aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 1
♦ FEBRUARY♦ APRIL 6, 19, 2013 2011 ♦ ♦
FEATURE LEGAL NOTES FOOD & LEISURE Feeling good Contentious issues BaCalao: With emerge in immigration PenanCe or Jay Flores reForm ProPosals indulgenCe?
PRESORTED HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle aPril 6, 2013 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor ith spring break now over, Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. War and Remembrance schools are headed into the Publisher & Managing Editor he celebrated novelist Herman Wouk starts his fa- fourth and final quarter of the Chona A. Montesines-Sonido mous work War and Remembrance with this unfor- year. For students, it’s cer- gettable line—“The beginning of the end of war is tainly tempting to put it in Associate Editors W Dennis Galolo remembrance.” The “remembrance” may be full of “cruise control” for the few re- Edwin Quinabo pain but is also fraught with pride and honor, espe- maining months. We encourage you to fin- T cially for the hundreds of thousands of Filipino vet- Creative Designer ish strong and study hard to the very end. Junggoi Peralta erans who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. armed forces You’ll be glad you did. in World War II in the Pacific theatre. Speaking of the end, our cover story for this issue is about Design Consultant Randall Shiroma U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has introduced twin bills in the on-going saga of Filipino veterans of World War II. Now in Congress designed to honor the Filipino veterans for posterity their twilight years, these aged soldiers continue to press for the Photography and to reunite the surviving ones with their children who have benefits that were promised to them decades ago. A handful of Tim Llena been waiting. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has likewise introduced a bills have been introduced on their behalf by U.S. Rep. Colleen Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan companion bill for family reunification in the Senate, the first Hanabus and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. Unfortunately, these vet- legislation she has put forward in the Senate since assuming of- erans face an uphill battle in Congress where its members have Columnists fice in January. little to no military experience and for whom even Vietnam is a Carlota Ader We fully support the twin bills introduced by members of our Sen. Will Espero faintly remembered secondhand experience of the horrors of congressional delegation in hopes that these would finally bring Grace F. Fong, Ed.D war. Please read about the plight of these veterans beginning on some closure, or a least an adequate reward for the longtime suf- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. page 4. We are indeed grateful to Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., for Ron Menor fering that our veterans have endured for more than 70 years— her expertise and insight on our veterans. J.P. Orias an awfully long time by any human reckoning. Many of our loyal Pacita Saludes veterans have died “without seeing the dawn,” as penned by Fil- We also have in this jam-packed issue a recap of the Fil- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. ipino novelist Stevan Javellana. ipino Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd Trade Mission to the Charlie Sonido, M.D. Philippines, which was held February 1-11, 2013 and headed Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. While there has been a partial resolution of some of the basic Felino S. Tubera issues related to the veterans’ plight, much remains to be done in by Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui. The mission was his first trip ever to Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. the interest of justice and equality. The Congressional Gold the Philippines. The delegation included more than 40 business Medal is a symbolic honor but loaded with meaning for veterans executives representing a diverse group of business interests Contributing Writers and their families. As with all symbolic action, the medal some- from the president of an electric company on Maui to a military Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. contractor. More on this successful trade mission is available Clement Bautista how eases the painful “remembrance of things past.” The medal Teresita Bernales, Ed.D is the highest civilian honor that has also been given to other on page 6. Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. groups that saw action in World War II, such as the Japanese- On the lighter side, contributing writer J.P. Orias introduces Linda Dela Cruz American veterans of the 442nd regiment. us to Jay Flores, a licensed physical therapist and an extremely Fiedes Doctor Danny De Gracia, II, MA And the Family Reunification bill which is related to the talented stage performer who has appeared in numerous musi- Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand broader contentious immigration reform agenda is now being de- cals around town. Turn to page 8 for J.P.’s article “Feeling Good Amelia Jacang, M.D. bated in the halls of Congress and other circles. It envisions a with Jay Flores.” We also have in this issue an update on the Caroline Julian happy ending for the surviving veterans of Filipino ancestry to Maita Milallos rail project (page 12), timely advice on how to retire on your Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. see their long-absent families in their twilight years. own terms (page 5), as well as other useful articles. Glenn Wakai Sadly, the World War II generation, often referred to as the In closing, we’d like to send our belated congratulations to Amado Yoro “Greatest Generation”, is dying off. In a few more years, mor- the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii on the occasion of Philippine Correspondent tality will make this issue moot. We therefore call on Congress to their 35th Anniversary (page 11). Congratulations also to Toy Greg Garcia give Filipino veterans their due—before they’re gone. Arre who was recently appointed as a member of AARP Big Island Distributor Hawaii’s Executive Council (page 12). Grace Larson Ditas Udani That’s it for now. As always, if you would like to share a Mabuhay , story idea, suggestion or concern, please send it to our staff at: Maui Distributor Cecile Piros [email protected]. Until next time… aloha and Pope Francis mabuhay! Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe or the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world, a ride Advertising/Marketing Director of confusion and hope could best characterize this re- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido markably dynamic 2013 Lenten season. First no one expected the resignation of Pope Account Executives Carlota Ader Benedict XVI in late February, and second, his rea- name Pope Francis "the most stunning" choice and "precedent J.P. Orias soning of poor health for quitting somehow didn't shattering." "The new pope is sending a signal that this will not be F The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published seem believable, especially given recent memory of business as usual," he said. Based on who St. Francis of Assisi weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- his immediate predecessor the late Pope John Paul II who con- was, the name Francis symbolizes "poverty, humility, simplicity, tributed at various outlets around Oahu and ducted mass well into the late stages of his Parkinson's disease. and rebuilding the Catholic Church." the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- Not to mention that no pope has vacated the papacy by resigna- At a time when economies around the world from Europe to lication date. Subscriptions are available at tion in over 600 years. the United States are reeling in trouble; at a time when economic $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country Then on March 13 cardinals from around the world delivered inequality is so pervasive that 99 percent of the population are dis- $90. Copyright 2006-2012. The Hawaii Fil- the perfect news to quiet down any rumors left swirling through- empowered to make structural changes like healthcare or fair busi- ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- out the streets of Rome regarding Pope Benedict. The selection of ness opportunities set by the 1 percent; and at a time when phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- 1829. E-mail [email protected]. Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio was giant his- materialism as a universal culture has led to an assortment of so- Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. tory-making of its own. The Argentine is the first non-European cietal ills from unethical gambling in Wall St. that cost millions of Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those to be elected pope in over 1,200 years and the first pope from the jobs and foreclosures to drug running and killing in the streets that of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- Americas, the New World. Also a historic first and perhaps more have already claimed the lives of over 70,000 in Mexico from ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written per- significant is the name Bergoglio has chosen for himself, Pope 2006 to present -- perhaps, now, at this time, the world needs mission from the management. All rights re- "Francis," in deference to the much beloved St. Francis of Assisi. someone like a pope who possesses the character of St. Francis of served. Printed in the U.S.A. Assisi. www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com Why Francis is so fitting Like the saint he is named after, Pope Francis as a world fig- MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional CNN Vatican analyst John Allen called the selection of the (continued on page 3) JournaliStS aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 3 OPINION Global Networking: Widespread Philippine appointment. After the Philip- Indifference Towards Overseas Filipinos pine Congress finally ap- proved the amended Overseas By Rodel Rodis While the Comelec’s De- the $20.1 billion sent in 2011. gates at the Global Summit Voting Act (OVA) in the first cember 14, 2012 resolution dis- They are the single biggest that was sponsored by his week of February and sent the elegates attend- enfranchising more than a source of foreign currency for Commission of Filipinos bill to Pres. Aquino for his sig- ing the 2nd quarter of all eligible overseas our country. Their relatives Overseas (CFO). Greg nature, overseas Filipino con- Global Summit Filipino voters drew howls of here used these remittances to Macabenta, former national venors of the Summit of Filipinos in protest from overseas Filipinos, buy homes, appliances, motor chair of the National Federa- requested Pres. Aquino to sign D the Diaspora the issue barely registered a vehicles, food items, clothing tion of Filipino Associations in the OVA into law either at the held in Makati ripple in the Philippine press. and toys, thereby keeping our America (NaFFAA) lamented Global Summit or during the on Feb. 25-27 were greatly One notable exception vibrant economy the envy of his absence: “any indication of week of the Summit to allow alarmed by the widespread in- was former Philippine Chief the world.” the importance of the confer- delegates to witness the sign- difference of many Filipinos Justice Artemio Panganiban But sadly, the Comelec ence, in the eyes of the Presi- ing of the bill that they had in the Philippines towards who showed his appreciation commissioners were not alone dent of the Philippines, may lobbied for since the greatly overseas Filipinos. How is it for Overseas Filipino Workers in ignoring the aspirations of be gleaned from the fact that flawed Overseas Absentee possible that just when the (OFWs) in his column in the the estimated 12-15 million he has only sent a videotaped Voting (OAV) law was en- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Philippine Daily Inquirer “Our Filipinos who live and work message to the delegates. One acted in 2003. (BSP) released figures show- OFWs toil diligently in for- outside the Philippines. senses that this "Gathering of The OVA law carried an ing record remittances by eign shores, braving loneli- Heroes" is not important odious provision requiring overseas Filipinos, the Com- ness, illness, family separation Presidential Disappointment enough to merit his personal overseas Filipinos who regis- mission on Elections (Com- and extreme weather. In the Even Pres. Benigno S. presence. Aquino also sent a ter to vote to sign an affidavit elec) announced the delisting process, they collectively re- Aquino III proved to be a dis- recorded message for the first of intent to return back to the of 238,455 overseas Filipino mitted last year a total of $21.4 appointment when he declined conference.” Philippines within three years voters? billion, up 6.3 percent from to personally address the dele- That was not the only dis- (continued on page 10)
EDITORIALS (from page 2, MABUHAY...) ure could by example show us Church relevant. Ultimately it change needed for the Church and humility very similar to the ety's injustice. Newly elected the virtues of leading simpler, would take more than a popular, to become relevant will happen. elected pope from Argentina. Pope Francis said in 2007 dur- compassionate lives. Such in- "people's" pope to keep the A Vatican III Council to address Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana ing a bishops conference: "the spiration could only be Church from losing members. changes and bring the Church was another leading candidate unjust distribution of goods per- achieved through humility; and While Catholicism remains the into the modern era, is not likely who is on the right track in em- sists, creating a situation of so- the perceived religious elitism largest and oldest Christian to occur. In the secular world, phasizing the need of reforming cial sin that cries out to Heaven of the papacy somehow needs Church, in Europe and most there are new roles for women the international financial sys- and limits the possibilities of a to be brought back down to western countries, statistics and new accepted versions of tem. He has been a strong critic fuller life for so many of our where the people feel that the show priestly ordination and morality with regard to birth of greedy practices afflicting brothers." pope walks among us. Pope church attendance in the control and marriage, that insti- Global Banks and world finan- As Catholics, we pray that Francis has already shown ex- Catholic Church has been de- tutional religions, the Catholic cial markets. God guide Pope Francis in his amples of being a "people's" clining for decades. It's esti- Church included, continue to It's hopeful that some lead- leadership of the Catholic pope. Immediately following mated that in the United States reject. So while culturally, mil- ers in the Catholic Church are Church. May he inspire us his introduction as pope on the alone regular church attendance lions of Catholics are born into outspoken over the inhumanity Catholics and the world to lead central balcony of St. Peter's among Catholics has dropped the Church, millions of others of financial structures and accu- virtuous lives and to make our Basilica, rather than blessing from 75% to 45%. are leaving it due to alienation; rately pinpoint the root of soci- world a better place. the crowd first, he asked for the Even in South America and millions of others remain people to pray for him. On his where most people (80.66%) "part-time" Catholics attending way back to the church-run res- identify themselves as mass only on major religious idence where he stayed along Catholics, active church mem- holidays. with fellow cardinals during bership is in decline. In Ar- Many might be pleased conclave, he refused to use the gentina alone, home of Pope with the trend and say that per- prepared car for the new pope, Francis, it's estimated that about haps it's preferred to have a instead opted to ride the bus, 10 percent of Catholics regu- dominant secular world where paid for his lodging, and carried larly attend mass. If Pope Fran- government ultimately codifies his own luggage. This isn't un- cis couldn't get people what's deemed moral behavior usual behavior for Pope Fran- invigorated about the church without crushing influence from cis. It's reported that while there, how would he be able to religious institutions. At the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, draw inspiration worldwide as same time given the fragile state instead of staying at the Arch- the leader of the entire Church? of worldly affairs, it's undeni- bishop mansion, he rented an - some people could logically able that religious virtues and apartment, caught the bus to ask. As a cardinal, he has lessons from God could be work, and prepared his own clashed with the government of much needed. meals. During major bishops Argentine President Cristina We have seen in this latest meetings in Rome, he always Fernandez de Kirchner over conclave that the Catholic sat in the back rows. many social issues and has lost Church isn't short of great lead- on many controversial legisla- ership. Filipino Cardinal Luis Challenges tions. Antonio Tagle who many say In our age of secularism, a With Pope Francis being a was a leading contender also challenge for the new pope is conservative theologian, it's un- could have been a worthy choice finding new ways to keep the likely that the type of real for the papacy with his charisma 4 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle aPril 6, 2013 COVER STORY The Filipino Veterans Story —A Continuing Saga By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D.
t is one of those stories of epic pro- This photo is taken portions that never seem to end. at the Honolulu They have acquired dimensions of International Airport when the late Rizal “largeness” and continuity that Agbayani (on crutches) together I defy time and space. In short, they with the leaders of Fil-Am Vets have become sagas—tales of heroic deeds are waiting for their flight on the way to that evoke the greatness of the human spirit. to Washington, D.C. to lobby and partici- Such characterization may Hanabusa Introduces Veter- pate in a rally for the rightfully be applied to the ans-Related Bills passing of their Equity Bill continuing story of thousands In the current session of of Filipino veterans who Congress, U.S. Rep. Colleen fought alongside the U.S. mil- Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) has in- itary in World War II, starting troduced relevant legislation an important step towards ful- the merits of HR 111 (in addi- ment made when it was re- that fateful day in December aimed at reunifying Filipino filling America’s obligations tion to HR 966), I have no cruiting the veterans to assist 1941 which has been etched American veterans with their to the veterans. doubt that the World War II the American war effort in the permanently in our collective family members who still live “When we needed friends Filipino veterans and their Pacific theater. memories over time. in the Philippines. in Asia during the war, the Fil- families would see this sym- In July 1941, then U.S. Seventy-two years after U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono ipinos didn’t hesitate,” bolic action as an eventual clo- President Franklin D. Roo- the fact, we continue to re- (D-Hawaii) introduced the Hanabusa says. “They stood sure to the injustice of the sevelt issued an Executive member with pain the devas- counterpart bills in the Senate. up in our country’s time of 1946 Rescission Act, which Order (EO) calling on the tation which that war inflicted Hanabusa, a member of need, and it is our responsibil- led to their unjust treatment Philippine Armed Forces to on humanity. And as in most the U.S. House of Representa- ity to stand up for them.” for over 50 years,” he says. “I fight alongside the Americans sagas of pain and remem- tives Armed Services Com- According to Hanabusa, hope and pray that this will be in the Pacific. The Philippines brance, there appears to be no mittee introduced HR bill 966 of the more than 200,000 Fil- realized soon while our heroes at this time was a colony of the closure to it because it is an (Filipino Veterans Reunifica- ipino veterans who fought are still alive and enjoying U.S. under Commonwealth unfinished story in terms of tion Act) to exempt children of side-by-side with the U.S. dur- their twilight years. We have status, but in what seemed like justice, peace and other values certain Filipino World War II ing the war, only 6,000 are U.S. Rep Hanabusa to thank a strange colonial situation, that ought to be served with its veterans from the historical alive today, many in Hawaii. for this magnanimous initia- Filipinos were not American successful resolution. numerical limitations on im- The Immigration Act of 1990 tive on her part.” “citizens.” They were called Hundreds of thousands of migrant visas to the U.S. Hi- enabled them to obtain Amer- This may not be the end of American “nationals,” the those Filipino veterans have rono’s counterpart version in ican citizenship for their serv- the veterans’ saga as some is- meaning of which was never long been dead and forgotten, the Senate is her first legisla- ices, after having been turned sues would probably unravel really clear to Filipinos. These but the struggle they started to tive bill filed since assuming down previously for nearly 50 as in past congressional ses- “nationals” were subject to the achieve honor and recognition office in January. years. sions. But it points towards the laws of the U.S. and the continues. Hanabusa says her bill is Hanabusa also introduced beginning of some closure, as colony’s armed forces eventu- HR 111, which would collec- we had mentioned earlier, as it ally came under the command tively honor the Filipino veter- would be tantamount to a of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, ans with a Congressional Gold supreme honor that the veter- who became the Supreme Medal in recognition of their ans have long been denied. Commander of the Allied dedicated service. A replica of Forces in the Pacific. The the Medal will be deposited at A Look Back at the “Back more correct name for the mil- the Smithsonian Institution in Story” itary outfit that the Filipinos Washington, D.C. where it It would be instructive at joined was the United States will be on display for public this point, especially for the Armed Forces in the Far East, viewing and made available younger generation of Fil- or USAFFE. for research purposes. ipino-Americans and those un- President Roosevelt’s EO familiar with the antecedents promised the Filipino soldiers The Ultimate Honor of the Filipino American vet- American citizenship and full Upon hearing of erans’ classic story, to look veterans’ benefits for their Hanabusa’s bill to award the back at the circumstances that service to the American mili- veterans with the Congres- have made this case such a tary. It was an attractive incen- sional Gold Medal, former long, drawn-out struggle. tive and Filipinos looked Hawaii State Rep. Felipe Sometimes people wonder forward to it. “Jun” Abinsay was ecstatic. why it has taken that long— But it was not to be. In Abinsay was deeply involved more than 70 years—for the what could be considered a in assisting the Filipino veter- U.S. to recognize the wartime cynical act of betrayal, the ans in Hawaii to obtain their service of the Filipino veterans U.S. Congress after the war citizenship status and benefits. and worse, to rescind the passed the Rescission Act of “If Congress recognizes promise that the U.S. govern- (continued on page 5) aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 5 COVER STORY (from page 4, THE FILIPINO...) rightfully deserved. Filipino veterans who came to Filipino 1946, which rescinded the Veterans in Hawaii following the passage promised citizenship and ben- Advocacy Efforts Directed at Washington, of the Immigration Act of D.C. await- efits to the Filipino veterans Congress ing instruc- 1990. Mila Medallon Kaa- while approving such for their This unjust treatment of the tions at a hanui, executive director of the European counterparts, such as Filipino veterans, among other rally in front State’s Office of Community of the White the soldiers from England and grievances, led to a flurry of House. Services (OCS), recalls how Iceland. Why? Who knows? advocacy and campaign efforts news of the Immigration Act of “These are only Filipinos,” on the part of numerous sup- Virginia). The blitz of letters, late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, to 1990 “spread like wildfire.” could be the thinking of many portive groups, such as the faxes, emails and other forms introduce and support legisla- “The veterans suddenly ar- of the Congress people at this American Coalition for Fil- of communication over the tive measures aimed at giving rived from the Philippines en time. They were not as appre- ipino Veterans, Inc. (ACFVI), years, and visits to the nation’s citizenship and benefits to the masse with only one-way tick- ciated and valued as their coun- headed by Eric Lachica. The capital had productive results. Filipino veterans. ets, a few dollars in their pock- terparts from Europe. This Coalition managed to recruit Until then it was a futile uphill In July 2002 Senators In- ets and no place to go,” she came down like a ton of bricks 4,000 supporters nationwide battle. ouye, Corzine (New Jersey), says. “They were temporarily on the ever loyal and faithful who were ready to take action It was here that the late Millender-McDonald (Califor- housed at the Philippine Con- allies of the American military to redress the veterans’ plight. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye came nia) and 16 others signed a let- sulate lanai—more than 50 of who sacrificed their lives so They focused their energies to- to the forefront to take up the ter endorsing the approval of them—which created problems that the U.S. may win the war. wards the Senate Veteran Af- cudgels for the veterans and he HR 3645, which reversed the of accommodation.” Thus began their long struggle fairs Committee chaired by enlisted the Hawaii Congres- infamous Rescission Act and The Filipino Coalition for for justice and the benefits they Sen. John Rockefeller IV (D- sional delegation, such as the finally enabled the Filipino vet- Solidarity (then headed by Jun erans to become American cit- Abinsay), the Philippine Con- SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE izens. At this time, there were sulate and KNDI Radio only about 11,000 surviving (through Flor Martinez) veterans living in the U.S. with worked closely with the Fil- Retiring on Your Own Terms majority of whom were in ipino Veterans’ Task Force and By Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay Hawaii. the State Office of Veteran Af- ost Americans are aware that they need to save for retirement. It’s a topic that’s fairs to find adequate housing. Becoming a U.S. Citizen: the easy to brush aside because although saving for retirement is important, it may not According to Kaahanui, the Hawaii Scene seem urgent. But the longer you put off basic retirement planning, the harder it will spirit of bayanihan prevailed Former State Rep. Abinsay be to catch up. and showed how Filipinos rendered extraordinary efforts Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about retirement, since Na- could come together for a com- to help the large numbers of tional Retirement Planning Week is set for April 8-12, 2013. (continued on page 15) M When you’re ready to begin planning for retirement, the eas- iest and most convenient way to start is from the comfort of home. Go to www.so- cialsecurity.gov where you can apply for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, there are no forms to sign or documents to send—simply submit your electronic application. You can also call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit the Social Security office nearest you. Be sure to have your bank account information handy so we can set up your payments to be deposited directly into your account. Your age when you start to receive Social Security makes a difference in your benefit amount. The full retirement age (the age at which 100 percent of retirement benefits are payable) has gradually risen from age 65 to 67. You can retire as early (continued on page
Case in point is Jay Flores fundraiser of the Bayanihan 5 who feels good when pouring Clinic Without Walls. In “Be- his passion into memorizing lieve,” Flores rendered 12 Jay Flores in (1) Godspell, (2) Kismet, (3) his lines for the stage and numbers of the 25 songs in the Miss Saigon, (4) Aida and (5) The King and I working with his wife Shirleen line-up with remarkable solos in their physical therapy busi- and magnificent group songs. “I become passionate and “Kismet,” the All Good Gifts ily together during the turbu- ness. He was effortless with expres- try to do my best to communi- soloist in “Godspell,” Simon lent years of the Philippine in- Flores is a licensed physi- sions of “Lost in the Wilder- cate the message of the song Zealotes in “Jesus Christ Su- surgency, when Flores’ father cal therapist, owner and ness,” “I Believe In You,” through my stage perform- perstar,” Bustopher Jones, As- was gone for months at a time. founder of Waipahu Therapy “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” and ances,” says Flores, who never paragus and Growltiger in Flores graduated from the Center—an outpatient orthope- “Corner of the Sky” and was appeared in musicales in the “Cats,” Thuy in “Miss University of Santo Tomas-In- dics practice and massage es- equally at ease harmonizing Philippines. Saigon” at the Army Commu- stitute of Physical Therapy tablishment with offices in with other singers in the group Locally, he has performed nity Theater in 2005 and Lun with a bachelor’s degree in Kalihi and Waipahu. His wife, songs. in Diamond Head Theater as Tha in “The King and I,” at physical therapy in 1991. also a licensed physical thera- A smooth tenor, Flores is the herald in “Cinderella” Diamond Head Theater in After three years working pist, co-owns the company and gifted with a wide vocal range (2001). A decade later, he 2011. as a physical therapist in Geor- is mother to their three children which enables him to have a joined the ensemble of “Phan- At age 9, an aunt gave Flo- gia and Tennessee, he decided Rachel, Joshua and Shiloh. very flexible repertoire. His tom of the Opera” at Paliku res a guitar and mentioned to to enroll in business school. Yes, Flores has a lot to feel theatrical presence and deco- Theater. In between those his mother what a beautiful He attended the Asian Institute good about. rum set him apart in a niche years, he toured Honolulu’s voice he had. of Management and finished Flores’ creative side was of his own. He is passionate community theaters by per- “That ignited my passion his master’s degree in business on display this past December about musical theater because forming in musical theater for vocal performance leading management in 1997. Previ- at the 35th Inaugural of the he “loves music and watching presentations in a variety of to training with “Papuri,” a ously licensed as a physical Philippine Medical Association a story unfold with the use of roles. Christian recording company therapist in California, of Hawaii. He appeared on music and singing makes the He was in the ensemble of in the Philippines,” he says. Florida, Georgia and Ten- stage with a jazzy rendition of experience a lot more inter- “Mulan” at the Convention During college, Jay nessee, Jay recently entered “Feeling Good” in the stylings esting.” Center, “Joseph and the Amaz- learned basic vocal technique the Doctor of Physical Ther- of Michael Buble, then shifted Flores’ interest in musical ing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at from the recording studio. As apy program at Utica Col- to an operatic “Adagio” in a theater heightened when the Hawaii Theatre, “Pirates of a tribute to his Creator, he cur- lege’s distance education duet with Dr. Cielo Guillermo. megamusical “Miss Saigon” Penzance” at the Blaisdell rently dedicates his time as a department. Flores started singing with became a financial and artistic Concert Hall, and “Les Miser- vocalist in the New Hope Lee- From his humble begin- Doctors-On-Stage last year on success with a squadron of Fil- ables” at Diamond Head The- ward worship team. nings as an army brat with a the same occasion and was in ipino actors led by Lea Sa- atre. He was also Amonasro in “Maria Von Trapp” auntie and the cast of “Believe,” the recent longa. “Aida,” the Wazir in Humble Beginnings supportive parents who Born in Quezon City and molded Flores in hard work raised in Makati, Flores is the and dedication to family, Flo- eldest of four siblings of res was bound for success. Guillermo Flores and Rose- His daughter Rachel is a marie Queipo. His late father, freshman who is showing a graduate of the Philippine signs of following in her dad’s Military Academy Class of theatrical footsteps having ap- 1959, was a high ranking mil- peared as the orphan Annie in itary officer who was at one her school’s production of the time the vice chief-of-staff of vintage musical. Joshua, 6, and the armed forces of the Philip- Shiloh, 4, have yet to display pines and commanding gen- an interest in the performing eral of the Philippine Army. arts. His mother, originally from As the song goes, “It’s a Samar, graduated from Lour- new dawn. It’s a new day.” It’s des College, Cagayan de Oro a new life for the Floreses. City in 1966. She held the fam- They are all feeling good. aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 9 SOCIETY PAGE 10 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle aPril 6, 2013
OPINION (from page 3, GLOBAL....)
or face incarceration of up to a the Philippine Senate year in jail. This provision dis- building on Feb. 28 to per- couraged overseas Filipinos – sonally thank Sen. Pi- most of whom planned to live mentel and Sen. Loren and work abroad for more than Legarda for their support three years – from registering of the OVA bill. During a to vote. roundtable discussion The resulting low registra- about issues of concern to tion turnout vindicated the self- overseas Filipinos, Sen. fulfilling prophecy of the skeptics who Legarda encouraged “former Filipinos” opposed suffrage for overseas Filipinos. to invest in the Philippines. At that point, Despite this extreme disincentive, how- I said “Senator, there is no such thing as ever, more than 350,000 overseas Fil- a “former Filipino”. You can be a former ipinos registered to vote in the 2004 Philippine citizen but never a “former elections. But a lesser number registered Filipino”. Once a Filipino, always a Fil- for the 2007 and 2010 elections and only ipino.” Sen. Legarda readily agreed. about 300,000 registered for the May While Sen. Legarda and Sen. Pi- 2013 elections bringing the total to less mentel were meeting with the Summit than 900,000 overseas vote delegates, another Team PNoy senate candidate, Cynthia Villar, was busy put- New Overseas Voting Act ting her foot in her mouth. When she was The removal of this provision was a interviewed on TV by host Wennie Mon- source of great relief for advocates of suf- sod who asked her why she intervened in frage for overseas Filipinos. But Mala- favor of nursing school diploma mills in canang Palace sent word that Pres. 2005, Villar replied that there was no Aquino could not accommodate the re- need for Philippine nurses to graduate quest for them to attend the signing cere- with Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing mony because he was too busy that week, (BSN) degrees since they only wanted to perhaps campaigning for his Team PNoy become “room nurses” or caretakers senate slate. Did he not understand that a anyway. photo-op of him signing the OAV bill in The social networks of global Fil- front of overseas Pinoys would draw sup- ipinos exploded with fury. Here is one port for his slate from overseas Pinoys, comment, among thousands that were like the 65% of them who voted for him posted: “Telling your precious Pinay in the May 2010 presidential elections? nurses that they don’t even need to have Perhaps Pres. Aquino should talk to a BSN because they only want to work one of his own Team PNoy senate candi- abroad as a room nurse and that they dates, Sen. Koko Pimentel, who an- don’t really need to be good because they nounced in a press conference last month are only there to be a caretaker for others that he expects six million overseas voters is utterly degrading and demeaning. And to cast ballots in the 2016 presidential by the way, there’s no such thing as a election following Congressional ap- “room nurse”. Operating room nurse, proval of the Overseas Voting Act, which yes. Emergency room nurse, yes. But a he sponsored in the Senate. room nurse? Seriously?” Pimentel said that the Senate’s ap- Villar should not underestimate the proval of the bill on February 5 “was a influence of outraged Philippine nurses red-letter day for the over 13 million over- working abroad who remit billions of seas Filipinos..Maybe not in this coming dollars of their salaries to their families election in May, but once the OVA in the Philippines. One word from them amendments take effect, overseas Fil- to their relatives and Villar’s hopes to ipinos may soon be able to register and succeed her husband in the Philippine vote using mail, whether postal or elec- senate will be dashed. tronic, fax, and other secure online sys- tems.” Dismal Alternatives “In 2016, when Filipinos come to- But the alternatives offered by the op- gether as one nation to decide on the next position UNA slate are even more dismal. administration, one of our biggest lega- One UNA candidate, Nancy Binay, has cies to voters around the world is an OVA only held one job in 39 years - being the law that offers flexibility in terms of new personal assistant of her father, Vice-Pres- technologies,” Pimentel said. Under the ident Jojo Binay. Another UNA candidate, amended Overseas Voting Act, “the par- Jack Enrile, son of Senate President Juan ticipation of overseas Filipinos in the Ponce-Enrile, had to publicly deny on TV election of national officials would be as that he killed four people, including easy as their turning on their computers movie actor Alfie Anido. And another and connecting to the Internet to register candidate, JV Ejercito, son of convicted or to vote,” Pimentel said. plunderer, former Pres. Joseph Estrada, is running a very public feud with his half- Former Filipinos? brother, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. Global Summit delegates trooped to (continued on page 13) aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 11 SOCIETY PAGE PMAH is 35 Years By J.P. Orias he Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii celebrated its 35th Anniversary at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki last January 12 with Senator Josh Green, MD as guest speaker and officiant for the in- duction of its officers and Board of Governors composed of Drs. T Jose De Leon, president; Jerald Garcia, president-elect; Glorifin Belmonte, secretary; Michael Castro, treasurer; Arnold Villafuerte, immediate past president; Carolina Davide, Nestor Her- ana, Amelia Jacang, Melvin Paul Palalay and Ray Romero, gover- nors and affiliate presidents; Nicanor Joaquin, (BCWW), Jose Madamba, Foundation and Russell Kelly, OMM. The formal event which was well attended by friends and asso- ciates from the medical industry, featured the musical talents of Michael Castro on guitar, Erica Brenner, Louise De Leon, Anna Da- vide and Carol Davide, Jay Flores and Cielo Guillermo. Drs. Dan Ablan, Fort Elizaga and Joe Madamba were the hilarious gangnam emcees of the program with members of Himig at Indak led by Edith and Roland Pascua giving terpsichorean support on the rumba num- ber which opened the evening's dancing. 12 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle aPril 6, 2013 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
result is cheaper, greener and City to Begin Collecting Photovoltaic Permit Fees cleaner electricity for home- eginning April 6, the permit fee exemption for systems have nearly tripled spectors and plan checkers to owners and businesses. 2013, City officials PV systems. The waiver was each year since 2008. Repeal- improve service, and to reduce The City’s Department of B will begin collecting implemented in October 2007 ing the fee waiver means PV the time needed to obtain other Planning & Permitting (DPP) fees on building permits is- as an incentive to the new PV contractors will be treated the permits and to conduct inspec- is updating the online PV per- sued for photovoltaic (PV) industry and residents to install same as other contractors who tions. mit application system to allow solar electric power systems. the energy saving systems. have been paying building A solar PV system con- contractors to pay the new fees Honolulu Mayor Kirk City officials say that an permit fees all along. verts sunlight into electricity electronically. More informa- Caldwell signed into law Bill incentive is no longer neces- The PV fees collected will by means of PV cells made of tion will be available soon at 68 (2012) CD1 which repeals sary given that the number PV be used to hire additional in- semiconductor materials. The www.honoluludpp.org.
appointed to a cabinet position years before retiring in 2012. in City government when he AARP estimates that by Arre Named to AARP Council was named director of finance the year 2030, one in every five eminiano “Toy” tive council is an all-volunteer by former Mayor Frank Fasi. Americans will be age 65 or Arre, former Filipino advisory board that shapes the He also held a variety of City older. The organization fights G Community Center 148,000-member strong orga- budget and legislative positions for issues on behalf of older (FilCom) CEO and president, nization’s strategic direction dating back to the 1970s. Americans, including the high has been appointed as a mem- for the state. From 1999 to 2004, he cost of long-term care and ac- ber of AARP Hawaii’s Execu- AARP Hawaii director served as financial advisor to cess to affordable, quality tive Council. Barbara Kim Stanton notes Manila Mayor Jose L. Atienza health care for all generations. AARP Hawaii is a non- Arre’s distinguished record of before assuming leadership of AARP also serves as a reliable profit, nonpartisan membership multi-cultural service in the powering Hawaii residents age the FilCom Center in 2004. information source on issues organization that works to in- community. 50 and older to pursue their Arre oversaw budgeting, man- critical to older Americans and fluence positive change and “We are delighted that he goals and dreams,” Stanton agement, and cultural and edu- provides tools needed to save improve the lives of those 50 has elected to focus his ener- says. cational programs at the for retirement and protect as- and over in Hawaii. Its execu- gies on AARP’s goal of em- Arre was the first Filipino FilCom for more than eight sets. RAIL UPDATE Honolulu’s Rail Project Remains olulu rail project scheduled w a r d t o on Track this year to receive $255 mil- restarting the end of last year, $1.55 bil- lion of that money. w o r k t o lion in federal funding was se- The FFGA shows the con- build the cured for the rail project with tinued commitment of our fed- rail system. By Dan Grabauskas the signing of the Full Funding eral partners in providing Work con- uch has taken Grant Agreement (FFGA) be- Honolulu with a safe, reliable tinues on place over the tween the Federal Transit Ad- and efficient transportation al- the design past six months ministration and the City. This ternative to some of the na- and engi- regarding Hon- federal funding will be pro- tion’s worst traffic congestion. n e e r i n g olulu’s rail tran- vided in installments over the Following last year’s rul- phases of the project (includ- numerous locations to ensure M sit system. At next six years, with the Hon- ing by the Hawaii Supreme ing the train cars and other the trains, rail stations and Court, a temporary hold was facets of the rail system), so park-and-rides are safe for placed on construction of the construction can move ahead passengers. The train and The- 20-mile rail system from West quickly as possible once it re- Bus will eventually be inte- Oahu to Honolulu until all ar- sumes. grated to create a single chaeological inventory survey In the near future, HART systemwide fare and one-pass work is completed for the rail will be host community work- system. route. In January of this year, shops to gather the public’s Rail will be an efficient and the Honolulu Authority for input regarding the train sta- reliable transportation option Rapid Transit (HART)—a tions. Our architects have al- for the Filipino community liv- semi-autonomous public tran- ready begun designing the ing on Oahu. Seven of the 12 sit authority tasked with over- train system and stations in communities along the rail s e e i n g t h e p l a n n i n g , compliance with the Ameri- route from East Kapolei to Ala construction, operation and cans with Disabilities Act Moana have a significant Fil- extension of the rail system— (ADA), and to ensure a con- ipino population that could ride completed the archaeological venient and comfortable expe- the train as part of their com- fieldwork and is now compil- rience for all rail passengers. mute to and from work and ing the findings for state re- Part of that design includes el- other destinations. view and approval. evator service to all levels of Rail for Oahu remains on Rail column construction the elevated train stations. track, and HART asks for your in West Oahu is scheduled to There will also be easy and support in moving this impor- resume later this Fall. With the level access from the station tant project forward. project being one of the largest boarding area onto the trains. job creators for our local con- In addition, surveillance DAN GRABAUSKAS is the CEO and struction industry, we look for- cameras will be installed at executive director of HART. aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 13 LEGAL NOTES
Contentious Issues Emerge in invest in the country’s immi- gration courts and provide Immigration Proposals wider discretion for judges to keep families intact. bers. The Senate is seen to tion whether the borders are is a critical issue which will Also, the proposals stress complete a draft bill by June already secure. without doubt spark long and the need to provide advanced By Reuben S. Seguritan of this year at the latest. For the Republican sena- heated debates. Another degree graduates of U.S. uni- A number of House mem- tors who came up with the major difference is the Presi- versities in the fields of sci- fforts towards bers from both parties are also proposed immigration reform dent’s plan to provide same- ence, technology, engineering coming up with a aiming to come up with a draft framework, hinging the is- sex families the same and math with green cards. In comprehensive bill in the month of February. suance of green cards to un- immigration benefits enjoyed fact, a group of bipartisan immigration re- The draft of the House bill documented immigrants on by heterosexual families. senators just proposed a bill form bill are rap- largely reflects the framework border security is essential. Aside from the two con- called the I-Squared Act of E idly gaining initially presented by the Sen- The proposition draws tentious issues, the proposals, 2013 to address the matter. momentum. Bipartisan groups ate. Similar to the proposed major concern because there including the President’s, put Fleshing out the details in both the Senate and House framework of the bipartisan is always the issue of whether emphasis on eliminating long and coming up with a com- of Representatives are now group of senators, the draft the border is secure enough waits for family-based peti- plete bill will be a challenge. working on their own versions House bill provides a “path to and it remains uncertain how tions, adding visa numbers to The President is looking to of a draft bill to fix the broken citizenship” to undocumented long this process would take. reduce backlogs and wait having a comprehensive im- immigration system. immigrants, intensified en- President Obama, for his part, time for employment visas, migration reform bill passed Although the bipartisan forcement and border security stands by his proposal to pro- and expediting the process in six months. Hopefully, our group in the Senate earlier measures and an effective em- vide a clear and direct path to for DREAMers to obtain cit- legislators won’t let us down. announced that they are aim- ployment verification system. citizenship and not just create izenship, among others. The ing to complete their version The draft House bill also “some vague prospect in the President’s plan particularly reuBen s. seguritan has of the bill by the end of conditions granting perma- future that it will happen.” creates a “start-up” visa for been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you March, Senate Majority nent residence to undocu- Although the proposals investors and expands their may call him at (212) 695 5281 or Leader Harry Reid recently mented immigrants on the are generally in tune with the opportunities in the U.S. He log on to his website at www.segu- announced that they want the government’s success in se- President’s immigration plan, also recognizes the need to ritan.com draft bill to go through the curing the borders. However, this is one of the key differ- “normal traditional process” unlike the Senate framework, ences between the President’s even if it takes more time. it does not provide for the plan from the Senate’s immi- This is to build the support creation of a commission gration reform framework from its Republican mem- tasked to make a determina- and the draft House bill. This
OPINION (from page 10, GLOBAL....) Despite the absence of in- Comelec may have been too that “the new organization has spiring candidates to vote for, hasty in its interpretation of the lined up a set of goals and pro- representatives of the Global 2003 OAV law. grams that should have con- Filipino Diaspora Council siderable impact on the (GFDC) still sought to get the Overseas Voters Re-Enfran- country down the road. When Comelec to reconsider its de- chised that happens, perhaps the cision to disenfranchise On March 5, the Comelec President of the Philippines 238,455 overseas voters. reconsidered its decision and will consider it fit to honor At a scheduled meeting at voted unanimously to reinstate Global Filipinos with his per- the Comelec headquarters in the 238,455 overseas Filipino sonal presence.” Manila on March 1, GFDC del- voters it had ordered delisted in egates from the United King- December. (Send comments to dom (Gene Alcantara) and It was a major victory for [email protected] or mail Norway (Nitnit Hogelshom) the GFDC which was formed them to the Law Offices of explained the difficulties that only in September of 2011 and Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Av- overseas Filipinos encounter in which last year organized a enue, San Francisco, CA traveling all the way to the European Summit of Filipinos 94127 or call 415.334.7800). nearest Philippine consular of- in the Diaspora attended by fice to register and then to vote. over 250 delegates from 29 Another explained that European counties. The 250,000 Filipinos serving in GFDC plans to hold a Summit maritime vessels find it next to of Filipinos in the Middle East impossible to vote in the con- and Africa in Abu Dhabi in the sulates they originally regis- United Arab Emirates on Oct. tered in. 15-18, 2014. And then in Feb- GFDC spokesman Ted ruary of 2015, the 3rd Global Laguatan pointed out that the Summit of Filipinos in the Di- provision of the law Comelec aspora will be held in Manila relied on was simply discre- once again. And then Singa- tionary, not mandatory, as they pore in 2016 for the Diaspora may have believed. Comelec Summit of Filipinos in Asia. Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. Greg Macabenta reported acknowledged that perhaps the in his Business World column 14 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle aPril 6, 2013 FOOD & LEISURE Bacalao: Penance or Indulgence? TURO-TURO Tejadas de bacalao rebosado: My all-time favorite dered why many Filipino bacalao dish, next to the vizcaina that my mother by Claude Tayag households would have used to cook. I first stumbled on Casa Labra bar/restaurant way back in 1980 during my first trip ttendant to the monggo soup and tuyô (dried to Spain, and on many succeeding visits thereafter, deep Catholicism salted fish) on Fridays, some I never failed to make a tryst once or twice a day while I was in the city. This is an institution founded we’ve inherited not just during Lent but even in 1860 and run by the same Molina family for the from Spain’s as a year-round practice? And, past six decades. It was brought about by the back- more than three in a strange twist of faith (pun log of newly fried tajadas de bacalao, big slices of A desalinated cod fritters in a batter so crisp and airy centuries of colo- intended), in Bantayan Island light, fried in olive oil to boot. Best eaten with a glass nization is the practice of fast- just off the northwestern tip of of cerveza, manzanilla or fino. Casa Labra, calle Tetuan12 (just on the side of El Corte Inglés, Puerta ing and/or giving up certain Cebu, the locals got papal dis- del Sol, Madrid). types of luxuries as a form of pensation in the 19th century penance during Lent, in par- (so the local historians claim) for my wrongdoing, I will- It is actually the Spanish name foodstuff on their long sea ticular abstaining from eating to eat meat on Good Fridays ingly forego the pleasures of of codfish found in the cold voyages. any type of meat. Though we since fishermen do not set out meat. It has always had a spe- waters of the North Atlantic. It This cold-water fish faithful are obligated to fast to fish on that day, and be- cial niche in my heart — nay, is one of the most important largely comes from the North and abstain from eating meat sides, they subsist on seafood stomach — topping my list of fishes in the history of Atlantic seas, particularly only on Ash Wednesday (the the rest of the year anyway. special-occasion dishes, not mankind, as fresh, frozen, or Scandinavia, Scotland and official start of the cuaresma Stretching a bit this dispensa- just because my mother dried and salted. Locally, the Newfoundland. But perhaps or 40 days of Lent) and Good tion, the natives not only feast cooked it, but because of its imported fresh/frozen kind is we should credit Spain and Friday, a lot of devout the whole Holy Week but also savory flavors like no other, known by its Japanese name Portugal, who popularized and Catholics practice varying de- have lechon on Good Fridays with its milky white, buttery gindara, while the Portuguese perfected its preparation, for grees and forms of self-im- (quick, book me a flight to meat (oops, I mean flesh, no call it bacalhau, and the the sublime status it enjoys posed sacrifices, the most Cebu!). meat remember? Wink, wink). French morue. Nowadays, the today. Both claim to have common of which is having As for me, admittedly, the Though the prohibitive ba- term bacalao is universally ac- more than 365 different ways meatless-Fridays for the whole main reason why I anticipate calao from Spain can be cepted to mean dried salted to prepare it year-round. And of Lent , or even going with so much excitement the bought year-round, somehow cod. It is milky white, delicate, it was the Basque fishermen dessert/chocolate-less, soft coming of Holy Week is not so it’s never the same if you have and tender when desalinated who initially discovered, in- drink-less, smoke-less, and of much its religious significance it any other season (Dulcinea (usually soaked in water for 24 troduced and traded bacalao late, the good Manila Arch- (forgive me, Father, for I have Restaurant serves it year- hours, with three changes of salado (salted) to the whole of bishop Luis Antonio Cardinal sinned), but the once-a-year round). Just try having queso water), with the lomo as the Spain more than 600 years Tagle urging the faithful to appearance of the precious ba- de bola and jamon in July, two prime, most expensive cut, ago, and then spread out to its give up watching one’s fa- calao ala vizcaina on our other Spanish imports we as- while the tail is stringy and former colonies in the Ameri- vorite telenovela (soap opera) mother Imang During’s table. sociate with the Christmas dry, being the cheapest cut, cas and the Philippines. and spend more quiet time This indulgence in itself may season. But I digress too and lends itself well to a wide Hence, as former colonies, we with God this Lenten period. warrant some form of much. array of cooking methods and all share a common “bacalao Ergo, have you ever won- penance. And, as a penitence What is bacalao anyway? sauces. tradition” associated with Lent Bacalao’s superstar status in our respective cuisines. in the gastronomic world has- When the Spain Tourism n’t always been so. In the Board invited me to attend the past, its reputation has suf- food conference Madrid Fu- fered from its being unattrac- sion last January, one of the tive in appearance and specific requests I made was considered a “penitential” to try as many bacalao dishes food, or at best it was the poor as time permitted in the differ- man’s fish (just as tuyô and ent destinations they were daing are to us). And since going to take me to after the medieval times in Spain, conference. Hombre, was I in there has always been a heavy for a treat! It was a veritable demand for dried salted cod, bacalao road tour, a moving especially during Fridays and bacalao feast. I said it before Lent. In its dried form, it in my last column and I’ll say keeps and travels well, espe- it again — I got more than I cially important during those bargained for. There’s more to pre-refrigeration times. And eat than the vizcaina we are much earlier than that, the m o s t f a m i l i a r w i t h . Vikings valued dried fish as a (www.philstar.com) aPril 6, 2013 haWaii FiliPino ChroniCle 15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS GLOBAL PINOY SINGING IdOL 2013 ● April 6, 2013, CAGAYAN VALLEY ASSOCIATION INSTALLATION OF PRODUCTION WORKERS NEEDED ● Ala Moana Hotel, HI ● Contact: Danny Villaruz - 808-778-0233 OFFICERS & ACHIEVEmENT AWARdS BALL ● May for high quality packaging in air-conditioned-clean or [email protected] 18, 2013, 6 PM● FilCom Center ● Contact: Dolly Ortal - 422- environment | 40 hrs per wk. $9.00 $9.50/hr. | Training 1667 or 225-9997 provided | Must have a positive attitude and able to OUR LAdY OF mANAOAG FIESTA ● April 17, 2013 ● work independently and with teams | Call: 808-533- Saint Jude Catholic Church, Kapolei, HI ● Contact: Fil Castillo mS. HAWAII FILIPINA ● May 24, 2013, 6 PM● Ala Moana 1500, ext #3 | Leave name and phone #. 386-0775 email: [email protected]; Fred Martinez 358- Hotel ● Contact: Jenny Quezon @ [email protected] HONOLULU COFFEE COMPANY 8049 email: [email protected] 21ST UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOmAS mEdICAL USINESS IRECTORY NINE (9) dAY NOVENA FOR OUR LAdY OF ALUmNI ASSOCIATION IN AmERICA (USTmAAA) B D mANAOAG BEFORE THE FIESTA ● April 18-26, 2013, GRANd REUNION ANd mEdICAL CONVENTION ● 7:00 PM daily except on Wed April 24, 2013 will be 5:00 PM June 26-30, 2013, ● Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach ● Saint Jude Catholic Church, Kapolei, HI ● Contact: Fil Castillo Resort ● Contact: (248) 626-2878 or 808-680-0558 386-0775; Fred Martinez 358-8049 MAINLAND NEWS JFAV Begins Lobbying 113th Congress o u Filipinos won’t just go measure. reportedly sympathetic to progres- “Y away.” “Despite the drawback, JFAV sive causes. JFAV wants nothing Those words were uttered by a will return to Congress to start fresh less than a repeal of the Rescission veteran news correspondent at the lobbying efforts,” Garcia says. Act of 1946 and recognition of the time when U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier JFAV has already lobbied sena- remaining Filipino veterans of (D-California) introduced the Fil- tors from Hawaii and California, World War II and giving them their ipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011 notably senators Mazie Hirono and long overdue benefits. (HR 210) on behalf of pro-veterans Brian Schatz, and Barbara Boxer The group continued to lobby group Justice for Filipino Veterans and Diane Feinstein, respectively. Congress even after the Obama ad- (JFAV). The group hopes that U.S. Rep. ministration passed the Filipino HR 210 was never given a Speier will re-introduce HR 210 by Veterans Compensation Fund in hearing, despite having 96 co- another name for the 113th Con- 2009 as part of the American Re- sponsors and two years spent by gress and that a companion bill will covery and Reinvestment Act. JFAV members lobbying its behalf. be introduced in the Democratic- Since then, it claims that more than Conclusion JFAV national coordinator Arturo controlled Senate. 59 percent, or 24,000 Filipino vet- In view of the fact that the surviving Filipino Garcia blamed Republican mem- JFAV members are remaining erans, have been denied claims for veterans, now numbering only a few thousands, bers of the House Veterans Affairs optimistic since U.S. Sen. Bernie the lump sum and remained unrec- are dying everyday, the urgency of the twin bills committee under U.S. Rep. Jeff Sanders (I-Vermont), who chairs ognized for the last 67 years and introduced by Hanabusa in Congress becomes Miller (R-Florida) for ignoring the the veterans’ affairs committee, is counting. more compelling. The family reunification bill is very much at the heart of the immigration reform COVER STORY (from page 5, THE FILIPINO...) issue that is now being intensely debated in Con- mon cause. support the Filipino veterans, which gress and other circles. Many of the adult children Abinsay relates a story of an culminated in the partial resolution petitioned by their veteran-fathers have waited for aging Filipino veteran who was of their benefits.” as long as 23 years in the Philippines because they housed at the Consulate lanai for According to Kaahanui, veterans are lumped together with the traditional quotas several days while his immigration who became ill and died became the that the U.S. established long ago to treat appli- papers were being filed. shared responsibility of the Filipino cations for immigrant visas. The separation has “He whispered to me that he Coalition for Solidarity, which been excessively long and painful. The remaining was tired, old and wanted to go back worked with the State for burial as- veterans and their families have suffered enough. to the Philippines,” Abinsay says. sistance. Prolonged negotiations took They should be granted an exemption in the in- “But when he told his children there all of two decades. Finally, the veter- terest of equity and fairness. about it, they begged him to stay be- ans were given rights towards med- The bill to award the veterans a collective cause his presence (in Hawaii) was ical benefits and burial at a national Congressional Gold Medal with appropriate de- the only hope for them to have a cemetery. sign is essentially symbolic, but it will mean a lot better life in America.” Filipino veterans lobby in support of “In short, the epic struggle of the to the veterans and their families. It has been the Veterans Equity Bill This episode, according to Filipino veterans for equity and given to other groups like the Japanese-American Abinsay, ended tragically, as the board our flight back to Honolulu, I recognition for their role in helping veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, veteran died after a few months. noticed him using crutches and I America’s war in the Pacific is a including the late Sen. Inouye. The Filipino- “This lonely man passed on asked if he could manage the long story of unparalleled injustice but en- American veterans equally did their share with without fulfilling his dream and the trip back home,” Abinsay says. during triumph of the human spirit,” pride and courage on the other side of the world. future of his children in the Philip- Back in Honolulu, while Mr. Ag- Kaahanui says. The Congressional Gold Medal represents the pines,” Abinsay says. bayani was being helped to his hotel, From instances like this came highest civilian honor which will remind future Such was the predicament of he collapsed and died. But his ulti- more determined efforts to push the generations of the bravery, loyalty and sacrifice many veterans who literally died mate mission was accomplished and veterans’ cause for other benefits due of a group of men in the distant past who gave waiting in vain. Another personal his body brought back to the Philip- them. Eventually, through the efforts their full devotion to the cause of justice, peace story cited by Abinsay was even pines with the assistance of the of the late Sen. Inouye, the veterans and democracy in the world. sadder. He once accompanied a Philippine Consulate and various Fil- living in the U.S. got a lump sum group of 37 Filipino veterans who ipino community organizations. payment of $15,000 and those living (DR. AQUINO is Professor Emeritus at the University of were going to meet with some Con- in the Philippines got $9,000 each as Hawaii-Manoa where she was Professor of Political Science “He was eulogized in the halls of and Asian Studies and founding Director of the Center for gress people regarding their case. Congress by Rep. Bob Filner, the pri- part of the Filipino Veterans Equity Philippine Studies. A Ph.D. in Political Science and Southeast “I was accompanying one of mary author of the bill in the House,” Act, which were included in the Asian Studies from Cornell University, she is an internation- them—Rizal Agbayani—who was Abinsay says. “Agbayani’s death American Recovery and Reinvest- ally-recognized authority on contemporary Philippine politics already weak. While preparing to prompted many House members to ment Act (ARRA) of 2009. and society). APRIL 6, 2013