In her paper entitled, Question of the Philippine piCTORiAl nEWS “Building the Imagined Na- State; Rizal and the Virtues of 2nd Pamana Art Exhibit Opens at Honolulu Hale tion…for…with…of the Dias- Diversity and Cultural Plural- pora (BIND)” Ampil-Tirona ism,” Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili refers to an enabling legisla- shatters the common belief City Councilmember tion—Republic Act 10006 or that Rizal was the author of Ron Menor delivers the the National Cultural Heritage the saying, “Ang taong ‘di welcoming remarks for the opening of the 2nd Law of 2009. The law provides magmahal sa sariling wika ay Annual Pamana Art Ex- for the establishment of a “Sen- higit pa sa hayop at hibit, which was held at tro Rizal” in Manila with satel- malansang isda.” The com- Honolulu Hale on Octo- lites in countries with large pelling reason for the truth lies ber 17, 2013. Dozens at- overseas Filipino communities in what almost all the authors tended this event which and also a virtual alternative. touched on and that is to pass featured works from 14 Filipino-American There is a call for action to on Rizal’s legacy to our youth. artists in various art search for venues and partners, Honolulu is a destination media. Artwork will be especially KORs. These cen- for national and international on display in the court- ters are envisioned to serve as conferences of all shapes, sizes yard through October vehicles for generating dias- and themes. Due to time or 31st. The 2nd Annual pora appreciation for Philip- money constraints, we often Pamana Art Exhibit is part of month-long ac- pine language, history, arts and pass up the opportunity to at- tivities held throughout more. She states that there is a tend these for intellectual October which has keen interest in forging a rela- growth and camaraderie. With- been designated as Fil- tionship between her office and out books like “Jose Rizal’s ipino-American History Honolulu’s own FilCom Cen- Legacy and Nation-Building”, Month. ter in Waipahu. the knowledge from these Finally, through this book, events can be lost forever. ■ SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S7

CAnDiD pERSpECTiVES FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Get to Know the last of the First her way to the mainland. They 80 year old man. American Filipinos met in the 30s and lived in the So that’s kind of good. But group-- the first American Fil- Colchester Hotel. As the family bad too. ipinos born in the states from grew, they kept adding rooms, Racism forced him to delay that initial wave of manongs and “37, 38, 39,” Gomez said aloud marrying a Filipina and starting By Emil Guillermo manangs immigrated to America as if he were reading the num- a family until after WWII. The ou can find Al in the 1920s and 1930s. Consid- bers on the doors. racism that hindered Filipino Robles immor- ering how the immigrant men As a kid, Gomez spoke Eng- families in the 20s, 30s and 40s t a l i z e d o n outnumbered women by greater lish and Cebuano. But his par- left us with a great American Fil- YouTube read- than 10-1 or more, and how Fil- ents realized being an American ipino void, a vast missing gener- ing his poetry. ipinos weren’t allowed to marry Filipino could be tough. When ation that will forever be lost. Y V i n c e outside their race, well, you do they saw him playing a coat That’s what makes those Gomez? He’s the math. hanger like a violin, they found- like Vince Gomez so special. still laying down the bass line at What kind of evolutionary Vince’s ticket out—music. He As we celebrate Filipino local clubs, and patrolling the odds did you beat if you were became a soloist in high school American History Month, they Vince Gomez foul line at the Giants AT&T born a pure Filipino kid in Amer- and reached his goal, a music are the survivors of a sociobio- park. ica? beat. “Al the poet?” he asked. scholarship to UOP in Stockton. logical phenomenon, the sons Both Robles and Gomez are It was so special Gomez told “He wrote a poem about my It was a time when Filipinos and daughters of the Filipinos American Filipinos, the last of a me San Francisco even had a mom. She was the ‘Biko’ lady,” weren’t allowed to live in certain who were able to plant the first few, and every last one of them Filipino children’s club. Gomez Gomez said referring to the neighborhoods near campus. seeds of American Filipinoness. needs a little love now. said the families where mostly in sweet rice desert his mom made Upon graduation, Gomez be- They aren’t immigrants, It’s a tad late for Robles, the San Francisco’s predominantly and sold at the community cen- came a public school music they’re born here. And if you poet and community activist African American Fillmore dis- ters to help put him through col- teacher, and conducted the pres- meet them, they likely won’t who never met a struggle he did- trict. Gomez grew up on the Em- lege at Stockton’s University of tigious state youth orchestra. have accents. They’ll be ages 70 n’t like. A housing and senior ad- barcadero, closer to the markets the Pacific. I see him often at the Giants and up. vocate, Robles died May 2, which attracted the Filipino veg- Gomez father Vincente game where he shags foul balls When you see them, give 2009. etable growers from the Central Gomez was from Ibajay, Aklan as a “Ball Dude.” them a hug for being so rare, so But if you see Gomez or Valley. The market was just a in the Visayan Islands. He came But he is always a reminder fine, so uniquely American Fil- others like him, please give them few blocks from Kearny Street, to America as a student. His of what I could have been. ipino.■ a hug. the strip known as Manilatown mother, Catalina Entero, was If it weren’t for racism, my In their 70s, 80s, and be- When I asked Gomez if he from Danao, Cebu. She was in father might have started a fam- EMIL GUILLERMO is an award yond, they make up a unique knew Robles, he didn’t miss a Hawaii as a Sakada, then found ily much sooner. And I’d be an winning journalist and commentator. S8  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S9

HEAlTH nEWS WOmEn’S HEAlTH 2013 S10  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

FilipinO ARTiSTS FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Ilocandia Exhibit on Display at UH Hamilton Library the ropes of the by HFC Staff Tibaldo, a filmmaker, is ter in February 2006, when he trade. His pho- coordinator of the Baguio participated in the “Exhibi- tographs were n celebration of Cinematique and point person tion of Customs & Creativity: published in the Filipino-Ameri- for Baguio City in its sister- The Arts of the Upland local weekly can History hood ties with Honolulu. He Philippines” in celebration of paper, the Mid- Month this Octo- received his bachelor of fine the Centennial of Philippine land Courier, ber, the Center for arts degree, majoring in paint- Migration to Hawaii. Tibaldo when he was I Philippine Studies ing, from the University of also co-founded the Eco- 14-15. He is still at the University of Hawaii- Santo Tomas in 1982 follow- Walk Program, that is now a contributing photographer Manoa is presenting “Ilocan- ing the conservative style of gaining popularity as a chil- for various national and local dia,” a photo & film renaissance artists. Subse- dren’s school in the forest, broadcast newspapers, and exhibition by David Leprozo, quently, he took courses in that teaches value formation did stringer work for foreign Jr., Kristian Leprozo and Art filmmaking at the UP Film for the environment. wire agencies, such as Tibaldo. The exhibit will be Center in Diliman, Quezon Leprozo, Jr., a multi- Reuters and European Press on display at UH Hamilton City and TV Program Produc- awarded photojournalist, will Agency. He has mounted Library, 1st & 4th Floors, tion in Okinawa, Japan. exhibit his photographic photo exhibits in different from October 22-31, 2013. Tibaldo honed his skills works depicting the lifestyles parts of the world. His son in photography and worked in and present day situation of Kristian will join him in this Baguio as a photojournalist Northern Philippines, where photo exhibit, featuring land- for The Weekly Highlander of most of the Filipino immi- scape images. Kristian was Roces Publishing. He served grants to Hawaii came from also raised in Baguio City, the Philippine government before the turn of the last cen- and has four years in digital Dave Leprozo, Jr. under five presidents as infor- tury. He was born and raised photography. Self-taught, he 8 pm. On Wednesday, Octo- mation officer of the Philip- in Baguio City and started specializes in professional ber 23, there will be an artists pine Information Agency and learning the art of photogra- portraits, weddings and stills, meet-and-greet reception at as a media specialist of the phy at age 12. and landscape photography. the Hamilton Library in Department of Trade and In- As a junior in high A welcome reception for Room 301 beginning at 4:30 dustry. He was visual ethnog- school, Leprozo started hang- the artists will be held at the pm. Films and lectures by rapher-in-residence and ing out with the masters of Philippine Consulate on Sun- both artists are scheduled for Art Tibaldo lecturer at the East-West Cen- photojournalism and learned day, October 20 from 5 pm to October 21, 22, 24 and 31.■ SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S11

All iDEAS COnSiDERED FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Filipino-American: A Hyphenated State-of-Wonder-and-Adventure? proclaimed for our recognition over the world. Marrying the Filipino beauty won the 2013 and benefit. To appreciate the Finnish beauty was news in Miss World Title in Bali, In- By Felino S. Tubera cultural meaning of this, we the universe, but that did not donesia. True, Megan Lynne can re-examine, analyze and make Hilario a Filipino- Young is of American-and- focus our attention at some American by any stretch. But Filipino blood, but chose to ow do you dis- vantage points of interest, if when the couple, after the represent the Philippines as till some cen- not from different perspec- whirlwind courtship, a brief Miss Philippines to the Miss turies' worth of tives, or slants, if you will, rel- wedding ceremony in Tokyo World contest and she won. history that we ative to the periods and events and coming to the Hawaiian Would you consider this as may generalize of time... asking questions Islands for their honeymoon, blimp or glitz in the Filipino- H as the Filipino- 2013 Ms. World Megan Young about ourselves in our so for- and touring the United States, American experience? Or a American experience? To ex- mulated, circumstantial Fil- ipino-life-image acquires a O Man! What a Filipino- signature world imprint with tract, if not to exhume relics Am image-make-up. facet or hue of the American American experience that was an American-Filipino graphic and artifacts from our past to In the geography of the portraiture: his culture. It for Hilario. It was a miniscule ink? That does not deny the fill a month-sized goblet of Filipino mind, where do his doesn't necessarily denote a of wonder of daring and ad- proof of historical circum- history? How do you weigh heart and spirit roam? In his geopolitical or legal status, venture in the heart and soul of stance: the Filipino-American and measure the distilled adventure to find himself, has like United States citizenship. the Filipino... whether he is in and/or American-Filipino link! essence to validate its value he found his identity and place More or less, it delineates a Sulu, or Kilauea or Timbuktu. And why should we for- and significance to the ethos, in the sun? Or even a roman- sense of place, if not the ab- But to the Filipino, the in- get the hard-to-believe daring the underlying character and tic corner for him in the land- stract notion of Filipino ac- gredient of American-ness to feat of the Waianae Filipino -- spirit of the hyphenated state scape of the American dream? climatization into the his/her name, sets his/her basic Florentino Das and his his- of being, viewed under the Filipino footprints are all over: American stream of con- mold as a historical model for tory-making sailing solo on lens of inquiry into this histor- downwind, upstream the river sciousness, thereby becoming the next generations of Fil- his self-made wooden boat, ical/ cultural relationship? of life on earth. With him, he a part of it. Your inborn Fil- ipinos becoming Filipino- Lady Timaraw, from Hawaii The presence of Filipinos carries his aspirations. His ipino-ness in the process of as- Americans -- writing a unique to the Philippines in 1955- in the continental United dreams are afloat in cyber- similation is enhanced, world-history-oriented experi- 1956? Yes, we have historical States as early as the 16th cen- space. The DNA-legacy of his enriched, if not altered by ence all their own. nuggets: true stories, hidden tury,[October 18, 1587] was earlier great-great-great- many ways and means, Expo- And there's transcendent from public view, some almost documented by Lorraine Ja- forbearers is etched with their sure to things different, learn- beauty in the Filipino-Ameri- forgotten: vignettes of price- cobs in her book, "Filipinos in hand marks of hard work and ing and practicing new skills can experience, here in Para- less, albeit of little known rar- California." Those Filipinos sacrifice. and trades, and adopting to dise. When Miss Hawaii ity that we must tag as were mariners and referred to And oh! we, -- 21st cen- your changing environment. Angela Perez Baraquio was heirloom pieces of memora- as "Luzones Indios." Fast for- tury Filipino-Americans, have Remember the Filipino crowned Miss America in bilia. For us to proactively en- ward to today, October 18, come a long way, yes, a long, businessman, Virgilio Hilario? 2001, she became the first Fil- sure their safety and 2013, and who are we? Fil- long way. For the better, again, He was Filipino but not Fil- ipino American, the first preservation. ipino-Americans? What is our yes, raring and daring to ipino-American even with my teacher and first Asian ever to Let this Filipino-American history? Or what have we achieve the best. loosely-applied definition. win the title/crown in the tal- Heritage month serve as the done to make history? Here, I'm using the term When he married the first ent and beauty pageant in At- ground level platform to We feel honored and "Filipino-American" loosely, Miss Universe, Armi Kuusela lantic City, New Jersey. showcase our history, making, proud that a Filipino-Ameri- but sparingly: to describe a in 1953, the go-getter -Fil- And just very recently, in building our body-history up- can History Month has been condition in which the Fil- ipino-image got splashed all reverse fashion: an American- ward from here. ■ FEATURE Filipino Filmmakers Accentuate 33rd Hawaii 20, 2013 in Honolulu and from International Film Festival October 24-27 on Kauai and by Linda Dela Cruz York Times in 2011. If his the Big Island. This year’s name sounds familiar, perhaps theme was “Celebrating a Cen- ou know what it’s because his story was also tury of Films in Hawaii.” your problem broadcasted on national TV on Actress Lovi Poe, GMA is? It’s that ABC News. Vargas led a career television personality and the you haven’t as a top-notch journalist with daughter of actor Fernando “Y seen enough the San Francisco Chronicle, Poe, was in Hawaii as she stars movies – all of Washington Post and Huffing- in two films in the festival— life’s riddles are answered in ton Post. His job is to report the “Thy Womb” and “If Only.” the movies.” – Comedian Steve truth while he lived with his Directors from the Philippines Martin own secret that he was hiding who were at screenings of their “Documented” is a film di- until the 2011 article. He is as films include Jerrold Tarog, di- rected by Pulitzer-prize win- an undocumented immigrant. through America as an immi- “Documented” is one of rector of “If Only;” Jason ning journalist Jose Antonio “Documented” is his about his gration reform advocate and several films with Filipino ties Laxamana, director of “The Vargas. He revealed that he is journey to America from the his re-connection with his mom that were featured at the 33rd Spider's Lair;” and Brillante an undocumented ‘illegal’ im- Philippines when he was 12 in whom he hadn’t seen in 20 Hawaii International Film Fes- Mendoza, director of “Thy migrant in an article in the New 1993, his introspective journey years. tival (HIFF) held October 10- (continued on page S15) S12  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

nEWS FEATURE FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 Fil-Am History to Be Taught Statewide by Joseph Pimentel joined the board. by future generations of Cali- “It’s about time,” Johnny fornians,” Bonta said. OS ANGELES – Itliong said to the Asian Jour- Under the legislation, mid- California Gover- nal. Johnny is Larry Itliong’s dle and high school students nor Jerry Brown son. “I’ve waited most of my from grade 7 to 12, will learn on Wednesday life for people to give my fa- about the roles of Fil-Ams and L signed legislation ther credit for his work. This is other immigrants in the farm that would incor- a dream come true.” worker movement. porate the inclusion of Filipino Johnny Itliong, who is in Dolores Huerta, a social American history in textbooks the process of writing a book justice and labor rights ac- statewide. about his father, said it’s im- tivist, spoke in support of the Brown signed AB 123, a portant for Filipino kids to bill in committee. bill introduced by Fil-Am As- learn about their history. “The students of Califor- semblymember Rob Bonta Most Fil-Ams don’t really nia need to learn that the sacri- (D-Alameda) earlier this year, taught in California schools,” gotten in mainstream history learn about the contributions fices made by both the which would require the State Bonta said in a statement. books and national media for of Filipinos in the farm worker Filipino and Latino workers Board of Education to include Bonta referenced Fil-Ams their contributions in the farm movement until they get into benefitted all Californians. AB the role of Fil- Ams in the Philip Vera Cruz and Larry worker movement that college. 123 will ensure that the history farm worker movement to the Itliong, who were among the sparked massive social change “By signing AB 123, Gov- is taught accurately,” Huerta state’s curriculum. “Delano Manongs” — first- in the 1960s and 1970s, said ernor Brown has made an un- said in a statement. “I am proud that Governor generation immigrants, who Bonta. precedented move to give Itliong said this legislation Brown recognizes the contri- helped found the Agricultural Historians say it was students a more complete ac- is only part of the recognition butions of Filipinos to the his- Workers Organizing Committee Itliong who spearheaded the count of California’s farm process for Filipinos. tory of our state and country before merging with Cesar 1960s farm worker movement, labor movement and ensure He hopes this will become by signing AB 123 and includ- Chavez’s United Farm Workers. coordinating strikes for better that these important leaders, a nationwide initiative and be ing them in the history and so- Cruz, Itliong and the De- wage and living conditions for such as Philip Vera Cruz and included in all textbooks. cial sciences curriculum lano Manongs are largely for- his colleagues before Chavez Larry Itliong are remembered (www.asianjournal.com) ■ Young Fil-Am Delivers Keynote Address on Project primarily responsi- (PMI). Edward is a former Management World Congress in Croatia ble for setting the leader of the IPMA Young Crew. ctober 2013 – to improving the overly com- company’s strategic direction The 27th IPMA World D u b r o v n i k , plex U.S. immigration system. in responding to systems inte- Congress in Dubrovnik is Croatia – Organ- The impacts of these drivers on grators and business develop- being organized by IPMA and izers and partici- developing business cases for ment requirements within the CAPM (the Croatian Associa- pants of the 27th future technology investments U.S. Federal Government. tion for Project Management – O and harnessing the power of www.capm.hr), with the Civil IPMA World Prior to joining Evolver, Mr. Congress on Project Manage- project management princi- Logan served in various senior Engineering Faculty of the Uni- ment were delighted to hear a ples/frameworks in this context and executive management versity of Zagreb dynamic keynote speech at will be discussed. He concluded roles for Merlin International, www.grad.unizg.hr, the Inter- the 2013 World Congress with summarizing the chal- ManTech International, Com- national Cost Engineering from Edward Logan, a for- lenges and opportunities in mov- puter Sciences Corporation, Council (ICEC) – mer Recipient of IPMA 2008 ing forward to deliver efficient Project Performance Corpora- www.icoste.org and the “Bal- Young Project Manager Edward Logan citizenship and immigration tion and Robbins-Gioia, LLC. tazar Adam Krčelić” College of Award in Rome, Italy. The Tesla of Croatia. services while reducing the cost Mr. Logan earned his un- Business and Management 27th IPMA World Congress, Logan delivered a keynote of future technology develop- dergraduate degree at Northern (www.vspu.hr ) as co-organiz- under the title “Finding Bal- presentation entitled “Public ment initiatives. Attendees of the Arizona University (NAU) and ers. The Chair of the 27th ance and Moving Forward,” Sector Project Management: conference learned that effective received both graduate degrees IPMA World Congress in was held from 30 September Finding a Balanced Approach in stakeholders management is one at the Elliot School of Interna- Dubrovnik is Mladen Radu- to 3 October 2013 at one of U.S: Immigration Reform while of the key success indicators of tional Affairs and School of jković. The congress program the most beautiful venues on Maximizing Technology Invest- project success and discovered Business, The George Washing- director is Mladen Vuko- the Adriatic Sea, the Valamar ments Moving Forward” He the vital role of project manage- ton University, Washington, DC. manovic. Founded in 1965 and Resort Babin Kuk in provided a brief overview of ment in US immigration reform. He also attended executive lead- registered in Switzerland, Inter- Dubrovnik, Croatia. Infor- how the technology investment Logan is a Filipino-Ameri- ership management programs at national Project Management m a t i o n a t selection process works within can living in Virginia, USA was Cornell University and Stanford Association (IPMA) is the old- http://www.ipma2013.hr/. the U.S. Citizen and Immigra- the youngest speaker ever in- University. Mr. Logan holds var- est global project management Other speakers include: Dr. tion Services (USCIS), a bureau vited to address the conference ious professional certifications professional organization. Trivedi Prajapati, Secretary of the U.S. Department of and currently serving as the and is a recipient of national IPMA is an international fed- for Performance Manage- Homeland Security (DHS), with Vice President for Evolver In- and international professional eration of more than 50 national ment of India, Vasquez Catin, a primary mission to secure corporated (Evolver), a well- awards. Mr. Logan is an active project management societies in former Finance Minister of America’s promise as a nation of established U.S. information member of the American Soci- Africa, Asia, Europe and the Panama, Mike Brown, for- immigrants. Logan also high- technology (IT) business with ety for the Advancement of Proj- Americas. The IPMA World mer head of PM center at lighted key legislative require- international experience in de- ect Management (asapm), Congress is one of the largest Rolls-Royce of UK and Gor- ments, business and political livering innovative solutions to International Project Manage- and most important gatherings dana Kovacevic, President drivers on immigration reform, customers in the public sector ment Association (IPMA) and of project management authori- and CEO of Ericsson Nikola and finding a balanced approach and commercial markets. He is Project Management Institute ties and leaders each year. ■ SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S13

COmmUniTY FORUm FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 COMMUNITY FORUM ON MINDANAW* *Note: Mindanaw is spelled here with a “w,” to reflect its indigenous roots and local tradition. However, by Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. the authors have decided to use Mindanao with an “ao” in their presentations, as it is more commonly with Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.; Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.; used in literary and academic circles. and Patricio Abinales, Ph.D. s part of the FilCom Sundays series, the Congress of Visayan Or- ganizations (COVO) and its member organization, Mindanaoans of Hawaii, sponsored “Glimpses of Mindanaw: Lumads, Muslims and Christians,” an educational and cultural program showcasing A Mindanao’s diverse cultures and history on August 25, 2013 at the Filipino Community Center. Part of this celebration was a panel discussion, “Understanding Mindanaw,” which attempted to educate or to raise the awareness of the local community on what Mindanao is truly like, historically and in light of current events.

The panel was organized Filipinos have a NATION in ipinos in general have been so- and moderated by Dr. Belinda the real sense of the term. I put cialized to look at Mindanao as Aquino, a political scientist and the term in capital letters to un- a sort of an "outlier" which has and how these have affected a part of MIMAROPA or currently professor emeritus at derscore the need to have this to be reined in as part of the the dynamics of the Mindanao southern Tagalog but culturally the School of Asian and Pacific sense of nation in our own un- "Republic of the Philippines" situation. Dr. Colmenares was and historically related to Studies, and founding director derstanding of our country, without understanding its di- formerly a Professor at the Sulu). of the Center for Philippine which is not just a geographi- versity as a unique part of the Mindanao State University in Today, its diverse popula- Studies at the University of cally defined piece of territory national territory. As a result, Marawi City and is now exec- tion comprises three communi- Hawaii at Manoa. The follow- in the Asia-Pacific region. misunderstanding, mistrust, utive director of the Office of ties: Muslims (also called ing is an abridged version of The critical question that miscommunication and other Language Access of the State Moros), settlers or Christian the presentations made during we will confront today on this negative "vibrations" exist of Hawaii. population, and Lumads(term the panel discussion. panel is the question: do we re- among various sectors of Fil- Dr. Patricio "Jojo" Abi- for 18 or so tribal groups). The ally have a Filipino Nation in ipino society, which have re- nales has a Ph.D. in Govern- largest are the settlers or Chris- understAndinG the true and functional sense of sulted in continuous violence, ment (Political Science) from tians at 75%, Muslims account mindAnAo the phrase? There is a big dis- fighting, even wars in the Cornell University and is cur- for 20%, and Lumads 5%. The (Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D.) tinction between a country that course of our early and con- rently Professor of Asian Stud- Muslims and Lumads are in- First of all, many thanks to has legal and political sover- temporary history as a "na- ies at the UH School of Pacific digenous to Mindanao until the the Filipino Community Center eignty, and a functioning com- tion." and Asian Studies. He has end of the 19th century, but for hosting this much-needed munity with a shared history, So I am proud to present written a lot of books and arti- large-scale migration from the special forum on Mindanao, customs, traditions, value sys- the members of the panel cles on Mindanao and related Visayas and Luzon tipped the one of our largest islands and tem or body of beliefs, com- today, who will speak in the topics too numerous to men- balance that slowly turned most vibrant regions in the mon goals, and so on. It is following order: tion. He combines history, pol- them into minorities. The de- Philippines. important that we develop a Dr. Federico Magdalena, itics, culture and society in his mographic change was attrib- I hope this is the beginning deeper understanding of the who has a Ph.D. in Sociology vibrant writings about Min- uted to colonial designs, of one of the FilCom Sunday basic conditions that make for a and is currently associate di- danao over time. Today, he especially during the American (or can be any day really) series functioning, productive and rector of the University of will present a case of the need occupation of Mindanao. devoted to learning our Filipino progressive society both in the Hawaii at Manoa Center for to integrate Mindanao history Mindanao today is a major Nation, which is especially local and international commu- Philippine Studies, will give us with the larger history of the contributor to Philippine econ- needed by our younger gener- nity. a broad overview of the history Philippine Nation. omy. It is the main or sole ations who were born in Amer- I believe that I have put to- of Mindanao as well as a com- source of many agricultural ex- ica because they need to know gether a distinguished panel of prehensive account of the vari- mindAnAo situAtioner ports, particularly fruits like ba- more about their ethnic ances- experts on the Philippines not ous issues implicated in the (Federico V. Magdalena, nanas, pineapples, durian and try as a way of strengthening only in an intellectual or theo- Mindanao situation, including Ph.D.) other products (coconuts, their cultural identity as Fil- retical sense but in other ways the peace negotiations that Mindanao is a land of so cacao, and sugar). In 2012 ipino-Americans. that are important to the dis- have been going on to arrive at many contrasts that perplexes Mindanao accounted for 60% And even for us who were cussion today, with particular some workable solutions. Dr. many people, Filipinos in- of the total Philippine agricul- born and raised in the Philip- reference on Mindanao and the Magdalena was a former Pro- cluded. As the second largest tural exports. It also hosts rich pines, we need to revisit or re- fundamental issues that have fessor and Director of Research island next to Luzon, it has 22 deposits of nickel, oil and natu- examine our roots from time to confronted it from time to time. at the Mindanao State Univer- million people or one-fourth of ral gas. time because it is easy to forget The members of the panel sity in Marawi City. Philippine population (92M) in The economic advantage them as we go further away today were all born and raised Dr. SerafinColmenares has 2010, with a land area of some of Mindanao is not new. In fact, from them as we were growing in various parts of the Philip- a Ph.D. in Political Science 100 sq. km. Geographically, it it has a peculiar social forma- up in the Philippines. pines but have acquired a broad from the University of Delhi in is as big as the State of Indiana, tion even before colonial peri- I say this with much pas- as well as deep understanding India and will address the topic its population is like Malaysia’s ods. Trading with its island sion because, while we recog- of the issues on Mindanao. of the political players and but much larger than Hawaii, neighbors (Brunei, Kaliman- nize that we have a country - I keep saying "issues" be- forces that have figured in the and over 100 countries tan, Sulawesi, etc.), particularly the Philippines- which is rela- cause Mindanao from Time so-called Mindanao conflict, (Netherlands, Portugal, Ireland, with the so-called Spice Islands tively easy to define geograph- One has always been seen by such as the MNLF, MILF, Abu etc.). Mindanao also includes centered on Maluku, was its ically, territorially, regionally, higher authorities like the Sayyaf, and the Philippine gov- other adjacent islands, such as unique signature. Natives from linguistically, ethnically and Philippine government and na- ernment itself.He will analyze Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Di- Maluku often called Mindanao from other perspectives, it is tional as well as local leaders as the ideological positions es- nagat, Camiguin, and Palawan as “Maluku Besar” (Great not always the case that we as a "problem" to be solved. Fil- poused by these various groups (latter island is administratively (continued on page S14) S14  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

COmmUniTY FORUm FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013

MINDaNaW... (from page S13) actors of the Mindanao drama, Moluccas). In 1570, Por- is a complicated terrain of net- tuguese navigators drew a map works, coalitions and political of Mindanao without Luzon or alignments with varying orien- Visayas to suggest that eco- tations and interests – these in- nomic importance. The advent clude NGOs, business groups, of colonial powers in the schools, churches, media, peo- Philippines would later regard ple’s organizations, etc. – and Mindanao’s trading practices include Muslims, Christians as anomalous – calling them Mindanaw Forum speakers: (L-R) Colmenares, Aquino, Magdalena, and Abinales and Lumads. While they are “piracy.” This label has re- constitutional arrangements their positions, while others re- methods, and the Bangsamoro the recipient of the brunt of the mained in current perceptions. that were made under her ad- main as “extras” or mere props Islamic Freedom Movement, conflict, they have been neg- It is unfortunate that many ministration were not accept- – voiceless, not necessarily by which split from the MILF fol- lected in the past, but given troubles in the Philippines are able to the MNLF. Talks with choice, or unheard – but lowing the latter’s decision to limited participation in the cur- associated with, or presumed to the MNLF continued and even- nonetheless forming an integral embrace autonomy. While rent negotiations as observers be Mindanao’s forte. But this tually bore fruit during Presi- part of the mosaic. there are several Moro armed or consultants. is a misreading of the whole dent Ramos’ administration in The players or political groups, by far the most signifi- (d) Among the foreign ac- situation, because the Muslims 1996 when, again through the forces currently at work in cant organizations in terms of tors involved in the Mindanao and their institutions are con- good offices of the OIC, a Final Mindanao may be grouped into numbers, military power and peace process is the Organiza- centrated onlyin central and Accord was forged to cover the the following: the Philippine ability to articulate a political tion of Islamic Conference western Mindanao, particularly full implementation of the government, the Moro armed agenda are the MNLF and the (OIC). In the past, Libya, and in the provinces of Lanaodel Tripoli Agreement. Elections groups, the civil society, the MILF. presently, Malaysia and In- Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi- were held and the Autonomous foreign actors, and the negoti- The original MNLF was donesia, have been involved in Tawi and Basilan. The rest of Region of Muslim Mindanao ating panels. led by NurMisuari; it was sec- mediating, providing good of- Mindanaoare relatively peace- (ARMM) came to be headed (a) Various administra- ular and secessionist in orienta- fices, or providing the site for ful and progressive. The cur- by NurMisuari, head of the tions of the Philippine govern- tion. It split into three in 1978 peace negotiations. The OIC rent peace talks between the MNLF, as governor. While the ment, as shown in the brief following the signing of the has also provided economic as- government and Moro Islamic MNLF leaders agreed to this overview of the Mindanao con- Tripoli Agreement – the MNLF sistance to Mindanao’s popula- Liberation Front, however, is arrangement, its breakaway flict above, have followed dif- (Reformist), the MNLF under tion. In addition, the Third now at its tail end. Its conclu- faction, the Moro Islamic Lib- ferent approaches to address Misuari, and the MILF. The Party Monitoring Team for the sion will definitely usher in eration Front (MILF), did not, the Mindanao issue since the MNLF (Reformist) later joined current ceasefire includes for- greater progress for Mindanao and proceeded with its goal of start of the secessionist move- the Corazon Aquino adminis- eigners – the chair is from Ire- and the rest of the country. The establishing an independent Is- ment in the 1970s. What can tration. The MNLF under Mis- land, while two of the UH Center for Philippine Stud- lamic state. Several negotia- be gleaned, though, is that al- uari agreed to an autonomous remaining four members repre- ies attempts to contribute its tions took place between the though there were attempts at a arrangement and he became sent international non-govern- share by partnering with Min- MILF and the Philippine gov- military solution, the Philippine governor of the Autonomous mental organizations. Finally, danao State University for a ernment amidst intermittent government is open to a nego- Region of Muslim Mindanao. the United States is also in- curricular project designed to fighting. Peace talks were sus- tiated political settlement. It, Due to internal issues, the volved, primarily with its on- hasten cross-cultural under- pended in early 2000, however, however, considered the terri- MNLF later split into three fac- going anti-terrorist Balikatan standing among students who when President Joseph Estrada torial integrity of the Philippine tions and Misuari was ousted. exercises with the Philippine claim to be Muslims, Lumads launched an all-out assault and republic as a non-negotiable His faction remains active in government, while Australia and Christians. overran all MILF camps in item, and has appeared to ad- the Sulu and Zamboanga areas, has given support to socio-eco- Mindanao. In response, the here to the grant of regional au- and was angered with the nomic development projects in mindAnAo: An overview MILF issued a call for jihad or tonomy as the political solution Philippine government’s deci- Mindanao. oF PoliticAl Forces At holy war. The war raged on to the problem. sion not to include him in the (e) The peace panels in the worK until February 2001 when (b) The Morosare made up ongoing peace talks with the ongoing talks are also impor- (Serafin P. Colmenares Jr., Estrada was replaced by Presi- of different groups, and it MILF. He went back to a se- tant actors, although they may Ph.D.) dent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would be a mistake to lump cessionist mode and declared be acting on behalf of the The current conflict in who immediately issued an them together into one and to the independence of a MILF and the Philippine gov- Mindanaw is an old one, dating “all-out peace” policy to rebel claim that dealing with one BangsamoroRepublik on Au- ernment. The Bangsamoro back to the Spanish and Amer- forces. Exploratory talks were means dealing with all. The gust 16, 2013 (a federated state Transition Commission, which ican periods. It erupted in the held in Kuala Lumpur resulting armed movement and its lead- composed of Mindanao, is tasked with formulating the early 1970s with the armed se- in an agreement with the MILF ership are divided along ideo- Palawan, Sabah and Sarawak). Bangsamoro Basic Law for a cessionist movement led by the for the holding of peace talks. logical and ethnic lines. Thus, The MILF was founded by new autonomous political en- Moro National Liberation Negotiations continued, lead- a settlement with the MNLF- the late HashimSalamatand is tity to be called “Bangsamoro,” Front (MNLF). In 1976, ing eventually to a ceasefire, a Reformist (which was auton- currently led by Al Haj Murad. will have a very important role through the auspices of the Or- Framework for Peace agree- omy-oriented and It was originally secessionist to play in the near future, grant- ganization of Islamic Confer- ment, and the ongoing peace Maranao-based) did not mean and Islamic in orientation. Fol- ing that the peace talks will end ence (OIC), the Tripoli talks between the MILF and a settlement with the MNLF lowing the destruction of its successfully. Agreement was arrived at with the Philippine government (which is secular in orientation “camps” or model Islamic There appears to be a a compromise agreement on under President Benigno III. and is Tausug-based), nor with communities as a result of growing commitment to arrive the grant of regional autonomy. Like the previous peace the MILF (which is Islamic in President Estrada’s all-out war, at a negotiated political settle- However, the consensus processes, the current one isa orientation and Maguindanao- the MILF became autonomy- ment to the Mindanao conflict. reached became untangled in complex process being played based). The picture is further oriented and entered into a There also appears to be an in- disputes over its interpretation out in many scenes and venues compounded by the Abu ceasefire agreement and peace creasing, but still limited, in- and brought forth new conflicts by a number of players, both Sayyaf, primarily of the Yakan talks with the current adminis- volvement of Mindanao civil over its implementation. Pres- local and foreign. Leading group, which claims to be aim- tration. society in the process. The ident Corazon Aquino revived players, and supporting ones, ing at an independent Islamic (c) Mindanao’s civil soci- Philippine government, how- talks with the MNLF but the keep changing, or shifting in state but is terroristic in its ety, considered as the “silent” (continued on page S15) SUPPLEMENT  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  S15

COmmUniTY FORUm FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 MINDaNaW... (from page S14) generally ignore them or if pride from these communities. were unsure and 15% opposed). as by Cebu, leaving very little if ever, has tended to negotiate forced to respond argue on the Muslims were only finally sub- And when the Moro Islamic not nothing for the people of the separately with each armed basis of the common colonial dued during the American Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s second biggest island. group, and thus, any accord experiences that all Filipinos colonial period by the latter’s largest armed Muslim separatist Combined, this political and they reach might be seen as ex- experienced. “We all suffered sheer firepower but also be- group in Mindanao, agreed to economic anomaly is a potent clusive and may not be accept- under the Spanish and then the cause by turn of the 20th cen- start peace talks with the Philip- issue that historians in Manila able to other groups. Americans and this is enough tury the existing states in pine government in early 2000, will have to address first before The attainment of a just, basis by which we see our- Muslim Mindanao – the sul- its chairman, the late Hashim they embark on crafting a uni- comprehensive and stable selves as Filipinos,” is the stan- tanates and the datuships – had Salamat, wrote to then Presi- fied national story. But I doubt peace in Mindanao lies in a dard response. considerably weakened. dent George W. Bush, to ask if this can be done. more integrative and participa- But to answer the questions But the Americans also did that the United States act as one tive negotiation process, one this way ironically also mar- one thing that allowed for Mus- of the mediators for the talks. oPen Forum that includes all groups in soci- ginalizes (or wishes away) the lim’s “anti-nationalist” senti- This was most unusual given The presentations were fol- ety. The presence of a number distinctiveness of the histories ments to persist. After defeating that the US under Bush is hated lowed by a very animated of actors in the Mindanao con- (plural) of the various commu- the Muslims, the American sol- all over the Islamic world for question-and-answer period. flict and the wisdom of past ex- nities of Mindanao when put diers became their public the invasions of Afghanistan Questions posed included why periences dictate this. alongside a national historical school teachers, district offi- and Iraq. Mindanao(or the Philippines) project. To do otherwise – to cers, mentors in governance, But it is not only Muslims was not made part of the tHe diFFiculty oF writinG force their local stories into the and, most important of all, close who feel that their stories will United States; whether Sabah mindAnAo into PHiliPPine national story and to show no allies in the Muslims’ dogged never fit national history-mak- is owned by the Sultan of Sulu History difference other than being ex- refusal to be integrated into the ing. Most Mindanao communi- and why the Philippines is not (Patricio N. Abinales, Ph.D.) ploited by imperialisms– will Philippine colonial territory. ties – including the children of actively pursuing the claim; What would Philippine only highlight the contradic- The end of US army rule and the post-war settlers from why and how did the lumads history look like if the historian tions between national and the Filipinization of the colonial Luzon and the Visayas – share and the Muslims become mi- were standing in Tawi-Tawi Is- local histories. government ended this short- the same economic grievances norities in their homeland; land, in the Sulu Archipelago, Consider the following: the term alliance, but the solidarity as the Muslims and lumad(the what was the impetus for the looking up towards the north? Muslims never saw themselves persists even up to this very non-Christian indigenous com- Visayan and Ilokano migration Or how would one write a na- as “inferior” to the Filipinos in day. This pro-Americanism munities) towards “imperial to Mindanao; and others. The tional history starting with the part because they believe their among Muslim communities Manila.” The continuing under- questions and the discussions various Muslims communities histories are longer than that of remain head strong such that in development and poverty of that were generated indicated a and continue with them as the the latter, but also because 2005, when Muslim communi- most of Mindanao had also surprisingly high degree of in- defining core of that narrative? when it comes to the first colo- ties were polled in regard to the been attributed by these groups terest in Mindanao and point to When asked these ques- nialism (Spain), they felt that visit of American troops to to (a) the apathy of Manila to- the need for increasing aware- tions, friends, colleagues and they were never really con- Mindanao under the Ba- wards Mindanao’s welfare, and ness and the holding of a more students based in Manila, and quered. In fact they kept the likatantraining program be- (b) the sucking out of Min- regular discussion series on is- who sincerely believe in the Spaniards and their Filipino al- tween the US and Philippine danao’s precious natural, min- sues not only about Mindanao “noble” effort to write a gen- lies constantly on the defen- militaries, 60% of Muslims eral and even human resources but the “Filipino nation” as a uine history of the Philippines sive. Here was one source of welcomed the idea (25 percent by the “imperial capital” as well whole. ■

FIL-aM hIStOry... (from page S6) FILIPINO FILMaKErS... (from page S11) Fil-Am History Month Womb” and “Lola.” Those mented secret turns into a that includes other UH film bosa, Frank Mamalias (both as- FAHSOH has invited six films are in Tagalog and they badge of purpose as he shares professionals. The award-win- sociated with Villabrille), and the local eskrima schools to present have English subtitles. his story. ning director just completed a husband and wife Maestro and their histories and demonstrate The HIFF also featured the The film takes place in horror film called “Sapi” Maestro combination in Mike their unique approaches to and talents of Hawaii-based Fil- Mountain View, California as about media coverage on para- and Joey Del Mar. practices of eskrima. The ipino short film makers who well as in Iowa, Alabama and normal activity and demonic Eskrima and kali also had a schools are Bandalan Doce are products of the University Florida where the San Fran- possession. His career history deep impact with other martial Pares Eskrima, Del Mar School arts systems that began in of Filipino Martial Arts, General of Hawaii-Manoa’s Academy cisco State University gradu- includes films such as “Ki- Hawaii and spread prolifically Ablen’s School of Derobio Es- for Creative Media. They in- ate travels the country openly natay” (2009) which earned internationally. Sensei Seishiro crima, the Hawaii Filipino Mar- clude Krystal Javier, director of as an undocumented immi- him the Best Director award at “Henry” Okazaki, founder of tial Arts School, the Hawaii “Not Until The Fat Lady grant. There are also scenes the Cannes Film Festival, Danzan Ryu JuJitsu and the first Organization of Pilipino Es- Sings” and Sherwin Acidera, from the Philippines where a “Captive” (2012) and “The Japanese martial artist to teach krima and Sinao Tjakalele. director of “Blueprints for camera crew filmed without Masseur” (Masahista 2005). non-Japanese in Hawaii, incor- The event is not a competi- Life.” him. “I like Mendoza’s film porated Filipino knife-fighting tion but meant to educate the “Authenticity is para- style very much because he techniques into his art. In addi- public and promote the ideals Vargas’ “Undocumented” mount,” Vargas explained. d o e s n ’ t h o l d b a c k t h e tion, Sijo Adriano Emperado, a and beliefs of eskrima. A brief Four years after coming to “There’s a distinct kind of ‘pre- punches,” says HIFF program- Filipino-Hawaiian from Palama discussion session will accom- America from the Philippines, sentness’ that writing—which ming coordinator Minette Fer- Settlement and one of the co- pany the demonstrations. Ad- at the age of 16, Vargas went to me is a more reflective form rer. “Whether the content is to founders of Kajukenbo (Amer- mission is free and open to the to get his driver’s license in of expression—cannot fully your liking or not, Mendoza ica’s first mixed martial art), also public. For more details on Fil- California. The Mountain duplicate. Frankly, I didn’t re- always views his subjects with took much influence from the Am History Fest 2013, contact View High School student was alize how broken I am until I an unflinching honesty that Filipino martial arts. Clement Bautista at 256-4380.■ turned away as the Depart- saw on film how broken my can sometimes be hard to ment of Motor Vehicles ad- mother is. The cost of our sep- watch, but creates a powerful FIL-aM hIStOry SIDEBar... (from page S6) ministrator told him his green aration did not become real and story.” ● October 27, 2013, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm card was a fake. That’s when urgent until I saw the mother I Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii pres- he learned the truth from his left when I was 12.” Featured Films ents “Fil-Am History Fest 2013: Filipino Martial Arts grandfather that he was un- Brillante Mendoza is the Films produced in the in Hawaii” at FilCom Center ■ documented. The knot in his featured panelist in a free dis- Philippines are emerging and stomach about his undocu- cussion “Filmmaker in Focus” (continued on page S16) S16  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  SUPPLEMENT

Fil-Am CiTiZEnSHip FilipinO AmERiCAn HiSTORY mOnTH 2013 FilCom Center Concludes Fall Citizenship Class by Maita Milallos who have chosen to be part of during their actual Hawaii to become citizens be- interviews. ast Saturday, Oc- cause we need them to be inte- One of the par- tober 12, 2013, 21 grated into the community,” she ticipants was Mari- participants com- says. “We want them to fully anita Borbon who pleted their citi- participate as citizens – to vote moved to Hawaii L zenship readiness and to influence the way how from Las Pinas in classes at the Fil- our state and country are run.” 2001. She is cur- As the second largest eth- rently preparing for ipino Community Center (Fil- Fall 2013 participants with volunteers from the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center Com) in Waipahu. nic group in Hawaii, Churma her second inter- The classes were con- notes that despite the large view which is scheduled for long time to file for naturaliza- through the initiative of then- ducted on five consecutive Sat- number of Filipinos and part- October 28. During her first at- tion, she replied: “I was so busy U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie urdays from September 14 to Filipinos, their voting records tempt on August 13, she failed working and supporting my and later sponsored by U.S. October 12. Co-sponsored by are small. to pass the written and oral family. But I now have the time Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Bow the Hawaii Immigrant Justice “Either they are not citi- exams. She recounted her dif- to file my application because Mun Chin, immigration Center of the Legal Aid Soci- zens or are not interested in ficulties in her applications. I work part-time. I want to be a lawyer from the Hawaii Immi- ety of Hawaii, the classes were what is going on in the com- “My daughter saw this U.S. citizen because I want to grant Justice Center says intended to assist Filipinos in munity. The Center’s intent is newspaper ad about the citi- vote. I want to have the rights classes were previously held at Hawaii become United States for them to be engaged in com- zenship classes and registered and benefits of an American the Capitol where they helped citizens. Topics included in- munity events and to contribute me,” Borbon says. “She wants citizen.” prepare participants to take the structions on filling out the to the improvement of the com- me to become a U.S. citizen so Before the last session citizenship exams. form for naturalization; review munity through community that it will be easier for me to wrapped up, USCIS officer “Citizenship classes were of civic questions; reading and building,” she says. travel to and from the Philip- Kutara reminded the partici- originally part of our legal writing exercises in English; pines. But I am 78 years old al- pants to carefully review their work but we now do it as pro overview of the naturalization Becoming a U.S. Citizen ready. It is quite a struggle for forms before submitting them. bono attorneys,” he says. “It’s process; and mock naturaliza- On the last day of the citi- me to study and remember Among the common mistakes great that the Filipino Com- tion interview. zenship class, Darlene Kutara, things for the civic exams.” are: not signing the forms, not munity Center has started it community relations officer at Bourbon, however, re- paying the appropriate fees, not here. Even though this is no Integrating Filipinos Into the the U.S. Citizenship & Immi- mains optimistic that she will filling out all the entries, for- longer one of our current proj- Community gration Services (USCIS), pro- perform better in her second in- getting to attach supporting ects, we still contribute and try According to FilCom pres- vided an overview of the terview. documents and not writing to help the Filipino Commu- ident Rose Churma, the classes application process. This was Another student is Imelda their addresses clearly. nity Center through the citi- are a way to meet the goal of followed by mock interviews Ruiz, who has two adult chil- zenship classes.” the Center, which is for Fil- conducted by volunteers from dren who are U.S. citizens. She Hawaii Immigrant Justice The 2013 fall participants ipino immigrants to be fully in- the Hawaii Immigrant Justice is from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Center were mostly Filipinos, except tegrated into the community. Center, which allowed partici- and moved to Hawaii in 1989. The citizenship classes for two from Serbia and Great “We want to encourage all pants to know what to expect When asked why it took her a began two to three years ago Britain.■

FILIPINO FILMaKErS... (from page S15) pio, Tanya Gomez, Jhong Hi- love with a woman who about a woman who tries to evolving. ings of jealousy. The film stars lario, and Ketchup Eusebio. nurses him back to health. He lure a Japanese man with a fake “It is a very exciting time Nora Aunor, Bembol Rocco, “If Only” (Sana Dati) was asks her to return with him to baby while her ex-boyfriend to be a filmmaker in the Philip- Mercedes Cabral and Lovi Poe. released this year and was di- his hometown but she says a watches. The film stars Eugene pines,” Ferrer adds. “The sto- Released in 2009, “Lola” rected by Jerrold Tarog. The curse will not allow her to Domingo, Yuki Matsuzaki, ries are shifting from poverty was also directed by Mendoza. film is about a girl who is to leave the forest. The movie Luis Alandy, Rico J. Puno and of the slums to different social The film is about two grand- marry an ambitious politician. stars Paulo Avelino, Mara Shamaine Buencamino. concerns such as corruption, mothers and their love for their The bride-to-be develops a re- Lopez, Ramona Rañeses, and “Not Until The Fat Lady immigration of their peoples, grandsons. Lola Sepas’s grand- lationship with the wedding Roy B. Dominguiano. Sings” was released this year and there are more intelligent son is killed by Lola Puring’s photographer who reminds her “The Spider’s Lair” and was directed by Krystal stories of romance without the grandson. Sepa has no money of a previous love. The film (Babagwa) was released this Javier. The short film is about melodrama.” and needs a bank loan to give stars Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, year and was written and di- a young girl who has body is- “Thy Womb” (Sina- her grandson a proper burial Benjamin Alves, Ria Garcia rected by Jason Paul Laxam- sues and is forced to confront pupunan) released in 2012, di- and to cover court costs. Puring and TJ Trinidad. ana. The film is about aspiring them when she attends a rected by Mendoza, is about a is devastated as her grandson No stranger to HIFF, di- actor Gary (Alex Vincent Med- friend’s debut. woman who wants to give her wastes his life away in jail since rector Alvin Yapin’s movie ina) whose manager Marney “Blueprints for Life” was husband a child. She’s had she also has no money to post “Dance of the Two Left Feet” (Joey Paras) gets him a role as released this year and was di- three miscarriages and is on a his bail. The two lolas meet in (Ang Sayaw Ng Dalawang the voice of a fake model on rected by Sherwin Acidera. It mission to find another woman court and although they don’t Kaliwang Paa) played in 2011. Facebook. The film also stars is a short film about the lead to bear a child for her husband. have money to accomplish their “Debosyon” was released this Alma Concepcion, Kiko Matos architect of the University of The couple also searches for a goals, it is their love for their re- year and is Yapin’s film about and Nico Antonio. Hawaii Cancer Center, who new wife for him. The night spective grandsons that deter- a man who wanders into the “Instant Mommy” was re- views the project in a new before the new marriage, the mines the outcome. The film forest and is injured while leased this year and was di- light when he learns he has man’s wife deals with her feel- stars Anita Linda, Rustica Car- picking orchids. He falls in rected by Leo Abaya. It is cancer. ■