DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1
DECEMBER 7, 2019
OPINION CANDID PERSPECTIVES ‘Tis the Season to Count The Impact of Viewing Our Blessings for Freedom Impeachment Hearings of the Press From Hawaii
MAINLAND NEWS Trump Seeks to End Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019
EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor s the popular Christmas song Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor Have A Merry Christmas! puts it, “It’s the most wonder- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido ful time of the year. There’ll Associate Editors hristmas couldn’t come at a better time than De- be much mistletoeing and Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo cember. It’s the perfect way to close out the year hearts will be glowing when Contributing Editor with goodwill, suspend all negativity, and allow Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. A love ones are near. It’s the Layout our best selves to take over for the remaining most wonderful time of the year.” Junggoi Peralta days of the year. For our cover story this issue, associ- Photography It is a sacred time as we celebrate the birth Tim Llena C ate editor Edwin Quinabo gets us all in the Christmas spirit of Jesus Christ and contemplate God’s presence in our life. It’s Administrative Assistant by sharing Christmas stories from members in our commu- also an opportunity to reopen doors of faith and trust in spirit if Lilia Capalad nity, how they celebrate and what Christmas means to them Shalimar Pagulayan they have been closed for one reason or another. We can begin personally. Rose Cruz Churma shares her distinctly Filipino Editorial Assistant with prayers or simply by talking to God. Jim Bea Sampaga Christmas growing up in the Philippines, her travel through Christmas is about treasured traditions. For Filipinos, we Columnists parts of the country during Christmas time with parols alit and have many of them from the beautiful devotion of simbang Carlota Hufana Ader her memorable holiday traditions at her lolo and lola’s (grand- Elpidio R. Estioko gabi (attending Christmas masses) to the festive Noche Buena parents) home in Zambales. Her love for Filipino Christmas Emil Guillermo (Christmas Eve Dinner) and joyous Misa de Gallo (Christmas Melissa Martin, Ph.D. Eve mass). We share these traditions with our family, friends traditions is one reason she is a part of the Filipino Associ- J.P. Orias and community and add yet another Christmas memory to our ation of University Women (FAUW) and the Honolulu Mu- Pacita Saludes seum of Art (HMoA) annual Pasko at HMoA. Kailua resi- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. lifetime of happy moments. Charlie Sonido, M.D. We hold on to these traditions because they warm our hearts dents Bernie and Tess Bernales share their tradition of Noche Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. remembering that we once shared them with our deceased Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) and Misa de Gallo (Christmas Contributing Writers loved ones. We honor those traditions because deep down it is Eve mass). They are members of the St. John Vianney Parish Clement Bautista Church Choir and look forward to Christmas caroling at mass. Edna Bautista, Ed.D. like honoring those we love. The next generation, almost in- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. stinctively, will do the same for almost the same reason. There are others in the cover story like Eva Domingo who Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. In a way, the start of the Christmas season is like the alarm talks about how Christmas brings out the child in all of us; Rose Churma clocking buzzing in the morning, waking us up to the important Maria Bustamante’s important lesson on Christmas taught to Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz things in life like family and relationships, and how we can be her by her grandfather who worked in the streets of Manila Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand better at nurturing them. selling candies during Christmas; and Jim Bea’s annual return Amelia Jacang, M.D. During the season a childlike innocence is rekindled where Caroline Julian to the Philippines to celebrate with her family in a truly au- Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. we are not only reminded of our youthful Christmas happy mo- thentic Pasko fashion. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. ments, but see the world as a child at least temporarily. Why In our columns section we have two articles on the media. Matthew Mettias else would we be enjoying and singing along to those silly San- Maita Milallos First HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko gives us a few highlights Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. ta classics on the radio? of the recent Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s 25th Anniversary Renelaine Bontol-Pfister The best in human spirit that comes out during Christmas and Awards Gala, including messages from publishers Dr. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan tells us not to forget those in need. There are children without Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Charlie and Chona Sonido, and keynote speaker Dr. Florangel Glenn Wakai toys or very little clothes or money for school supplies. We can Rosario Braid. Second, HFC columnist Melissa Martin, Ph.D. Amado Yoro help them. They have toys and clothes drop offs for needy chil- writes about how we should count our blessings for freedom Philippine Correspondent: dren. There are seniors who are alone and sick. We can make a of the press and have gratitude for journalists and media. She Greg Garcia trip to a nursing home with a group of friends and sing Christ- encourages all of us to defend the press in this current time Neighbor Island Correspondents: mas carols. There are homeless people starving in our commu- when it is under threat. Big Island (Hilo and Kona) nities. We can donate to a shelter or the local food bank. There HFC columnist Atty. Reuben Seguritan writes about yet Grace LarsonDitas Udani are people whose hearts are bitter and filled with anger. We can Kauai another attack on immigrants from the Trump administration; offer goodwill and show compassion and understanding. Millicent Wellington this time on a proclamation which blocks immigrants without Maui There are many ways we can give of ourselves. Donate insurance and those who cannot pay the costs of their health Christine Sabado blood, volunteer time to our favorite charitable organization. care from entering the United States as of November 3, 2019 Big Island Distributors Be creative. The season celebrating Christ is a charitable one, and after. Experts believe the new rule will greatly impact Grace Larson Ditas Udani that of giving especially to those who are in need. Kauai Distributors Christmas is often busy, largely due to the commercializa- family-based immigrant visa applicants, including spouses of Amylou Aguinaldo tion aspect of it. We can minimize that shopping part that often US citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR). Nestor Aguinaldo In mainland news, read about the Trump administration Maui Distributors increases stress and puts us in temporary debt. Instead, we can Cecille PirosRey Piros use our time wisely for positive self-reflection. Or better yet, move to end the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Pro- Molokai Distributor stay in the present and appreciate all the beauty that Christmas gram (FWVP), which was created to reunite Filipino veterans Maria Watanabe offers. Observe the bright lights and craftmanship of a parol or and their families in the United States while awaiting official Oahu Distributors the décor around your neighborhood. Smell the Christmas pine federal decisions on their visas. Ending this program will Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan mean that many of these veterans now in their 90s will likely in your living room. Listen intently to the people you are hav- Advertising / Marketing Director ing conversations with during Christmas parties, engage and die without seeing their families again. Chona A. Montesines-Sonido make it truly meaningful. On the lighter side, HFC’s Mark Lester Ranchez con- Account Executives Christmas ultimately is love. We can choose to express it tributes a movie review on Mina-Anud, a film by Kerwin Go Carlota Hufana Ader in multitudes of ways besides exchanging gifts. If gift-giving which screened at the 39th Hawaii International Film Festival. JP Orias is how we choose to show our love, make it a thoughtful one. If you are interested in a dark comedy to watch with family Intern Call a loved one you hadn’t spoken with in a long time. Invite and friends, this might be worth your time. See the review for Mark Lester Ranchez a dear friend to lunch or coffee. Bring over dinner to grandma’s the plot and interesting cast of characters. and spend time with her. Or bring over dessert to your brother Lastly, I’d like to thank all of you who supported us by or sister’s house and watch a game or movie. attending our 25th Anniversary celebration. It was a wonder- As Christians let us be reminded of the greatest expression ful and successful event we will always remember. Until next of love – that God sent his son into the world knowing that he issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay! would be crucified for our redemption. Merry Christmas to all! May the season be filled with love, peace, and joy for all. DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 EDITORIALS Be Informed, Watch the History-Making Impeachment Hearings ajor history is courage and honesty to guard quo” scheme to exchange offi- meeting for the investigations the moment how the impeach- unfolding be- democracy and the country’s cial acts for millions of dollars Mr. Trump sought. ment inquiry will play out in fore our eyes. national interests. It’s a remind- in U.S. government funds to Over the numerous scan- the next election. Public opin- Millions of er how special Americans and Ukraine. dals swirling around the presi- ion appears to be split. But Americans this country can be, to rise to “Mr. Giuliani’s requests dent (too many to list), Trump in the long run, history will are watching greatness in the face of blatant were a quid pro quo for ar- has already shown himself to vindicate Democrats because M keenly the U.S. abuse of power. ranging a White House visit be a president bereft of morali- they’ve put temporal politics House of Representatives im- Whether this abuse of for President Zelensky. Mr. Gi- ty and unfit to be the country’s aside for the greater good of peachment inquiry of President power – soliciting help from a uliani demanded that Ukraine leader. executing their Constitution- Donald Trump. It’s an extreme- foreign government to get dirt make a public statement an- The Watergate scandal was al duties. In other words, our ly rare event that the U.S. now on a political opponent – is im- nouncing investigations of the the last constitutional crisis; but government, our Constitution, finds itself in -- a constitutional peachable could be debated. 2016 election/DNC server and many political analysts and his- our standards of governance, crisis where the House, a co- This part is already a violation Burisma. Mr. Giuliani was torians say Trump’s violations have at least been preserved to equal branch of government to against election laws and such expressing the desires of the are far worse than Nixon’s. It the extent that a future presi- the executive branch, must un- interference would mean voters President of the United States, involves a foreign power, na- dent will not be as embolden dergo a process that framers of wouldn’t be able to make a free and we knew that these inves- tional defense and security, as Trump has been in his dis- the Constitution intended when choice in the 2020 elections. tigations were important to the in addition to election viola- regard for the law. The de- cases of egregious abuse of But what makes this abuse President,” Sondland said. tions. terrence is that impeachment power occur. And clearly, evi- far worse is the quid pro quo Another witness, Dr. Fio- Sadly, due to today’s hy- looms, as framers of the Con- dence validates the seriousness aspect, that Trump specifically na Hill, called Mr. Trump’s per-partisan politics compared stitution intended. at hand. withheld foreign aid to Ukraine demands for Ukraine to an- to the 1970s, it’s looking like So regardless of any possi- Robert Reich, Chancellor’s (that was approved by Con- nounce investigations into Joe Republicans this time (unlike ble political fallout in the short Professor of Public Policy at gress) that undermined national Biden and the 2016 elections in Watergate) will not break term, Democrat lawmakers the Goldman School of Public policy. This second part of the a “domestic political errand” from protecting the president. were right to pursue impeach- Policy at UC Berkeley, said offense shows that the president that diverged from American The GOP has been shameful in ment. “One of the biggest fears of the put his personal agenda over foreign policy goals. In plain defending the indefensible; and The impeachment inqui- founding fathers was that the national security. This second language, Trump’s personal haven’t even come out to con- ry shows to the world that the new nation might fall under the part is arguably extortion and agenda went against nation- demn obvious wrongdoing at United States still stands for sway of foreign powers. You bribery (impeachable offens- al foreign policy to support minimum. something, that the rule of law don’t have to be a so-called es). And that is what makes this Ukraine that is fighting an on- is still important to Americans; “originalist” in order to see how violation dangerous. going war with Russia. What the impeachment in- and that we expect even our dangerous it is to allow a presi- Dr. Hill was asked about quiry will mean in the future president to abide by them. dent to seek help in an election Damaging Testimonies a now-famous line from her No one knows exactly at from a foreign power — and The most devasting testi- deposition, in Trump has done just that. This mony to date came from U.S. which she quoted is an impeachable offense, ac- Ambassador to the EU Gordon John Bolton, the cording to the framers of the Sondland, a Trump appointee national securi- Constitution. Case closed.” and donor, who said that Trump ty adviser at the Three weeks into the tes- gave him “express direction” to time, as saying, timonies in the House inquiry, work with Rudy Giuliani, who “I am not part of Americans are reacting with was pressuring Ukraine to an- whatever drug mixed emotions: sadness that nounce an investigation of for- deal Sondland an impeachment inquiry is le- mer vice president Joe Biden’s and Mulvaney gitimately warranted; at the son. Sondland said “It was no are cooking up.” same time, hopeful to see that secret…the suggestion that we She said she took our democracy is robust enough were engaged in some irregular “drug deal” to to let this rare process play out. or rogue diplomacy is absolute- mean the scheme It has been encouraging to ly false.” He went as far to say of exchanging see key witnesses testify with that there was “a clear quid pro a White House HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Community Celebrates A Filipino Christmas at the 13th Annual Pasko public services exhibits. sa FilCom Pasko sa FilCom is a family-ori- t was a day filled with Christmas ented event with several Philippine-in- joy and camaraderie at the Fil- spired activities for both adults and ICom Center’s 13th Annual Pasko children. There were contests for cre- sa FilCom (Christmas at FilCom) on ating parols (Filipino Christmas lan- Sunday, December 1. In the spirit of terns), choral performances, tabletop a Joyous and Peaceful Christmas Time, Christmas tree decorations, Christmas the event’s theme, Filipino and non-Fil- karaoke singing, and lots of food sam- ipino community groups, organizations plings. The University of Hawaii also and individuals came together to share featured once again a college fair to their knowledge and talents with sing- help families plan and inquire about ing, dancing, crafts and cultural and college. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 COVER STORY Celebrating Pasko in Hawaii and the Philippines
By Edwin Quinabo or millions around the world Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. It’s also about having special times with family. The Christmas season brims with joy that many can’t help but to feel nos- talgic of past Christmases. So families do it again, the same things, F then suddenly they find themselves with a Christmas tradition. This is how Pasko (Filipino Christmas) carried over to the Aloha state or any place worldwide where there are Filipino communities. There are plenty of Pasko traditions -- of beautiful parols (Filipino Christ- mas lanterns), simbang gabi (Christmas masses that run from Dec. 16 through Dec. 24), Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner), Misa de Gallo (Christmas Eve mass), festive desserts like ube halaya (sweet purple yams), the celebrated lechon (roasted pig, prepared for the holidays in the Philippines instead of tur- key), Christmas caroling, asking for and giving aguinaldo (gifts) around the neighborhood, and the mano po (greeting bows toward the hand of an elder), to name a few.
Remembering Christmas in rest of Luzon was MacArthur turns West to Bataan and then it on a clay stand heated by their forehead). It’s similar the Philippines Highway. On either side of to Zambales. When we get to smoldering coals. It takes for- in significance to other Asian Oahu resident Rose Cruz the highway, modest houses my grandparents’ house, an- ever to cook this, but the final practices of bowing in respect Churma is from Baguio, of different shapes and colors other big parol greeted us— product was always worth the and asking for the elders’ Philippines but would spend flanked the road — but each prominently displayed on the effort.” blessings. Grandparents or Christmases growing up in one had a parol hanging from second floor window—usu- Churma recalls the prepa- any elder receiving the mano San Marcelino, Zambales their main front window. ally red with white tails and ration of the lechon and lechon po would give in return to with her Lola Sitgang and “During those days, be- lighted at night.” salsa, a tradition many Filipi- their younger family member Lolo David (grandparents). fore the countryside was Churma said during the nos practice as Americans do peso bills wrapped in a cloth “Our Christmas holiday ‘electrified,’ the light from days leading to Christmas, the with turkey on Thanksgiving or in an envelope. The mano started when we board the bus these parols would guide the girls and women gathered in and Christmas days. po is still practiced today on in Baguio. As the bus nav- town folks to the church for the kitchen and dining room Instead of ordering lechon Christmas along with the ex- igates down Kennon Road, “simbang gabi.” This scene preparing holiday meals. By as most Filipino families do changing of gifts. we held on to our seats and of beautifully decorated pa- the time simbang gabi started, today, decades ago it was In her way of carrying anticipated the first province rols at each main window of at around December 16, she commonly prepared at home on Filipino Christmas tradi- that awaited us down the zig- each house is replicated as said they would have com- in backyards. Cooking the tions locally, Churma teams zag road—Pangasinan. In we travel down the highway pleted basketful of rice cakes lechon over an open fire nor- up with the Filipino Associ- the 1960s and 70s, the major to Tarlac and then to Pam- wrapped in banana leaves. mally starts before the first ation of University Women road linking Baguio to the panga. From there, the route She said they were given light of dawn on Christmas. (FAUW) and the Honolulu out to carolers who came by It takes hours to prepare to Museum of Art (HMoA) in door-to-door in the evening. get that perfect crispy gold- presenting the annual Pasko Another Filipino holiday des- en-brown skin. The lechon and parol-making at HMoA. sert she remembers fondly salsa is prepared with minced How she got involved preparing with her lola Sitang garlic, chopped onions, grilled with the event is another one was ube halaya. “My special pig’s liver, salt and vinegar. of her Christmas memories. chore was to help stir the pur- She said for her fami- “One Sunday on my way to ple concoction. ly growing up lunch was the town, the bus passed by this “The ube is a root crop— main meal on Christmas day large building with a parol the ugliest thing before it is as soon as the lechon was fin- prominently displayed by its cooked. Once cooked, we ished. “The dining table was lobby. There were a stream peel off the rough, gnarled usually covered with banana of folks going into the build- skin and mash the starchy leaves and the roasted pig is ing. I got out the next stop core through a sieve and con- set on the table as a center- and followed the crowd—and vert it into a thick purple liq- piece.” sure enough it was a Filipi- uid. After adding condensed Another tradition Chur- no Christmas celebration at milk and sugar, my task was ma mentions is the “mano what used to be the Honolulu to stir the mixture endlessly in po.” Before the practice of Academy of Arts. The sight a clockwise motion until the exchanging gifts for Christ- of those parols decorating the liquid reaches a certain con- mas, children would perform various courtyards made that sistency. Lola Sitang uses a the mano po (children would first Christmas away from special pan for this—she sets place the hand of elders onto (continue on page 4) DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY (from page 4) home bearable. I sat in one of very fortunate that this year’s Grandpa’s memorable les- “The signs of Christmas are hard to miss: the courtyards and absorbed Xmas gathering will also be son on Christmas Christmas trees, decorations, lights on the the sights, sounds and scents shared with visiting friends Marie Bustamante of that reminded me of home and from the Philippines. Much Waipahu fondly retells a story windows, shopping for gifts, Xmas din- made a promise that someday stories from home will be that she believes is at the heart ners and lunches with friends and greet- I’ll keep the Filipino essence shared along with all the mer- of what Christmas is. She re- ings of merry Christmas. The meaning of of Christmas alive and well riment just like home.” calls when she was younger Christmas for me goes deeper than these in Hawaii—the importance What Christmas means to opening tons of presents. “We of family, of perpetuating tra- Tess? She said, “the signs of were spoiled kids. But my outward signs. For me it is a season of dition in this borrowed land, Christmas are hard to miss: grandpa wasn’t so lucky. He joy. Joy is an inner feeling of happiness of sharing and reaching out Christmas trees, decorations, talked about what he had to that is not easily described by earthly to those who may need some lights on the windows, shop- do as a child in the streets of words. Christmas is God’s time showing kindness, and in the process ping for gifts, Xmas dinners Manila growing up. creating one’s own family,” and lunches with friends and “During Christmas he and us through the birth of Jesus, His great said Churma. greetings of merry Christmas. his brothers would sell can- love for us.” The meaning of Christmas dies. They had a wooden cart — Tess Bernales, Kailua Midnight Mass and Noche for me goes deeper than these they’d push and walk blocks Buena outward signs. For me it is a and blocks for hours to sell Kailua residents Bernie season of joy. Joy is an inner as much candies they could beer. My mom and the aunties little sister and cousin would and Tess Bernales are excited feeling of happiness that is to earn money for the rest of would cook their specialties go around the neighborhood about this year’s Christmas not easily described by earth- the family. They were only such as spaghetti, carbonara asking for aguinaldo (mon- because their children will be ly words. Christmas is God’s children but had to work even and such. My mom is also as- ey or gifts) from neighbors. coming home for the festivi- time showing us through the during Christmas week. But signed to order lechon all the Neighborhood kids would ties. Like many Filipino fami- birth of Jesus, His great love grandpa said it was still fun be- way from Cebu My dad has also drop by Bea’s house ask- lies, a tradition they keep each for us. Jesus’ life among us is cause it was Christmas. They’d to pick it up from the airport. ing for aguinaldo. year is attending Midnight one of truth, love and hope. It decorate the cart with cheap Now that my cousins and I “My parents’ godchildren Mass followed by the Noche brought salvation to all of us. silver ribbons and sang Christ- are all grown-ups, we also would usually receive money Buena dinner. In this year’s season, invite mas songs as they worked. contribute by cooking our while the other kids would Bernie and Tess are mem- Jesus into your heart. When “It’s a moving story be- own specialties such as garlic receive packed candy variety bers of the St. John Vianney you open your heart for His cause to me it says we can bread, mango graham cake, that we packed the night be- Parish Church Choir. “We unconditional love, you will be happy during Christmas garlic shrimp and such.” fore. After all the aguinaldo will all be in attendance for receive enduring peace and in almost any situation. My For many Hawaii Filipi- shenanigans in the morning, Christmas Carol singing and joy.” grandpa had his brothers and nos, calling long-distance to my cousins and I would go to mass where we will all greet his family. That’s what made talk to relatives in the Phil- the mall and spend our agui- the birth of Jesus Christ as a See the world as a child the hard times bearable.” ippines on Christmas Eve or naldos,” Bea said. whole family with much joy. does Bustamante said she day is common. Or family She believes the mean- We will then go home and Eva Domingo who lives loved hearing stories her from the Philippines would ing of Christmas is about have our Noche Buena. Each in California but grew up in grandpa would tell on Christ- call Hawaii. celebrating the birth of Je- family will prepare their fa- Moanalua says Christmas mases. “It is the perfect time Bea says when she goes sus Christ with the people vorite dish to be enjoyed by brings out the child in all of to hear family stories if only back home to the Philippines, she loves. “In a way, Christ- all. The fare will be a surprise us. “I can’t have my childhood we’d listen. Grandpa passed they make sure to call their mas is the Filipino version since the dishes will be what back, but I have Christmas to away years ago, but I will al- grandma and auntie in Hawaii of Thanksgiving. It’s the day they plan and share with all of relive those memories,” she ways remember him especial- to share Christmas Eve with that we all have fun and come us. The three grandchildren said. ly during Christmas because them. together to just eat, drink, will have something to pre- That annual excursion to a of his stories.” On Christmas day, Bea’s gossip and sing karaoke.” pare too. Christmas Carols season that brings out the inner will be sung and then back to child in us is just weeks away. Spending Christmas in the sleep. Opening of gifts will “Christmas is for children, Philippines be in the morning after a sim- even when we are adults.” Jim Bea moved to Hawaii ple breakfast,” said Tess. Domingo explains, “We in 2015 but always goes back For the Noche Buena, think about our youth during home to Manila during the Tess plans to make Paella, a Christmas because in many holidays to spend time with Spanish rice dish cooked with ways they were the happiest her family. meats, sausages, seafood and times in our lives. We were She said in the Philippines vegetables. On Christmas innocent, joyful, and knew her family goes all out for Day, she will order a Cebu- how to love unconditionally. Noche Buena. Her family and chon (small or partial lechon During Christmas, no matter immediate relatives would prepared in the style of Cebu). how much we had or didn’t sleepover her house so that Bernie and Tess will then have, it was always happy on Christmas Eve, they could go back to church for choir times. This is how Christmas get an early start preparing the participation at the 9:00 mass. was for me as a child, and food for the evening. Family activities for the kids, how my children were raised “On Christmas Eve, ev- adults gathering around the to appreciate Christmas – be- eryone has their own assigned kitchen preparing for Christ- ing joyful, happy no matter roles. My Dad and the uncles mas day dinner will take what life’s imperfections pre- will barbecue outside while up the whole day. “We are sented at the time.” they sing karaoke and drink 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 OPINION ‘Tis the Season to Count Our Blessings individuals. These include: journalist arrests, assaults, for Freedom of the Press border stops, camera and equipment seizures, surveil- claimed World Press Freedom ry. The North Korean regime gal free speech protections lance orders, subpoenas, and Day the UN General Assem- continues to violate the rights in the world, and serves as a more.” www.pressfreedom- By Melissa Martin, Ph.D. bly in 1993. of the North Korean people, beacon for press freedom in tracker.us. According to 2017 report while threatening the interna- a world where journalists are Will you stand up and de- e go about from Freedom House, a U.S. tional community with nuclear routinely censored, attacked, fend press freedom in your our dai- based nonprofit, only 13 - per weapons and ballistic mis- or imprisoned for their work. hometown, state, and country? ly lives in cent of the world’s population siles…Daily NK directly sup- But the U.S. record is imper- Will you stand up and defend the Unit- experiences a free press. ports a robust network of dedi- fect, and journalists and advo- press freedom for all countries ed States of North Korea is identified cated citizen journalists inside cates must tirelessly defend the on our planet? America. We as one of the most oppressive the country, who risk their lives First Amendment in courts, in W This holiday season let read newspapers in the US and countries for silencing journal- on a daily basis to share news legislatures, and in the media. us remember the journalists via internet we have access to ists and information via “ha- from the ground. In turn, we Constant vigilance and an hon- killed in the line of duty, both myriad newspapers around the rassment, arrest, torture or kill- broadcast these reports back est accounting of the country’s home and abroad and those world. But how often do we ing” according to a 2019 NPR to the people of North Korea track record on press freedom falsely imprisoned. stop and consider press free- article and Reporters Without and the entire world. In doing are essential.” www.freedom. Let us stop and count our dom? How often do we count Borders. so, we hope to advance the press. blessings for press freedom in our blessings when we peruse Read the following ex- cause of freedom and give the the United States of America. social media news outlets? cerpt from Lee Kwang Baek, oppressed people of North Ko- Threats to Press Freedom in “Oil may run out, liquidity How often do we show grati- president of a press freedom rea the voice they deserve…” US may dry up, but as long as ink tude to journalists and people newspaper in North Korea. www.dailynk.com. What is the U.S. Press flows freely, the next chapter of that bring us the news? “Daily NK’s mission is to Freedom Tracker? “The U.S. Life will continue to be writ- USA. The First Amend- remain your trusted source of Press Freedom in the US Press Freedom Tracker aims ten.”―Alex Morritt ment, which protects freedom news generated from within “When journalists are ob- to comprehensively document of the press, was adopted on North Korea, providing time- structed, so is the public’s right press freedom violations in the MELISSA MARTIN, Ph.D., is December 15, 1791, as part of ly and accurate information to be informed and hold power United States committed by an author, columnist, educator, and the Bill of Rights. about one of the most repres- to account. The United States national, state, and local au- therapist. She lives in Ohio. www. UN. May 3 was pro- sive regimes in human histo- has some of the strongest le- thorities, as well as by private melissamartinchildrensauthor.com. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS UH Asks State Legislature to Fund JABSOM Training on Maui ncluded in the University staff to create a fully devel- Vice President for Research Shortage of physicians in Ha- gy, or physical medicine and of Hawaii’s Board of Re- oped program to train a co- and Innovation, told the Ho- waii rehabilitation. Maui lacked Igents 2020 budget is a re- hort of approximately five to nolulu Star-Advertiser this The latest preliminary colorectal surgeons; Hawaii quest for $1.4 million to cre- six students each, through all weekend that the proposed data presented in September Island had no island-based ate a medical doctor cohort on four years of medical school Maui program “would go 2019 was startling, especial- neonatal-perinatal care doc- Maui. The funds would allow training. from the beginning of medi- ly when analyzing gaps in tors, nor any in infectious UH John A. Burns School of The proposal awaits pas- cal school all the way through specialty care on our neigh- disease or colorectal surgery. Medicine (JABSOM) to hire sage by the State Legislature. the residency program,” add- bor islands, which mean On Oahu, it is getting more eight full time faculty and Dr. Vassilis Syrmos, UH ing that, “if this is success- that in emergencies patients difficult than ever to find a ful, then we can replicate it at must travel to another is- general and family practice Hilo and also use some of the land, usually Oahu, for care. doctor — with a 46% short- pharmacy facilities there.” He On Kauai, the data showed age of those physicians based continued, telling the newspa- no island-based specialists on need according to the pop- per, “The shortage of physi- in infectious disease, critical ulation of the City and Coun- cians on Maui and the Big Is- care, neonatal-perinatal care, ty of Honolulu. Other high land is extremely severe. Not neurological surgery, geri- shortage specialties in Ho- only the primary care doctors atrics, allergy/immunology, nolulu are infectious disease, but also specialty positions rheumatology, endocrinolo- pulmonology and pathology. are pretty much nonexistent on the outer islands.” The medical school be- FAUW Presents Pasko lieves that given a full com- plement of neighbor island at HMoA faculty members, the exten- he Filipino Association of University Women sion of Oahu-based residen- (FAUW) and the Honolulu Museum of Art (HMoA) cy programs to the neighbor invite the public to the annual Pasko at HMoA Palm islands can be initiated within T Courtyard as part of the Bank of Hawaii’s Family Sunday on three years if necessary sup- December 8, 2019. port is provided through fiscal Learn how to create your own parol (Filipino star lan- collaborations with its Hawaii tern) and enjoy other Christmas-themed activities. Admis- health system partners, health sion is free. On-street parking is free on Sunday. HMoA insurance providers, federal is located on 900 S. Beretania. For more information, call and state agencies, local prac- (808) 532-8700. titioners and private donors. DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7 WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY? Defending “Fake Marriage” Charges by 6. Pictures from the earli- of that they could commingle. est period of the couple’s rela- In Bark vs INS, 511 F2d Really Trying tionship to the most recent. In a 1200 (9 th Cir. 1975), the not fake, the immigration officer must be properly categorized as case we won last month where Court of Appeals said: “Peti- will likely deny your petition for follows: an Asian (not Philippine) cou- tioner's marriage was a By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon alien relative. If the alien relative 1. “Our love story” written by ple was charged with marriage sham if the bride and groom has obtained a conditional res- the couple, describing how they fraud, we submitted the picture did not intend to establish a life n case of doubt idence status and is seeking to met, dating, and courtship, what of the couple’s first date and together at the time they were deny”. That is remove the condition and fails they love about each other, mar- asked: “How many married married. The concept of estab- the unwritten to establish that the marriage is riage proposal, wedding, honey- couples have pictures of their lishing a life as marital partners credo of most bona fide the immigration officer moon, sexual relations, and what first date. We also submitted a contains no federal dictate about immigration will deny the petition to remove they do together. If there are cir- picture of the U.S. citizen wife the kind of life that the part- “I officers. conditions and place the alien in cumstances that are not “typical”, visiting her husband’s ailing ners may choose to lead. Any How do I know? I was once an removal proceedings. such as that the woman is twice mother in Asia half way around attempt to regulate their life immigration officer. the age of the man, explain that the globe. We asked “How many styles, such as prescribing the So, where an immigration The Best Defense is a Good this was considered and that it is women care enough about their amount of time they must spend officer is confronted with the is- Offense not a problem. mother in law?” As Confucius together, or designating the sue whether a marriage - which “The best defense is a good 2. Documents showing that said “A picture is worth a thou- manner in which either partner is the basis for seeking lawful offense” is an adage that has been the wife (if she is the alien) has sand words” elects to spend his or her time, permanent residence - is genu- applied to many fields of endeav- used her husband’s surname, in the guise of specifying the re- ine or fake, and there is doubt or, including games and military such as driver’s license, identi- Legal brief to support Bona quirements of a bona fide mar- as to its validity, what do you combat. It is also known as the fication cards, bank documents, Fides of Marriage riage would raise serious con- think he will do? Deny. Let the strategic offensive principle of employment documents, health Submit a Brief in Support of stitutional questions… Aliens immigration court sort it out in war . Generally, the idea is that insurance records, etc. Petitioner’s Position that Mar- cannot be required to have more removal proceedings. proactivity (a strong offensive ac- 3. Affidavits of relatives and riage with U.S. Citizen Spouse conventional or more successful A “fake marriage” (aka tion) instead of a passive attitude third person attesting to the fact is Bona Fide. marriages than citizens. “Con- “sham marriage” or “fraudulent will preoccupy the opposition that the marriage of the couple is Cite the following: The test duct of the parties after marriage marriage”) in immigration par- and ultimately hinder its ability to bona fide, how they know that it of the bona fides of a marriage is is relevant only to the extent lance is a marriage that has been mount an opposing counterattack, is bona fide, how long they have whether the bride and groom in- that it bears upon their subjec- entered into “for the purpose of leading to a strategic advantage.” known the couple, how frequent tended to establish a life together tive state of mind at the time evading the immigration laws”. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia. is their contact with the couple, at the time of marriage. Lutwak v. they were married. (Lutwak v. See Section 204(c) of the Immi- org/wiki/The_best_defense_ and willingness to testify in any U.S., 344 U.S. 604 (1954); Bark United States (1953) 344 U.S. gration and Nationality Act. In is_a_good_offense. proceeding. v. INS, 511 F.2d 1200 (9 th Cir. 604 , 73 S.Ct. 481, 97 L.Ed. other words, the sole purpose of We have been applying 4. Documents to establish 1975). In other words, it is the 593.) Evidence that the parties such “fake marriage” is to enable this strategy with 100 per cent that the couple shares a common intent of the parties at the time of separated after their wedding is one of the parties to the marriage success rate for the bona fide residence, such as letters, bills, no- celebration of the marriage that relevant in ascertaining whether to obtain lawful permanent resi- marriage cases we have been tices, and other documents mailed is determinative of the bona fides they intended to establish a life dence (green card) via a petition handling. We do not handle fake to their common residence. of a marriage. together when they exchanged for alien relative by the U.S. citi- marriage cases. 5. Documents to establish Then cite facts establishing marriage vows. But evidence of zen or lawful permanent resident commingling of assets and joint the couple’s intent to establish separation, standing alone, can- party to the marriage without any Documents to establish financial resources, such as joint a life together at the time of not support a finding that a mar- intention of establishing a life to- Bona Fides of Marriage bank accounts, joint tax returns, marriage. riage was not bona fide when it gether as husband and wife. Submit the following docu- insurance policies with the other If there are no documents to was entered. The inference that Immigration officers eval- ments to support a Form I-130 spouse as beneficiary, joint med- establish commingling of assets, the parties never intended a bona uate a marriage based on what Petition for Alien Relative or a ical insurance, joint title to home state that the couple was just fide marriage from proof of sep- they consider a “normal” or “typ- Form I-751, Petition to Remove or car, joint rental agreement and starting life together and they aration is arbitrary unless we are ical” marriage, namely, common Conditions on Residence. They joint receipts (if applicable). did not have any assets to speak (continue on page 14) nationality, common language, similar religion, same education- al level, the man is older than the woman but not by much, a significant period of courtship, marriage proposal, wedding ceremony attended by relatives and friends, honeymoon, sexual relations, having children, living together as husband and wife for a significant period after the wedding, opening a joint bank account, obtaining insurance policies with the other as bene- ficiary, buying properties, like a car or house, and registering it in their joint names. If your marriage does not fit this mold, and you cannot satis- factorily explain why it does not, and if you cannot submit suffi- cient documents to establish that your marriage is bona fide and 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 NOVEMBER 2, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 AS I SEE IT Twenty Five Years of Existence is a Fete and Lt. Gov. Josh Green. sary: “A newspaper that made in Itself - Dr. Braid A certificate of commen- a difference in the communi- dation was presented to HFC ty -- a newspaper that is fair “Journalists need to tell voice of the Filipino communi- by US Senator Brian Schatz and doesn’t fear or favor any their stories,” Dr. Braid em- ty because we cover the good, saying: “Over the past 25 group -- the newspaper that is By Elpidio R. Estioko phasized. This exactly was the bad, and the ugly.’...We are years, the Hawaii Filipino the voice of the Filipino com- what happened to the staff of your advocate when we per- Chronicle has covered the lat- munity. The Hawaii Filipino ith the ad- HFC, a community newspaper ceive unfairness in our social est news on community events, Chronicle is all of these and vent of so- more popularly known as the and governmental systems. international issues, culture more, and the Thirtieth Leg- cial media, Chronicle. We are your ‘eyes and ears’ and politics. Your hard work islature of the State of Hawaii modern Traditional media, in order as we aim to accurately record and dedication to journalism is honored to recognize its technolo- to become relevant and com- the Filipino narrative… And have helped keep the Filipino Hawaii’s only local Filipino W gy should petitive in the light of modern so we are especially grateful community connected and in- weekly newspaper on its twen- have eliminated traditional and technology, “media organiza- for those who are here tonight formed. Congratulations to the ty-fifth anniversary…” mainstream media like the Ha- tions must develop its needs, to help us celebrate this mile- Hawaii Filipino Chronicle for In closing, Chronicle Pub- waii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) must take the role of advocacy stone event as well as for our reaching your 25th anniversa- lisher and Executive Editor Dr. but the latter stood firm, -ac and must transform itself from advertisers, friends and sup- ry. I join the community and Charlie Y. Sonido, in his clos- cepted the challenge, became being an observer to becoming porters who could not be here readers in celebrating this sig- ing remarks said: “Thank you innovative, stayed creative, as an activist,” Dr. Braid said. tonight.” nificant accomplishment.” all for coming tonight. The and subsequently weathered I think, what Dr. Braid The following government Likewise, US Senator Ma- substance of the Chronicle is the stiff competition thereby wants to point out is that pub- officials sent their congratula- zie K. Hirono sent this certif- you, who support us in many existing for 25 years to date. lishers need to strive for rele- tory messages to the Chron- icate of special congressional ways. Please continue support- That, in itself, is a fete to vance. Global media needs to icle: United States Senator recognition: “In honor of the ing the Chronicle…” reckon with, an achievement translate these challenges and Brian Schatz, United States 25th anniversary of the Hawaii in itself! This was the as- thereby promoting healthy de- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Filipino Chronicle, best wish- ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a sessment of keynote speaker mocracy. Congressman Ed Case, Hawaii es for your future success.” veteran journalist in the Philippines Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid, Dr. Braid said “this is the Governor David Ige, Honolulu The Hawaii State Legisla- and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, com- during HFC’s 25th anniversa- ture presented this certificate future ahead of us! Ethnic and Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Consul ments… please email the author at ry celebration held last Satur- community media have this General Joselito A. Jimeno, in honor of HFC 25th anniver- [email protected]). day, November 23, 2019 at the important role but needs to be Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, relevant with the community HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Hawaii. and business groups for them For 25 years, HFC exist- to continue this mission.” Filmmakers of “The Hanapepe Massacre ed and survived the odds and For her part, Publisher continued its important role of and Managing Editor of the Mystery” Film Project Seeks Donations informing the community of Chronicle Chona A. Montes- he filmmakers of “The unmarked grave of 16 Filipi- of its aftermath passed down the latest developments hap- ines-Sonido said: “We still ex- Hanapepe Massacre no striking sugar cane workers through the generations.” pening in the government, the ist today because we have the Mystery” film project killed in an ensuing riot in 1924. “The relevance of this story business sector and connecting T Filipino community behind launched a GoFundMe.com on- The film project’s momentum resonates today for issues involv- with various social and eco- us. Ethnic media exist because line fundraising campaign to be- grew on Sept. 28 when the mass ing labor rights, immigration and nomic sectors thus contribut- the community it serves needs gin raising Startup funds. grave was identified at the Han- transnational workers,” she said. ing to the life of the people. it. We call ourselves ‘the true Donor support using the pop- apepe Filipino cemetery by a Award-winning documenta- ular and highly successful Go- ground penetrating radar compa- ry maker Castillo, has also begun FundMe online platform can be ny hired by the researchers. interviewing descendants with a lifeline to the project for now, Castillo and her project team stories and other community sto- says documentary maker Stepha- are all from Kaua’i. They will rytellers. nie Castillo, while the team seeks be reaching out to the Filipino “We are confident that this funding assistance from private community everywhere, here in critical move to raise funds on- foundations, nonprofit grants, and Hawai’i and on the Mainland, line will generate a gigantic government entities. as well as to all those wanting to wave of support for our efforts,” “We wanted to launch see this 95-year-old history of a says Castillo. This is her 11th the GoFundMe campaign this Kaua’i massacre told more com- documentary. Thanksgiving week, in the Spirit pletely. Castillo asks: “Please click of Giving, and want to ask ev- “Questions and mysteries this link to support us. And eryone to consider making a do- abound, and the film will seek to thank you for being an Angel nation to help launch this very uncover the answers as to why Supporter.” GOFUNDME. important documentary project, 16 Filipino sugar cane workers COM. Or type: https://www. the Hanapepe Massacre Mys- were killed in Hanapepe, Kaua’i gofundme.com/f/hanapepe-mas- tery,” says the veteran filmmak- during the strike incident and riot sacre-story-needs-to-be-told? er, whose Filipino family comes and also caused the deaths of four utm_source=customer&utm_ from Kapahi, Kaua’i. When com- sheriff deputies. The 1924 Hana- medium=copy_link&utm_cam- pleted, she plans to offer this film pepe Massacre is a forgotten sto- paign=p_cp+share-sheet to PBS, which has aired several ry and needs updating. Missing For more information to of her other documentaries. for 95 years in the telling of this donate to the project or provide The project team jumped horrific tale,” says Castillo, “are pertinent information on the into action on Sept. 21 when the the voices of the community on Hanapepe Massacre, contact film crew followed communi- Kaua’i that lived through it, those Stephanie J. Castillo (castillosj@ ty researchers searching for the that remember it and the stories aol.com). DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 CANDID PERSPECTIVES The Impact of Viewing Impeachment the aid to Ukraine held up in firebrand will come out swing- Hearings From Hawaii exchange for dirt on his polit- ing. ical opponent. The Republicans have al- So Sondland’s testimony ready come out with their own was less courageous and pa- report saying the president By Emil Guillermo triotic, and more of a “c.y.a” was just doing what was “pru- move to cover his sycophantic dent,” reviving an old George here’s a differ- naivete while playing rookie Bush line. But bribery? Extor- ence between diplomat. tion? No crime say the GOP. the mainland and More courageous and Trump could come in and paradise. patriotic were the testimo- testify, if he chooses. But now It’s in the air. nies of Lt. Col. Vindman, the the White House is saying they T But does immigrant in uniform, who will not participate, continuing paradise put a filter on the im- listened in on that infamous to act like criminal defense peachment inquiry? Trump-Zelensky phone call on lawyers fighting every proce- Ukrainian Ambassador William Taylor (L) and Deputy Assistant Sec- If you watch the impeach- retary George Kent are sworn-in (Reuters) July 25 and knew something dural point without addressing ment hearings from Hawaii was rotten. His best quote the facts. like I did recently, you sudden- back to America, brah?” conspiracy theories and re- was to deny he was a Never Incidentally, Congressio- ly realize how you’re an un- Don’t let the impeachment marks like “the money was Trumper, but more of a “Never nal hearings on impeachment abashed, anti-social news nerd happen without you. paid to Ukraine anyway!” Partisan.” are different from criminal and pro-Constitution Filipino. None of it exonerates It’s the answer all Ameri- court. Guilty, as charged. CARE ABOUT IMPEACHMENT Trump. It only obscures and cans should have on the ques- A crime against the Con- It was ideal, really. The Hawaii is the most Filipino confuses the issue. tion of impeachment. stitution is all you need. early bird impeachment show empowered state in the union. That issue is this: Did Never partisan. Pro-Con- But Trump likes to con- in paradise started at 5 am. You There are Filipinos in every the president withhold mon- stitution. Pro-Democracy. fuse everyone by talking about watch till noon, then run naked level of government. From the ey allocated by Congress to And Fiona Hill’s testimo- no due process, no lawyers, no on the beach. state house to the city halls. Ukraine for military aid in ex- ny that the serious policy was witnesses. Not only has Trump What I found is that being And yet, from what I can change for political dirt on the being pushed aside so that had his chance to participate, in paradise didn’t blunt any of tell, Hawaii confirms what Bidens. And did he empower Sondland could conduct his he’s also essentially obstructed the damning testimony given. most polls show about coun- his private attorney (Giuliani) errand for Trump is especially Congress by preventing White If anything, there was a try’s taste for impeachment. to do the public business in damning. House officials from testify- sense that if this is the way the At best, they are on the fence: Ukraine as if in a secret policy And all of it is admissi- ing. Trump White House works, 50 percent Humpty. 50 percent channel while also engaging in ble in a court of law, which is What’s the president what else aren’t we being told Dumpty. his own personal business. strange that Republicans keep scared of if everything’s so that would be absolutely jaw I’m just waiting for some- Is making the people’s saying it’s all “hearsay.” perfect? dropping? thing to fall. business personal an abuse of I can’t see a let-up when Thank god for the whis- Democrats are far more for power? Breach of national se- the Judiciary Committee hear- SOME WALKED OUT OF MY tleblower. The GOP wants him impeachment than Republi- curity? ings start. SPEECH outed and interrogated. But cans, naturally. But everyone’s The testimony has been Congressman Ted Lieu The Intelligence Com- for what reason? Whoever it still not quite engaged in the damning. will get his facetime, and if mittee impeachment hearings is, he/she was just to start the transcripts and hearings. It’s But Trump and the GOP you follow Lieu on Twitter, coincided with my first visit kindling. The big logs are en- like they’ll catch whatever’s have seemingly convinced the you know the former Air Force in 12 years to Honolulu, and flamed now. important on the highlights, public that the whole thing is a veteran and Asian American (continue on page 12) Still, most people I talk- like watching ESPN politics, witch hunt, a hoax, or just not ed to in paradise just skipped just in case some irrefutable worth paying attention to, just the 5am hearings, slept in, and thing emerges. by saying so. went to the beach to burn. A smoking gun? Or a bur- Don’t be fooled. Hearings? Impeachment? ied smoking pig? You want Mai-Tai, brah? Don’t expect it. JUDICIARY COMMITTEE NOW I was a little disappoint- Trump and his loyalists TAKES A SWING ed. Not one person said to me, don’t concede a point on any- Now it’s the Judiciary “You know that immigrant thing. Not even the truth. They Committee’s turn. They’ll re- man in uniform, Lt. Col. Vind- negate and obfuscate at every view the Intelligence Commit- man, is a patriotic hunk.” turn. And then they cap it with, tee’s report and likely file the Or: “Boy, that Fiona Hill “He’s done nothing wrong.” articles of impeachment. made it sound like ‘Master- It’s the perfect defense The Intelligence Com- piece Impeachment!’ She when the jury is a jaundiced mittee hearings were over- could read Russian dossiers to public. whelmingly damning. Gor- me all night!” But then the Democrats don Sondland was pretty And definitely nobody haven’t been able to either convincing that the orders said, “I love that frat-boy pot- sell the truth or expose the Re- came from the top and that ty-mouth, Gordon Sondland. I publican defense, which real- there was a quid pro quo, want him on my team!” ly amounts to Trump having though he left a tiny loop- But maybe that’s why a third-grader’s tantrum, i.e., hole. He said he never heard when you leave paradise for “Nah-uh!” Trump give him the direc- California people sometime That’s the best the GOP tive. It was Sondland’s as- mistakenly say, “You going has done. That, plus debunked sumption that Trump wanted 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 MOVIE REVIEW “MINA-ANUD” REVIEW: A TRUE TALE OF THE
HUMAN TRAGEDY from his bigger-and-better, “corruption” and “power ex- under-the-radar drug trade ploitation” are also used in By Mark Lester Ranchez operation. Here, Go muddles other countries, not just in the the border of social stratifica- Philippines, and thus should uch of Ker- A stranger-than-fiction tion and moral expectations— not be solely construed with win Go’s flick, the story revolves from government officials it. Yet this seems to be the debut film, around disparate personali- to law-abiding civilians—in film’s own downfall. As the Mina-Anud, ties of dubious—and often the ugly quest for wealth and end credit rolls, one strongly screened at the wacky—intent: a gaggle of power, in a deadly chase for a feels that the movie’s prima- M 39th Hawaii second-rate surfers; a village sliver of success from the drug ry intention is to entertain, International of unworldly fishermen; a industry that seems to tran- not to preach. This is evident Film Festival, presented by band of overworked-look- spire under everyone’s nose in its sometimes mindless ab- Halekulani, is grounded on ing PDEA (Philippine Drug despite rigorous laws and surdities and idyllic scenes, an urgent if repetitive trope: Enforcement Agency) offi- regulations. He then show- in the way technicalities are the human’s innate predilec- cers—each in their dark pur- Veloso)— Mina-anud’s cynic cases, inadvertently, human’s given more emphasis than tion to exploit power. Based suit of outwitting the others, captain—improved lifestyle greatest flaw: its tendency to tension, and the way it avoids on real events that occurred in stirring them from discov- following his booming drug devolve into its own moral full confrontation of import- the same location, the movie ering their illicit machina- sales to tourists. parasite, exploiting—and thus ant questions such as, per- is set on the small fishing vil- tions. Ultimately, they find This extraordinary spoiling—its own self even in haps, the significance of the lage of Mina-Anud, Eastern themselves, one uproarious chance seems to prove stron- the face of its advocated jus- drug’s origin or the disease of Samar, where, one fateful way or another, thrust into a ger, and more lucrative, than tice, or mere decency. the drug trade in the country. morning, a boatload of pack- drug-trade scheme none of the moral scales the charac- The movie seems, with its This hesitation turns out to be ing-taped cocaine washes up them have asked for yet nev- ters think they uphold: Carlo perfect timing, to pointedly alright, but in its insistence to on its sleepy, unassuming er thought they needed: Carlo and Ding’s rigged cocaine comment at a larger discourse do so, the movie consequent- shores. Their eventual dis- (Jerald Napoles) and Ding’s trade with Kapitan Mario, ravaging the country today, ly sheds off its potency to covery will rattle the whole (Dennis Trillo)—two insep- who, in turn, conceals barrels but Go discourages this. He openly critique—as effective village, insinuate into their arable, “loser” friends—pa- of drugs from the Officer Ju- says, at its post-screening dark-comedies often do; they dormant ways of life, and thetic lives completely upturn lian (Alvin Anson) of PDEA Q and A at the Regal Dole are after all cautionary tales— will be the catalyst that cata- after discovering huge profit after initial confiscation, who, Cannery IMAX and RPX, on and thus to speak with unbri- pults the plot and its charac- from the “rat poison” the for- in another turn, we find out at the 14th of November, that dled tenacity the clamors and ters into the movie’s farcical, mer acquires from a fisher- the end of film, deceives the the film is universal rather fears many Filipinos in the wicked plight. man; and Mang Mario’s (Lou media and the wary citizens than specific, that tropes of country and abroad feel.
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: THE IMPACT....from page 11) a speech I gave to some 350 the truth in ethnic media pub- ti-Filipino policies in the U.S. One woman who was a Dr. Charlie Sonido, and his people at the Hawaii Filipino lications like the HFC. It was were like putting a giant cork pro-Trump Filipina wanted a wife and the paper’s editor, Chronicle’s 25th anniversary time we tell our stories. Not just on the Filipino population in selfie with me despite my poli- Chona Sonido. gala. talk story for fun. Talk story for America from day 1. tics. Most pro-Trump Filipinos Charlie had read my first My primary message real. About being Filipinos in That’s our history. But it’s go on one thing. The economy. columns in 1991. And when I for people was to be a First America. I then told them my news if you don’t know it. And And if it’s good for them, why asked Chona what took them Amendment Filipino. The stories about my father a Fili- most of us don’t. change a thing. Or they com- so long to ask me to write, for First Amendment gives us our pino who skipped Hawaii and So it’s time to embrace the pare the bribery in the Philip- them, she turned it back at me. right to free speech, free press, journeyed direct from Ilocos First Amendment and the Con- pines with what Trump is al- “What took you so long?” free worship and free assem- Norte to California. The racism stitution. And while we’re at it, leged to have done, and shrug. For the last 25 years, the bly. I tested all the subcatego- he suffered still directly affects remember that no one man is They’ve seen worse. paper has become their way ries in my speech. us all by creating a lost genera- more powerful than that docu- Yeah, but this is America. to give back to the communi- Most importantly, I want- tion of Filipinos that will never ment. Not even the president. Standards are higher. Suppos- ty. And it’s a publication that ed people to know the First be found. Be true to the Constitution. edly. people can turn to as an endur- Amendment gives them all li- That’s not exactly a ho- Not to a mere venal man who During the speech, I also ing legacy resource to find out cense to be journalists and tell locaust, but think of how an- happens to be president. told some jokes from my one- what the Filipino community man show, “Amok Mono- thought and how it reacted to logues,” including a few news and events in its time. Trump jokes, which to my Even impeachment. surprise made a few people You won’t find anything walk out. Like Trump says, I quite like it on the islands. At thought the jokes were perfect. least not with this amok voice. Despite a few who left, I For sure, readers will had more people come up to me know, none of it happened afterwards, teachers, educa- without us. We didn’t say alo- tors, students, thanking me for ha to the Constitution. setting an example to go amok, speak out and tell our stories. EMIL GUILLERMO is a vet- For that I am truly grateful. eran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu It was also a pleasure to Advertiser editorial board. Listen to meet face-to-face for the him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ first time with publisher, emilamok. DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13 LEGAL NOTES Health Insurance Requirement veterans; visitor health insur- tion under the Convention Temporarily Blocked ance plans; medical plan under Against Torture. the Medicare program; other President Trump justified preliminary injunction in the sonably foreseeable medical health plans as determined by his proclamation by citing case. Judge Simon said in his expenses”. the US Department of Health Section 212(f) of the Immigra- By Atty. Reuben S. Seguritan decision that the proclamation Any applicant or intend- and Human Services or his des- tion and Nationality Act (INA) has the potential to cause ir- ing immigrant who circum- ignee. Medicaid is approved which authorizes the president n October 4, reparable harm because immi- vents the proclamation through for children 18 years old and to suspend the entry into the 2019, President grants will be separated from fraud, willful misrepresenta- younger, but subsidized ACA US of any class of migrants Trump issued their families and there will be tion of a material fact, or ille- plans are not approved for ei- if the president finds that their a proclamation a delay in obtaining a visa to gal entry shall be a priority for ther adults or children. entry would be detrimental which blocks applicants who are otherwise removal by the Department of The following immigrants to the interests of the US. He O immigrants entitled to visas. Homeland Security. are exempt from the health in- stated that immigrants and ap- without insurance and those This rule requiring health The health insurance surance requirement: anyone plicants who are uninsured are who cannot pay the costs of insurance would affect fam- which will be compliant with issued a visa prior to the effec- detrimental to the interests of their health care from entering ily-based immigrant visa ap- the new proclamation must be tive date November 3, 2019; the US and are a burden to the the United States beginning on plicants, including spouses “approved”. The “approved” LPRs returning after a long government, and disrupt the November 3, 2019. This re- of US citizens and lawful health insurance forms under absence; unmarried children availability of healthcare ben- striction would be different and permanent residents (LPR); the proclamation are: employ- and adoptees of US citizens; efits to US citizens. would operate independent- children of LPRs who are 18- er-sponsored health plans, in- people seeking Iraq/ Afghani Critics of the proclama- ly of the “public charge rule” 21 years old; children under cluding a retiree plan, associa- Special Immigrant Visas; chil- tion point out that the majority which prevents immigrants 18 years old; adult sons and tion health plan, and coverage dren under the age of 18, un- of uninsured people in the US who used or are using public daughters of US citizens and provided by the Consolidated less accompanying parents are are US citizens and penalizing benefits from getting green LPRs; people with diversity Omnibus Budget Reconcilia- subject to the health insurance intending immigrants before cards or US permanent resi- visas or employment-based tion Act of 1985; unsubsidized requirement; parents of adult they even arrive in the US will dence status. immigrant visas; and some plans purchased on the indi- US citizens if they can demon- not solve the problems with On November 2, 2019, religious workers. The rule vidual market within a State; strate to the satisfaction of the US health care system. The Judge Michael Simon of the will also apply to parents of non-Affordable Care Act the consular officer that their proclamation also runs count- Federal District Court in Port- US citizens, unless they can (ACA)-compliant short-term health care will not impose a er to the Affordable Care Act land, Oregon issued a nation- demonstrate that their health health plans authorized by the substantial burden on the US which aims to provide afford- wide temporary restraining care will not impose a sub- US government; catastrophic health care system; and people able health care coverage to order that prevents the govern- stantial burden on the US plans; short-term limited du- whose entry would advance everyone who is lawfully pres- ment from implementing the health care system. They are ration health policy effective law enforcement objectives or ent in the US. October 4, 2019 proclamation. required to show proof that for a minimum of 364 days - or would be in the national inter- This restraining order is val- they will be covered by health until the beginning of planned, est. The proclamation would REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has id for 28 days. The court will insurance products within 30 extended travel outside the US; not apply to asylum and refu- been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, family member’s plans; TRI- hold a hearing on November days after entering the US or gee status seekers, those with- you may call him at (212) 695 22, 2019 to determine wheth- have the financial capacity to CARE plans or other cover- holding of removal applicants, 5281 or log on to his website at er Judge Simon will issue a pay out-of-pocket for “rea- age for military members and or applicants seeking protec- www.seguritan.com HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS U.S. Rep. Case Announced Federal Assistance to Hawaii’s stream Housing Choice of Hawai‘i’s Public Hous- In its 2019 Homeless Disabled Homeless Voucher Program to provide ing Authority. Case said the Point-In-Time Count Com- awaii’s disabled U.S. Department of Hous- sustained community-based funds can play a critical role prehensive Report last May, homeless will get a ing and Urban Develop- integrated housing opportu- in Hawai‘i by providing new the Partners in Care coalition Hboost in federal as- ment’s (HUD) Section nities to non-elderly persons vouchers to help disabled identified 4,453 sheltered sistance. Congressman Ed 811 Mainstream Housing with disabilities. These fed- individuals seeking to move and unsheltered homeless Case (HI-01) announced a Choice Voucher Program, eral funds will go to the State into safe housing. persons on Oahu. federal award of $850,000 which provides funding to to help the state combat housing agencies to assist homelessness in Hawaii’s non-elderly persons with disabled community. disabilities. “The challenge of home- It focuses on individuals lessness is recognized by all who are transitioning out of of us on the federal, state, institutional or other separat- local and community lev- ed settings; at serious risk of el, and we must continue to institutionalization; home- work together to help those less; or at risk of becoming who need a helping hand – homeless. Congress provid- in this case, disabled indi- ed these funds through the viduals who are homeless,” Consolidated Appropriations said Case. Act, 2018 (Public Law 115- The housing assistance 141), which set aside $505 was provided through the million for HUD’s Main- 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEDECEMBER 7, 2019 PHILIPPINE NEWS
promote healing,” Forbes said. “Over the past decade, Loc- Hans Sy, Angel Locsin Cited as It noted that on his 60th sin has donated as much as 15 of SM Prime Philippines, was birthday in 2015, Sy bought the million pesos to causes such Heroes of Philanthropy cited for his support to Child land for Child Haus’ first loca- as educational scholarships for By Iris Gonzales Asia-Pacific. Haus, a cancer center. tion in Manila for $600,000 and students, supporting the eco- Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 The list – titled “Asia’s He- “Child Haus opened its paid $1.4 million to build it. nomic and political rights of roes of Philanthropy: Catalysts newly renovated and expanded Locsin, 34, was also cited indigenous people, and ending ANILA, Philippines For Change” – includes billion- center in Quezon City to house for her charity work, including violence against women and — What do sec- aires, entrepreneurs and celeb- 40 cancer-stricken children and the recent help she provided in children,” Forbes said. Mond-generation ty- rities across the region who are their caregivers. Sy, previous- Mindanao after earthquakes hit To select the honorees, coon Hans Sy and Filipina actor committed to solving some of the ly CEO of property firm SM the region in October. Forbes Asia sifted through doz- Angel Locsin have in common? most pressing issues facing the Prime, paid $400,000 in 2010 Locsin, best known for ens of candidates, reviewing The two have made it to Asia-Pacific. It was posted on the for the property, which now pro- playing superhero Darna in a their monetary contributions, the Forbes’ 13th annual Heroes Forbes website on Monday. vides poor provincial families 2005 TV series, once said that depth of their involvement and of Philanthropy list featuring Sy, 64, chairman of the ex- with temporary shelter, as well “you don’t need to wear a cos- the reach of their philanthropic “30 outstanding altruists” in ecutive committee and director as programs and activities that tume to be a superhero.” efforts. (www.philstar.com)
(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: WINNING DEFENDING...from page 7) reasonably assured that it is more COMMENT: If you do all migration Law Service, 1st ed.,” an MAINLAND NEWS 8-volume practice guide for immi- probable than not that couples of the above, you will be able gration officers and lawyers. Atty. Ti- who separate after marriage nev- to establish by the facts and the pon has personally experienced the Abacan Selected as er intended to live together. (Cf. law that your Petition for Alien entire immigration process. He first Leary v. United States (1969) Relative or Petition to Remove came to the United States on a stu- dent/ exchange visitor visa to study Juror for International 395 U.S. 6 , 36, 89 S.Ct. 1532, Conditions on Residence mer- at Yale. He returned to the Philip- 23 L.Ed.2d 57.) Common expe- its approval. pines to resume practicing law. He Emmy Awards rience is directly to the contrary. came again to the United States on a non-immigrant work visa to write MA First Vice Presi- Couples separate, temporarily ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a law books, adjusted his status to that dent for Program Man- and permanently, for all kinds Bachelor of Laws degree from the of a lawful permanent resident, and agement Jose Mari R. of reasons that have nothing to University of the Philippines. His cur- became a naturalized citizen. Atty. G Abacan was once again chosen do with any preconceived intent rent practice focuses on immigration Tipon was born in Laoag City, Phil- law and appellate criminal defense. ippines. Tel. (808) 800-7856. Cell as one of the roster of esteemed not to share their lives, such as He writes law books for the world’s Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: jurors in the Final Round of calls to military service, educa- largest law book publishing company [email protected]. Websites: Judging for one of the categories and writes legal articles for news- https://www.tiponlaw.com , https:// tional needs, employment op- at the 47th International Emmy portunities, illness, poverty, and papers. Listen to The Tipon Report www.hawaiianimmigrationattorney. which he co-hosts with son Noel, the com , https://www.bileckilawgroup. Awards in New York City. domestic difficulties. Of course, senior partner of the Bilecki & Tipon com. This article is a general over- Abacan, who not only rep- the time and extent of separation, Law Firm. It is the most witty, inter- view of the subject matter discussed resented GMA Network, but combined with other facts and esting, and useful radio program in and is not intended as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is also the Philippines, previously circumstances, can and have ade- Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Atty. Tipon established between the writer and participated as a juror in several GMA’s Jose Mari Abacan quately supported the conclusion served as a U.S. Immigration Officer. readers relying upon the contents of categories since 2007. this article.) that a marriage was not bona fide. He co-authored the best-seller “Im- The International Emmy introducing Koreanovelas, La- Awards, which is considered as korn, Turkish and Indian series the Oscars of the TV industry, in the country. He also leads and is an annual event organized by oversees all program acquisition the International Academy of initiatives from foreign produc- Television Arts and Sciences. ers. Undoubtedly, with his vast It is a membership based orga- expertise in TV programming, nization comprised of leading the GMA executive continues media and entertainment figures to be chosen by the Academy’s from all sectors of television Emmy Committee as part of the including Internet, mobile and panel of jurors in determining technology. the most outstanding television Abacan is instrumental for programs produced around the GMA to become the pioneer in globe.
(Solution to Crossword No. 11 | November 16, 2019) DECEMBER 7, 2019 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THE FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY 5TH ANNUAL SAKADA DAY CELEBRATION | De- Have your organization’s events list- WOMEN (FAUW) AND THE HONOLULU MUSEUM cember 21, 2019; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Pahoa Com- ed in our community calendar. It’s OF ART (HMOA) PASKO AT HMOA | December 8, munity Center l Email [email protected] for details. The recommended to submit press re- 2019 | HMOA Palm Courtyard, 900 S. Beretania l For event is open to the public and free more information, call (808) 532-8700. Admission is free. leases a month in advance of your On-street parking is free on Sunday. organization’s event. Send informa- MAINLAND NEWS tion to [email protected]. Trump Seeks to End Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program ASHINGTON, D.C.-- many of these veterans in their lies in the states.” The Trump administra- 90s will likely die without seeing More than a quarter million Wtion is moving forward to their families again. Filipino soldiers enlisted to serve end the Filipino World War II Veter- “The depths of Donald in the U.S. army during World War CLASSIFIED ADS ans Parole Program (FWVP). The Trump’s inhumanity where im- II and a little less than 30,000 were program, begun during the Obama migrants are concerned knows no allowed to move to the United CAREGIVER NEEDED FOR IMMEDIATE JOB administration attempted to help re- bottom, but not even the most loy- States and become citizens. Many I am offering 25$ per Hour for 4-5 hours daily for a Dementia Father. unite Filipino veterans and their fam- al of his supporters can be in fa- of those soldiers left family behind Applicants should email their Resume and ilies in the United States while await- vor of disrespecting the brave and during that time. Reunions be- Reference ([email protected]) ing official federal decisions on their distinguished service of veterans tween soldiers in the U.S. and their visas. It was created to allow elderly who fought alongside Americans families back in the Philippines PART TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME CASHIER, FULL TIME COOK veterans the chance to have family and helped us win the war. There would frequently take many years. WAIMANALO L&L – Now Hiring ASAP members help support them in the is no purpose to keeping the fam- The Philippines was attacked Medical Provided for Full Time Employees states. Immigrant advocates called ilies of the quickly diminishing by Japan only 10 hours after the Please Contact Fanny at 808-386-6898 the program humane, and a way to number of Filipino World War infamous Pearl Harbor bombing, HELP WANTED FOR CLEANING COMPANY give back to the veterans who sacri- II veterans separated. They have Japan occupying Manila. It be- Legendary Cleaners pay depends on years of ficed for the U.S. been ignored and disrespected by came the location of an Ameri- experience. Must be reliable, prompt and not Senator Mazie K. Hirono of this country for decades. They de- can and Filipino resistance that afraid of hard work. Experience a plus. Willing Hawaii said Trump’s move to end serve our thanks, not spite from lasted for months and the tragic to train. Contact John Kim 808 392-5597 FWVP is “to serve his pathological their unhinged president. stage for the Bataan Death March BECOME A FRANCHISEE fast pace cleaning need to treat immigrants as cruelly “For decades, Filipino veter- of 60,000-100,000 American and company legendary cleaners with over as possible, and to undo any program ans and their families have tried Filipino prisoners of war, leading 16 years in business. Franchise fee 15706.80. ever created by Barack Obama, Don- to get the full recognition they de- to death of thousands and decried 10 year contract. Contact John Kim 808 392-5597 ald Trump is dishonoring Filipino serve for their service and sacri- as a war crime. Japan occupied the World War II veterans by ending the fice during the World War II. This Philippines for the entirety of the program that allows them to reunite includes battles to receive the full war, and the Philippines suffered their families in the United States. benefits and pensions afforded to almost 60,000 casualties during The President’s decision means military veterans and their fami- that time.
KROSWORD Blg . 11 ni Carlito Lalicon PAHALANG 32. Propyedad 1. Tunay 33. Kuno 5. Ari 34. Siluin 8. Piyer 40. Gayundin 14. Magsalong 41. Alumana 16. Abundante 42. Pinakamahabang pak- 17. Bisyoso pak sa buntot ng tandang 18. Yurakan 44. Abuloy 19. Pagkuha ng grado sa pamam- 49. Paggugutay-gutay agitan ng temometro 50. Tawa 20. Pagulong 51. Isang uri ng kawayan 21. Ama 52. Alanguang 22. Magluwal 53. Unlapi para a isa o 25. Lahat isang lupon o grupo 27. Dagandang 54. Isang sakit sa balat 62. Andap 65. Habag 28. Pali-paligid 56. Dumagsa 63. Tuyo 66. Sukat 31. Pakyaw 58. Pagtutumbalik 64. Tandang PABABA 12. Suwabe 36. Isa 49. Muling pag-ulit ng 1. Koponan 13. Namatay o yumao 37. Albino sakit 2. Gatgat 15. Bukod-tangi 38. Hepe 53. Natural 3. Puwang 20. Nimpa 39. Bulok 55. Pangmaramihan 4. Dagdagan ng asin 22. Inang 43. Tupada 57. Pagka-maaga 5. Liyag 23. Alapaap 44. Panahon ng pag- 58. Barkilyos 6. Tsismis na nakakasirang-puri 24. Kastigado aani 59. Kotse 7. Kanta ni Freddie Aguilar 26. Tanggapan 45. Gilid 60. Ineng 8. Asada 27. Munting palos 46. Tukso 61. Ngani 9. Bintad 29. Apog 47. Tambang 10. Alog 30. Ari 48. Paya 11. Apartado 35. Inggit (Ang sagot ay ilalabas sa susunod na isyu ng Chronicle) DECEMBER 7, 2019