APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

APRIL 6, 2019

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS CANDID PERSPECTIVES BCWW and HFH to Trump’s April Fools’ Present Molokai Presidency Community Health Fair

FEATURE Lauren Cabrera: Miss Philippines Hawaii 2019 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019

EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor t’s commonly said that happi- Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor ness is in the heart of the person Happy Easter to All Chona A. Montesines-Sonido who lives a balanced life – a Associate Editors ith a majority of Filipinos identifying them- life wherein the mind, the body, Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo selves as Roman Catholics – 81 percent in the and the spirit are nurtured. It’s Contributing Editor common each Spring for Fili- Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. Philippines and 65 percent Filipino-Amer- I Layout pino Catholics to spend more time and effort icans – Catholicism is deeply interwoven as Junggoi Peralta than normally to nurture their spirits during the both a religious and cultural part of the Filipi- Photography Lenten Season, which began on March 6 and W no identity, Tim Llena lasts until mid-April. Administrative Assistant Catholic religiosity is even more pronounced in the Philip- For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quina- Lilia Capalad pines. According to Pew Research Center’s 2015 Global Attitude bo writes about the Catholic tradition of Lent, a 40-days peri- Shalimar Pagulayan survey, 87 percent of Filipinos consider religion to be very im- od when Christians commemorate and reflect on the suffering, Columnists portant in their lives. Of the 40 countries surveyed, the Philip- death, and resurrection of Christ. He shares some of the popular Carlota Hufana Ader pines ranked 10th in religiosity. Emil Guillermo Lenten practices in the Philippines (Pabasa ng Pasyon, Senaku- Melissa Martin, Ph.D. It’s common for newly arrived immigrants from the Phil- lo, Penitensya) and interviews local Filipino Catholics who talk J.P. Orias ippines – where ever they might settle from Hawaii, to the U.S. about their fond memories of Lent growing up – how these prac- Pacita Saludes mainland, to Canada, to Europe or the Middle East – to seek and Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. tices (fasting, praying, attending Holy Week masses) have en- Charlie Sonido, M.D. find a sense of community at their nearest Catholic church. This is hanced their relationship with God, enhanced family cohesion, Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. a powerful indicator of what Filipinos value and the “space” they and enhanced their faith in the Catholic Church. Given that an Felino S. Tubera see themselves belonging in the world community. The Church overwhelming majority of Filipinos worldwide are Roman Cath- Contributing Writers represents spirituality, security, familiarity, and a special kind of olics, Catholicism is very much a part of the Filipino experience. Clement Bautista “community” that transcends race, politics or socio-economic sta- Edna Bautista, Ed.D. The cover story also describes how Filipinos are a vibrant and Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. tus. Some Filipino Catholics have described the Church as a place large presence in the Catholic Church in Hawaii. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. where they feel closest to God -- like a home away from home. For our first of two features this issue, HFC columnist Sen- Rose Churma eca Moraleda-Puguan contributes a feature on Miss Philippines Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Lent Hawaii 2019 Lauren Cabrera, who will be running in the Miss Fiedes Doctor Given Filipinos’ strong connection to their faith and Church, Hawaii Scholarship Pageant on June 15, 2019. Seneca writes that Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand it’s not surprising that many in our community continue to per- beauty pageants are not just about having a pretty face and perfect Amelia Jacang, M.D. body, but also about having a great mind and powerful advoca- Caroline Julian petuate long-held traditional practices of the Lenten season such Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. as fasting, praying and attending masses during Holy Week. cy. The 24-year old Cabrera certainly meets this criteria. Added to Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Many Hawaii Filipino Catholics talk about fond childhood this, she is a talented singer involved in theater and musicals. We Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos memories of Lenten practices; and their desire to pass on these wish Lauren Cabrera much success in the upcoming pageant and hope the Filipino community will come out to support her on June Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. traditions to their own children. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister 15 at the Hawaii Theater. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan We have a wonderful second feature this issue on writer-poet Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Filipinos role in the Church Elmer Omar Bascos Pizo who wrote “Our Shadows Behind Us,” Glenn Wakai In Hawaii, Filipinos are a large presence in the local Catholic Amado Yoro published by Bamboo Ridge Press. The title of his book alone is Church as active parishioners in their multiple Filipino Catholic Philippine Correspondent: evocative and universally relatable. HFC contributor Renelaine Clubs and as clergy with an active Office of Filipino Ministry. Pfister writes how Pizo, by accident (literally), got into writing. Greg Garcia Filipino priests – many who are recruited from the Philippines He survived a traumatic bus collision and at the recommendation Neighbor Island Correspondents: -- represent the largest ethnic group of priests in the state. of his doctor, Pizo started writing as a form of therapy. His book Big Island (Hilo and Kona)  In the U.S. mainland, Filipino priests are also well represent- is about his experiences in the Middle East where he saw labor Grace Larson Ditas Udani ed in the Catholic Church. In the Diocese of San Francisco, there Kauai abuses as well as poems on the immigrant experience. Pizzo has Millicent Washington are over 52 priests from the Philippines. lived in Ewa Beach for over 20 years. The public is invited to Maui Pope Francis appointed Auxiliary Bishop Oscar A. Solis of meet Pizo during two book launching events on April 25th and Christine Sabado Los Angeles to Bishop of Salt Lake City in Utah, making him the 27th. Get the details at www.bambooridge.com. Big Island Distributors  first Filipino to made a U.S. Bishop and to lead a U.S. Diocese. Also, be sure to read the latest in our news sections, calendar of Grace Larson Ditas Udani Kauai Distributors Tapping the Philippines (the third largest Catholic country in events, and regular columns. The Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls Amylou Aguinaldo the world, behind Brazil and Mexico) for personnel is a suitable fit, and Hawaii Filipino Healthcare are presenting the Molokai Com- Nestor Aguinaldo especially to serve in communities with large Filipino populations. munity Health Fair on May 4-5, 2019 at the Mitchell Pauole Com- Maui Distributor Archbishop of Manila and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s con- munity Center in Kaunakakai. There will be free health screenings Cecile Piros sideration as one of the frontrunners in the last conclave (meeting and consultations for attendees. The public is invited to this event. Molokai Distributor Lastly, HFC columnist Atty. Reuben S. Seguritan writes Maria Watanabe to determine the pope) was also a testament of the significant role Oahu Distributors Filipinos play in the Church. Cardinal Tagle, besides speaking his “Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2020,” which is Yoshimasa Kaneko native Tagalog, is fluent in Italian, English, and proficient in Span- about how foreign nationals in certain professions can attain a Jonathan Pagulayan ish, French and Latin (language proficiency is highly regarded in temporary visa to work in the U.S. if hired by a U.S. company. Advertising / Marketing Director consideration for the papacy). Tagle is rumored to be a possible See also the details in our ad of the Hawaii Filipino Chron- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido papal pick of the future and could be Asia’s first ever Pope. icle’s essay contest, which is being presented as a part of the Account Executives HFC’s 25th Anniversary celebration. Multiple cash prizes and Carlota Hufana Ader Church in the modern world gift cards will be awarded. The winning essay and excerpts of J.P. Orias runner-up essays will be published in the HFC. The deadline for Pope Francis and the Vatican itself admits to the challenges the submission of essays is June 1, 2019. Church faces in the modern world, in particular the glaring lack of Thank you to our loyal readers and advertisers for your con- leadership role women are allowed to have in the Church or the tinued support. Be sure to remind your family and friends that continued alienation of gay Catholics by conservative hardliners. the HFC is available online for free. Until next issue, warmest The growing secular-humanist movement that sees religion Aloha and Mabuhay! itself historically oppressive is also turning away Catholics born into the faith. Within Christianity itself, the Church faces competition as Catholics in the U.S. join Evangelical Protestant denominations. cause of dogmatic differences or leadership style of the Vati- Even within the Filipino community there is a drifting away can, but for many other reasons that have nothing to do with the from Catholicism through the generations, not necessarily be- Church. (continue on page 3) APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3 EDITORIALS

that experts say would have Teenagers Should Have a Say in Addressing the far-reaching consequences for and Isra Hirsi – are largely life on the planet. Urgency of Climate Change responsible for the organized top denying and teens throughout the na- delay is almost as dangerous as movement in the U.S. High School Activism, a the earth is tion, urges legislators to enact climate denial. Mixed Bag dying.” pro-climate legislation from “My generation has failed Scientists Warn While some governments This moving away from fossil fu- to respond properly to the The overwhelming con- and adults have been support- was the els and pushing for renewable, dramatic challenge of climate sensus in the scientific commu- ive of high school students “S message clean energy such as solar and change. This is deeply felt by nity is that climate change is taking action of their future youths around the world wind energy-alternatives. young people. No wonder they real. There is no denial debate and a better environment wanted to send lawmakers U.S. youth protestors are are angry.” there. Where gridlock remains (teenager Greta Thunberg has on March 15, as they skipped specifically calling on - Con is political, mainly one of jobs been nominated for the Nobel school to participate in one of gress to support the “Green How it all started loss from industries that harm Peace Prize), others have been the biggest environmental pro- New Deal” that aims to bol- College student activism the environment and replacing dismissive, even reject them tests in history. Tens of thou- ster jobs in a new eco-friendly has always been a long-stand- them with environmentally- taking time off from school to sands of youths in over 100 economy. ing tradition; but high school friendly sources of energy. protest. High school student countries, including hundreds In other parts of the world student activism is a unique While politicians and activists have been accused of of high schoolers in Hawaii, there were slightly varying sign of the times that has really industries weigh in on the being brainwashed, even used took to the streets, beat their demands. Students in India taken off when students from cost-benefits, scientists warn by environmental groups, as protest drums, and demanded demanded their government Parkland High School in Flor- that there isn’t enough time, if high school youths couldn’t action on climate policy. tackle the problem of air pol- ida passionately protested gun many projecting the world has arrive at informed opinions of Students expressed feel- lution levels, which according violence. about 12 years to limit global their own. ings of betrayal by older gen- to the World Health Organiza- The response students had warming or face irreparable Supporters say high school erations who they believe left tion, far exceeds safe levels. from the Parkland shootings, damage. The burning of fossil students are more than capa- the state of the world environ- In coastal cities along Eu- one of taking power into their fuels which emit carbon diox- ble of understanding the con- ment as fragile as it is today. rope, student protestors raised own hands, inspired 16-year- ide that traps heat in the atmo- sequences of environmental They’ve chanted: “Denial is concerned over rising sea lev- old Greta Thunberg from Swe- sphere is the primary concern. damage. Some governments not climate policy.” els due to climate change trig- den to hold her government The earth is warming like in Scotland, even allow Besides U.S. cities, stu- gered largely by greenhouse more accountable to climate by 1.8 degree Celsius since 16-year-olds to vote in some dents rallied in Japan, South gas emissions. change. She organized and lit a 2015 and is on track for an elections, and there is consid- Korea, the Philippines, most of United Nation’s Secretary fire among high school youths increase of 4 degrees Celsius (continue on page 6) Europe – basically in countries General Antonio Guterres, said around the in every continent. of the massive worldwide pro- world to To get an idea of how big tests: “These schoolchildren become cli- it was, in Brussels alone, over have grasped something that mate activ- 100,000 people protested; in seems to elude many of their ists. France, more than 80,000. elders. We are in a race for Three our lives, and we are losing. girls – Alex- What do students want? The window of opportunity is andria Villa- The U.S. Youth Climate closing – we no longer have sensor, Hav- Strike, a coalition of kids the luxury of time, and climate en Coleman,

(EDITORIALS: HAPPY EASTER TO ALL ....from page 2) Among them, a preference for inter- aries. The Catholic Church around faith spirituality; a need for families to border cities around the world ac- overwork (two jobs, multiple part-time tively assists migrants with food and jobs) in the modern economy that makes shelter; and puts pressure on local it difficult to be active in the Church; or governments to act humanly even simply the parent (usually matriarch) though migrants are undocumented. who led the family practicing Catholi- The nature of the world econ- cism had passed on and no one in the omy, that it is transnational, is a next generation has taken on that role to built-in system that fosters world lead religiously. migration. The Catholic Church is While the Catholic Church to some is more than relevant in dealing with painfully slow to change, there are many this modern crisis of migration that exemplary work it does that keep the will continue as long as global-mar- faithful loyal to the Church. The Catholic kets exist. The “universality” of the Church is a leader in the faith community Church remains arguably the most in helping migrants and immigrants. compelling attraction to the Church. Pope Francis has been the leading During the Lenten Season, Cath- world figure bringing attention to the olics come together and put matters plight of migrants around the world at a of the world aside. Catholics reflect time when immigrants worldwide face on the life, suffering, and resurrec- discrimination. The Church has taken tion of Jesus Christ. They reflect on upon itself to be the voice of migrants, God’s presence. reminding people that we are first one Happy Easter to all; and Cath- human race and our brothers and sisters’ olic Filipinos would like to remind keepers independent of political bound- the faithful that Christ is risen. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 COVER STORY Filipinos Carry on the Catholic Tradition of Lent By Edwin Quinabo

ent is the time of the year when I feel closest to God,” said Marline Corpuz, who grew up in the Roman Catholic faith and attends church regularly at Our Lady of Perpetual Help near her home in Ewa. When feeling nostalgic of the church her family attended “L in her youth, Corpuz drives miles into town to Saint John the Baptist in Kalihi for mass services. She says that nostalgia comes most often during the Lenten season and Holy Week because she is reminded of her deceased parents who taught her the value of going to that church where she learned many of the Lent traditions. This year Lent started on March 6 and concludes on April 18, just before Easter on April 21. For non-Catholics unfamiliar with what Lent is, it’s a time when Chris- school to college.” of Jesus’ death and resurrec- She says, “During the tion: the Senakulo is a stage or tians commemorate and reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Lenten season the rules of our street play that takes place in Jesus Christ. household were strict growing many barrios organized by lo- It lasts 40 days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy up. We could not make loud cal governments and sponsors; Week on Maundy Thursday. It ends just before Easter Sunday because the noises, no partying, and no and the Siete Palabras (the 40 days period is said to be a time of prayer, fasting, and preparation before music especially on Good Fri- reading of Christ’s last words) the celebrated resurrection of Christ on Easter. day. We could not shower after is broadcasted over radio and 3 p.m. There was less activity. television during Holy Week. “I have so many fond Friday, Black Saturday, and for humanity’s deliverance. We could only engage in activ- Holy Week is a big event memories of Lent that my fam- Easter Sunday. Special masses Rossi Peralta Patton, a ities related to the Church and in the Philippines. The older ily practiced,” said Corpuz. “In are available every day during Catholic from Ewa Beach, Lenten season.” boomer generation who grew the mornings, my mom would Holy Week. To Catholics, Eas- said she fasts the entire Holy Catholics believe the rea- up there say it was typical for light a long-stemmed candle ter is the bookend to Christ- Week and season of Lent, un- son behind inactivity and si- Catholics to take the entire that would burn down by mid- mas; and equal in importance. like some who only fast every lence is to quiet the mind and week off from work. Maundy day. The next morning, she’d Christmas celebrates the birth Friday during the 40 days. feel God’s presence. Thursday and Good Friday are light another one. Just after din- of Christ; Easter celebrates His “I also attend mass during still national holidays in the ner, we would have a moment resurrection. Holy Week, engage in person- Pabasa ng Pasyon Philippines. of silent prayer as a family. al and private conversations Corpuz said: “During Good Friday is not a na- “My mother would retire Fasting with God. I participate in the Lent there was always soft, tional holiday in the U.S.; but in the evenings saying the ro- Fasting or eating less (or Station of the Cross, attend sacred music playing at our it is a holiday in some states, sary before an altar in the cor- withholding from eating meats Ash Wednesday mass, and home of beautiful Latin Gre- including Hawaii. ner of her room where she’d on Fridays) is the most com- take part in the blessing of the gorian chants or the Pabasa ng have more candles, a crucifix, mon practice in observance of Eucharist,” she said. Pasyon, which is a chant, done Penitensya and a framed picture of Our Lent. Some Catholics expand “I was raised to practice, in the style of an epic poem By far the most intense and Lady of Perpetual Help. the concept of fasting of food follow and obey the rules of narrating the passion of Christ. dramatic practice during Lent “During Holy Week, she to giving up a vice of some- the Catholic Church. My coun- My mom had a special cassette is the penitensya or penance. would have fresh flowers on thing pleasurable. Catholics try, the Philippines, is predom- that featured the Pabasa na In the Philippines it often in- the altar.” believe the idea is to give up inantly Catholic and we are Pasyon chants in Ilokano. volves self-mortification of the Holy Week is comprised of something for 40 days that expected to follow these prac- “We all knew it was the flesh such as hitting oneself on Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, would cause a degree of suffer- tices and values of our reli- Lenten season when she’d bring the back with leather straps or Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednes- ing to remind the faithful how gion. In our schools, religion is out that cassette,” she said. crawling, lying down, or walk- day, Maundy Thursday, Good Christ had willingly suffered a required subject, from grade The Pabasa ng Pasyon in ing barefooted on the hot pave- the Philippines is often done ment or concrete where these live in groups. People would devotional practices take place. take turns reading. On occa- Penitents undertake these sion, it is chanted, acapella, in severe acts as a way to ask for a very solemn, mournful way. forgiveness for their sins or to Usually, the person with the express gratitude. The ultimate best voice would sing the part act of penitensya is the actu- of the narrator. al crucifixion of three chosen The entire narration is a penitents. serious reenactment of Christ’s The Catholic Church in the last days on Earth done with Philippines discourages physi- simple musical artistry. cal penance and views these physical self-harming acts as Senakulo and Siete Palabras superstitious expressions of In the Philippines, there folk Catholicism.

are several other reenactments (continue on page 4) APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5 COVER STORY (from page 4) The most popular Peniten- joined the Church. I was raised a native of San Jose City, Nue- “During the Lenten season the sya reenactment of Christ’s a Christian Protestant but re- va Ecija, Philippines. crucifixion takes place every ligion was not a major part of rules of our household were strict Good Friday in the Barangay my life until I joined the Cath- How it all started growing up. We could not make San Pedro in San Fernando, olic Church,” said Salvador. Catholicism took root in loud noises, no partying, and no Pampanga, Philippines. It’s an Her children were baptized the Philippines in the early event known worldwide be- Catholic, attended Sunday 16th century when Spanish music especially on Good Friday. cause of its extreme devotion. school, and received their sac- missionaries and colonists We could not shower after 3 p.m. rament of confirmation. “I saw brought over their religion, be- There were less activity. We could Salubong and appreciated the religious ginning in Cebu. The solemn ritual practic- values of my husband. Some Fray Alfonso Jimenez, only engage in activities related to es end on Good Friday; and of them are Filipino values, known as the first apostle of the Church and Lenten season.” starting the next day (in the too. For me, the two – Catho- the region, had travelled the U.S. Easter mass begins on lic values and Filipino values Camarines region through the — Rossi Peralta Patton Saturday) Easter celebrations – kind of overlap. I wanted islands of Masbate, Leyte, Sa- take on a completely different to pass those same values on mar and Burias, Philippines. was to convert the nobility, the Season the way we adults are mood, to one of light-hearted to my children since they are Eventually, Catholicism datus, lakans, rajahs, sultans accustomed to.” jubilance. half-Filipino,” she said. landed on the main island of (indigenous community lead- The conversion to evan- Easter ritual celebrations In Hawaii, there are many Luzon and the first Catholic ers) and their children. Cath- gelical Protestant, embrace that mark the resurrection of Filipino Catholic clubs under church was founded in Manila. olic missionaries established of interfaith spiritualism, and Christ can be found across the the umbrella organization Di- Evangelization spread north to schools where they’d teach preference for a more human- Philippines from big cities to ocesan Congress of Filipino the Ilocos, starting with Vigan. Catholicism and the Spanish ist-secular world – have all small towns. One of the most Catholic Clubs (DCFCC). The missionaries – mostly language to the children of contributed to a drifting away popular Easter processions is There is also an Office for Augustinians, Franciscans and nobility; then later Catholic from the Catholic Church and called the Salubong that de- Filipino Ministries that assists Jesuits – chronicled that the schools were extended to the Catholic practices. picts the end of suffering by in bringing over priests from most difficult obstacle in their general population. Families who remain the removal of a black veil the Philippines to work in Ha- evangelization was the many Catholic often mention when over the statue Mary. waii. It was founded by Father varieties of languages and dia- Carrying on tradition the matriarch of a family pass- In many Catholic churches Henry Benedict Sabog, the lects throughout the Philippines. Pope Francis said during es on, it’s not too uncommon around the world, the crucifix first priest of Filipino ancestry Prior to the arrival of Ca- his historic visit to the Philip- that religious practices grad- (main cross behind the altar) ordained in Hawaii in 1960. tholicism, Filipinos (who were pines in 2015: “Filipinos ev- ually slide along with regu- is covered with a purple drape Today, at any given time not called Filipinos back then) erywhere are known for their lar church attendance. Many throughout Lent then unveiled there are between 30-50 priests held a variety of polytheistic love of God, their fervent pi- Catholics today admit to going on Easter, symbolizing the res- of Filipino ancestry working in beliefs and localized forms of ety and their warm devotion to to church only on Christmas urrection. Fresh flowers adorn the state, the highest number Buddhism, Hinduism and Is- Our Lady and her rosary. This and Holy Week. the churches on Easter, pro- among ethnic groups. lam, mixed in with Animism. great heritage contains a pow- Then there are still many vided by the church and also On the mainland, Pope Monotheism was also present erful missionary potential.” others steadfast to the faith. brought in by parishioners. Francis named Auxiliary Bish- in pre-conquest Philippines; The heritage of being Cath- “As a Catholic, we observe op Oscar Solis of Los Angeles some Filipinos worshipped olic is one part of being Filipi- the practices and guidelines of Catholicism and Filipinos as bishop of Salt Lake City in Bathala, who was considered no, among many other inherit- the Roman Catholic Church, A majority of Filipinos are Utah. Solis is the first Filipino the creator deity. ed aspects of “Filipinoness.” mandated not only by the baptized as Catholics. The Phil- to lead a U.S. diocese. In time, Bathala was re- Patton says “there are so Church but also by Pope Paul ippines is the largest Christian “It is a tremendous blessing placed by the Catholic-Chris- many changes in our Church. IV. I am proud to say that country in Asia and is the third and a responsibility and a priv- tian God; and the many ani- Values have been taken for my children and grandchil- largest Catholic country, behind ilege to be of service to the lo- mist spirit gods were replaced granted and old practices are dren have been raised with Brazil and Mexico. The U.S. is cal church in the United States with the pantheon of saints of no longer being observed by the same values and respect I the country with the fourth-larg- of America, coming from the the Catholic Church. some. The younger genera- gained from my parents,” said est Catholic population. Philippines,” said Bishop Solis, An evangelizing strategy tion do not observe the Lenten Patton. About 81 percent of Filipi- nos in the Philippines or about 76 million are Catholics. The percentage of Filipino-Ameri- can Catholics is slightly lower at 65 percent. In Hawaii, about 263,000 or 19.8 percent of the popula- tion are Catholic. There is no official number of how many of these Hawaii Catholics are Filipinos, but their large pres- ence at every Catholic church in the state is undeniable. Kelly Salvador of Pearl City, a Japanese who married a Filipino Catholic, converted to the faith so that her two daugh- ters could be raised Catholic. “It was important for us to attend church as a fami- ly, which is the main reason I 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 OPEN FORUM The HDOT was awarded $4 million from the Feder- HDOT’s Vehicle Miles Traveled Proposal al Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct a public Is Unfair to the People of West Oahu demonstration of a road usage charge system. By Rep. Cedric Asuega Gates The HDOT is looking Wai‘anae coast would have ways and bridges. As part of the study, driv- (Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua, Māʻili) into the concept of a road us- to pay the highest fees for this Another issue I object to ers can provide their feed- age charge system to generate new road usage charge system. in the proposal is that it cre- back, questions, and concerns am urging West more funds for road mainte- The state’s VMT plan ates a lump sum charge. to transportation officials at Oʻahu residents to nance. I want to clarify that would end a fuel tax of 16 cents Sixteen cents distributed public meetings. For more make their voices I am against this road usage a gallon on drivers and instead over each gallon is more man- information and communi- heard at two up- charge system. The road usage charge them on how much they ageable than a fee of hundreds ty meeting locations go to coming meetings charge system would charge drive. The state says because of dollars you would have to https://hiruc.org/. I about the pro- individuals a tax that would there is less revenue coming pay at once, especially with the Oʻahu Meetings: posed Vehicle Miles Traveled correspond with how many in as more electric vehicles use current cost of living. II support • April 16 (location TBA, (VMT) initiative being conduct- miles they drive each year. the roads, an alternative way to the intent of trying to balance the check hiruc.org) ed by the Hawaiʻi Department Because they drive so far ev- collect money must be found to deficit in funding for our roads, • April 17 (location TBA, of Transportation (HDOT). ery day, the residents of the help fund the upkeep of road- but this is not the way to do it.” check hiruc.org) HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

toc, MD, Tim Llena, Benilda BCWW and Hawaii Filipino Healthcare to Present Luz-Llena, MD, Imelda Joa- Kalaupapa. quin, Nicanor Joaquin, MD, Molokai Community Health Fair For more information, call Edgay Manuel, MD APRN, he Bayanihan Clinic Aiona Street, Kaunakakai, on consultations. Tips on incorpo- BCWW at 888-674-7624 or JP Orias, Christopher Regala, Without Walls (BCWW) Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, rating healthy diet will also be visit www.bayanihanclinicw- MD, Ross Simafranca, MD, and Hawaii Filipino 2019. available. whawaii.org; or call MFCC Charlie Y. Sonido, MD, Chona T Sonido, Russell Tacata, MD, Healthcare, in cooperation with Free medical and dental President Benito Piros at (808) the Molokai Filipino Com- services will be offered, in- Planned events: 553-5735. Arnold Villafuerte, MD, Dory munity Council (MFCC) will cluding osteoporosis screen- May 4, Saturday, 6 p.m.- BCWW volunteers in- Villafuerte. present the Molokai Commu- ing, physical therapy, mental 9:00 p.m. – Town Hall Health clude: Elizabeth Abinsay, MD, Bayanihan Clinic Without nity Health Fair at the Mitchell health, spirometry, hyperten- Lectures and Q&A, Karaoke, Ding Adora, Maria Adora, Walls is a non-profit organi- Pauole Community Center, 90 sion, diabetes, and cholesterol light pupus; DMD, Vernon Ansdell, MD, zation dedicated to providing May 5, Sunday, 8 a.m. – Josephine Waite-Ansdell, MD, free medical and dental ser- 12 noon, Community Health Carolina Davide, MD, Jay vices to the uninsured, under- Fair, free consultations; 1 Flores, DPT, Sorbella Guill- insured, indigent and immi- p.m. -3 p.m. Mini Health Fair, ermo, MD, Perlita Lampi- grant communities. SSA Warns Public of Phone Scam he Social Security Ad- can always get the caller’s in- ministration (SSA) and formation, hang up, and con- Tits Office of the Inspec- tact the official phone number tor General (OIG) warns the of the business or agency the public of people falsely claim- caller claims to represent. Do ing to be Social Security em- not reveal personal data to a ployees in a fraudulent phone stranger who calls you.” scam. Social Security employ- The SSA says calls can ees do occasionally contact even “spoof” Social Securi- people--generally those who ty’s national customer service have ongoing business with number as the incoming num- formation to unknown people the agency--by telephone for ber on the caller ID. over the phone or Internet,” business purposes. Howev- “We urge you to always said Nancy A. Berryhill, Act- er, Social Security employees be cautious and to avoid pro- ing Commissioner of Social will never threaten a person or viding sensitive information Security. “If you receive a call promise a Social Security ben- such as your Social Security and are not expecting one, you efit approval, or increase, in number or bank account in- must be extra careful – you exchange for information.

(EDITORIALS: TEENAGERS SHOULD ....from page 3) eration for them to vote in all issues, as well as for the entire change policies must be ad- elections throughout the Unit- Millennial generation. opted. ed Kingdom. Since Parkland, high It makes logical sense that While there is no talk of schoolers are more invested teenagers, more than any oth- lowing the voting age to 16 in their future and taking a er generation, ought to be con- years old in the U.S., soon stand. Their age shouldn’t be cerned for the environment enough they will be voting – and a distraction from the impor- since they are the very ones it’s clear that climate change is tance of the issues they raise who will be most effected by high among their priorities of --- in this case, that climate climate change in the future. APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Trump’s April Fools’ Presidency Now that is called an supposed to happen in a de- from Trump this week, here’s “April Fools’ Joke.” mocracy. another: It’s satirical, and even In the college admissions Donald Trump propos- plausible on how the president, case, rich people didn’t think es to tear down the Statue of our narcissist- in-chief, during twice about paying hundreds Liberty and replace it with his By Emil Guillermo his morning cable news view- of thousands in bribes for ad- own tower-size likeness hold- re we passed ing time, might think of an im- vantages they didn’t deserve. ing a gigantic tiki-torch. “We April 1st? portant Supreme Court issue They just felt wealth en- don’t need any huddled mass- Doesn’t matter. while doodling on scrap paper titled them. Among the enti- es coming to our country. I am It’s been two made up of last year’s budget. tled, at least one named Asian the American Scarecrow.” years and it’s And at least 30 percent of American businessman in Cal- See, too real to be an April A still hard to tell the U.S. would believe in it. ifornia. Fools’ joke. the jokes from the policy ideas. I’ve always seen April El Prez has normalized And how is any of that And at least 30 percent of Donald Trump has pro- Fools’ Day as a satirist’s na- the outrageous. He’s made ev- linked to Trump? Well, he our country would think it’s posed a new redistricting idea tional holiday. A time for joc- erything plausible now. Trump is the self-serving, self-pro- true and be all for it. to have Congressional districts ular jesting. siding with Putin over his own claimed billionaire who is That’s the problem when carved out in the shape of his Or it used to be. No more. intelligence agency? the leader of the free world. our leader is the most truth silhouette—the actual outline The last two years, Don- That was in the summer. He sets the ethical and moral challenged president ever, of his full body profile to scale. ald Trump has stolen April Look at the Trump Twitter tone of the country, leading according to the Washington “I was doodling on some Fools’ Day from journos in feed on Sunday: “Our deten- by example, with friends like Post’s Fact-Checker. When- scrap paper–last year’s budget need of a laugh. He’s branded tion areas are maxed out and the convicted campaign chair ever he tweets or opens his I think–and as I drew myself, the mainstream media and all we will take no more illegals. Paul Manafort and personal mouth, we’re ready to be I thought I saw the future of those who disagree with him Next step is to close the Bor- attorney Michael Cohen. And shocked. North Carolina,” Trump tweet- as “fake news.” He’s called der!” yet despite all the investiga- It’s what we’ve come to ed in response to the Supreme the media, society’s tradition- Close the border? In the tions still in the offing from expect from the man who Court hearing on partisan re- al fourth estate, “the enemy of past, a president would be the Southern District of New never really expected to win a districting cases in Maryland the people.” It’s reported to be more circumspect and re- York, Trump continues to see real election and govern. All and North Carolina that will the Trump campaign theme. strained before making such a himself above the law. He Trump rally wanted was to be decided in June. He’s even threatened the free statement. spins the biased-Barr conclu- make his hotel deals and be- “Now it should be my full speech rights of shows like All too real now. sions of the Mueller report as come the famous man in the body, not just the head, that’s “Saturday Night Live.” All Add to all that the real if he’s totally exonerated. world. Democracy was his re- too small,” Trump added. while putting out his own news news occurrences. What he should say is “I ality show. “The head we’ll add to Mount through his chosen right-wing Fox News refers to Central benefitted from Russia -hack With that low standard, Rushmore eventually. But this conspirators. American countries as “Three ing our election! Hooray!” the joke is really on us, and is better, especially for 2020. It’s taken the gentle humor Mexican Countries”? Ha-ha? It does give us the sense of our leader is the ultimate April We won’t need to see if a state of April Fools out of the day. But it really happened this America under Trump where Fool. is blue or red anymore. We can But what the heck, here’s weekend on the official propa- our values of what’s true or instantly tell by the political another one for you. ganda tool of the White House. ethical are so totally out of EMIL GUILLERMO is a vet- landscape, how many Trump- eran journalist and commentator. Mueller Report to be re- Does Fox or Trump still think whack we’re getting used to He was on the editorial board of lines there are in the entire leased in mid-April to Con- of the Philippines as one of the news shocks. the Honolulu Advertiser, and a country of my fast-food body. gress and American public America’s countries? So given all the anti-immi- columnist for the Starr-Bulletin. You’ll even be able to make out after first being translated into And then there are the on- gration close-the-border talk Twitter @emilamo my image from the sky.” Russian. “After all they’ve going top head scratchers of “It’s pure genius and been through with the election late. would make him like the Alfred investigation, we owe a full Chicago prosecutors drop Hitchcock of American pres- translation to the Russians,” all felonies against accused idents,” said Jared Kushner, said the President. hate crime perp and “Empire” Trump son-in-law in the White Joke, yes? Or nyet? Rus- Star Jussie Smollett? House’s “Sycophantic Aggran- sia probably already has the Rich parents and celebri- dizement Division,” known report. ties rig system, pay hundreds around the West Wing simply Remember Helsinki? Af- of thousands to get kids into as SAD. “Shaping congressio- ter 12 Russians were indicted elite colleges? nal districts in the Trump im- by our own Justice Depart- I’ve always said the Smol- age is just brilliant branding. ment for cyber meddling in the lett case, where the actor was From the protruding hair nest 2016 election, Trump stood accused of concocting a hate to the oversized tie flapping to with Putin on an internation- crime for personal gain, was the shoes he can’t see for his al media stage and was asked cut from a Trumpian cloth. waistline. It’s a great cookie to firmly reprimand Putin and That an Asian American law- cutter image–like a gigantic asked that Russia never do it yer communicated with the white sugar cookie. Maybe a again. Trump actually said: “I Cook County prosecutor, who snickerdoodle. We can do this have President Putin, he just put in for special treatment for by executive order for sure!” said it’s not Russia. I will say Smollett before recusing her- “So much cheaper than this. I don’t see why there’s self, is unfortunate. But it does a wall,” Trump added. “The any reason it would be.” reveal how a sense of priv- country will be branded in my Just another way that ilege exists in America that image across this great na- Trump has spoiled the April cuts across ideological lines. tion.” Fools’ Fun. Wealth, power, influence. Not 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 FEATURE LAUREN CABRERA: MISS PHILIPPINES HAWAII 2019 want to see,” said Cabrera By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan when asked about her inspira- t has been said that it is not just about having tion in joining the Miss Hawaii that Filipinos a pretty face and perfect body, Scholarship Pageant. are fond of it is also about having a great She added, “When I went three Bs: Bas- mind and a powerful advo- to college in the Bay Area, I ketball, Box- cacy. One of them is Lauren examined and wrestled with I ing and Beauty Cabrera, 24, who will be rep- the idea that people face issues Pageants. Filipina beauties resenting the Philippines in every day as a result of educa- have been making a name in the Miss Hawaii Scholarship tional inequalities, food injus- pageantry all over the world, Pageant 2019 to be held on the tice, immigration laws, incar- including the universe. Repre- 15th of June. Aside from be- ceration, the list of issues goes sentatives from the Philippines ing Miss Philippines Hawaii, on and on. As a singer who in different pageants more of- she works in the entertainment is involved in musicals, I’ve ten than not make it to the top. department at Aulani a Dis- been privileged to see how art Just last year, the Philippines ney Resort and Spa. She also can really empower people to proudly celebrated the victory teaches voice lessons, sings at work towards bettering them- of bagging the Ms. Universe weddings and she is a part of selves and their communities. Crown by Filipino-Australian Allegiance, a theater produc- Through my year of service Catriona Gray. She became tion held at the Manoa Valley and goals of becoming Miss the fourth Filipina who has Theater from March 28th to America, I would like to make won the most coveted title. It April 7th. a national impact by opening has been proven that the Phil- “I decided to run for Miss up opportunities for the youth ippines is a beauty pageants Hawaii because I’ve been for arts education, and by powerhouse. searching for a platform in starting conversations regard- mental discipline to keep a funding for extracurricular The beautiful women who which I can bridge my talents ing issues happening today. I positive perspective and to programs. This program will are joining these beauty pag- and desire to serve the commu- want to inspire youth to grow build a consistent practice make use of the non-profits, art eants are showing to the world nity and embody the change I in their talents to create posi- routine for my public speak- programs, and activist groups tive impact.” ing skills, singing for the tal- that are already seeking active The vic- ent portion, and my pageant solutions for our community.” tory of the walk,” Cabrera said. Every candidate has some- Philippines in Lauren never dreamt of thing unique and beautiful to Ms.Universe running in a pageant or be- share but Lauren believes that and other in- coming a beauty queen but ac- her sense of faith and true de- ternational cording to her, she has always sire to use this opportunity for pageants has wanted to perform. When the the sake of her community will proven to Lau- door to pageantry opened up, set her apart from the rest. ren that any- she saw it as a way to broad- When she wins the crown thing is possi- en her horizons and take the of Miss Hawaii Scholarship ble and within next step in her career towards Pageant in June at the Ha- her power, and becoming a professional per- waii Theater, she will be the she hopes to former and activist through her representative of the state in do the same for art. the Miss America Scholarship her commu- Indeed, winning the crown Pageant to be held in Septem- nity. Standing will open a lot of opportunities ber. She is trusting that her fel- confidently on and will provide a platform to low Filipinos will be behind the stage along be able to fulfill goals and ad- her as she works on reaching with all the vocacies. the top and making the Philip- pageant hope- Lauren explained, “With pines proud. She believes that fuls requires a my platform of Activism the Filipino people are a peo- lot of prepara- through the Arts, I would like ple of faith, community and tion and hard to provide the youth with the perseverance, and they know work. opportunity to find and hone how to work tirelessly to- “I am in on their talents to better wards a goal. This makes her starting the themselves and their commu- proud to represent the nation. process with a nities. I plan on implement- Lauren Cabrera is a wom- lot of mental ing this through my Passion an who exudes beauty and preparation: Workshops and Youth Empow- grace, exhibits wisdom and building up my erment Fairs. On a national compassion. From the words faith in God, level, I would like to propose of Ms.Universe 2015 Pia faith in myself my Passion Workshops to the Wurtzbach, she’s confidently and my abili- Department of Education beautiful with a heart. Lauren ties, and work- as an accessible alternative will definitely be a force to be ing towards to schools who do not have reckoned with. APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

“Why do you read the Chronicle now? composition. Chronicle staff members will or merchandise from the Chronicle, commu- Why should we continue reading the choose their favorites with the publisher/ nity and essay contest sponsors. Winners will Chronicle in the future?” editor selecting the final winning entry. be notified and may pick up their prizes at As part of the year-long celebration of our 25th The full winning essay and excerpts of the Chronicle office in Waipahu. year in publication, the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle runner-up essays will be published in a is sponsoring a special essay contest where readers summer edition of the newspaper with DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2019 can personally express the impact of our newspa- their accompanying photo. Please snail mail a hard copy of your per in their lives and on Filipinos in Hawaii. • Only one essay entry per person is accept- essay on or before June 1. It must be In an era dominated by online media, tradi- ed. 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Three grand prize winner of $250 will be to win just for your thoughts Download the official entry form and template awarded to the reader who has submitted an about the Chronicle’s 25 years from our website at www.thefilipinochronicle.com essay that best answers the above questions. and beyond. So don’t delay. and enter now to win! Or you can call our office There will be one winner from High School Enter your essay at 808-330-8981 or 808-678-8930 to send you an (ages 15-18), one from College (ages 19-26) today! official entry form. and one from Adult (ages 27-70) entry sub- missions. Winning entries will be published SUBMISSIONS INFORMATION in full in a summer edition of the Chronicle. • The essay must be between 400-700 words, Runner-up essays will be excerpted as well. typed and double-spaced, using the official All those who submit essays are eligible entry form and template from our website. to win additional prizes, such as gift cards • Judging is based on originality, creativity and (restaurants, gas, stores, discount services, etc.) 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 AS I SEE IT Can the BBB Project of Duterte Stop People Seeking Work Abroad? spending and develop indus- ing out 75 flagship projects fine. If jobs run out, that will construction workers. tries that will trigger robust worth $36 billion in invest- be the time they will have Technical Education and By Elpidio R. Estioko growth, create jobs and im- ments and would eventually to apply for overseas work Skills Development Author- prove the lives of Filipinos. generate two million jobs a again. At least, they were ity (TESDA) Director Gen- he country’s As I See It, this is also a year, or around 10 million given a chance to stay home, eral Secretary Isidro S. La- growing pop- move designed to discour- jobs by the end of Duterte’s contribute to the country and peña thought this is a chance ulation and age or stop skilled workers term in 2022.” be with their families for that for his department to support the favorable applying for work abroad. Gabriela Women’s Party span of time. So that it will the President’s BBB project policies of But, unless the pay locally (GWP) Rep. Emmi de Jesus, not be a palliative solution, in training unskilled work- T the Philippine is competitive with that in on the other hand said that after four to five years, BBB’s ers and retraining skilled government has created foreign countries and stable BBB is not a solution to the goal should be extended and workers needed by the pro- more opportunities in the jobs workers can look up to problems affecting OFWs as similar work-generating gram companies need. At construction industry and in the long run, we can’t stop claimed by Bello. She ex- projects should be launched present, there is a dearth of have given more Filipinos skilled workers to leave the plained that BBB jobs are to keep the momentum go- skilled workers because of better chances to work in the country and work abroad. “project-based, low-paying ing. the exodus of workers work- country instead of working To avoid this, pay should be jobs which will not solve the This may not impact the ing abroad. TESDA can be abroad! competitive, must provide woes of repatriated OFWs… state of Hawaii because, in- the support arm to provide These are factors that local incentives, and more or It will only create tempo- stead of skilled labor work- workforce training for em- prompted Philippine Pres- less, offer a stable job. rary jobs even if there are ers, Hawaii needs people to ployment. ident Rodrigo Duterte to Well, Labor Secretary many construction projects work at its many pineapple, The Department of Pub- launch his landmark pro- Silvestre Bello III claims lined up. In 2-5 years, wala coconut, and sugarcane plan- lic Works and Highways gram, the Build, Build, and that the government’s BBB na ang mga trabahong ito,” tations. They also need peo- (DPWH), which is tasked Build (BBB) project, to program would eventually she pointed out. Well, de Je- ple to work in service-ori- to construct national roads, boost the construction in- generate jobs for repatriated sus may have a point as far ented establishments such as bridges, water resources dustry and close the infra- overseas Filipino workers as the length of the project restaurants, eateries, and ho- projects and other public structure gap… eventually (OFWs). It was designed, is concerned. That span of tels. And… new Americans works, received a total bud- leading to improved econ- according to Bello, “to mod- three to four years, somehow in Hawaii serve as every- get allocation of P650.87B omy. The project seeks to ernize the country’s infra- is equivalent to an OFW’s thing from nursing aides to ($12.9B) for 2018 – a 39% accelerate infrastructure structure backbone by roll- contract, so I think that’s entrepreneurs… not skilled (continue on page 11) APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11 FEATURE Elmer Pizo: A Debut Book of Poetry By Renelaine Pfister

n the day he It was in the Middle East, tus in the creation of his art. returned to where he and his co-workers But his subject matter is not the Philip- suffered from labor abuse, limited to that. pines from the that Mr. Pizo started writing a We Filipinos will find a Middle East, journal regarding his experi- connection with Mr. Pizo’s O the bus Elmer ences, which turned into some poems as they relate to the Omar Bascos Pizo was riding of the poems featured in his immigrant experience, other in collided with another bus. new book of poetry, Leaving people’s perceptions of us, The woman next to him died, Our Shadows Behind Us. and the lives we left behind in as did five other passengers. Though Mr. Pizo is an ad- the Philippines. Meanwhile, he suffered a mirer of poets such as William Mr. Pizo is a Poetry Fel- concussion, and lost his short- Carlos Williams, Wendell low at the 2000 Silliman Na- term memory. At the urging of Berry, Edith Tiempo and Sid tional Writers Workshop in his neurologist, Mr. Pizo used Hildawa, he was not trained the Philippines and a Poetry Writer/Poet Elmer in poetry; in fact, he was un- Fellow at the Vermont Studio Pizo and his book writing as a form of therapy, of poetry, Leaving though this wasn’t his first at- aware that he was writing po- Center in February 2006. His Our Shadows Be- tempt at writing. ems. He simply jotted down poems have been published in hind Us. Mr. Pizo came from a fam- whatever he found significant, several print and online pub- ily of farmers, teachers, and interesting, and painful. He lications in the United States boo Ridge Press, the voice of which includes a Reading and religious leaders in La Union, wrote about every day life. He and in the Philippines. The Hawaii’s literary talents since Signing event on April 25th, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan. wrote from instinct. poet has been a resident of 1978. Meet the Author Party on April He earned an Agriculture de- The abuse he encountered Ewa Beach for the last twen- The public may visit www. 27th, and a reading at the Ha- gree in 1981 and eventually in the Middle East, and other ty-two years. bambooridge.com for infor- waii Book and Music Festival worked in the Middle East as abuses he suffered when he Leaving Our Shadows Be- mation on his Book Launch, on May 4th. a Greenhouse Agriculturist. was young, became an impe- hind Us is published by Bam-

(AS I SEE IT: CAN THE BBB....from page 10) increase over 2017 – of South railway projects con- project. 6685 which makes it manda- Lapeña’s supervision. which P613.2B ($12.1B) is necting Los Baños, Laguna Aside from the DPWH, tory for contractors to hire at Everything is in place, earmarked for the construc- to Tutuban, Manila and Clark Lapeña proposed that the least fifty per cent unskilled but just like what I men- tion of various infrastruc- Freeport in Pampanga; and on-site construction skills and thirty per cent skilled tioned earlier and the con- ture projects. This boosts the (c) a 1,500-hectare industri- training must be in close workers from bona fide res- cerns of Rep. Emmi de construction industry even al park in Clark, Pampanga; partnership with the local idents where government Jesus, in order to stop the more, making the project and (d) an expanded Clark government units (LGUs) infrastructures are being exodus of workers abroad, more viable! International Airport also in and government-accredited constructed. Bringing the local pay under the BBB Despite these positive Pampanga, among others. construction companies. training near these residents project should be competi- trends, however, there are Consequently, TESDA Based on this proposal, can encourage them to attend tive, i.e. within the level of recurring security and im- and the Department of Pub- each training will be differ- the free training and acquire OFW’s compensation, in or- port challenges for con- lic Works (DPWH), accord- ent depending on the specific construction-related jobs. der to entice skilled workers struction materials such as ing to Lapena, met to discuss skills needed in the site. The Since TESDA is also to stay and work here. Be- cement and steel. To address plan to fast track construc- training plan and curricu- gathering information on the sides, whatever little deficit this problem, the Construc- tion skills training. They lum will be developed by employment status of the in pay will be compensated tion Industry Authority of have directed their respec- TESDA and the in-company 83,649 graduates in 2017 by workers being with their the Philippines (CIAP) is tive regional directors to im- trainers, construction super- and the 234,546 graduates families and need not be spearheading the creation of mediately start coordinating intendents, supervisors, and in 2018, they can simultane- away from them. a construction road map. pending the memorandum of lead men to better prepare ously address the challenges Another major concern agreement between the two the trainees for work. on unemployment and skills For feedbacks, comments… please is the availability of skilled agencies that will officially TESDA’s proposal is in mismatch, one of the Agen- email the author @ estiokoelpi- [email protected]. and unskilled labor for con- seal the on-site training plan. line with Republic Act No. cy’s thrusts under Secretary struction projects. Aside In an email release sent from the low inventory of through his Public Informa- skilled workers in the coun- tion Officer (PIO), Secre- try at present, most of them tary Lapeña said he initiated are leaving the country to the talks lately with DPWH work abroad thus shrinking Secretary Mark Villar and the numbers even more. In came out with a proposal response, free government dubbed as the Program on training programs are being Project-based On-site Learn- offered in an effort to bol- ing of Skilled Construction ster the construction sector’s Professionals (PPOL SCoP). workforce. The proposal addresses ap- Key infrastructure proj- plicable construction skills ects under the BBB Program training in DPWH project include: (a) the Subic-Clark sites, as a support program Railway; (b) the North- for the President’s BBB 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Supporters of Kupuna Caregivers Program Push for caregivers need in order to need help with at least two Caring Across Generations. Continued Funding stay active in the workforce activities of daily living, and “Providing a little bit of as- upporters of the Kupu- program of its kind, the Ku- while also caring for their are employed outside of the sistance to family caregivers na Caregivers Program puna Caregivers Program be- kupuna at home. Services home for 30 hours or more and allowing elderly to age Srallied at the Hawaii came law in 2017. It provides that the program provides per week. at home can potentially save State Capitol to push for two assistance to caregivers who include adult day care, home “This program is an inno- the state millions of dollars measures (HB 467, HD1, take care of an aging loved care aides, transportation and vative approach to the issue by preventing more costly SD1 and SB 1025, SD1, one as well as work full-time meal services for up to five of long-term care, and it has interventions, such as send- HD1) that would provide outside the home. days per week. To qualify received national attention ing family members to care continued funding for the Currently, the program for the program, caregivers because it’s a different mod- facilities or hospitalizations program. funds up to $70 a day in ser- need to provide care for ku- el,” said Pedro Haro, Ha- due to inadequate care during The first-in-the-nation vices that working family puna age 60 or older, who waii Advocacy Director for the day.”

pan of any state in the country. Public Invited to Free “People need to prepare Rat Lungworm Disease for retirement or risk being Personal Finance unable to retire. This confer- Social Security, estate plan- ence will help you secure the Case Confirmed on Conference ning, smart investing, finan- kind of retirement that will ARP Hawaii invites cial planning for a 100-year- give your choices,” said Bar- Hawaii Island the public to attend life, the new realities of work, bara Kim Stanton, AARP Ha- second case of rat treat all slugs and snails Aa free “Finance Your and understanding Medicare. wai‘i State Director. lungworm disease as if they are infected with Future Conference” on Satur- This year’s theme is about Register online at aarp. (angiostrongyliasis) the parasite that causes rat day, April 6, 2019 at the Jap- cvent.com/fiance4-6 or by A planning for and paying for contracted on Hawai‘i Is- lungworm disease, and this anese Cultural Center of Ha- a 100-year life. With better calling 1-877-826-8300. land has been confirmed by means washing all produce waii from 8 a.m. to noon. healthcare and healthier life- AARP membership is not re- the Hawai‘i Department of no matter where it comes Topics presented at the styles, chances are increasing quired. Parking will be vali- Health (DOH). from, whether it’s from the conference include living on a that you will live to be 100, dated at the Japanese Cultural The individual is a res- grocery store, the farmer’s budget, planning for increased especially in Hawai‘i which Center. ident of North Hawai‘i and market or grown in our own health costs, understanding has the highest average lifes- is the second person from home gardens and yards,” Hawai‘i County to test posi- said Health Director Bruce tive for angiostrongyliasis in Anderson. “Washing all Hawaii Community Health Centers 2019, bringing the statewide produce carefully and thor- Receive Federal Funding total to two cases this year. oughly using clean, running Health officials learned water is the most effective ourteen communi- propriations Committee. be able to,” said Senator recently about the adult res- way to remove unwanted ty health centers in “Community health Schatz. “This funding will ident of North Hawai‘i, who slugs or snails from fresh Hawaii will receive centers offer an affordable give these centers the re- F became ill in January. Labo- fruits and vegetables.” federal funding totaling and accessible outlet for sources to continue provid- ratory testing though DOH’s DOH will host a com- $28,750,365, announced thousands of people across ing comprehensive health State Laboratories Division munity meeting in North U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, our state to receive care services to Hawai‘i fami- confirmed the individual’s Hawai‘i in late April to a member of the Senate Ap- they might not otherwise lies where they are needed infection in late February. provide residents in the most.” The individual was hospital- area with information Community health cen- ized for a short time and has about rat lungworm dis- ters provide comprehensive, since recovered. ease and how they can high-quality primary health Disease investigators con- protect themselves. Health care services to medical- ducted a detailed investigation officials and experts on ly underserved individuals to learn more about possible prevention will be on and families. The commu- sources of infection. The exact hand to answer questions nity health centers receiving source of infection could not and share information. funding are Kalihi-Palama be identified, but investigators The meeting is tentative- Health Center on Oahu, learned the individual had a ly scheduled at the North $3,518,386; Kokua Kali- home garden on their prop- Kohala Public Library for hi Valley Comprehensive erty. It is likely the individual Monday, April 22, at 6 Family Services on Oahu, accidentally consumed a slug p.m. More details about $2,922,712; Waianae Coast or snail while eating produce the event and will be Comprehensive Health Cen- from their garden. shared with the public at a ter on Oahu, $3,510,777; “In Hawai‘i, we need to later time. Community Clinic of Maui, $1,885,839; Waimana- Island, $2,505,787; Hoola makua-Kohala Health lo Health Center on Oahu, Lahui Hawai‘i on Kauai, Centers on Hawai‘i Is- $2,031,688; Molokai Com- $1,369,194; Hana Health on land, $1,497,992; The Bay munity Health Center on Maui, $1,367,995; Koolau- Clinic on Hawai‘i Island, Molokai, $1,292,131; loa Health Center on Oahu, $1,724,793; and Lanai West Hawai‘i Community $1,710,765; Waikiki Health Community Health Center, Health Center on Hawai‘i on Oahu, $1,742,347; Ha- $1,669,959. APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13 LEGAL NOTES Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions for Fiscal application pertaining to that signed and dated by the appli- is in the United States under Year 2020 incorrect filing fee will be de- cant company. Make sure that the F-1 nonimmigrant student There are important things nied but not the rest. For exam- all of the required information visa will be able to remain in to remember when filing the ple, if the amount for the pre- is provided and all of the box- the country if he is currently By Atty. Reuben S. Seguritan H-1B petition in order to en- mium processing fee which is es are appropriately checked. working on Optional Practical sure that it is accepted and $1,410 is incorrect, the petition If an item is not applicable, Training (OPT) and has time- he H-1B pro- hopefully approved by the itself can proceed but it will “N/A” should be placed. The ly filed a cap-subject H-1B gram allows USCIS. First, make sure that not be under premium process- earliest start date that the for- petition and change of status companies lo- the H-1B petition is filed from ing anymore. eign national can have is Octo- request. Students whose OPT cated in the US April 1 to April 5, 2019; Sec- Premium processing will ber 1, 2019. Furthermore, the was valid at the time of filing to hire foreign ond, use the correct edition of be offered in a two-phased petition end date should match the H-1B petition will remain T nationals for form I-129 Petition for a Non- approach during the FY2020 the date on the Labor Certifi- in valid status and can continue certain occupations which re- immigrant Worker. cap season so USCIS can best cation Authorization (LCA) to work through September 30 quire a bachelor’s degree or Another important thing to manage the premium process- expiration. Other information while the petition is pending or higher. The jobs may be in the remember is that all payments ing request without fully sus- must also match the LCA. if it is approved. If the student’s science, engineering, teaching, through check or money or- pending it as in previous years. These are the title, salary, and OPT has expired at the time of health and legal professions. der must be dated, signed and The first phase will include worksite location. the H-1B filing but he is still The H-1B visa is a nonimmi- in the correct amounts. The FY2020 cap-subject H-1B pe- If a US degree is required in a valid grace period, he will grant temporary work visa. current base filing fee for the titions requesting a change of for the job or title, it should be receive an automatic extension There are 2 caps, namely I-129 petition is $460. There’s status and the second phase awarded by March 31, 2019. of his duration of status (D/S) regular cap and the advanced an additional ACWIA fee of will include all other FY2020 However, the USCIS has al- admission. However, he can degree cap. The quota for the $750 or $1,500, depending on cap-subject petitions. lowed H-1B petitions for for- not extend his OPT anymore regular cap is 65,000 petitions the number of full time em- A lot of times the peti- eign nationals who have com- because it has already expired. in a year. The annual quota for ployees and $500 fraud pre- tions are denied because it was pleted all requirements for a Lastly, the USCIS will the applicants with a US ad- vention fee. The payee must be filed at the wrong office of the US degree but the degree has deny all multiple petitions filed vanced degree is 20,000. indicated as “U.S. Department USCIS. There is a list on the not been conferred yet. For by the same employer for the Since it is anticipated for of Homeland Security”. It is USCIS website on uscis.gov these applications, documents same foreign national. How- there will be a lot more peti- advisable to have individual which enumerates the filing must be included to show that ever, the USCIS will accept tions than the USCIS can ap- checks for each filing fee. This addresses for I-129 petitions. the foreign national has com- petitions filed by related- em prove for the 2020 fiscal year, is to make sure that in case one The form I-129 itself must pleted all degree requirements. ployers (parent company and a lottery will be conducted. of the amounts is incorrect, the be completely filled out and These official documents must subsidiary) for the same per- be issued by the Dean or Reg- son for as long as they are for HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS istrar or Department Head of different positions and based the school. The foreign na- on the business needs of each April Is Sexual Awareness Month in tional can also be granted the company and not duplicate pe- H-1B visa even if he is not cur- titions. rete, U.S. Navy, PACFLT SA- According to the 2015 rently completing a US degree, Hawaii PRO; Gregg T. Waki, Waiakea and 2017 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk as long as he can show that the REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has High School; and the Maui Sex- Behavior Survey, 1 in 12 high n April 12, 2019, Gov- education and/or experience been practicing law for over 30 ual Assault First Responders. school students (8.5%) who years. For further information, ernor Ige officially will that he already has is equiva- The Department of the At- dated or went out with some- you may call him at (212) 695 proclaim April 2019 lent to a US bachelor’s degree. O torney General, Department of one in the previous 12 months 5281 or log on to his website at “Sexual Assault Awareness A foreign national who www.seguritan.com Month in Hawaii” and recog- Health, and the Hawaii Coa- experienced sexual dating vio- nize 14 community members lition Against Sexual Assault lence. Anyone can experience and organizations who are are partnering to raise public sexual violence, including making a difference in Hawaii awareness about sexual vio- children, teens, adults, and se- by encouraging healthy rela- lence and support initiatives niors. We encourage everyone tionships, teaching youth about that work to prevent sexual to stand against all forms of consent, and how power dy- violence in our communities. sexual violence by attending namics impact consent. Hawaii’s effort is part of a na- a local SAAM proclamation These include: Barbie-Lei tionwide campaign. during the month of April: Burgess, Waiʻanae Neigh- This year’s SAAM theme, *Kauai Mayor’s SAAM borhood Place; Jan Fukada “I Ask, encourages and em- Proclamation/Child Abuse and Keʻalapualoke Fukuda, powers everyone, no matter Prevention Awareness Month, Hawaiʻi State Department of the scenario, to ask for con- Monday, April 1, 2019, 1:00 Education; Lorrie Kanno and sent, listen, and accept an- p.m., Kauai County Office Officer Anson “Kaipo” Pai- swers without pressuring or Building Rotunda va, Weed and Seed Program coercing another.” *Maui Mayor’s SAAM Hawaiʻi; Gina Kaulukukui, “Sexual violence has no Proclamation, Monday, April Kauaʻi Police Department; place in our communities,” 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m., University Cathy Kapua, Kuaʻana Project; said Attorney General Clare E. of Hawaii Maui College Cyril Lopez, Jr. and Jennifer Connors. “I commend every *Honolulu Mayor SAAM Makuakane, Kaʻu Middle and effort to raise awareness of the Proclamation and City Council High School; David Matlin and problem and I am encouraged Certificate Ceremony, Tues- Nick Rolovich, University of that so many are promoting day, April 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Athletics; the value and importance of Honolulu Hale, City Council Captain Romuel “Roy” Nafar- healthy human relationships.” Chamber (3rd Floor) 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEAPRIL 6, 2019 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Vasper Is Keynote Speaker at Maui Filipino Chamber of and policy review, and training tion and is an active member Commerce Business Mixer programs on topics such as dis- of the Hawaii Healthcare Hu- he Maui Filipino Cham- person for guests. Heavy pupu crimination and harassment, man Resources Association ber of Commerce will will be served. ADA, performance manage- (HHHRA). Tdiscuss “Finding and The evening’s keynote ment, and supervisory skills. The event is sponsored by Hiring Talent in Today’s Ha- speaker will be Mike Vasper Vasper earned his BA in Trinity Environmental Solu- waii Labor Market” at its up- of Hawaii Employers Council. Economics from the Universi- tions, Maui Federal Credit coming business mixer on Vasper is a Senior HR Consul- ty of Hawaii at Manoa. He is Union and Tante’s Fish Mar- Wednesday, April 17, 5:30 tant. He joined HEC with over a member of the local and na- ket. To RSVP for the event or p.m. at Tante’s Fish Market lo- 20 years of human resources tional chapters of the Society for more information about the cated at the Ma’alaea Harbor experience in the healthcare, of Human Resources Manage- business mixer and Maui Fil- Shops, Wailuku. retail and staffing industry Mike Vasper ment (SHRM) and holds the ipino Chamber of Commerce, The event is open to the for small and medium locally He supports HEC mem- SPHR and SHRM-SCP desig- please email mauifilipinocc@ public. Tickets are $20 per per- owned businesses as well as bers with HR best practices, nations. He has taught classes gmail.com or call Sharon Zal- son for members and $25 per large national corporations. compliance issues, document for PHR and SPHR certifica- sos Banaag at (808) 359-1616. MAINLAND NEWS US Urges Philippines to Let Maria Ressa ‘Operate Freely’ ASHINGTON — sion is a cornerstone of any foreign ownership of media. The United States truly democratic society and The arrest -- and fears that Won Friday urged the a fundamental freedom rec- she was targeted for her cov- Philippines to quickly resolve ognized by both the United erage -- have sent shockwaves a case against arrested journal- States and the Philippines,” the through the media scene in the ist Maria Ressa and allow her spokesperson said. Philippines, which historically and her news site Rappler to “Maria Ressa is a high- has been vibrant and unafraid “operate freely.” ly respected and experienced to question leaders. A State Department journalist. Rappler has reported ex- spokesperson said the United “We hope these charges tensively, and unflatteringly, States was “concerned” about will be resolved quickly, in a on Duterte’s deadly narcotics the arrest of the prominent crit- way that fully respects the free- Maria Ressa crackdown that has claimed ic of President Rodrigo Duter- dom of expression, allows Ms tion of a free and independent then freed on bail, Ressa was thousands of lives and which te and called on the Philippines Ressa and Rappler to continue press.” rearrested on Friday on charges rights groups say may be a to respect freedom of the press. to operate freely, and is consis- After being arrested last that she and her colleagues at crime against humanity. (www. “The freedom of expres- tent with the Philippines’ tradi- month on different charges and the news site violated rules on philstar.com)

(Sagot sa Krosword Blg. 3 | March 16, 2018) APRIL 6, 2019  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARAW NG KAGITIN- call: Calvin Bagaoisan at 266-4334, Maricelle Redona at CAREGIVER NEEDED FOR IMMEDIATE JOB I am offering 25$ per Hour for 4-5 hours daily GAN OR DAY OF VALOR | April 7, 2019; 3:00 - 6:00 PM 295-5233, Raymond Sebastian at 799-6080 for a Dementia Father. | Filipino Community Center in Waipahu l For more details Applicants should email their Resume and call: Ms. Ma. Romina Bautista at 808-595-6316 to 19 ext. FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII Reference ([email protected]) 112 or email: [email protected] (FNOH) EXCELLENCE IN NURSING AWARDS | August 10, 2019; 6:00 PM | Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts Coral PMAH FOUNDATION’S 5TH ANNUAL BOWLING Ballroom l For more details call: Lolita Echauz Ching at PART TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME COOK FUNDRAISER TOURNAMENT | April 13, 2019; 3:00 - 6:00 387-7635, Luanne Long at 754-0594 WAIMANALO L&L – Now Hiring ASAP PM | Aiea Bowl l For more details call: Rosalo Paeste, MD at Medical Provided for Full Time Employees 223-3065 / 671-1634 or email: [email protected] PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION IN HAWAII (PWAH) PRESENTS FILIPINIANA BALL 2019 | August Please Contact Fanny at 808-386-6898 for OAHU FILIPINO COMMUNITY COUNCIL (OFCC) PRES- 30, 2019; 6:00 PM | Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel l more details ENTS THE MISS OAHU FILIPINA 2019 Call details call: Letty Saban: 255-9429, Lina Mercado: | June 1, 2019; HELP WANTED FOR CLEANING COMPANY 6:00 PM | Marriot Waikiki Beach Resort l For more details 382-7751, Carlota Ader: 797 4381, Mimi Gozar: 312-0778 Legendary Cleaners pay depends on years of experience. Must be reliable, prompt and not HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS afraid of hard work. Experience a plus. Willing to train. Contact John Kim 808 392-5597

Hawaii Residents Encouraged to BECOME A FRANCHISEE fast pace cleaning company legendary cleaners with over Participate in Census Count 16 years in business. Franchise fee 15706.80. 10 year contract. Contact John Kim 808 392- overnor David Ige said forts to count Hawai‘i’s popula- and the U.S. Census Bureau which 5597 the state’s population rate tion in 2020. The committee is will conduct the 2020 Census. HIE HOLDINGS INC. Ghas been undercounted in charged with increasing aware- In support of the Hawai‘i HIRING FT CDL B DRIVERS the last few Census counts and he ness about the importance of Government Complete Count Must have CDL license with air brakes encourages all residents to com- being counted; organizing state Committee, Gov. Ige and Lt. endorsement, current DOT physical & plete the Census questionnaire resources effectively and cost-ef- Gov. Josh Green have proclaimed DOT driver history record. which will be sent to them on ficiently to promote the count; April 1, 2019 -- 2020 CENSUS Paid Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k). Please call Grace @ 839-3272 April 1, 2020. and improving the response rate DAY in Hawai‘i. Gov. Ige and “It is very important that our for the 2020 Census question- Lt. Gov Green encourage every HAWAIIAN ISLES WATER HIRING PRODUCTION WORKERS population count is accurate. naire. Hawai‘i resident to participate in Must be able to perform/operate machinery Census data will be used to dis- The establishment of the com- activities related to the 2020 Cen- and forklift in a warehouse setting. tribute billions of federal dollars mittee also represents an import- sus, which includes participation Requires lifting up to 50 lbs. to states and communities each ant partnership between Hawai‘i in the count. Must have transportation to work site year during the coming decade,” (no bus service nearby). Paid Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k). said Gov. Ige. Please call Grace @ 839-3272 The Governor announced the formation of the Hawai‘i Govern- ment Complete Count Committee (HGCCC), which will coordinate state and county government ef-

CROSSWORD No.4 by Carlito Lalicon ACROSS 34. Bull’s mate 1. Boris Godunov, for one 35. Dwelling house 5. Mountain 37. Be silent 9. Used a broom 38. Put to rest 14. Sharpen 41. Willingly 15. Small buffalo 43. Eliminated urine 16. Irritation 45. Bard’s “before” 17. Bit 46. Battering wind 18. Laugh at with contempt 47. In an educational 19. Spurious wing manner 20. Ride a snowmobile 51. Black cuckoo 22. Smart alec 53. Jerk 24. Unit of length 54. Gulf V.I.P. 26. Beer 55. Offered 27. Casual attire 58. Amino 28. Former Senator from 62. Large cat 66. Shoelace tip 69. Verse Pangasinan 63. Advertising sign 67. Expensive 70. Affectedly creative 33. Sister of your father 65. Clownish 68. Body of poetry 71. Auto damage

DOWN 11. Of or relating to or at 32. Generalized 52. Whinny 1. Not that an equator 36. Confess 56. Adjudge 2. Crybaby 12. Beat 39. Opera song 57. Big game 3. Voting “no” 13. Pester 40. Social class 59. Back of the neck 4. Admitted anew 21. Black gold 42. Slightly insane 60. Knowing, as a 5. Highly decorated earthenware 23. According to 44. President Rodrigo secret 6. Single 25. Carbon compound R. ____ 61. Dermatologist’s 7. Denials 28. Backrub response 48. Inferior dog concern 8. Airport area 29. Witty remark 49. “To do” list 64. Cereal grain 9. In a spare manner 30. In an unseeing manner 50. Game with matchsticks 10. Weaken 31. Young hooter 51. Fragrant oil (Solution will be on the next issue of the Chronicle) APRIL 6, 2019