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

By RADIANT CORDERO

I remember the first few years after I got my driver’s license and began driving myself to wherever I needed to go whenever I needed to. Prior to obtaining my driver’s license, I had to plan out my errands Connectivity networks for to coincide with the bus route I would be taking on that particular day. When I started driving, I’d drive around from memory to go places. everyone, not just for cars It was then that I realized that I really didn’t know my own city’s streets communities have provided means from the crosswalk on Houghtailing But, these roads have been Think wholly for your and highways very well. for you to do that if you really wanted on Halona Streets, mainly because made to easily accommodate motor community, not just what works for I knew directions and where to to try it. the entrance to the park was open vehicles instead. you. If you see someone walking or park, but, I didn’t realize which For me, Kalihi and Kapalama by the playground. A less permeable network, like biking or waiting for the bus, taxi or streets ended up being one-ways or are what I know best. I was also At that point, I am hungry, the one I endured from Hillcrest and Uber/Lyft, look around them and you. dead-ends. Many times, I’d have inspired by the inaugural Kalihi sweating so much that I knew I barely to Dillingham Boulevard and Are the conditions of the road, close calls of driving head on into ahupua‘a bike ride that connected smelled, and I wanted to give up. Mokauea Streets has few sidewalk, neighborhood favorable one-way traffic – from Kaimuki to ‘keiki to kupuna alike from Ho‘ulu I told myself to just make it to intersections making it difficult to for you and them? Kaneohe and especially in ‘Aina to Sand Island Recreational Nimitz Highway to Libby Street so I reach a destination in a reasonably If not, speak out and reach out Downtown/Chinatown. Park. could just say I made it to the water’s direct route. to the people elected to serve you I also learned that there are I wanted to try it in another part edge and just go back to where I If our neighborhoods and to effect improvements for us all! some intricate driving habits of of the ahupua‘a, where residents can get shelter and shower. communities increase connectivity Hawai‘i habits, too: Have you that commute through other modes As I walked long stretches between people and places, then we State Legislature: noticed that for many in Hawai‘i, of transportation are aplenty. Also, toward North King Street and will see more people utilizing their http://capitol.hawaii.gov/members/ most especially on Oahu, driving I wanted to go from mauka to makai Dillingham, I saw many of my fellow streets not just in their cars. legislators.aspx from town to Kapolei or even the because going downhill is pedestrians donning umbrellas. I Connections also must be Honolulu City Council: North Shore is considered only for preferable for me. was ill-prepared for this walk, they made not just to connect to major http://www.honolulu.gov/council day-trips, unless you have to I was dropped off at the were certainly prepared for rain and thoroughfares or highways, I Maui County Council: commute to and from there, of intersections of Hillcrest Street and especially for the daunting sun. believe that smaller routes, http://mauicounty.us/ course. While in the other Houghtailing St. and made my way Shade and benches at bus pathways, and greenways are councilmembers/ contiguous 48 states, driving or makai-bound. The first fifteen stops were one in a few. At bus essential and blocked areas - of Kauai County Council: commuting through other means of minutes masked the venture as an stops, there were individuals who which many communities have many http://www.kauai.gov/Council/ transportation 20 to 100 miles can easy one so my spirits were high. released a pungent smell that made - need to be redesigned. Councilmembers be all a part of life. Have you also Then, I got to one beautiful part me not want to stay under the bus But, that is not all. We can’t Hawaii County Council: noticed that when you travel, there of the Kapalama ahupua‘a, right stop cover for any longer than a just provide a path and call it http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ are some places where you’d behind Mexico Restaurant off of nano-second. So I kept going. walkable. It needs to be comfortable council/ certainly rent a car, and others, you School Street where Lo‘i Kalo Park I wasn’t going to make it to enough with shade or areas to sit. would find renting a car would be is then met with the intersection of Nimitz Highway or even see the Crosswalks need to be comfortable more of a hassle? Hawai‘i is one Kapalama Canal. I’ve been there ocean to make it a true mauka-to- to cross also, as I crossed North particular place where renting a car many times for cleanups and site makai trip like I intended to. The King Street from Farrington High is crucial. inspections of the canal. I thought I stretches of sidewalk that normally School toward Waiakamilo Street, The more I travel, the more I had an advantage in somewhat go by so quickly as I drive seemed the road had a natural bump to it, see that people are willing to walk knowing the area. so much longer while I was walking. making it easy to stumble or trip, longer and farther distances than we Then, I was met with the same That is if there were sidewalks, plus the three lanes going east and do in Hawai‘i, though our weather is realization I had when I first started I had to place one foot in front of the three lanes going west made it a long Radiant Cordero is the assistant editor more favorable than many other driving almost a decade ago — I other to walk along edges of the road trek at the intersection with cars of the Fil-Am Courier, tech. assistant with destinations. I then pondered don’t actually know that area well where cars would be least likely to impatiently waiting to turn into the the Fil-Am Courier Community Hour on deeper into the idea of it, is it harder enough to traverse it! hit me. next lanes glared at me and an older KNDI 1270AM, and a chief of staff with to get from place to place in Hawaii? With Lo‘i Kalo Park and “Why am I doing this for my woman. We give cars so much room the City and County of Honolulu. Cordero Think about it, have you ever Kapalama Canal behind me, I stood column again?” I doubted my that although I, as a pedestrian, have has over eight years of experience in tried walking, biking, or traveling by the Houghtailing freeway exit by intention over and over again. a right of way, the drivers don’t nonprofit organizations, government through other means other than your Halona St. debating whether to walk I thought I’d be done and back completely seem to care about that. relations, media relations, and community car through just your ahupua‘a? I’m towards Palama Street or within the hour. An hour and a half With the new development of a engagement. Radiant comes from an talking either from mountain to Houghtailing Street. With not many passed and I only made it to Kalihi transit system and a multimodal ocean or vice versa. other pedestrians around me, I Street and Dillingham Boulevard. system to go along with it and educational background of Political As my interest in connectivity decide to go to the place that looked Cursing my idiocy, I shaked off especially new housing Science, American Studies, Ethnic of networks increased over the closest, Houghtailing Street. The my negativity and focused on what I developments, I call all of us to Studies, and Public Administration and years, I made it a point to do just keyword is closest. Although it was can learn from this and why I was ensure efficient and sufficient pre- utilizes her experiences on the Board of that in both the Kalihi and Kapalama closer than Palama Street, the cars not enjoying it all. If I was struggling emptive planning for new areas and Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of ahupua‘a. exiting the freeway made it very through the shoddy terrain as a improving existing conditions. We Hawaii, and as an active member/volunteer Not all ahupua‘a are like that, uncomfortable to feel safe walking pedestrian, what about the people need to come out in numbers to any with Asian American Journalists though. In Moanalua, you can trek along Halona. who have to do it every single day? community meetings or town halls Association, Read Aloud America, Catholic down from Moanalua Valley to makai As soon as I reached the This is why I stand behind the that are discussing these plans. We Charities Hawaii, Pacific Alliance to Stop to Keehi Lagoon or further down if intersection that is parallel to Peter importance of connectivity in road cannot just sit back and anticipate Slavery, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, necessary. You can also do that Buck Mini Park on Houghtailing, and street networks. It has a that developers or community Partners in Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, from Aiea Heights or Halawa Valley older gentlemen on bicycles significant impact on how people leaders will strategize to provide to the Pearl Harbor Bike Path if you zoomed pass me and two ‘keiki move around, whether by foot, bike, adequate (good in use and and now with the Filipino Chamber of really wanted to. Those jaywalked just 30 or 40 feet away or public transportation. attractive) design and services. Commerce of Hawaii. THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 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 By BENNETTE ESPINELLI ASSISTANT EDITOR MISALUCHA Radiant Cordero

COPY EDITOR Journey lead singer Arnel Danielle Evangelista Pineda has often been dubbed as PHOTOGRAPHERS/GRAPHICS Brandon dela Cruz the “Cinderella” of the music world. Noah Felipe Gabe de Liso Jeff Orig It is a reference, of course to the James Ramos fact that Pineda, who grew up in COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala the Philippines, experienced the Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II depths of despair early in his life Nancy Bernal Why Arnel Pineda is Cesar Bonilla after his mother died. Alice Llanos Busmente Amelia Casamina Cabatu He experienced hunger, Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara homelessness, the break-up of a Dr. Patricia Halagao not Cinderella Kristian Lei Dr. Niki Libarios marriage, a drug problem, the Zeny Muyot Angie Santiago possibility of losing his voice, and focused on improving a talent It's okay to dream, like “Someday, my prince will Perfecto Yasay Jr. yes, multiple career misses: his is or a skill. I am hard pressed Cinderella did. But dreaming come”. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel a long list of trials and tribulations to think of any mention of a while having talent- preferably In Cinderella’s case, her Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao that some of us may never know or skill she had. I venture to say, one that has been deliberately quest for her prince was aided Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng undergo in our own lives. Cinderella was “waiting” for cultivated– has a better by a very supportive (and Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Then, as the story goes, he rose her fate to come along. chance of coming true. cheerful?) fairy godmother Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada to fame when a member of Journey, Pineda, on the other hand,was who equipped her with the Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Neal Schon, saw a You Tube video blessed with real talent and 2) Arnel Pineda knew when necessary beautiful gown and Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen and asked him to audition. Pineda, had been working on his to leave a bad situation. the obligatory glass slipper. Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar almost overnight, was plucked out singing abilities since he was In the beloved fairy tale, Ben Gutierrez Lalaine Ignao of obscurity and since 2007, has a mere boy. He had been part despite the maltreatment, For Pineda, his rise to stardom Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya been the lead singer of Journey, of various bands in the Cinderella continued to live in Gladys Quinto Marrone was aided by good people like Neal Gladys Menor John Pagaragan performing in premier arenas Philippines, and even her stepmother’s home, and Schon (his fairy godmother?) who Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon throughout the world that are filled performed in Hongkong for a worse, continued to allow was able to spot real talent when he Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco with thousands of loyal and adoring few years. By the time he was herself to be bullied by her two saw one. Later, upon joining the Jason Ubay Michi Villaruz fans. “discovered” by Journey, he stepsisters. Did it ever occur band, Pineda, like Cinderella at the NEIGHBOR ISLAND BUREAU No wonder people always already had an “old soul”. His to her to leave this bad ball, was transformed – thanks to Maui Kit Zulueta compared Pineda to Cinderella! It “hunger” for performing on situation? Hmmm. It did not talented stylists, hair dressers, and Jeremy Zane stage was real and he knew Big Island was a dream come true in the truest look like she did. the backing of the Journey support Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Disney sense of the word. how to work hard for their Pineda, on the other hand, is machine. The physical makeover Dr. Margarita Hopkins Fame, fortune and success: the attention because he had a man who had the foresight was dramatic. Take a look at Kauai Virgie Cruzada fairy godmother had been more than known what it was like to to recognize a bad situation Pineda when he was starting with Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela generous to this humble musician perform to empty uninterested and the courage to move Journey and compare that with the ADVERTISING SALES whose passion for music was audiences. forward. When his family was most current image: today, it’s Marivic Aldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe shaped by the singing contests he Malcolm Gladwell, the author evicted from their home, obvious that Pineda has the aura of Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya used to enter regularly during his of one of the most influential Pineda left the comforts of an authentic rock star. Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista childhood. books of our time, Outliers, family to support himself so But here is the difference Marynel Valenzuela

CIRCULATION Like Cinderella, Pineda’s story wrote that 10,000 hours of he can alleviate his father’s between the two stories: at the end Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro (Leeward Oahu) too is a rags-to-riches story. But “deliberate practice” is what burden. All throughout his life, of the day, despite the happy ending, David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) perhaps, that is where the is needed to be “world-class Pineda kept the faith and Cinderella will not really be the Milli Asuncion (Big Island) similarities end? in any field”. never allowed any bad LEGAL COUNSEL main act. She will always be the Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.) In this issue of the Fil-am In the case of Pineda, all situation to overcome him. princess to the prince, who we

THE FIL-AM COURIER Courier, our cover story provides those years of performing at assume, will someday become a is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES additional insights into the Arnel all the small venues from the 3) Arnel Pineda became his king. located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 Pineda story, and in understanding tender age of 15 likely added own Prince. Pineda, on the other hand, is Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters the context, leads to the assertion to 10,000 hours of “deliberate So how do most fairy tales the main act. In essense, he does to the editor and other material submitted. Repro- duction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am that, although at first glance, Pineda practice” and in the end,those end? Usually, a dashing not need a prince. He has become courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil- Am Courier. can be compared to Cinderella, he hungry yearspaid off. So, prince in a white horse comes his own prince. He has joined the Telephone: 808.595.8787 Facsimile: 808.595.6883 is actually better than Cinderella. when the opportunity knocked to rescue the heroine from her ranks of the other princes in the E-Mail: [email protected] Here are the reasons why: and Journey offered a chance life and they live happily ever www.filamcourier.net kingdom. MEMBER 1) Arnel Pineda has real to perform in the world after. Prior to that, Ms. Pineda’s story transcends the HFAMC talent. stage,Pineda was ready. We Heroine usually sang as she fairy tale. Federation of Filipino American Media Associations of the United States and Canada In the Cinderella fairy tale, all know how he rose to the waited for the magic moment: FFAMAS Hawaii Filipino American Media Council Cinderella was not really occasion with aplomb. Sure, All rights reserved printed in the u.s.a © PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

By BENNETTE ESPINELLI MISALUCHA Managing Editor, Fil-Am Courier

ABOUT OUR COVER

The incredibly talented frontman of the American band Journey, Arnel Pineda, graces our cover in this issue of the Fil-am Courier.

Pineda will be in Hawaii to perform at a benefit concert on Saturday, December 16th at the Blaisdell arena. Doors open at 6 pm and Raises Funds for Charity concert starts at 7:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of the Arnel Pineda team. Quick! When you hear the song “Don’t Stop concert at the Neal Blaisdell Arena with the Believing!” — who comes to mind? program to begin at 7:30 pm. Cover concept by Jeff Orig Most people would say, “Journey”! It promises to be a memorable night as Pineda of Orig Media. But if you are a Filipino, you are most likely going sings his favorite songs during the benefit show to respond: “Arnel Pineda!” which will raise funds for the Arnel Pineda Jeff can be reached at www.origmedia.com or by Yes, it is an understatement that we Filipinos are Foundation and Katipunan 2020. calling 808 447 9559. most proud of this young man who has captured the Prior to his concert in Honolulu, Pineda will hearts of audiences everywhere as the lead singer be making tour stops in New York, Dallas, San for the famed group, Journey. Francisco, and several cities in Canada. And on Saturday, December 16, 2017, Pineda will showcase his incredible talent during a solo THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 5

Who hasn’t heard of singing contests throughout and with no marketable skills fell into depression and replacement for their lead Pineda’s rags to riches story? his childhood, which he won to make a living, Pineda lived drugs. During that downward singer, and in desperation, We all know and cherish often. a vagabond life, selling scrap spiral, he almost lost his Neal Schon of Journey saw a his personal narrative and the But his young life was metal to get by. He spoke voice, and a doctor told him You Tube video of the developments which shattered by sadness at the about feeling hungry all the he could never sing again. Pineda’s band in June 2007, catapulted Pineda from a age of 13 when his mother time, often only subsisting on But it was music and the brought him to the US to challenging life in the passed away. That watershed biscuits which he would ration love for music that again audition, and the rest, as they Philippines to fame and event changed the family’s life to last for two or three days. saved him. say, is history. success in the world music forever. Saddled with an But it was music that Since then, Pineda has stage. enormous hospital bill, the saved him. In 2007, he became a part continued to tour with Born Arnel Campaner family got evicted from their At the age of 15, he of the band Zoo, a cover Journey, year after year, and Pineda on September 5, 1967 home and in despair, Pineda became a member of his first band, which played has tremendously helped the in the Philippines to parents struck out on his own so as band, and he kept honing his throughout the Philippines, band regain its popularity and who are both tailors, Pineda not to be a burden to his talent from that point on. including Manila, Olongapo visibility. showed early promise of father. Pineda’s trajectory was and other cities. Throughout his meteoric being very musical. The early years after his never a straight line though. In the meantime, the band rise as one of the most As such, his parents mother’s death were not very After the dissolution of his first Journey was looking for a recognizable faces in today’s encouraged him to join kind to Pineda. Homeless marriage in the mid-90’s, he PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

current music scene, Pineda In the past, it has Pineda spends his time with has remained humble and supported need-based the children, often sharing his grounded. scholarship programs for love for music. He has never forgotten deserving students, medical For Arnel Pineda, this what it was like to be hungry missions for marginalized forthcoming concert in Hawaii and to be down on one’s luck. areas, feeding programs as on December 16, 2017 With this in mind, Pineda well as medical procedures combines two of his biggest had started his own charitable for sick poor children. passions: music and the joy entity, the Arnel Pineda Now that he is in a position of service Foundation, a non-profit to give back, Pineda aspires The doors open at 6 pm. organization that “provides to give hope to other young For ticket information: please underprivileged children with people, who may suffer visit Ticketmaster.com or call quality education, health similar misfortunes that once 808 292-0191. services and medical befell him. Not content to just attention.” give material resources,

Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Managing Editor of the Fil-Am Courier. She has been associated with the paper for 29 years, mostly as a writer and has been in her present role as a Managing Editor since April 2013. She is a former television reporter in Hawaii and the Philippines and has written for national publications. THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 7

with a Nativity Tableau accompanied by STATEWIDE COMMUNITY CALENDAR Christmas Songs and Dances 5:30 PM Compiled by AMELIA CASAMINA CABATU Saint Theresa Co-Cathedral Parish Hall 712 North School Street Donation: $25.00 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 Music provided by Julius Baja Contact COURIER COMMUNITY HOUR on 1270 KNDI Radio every 1st Sunday of the month. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair of the Philippine Persons: Olive Dayao 308-4420, Espie Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and are blessed with Badua 551-4419 Janis Oshiro (702) 330- one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to [email protected] or call her at (808) 282-2033. 6463

DECEMBER 16, 2017 OAHU Rotary Club of Kapolei presents a Dance & Fundraiser For Clean Water Project in DECEMBER 1, 2017 the Philippines, Rumors Nightclub Ala Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Moana Hotel 410 Atkinson Drive 3:00 PM Annual Christmas Celebration 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Heavy Pupus and Door Prizes Double Tree Hotel 1956 Ala Moana Blvd. Cost: $35.00 Donation Contact Person: RSVP by November 26, 2017 Contact Marienne Vergara 542-6077, Alex Vergara Persons: Bernadette Fajardo: 342-8090, 551-4303 Rose Galanto: 688-4458, Jay Raymundo 497-8157 DECEMBER 16, 2017 The Law offices of Atty. Alex M. Sonson DECEMBER 2, 2017 presents Live In Hawaii Arnel Pineda, a Divino Ritmo Dance 9th Annual Grand Ball concert to benefit Katipunan, Inc. & APFI 2017 “Mardi Gras” Sheraton Waikiki Grand at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena Doors open Ballroom 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM. For at 6:00 PM featuring JT & the Waikiki reservation contact: Lucas Jaime (917) All Star Band with other special guests. 568-3173 or go to www.alohadance Tickets $99 Best seats Contact Persons: sportcenter.com 808 292-0191 or go to Ticketmaster.com

DECEMBER 3, 2017 DECEMBER 17, 2017 The Fil Am Courier Community Hour on Ms. CIAI-SI HAWAII USA Confederation 1270 KNDI Radio Special Christmas of Ilocano Association Inc. Samahang Edition. 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Listen and Ilocano Coronation Night, Dole Cannery watch Amelia Casamina Cabatu, Mary Pomaikai Ballroom 735 Iwilei Road Cordero and other guests on FB Live & Honolulu, HI 6:00 PM Contact Persons: celebrate Chirstimas on air. Prize Romeo Garcia 368-2312, Joe Quibuyen giveaway and Christmas Caroling for the 256-6399, Trini Sanga 393-1970 entire family. For more information call Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033 DECEMBER 17, 2017 Hawaii Association of Filipino Travel Agents DECEMBER 3, 2017 (HAFTA) Re-Affirmation of officers and FilCom Center cordially invites you to the Board of Directors, Christmas Party 6:00 11th annual Pasko sa FilCom celebration P.M. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom Masaya at Mapayapang Kapaskuhan Many special prizes will be given away. (Joyous and Peaceful Christima Time!) Contact Person: Rea Castillo 387-5364, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Filipino Community Edwin Munoz 351-0374, Marilyn Balasan Center 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu 721-4816, & Rose Galanto: 688-4458 HI FREE & open to the Public DECEMBER 19-21, 2017 DECEMBER 7, 2017 The San Esteban Aloha Mission (SEAM) Matanuska Valley FCU, Waipahu team will be going for their 7th mission to Community Office, presents a free the Philippines. They have built a SEAM “Managing Holiday Debt” workshop, clinic in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur and 5:30pm-6:30pm at Royal Kunia Community currently supporting college scholars. If Rec Center (94-750 Anoiki St.) Get tips to interested in joining, please contact: Mrs. control your holiday gift budget and Tessie Quinto at 497-3827 or Dr. Ben R. manage high interest credit card debt, plus Galindo at 676-0865. your budget questions answered! Light refreshments. Call Kathy Morris at 379- DECEMBER 20, 2017 7910 for more info. In the holiday spirit 3rd Annual Sakada Day Celebration 11:00 the credit union will be collecting school AM – 1:00 PM Philippine Consulate supplies for Honowai Elementary School. General of Honolulu 2433 Pali Highway The workshop is free but if attendees would Honolulu, HI 97817 RSVP by calling 595- like to donate school supplies will be greatly 6316 to 19 and/or to email address: appreciated. [email protected] on or before December 10, 2017 Parking will DECEMBER 8, 2017 be at the Hawaii Baptist Academy FWCCF (Filipino Women’s Civic Club Foundation) Annual Christmas Celebration DECEMBER 22, 2017 Ala Moana Hotel Carnation Room 410 UPTRAA, United Philippine Travel Agents Atkinson Drive. 6:00 PM Special and Associates Re-Affirmation of Officers Christmas Buffet Donation goes to the and Board of Directors and Christmas Institue of Human Services Cost: $65.00 Celebration, the Garden Lanai of the Ala RSVP by Dec. 5, 2017. Contact Persons: Moana Hotel 6:00 PM Have a chance to Event Chair Suzie Berardy 373-2030, win a free round trip ticket to the Cora Baclig Credo 927-4081 Philippines and other special prizes. Contact Persons: Paul Alimbuyao 808 754- DECEMBER 9, 2017 8691, Mel Danglapin 808 599-0557, Letty Santo Domingo Oahu Chapter Saban 808 255-9429 Association’s Christmas Party Rumours Night Club, Ala Moana Hotel 410 Atkinson Drive 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Donation is BIG ISLAND $55.00 Lots of food, games and prizes. Contact Person: Isabel Rivera Phu 223- DECEMBER 15, 2017 2888 Hawaii Business Network & Palace Theater presents A CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 15, 2017 CONCERT featuring Broadway & Holiday Calayab Association Coronation & Hits! 6:45 PM – 8:45 PM at the Palace Christmas Celebration Pearl Country Club Theater 38 Haili Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Pavilion 98-535 Kaonohi St. Aiea HI 5:30 A fundraising benefit for the Hawaii PM Cost:$55.00 Donation Contact Caregivers Respite and Support Group Persons: Dolores Baddo 256- International Performer & Hawaii Renown 3459,LoretaDavalos 422-4841, Juvy Recording Artist Kristian Lei will perform Okuda 672-6330 along with Live instrumentalist Herb Mahelona & Company Opening songs by DECEMBER 15, 2017 Meili Aspen For ticket information contact The Cebuano Association of Hawaii Inc. the Palace Theater Box Office: 808 934- invites you to its Annual Christmas Dinner 7010 PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

By RHODA YABES ALVAREZ, Esq.

Congratulations to the Filam th Courier on its 30 anniversary. Anent immigration law, among the I joined the Filam Courier family unique remedies that we have written five years ago and have written on a about for Filipinos and Filipino variety of legal topics and issues that Americans is the humanitarian parole while awaiting the availability of their long wait of Filipino veterans who were a closer look to identify which option affect the unique Filipino American for relatives of Filipino World War II immigrant visas. This is in line with allowed to immigrate to the U.S. as a is more viable. experience that we share. The Veterans which took effect in June the family reunification thrust of the reward for their service to the U.S. In the area of family law, there is importance of ethnic media cannot be 2016. Under this humanitarian parole, Immigration and Nationality Act. during the second world war. Many of as yet no divorce in the Philippines further underscored with the existence children and qualifying grandchildren While parole for humanitarian the veterans are now in their 80’s and yet many people find themselves in of certain nuances and peculiarities of Filipino World War II veterans who reasons has been available as a 90’s and need the care of their adult bad marriages and want to start anew. of a particular demographic, such as have approved visa petitions general remedy, a special category children from whom they have been We have touched upon the issue of the Filipino and the Filipino- areparoled into the U.S. and allowed for Filipino World War II veterans was separated as a result of the long wait various remedies to anull or declare American. to live, study and work in the U.S. created specifically to address the in the preference categories. a marriage null and void in the However, while the remedy is Philippines. We have also written available, many veterans are still about divorce under Hawaii law and unable to apply because of their who can qualify. The topic of inability to comply with financial marriage equality which is now legal requirements to assure the in all fifty states but not available in government that the paroled the Philippines is also a nuance that individuals do not become public we have addressed. charge. On property law, many Filipinos Concomitant to the above issue who have migrated to the U.S. have and not limited to veterans is the often either left behind valuable complained about long wait for visas landholdings, perhaps their inchoate for relatives in the preference share in agricultural land still under categories, such as the unmarried the name of the grandparent , their children over 21 of U.S.citizens, inheritance under a will or residences, married adult children of U.S. citizens buildings or rentals they have and brothers and sisters of U.S. invested in prior to or after their citizens. The Philippines is among migration. The sound management, the countries with oversubscribed administration and settlement of these visa petitions. This means that there hard assets are among what our are more applicants than there are kababayans think about when they visas available per year for family rest from their businesses, jobs or bases petitions. The necessary result household chores. is a long wait for the visa to become With a sampling of the above available. There have been bills nuances, the good news is there are towards scrapping the visa altogether legal remedies available for each of for adult brothers and sister of U.S these valid concerns. With the right citizens to avoid the long wait and in legal help, immigration issues, family its stead to screen applicants based concerns as well as asset protection on a merit system. However, there is can beaddressed to meet your debate on whether this is the particular goals. appropriate response to the Consult a qualified attorney. complains or if it creates a worse problem rather than a solution. This phenomenon of considering brothers and sisters as immediate relatives is Rhoda Yabes Alvarez, Esq. is an unique to certain cultures, such as attorney with offices in Honolulu and the the Philippines, which take pride in Philippines. She is licensed to practice law having close family ties. There are in Hawaii, New York and the Philippines. avenues to bring relatives sooner than Atty. Yabes Alvarez can be reached at 1- queuing in the preference categories 808-589-7380 or by email at but some feel that they relatives would not qualify based on merit. Each [email protected]. Her Honolulu individual’s case and resource is office is located at 905 Umi St. Suite 204, unique and different and would require Honolulu, HI 96819. Visit her website at www.filamlaw.com THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 9

By ANGIE SANTIAGO

Tagalog Language Instructor Angel Dytioco looks at the PCV Group XXI "yearbook". A group photo of the PCVs and their families. Peace Corps Group XXI Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Philippine Service

The Big Island was the Day 3 included a lively Day 4 included a tour of perfect site last October for fiesta at the North Hawai’i Waimea, Kohala Coast, and Front Row: Ilocano Language Instructor Antonia Andaya Lambayan, Tagalog the 50th reunion of fifteen Education and Research Kona and a time for bidding Language Instructor Angel Dytioco; PCVs: Connie Currie Hughes, Alberta Peace Corps Volunteers Center (NHERC) in new and old friends aloha Winkler Hemsley, Donna Strobridge Ianna, Martin Neft, Cleo Estill, and Ted (PCVs) from Group XXI who Honokaa, followed by a talk- after a warm and Dieffenbacher. Back Row: Romel Dela Cruz, Steve Warres, Tracy Gleason, Ray Pepper, Bill Collins, Jim Janeski, and Bill Paul. Not pictured: Tony Horak had trained at Hilo, Kohala, story session at the home of memorable reunion! and Bruce Bennard. Honokaa, Pepeekeo, or Romel and Jodean Dela The reunion was planned Kona during the summers of Cruz where the former PCVs and superbly organized by 1967 - 1969 and served in could recall and share their Donna StrobridgeIanni, the Philippines. The group Peace Corps experiences in Connie Currie Hughes, and had a total of 150 PCVs who the Philippines and their lives Romel Dela Cruz. served in the Philippines. and careers after the Peace The PCVs and their Corps. families enjoyed four full days of activities from Oct. 18-21 which kicked off with a welcome reception at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Day 2 featured a visit to the old Peace Corps training site in Kohala, the 19th- century Kohala Girls School, referred to by the PCVs as the “Kohala Hilton”. The site has since been restored and is now known as the Romel Dela Cruz, Jodean Dela Cruz, Donna Strobridge Ianna, Angel Dytioco, Kohala Institute at Iole. and Alberta Winkler Hemsley setting up for the fiesta at the NHERC.

For Advertising information, please call 595.8787 Photo taken in 1967 of Connie Currie and Rosemary Connie Currie Hughes holding her picture in front of the Armato in front of the Kohala Girls School. restored Kohala Girls School now named GRACE Center. PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

BY BRANDON ELEFANTE Councilmember City and County of Honolulu

I am honored to continue to serve the communities of ‘Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu as their area Councilmember for Council District 8. Councilmember Elefante met with new Honolulu Police Department Chief Su- The Honolulu City Council honored Pearlridge Center in ‘Aiea on its 45th Anniversary. After four and a half decades in san Ballard to discuss items for the community, Pearlridge Center is now the largest enclosed shopping center in the state. The mall hosts a wide array Waipio Neighborhood Park November’s Public Health, Safety & of important community events including the Canstruction canned food benefit for the Hawaii Foodbank and the City’s Playcourts Welfare Committee. Department of Emergency Management’s READY2REACT emergency preparedness event. During my first year in office, I requested that $425,000 in design and underutilized since the opening of County of Honolulu Department of the penalty for the unlicensed On October 17, Mayor Caldwell construction funds be added to the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Parks and Recreation has painted manufacture or sale of liquor to a signed Bill 70 (2017) into law. This Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Park tennis facilities. The project will permanent pickleball lines on one felony. bill was co-introduced by Program (CIP) Budget for repaving of repave the existing tennis courts and court at Wilson Community Park, There are unlicensed bars Councilmember Brandon Elefante and old tennis courts at Waipio convert them to basketball/volleyball/ Beretania Community Park, Pililaau selling alcohol in different areas of Council Chair Ron Menor to prohibit Neighborhood Park. I had requested pickleball courts. This will allow more Community Park, Waipahu District our island. Recently, there was a smoking in motor vehicles in which a this money because previous funds than one sport to utilize the playcourts. Park, and Kaneohe District Park. shooting outside of one of these person under eighteen years of age had lapsed. Pickleball is one of the fastest Integrated Construction, Inc. won establishments in Waikiki. Because is present. This proposal includes e- This project was requested by growing sports in our country, and our the bid to refurbish the Waipio these bars are not licensed, our City cigarettes in the definition of prohibited the community several years ago own Parks Director, Michele Nekota, Neighborhood Park Playcourts and Liquor Commission cannot enforce the smoking. because the tennis courts were is a champion player! The City and was given a Notice to Proceed (NTP) Liquor License laws. In addition, Hawai‘i County has had this earlier this month. I hope to see you because these bars claim to be private prohibition in place since 2010. out on the courts soon! clubs, the Honolulu Police Department (Hawai‘i County Code Section 14-21 may not enter without a warrant. By (a) (12)). Kaua‘i County has Legislation Banning changing the state law, enforcement prohibited smoking in motor vehicles Unlicensed Sale of Alcohol actions can be taken against these with children under 13 years of age Passes the Honolulu City unlicensed bars. since July 2016 (Kaua‘i County Code Council Both resolutions passed the Section 22-8.2 (o)). In response to recent events at Honolulu City Council on November Secondhand smoke in a vehicle unlicensed establishments where 1 and have been referred to the State has been found to create dangerous alcohol is sold, I introduced two Legislature for introduction as air quality reaching 10 times the resolutions to request changes in state legislation for the 2018 Legislative hazardous limit designated by the law. Resolution 17-274 urges the Session. Environmental Protection Agency in State Legislature to amend sale of both the front and the back seats of alcohol provisions, ID requirements, Banning Smoking in Vehicles the vehicle, even with the windows and penalties. Resolution 17-280 with Minors Present Becomes rolled down. Councilmember Elefante joined Mayor Caldwell on the signing of Bill 70 (2017) into law at Waiau District Park. Councilmember Elefante and Council Chair urges the State Legislature to increase Law In the United States, smoking Menor co-introduced this bill to prohibit smoking in vehicles carrying minors. with kids in the car is banned in nine Joining the bill signing ceremony were members from the Coalition for a To- states/territories, and the age of the bacco Free Hawai‘i, the American Heart Association, the University of Hawai‘i child varies by state. California and Student Health Advisory Council, and the State Department of Health. Oregon ban smoking in motor vehicles with children under 18. Louisiana and Puerto Rico do not allow smoking in motor vehicles with children under 13. Utah bans smoking in vehicles with children under 15, Arkansas with children under 14, Maine with children under 16, and Vermont and Virginia with children under 8. Other counties and cities with this ban are in the states of Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, and Alabama. I look forward to continue working with my constituents, colleagues, and Councilmember Elefante joined Council Chair Ron Menor at the 2017-2018 community as we all collaborate on National Elementary Honor Society Induction Ceremony held at Waipahu El- legislation and projects that improve ementary School on November 8. The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) the quality of life for us all. was established in 2008 by the National Association of Secondary School Prin- cipals in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary School Princi- pals to recognize elementary students in both public and private elementary Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated per- City Council District VIII, which covers ‘Aiea sonal responsibility, to provide meaningful service to the school and community, - Pearl City - Waipah?. He can be reached and to develop essential leadership skills in the students of elementary at (808) 768-5008, and his email is schools.The NEHS is modeled after the National Honor Society for outstanding [email protected]. high school students. THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 11 PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017 Congratulations to the 27th FCCH Goodwill and Trade Mission with Governor Ige and Mrs. Ige., and delegates. The Best Trade Mission ever by Aloha Tours and Travel Memorable, Successful, Satisfied, Fun and Enjoyable! Thank you for your trust and confidence!

1. Gov. DAVID IGE 13. DAVID CORDERO 24. ATTY JEFFREY DANIEL LAU 36. MYLENE REYES State of Hawaii Governor, Head Pacific Century Realty - Pres., Honorary Consul for Belgium/ R&M Reyes Enterprise LLC- of Delegation Principal Broker-CRB, CRS, Attorney At Law President GRI, SRES, CNE 2. MRS. DAWN AMANO-IGE 25. MRS. SUSAN TILDEN LAU 37. WILLIAM ROL State of Hawaii First Lady 14. VLODEMMIR DE LOYOLA American Sav. Bank, Senior V. Matanuska Valley Fed Credit Dept. of Foreign Affairs-Protocol Pres. & Manager Special Assets Union - Comm Relations Officer 3. GINA JAMORALIN Officer Consul General, Phil. Consulate 26. EDILBERTO C. MACABEO 38. LUIS SALAVERIA -Honolulu, Hawaii 15. LORETO DELA CRUZ Private Investor State of HI - Director DBET Sole Proprietor, Island Basic 4. BRANDON DELA CRUZ LLC 27. BENNETTE MISALUCHA 39. ELVIRA MARIE SUTHERLAND FCCH -President / L & L BBQ - HI Crop Improvement Assn. - Amethyst Builders, LLC- Director of Marketing 16. LOURDES DELA CRUZ Exec. Dir./ Fil-Am Courier/FCCH President Medicare Health Insurance Director 5. ALEX VERGARA Agent/ Realtor Associate 40. VINCENT SUTHERLAND FCCH-Trade Mission Chairman/ 28. REP. JOHN MIZUNO Amethyst Builders, LLC- Retired Chaplain HPD 17. EDDIE FLORES State of Hawaii Representative President L & L Hawaiian Barbeque- 6. ALVIN KATAHARA President 29. SEAN NEILSON 41. PAUL TAKAYESU State of Hawaii - Director of State of HI- Dept. of Public American Savings-Director- External Affairs 18. ELAINE FLORES Safety DeputySheriff Enterprise Risk & Regulatory L & L Hawaiian Barbeque - Vice Relations 7. JOEY ALCANTARA JR President 30. MARCUS PANG First Pacific Builders, CEO State of Hawaii- Dept. of 42. FE EDITA VELASCO 19. ROSE GALANTO Human Services FCCH-Treasurer / ALWAD- 8. LARRY ANTHONY ALESNA Aloha Tours & Travel - President State of HI- Dept. of Public President / FCCH - Director 31. JOE PACQUING Safety Deputy Sheriff Granventure Realty - 43. SEAN WONG 20. EDWIN HAWKINS JR. Real Estate Broker State of HI-Dept. of Public 9. TINA Y. T. AU C & C of Honolulu - Office of Safety - Sergeant Territorial Savings Bank - Economic Development 32. RANDALL PASION Asst Vice Pres. - Mortgage Private Investor 44. SR POLICE INSPECTOR MARK 21. BRANDON KADAKAWA GLENN MOLINA 10. DR. ADOLFO BALDEMOR State of HI- Dept. of Public 33. GEOFFREY PETERSON Philippine National Police-Team Retired Anesthesiologist Safety Deputy Sheriff State of HI- Dept. of Public Leader Safety Deputy Sheriff 11. VIRGINIA BALDEMOR 22. MAE KATAHARA 45. SR POLICE OFFICER I JOHN Retired Nurse Retired, First Insurance Co. 34. DR. INAM RAHMAN BOLATIN of Hawaii Internal Medicine Philippine National Police 12. JADE BUTAY 23. VANESSA KOP State of HI- Dept. of FCCH Pres-Elect / Newmark 35. MERANIE RAHMAN 46. EDNA FAUSTINO Transportation - Deputy Director Grubb,CBI, Inc-Managing Product Development Manager - Director CCT.168 Travel & Tours (Manila) THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 13 PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

EXCLUSIVE TO THE FIL-AM COURIER

Cameron Johnson, Maile Chock, and Shirley Chan - Award Recipients at the Letter to My Parents™ Contest in Hawai'i

2017 Contest Winners along with master of ceremonies and 2016 Contest Winner. Front Row From Left to Right: Dwayne Manzanillo (MC, 2013 Contest Finalist), Shayna Park, Julienne Saladino (2016 Contest Winner), Olivia Tueller, Ferryle Paguirigan, Shirley Chan, Adrianna Pascual, Angelica Concepicion (MC, 2014 Contest Finalist) Second Row From Left to Right: Cameron Johnson, Sofia Benachour, Michael Puni, Rae Mei Acosta, Maile Chock

The Final Presentation for the a $50 Gift Certificate along contest," said Rhoda Yabes- Letter to My Parents™ Con- with a Certificate of Participa- Alvarez, President of Filipino test in Hawai'i was held on tion. Each of the contestants Association of University Saturday, November 18, 2017, will be also receiving a "1 Year Women. where ten contestants recited TestPrep Course Subscription" Rose Churma from their letters dedicated to their courtesy of BenchPrep. Kalamansi Books and Things parents. The Contest was or- Based on the guidelines, commented, "We are honored ganized by the Kalamansi the group of judges selected to be part of this program that Books and Things, Filipino As- three award recipients. The enables Hawaii's youth to sociation of University Women Bravery Award was given to share their stories and realize (FAUW), and Reiyukai Cameron Johnson, the Re- the power of the written word." America. flection Award was given to Noriko Sotta, Chair of the For this year's contest, Maile Chock, and the Proposal Reiyukai America National celebrating their 5th Anniver- Award was given to Shirley Committee noted, "We are sary, a total of 261 letters from Chan. Besides the prizes men- delighted to see this project is 17 different schools were sub- tioned earlier, each one of growing every year! We are mitted. The Organizing Com- them received $500 as their convinced that this contest mittee invited ten contestants award prize. brings a opportunity to the as this year's winners-Rea The judges were James families to have a better com- Mei Acosta, Sofia Benachour, Rumford (Writer and Illustra- munication. When the family is Shirley Chan, Maile Chock, tor), Deloris Guttman (Founder stronger, the community be- Cameron Johnson, Shayna and President, African Ameri- comes stronger - and that is Park, Ferryle Paguirigan, can Diversity Cultural Center what Reiyukai America looking Adrianna Pascual, Michael Hawaii), and Allan Alvarez for." Puni, and Olivia Tueller-to (KPHI 96.7FM / 1130AM). The event was sponsored present their letters to their "Promoting close family by BenchPrep, Read 2gether parents, families, the general ties and strengthening the Foundation, Hawaii Public Li- audience and the judges at the family as the basic institutional brary, and Norman Sales. Hawaii State Library in Hono- unit are among the cultural The community supporters lulu, O'ahu. and social values espoused by were Sariling Gawa Youth After the letters were FAUW. FAUW is a proud part- Council, Inc., and Ishihara En- read, the ten winners received ner and sponsor of the annual terprises, Inc.

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

Category: BRAVERY Category: REFLECTION Category:PROPOSAL

Award Recipient: Award Recipient: Award Recipient: CAMERON JOHNSON MAILE CHOCK SHIRLEY CHAN

Dear Mother, Dear Mom, Dear Mommy, I remember when I was younger you worked long hours at a county jail One summer, when I was eight years old, you sent me with my 10-year- Please don’t get upset at me for this letter and read all the way until the end before you open your mouth. It’s really difficult if I have an issue to deal as a police officer, so you were never home much. I was lucky if I even got to old brother to visit my grandpa for 5 weeks. You couldn’t have known what with, but I just can’t talk to you. I want to but I know what will happen, see you when you returned late at night, and every day after school I came would happen, and that a different 8-year-old would come back to you. At the negative results and maybe a falling out. You just can’t understand me and home to an empty home, finding nothing but a note from you. My only time, I didn’t understand. You explained that he, your father in law, wasn’t maybe I just can’t understand you either. I do make an effort to try my best companion was our dog Halo, and even with her I felt alone. bad—only sick, and we couldn’t see him anymore. I wished that he would get to see from your standpoint but sometimes I just see that I’m not the one to My sister came by every day to drop off food and help me with home- better. be blamed for arguments with you. I can’t share anything because you won’t work, and then she’d be gone. I started developing anxiety around the age of As the events during the summer of my abuse began to take their toll on let me. You would cut me off and start giving me a lecture on why I’m incompetent and relate it back to when you were younger. I can never share eight because I worried you would never return home or my sister would stop me, I came to recognize that you saw me different. I knew you watched my bringing me food. I sometimes cried for hours on end and occasionally called my issues no matter how much I try to communicate with you, you just actions carefully. You told me once, years later, that you separated my sister 911 to ask when my mom would come back from work, but the 911 phone wouldn’t understand my point of view and how much I struggle without that and I from being in a room together because I was so volatile and violent you parent talk or support. You don’t understand but what’s worst is that you don’t operators only scolded me. feared for her safety. You told me once that you struggled to forgive my listen, you NEVER listen and continue to interrupt when I’m talking. Then when I was nine, an inmate jumped you and broke your back when grandpa because he stole my childhood from me. I remember wondering, how You set incredibly high standards that I am always stressed with such you were on guard duty at the juvenile center. You were sent to the hospital could he have stolen my childhood when I still feel so small? Do you still love as my grades, money, and my future. Sure it doesn’t really sound much and and that’s when our lives really started going downhill. The doctor said you that ANYONE you bring up could do better. The thing is that, I’m not them and me as your child, then, if I’m not a child anymore? would either die within a few months or lose your ability to walk, and then he I will never be. The people you compare me to who got accepted in Harvard, When I turned thirteen and I fell even deeper into anger and self-loathing, sent you home two days later. You fought so hard to stay alive, Mom, and you who got many scholarships, who did well on standardized tests, and who it was you who confiscated my social media devices. It was you who forced succeeded. But you lost your job after that assault, so we moved to California chose a good career path; they aren’t me. I always tell you not to compare me me, fuming, into a therapist’s office as I swore I didn’t need any help, all the when I turned ten to live with my sister. to others, but it just slips out of your mouth with no guilty conscience on how it may affect me. To be completely honest, it hurts. It hurts so much where After a few months you found an affordable apartment and we lived there while hiding self-inflicted cuts and scratches under long sleeves. And from my when I’m out of your sight, I’m ready to break down sobbing as if no one can for the next year. There were three times we almost got evicted because we perspective, it was you who thought I was so broken and impure that I could hear me. I want to try my best and I do but sometimes, it doesn’t match the never fix myself. It was you who thought I wasn’t enough. You told me you didn’t have the money for rent, but we were lucky because the landlord let it image of the perfect daughter you desire. Bragging about me when I only do prayed for me more than any of my siblings. This meant, to me, that I was the slide. Later we were kicked out for not paying rent. We both knew no one and well and yelling at me when I do bad. You’re a hypocrite. You tell me to get a had nowhere to go with what little money we had. We were homeless and biggest problem. full ride to college and to get amazing grades but you don’t want me staying starving, and we slept in our car for a week. Eventually we found a motel that Recently, a friend attempting to help me fix my relationship with you told up all night to do the work that I have to do in order to get that “amazing” grade. rented rooms for $15.00 a night and we had to share a room with a complete me that I blamed you for the abuse. I had never thought of that before. I knew I join extracurriculars so that I am seen as a well-rounded student who can stranger. I made friends with the kids who lived there, the sons and daughters our relationship had been rough, but I made excuses like, “Our personalities balance her high school career, giving me an edge for colleges. You just see and complain constantly that I’m paying a lot of money to of drug dealers, addicts, and prostitutes. They were my only company during are too different,” or “I can’t confide in her because she isn’t trustworthy.” My be in some clubs and a waste of time to help out my community, when I do it those hard times. friend pointed out something that I hadn’t even considered, but had been for the standards that you’ve set. When I was younger, I felt ashamed of you This was when you started showing signs of difficulty in walking. After hindering our relationship all along—I held a grudge. Moms are supposed to and how you were as a Chinese immigrant. You seemed to do things that two months, my aunt called and said she was willing to help us. I said goodbye protect their kids. My mom didn’t. didn’t fit the society we were in. Fitting the stereotype of being a Chinese to my friends and we set out on the road back to Mississippi. We stayed with This realization has changed my life. I never knew how much this person. I disregarded you in elementary because of your habits. I always my aunt for a week and then found an affordable apartment. But after a few grudge could hurt me because I didn’t even realize it was there. I spent so thought, “My mom is lame, I don’t want to be seen with her or else people will judge me harshly”. Now looking back to it, I was the bad guy trying to play the months, your walking got worse and you had to carry a cane with you wher- much time blaming you for the problems I faced that I didn’t even realize you victim. It wasn’t the way you raised me to be this judgmental but the way ever you went. had been hurt just as much as I had. You, too, had been betrayed by a man we society shaped me and how I wanted to fit in with everyone else. I finished the eighth grade; I was going to enjoy that summer knowing both trusted. And you became the recipient of more anger, harsh words, and I was wrong, I should’ve been proud of you and the cool things you’ve you and I were happy again, but I was dead wrong. You ended up in the cruel actions from me than anyone else. taught me to make life a bit easier. I understand your struggle with finances hospital unable to breathe well and it turned out you had water in your lungs. Mom, from the deepest part of my heart, I’m sorry. and what you’ve sacrificed for Stanley and I. Maybe I’m the issue? I don’t You underwent surgery, had a tube placed in your chest, and had to endure I’m sorry you lost a part of growing up with your child because I had to know, all I do know is that I want to attempt to fix the problem of miscommu- dialysis every other day. This didn’t help your walking, and you got weaker nication. grow up faster than I should have. I’m sorry I blamed you for sending me away every day. You got a walker. I skipped my freshman year nearly every day to I’m not asking of much and I don’t want to ask for much but just that summer, because you couldn’t have known. I’m sorry for all the times I take care of you, then on May 14, 2015, your tube broke. I rushed you to the understanding and communication, actually that’s a lot but an attempt would screamed at you, yelled at you, lied to you, disobeyed you, disrespected you, hospital in complete fear because blood was spilling out on me, on you, and all be nice and I shall do the same back. All that I’m truly asking for is a time and sought to hurt you. I’m sorry for all the times I turned to self-harm and every now and then where we sit down together over a nice meal that we over the car. I ran inside and screamed for someone to help you and when they consequently hurt your child. A mother should never have to go through what make together and chat, we never eat dinner as much together because you took you into the room, they wouldn’t allow me inside with you. They made me you did with me. always work so this will be a nice change of pace for once. The only thing is wait outside and I felt as though my heart was beating out of my chest. that it’s my turn to talk and your turn to listen without interrupting then we shall Once I realized that I’d been blaming you, I was able to forgive you. After they replaced the tube, I was allowed in to see you. You didn’t switch. The point to doing that is to hear both sides and actually work Once I forgave you, I began to heal. You’re one of my best friends now, and I recognize me because of the morphine. I was told to drive you home and let something out where there are no assumptions and temper tantrums. you rest. As soon as we got home, I put you to sleep, and then I immediately can truly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I see the things you did for me Here’s what I will currently do, I will continue to work as hard as I can fell asleep in my room. The next morning I woke up for my second to last week in a new light, and that everything was out of love. You couldn’t protect me to finally get recognition from you. I will strive for as many scholarships as of school. It was May 15, 2015. I got dressed and walked into the living room from everything, and that’s not your fault. I see now that the reason I felt like possible and study my butt off for good test scores. I will be a better sister for Stanley and start cleaning and cooking more. I will be a better daughter and and woke you up in your recliner. I told you the nurse would be here shortly to such a big problem to you was because you cared. You wanted nothing more never shun you again. I will improve just because I want to, not because I’m bring you to dialysis. I remember you opened your eyes, looked at me, and but for me to heal and grow through this adversity, and for me to have the tools forced to. I want you to do the same too. I want both of us to learn and to healthily go through trials I’ll face in the future. The years I saw myself as muttered weakly, “I love you.” I kissed your cheek and told you I loved you, improve together and form more of an unbreakable bond. That’s my wish. and that I would be back soon. That was the last time I saw you, Mom, broken, you saw my potential to be repaired, and to be stronger from it. You Thank you for everything you have done up until now, I really appreciate because you died thirty minutes after I left. saw me as I am now—happy. your efforts in raising me and caring for me. I know that it has been a struggle If there were anything I could give you, Mom, it would be time. I was so Mom, thank you. Thank you for loving me even though I didn’t always for you to raise an expensive, stubborn child like me who always has too young then that I couldn’t do very much to make life better for us, but I’m believe that you did. Thank you for standing your ground and never EVER much to say at the wrong time and place, but you’ve done well. There’s always room for improvement as humans aren’t perfect. There were some almost graduated from high school now. Soon I’ll be earning money and it’s giving up on me, so that at the end of the day, I knew I was worth the ache. things that you have excelled at in parenting and some things where you money that could have supported us. You were always a loving mother; you God knew I would need a rock to keep me grounded when I went through completely fall short. Although there are some things that can’t be taken back had a harsh life, and you worked hard as long as you were able to. You tried those trials. You are an angel, and I am the luckiest daughter on earth to be or fix as easily as it sounds, you’re my mother and I love you. That’s a fact your best to provide for me and now that I may soon be able to provide for you, able to call you my mom. that will never change. you’re not here. I will always miss you, Mom, and I would give anything just to have you back again. I love you and I’ll try hard to be the best person, just as Your daughter and friend, Sincerely, Your only daughter, you always were to me. Maile Shirley Chan Forever your son, Cameron PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

In Memoriam

MRS. ANNIE CUSTODIO LUGMAO

Annie Ramirez Custodio Lugmao was a courageous and resilient woman. She was born on July 28, 1924 in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She passed away at the age of 93 on October 18, 2017at herhome in Waipahu, Hawaii. Annie came to Hawaii with her family in 1969. She graduated from Rosary College in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the National Teachers College in Manila, Philippines. Annie was an educator and longtime employee of then GTE Hawaiian Tel where she retired. She was an industrious woman and active in old age helping others through her generosity. Annie was devoted to her family, especially to her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by daughter Rosalie Lugmao Trinidad (Gener), daughter Sonia Lugmao Aranza (Danny), sons Edmer and Eric Lugmao, grandchildren Rozelle, Brandon, Nicky, Aaron, PJ, Alyssa, AJ, Destan’e, sister Frances Ramirez Cadoy, nephews, nieces and many relatives in Hawaii and in the Philippines. She will reunite in heaven with her beloved husband Nick and other loved ones who preceded her.

Wake Service is on Friday, December 8 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel with visitation at 5:30pm and services at 6:30pm. Dinner and fellowship to follow. Second Day Service is on Saturday,December 9 at the Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church in Waipio with visitation at 9am and mass at 10am. Burial at 11:30am at the Valley of the Temples. Lunch and fellowship to follow. THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 17

By JOANNE BADUA, Esq. and WILFREDO TUNGOL, Esq.

When I introduce myself as a Having Public Law 114-265, the daughter of a World War II Filipino Filipino Veterans of World War II veteran, people either accept it at Congressional Gold Medal Act, face value or look surprised. My signed into law by President Obama Pa, Susano C. Bumanglag, has been in December 2016 and come into in my life since I was three years fruition is very special to me and old. He passed away when I was my mother, and other next-of-kin Wanted: Congressional Gold six years old, a month after he whose lives were blessed by their successfully petitioned my mother heroes. The living veterans have and I to immigrate to America. waited for seventy-five years, and One big reason for my have shown the United States and Medals for Filipino Veterans or attending law school in San the whole world not only about Francisco was to be closer to Pa endurance but also the widespread since his resting place is currently impact they have on the community. at Golden Gate National Cemetary. Like the family that protected and When I was there, I would take the provided for Pa and his comrades, I their Next of Kin underground transit system, BART, would like to challenge every from San Francisco to San Bruno person to ensure that every living to visit Pa. When I graduated, my WWII Filipino Veteran and their next A Grateful Daughter’s Remembrance family and friends visited Pa of kin is honored for their service immediately after the ceremony with the Congressional Gold Medal before going to the lunch reception. replica. I also recall passing the Hawai`i bar exam, and overjoyed, traveled to The unsung heroes I never knew San Bruno to celebrate with Pa. I was born in the Philippines Pa is still a big part of my life and was raised by my grandmother today. As a legal advocate for my until I came to Hawaii in 1967. My clients, many of them immigrants, I grandmother, Felipa Tungol, was recall pa telling me “it is my life’s what they called a “pensionada”. I purpose to bring you and your never really knew the meaning of mother to America.” As I continue the word until I was thirteen years to learn more about his struggles old. Twice a month, my grandmother as a Philippine Scout during WWII, will ask me to go to the post office I can’t help but think what a miracle and pick up her mail. One mail in it is for me to call him Pa. particular was important to her. It He suffered in the Bataan Death was a check payable to her from the March, was a prisoner of war, and United States Treasury. The check escaped with twelve of his was light green and enclosed in a comrades. They survived with very brown legal-size envelope. I would little or no food. He mentioned being bring it to her and she would so thirsty that they would drink from endorse the check and ask me to any pool they could find, the water take it to the bank to cash it. The being contaminated with bacteria check was payable in dollars ($80) it was fortunate that my grandmother and horrible memories. At some and the bank cashier would convert applied before the deadline for point, his body broke down, and he it to pesos (at that time the rate was receiving the survivors’ benefit had Filipino soldiers fought in the their valiant service during World collapsed. Without the help of a 4 pesos to $1). Little did I know that passed. Other survivors of Filipino Philippines and more than 50,000 War II. The leader of this nationwide Filipino family who hid him and his those checks are what enabled the veterans after 1947 were not as lost their lives. One of them was effort was retired U.S. Army Major comrades in their hut, I would not two us to survive in 1960’s. fortunate. In 1946, the United States my uncle, Jesus. He was only 23 General Antonio Taguba, a Leilehua have known Pa. I once asked my grandmother Congress rescinded all the military when he died. His younger brother, High School graduate, and whose He was honorably discharged how she came to receive such benefits that were promised to Manuel, was only 16. Domingo told father also fought in the Philippines because of a disability, specifically fortune. She would simply say, “it Filipino soldiers who joined the me of the hardships and sacrifices during World War II. dysentery from the poor conditions was because of my son, he fought USAFFE to fight against the that Filipino veterans endured during We ask you to help us find the he endured. Yet, he taught me how in the war”. She did not explain any Japanese in WW II. It was not until the war. He wanted the younger surviving Filipino veterans or their to eat slow and savor every further, as if she did not want to 1991 that I would learn more of the generations to know of his valiant next of kin so that they can receive goodness in life. He received recall some sad event from her past. heroic fight of the Filipino veterans comrades who fought so bravely and a replica of the Congressional decorations of the American It was only later, through my aunt, to help the Americans “liberate” the courageously in defense of freedom Medal of Honor (CGM). In order to Defense Service Medal with 1 that I would learn how my Philippines from the Japanese. and country. His efforts culminated be eligible to receive the CGM, the Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific grandmother became a pensionada. In the summer of 1991, I met in a film documentary, An Untold applicant need to register. Visit Theater Medal with 1 Bronze Star, My aunt told me that grandmother Domingo Los Banos, a Filipino born Triumph: the Story of 1st and 2nd www.filvetrep.org, print and fill out Distinguished Unit Badge with 2 had two sons that fought in the war. in Hawaii who volunteered to be a Filipino Infantry Regiments, U.S. the application and mail it to Filipino Leaf Clusters, Philippine Liberation The younger son, Manuel, joined the member of the First Filipino Army. The film was directed and Veterans -CMG, P.O. Box 860654 Rib with 1 Bronze Star, Philippine guerillas, and the older son, Jesus Regiment and deployed along with co-produced by Stephanie Castillo, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786. Mabuhay Defense Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Tungol, was a soldier in the U.S. other Filipinos from Hawaii to the a daughter of a Filipino veteran from and Salamat Po! and the Philippine Independence Armed Forces of the Far East Philippines to fight alongside the Hawaii. Ribbon. I wish I could ask Pa what (USAFFE). Both sons died fighting native Filipinos against the On October 25, 2017, the long- these awards mean. However, as in the war. My aunt doesn’t know Japanese. He told me that the awaited recognition of the Filipino (Ed. Note: Joanne Badua and Will Tungol USAFEE were made up of regular veterans finally arrived when the an ally of the WWII Filipino veterans, the details of where or when they are members of the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers I am able to meet Philippine Scouts were killed, but she remembered U.S. Army Forces (like the First U.S. Congress awarded the Association which undertook the project of like Pa who are still alive, and learn helping my grandmother apply for Filipino Regiment), the Philippine surviving veterans the about their experiences. survivor’s benefits from Jesus’ Army, Philippine Scouts, and Congressional Gold Medal in assisting Filipino veterans as part of the military service. My aunt said that Philippine guerillas. Over 250,000 Washington, D.C. in recognition of HFLA’s community service.) PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017 THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 19

by KRISTIAN LEI

Happy Holidays dear FilAm Courier Pamilya! I am filled with gratitude for all the blessings and love that this life has to give. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to be able to share BFF moments with you reduce pain! It is FDA throughout this year! approved, no side effects, As the year comes to an helps inflammation and end, I hope our hearts are healing process, firms the happy and we fully take in all skin, promotes collagen the moments that took our production, speeds healing of breath away and life lessons wounds and tissue damage, that helped us become better and so much more! To learn individuals, strengthened more, visit: bodyfixhawaii.com family units, uplifted communities, causing positive Cryotherapy: effects on a global scale. Taken from hawaii This month, health and healthhub.com: Cryotherapy wellness has been on my is an inflammation killer! This mind. Out of all the gifts we technology uses liquid can attain during this season, nitrogen to create a subzero I truly feel that good health is atmospheric temperature one of the greatest gifts one (negative 200 degrees can possess. Fahrenheit) that immerses the I recently was invited by body for three minutes. This Coach Angelica to visit the is just long enough to safely Hawaii Health Hub, which is facilitate an array of beneficial the home of Float, Cryo, physiological responses to Massage and Acupuncture relieve pain, decrease Therapy. Also within the “Hub” inflammation, speed healing, is Red Light Therapy through reduce muscle soreness, and a company called Body Fix mitigate headaches. Some Hawaii. What are these clients have even seen their therapies, you ask? Well, it fat cells (cellulite) shrink! was the very question I asked when I entered its doors at Float Therapy: 320 Ward Avenue, STE 101. I “For a relaxing 75 Massage. My choice was $80). Gift cards available for initially only wanted was a full minutes, you will weightlessly “Deep Tissue.” I will try just individual treatments, spa body massage from my ate float on a bed of water acupuncture at my next visit. party too. Promocode: Angelica, but as soon as I was saturated with Epsom salt, I have to admit, I was "hohofloat" to get 10% off informed of all the other which has both therapeutic intimidated with all these services therapies that were available and detoxifying properties. therapies because it requires at the “Hub,” I was all in! Completely dark and virtually one to be in their birthday Valerie Joseph’s POSHd sound proof, this sensory suit! I am so happy I tried it Boutique: Red Light Therapy: deprivation tank can inspire and I’m happy to report that FREE travel size scrub One of the first services I deep relaxation, meditative my skin feels great, my mind with any purchase CocoJava tried was Red Light Therapy states, and even emotional is more focused and my body Coffee Scrub product. Visit by Body Fix. The reason why and psychological purging.” feels stronger! May we all POSHd by Valerie Joseph at I wanted to try it was because This experience was mind have a blessed Holiday Ward Centre or in one of my visits to the UFC blowing. I literally put myself Season, filled with love, joy POSHdHawaii.com. Gym, I noticed Coach in a box of water and floated and good health! Promotion ends 12/31/17. Angelica’s skin appeared for a little over an hour and Special Thanks to Brice naturally firmer and more felt my body relax like its SPECIAL CHRISTMAS Kurihara Photography! radiant. When I asked her never relaxed before. OFFERS: about what she was doing, Hawaii Health Hub: she mentioned “Red Light Massage and Acupuncture Kristian Lei: International Song Artist, Model, Actress, Producer, and Vocal Coach. Buy 3 gift cards get one Therapy.” Therapy: Starred in the Musicals Miss Saigon, King and I, and Festival of the Lion King. Currently free. Holiday Gift This particular therapy is The “Hub” offers Deep Crime Scene Investigator – Sanoe on Hawaii Five-0. Founder of Non-Profit Organization: Float+Massage $119 (retails all natural that helps one look Tissue, Lomi Lomi, Signature Honolulu Broadway Babies. Fox KHON2’s Top 5 Filipinos in Hawaii for Mabuhay Week younger, heal faster and Stress Relief and Pregnancy at $150 float $70 Massage 2017. PAGE 20 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15, 2017

By NANCY BERNAL

Jerri Chong and Augie T at The Ronald Kirk and Laurie Thompson at The 1st Glenn and Tammy Medeiros at The 1st Melveen Leed McDonald House Charities' Hawaii Gala Annual Contemporary Global Music Annual Contemporary Global Music Awards Awards

December is the month for tainment line-up includes The Ronald McDonald Benefit on November 4 at The onstrated their appreciation of Christmas cheer and you can Danny Keleikini, Melveen House Charities’ Hawaii held Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Jo Koy’s comedic expertise get into the holiday spirit by Leed, Rene Paulo, Michael their Thirty Year Anniversary Ballroom. Nationally and In- with standing ovations nightly. attending a special Christmas Paulo, Al Waterson, Kathy Gala on November 18 at The ternationally Acclaimed Artists • • • • • Concert on December 16 at Paulo-Hirai, Rene Paulo, Jr. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel with a were honored and also per- Congratulations to Lyric The Hawaii Convention Cen- Nicholas Kaleikini, Bruce star-studded line-up of enter- formed for the appreciative Medeiros on being crowned ter – Liliu Theater at 8 p.m. Hamada, Jr. and Kaylee tainers and attendees. Al VIP audience. Congratula- Miss Hawaii High School featuring world class music Shimizu. Tickets can be pur- Waterson was the Master of tions to Honorees Yvonne America 2018 on October 29 from Hawaii. The title of this chased at TIX.com or call Ceremonies and the entertain- Elliman, Michael Paulo, Glenn at The Hawaii Convention concert is “Legends and Lega- (951) 696-0184. ment program included Rob- Medeiros, Sebastian Feary Center. Lyric is no stranger to cies” and the fantastic enter- • • • • • ert Cazimero, Augie T, Jordan (Mackey Feary), Randy the limelight. She is an on- Segundo, Na Leo Pilimehana, Lorenzo and Henry Kapono. camera host of “The Pet Hui” Taimane, Kaylee Shimizu, Noly Special recognition was given television show, a professional Paa and Kathryn Teruya (Miss to Tom Moffatt and Don Ho. Al actress and singer and she Hawaii 2017). Honorary Co- Waterson emceed the festivi- had leading roles in several Chairs were Veronica Kaneko ties. Mahalo to Laurie and Kirk musical productions. Daugh- (President and Managing Di- Thompson for presenting this ter of Tammy and Glenn rector of McDonald’s Restau- annual musical awards pre- Medeiros, Lyric will be going rants of Hawaii, Inc.) and Miles sentation. For more informa- to the national competition in Ichinose (President of Golden tion on this organization, early 2018. Arches Merchants Association check out www.honolulu • • • • • of Hawaii). Congratulations to museumofcontemporarypop.com Congratulations also goes Jerri Chong (RMHC Hawaii or call (808) 781-9571. out to Julianne Chu on being President) and to The Ronald • • • • • selected Miss Hawaii USA McDonald House Charities’ Popular Comedian Jo Koy 2018 on November 19 at The

Left to right: Al Waterson, Kathryn Teruya (Miss Hawaii 2017), Adrian R'Mante Hawaii Ohana on thirty years – known nationally for his ap- Hawaii Convention Center. and Jordan Segundo at The Ronald McDonald House Charities' Hawaii Gala of service to families with seri- pearances on the television Julianne impressed the Celeb- ously-ill children. show - “Chelsea Lately” and rity Judges and will be prepar- • • • • • other television shows broke ing for the Miss USA 2018 pag- The Hawaii National Mu- records in Hawaii by selling eant on the mainland. sic Foundation of the Pacific out eleven shows at The • • • • • presented their 1st Annual Blaisdell Concert Hall and two Jordan Segundo is a Contemporary Global Music more shows on outer islands. Weather Anchor/Reporter on Awards and Music Education The sold-out audiences dem- the KITV4 morning show and

Danny Kaleikini, Linda Wong and Michael Paulo

Left to right: Brent Boxberger, Samantha Cayetano and Bobby Dacones THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 21 CLASSIFIED ADS

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BY RICKIE CAMARA

Life seems so hurried, especially now that the holidays are upon us. In these days of drinking and dining, we can however make a deliberate decision to discipline ourselves. We can slow down the season quickly in a time-tested way. on fasting may not technically meet technique known to man; and the diet, the body keeps burning fat for for aging; it is, in fact, the only thing How? By fasting! that definition since these creatures most common throughout all of fuel which is what happens, too, we know that is able to consistently Fasting is an effective means are participating in the trial nature: animals instinctively fast when we fast for longer than 12 – 16 slow aging in all varieties of animals, to lose weight, improve health, and involuntarily. Unless you eat in your whenever they become sick. hours; i.e. our glycogen stores including various mammalian live longer. More and more people sleep, we all reach that metabolic Spiritual teachers of all stripes deplete and we start using fat which species. Fasting and CR has been are taking to it given its positive state at night of completing the including Jesus, Buddha, form ketone bodies to fuel our brain shown to postpone degenerative coverage in the popular press. So digestion and absorption of a meal Mohammed, Confucius, Gandhi, and metabolism. And this process diseases such as cancer, arthritis much so that some physicians and which happens in about 3 – 5 hours and Zarathustra, have all of ketosis alone has been shown for and atherosclerosis. It improves nutritionists dismiss it as a ‘fad’ after consumption. Our first meal of recommended fasting for decades to cure or improve seizure one’s metabolic profile including wherein benefits are blown out of the day after waking up is therefore purification of mind and body. disorders and has shown promise lowering cholesterol, increasing the proportion and risks are pooh- appropriately called ‘break/fast.’ Fasting is not a ‘diet,’ a term in alleviating other neuro- good triglycerides, and reducing poohed. Yet, there is a long history Although Hippocrates, the which relates to the kinds of food psychiatric disorders. insulin resistance (a marker for and science of, and even a spiritual ancient Greek Philosopher, said, that a person habitually eats. And beyond that, there is a diabetes); all of which are good for tradition to the practice of fasting. “Let food by thy medicine..,” he is Fasting, however, can be introduced large body of research that supports metabolic and cardiovascular Fasting, in its broadest also known to have prescribed to any kind of diet: vegetarian, the health benefits of fasting; most health. definition, is the willing withholding fasting for all serious conditions. kosher, paleo (aka. pre- of it has been conducted on animals, And the most fascinating thing of food or calories for any reason Plato and Aristotle both fasted agricultural), seafood (not the kind and a few on humans. Fasting and is that fasting turns on the process for a period of time, from a few hours regularly; and not for a lack of food! where you eat what you see), and calorie restriction (CR) have of autolysis or autophagy, in which to months. Note that animal studies Fasting is indeed the oldest healing even the ketogenic diet. In this latter passed every test as a treatment the body prioritizes the preservation of cells, discarding the oldest and most worn out cells. Relieved of their usual digestive responsibilities, the body's enzymes begin roaming about and digesting diseased, damaged, dead and dying cells, a process that has been described as ‘the burning of rubbish.’ Autophagy is imputed to play an important role in the prevention or treatment of some kinds of cancer. There are even small studies that show cancer patients will tolerate and have better responses to chemotherapy when they are in a fasted state. The benefits of fasting are much broader than the physical; it can help you attain deeper states of awareness. People on fasting protocols have reported marked, distinct feelings of clarity and self- awareness; especially when the brain is fueled by ketone bodies rather than by glucose. Fasting has been used in many spiritual traditions to enhance prayer and reflection. Together with the mastery of the tongue and the gonads, the mastery of the stomach through fasting is part of the practice of yoga in order to attain control of the body and mind to reach meditative states. THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 1-15 2017 • PAGE 23

And the best thing of all is that intermittent fasting regimens are not harmful physically or mentally in healthy, normal weight, overweight, or obese adults. It can be practiced safely unless you are pregnant or under 18 years of age; and you would definitely want to consult with your health provider if you are doing it to manage a health condition such as diabetes or for a neurological or eating disorder. Fasting is relatively easy to incorporate in your lifestyle. Do what is most comfortable for you based on your energy requirements. Fasting is usually expressed as “the amount of hours you spend without taking in any calories vs. the time spent feeding.” So 16: 8 means that you fast for 16 hours (e.g. from 8pm to 12pm) and eat for 8 hours (12pm to 8pm). The 5:2 is where you eat normally for 5 days and fast for 2 days. People have extended this concept in many different ways including eating only one meal a day (Warrior Fast), fasting for a continuous 36 hours (Monk Fast), or doing alternate day fasts or fasting for 3 or more days. During the fast, drink lots of fluids especially water, but it can include black coffee or tea. During the feeding periods, you can eat anything in your preferred diet but make sure to eat slowly and mindfully so you don’t binge or overeat after coming out from a fast. (A good source online for more information is WeFa.st) In short, eat sensibly most of the time, eat nothing for an extended period every now and then, and indulge only on occasion. Deepen your self-awareness and monitor your thoughts and feelings as you go through your fasting and feeding cycles. Make sure you are not using food as a ‘pacifier’ of emotions. The practice of fasting calls upon us to know and master ourselves so we can free ourselves from dependencies and attachments. For as Herman Hesse, the German author of Siddhartha, said: “If a man has nothing to eat, fasting is the most intelligent thing he can do…!”

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].