PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 Filipino Women’s Civic Club (FWCC) Annual Maria Clara Ball 2017. Ala Moana Hotel STATEWIDE COMMUNITY CALENDAR Hibiscus Ballroom. 6:00 PM; Contact Compiled by AMELIA CASAMINA CABATU Persons: Rose Galanto 688-4458, Cecilia Villafuerte 780-4985 Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a community leader and a familiar face, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and hosts the “FIL-AM COURIER COMMUNITY HOUR on 1270 KNDI Radio every 1st Sunday of the month. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair OCTOBER 1, 2017 of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. Santa Lucia Academy Aloha Grand Reunion, Filipinana Night. Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus They live in Salt Lake and are blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to [email protected] or call her at (808) 282-2033. Ballroom. Contact Person: Tina Salvador 808 426-6183 MAY 19, 2017 Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Amelia thePhilippine culture, cuisine and OAHU Bicol Club of Hawaii’s Premier Scholarship Casamina Cabatu 282-2033. entertainment. Starting from $1813.00 (hotel OCTOBER 20, 2017 Fundraiser, Celebrates the Art & Music of twin sharing basis) and price is on a first Filipino Community Center, Inc. Bayanihan MAY 4, 2017 Bicolano heritage. Filipino Community June 11, 2017 come first served basis. For more information Gala Fundraiser honoring extraordinary Acts Hawaii Filipino Junior Chamber May General Center. 428 Mokuola St. Waipahu, HI 5:30 The Oahu Filipino Community Council please contact the Philippine Consulate of Service for more information and Membership Meeting Max’s of . Ruby PM – 10:00 PM. $50.00 General Admission, presents the 2017 Miss Oahu Filipina General Honolulu (808) 595-6316 to 19, Aloha sponsorship opportunities contact Fil-Com Room 801 Dillingham Blvd. Honolulu, HI. VIP tickets available by sponsorship Level. Scholarship Pageant Sheraton Waikiki Hawaii Tours & Travel 845-2218, Everlasting Center (808) 680-0451 6:30 PM; Guest Speaker: Alice Inoue Cost: Contact Person: Arnold Pontillas 391-9185 Ballroom. 5:30 PM; No Host Cocktails, 6:30 Services Inc. 841-2881, Nobel Travel (808) FJC Member $10.00; RSVP, Contact PM Gala Banquet, 7:30 PM. Pageantry 244-4609, Panda Travel Inc.732-6691press OCTOBER 29, 2017 Person: Natalie Millon 366-9583 MAY 28, 2017 chaired by Miss Deedee Melchor-Paguyo in 3, or Philippine Airlines Honolulu (808) 840- Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii Tyson Perry’s Fearless Funding 4 Kidney association with the Miss Oahu Filipina 1109 (PNAH) Halloween and Masquerade Ball MAY 6, 2017 Function Fundraiser Crab Shack Kapolei. 590 Sisterhood. For Sponsorship, Advertising, & Fundraising at Ala Moana Hotel, Rumuors 25th Annual Filipino Fiesta & (5th Flores De Farrington Highway. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM; Ticket Reservations Call Deedee at 554- AUGUST 26, 2017 Nightclub. 5:00 PM-10:00 PM. Cost: $30.00 Mayo) Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. 9:00 AM – $25.00 Donation Contact Person: Nancy 2897 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii heavy pupus and one drink included. Contact 5:00 PM; Entertainment all day & a Sunduan Ortiz 285-0072 (PCFH) Recognition Night honoring the Persons: Tina Salvador 426-6183, Ramon at 11:30 AM. Contact the Fil-Com Center JUNE 17, 2017 2017 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing Sumibcay 489-7148, Tina Fernandez 721- Arceli Rebollido 808-680-0451 or JUNE 1-JUNE 8, 2017 Operation Manong/OMSS (Office of the 2017 outstanding achievements of 1721 email:[email protected] for more Adobo Festival, the very first in Hawaii Multicultural Student Services) 45Th graduating high school valedictorians in public information presented by the Philippine Celebrations Anniversary. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. University and private schools & presentation of the NOVEMBER 4, 2017 Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) of Hawaii Manoa Campus Center Ballroom. continuing scholar recipients,and Filipino Business Women’s Association MAY 6, 2017 in Cooperation with the Filipino Chamber of $10.00 per person, Free for children 12yrs announcement of the Trailblazer of the year (FBWA) presents the Annual Kimona Ball Wahiawa Pineapple Festival 2017, Wahiawa Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and the Hawaii old and under open to the Public; RSVP by award to Mr. Roland Casamina. Empress and the Business Woman of the Year District Park on California Avenue. 10:00 Restaurant Association to promote local May 31, 2017. Contact Information: 808- Restaurant. 100 North Beretania St. 6:00 Awards Ceremony Dole Cannery Pomaikai AM – 4:00 PM. Admission to the Festival is businesses and promote Filipino Culture and 956-7348 or email [email protected] PM. We are currently searching for the Ballroom 735 Iwilei Road, Honolulu, HI 6:00 FREE. The event will include a parade at Cuisine. Contact Persons: Cecilia Villafuerte parents/parent of the year who sacrificed to PM Contact Person: Elsa Talavera 358-8964 9:00 AM, cultural and educational booths, 780-4985, Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, JUNE 23, 2017 send their children (3 minimum) to college food booths, the 2017 Festival T-shirt, a Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033. Rotary Club of Kapolei 2017-2018 and/or universities & have attained their NOVEMBER 19, 2017 country store, vendors, handcrafters, thrilling Installation of Officers and Board of professional chosen careers. Contact International Filipino-American Asian Cultural entertainment and keiki activities.The JUNE 9, 2017 Directors Fil-Com Center. 94-428 Mokuola Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Association of Hawaii’s 6th Year Anniversary Wahiawa Pineapple Festival is sponsored Earth Hawaii, an art show featuring Street Waipahu, HI 6:00 PM; Cost: $50.00 Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Gozar 630- Ball Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom Makai by the Wahiawa Historical Society. The the abstract arts and paintings of Earth for Dinner, Entertainment, Door Prizes and 6268, Maggie Domingo 783-0068 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $40.00; donation. Festival is still in need of vendors and Philippines Artists & featuring Actress and Rotary Foundation. RSVP to Rev. Alex Contact Persons: Wilma Ibay 221-2407, crafters. Vendors should contact the Artist Heart Evangelista together with her Vergara, RCK President at 808-5514303 or August 26, 2017 Linda Jakosalem 679-9511, Wahiawa Historical Society. P.O. Box husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, email: [email protected] Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawaii Becky Schmidt 291-4579 861500, Wahiawa, HI 96786 or visit the The ARTS at Marks Garage 1159 Nuuanu (FNOH) Annual Awards and Biennial website www.wahiawahistoricalsoc.com for Avenue, Honolulu HI 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. JULY 8, 2017 Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village. more information. Contact Person: Don Cost:$60.00; Contact Person: Indah Fides Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Coral Ballrooms IV & V 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM; BIG ISLAND Robbins 225-7206 Delgado 724-0602 (FCCH) Installation of New Officers and Contact Person: Stephanie Chung 221- 6212 Board of directors. 6:00 PM; Hilton Hawaiian MAY 20-21, 2017 MAY 13, 2017 Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom. Contact SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 Philippine Consulate Outreach Mobile Team Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii JUNE 10, 2017 Persons: Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Filipiniana Ball and Scholarship Award Visit in Hilo County of Hawaii Aupuni Center, Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year and the 119th Philippine Independence Day Brandon Dela Cruz 389-0517 presented by the Philippine Women’s Conference Room 101, Pauahi Street, Hilo. Filipino Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Celebration presented by the Philippine Association in Hawaii (PWAH). 6:00 PM at May 20, 2017 (Saturday) 8;00AM – 5:00 PM, Scholarship Awards Gala. Fil-Com Center Celebrations Coordinating Committee of JULY 10-16, 2017 the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom. May 21, 2017 (Sunday) 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 94-428 Mokuola Street Waipahu, HI. 6:00 Hawaii (PCCCH) in cooperation with the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour to the Philippines, Contact Persons: Letty Saban 255-9429, Appointments highly recommended Contact PM – 11:00 PM; Contact Persons: Rocky Philippine Consulate General, Hilton Hawaiian Manila and Davao City. Join the annual tour Jenny Quezon 292-8105, Edna Alikpala Person: Tulpe Day (808) 961-8220 this Anguay, 387-5821, Bernadette Fajardo 342- Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom. 6:00 PM; to the Philippines with the Philippine 282-3669 service is made in collaboration with CoH 8090 Contact Persons: Cecilia Villafuerte 780- Diplomats and explore the cultural heritage Immigration Information Office. 4985, Bennette Misalucha 398-5988, sites of Manila and Davao City. Experience THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 3

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

PUBLISHERS Mary Llanos Cordero David Cordero

MANAGING EDITOR Bennette Espineli Misalucha

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Armando Dela Cruz Busmente

PRODUCTION MANAGER Alice Llanos Busmente Confessions of a Working Mom

ASSISTANT EDITOR Radiant Cordero

COPY EDITOR By BENNETTE ESPINELI Danielle Evangelista MISALUCHA PHOTOGRAPHERS/GRAPHICS Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe The happiest moments in my In this issue of the Fil-Am Gabe de Liso Jeff Orig life? That’s easy—they were when my Courier, we feature the stories of James Ramos two children, Christian and Danielle, Mothers who inspire, who teach us COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala were born. No career milestone can life lessons, and provide us a template Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II compare to that awe-inspiring moment for everyday greatness. We Nancy Bernal when you cradle your child for the first appreciate these mothers who opened Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente time and behold the deep, strong their hearts to allow us a glimpse of Amelia Casamina Cabatu Anabel Gasmen Cabebe emotions overcome you as you gaze what makes motherhood work for them. Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao into those sweet innocent eyes while As Mother’s Day approaches, I Zeny Muyot Angie Santiago an incredibly tiny hand instinctively view my life choices from a different Perfecto Yasay Jr. curls around your thumb. You’ve lens from those a decade ago. Today, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS changed. Forever.Perhaps for the I am at peace with my own choices. Conrad Abuel Interestingly enough, even as my one of those heart-to-heart moments, Ric Agnes better. My children are now grown. Christian Paul Alimbuyao children grew up, they gave me clear whether he minded the fact that he did Ria Baldevia I have to confess: ever since I at 30, works at a non-profit Eriza Bareng signals it was okay to expand my not have a “traditional” upbringing. He Marnelli Joy Basilio can remember, I was always driven. organization, lives in DC and recently Bernie Caalim world beyond them, in other words, to looked at me quizzically and asked Randy Cortez In school, I graduated salutatorian of got engaged to a wonderful young Radiant Cordero let go. And slowly, I did. As the years what is “traditional?” His insightful Mary Cruzada my class. Guilty of the classic oldest woman from Boston, Carolyn Dunlea. Jaime de Jesus passed, ours became a rhythmic answer astounded me: “Mom, I knew Brandon dela Cruz child syndrome, I strove to exceed Danielle is 25, who after living in New Christian Evangelista dance of a mom’s love, with moments you were happy doing what you were expectations. Encouraged by parents York for six years, has decided to Imelda Gasmen where I would step aside to teach my doing, and you would have been Veronika Geronimo who supported my vision, I set off on return to Hawaii and now holds a Leo Gozar children independence followed by miserable staying at home, so I was Ben Gutierrez a quest of career success. I knew I responsible position in the political Kathleen Lee moments of tight handholding and happy that you’re happy. Besides, I’ve Carmela Minaya wanted a marriage and children along arena. Gladys Quinto Marrone reassurances, whilst still dancing in never known any other life, so how Gladys Menor the way but I arrogantly thought it I have a close relationship with John Pagaragan sync and harmony. In the background, should I know?” I felt reassured. Those Paola Rodelas would be a breeze. both and we all choose to spend Judy Relosimon my banking career — the industry I days when I dragged his sister and Sandra Sagisi Oh boy, was I wrong! When my vacation days with each other, Nicole Velasco chose to escape the vicissitudes of him to my office to finish a report on a Jason Ubay children were born, my world view exploring new sights and sounds. We Michi Villaruz media— turned out to be a great place Saturday did not seem to have lasting shifted. What career? I did not feel truly enjoy each other’s company. Joy to develop and nurture my evolving impact. Ahh… the resilience of youth! NEIGHBOR ISLAND BUREAU the need to pursue my ambitions any and laughter fill our days when we Maui skills. As the children required less Looking back now, I know there Kit Zulueta longer. The selfish strivings were are together. Jeremy Zane tending, my dormant ambitions stirred is no magical formula. All of us subjugated and my children’s welfare Motherhood is never easy. But I Big Island and slowly re-emerged. mothers do the best we can with what Mil Asuncion became primary. Unfortunately, I could hope my example will someday teach Jane Clement By the time Christian was nine we are given. Since fifty percent of Dr. Margarita Hopkins not afford to stay home. I left Danielle the valuable lesson that and Danielle was four, I was offered the work force are women— majority Kauai television—the only career I knew— motherhood does not mean giving up Virgie Cruzada the first of many management of who are mothers— I am mindful I Liza Trinidad to go into banking with its predictable who we are or letting go of our dreams. Marynell Valenzuela responsibilities. Those early years was not alone in the daily struggles of hours, no weekends and all-holidays But I do tell Mothers to think of their were one of the most difficult periods balancing. We all juggle. We all kill ADVERTISING SALES schedule. Sure, I had to start from careers with a long-term view. While Marivic Aldaya of my life. I had to make tough choices ourselves with guilt. We daily navigate Mary Cordero scratch and take a pay cut. Yes, the children are young, they need our Annabel Cabebe on a daily basis. Guilt became a the two worlds, usually successfully Florence Tan McCollom banking did not present the glamour presence. Motherhood is the best job Lydia Kamiya constant companion. Was I spending but with a great deal of worry. Who is Joni Redick-Yundt and cache that television supposedly in the world. Rudy Bautista enough time with my children? Yet, to say what is right for one mom is Marynel Valenzuela offered. But never mind. I could pick For everything, there is a season. on the other hand, was I delivering on right for the other? We all aspire to CIRCULATION up my children at 3:30 pm (after the I had my time to devote and focus on Florence Tan (Oahu) my promise to my company as a embrace our choices and more Ron Oshiro (Leeward Oahu) branch closed) and spend wonderful the children when they were little. I David Cordero (Maui) responsible manager? importantly, we need to embrace our times at the playground, hear the have no regrets. Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Before Christian went away to fellow mom’s choices with no Milli Asuncion (Big Island) pealing laughter as we raced home to Someone once gave me this LEGAL COUNSEL college, I asked him point blank, in judgment. Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. enjoy an evening meal together. wonderful analogy that Mothers are Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.) like water vessels and they are called upon to fill everyone’s cup. But if the THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by container is empty, if the Mom has not OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES found fulfillment or happiness — located at 2221 Liliha St. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own whatever that may be— there is and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am THE MAY EDITION OF THE FIL-AM COURIER COMMUNITY HOUR RADIO PROGRAM Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters nothing to pour, nothing to share. to the editor and other material submitted. Repro- duction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am ON 1270 KNDI RADIO WILL BE HEARD ON MAY 14, 2017. JOIN US FOR In my house, I am confident that courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil- A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY SHOW FROM 3;30 PM - 5:30 PM HAWAII TIME. my vessel will always be full. Am Courier. Telephone: 808.595.8787 LOG ON TO WWW.KNDI.COM, WATCH US ON FB LIVE ON Happy Mother’s Day to all the Facsimile: 808.595.6883 E-Mail: [email protected] FIL-AM COURIER COMMUNITY HOUR PAGE AS WELL AS wonderful mothers! www.filamcourier.net AMELIA CASAMINA CABATU FB PAGE. MEMBER HFAMC Federation of Filipino American Media Associations HEAR THE STORIES OF AMAZING MOTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND GET TO of the United States and Canada KNOW UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL THE CONTESTANTS FOR THE UPCOMING FFAMAS Hawaii Filipino American Media Council MISS OAHU FILIPINO PAGEANT. SEE YOU THEN! All rights reserved printed in the u.s.a © PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

By BENNETTE ESPINELI MISALUCHA Fil-Am Courier Managing Editor

ABOUT OUR COVER

This beautiful photo of three exemplary mothers was taken at the East West Center grounds at the University of Hawaii Manoa.

For this Mother's Day issue, we feature the stories of this mother and her two daughters who all have equally incredible stories of In the Davide household, both of whom are successful Philippines with a chemistry the family came first. So no, I motherhood: Left to right, Dr. being a “tiger mom” is a mothers— instilling discipline degree, she headed to UP do not have regrets. I am Caroline Davide, Paula Davide and badge of honor. in their children while Los Banos to be an assistant happy with the choices I Dr. Tessie Davide Amore. For the uninitiated, the term providing love, are the basic at a research lab. She had made.” “tiger mom” refers to “a strict ingredients to raising good grown up in Caloocan, a Paula’s choice to set Photo Credit to the talented Alex or demanding mother who children. suburb of Manila to parents aside her ambitions was in so Vergara. pushes her children to be “You have to start when of humble means. Her small part, also because she successful academically by they are young, “ said Paula, parents did not complete wanted to support her Photo Concept by Noah Felipe of attaining high levels of “no spoiling of children.” She higher education but to their husband Jorge as he aspired Orig Media. Mahalo to Jeff Orig of scholastic and academic added that the best part of credit, they valued education to comfortably provide for the Orig Media. Both Noah and Jeff can achievement, using methods motherhood is “when you see and saw to it that all seven family. He had an impressive be reached at www.origmedia.com regarded as typical your children do what is right, children finish college. It was resume: BS Agriculture from or by calling (808) 447-9559. of childrearing in East Asia, especially as they become from this background that the University of the South Asia and Southeast successful in school as well Paula was determined that Philippines, a Masters in Asia.” as in life.” her future children would Science from Cornell For 85-year old Paula Both her daughters agree aspire to higher learning. University and a PhD from NC Santos Davide and her although, there seems to be While at UP Los Banos, State College (now NC State daughters Carolina Davide some good-natured she met Jorge G. Davide, an University). For many years, and Teresita Davide Amore— disagreement on the varying agriculturist who was part of after their return from the degrees of expectations. the UP faculty. Shortly United States, he commuted “Yes, our mothering styles thereafter, Jorge received a daily between Makati and Los may be similar to my mom, but scholarship and the couple Banos for work, a commute my expectation is rooted on headed to Raleigh, North that meant leaving early in the reality. My mom expected Carolina. Paula enrolled as morning and not being able perfection from her kids, while well in a graduate studies to return home until late at I tell my daughter, ‘be the program, but in the middle of night. best’,” Carolina laughed as her studies, she became During those years, it was she explained. pregnant with Carolina. In Paula who had to be the How does one raise fact, as the children started anchor of the family even as successful high-performing coming, although she their four children were going children? continued to work in her field, through their formative years. Here are the stories of she did not complete that She must have done well these three Davide women graduate degree. on all accounts because her and their philosophies on When asked whether she children turned out to be Motherhood. had any regrets at all about successful in their own right: the career choices she made, Caroline, 58, is a doctor who PAULA SANTOS DAVIDE Paula was unequivocal: has a practice in Waianae; Paula Davide was always “When I had my babies, they Teresita, 55, who graduated academically driven, and so, were my priority. I was with from the University of the after graduating from the them full time. My husband Philippines magna cum laude prestigious University of the and I decided that caring for and a PhD from the University THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 5

of Hawaii, is today a professor without Anna, “ Carolina “I survived Anna’s teenage at the University of Hawaii added. years, thanks to my sense of College of Tropical Anna is now 19 years old, humor.” Agriculture; Susanna, 52, a first year pre-med student “My goal was to raise a who received a Masters in at the University of Hawaii – child who would not be a Botany, now lives in Manoa with a minor in Filipino. burden to society. In fact, Hongkong with her family; Last year, she graduated as when Anna was little, I read Jorge Jr, 49, an attorney who one of 56 valedictorians of this book by Stephen Covey, lives in Los Banos. her graduating class at Mililani about the Seven Habits of Here is her advice to High School. Her current Effective Families. young mothers who are interests include international Interestingly enough, I found raising families: a) Impose relations, conflict relations, that the principles conveyed discipline from the start. Even and her advocacy is on in the book were the exact she used to buy us a lot of Tessie also recalled the if you can afford it, be frugal. human trafficking. A fixture in same thing that my books. She raised us to be special way her mother would You will raise responsible the local community events, Grandfather Ondo Davide good readers and life-long celebrate the children’s children; b) Teach your the talented Anna is often taught me.” learners,” Tessie added. birthdays: “She would sew the children yourself so they will requested to sing, and her When asked what her Tessie also recalled the birthday girl, a dress, and study hard. C) Raise your repertoire usually includes biggest challenge was while special way her mother would then she would bake a cake, children in Faith. Paula said Broadway numbers, along raising Anna, Carolina said it celebrate the children’s usually with butter frosting, that having religion in the with the occasional Filipino was “Time” or the lack thereof. birthdays: “She would sew the and the celebrant got to family helped re-iterates the song. “I made sure that Anna was birthday girl, a dress, and choose the flavor. Then she values she taught at home. All of Anna’s my priority, but with a thriving then she would bake a cake, would cook a special meal Today, Paula lives in accomplishments validate the practice and so many other usually with butter frosting, and invite the small family Mililani and connects with her strength of the relationship demands on my time, it was and the celebrant got to together. The celebrant again children and six grandchildren between her and her mom, a difficult to raise her as a choose the flavor. Then she gets to decide on the menu.” often. They never miss an bond that has been forged single parent. So I dragged would cook a special meal Like many moms, Tessie opportunity to gather for through difficult and trying her along everywhere. We and invite the small family said her mind is full of favorite family celebrations. times, particularly when Anna were joined at the hip. In together. The celebrant again sayings that her mom used to “Motherhood is a was diagnosed with Attention hindsight, perhaps it was also gets to decide on the menu.” say. Her favorite? “My favorite vocation. You cannot stop Deficit Disorder (ADD) in a blessing, because that One of the things that is one that said Life is full of even as your children are third grade, and with Dyslexia probablywas where she got Tessie appreciated about her choices. Choose wisely the grown up,” Paula said. “I in the seventh grade. the idea of being involved in mother is her devotion to her one that is best for you.” vowed that my children will be “Anna was such a strong a lot of extra curricular and family: “She sacrificed a lot for Tessie said that she took the best citizens they can be, reader, and in second grade, community activities.” us. When my sister Carol was that advice to heart, even as and to leave the world a was already reading Harry These days, Carolina born, she quit graduate she makes daily choices on better place than they found Potter or Greek Mythology. waxes with some school. She put family first.” how to be a good mom. Yes, it.” But as the symptoms of ADD sentimentality about the Tessie credits her mom for she confesses that she is a “Thank God, I think my started to manifest, she was transition in her life, now that steering her and her brothers strict mom. Tessie and her promise has been fulfilled.” struggling so I had her Anna is living on her own in and sisters towards the right husband Michael Amore are tested. With medication, her town, close by to UH: “That’s path: “With my dad gone all parents to 25-year old CAROLINA DAVIDE condition stabilized and she what motherhood is all about. the time because of work Matthew who is now a Carolina Davide was could focus more. We also It’s moving the needle on your demands, my mom was our Financial analyst for Boeing approaching her 40th birthday sought counselling, and I comfort zone. It’s adapting to moral compass. She was very after graduating from the and in her last year of medical personally wanted to know the new stage in life. It means strict, not just with school but University of Hawaii, and 23 residency in Illinois, when how to deal with her condition, growth for mother and with everything. I used to year old Lucia who is a she discovered that she was “ Carolina added. daughter.” take piano lessons, and student at the UH College of pregnant. Carolina said she wanted sometimes, I like to do Tropical Agriculture. Despite the fact that the to have the full information so TESSIE DAVIDE AMORE shortcuts, but my mom would Both children are relationship with the baby’s she can help other parents as Tessie Davide Amore notice it while I was practicing, excellent in school, are father did not survive the well, something which she is admits she learned a lot of her and would make me do the talented singers and tumultuous time, Carolina committed to doing for other mothering skills from her own practice all over again.” musicians(both play an delivered a healthy full term families. mother, Paula. “She wanted us to be well- instrument), and are well baby and named her Anna When asked about coping “When I gave birth to my first behaved, so we had to speak liked. They also both embrace Dominique on February 2, tips as a single mother, born, Matthew in 1992, my in quiet tones; no loud voices. their Filipino culture 1998. Carolina admitted she was a mother came to help me out She taught us how to get wholeheartedly, and can “I knew somehow that strict mom: “I made sure Anna for six months. Even today, I along with people. In fact, speak Tagalog, despite the this was likely my only chance was scared of me when she still call her for advice.” when I first moved to Hawaii fact that they were born here. at motherhood, so I prayed was little. My philosophy was “My Mom had a strong to go to UH for post-graduate “We want to ensure that that if this baby was for me, that, I was the adult, I was not influence in me throughout my degrees, I lived with a local culture is passed on. As a then please let the pregnancy there to be her ‘friend’. I gave life. She was my first teacher, Japanese lady. That lady mother, I feel privileged to be proceed and let it be her tough love. “ and we would read children’s really liked me because she the vessel that could connect uneventful. And now, I cannot Carolina revealed that books together; so I could said I was neat and was very our Filipino traditional values imagine what life would be when challenges came, she read by the time I went to helpful. I thanked my mom for with the present day needs.” used humor to deflect tension. regular school. I remember the valuable life lessons.” PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 A MOTHER'S RELENTLESS PERSISTENCE By JACO GALLARDE LEADS TO HELP FOR SON When her toddler son Azim went years without speaking, making eye contact, and began regularly having frustrated outbursts, Trish Saidy lived through every fear a mother could have in trying to figure out what was going on. She struggled to find a definitive answer as she battled with her doctor who refused to diagnose her son with autism. They tried everything from allergy tests, to Patricia with Azim dietary restrictions, but in the end Azim was finally diagnosed. affected by autism, here in Hawaii too,” Saidy, local Filipina and mother Patricia with her husband of 15 years, The five Saidy children, clockwise explained Saidy. “Sometimes as a of five, began her journey as a scared Omar Saidy. from top: Ali, Maryam, Aaliyah, parent with a recently diagnosed child, and overwhelmed parent with little Suhayla and Azim. you can feel very overwhelmed, and answers. But fate and perseverance Buddings of A Loving Family overwhelming at first. I had a newborn so very much alone.” led Saidy to now become a As the family found its way back baby, but also my son who also needed Along with providing resources passionate advocate for autism to Hawaii, Saidy eventually met her my attention for his autism.” and referrals, TACA has a parent awareness and to undertake a future husband, Omar Saidy-- a local While shopping at a grocery mentor program in which they pair mission to help support other parents of Afghan descent-- while attending market Saidy ran into an old friend experienced parents with parents who and children who are on their journey college. who had a child with autism, whom are just beginning their recovery to autism recovery. “It was really different adjusting when she last remembered suffered journeys with their children. to the culture of my husbands’ family. immensely. However, now years later, “When you join TACA, you’ll Spirit of A Strong Filipina I was raised a dedicated catholic; I Saidy remarkably discovered that her never be alone,” Saidy said with Grandmother Rosie Patton with Azim Saidy credits much of her sense attended church, was very active with friends son had made tremendous passion in her voice. “We are here to of family and fighting spirit to her church organizations, and followed recovery from his autism. help parents understand that they are expected, but the reality is that many mother, Rosie Patton who moved her my mom’s lead,” said Saidy. “My “It was remarkable,” recalled the best person to be their child’s best of these children suffer neurologically family to the Philippines to be raised husband and his family are Muslim, Saidy. “I asked my friend what was advocate. For me personally, it’s not and physiologically,” explained Saidy. in an environment where Saidy could and it was very different from my the key to her sons progress, and she just the role as a parent, but a more “That’s why TACA can be of help, we be raised with strong roots to her perspective.” They now have five invited me to a support group event deeper spiritual role as a mother.” help families address the root of a heritage, and a concrete children, namely, Ali - 12 years old, for parents with autism disabilities, Saidy accentuated that one’s child’s behavioral and developmental understanding of the value of hard Azim - 11 years old, Maryam - 9 years and that was the start of my journey journey to recovery with TACA is a issues related to autism. As a Filipina, work and sacrifice for ones family. old, Suhayla - 5 years old and Aaliyah with Talking About Curing Autism marathon, not a sprint. Progress and as a mother, I want to be there to “I went to Catholic School in Saidy - 3 years old and on May 15th, (TACA).” takes times, and many don’t see any help others get their kids the help they Quezon City, Manila” said Saidy. 2017, they will mark their 15th “For the first time I didn’t feel so progress with their child until years need no matter what it takes.” “Discipline was extremely important anniversary of marriage. Today, alone,” explained Saidy “I really felt a after engagement in recovery If you or a loved one wants to growing up. You’re not given Patricia is a stay-at-home mom while sense of relief listening to stories programs and therapies. learn more about getting the help they everything you have to earn things, Omar works as a teacher and has a about children finding recovery from “If we look toward the future we need with their autistic child, please something that I hope I can instill in second job in the tourism industry. autism, and success stories of should be alarmed – many children visit www.TACAnow.org for more my kids.” Throughout it all, their marriage has significant progress, despite the do not get the medical, social, and information and ways reach out. When Saidy’s father became remained strong. amount of patience it requires.” developmental help they need.” disabled, her mother Rosie became Starting as a seedling in the soil Saidy pointed out that especially the breadwinner of the family. Beginning Azim’s Journey of the welcoming homes of pioneer in the Filipino community, many “My mother worked so hard to “When Azim was diagnosed with parents of autistic children in 2000, children are left undiagnosed or not Bryan Jaco Gallarde is a professional take care of us, and I know that spirit autism was really difficult at first – TACA is now operates nationally and always given the most direct communicator, with over 10 years of political is in me now that I am a mother myself. there was a lot of self blame involved provides services and support for approach to treatment for autism. campaign, government, and non-profit A lot of the work I do to promote autism as a parent, as well as depression over an estimated 45,000 families in “For us, a lot of it has to do with experience, specializing in Asian American action awareness now requires much and anxiety,” recalled Saidy. “I had the United States. having disciplined well behaved community work. When not writing for the of that energy and drive, that maternal just had another baby when he was “TACA has been so instrumental children. Culturally that is what is Fil-Am Courier, he is eating his way through instinct to provide for our children." diagnosed, and it was a bit in the journeys of the many children a bucket list of restaurants in Hawaii and abroad and practicing his Tagalog. THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 7

Cover Story 2

By LALAINE IGNAO

Nothing can ever compare in measure to a mother’s love. Mothers make incredible sacrifices to ensure their children’s happiness. They always come from a place of hope, aspiring to give their children a better life than their own. The powerhouse mother- daughter team doctors Erlinda Cachola and Lyla Prather’s story exemplifies a great example of how influential and powerful a mother’s love can be. Cachola and Prather’s legacy began with Cachola’s mother, Herminia Salud. Cachola shared that her family lived in , Philippines during the Japanese occupation. Amidst the war, her mother was The Sacrifice and Love pregnant with Cachola’s younger sister Zenaida while her husband, Rufino Magsalin fought as a guerrilla soldier. One day, the Japanese of a Mother soldiers came to raid their home as they looked for Cachola’s father. Salud told until her husband gave Cachola’s mother went into her three-year-old daughter himself up. labor and delivered a healthy Erlinda to hide in the closet “My grandmother would baby girl. It was a miracle that and stay quiet; Cachola turn to her side away from the the baby was unharmed. followed orders and hid there soldiers whenever they would Cachola left the imprisonment for two days before a beat her just so they could not camp and was reunited with neighbor found her. The hurt the baby,” Prather Erlinda. Shortly thereafter, a Japanese soldiers took Salud shared. bomb demolished the away and kept her in captivity, By the time her husband imprisonment camp where beating the pregnant mother came to take her place, Cachola’s father was detained, leaving Salud to raise her two daughters as a single mother. “The experience my accepting a medical Despite her experience of grandmother went through internship position in Hawaii. running her own clinic in the taught my mother and aunt to When Cachola Philippines, Cachola had to become strong and have the immigrated to the United pursue three more years of mentality that nothing is States in 1967, she had to specialty training before she impossible. Growing up, start from the bottom again. could start her own practice whenever I complained about She interned at St. Francis in Hawaii. something being too hard, my Medical Center, eventually In 1971, the Cachola mother would tell me, ‘Oh you working her way into gaining Medical Clinic in Kalihi was think that’s hard?’ and I would her residency. established and Cachola has remember this story. I come “Back then, doing one’s worked as her own boss for from a line of strong women,” residency meant actually the past 40 years, Prather declared. living at the place one worked In the end, it was Using her father’s veteran so basically, my whole family Cachola’s determination that benefits, Cachola later lived at the hospital while I won the day: “I always attended medical school and worked crazy hours,” wanted to be a doctor ever began practicing at her own Cachola added. since I was little. It was a clinic in the Philippines before Regardless of the doctor that I would go to when challenges, she persisted. PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

I was little who inspired me and I looked up to him.” “What makes me happier is that my daughter chose to follow my footsteps and works with me at the clinic,” Cachola added. Meanwhile, Prather grew up hating the idea of becoming a doctor after experiencing many years of following her mother around as she worked with patients for long hours on end. She did not like the idea of not having a work life balance where healthcare professionals needed to sacrifice their time spent with family to tend the my mother, she laughed and an impact in the community as Medical Association of She comments about her needs of their patients. would not believe me.” But great as she has.” Hawaii. Cachola volunteers daughter, saying that she has Prather held a mindset once she went back to school Along with their busy for the Bayanihan Clinic and done a good job as a mother, that this particular work and took a few classes, schedule at the clinic, the has joined the Belo Medical daughter, wife, medical standard remained as the Prather forgot how much she mother daughter team both Mission for the Philippines professional and community only option. Instead, she went enjoyed the sciences. Now, take the time to serve the and has done it several times volunteer. When asked what to pursue journalism and then she works alongside with her community. Prather serves as while also volunteering at her to tell her mother, Prather law. Eventually, the thought of mother as a partner. “It’s a Chair for the Board of church. simply states, “she’s my hero. becoming a doctor clicked in great working alongside with Directors at the Women’s Both women exemplify the I appreciate everything that her head. “It was like I literally my mother and watching her Fund of Hawaii as well as duty of not just serving their she has done for me. If I could woke up one day and told help so many lives. She has holding the position as an families but the community as impact half the people that myself that I wanted to inspired me so much with my Event Chair for the Board of well. Prather appreciates the she has, I would consider become a doctor. When I told own work as I hope to make Governors at the Philippine fact that because of all the myself successful.” hard work and sacrifices her To become a successful mother went through for her, mother, Prather said they Cachola has given her the must have a lot of love and a opportunity to have a well lot of patience. They need to work life balance. become “selfless and put her “This was very important children’s needs before her to me because I wanted to be own and it is her job to make able to become an excellent sure her children become mother to my children. Not independent and give them many professionals in the the skills and opportunities to healthcare industry have that be more, be more and do work life balance opportunity. more than what they ever They have to choose one over did,” Prather states. the other whereas my mom Cachola herself shares a gave me the ability to have deep gratitude and both.” appreciation for all mothers “I think as a mother, you around the world, past, have to worry about present and future. “ disciplining your children “I just want to commend whereas when you’re a all women for everything they grandma, you just have to do and for those who are spoil them and let the parents having a little bit of a hard worry about the discipline. So time. I encourage them to I think it’s more fun being the hang in there because they grandma,” Cachola comments will make it.” with a laugh.

If she could give a Lalaine Ignao moved to Oahu in 2016 with message to her mother, hopes of engaging with the Filipino Cachola would tell her, “I community. A graduate from Seattle really appreciate everything University with a degree in Strategic she did for me and that I love Communications, she quickly rediscovered her. Sometimes you don’t her passion of storytelling after writing for Art+Flea. The ambitious writer hopes to always have enough time to continue growing by contributing to tell them how you care and so publications such as The FilAm Courier and I think we need to tell International Examiner. She enjoys writing everyone that we love as lifestyle, cultural and profile stories along many times as we can while with reflective pieces that showcase her vulnerable and honest self. During her free we are still on this Earth.” time, you can find her dabbling in art projects, graduate school or in wander lust. THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 9 ELVIN LACEDA: Agricultural Pioneer Empowering Young People By RANDY CORTEZ to RiceUP

Agricultural pioneer is the last thing that comes to mind BYU Student Wins Duke of Edinburgh when people first meet 22 year-old Elvin Laceda. But once Laceda starts International Award talking, his passion for agriculture surfaces and he morphs into a staunch advocate of realizing a better Philippines. While currently enrolled at Brigham Young University – Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii), busy would create a better Laceda continues to majoring in BS Biology and Philippines and help people in empower young people by minoring in Entrepreneurship, poverty. crediting individuals crucial to Laceda recently won second After five years of waiting, his success. He appreciates place in BYU’s Great Ideas Laceda recently received The “the selfless service of his Competition. Duke of Edinburgh’s teammates… just to make this Laceda utilized his International Award – USA. “I project possible.” He adds that agricultural and have been proactively waiting “without [my teammates] I am entreprenurship knowledge to for this opportunity,” Elvin powerless, these students develop an app for Filipino goes to the farmers. We witnessed their daily confesses. come from provinces in the farmers. profiled all our 50 farmers and sacrifices to make ends meet." “I first heard about this Philippines as far as Isabela, At the competition, his we found it devastating that Laceda finished high program in the Philippines Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva RiceUP app won in the social they only earn $71.48 a month school at Lubao Institute when I was attending a Vizcaya and unto Bukidnon in enterprise category. Fifty (net income).” before studying for two years training in De La Salle – Mindanao. If our kababayans countries entered the With these disappointing at Bataan Peninsula State College of Saint Benilde. This would like to help us create competition hosted by the numbers, Laceda is University - Abucay (BS enables young people to do more impact in the Brigham Young University concerned that farmers are Agriculture Engineering) as a their best and create habit communities we're helping, (BYU)-Hawaii Willes left with little funds to not only scholar of former President that will empower them to we're more than willing to International Center of send their children to school, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, become good and great collaborate with them, sharing Entrepreneurship on but even feed them. working on weekends for her leaders of tomorrow.” hope, spreading love.” November 17, 2016. Laceda's recent office. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Laceda believes that it’s Laceda revealed that successes is in sharp In 2013-2015, Laceda International Awards is the “good to share my family's RiceUP “is designed to create contrast to the circumstances spent two years as a world’s leading youth struggles and my dream of a direct access from the he was born in. Indeed, missionary assigned in achievement award. It is coming here and its farmers to the local markets Elvin’s journey to Hawaii has Cagayan de Oro in voluntary, non-competitive realization, to provide and local consumers without been long and arduous. Mindanao. He said it was a and available to anyone aged inspiration to other young the intervention of the Born and raised in Lubao, "pivotal time in his life since 14-24. The award is tough but people like me who are facing middlemen.” Pampanga, Philippines he did not only learn spiritual it is about individual the same circumstances. I am He added that “One of our Laceda endured poverty and things but as I travelled and challenge, not about reaching so blessed and therefore it's goals is to design a mobile familial challenges early on. served among the poorest specific standards set by my duty to spread that application wherein farmers A product of a broken communities in Mindanao, I someone else. blessing to those around me. can sell their produce in a home, he was mostly raised witnessed how complicated Young people design I envision a country that is specified geographical by his grandparents. the problem of agriculture is." their own Award program, set both prosperous, glorious, location, basically in their local "I want to give inspiration After his missionary their own goals, and record united and have [a] strong communities.” to children who are from service in Mindanao, their own progress. They faith in the Divine.” More specifically, Laceda broken families. I was a Philippines, Laceda also choose a Service, Physical explained that “To bridge the product of a broken family but sought to settle some Recreation and Skills activity, gap of farmer-consumer that did not hinder me in personal issues in his life. “I go on an Adventurous relationship, we are finalizing achieving my dreams." was determined to look for my Journey and, achieve a Gold the development of a "I was also aware from a father. Fortunately, I found Award, also take part in a Randy Cortez obtained a Bachelor of Arts customized mobile app to young age about farmers and him in Casiguran, Residential Project. The only degree in Philosophy along with a Bachelors enable consumers directly their hard work and in a remote barangay. Seeing person they compete against in Filipino and Philippine Literature at the access and purchase dedication. I was raised by my his circumstances gave me is themselves, by challenging University of Hawaii-Manoa. Currently, he is enrolled as a third year law student at the produce to the local farmers, grandparents, my grandpa more motivation to try harder their own beliefs about what UHM William S. Richardson School of Law and vice versa.” Arturo Austria was a farmer to educate myself and pursue they can achieve. and will be graduating this month. He added that “Based on and fisherman while my my dreams.” Success is very much a Previously, Randy served as President of our research, 63% of the grandma Geminia Lagman Those dreams by now, product of teamwork. the JCI-Filipino Junior Chamber (a.k.a profits go to the middlemen was a vendor in the market. I were not just for himself but Through RiceUP and Filipino Jaycees), and continues to devote and only 47% of the net profit now also included those that other promising endeavors, his time to the Knights of Rizal - Hawaii. PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

Dr. RICKIE CAMARA

In a hole in the brain, there lives a habit. Not a nasty, dirty, turbid one filled with the pull of obsessions (although there are those, too); but a very comfortable, secure habit. There are lots of them actually; like hobbits basis. It is an automatic behavior and functioning and goal-directed actions through life asleep at the pre-frontal is followed by a routine behavior, and living in their comfortable holes. allows for our brain to ‘conserve’ come from; and the Basal Ganglia wheel, you will be a creature of habit. then the sense of a ‘reward’ that the Our lives are a stream of habits energy and work more ‘efficiently.’ (BG) which houses those habit holes. We like to think of ourselves as brain likes and remembers. The brain put together like a band of hobbits off A huge part of our brain activity Habit formation is centered at the BG conscious, free-willed beings; but a ‘chunks’ this process together and to a merry chase. What we think of is unconscious; estimated to be up to (think “Staying Alive” or “How Deep good 90% of what most people do in stores it in the Basal Ganglia. The habitually becomes what we speak of 95%; and forty percent of the actions is Your Love”) while decisions happen any day are routines so completely brain does this to save effort and to which becomes what we do with our we perform each day aren’t actual at the PFC. followed that their behavior can be allow our minds to chill. All the brain time which becomes what we are. decisions but habits. Addictions and When habits take over, that predicted with just a few mathematical needs now is the cue, and the rest is Without even knowing it, we can obsessive-compulsive behaviors can decision-making part of the brain falls equations. history. become stuck in a rut; comfortable result from our inability to switch from asleep. Conversely, when you put the Habits, from parallel parking to The brain doesn’t distinguish and secure, whistling our lives away. acting habitually to acting in a PFC to sleep like how they do brushing your teeth or people between good and bad habits; and so Habits are a choice of action we consciously deliberate way. experimentally with rats using watching, all follow the same if you have a bad one stored, it is made at one point, and then stop There is a constant competition optogenetics or like how humans do behavioral and neurological pattern: always lurking there waiting for the thinking about that choice and keep in the brain between the Pre-Frontal with drugs and alcohol, then habits there is a cue or trigger that tells your right trigger. But we don’t have to be a continuing to do the action on a daily Cortex (PFC) where executive will take over. Literally, if you go brain to go into automatic mode, which prisoner of ‘habits of our own device;’ THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 11

they can be ignored, changed, or COURIER OFFICIAL replaced. This is how Rumi, the Persian poet, describes how a human being can change: “There is a worm PHOTOGRAPHER WINS addicted to eating grape leaves. Suddenly, he wakes up. Call it grace, whatever, something wakes him and AWARD he is no longer a worm. He is the entire vineyard, and the orchard, too, the We are proud of the Orig credits the support of fruit, the trunks, a growing wisdom and accomplishments of one of family and friends including joy that does not need to devour.” our own: Congratulations to his wife Lisa Orig, his dad Yes, ‘waking up’ or being Self- Jeff Orig of Orig Media for Carlito Orig and his winning another American OrigMedia team Noah Felipe Aware at all times so you know what Advertising Award or Pele and Larissa Franzen, for is going on in your body and brain is Award. Orig received the achieving this successful for that which is just out of the key to getting rid of bad or non- award for the trailer to a web milestone. grasp. At the end of the day useful habits and instilling new series called Upstream. Orig "We are able to do this and when it's all said and healthy, productive ones. The trick to is one of the Courier's official through the love, support, done it's hard to think of change a habit is to keep the old cue, photographer who has been aloha, and bayanihan of you another cliche to put at the deliver the old reward, but insert a part of the Courier Ohana for all. We merely stand on the end here", Orig said. new routine or behavior. Any behavior Jeff Orig more than three years. shoulders of giants and reach Congratulations Jeff! can be transformed if the cue and reward stay the same. It is what underlies the success of Alcoholics Anonymous: the cue (distress) and the reward (relief) are the same; but instead of drinking, you go to a meeting and reinforce the belief that each time things will get better with each second of sobriety. The belief that you can change a habit and the ability to exert will-power to effect that change takes advantage of the neuroplasticity of the brain to create new and better behaviors. Change is not easy; and humans are notoriously slow to do so especially if the consequences are not immediate or otherwise directly visible. We will change however when we believe in our bodies that doing so will preserve our self. If your life is full of distractions, obsessions, and emotionality, then meditation is the method to get the rewards of peace, expansiveness, and happiness. With meditation, you develop the tool of self-awareness; and you will know each time when cue, routine, and reward come up. Each action becomes a choice in a state of relaxed awareness. And in that state of wholeness, perhaps we can take in the lessons from the Hobbit: have courage, be hospitable, mercy is strength, there is always hope; and my favorite one: “It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the dark at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” Be well; get rid of those bad habits; but don’t throw the hobbit out with the bathwater..!

Dr. Rickie Camara is a Board-Certified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki. He has a yoga-aligned health coaching and counseling practice in Kahala. You can hear him every Friday on the radio at KNDI between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on the Medical Forum with Flor Martinez . Email contact at [email protected]. PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

Ron Josol and Wanda Shipp Left to right: Egan Inoue, Sam Choy and Marcia Inoue

By NANCY BERNAL Apaulo Music Productions around the world and his next Up” and beat the competition Up 2Day Morning Show and presents a Smooth Jazz stop is the Philippines. Ron in the band category. All three is well-known in the Concert featuring Guitarist – enjoyed his stay in Hawaii and of these young artists have a entertainment scene with Peter White and Grammy- loved the aloha spirit promising future in the credits in radio and as an Award Winning Keyboardist – extended to him at his comedy entertainment business. emcee for major events. Their Gregg Karukas and shows and promotional • • • • dance music at the reception Saxophonist Extraordinaire – appearances. Congra- Sam Choy’s popular was provided by the musical Michael Paulo on May 27 at tulations to Producer/ television show - “In The group “Backbeat” with a The Hawaii Convention Center Promoter Wanda Shipp on Kitchen” on KHON2 will visit special appearance by Jordan – Liliu Theater at 8 p.m. Peter Ron Josol’s successful Celebrity Sports Person - Egan Segundo. Best wishes to the White’s Allstar band from L.A. comedy shows in Hawaii! Inoue’s home on May 28 at newlyweds – Chanel and will be performing with these • • • • 6:30 p.m. Sam will create a Kevin! headliners. This special Congratulations to the dinner with ingredients from • • • • concert will be celebrating sister-act of Kaylee and Egan’s refrigerator and will For now, That’s Peter White’s newest CD Natalee Shimizu and to Lyric share the experience with his Entertainment! release “Groovin”. Tickets are Medeiros for winning The co-host - John Veneri and (If you would like to submit available at TIX.com or call Iolani Fair Talent Competition Egan’s wife, Marcia and their entertainment information, (951) 696-0184. on April 22. Lyric placed First children. Tune in to see the please contact Nancy Bernal • • • • in the solo vocalist division for food creations that Sam cooks at 947-5736 or e-mail her at Ron Josol – Internationally high school students with her up with the Inoue family! [email protected]) Acclaimed Filipino Comedian – rendition of “Don’t Rain on My • • • • kicked off a forty country tour Parade”. Kaylee sang while The Hawaiian Humane in Hawaii in April and he was Natalee performed on Society presented a beautiful Peter White a big hit! He will be performing keyboards with the song “Rise fundraising Gala on April 15 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room. The Tuxes and Tails 2017 Cirque des Paws was a huge success. The entertainment showcased Jordan Segundo with Nueva Vida and Casey Fortuno and a stiltwalker and juggler. It was a fun evening for the sold- out audience! • • • • Congratulations to Chanel Moke Puha and Kevin Miura on their wedding on April 22 at The Hale Koa Hotel. Chanel is the Executive Producer at KHON2’s Wake Lyric Medeiros

Natalee and Kaylee Shimizu Chanel Moke Puha and Kevin Miura at their wedding reception For Advertising information, please call 595.8787 THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 13

By CESAR BONILLA

The San Nicolaneos USA recently conducted a free surgical, dental, medical and humanitarian mission in their hometown of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Held last on February 18, 2017 under the leadership of its President John H. De Los Santos, the mission was undertaken with support from its officers. Among the patients who were successfully operated on were Elizabeth V. Lucas (Curl Lips) and Lucky SAN NICOLANEOS USA CONTINUES Jane B. Dadiz (Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip), who were both from Barangay 19, San Nicolas. TRADITION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE San Nicolas Mayor Dr. Alfredo Valdez, Jr., warmly welcomed the group and The officers of the lauded the organization for its Association are John H. De philanthropic projects to help Los Santos (President), Cesar the less fortunate in the G. Bonilla (1st Vice- community. President), Rosemarie Aquino The success of the public (2nd Vice-President), Beatriz service project was partly Santiago (Secretary), Gina attributed to the assistance Lardizabal (Treasurer), provided by local partners, Warlita Baltazar (Auditor), notably the Ilocos Norte Vicky Caraang (Asst. Auditor), Dental Chapter headed by Dr. Lydia Kamiya and Charing Winalyn Tagabi, the Ilocos Reyes (Public Relations Norte Medical Society headed Officers), Fely Burigsay, Letty by Dr. Ederlina Calangan, as Tesoro, Teddy Reyes, Lee well as the Duterte Think Tank Kamiya, Agustin Tolentino Group, Friends Indeed USA, (Board of Directors), Hermie Inc. and Serve care Tesoro, Edgar Santiago, Missionary Group USA. Rolando Lardizabal, Orlando According to the De Los Santos (Sergeant at organizers, 24 barangays of Arms), Estrella Cariaga and San Nicolas were served with Froebel Garcia (Advisers) the following results: Dental: and Legal Adviser, Atty. Ben 480 recipients; Medical: 480 Martin. recipients; Humanitarian The officers and members mission: 1,200 distributions of of San Nicolaneos USA stand bags containing 2 kilos of rice, united and affirm their 2 sardines, 2 corned beef and commitment to support their 3 noodles packages. hometown and its community.

For Advertising information, please call 595.8787 PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

Principal of Communities in Schools Hawaii Hercules Huihui, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Honorees: Dexter Soares, Guy Tamashiro, Lito Alcantra, Rochelle Kalili, and Anne Chipchase.

By ANGIE DYTIOCO SANTIAGO

On March 25, 2017, Kaulana O Waipahu held its 6th Annual Awards Dinner & Fundraiser at West Oahu Community College. The event also honored five individuals for their contributions to the community. One of the honorees was Kaulana O Waipahu Honors Founder/President/Owner of Group Builders, Inc., Anacleto “Lito” Alcantra, who was Lito Alcantra as presented the award for “Outstanding Businessman”. Outstanding Businessman Also honored were Rochelle Kalili for “Outstanding among the Top 600 Specialty smile on his face. His rags to Congratulations also to Hercules Huihui, Its mission Educator”, Guy Tamashiro for Contractors in the US; and, in riches story and his big heart Roland Casamina and Eddie is to perpetuate Waipahu’s “Makana O Pu’uwai”, and 2008, the company took 5th are well-known in the Flores, Jr. who were honored living history and legacy of Anne Chipchase and Dexter place for “Hawaii’s Best community. Congratulations, as “Outstanding service driven by the practice Soares as “Outstanding Places to Work” among large Manong Lito! You are an Businessmen” in 2016 by of Malama (deep caring), Community Contributors”. companies with 150 or more inspiration not only to the Kaulana O Waipahu. Kaulana Kuleana (responsibility), Since 1998, Group employees. Filipino community, but to all O Waipahu is sponsored by Laulima (working together), Builders, Inc. has consistently Despite numerous who know you! Communities in Schools and Aloha. been among Hawaii’s Top 250 accolades and prestigious Hawaii, headed by Principal Largest Companies, honors for his successes, Angie Dytioco Santiago, our Gathering Place columnist, is a U.H. Manoa graduate. Angie according to Hawaii Manong Lito Alcantra remains is currently a Governor of the United Filipino Business; in 2007, Group humble and greets every Council of Hawaii (UFCH), the Recording Builders was ranked 186th person he meets with a big Secretary of the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii (BCAH), and the Assistant Treasurer for the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH). She served as an Assistant Auditor for the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) from 2015-2016, as 1st Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) from 2013 to 2014, and as BCAH President from 2010 to 2012. She is the daughter of Angel & Rubing Dytioco and is married with two sons. She enjoys photography and participating in cultural and social activities and events. The Waipahu Intermediate Choir with Director Michael Engler.

Standing: Higuchi Sandy, Ceanne Englar, Ashley Hartsfield, Christyn Nicolas, and Jasmyn-Marie Corpuz. Seated: Regilong Hetiback, Brian Hartsfield, Daisy Hartsfield, and Hayden Barcenilla. THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 15 WELCOME ABOARD!

Maggie Domingo, Andrea Benitez, Val and Letty Saban, Lito Alcantra, Edna Alikpala, Jenny Quezon, and Angie Santiago.

Lalaine H. Ignao A community paper can only be as Art+Flea. The ambitious writer hopes to good as the writers who contribute to it. continue growing by contributing to Seated: Kayla Colleen Uy, Joey Boy Alcantra, Bernard Alcantra, and Dennis Benitez. As you scroll through our Fil-Am publications such as Standing: Patricia Ann Uy, Miko Uy, Lito Alcantra, Andrea Benitez, and Ely Uy. Courier's impressive roster of writers, we The FilAm Courier and International hope you will appreciate the incredible Examiner. She enjoys writing lifestyle, talent, the diversity of voices and the cultural and profile stories along with wealth of life experiences that they offer. reflective pieces that showcase her It is a joy for us to announce the vulnerable and honest self. During her free newest addition to the Courier’s editorial time, you can find her dabbling in art staff, Lalaine H. Ignao, who is a freelance projects, graduate school or in wanderlust. writer from Washington state. Lalaine is fueled by a generous spirit, She moved to Oahu in 2016 with the spirit of bayanihan and considers hopes of engaging with the Filipino writing for the Courier as a way of community. A graduate from Seattle connecting to her roots, her culture, and University with a degree in Strategic her heritage. Communications, she quickly rediscovered The Fil-Am Courier is proud to welcome her passion of storytelling after writing for Lalaine! Seated: Jenny Quezon, Val Saban, and Dr. Lindy Aquino. Standing: Edna Alikpala, Maggie Domingo, Donnie Juan, Atty. Daisy Hartsfield, and Letty Saban. PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017

By MA. ROSARIO “SAREE” JOAQUIN

A rare photo of the National Artist who he often Photo credit: Cultural Center of the Philippines; refuses to pose for a formal photo. Photo taken when Joaquin received the National My memories of life in the credit: Neal Oshima Artist award for Literature Philippines are few and far uncle author Nick Joaquin. mystery that has just been between. On occasion, the Given the title of National solved. Names of important sounds of Sunday merienda Artist of the Philippines for people and places are no and playing hide and seek Literature, Nicomedes “Nick” longer a secret code. under Lola Charing’s dining Márquez Joaquín was one of I am inspired by my Tito room table come flooding the most celebrated Filipino Onching, who gave the back to me. I was only six writers of all time. His career Filipino people a beautifully years old when my family spanned over several woven literary works of art moved to Hawaii and I, like decades; he was first that can stand comparison many Filipino-American published when he was just with the western historical children brought to the States 17 years old and at the time Illustration of NJ by EDDIE N. JOAQUIN, JR. literature and folklore. In his at such a young age, lost my fluency in Tagalog and sadly, became distant from my Filipino heritage. Recently, however, a Celebrating National Nick wave of nostalgia seemed to hit home. I began to revisit the top shelf of our bookcase where English and Tagalog selections are nestled side- Joaquin: 100 Years by-side. My parents’ collection of Filipino literature has re- of his passing at 86 years old, Joaquin’s most defining works notably, publisher Penguin acquainted me with a world I he was still involved with is “A Portrait of the Artist as Books will bring Joaquin’s thought I had lost. Up until a multiple publications, such as Filipino”. Capturing themes of work to the US for the first few weeks ago, these books the Philippine Graphic and cultural identity and familial time with the addition of his were all untouched by me Mirror Weekly. conflict in pre-World War II novel, “A Woman with Two except for a battered series Although his Manila, the play has been Navels”, to the Penguin of children’s short stories. sophisticated short stories staged several times, adapted Classics collection. Joaquin “Pop Stories for Groovy and poems were fresh and into a film, and remains a will join the likes of legends Kids” was my first introduction unparalleled within the literary staple text that continues to such as Jane Austen and to the works of my late grand- community of his time, one of be studied in English classes Tennessee Williams, and across the Philippines. follows the trails of none other In addition to being a than Philippine National Hero skilled story teller, Nick Jose Rizal, whose novels Joaquin is remembered for “Noli Me Tangere” and “El his humility, loyalty, and Filibusterismo” joined compassion. Although I was Penguin Classics in 2006 and too young to remember 2011 respectively. The new Nick Joaquin book published by Penguin Classics which came out on April meeting him myself, the spirit The growing 18th. The book will be available for sale during of Tito Onching, as he is representation of Filipinos in the Honolulu Book and Music Festival on May affectionately called, mainstream literature has 6 and 7. continues to thrive in the fond changed the way I interact centennial year, there springs words our family constantly with my culture. In the hope that these narratives will shares about him. While the characters of these bring a new generation of country saw him as a literary narratives, I start to see parts Filipino-Americans closer to icon, Tito Onching was the of myself, and connect me to the roots of their identity. man who brought the my personal history like a grandchildren to church every Sunday, shared spooky MA. ROSARIO “SAREE” JOAQUIN, 18 yrs. A graduating Valedictorian IB Senior at Henry J. stories at the dinner table, Kaiser High School. She is a grand niece of Nick Joaquin, She loves musical theater, and would never leave weekly reading books, doing film projects in school and writing (must be in the genes). She is about family gatherings without to fulfill her dream of attending college in New York after receiving acceptance and being giving each child, the maids, awarded scholarship at both New York University and College of Mount St Vincent. and the drivers a few pesos. Illustration of NJ by EDDIE N. JOAQUIN, JR, 19 yrs. Currently a freshman scholar at Kapiolani In celebration of his 100th Community College. Also a grand nephew of Nick Joaquin. He has a penchant for art since birthday on May 4th, 2017, he was young. He did summer studies at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. During Middle various events celebrating School, he was selected among a hand few from his school to participate in the widely Nick Joaquin’s legacy will take acclaimed local Annual Mural Art Festival, Pow Wow at Ka’ Kaako. He is into music, place across the world. Most appreciates art and enjoys good thought provoking tv programs. THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 17

By GOV. DAVID IGE Exclusive to the Fil-am Courier

Ground breaking for Keauhou Lane in Kakaako, O‘ahu Governor Ige heads the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of Kaniko‘o Rice Camp -- senior housing on Kaua‘i Aloha! It is my honor and pleasure to be able to communicate with you through the Fil-Am Courier, OUR STATE MATTERS Hawai‘i’s leading and longest running Filipino-American newspaper. produced over the past creating jobs and providing In these messages, I hope two years, 98 percent of housing, so that area to give you an idea of what which are affordable residents can continue to live my administration and I are rentals. and work in Kalihi. taking action to improve the The committee envisions quality of life in our • Approximately 4,070 more mixed-income and mixed communities across this units are in the pipeline, housing – including beautiful state. Our efforts 81 percent of which will be affordable, workforce, low- include transforming our rentals. income, and kupuna care public schools; reshaping our facilities, small grocery stores economy; addressing • $180 million was set aside and pharmacies, and health/ homelessness; building more in private activity bonds to medical clinics. The vision affordable homes; and develop affordable rental committee also supports making government more units. This is more than incentives for investments in efficient to better serve the double what was invested the area, encouraging Governor Ige with the seniors at Kaniko‘o affordable rental housing people of Hawai‘i. Many of in the past. educational and workforce these are long-standing, development opportunities complex issues, but there are • In FY 2016 – the state’s and coordinating large-scale and cultural sense of place in If you have any questions solutions, and we are making Hawai‘i Housing Finance improvements to the area, honoring the or comments, please don’t progress. and Development infrastructure and transit intergenerational and hesitate to contact me at http:/ It is my hope that the Fil- Corporation (HHFDC) systems. In addition, the multicultural community that /governor.hawaii.gov/contact- am Courier will help me helped 814 families with committee expressed a desire lives, works and plays in us/. connect with you, the hard- Mortgage Credit to memorialize the historic Kalihi. working Filipino community, Certificates. This is dollar so that I can provide you with for dollar tax credits for the latest updates on these first-time homebuyers. initiatives and to hear from you This program has as well. I encourage you to assisted 4,660 families in communicate with me through total. the governor’s website at http://governor.hawaii.gov/ Vision for Kalihi: contact-us/. The 21st Century Kalihi Initiative aims to re-imagine Affordable Housing for the future of Kalihi, in the Hawai‘i’s Families: event that we can relocate or For this issue, I’d like to replace the O‘ahu Community give you a snapshot of our Correctional Center. effort to increase affordable A “vision” committee housing across the state and comprised of area provide information about my lawmakers, neighborhood vision for more homes, board members, businesses and recreational representatives from the facilities in Kalihi. private and public sectors, So far, our efforts include: social service agencies and Hale Mohalu II, an affordable community organizations has senior rental project in Pearl been created to work with the City, Waipahu Hall, an State Office of Planning on affordable senior rental this project. project in Waipahu, and The top priorities for the Waipahu Tower, an affordable 21st Century Initiative are family rental project also focused on economic located in Waipahu. development and housing to support and improve Kalihi. Under my administration: This initiative supports • Approximately 1,050 innovation and takes a housing units have been balanced approach in PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 SERVICES CLASSIFIED ADS WEDDINGS - ANYTIME, HOUSE FOR FOR SALE ANYWHERE. RENT $30,000 ONLY Judge Graulty (retired) 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Dress making Store call 778-8510 Bath newly renovated at Westgate Center. Established Clientele to schedule. w/ washing machine Owner retiring. and dryer. Located at $60,000 worth of Kam Shopping Ctr. inventory included. BUSINESS $2,500.00 a month. Call 256-7421 or 678-0220. OPPURTUNITY Utilities included. Call Mario - 232-8157 9-day Holy Land Tour START A COMMERCIAL or 842-0134 A Journey of a Lifetime CLEANING BUSINESS. January 16-24, 2017 Low down payments, financ- ing, training and an inintial Only $2700 customer base. Immediate FOR RENT Call Rev. Cir Domingo opportunies in Hawaii. 2 Bedroom. Own (808) 391-5019 Documents for details. Bathroom and Kitchen Call Coverall today at Own entry door. HELP WANTED 808.225.2610. Call 678-9003 or This offer is made by pro- 227-9002 Staffing Partners is spectus only. See Franchise hiring for Janitor Disclosure positions!!! We fill over 75 jobs per week, every week, and we may have For Advertising a position that's just right for you, but you won't know unless information, you give us a call 945-9300. We pay SAME WEEK, offer please call 595.8787 competitive benefits and applying with us online is easy and quick. Apply today, we may have that job you've been looking for. We are Staffing Partners, locally owned and in business since 1987. JOB DUTIES: • Emptying trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning restrooms. • Working in commercial locations • Lifting up to 50 pounds. • Cleaning common areas • Experience: 6 months to 1 year previous janitorial experience required. Starting pay rate $10.00/ hr. and up to $11.00/hr. Call Staffing Partners at 808-945-9300 to schedule an appointment today!!! 1441 Kapiolani Blvd., #1907. Honolulu, HI 96814. Apply on line at www.staffingpartnershawaii.com

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Part- time Help Wanted to package. Candies and Snacks PH. 833-5135 THE FIL-AM COURIER • MAY 1-15, 2017 • PAGE 19 HAWAII ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINO TRAVEL AGENTS Since 1972 NEW OFFICERS & MEMBERS 2017 PROMOTING AMBASSADOR TOUR TO THE PHILIPPINES ON JULY 9, 2017

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ATTY. BEN DUMLAO MARTIN Legal Adviser