February 16 2016 issue

• THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 16-29, 2016

and college students. Cost: $140.00 per participant. This year’s theme is “To-day for Tomorrow” focusing on living in the moment. There will be various activ-ities ranging from energiz-ers, community building, self-awareness & reflection activities to personal and leadership development of skills. Contact Person: Rouel Velasco at email rouel.velas-co@ sarilinggawa.org/218-0833.

March 25, 2016Filipino Chamber of Com-merce of Hawaii Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club 91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa Beach, HI. Tour-nament proceeds fund the Foundation’s Scholarship program. Scholarship re-cipients will be presented during the chambers Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year & Scholarships Awards gala. Contact Persons: Sam Acos-ta 306-1428, Eddie Agas, Sr. 783-3327

April 16, 2016Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM. Cost $65.00. Currently accepting nominations for entrepre-neur of the year Statewide. For more information please Contact: Rocky Anguay, Event Chair 808 387-5821 or email [email protected], Sam Acosta President 808 306-1428

April 30, 2016Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Annual Terno Ball Hawaii Prince Hotel Ballroom 6:00 PM. Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Carlota Ader 688-3215

May 7, 2016United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2016 Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom; 5:30 PM. Contact Persons: Gladys Menor (808) 366-2317, Ma-ria Etrata (808) 392-2962

February 16-21, 2016The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Trade Mission to the Philippines. The delegation will meet with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce to strength-en the business links be-tween Hawaii and the Phil-ippines, optional extended tour to Cebu available at an additional cost. Con-tact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Maria Etrata 392-2962

February 20, 2016Vogue Pygmalion Hawaii presents The Lady In Red Gala with Masks, Hawaii Prince Hotel Maunakea Ballroom 7:00 PM; Cost: $70.00; To benefit the spe-cial projects of Pygmalion Arts Fund, a 501c3 Com-pany Contact Person: Leo Gozar 630-6268

February 25, 2016FJC Filipino Junior Chamber International Dine Out; 6:30 PM; Kan Zaman (Downtown, Honolulu) Enjoy a night of Moroccan and Lebanese food and culture. Contact Person: FJC International VPJohnny Noblezada, email: johnny.noblezada@fjchamb

February 27, 2016Pasuquinio Association of Hawaii Coronation Ball; Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom; 6:00 PM; Cost: $65.00; Formal Attire; Contact Persons: Froebel Aguinaldo Garcia, President 386-6857, Lorna Estrada 351-9778, Erlinda Ferrer 721-1501, Aida Tagavilla 258-5424

March 19, 2016United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Golf; Tournament, Waikele Golf Course. Shotgun at 12 Noon Contact Persons: Joe Quibuyen (808) 256-6399, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962

March 19-21, 2016Sariling Gawa Youth Council holds its 36th Annual; Lead-ership Conference Camp at YMCA Camp Erdman in Mokuleia for high school

STATEWIDEcoMMunITy cALEnDAR

compiled by AMELIA cASAMInA cAbATu

May 14, 201624th Annual Filipino Fiesta & Parade and 4th Annual Flores de Mayo presented by the FilCom Center, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Parade route goes from Fort De Russy to Kalakaua Avenue to end at Kapiolani Park from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM. Fiesta will be at the Kapi-olani Park from 10:00AM - 5:00 PM. For more details, sponsorship, and how to participate please call Arceli Rebollido, FilCom Center Programs Director at 808 680-0451, Paul Gaerlan Alimbuyao Flores de Mayo Event Chair 808 754-8691, Vince Baldemor 808 391-0723. You can also check FilCom Center website at http://filcom.org/

May 28, 2016Ms. Normalites of Hawaii 3rd Grand Alumni Reunion & Coronation Ball (LNS,INNS, N LTC , M M S U - C E , M M-SU-CTE); Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom; 6:00 PM-12:00 AM; Contact Persons: Thelma Ortal 389-1847, Pike Velasco 554-9646, Flor-ence Peralta 650 274-7791, Dolly Ortal 225-9997

June 4, 2016Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) Presents the Miss Oahu Filipina 2016 Pageant Hawaii Prince Hotel 6:00PM Contact Persons: Alex Vergara President 551-4303, Leo Gozar 630-6268

June 25, 2016Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) Annual Con-vention Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu Lanai Contact Persons: Alex Ver-gara, President 551-4303, Dwayne Bueno 266-0392

July 16, 2016The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation Annual Instal-lation Banquet Hilton Ha-waiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom; 6:00 PM. Contact Persons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam Acosta 306-1428.

July 29-31, 2016United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Con-

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a community lead-er and a familiar face, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Ra-dio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair of the Philippine 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 one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to [email protected] or call her at (808) 282-2033.

vention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBA. Contact Persons: Greg Peros on Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno on Oahu (808) 266-0392

July 30, 2016La Union Circle of Hawaii presents Miss & Mrs. La Union Hawaii USA 2016. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ball-room 5:30 PM Coronation with Dinner. Cost $65.00; Contact Persons: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616; Laurie Ann Tadina 358-0474; Conrad Valdriz 953-8888; Ben Pulido 421-9747; Lolita Domingo 295-1387.

August 20, 2016UPAA University of the Phil-ippines Alumni Association of Hawaii Installation of Of-ficers Gala; 6:00 PM; Filcom Center 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu, HI Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Melody Cal-isay 808 224-9535, Jenny Normandy 808 286-4426

August 27, 2016Philippine Cultural Founda-tion of Hawaii Recognition Night honoring the 2016 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 out-standing achievements of graduating high school vale-dictorians in public and pri-vate schools & presentation of the continuing scholar recipients. Empress Restau-rant 100 N. Beretania St. 6:00 PM. We are currently searching for the parents/parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their chil-dren (3 minimum) to college and/or universities & have attained their profession-al chosen careers. Con-tact Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Go-zar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy 841-2881, Maggie Domingo 783-0068

September 17, 2016Filipino Women’s Civic Club Annual Maria Clara Ball; Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ball-room; 6:00 PM. Contact Per-sons: Bernadette Fajardo, President 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 780-4985

MAuI

kAuAI

March 5 and 6, 2016The Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu will be conducting its mobile con-sular outreach programs to include applications for re-newal of passports, notari-als, authentication of docu-ments and dual citizenship during the two-day outreach program. Time and place to be announced. For more in-formation and appointments contact Charmaine Bulosan at 808 245-5338.

March 19 and 20, 2016The Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu will be conducting its mobile con-sular outreach programs to include applications for re-newal of passports, notari-als, authentication of docu-ments and dual citizenship during the two-day outreach program. Time and place to be announced. For more in-formation and appointments contact Lydia Rayo from the Maui City & County office at 808 270-7791.

July 29-31, 2016United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Con-vention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBD. Contact Persons: Greg Peros in Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu (808) 266-0392

July 30, 2016United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Miss Hawaii Filipina 2016 Binhi At Ani Community Center in Maui. Contact Persons: Greg Peros (808) 276-8771, Maria Etra-ta (808) 392-2962

oAHu november 19, 2016NAMI, INC. Nursing Ad-vocates & Mentors, Inc.; 15th Anniversary Gala and Appreciation of RN Review Class Volunteer Lecturers & Recognition of New RN’s and Review Graduates. 6:00 PM Banyan Tree Showroom, Hale Koa Hotel; Contact Per-sons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 778-6291, Jun Obaldo 808 277-7495, Bong Curameng 808 383-0135

THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 16-29, 2016 • PAGE 3

PubLISHERMary Llanos Cordero

MAnAgIng EDIToRBennette Espineli Misalucha

DIREcToR oF DESIgnArmando Dela Cruz Busmente

PRoDucTIon MAnAgERAlice Llanos Busmente

ASSISTAnT EDIToRRadiant Cordero

coPy EDIToRDanielle Evangelista

PHoTogRAPHERS/gRAPHIcSBrandon dela Cruz

Noah FelipeGabe de Liso

Jeff OrigJames Ramos

coLuMnISTSEdna Alikpala

Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq.Jesse Bacon IINancy BernalCesar Bonilla

Alice Llanos BusmenteAmelia Casamina CabatuAnabel Gasmen Cabebe

Dr. Rickie CamaraDr. Patricia Halagao

Zeny MuyotAngie Santiago

Perfecto Yasay Jr.

conTRIbuTIng WRITERSConrad Abuel

Ric AgnesPaul Alimbuyao

Ria BaldeviaEriza Bareng

Marnelli Joy BasilioBernie CaalimRandy Cortez

Radiant CorderoMary CruzadaJaime de Jesus

Brandon dela CruzChristian Evangelista

Imelda GasmenVeronika Geronimo

Leo GozarBen GutierrezKathleen Lee

Carmela MinayaGladys Quinto Marrone

Gladys MenorJohn PagaraganPaola Rodelas

Judy RelosimonSandra SagisiNicole Velasco

Jason UbayMichiVillaruz

nEIgHboR ISLAnD buREAuMaui

Kit ZuluetaJeremy Zane

big Island Mil AsuncionJane Clement

Dr. Margarita Hopkins

kauaiVirgie CruzadaLiza Trinidad

Marynell Valenzuela

ADVERTISIng SALESMarivicAldayaMary Cordero

Annabel CabebeFlorence Tan McCollom

Lydia KamiyaJoni Redick-Yundt

Rudy BautistaMarynel Valenzuela

cIRcuLATIonFlorence Tan (Oahu)

Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu)David Cordero (Maui)

Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai)Milli Asuncion (Big Island)

LEgAL counSELAlfredo Evangelista, Esq.

Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.)

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quick-to-judge? Friends, especially those in their twenties, it’s because their (unwelcomed) validation of who we are and how we look to society is what we are valuing instead of really just valuing ourselves. I know the idea of “self love” can seem narcissistic and alien to some of us. But it is essential if we want a fulfilling relationship with others. Here’s what I have to say to those people who made me feel down about myself: I don’t care if you don’t like me… I love me! We are proud to bring you our third annual “Love Is In The Air” Valentine’s Day issue. In this issue, we feature the love stories of three lovable couples: Arryl Kaneshiro and Gwyneth Calipjo, Mary and Alex Rivera, and Bing and Ed Joaquin. In addition, we have a personal first person piece by Eric Goff who wrote about his very own love story with his sweetheart, the former Pamela Domingo of Maui. On a personal note, I remember being in school a decade ago with Gwyneth Calipjo and it was magical to read about her as she begins a new life with Arryl. That is what love is about - growth, adaptability, hard work, fun, and more! So go ahead, turn those pages (after reading my own love story, of course), and engross yourselves in their stories. It’ll be sure to make you feel kilig!

boyfriend. Who is male. My partner is male.” With that, I jumped into my car fuming mad. She not only judged me for my profession, but for my sexual orientation, too. I am not angered that she thought I was a lesbian, but angered that I was seemingly stereotyped, again.

Real-Life Example 3: My work was sponsoring a cleanup of one of the worst parks I’ve ever seen and I was in charge of assigning people, tasks, and tools. We had a few nonprofit organizations there and a head of one started yelling at me for “misguiding people.” Note: She was an hour late in the beginning so missed the part where I was assigning people/tasks/tools. (Yelling harshly) “Why are you telling people to paint the [basketball] court? The backstops (holds the net and basket) now have no paint.” “This was the schedule I set for tasks in the beginning, I am just moving us along, it’s almost lunchtime.” (Still harsh) “Who gave you the right to tell my granddaughter and them to paint the courts, my husband can only do one backstop now. Who do you think you are?” “Well my boss informed everyone this morning that I am in charge and the tasks were all agreed upon. I think we should prioritize covering that graffiti.” “Who is your boss? I don’t know who that is.” “Really? I met you last week, too. I mean, our office invited everyone in the neighborhood and you and [other nonprofit] to take part of this event. Aren’t you the “head” of the organization?” (Yes, I was getting a bit heated so I added fuel to the fire) “Oh… [Elected official’s name]” “Yeah, I’m his Chief-of-Staff…” At this point I am ticked off because I know she’s trying to cover her tracks. Or not… She goes ahead and hits me with: “Oh, I thought you were his child and you were telling my grandchild and volunteers what to do.” “Uhhh. No.” All these three examples shook me to my core. I told my friends, parents, partner, and others about it and would not let it rest. I was bothered, not entirely hurt, but really bothered. I decided to reflect on why. Why am I so bothered with these people being

blue/gray/pink/red hair color, and all while making my way up into leadership, which has blessed me with great opportunities to meet folks with whom I never thought would collaborate with or let alone allowed to be in the same room. But, for the fortunate (but sometimes unfortunate) characteristics I mentioned above - most specifically my hair color choices - I have come to learn that even though this is how I love myself and express myself uninhibitedly… Though, it won’t stop other people from being judgmental. In the past three weeks, people who are heads of organizations, hoteliers, my const i tuents, reta i l employees, and passersby always seem to want to have a say about my look. Instances like these can certainly hurt a person’s self-esteem if you allow them to. Loving yourself can help you combat them.

Real-Life Example 1: I was buying suits for work and the retail employee kept looking at me curiously “Are you shopping for fun or….” “No, I’m just shopping for work.” “Oh, where do you work?” “In an office.” “Oh, like an actual office… Or?” “ Ye a h , I w o r k i n government.” “OH! WOW…. Would not have figured.” To continue to put you into context, she thought from the way I dressed and my choice of hair color that working in an actual professional setting was out of the question.

Real-Life Example 2: Constituent in the district is watering her grass and sees me park and take photos of bulky trash items (sexy job). “I love your hair! Are you a hair dresser?” “Thanks so much! My friend did it. No, I actually work for your elected official.” “Government? Oh wow. Lucky you get away with your hair... But your kind have been getting your way since they allowed you to marry.” [Mind you, I am still taking photos and luckily my face was hidden by my sunglasses and phone so she could not see my scowl as I tried to break down what she meant as “my kind.”] “Oh marry? I ’m not married?” “But you and your partner now legally can.” “Thank you for that support, but, I have a

It’s February again and it’s that time of year when commercials on television are tempting everyone with delicious treats or major car or jewelry sales. It is also a time when my parents reminisce and share their love story - each adding their own personal twists. Also, it’s that time of year for our LOVE IS IN THE AIR issue! What’s great about love is that we can be blessed with it every day, hour, minute, and second – we don’t have to even rely on anyone else to feel love. If any of you are on social media, you may have seen the half-Filipina/half-Korean girl, Breanna Reyes Youn in her viral video saying, “I don’t care if you don’t like me, I love me” in the cutest way possible with her signature wink at the end (if not - totally Google it). What I love about it is that Breanna Reyes Youn is expressing herself confidently and uninhibitedly. She shows the world that she can accept and love herself, which can be a lesson to many who forget to love themselves. Being adored and loved, while adoring and loving someone else can be a fleeting feeling if you do not have a strong foundation of self-esteem. Loving yourself f i rst opens the door for another to truly do the same. The f i r s t and most important thing in my mind, and what will be the focus, is learning to deal with people judging you. As we grow older, we will notice that confidence and loving yourself uninhibitedly becomes chastised and seen as pretentious or conceited or even misconceived. Some people are able to look past the judgment of others while others let those things eat up at their minds and inevitably, their self-confidence. As a woman in her twenties, it is something that I personally struggle with weekly. Working in a serious environment puts me into situations where people have a certain “look.” Many of you don’t know me, but, for those who do, know that I am: loud, colorful, expressive, have very minimal brain-to-mouth filter, and am a self-proclaimed hair unicorn. For those who do know me, know I chose a career in government which I dove into five years ago, way before I could drink alcohol or even rent a car. I have been fortunate enough to have the support to be myself, with purple/

B y r A D i A n T c o r D e r o


our cover....

by bEnnETTE ESPInELI MISALucHA

Managing Editor, Fil-Am Courier

The cover photo was taken last

year during Arryl Kaneshiro and

Gwyneth Calipjo’s summer tour

of Paris.

Photo Credit: Paris Photography

Corner

Cover Photo Design by Noah

Felipe of Orig Media.

Mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig

Media.

Both Jeff and Noah may be

reached at www.Origmedia.

com or by calling their offices at

(808) 447 -9559,

Although they both grew up within miles of each other on the island of Kauai, their paths had never crossed. Their seven year age gap may have something to do with it. Plus, the fact that Gwyneth Calipjo went to high school on Oahu then went on to Santa Clara University for college and only came home to Kauai during short school breaks. But then destiny stepped in. That Christmas break

2009, Gwyneth went out with good friends for one last time before her return to California, and it was then that she first encountered Arryl Kaneshiro. The meeting must have been memorable enough, because Arryl asked Gwyneth to lunch the following day. But it was not meant to be since she was leaving town to go back to college. After graduat ing in 2010, Gwyneth returned home to Kauai to help with the family business. As she started getting involved in the Kauai community, she would see Arryl at these functions. They started a friendship where they would occasionally text but it was not until late that year when the romance blossomed. Gwyneth shared that part of their story: “It was Halloween night and my girlfriend and I were having dinner at Duke’s. She dared me to call Arryl to come over and for Arryl to bring a friend. I did call, and so he came right away and brought his cousin,” she laughed, “and he asked me out to dinner again after that night.” Dinner was at an Indian restaurant, which was an

exotic choice in small town Kauai. “I was impressed,” Gwyneth smiled at the recollection. They have been together ever since. “She is smart, energetic, warm and willing to step outside her comfort zone,” Arryl listed the qualities that endears her to him, even as he recounted how Gwyneth had to make adjustments to accommodate his way of life. Arryl is a fourth generation farmer/rancher who grew up in the fields amongst cattle and is most comfortable wearing “pasture clothes” while Gwyneth admits she’s a city girl who had never ridden a horse before and to this day, does not like to get her clothes “dirty”. But love has a way o f ove r com ing t hose differences. Gwyneth says she has adjusted, now likes to help at Arryl’s family farm and feels comfortable in that pastoral setting. “My family took her to a salt bed once, and I was proud of how she could carry a heavy bucket”, said Arryl and they both shared a laugh at the memory. You know the term, “opposites attract”? In the case of Arryl and Gwyneth,

different backgrounds and temperaments have led to a healthy relationship. “He is patient, really level-headed and rational. I’m usually the passionate one who sometimes tends to overreact. He balances me out, “Gwyneth added, “We don’t really fight. No major arguments about big hairy issues. No drama. We sometimes have dis-agreements but they do not last.” Arryl provided further c l a r i t y : “We ’ r e b o t h responsible people so we don’t do anything that will hurt or annoy the other person. We both allow each other to be individuals. We enjoy our time together but we don’t begrudge if the other has to spend time away for work or other activities.” A r r y l c o n t i n u e d , “Although we may come from different cultural backgrounds, we have the same core values. We are actually both goal-oriented and driven. Even before we met each other, we both wanted to finish college, save money, buy a house and travel the world. And these common goals connect us tightly.”


What also binds them is the love for their friends and family. Weekends are often a blur of activities taken up by their large families and a closely-knit group of friends. The i r r e l a t i o n sh i p marked a milestone when they bought a house together more than two years ago. Arryl explained, “As we mentioned, we are like-minded and we felt that buying a house was more important than spending for a big wedding. We felt this was the next step to our commitment. We’re happy about that choice.” Of course, this display of strong commitment has not stopped people from asking the inevitable question. “For the record, a wedding will happen,” Arryl stated emphatically while Gwyneth laughed in the background. How about just eloping to save on the wedding expense? “Tell that to our parents!” Gwnyeth chided while Arryl, this t ime, laughed in the background. But whether to have a big wedding, a small wedding or none at all, was an issue furthest from their minds when Arryl decided to run for Kauai County Council in 2014. He comes from political stock, since his father was elected to the Kauai County Council at least four times. “During that summer, people kept approaching Arryl to run for office so I was not at all surprised when he finally told me he was running,” Gwyneth recalled. “It was a really tough decision,” Arryl said, “I told myself I would not continue if my family or Gwyneth did not support me. Thankfully,

everyone decided to be on board.” Unlike Arryl, Gwyneth has never been involved in politics before but with the high stakes at play, she threw herself into campaigning. But campaigning turned out to be the easy part. The toughest was trying to fit into the mold of a model political partner. “I had such a difficult time during that period. I felt pressured. Many wel l - intent ioned people were trying to help and gave me all kinds of advice, on how I should dress, how I should act or even whether I should wear more make-up.” In the end, Arryl put his foot down and told everyone to back off. He said, “I was very respectful. But I told the advisors, we are who we are, and we are not going to change that. Besides, I am the one running, and not her. I felt so bad that I apologized to Gwyneth for having to go through that ordeal. One thing though, that experience has made us stronger.” A point that Gwyneth readily agrees with: “He stood up for me and I truly appreciated that.” Nowadays, the couple has settled into an easy routine although Arryl admits his job at Grove Farms and political life as a Council member keeps him rather busy. Still, in their home, chores are equitably divided, and “housework gets done if it needs to be done.” Arryl said, “We really don’t count who is supposed to do what”, and Gwyneth interjected, “We both do laundry, we both like to cook, and so we do dishes together,” and Arryl finished

the sentence: “We respect each other and we work to make the other happy.” E xpen s e s t o o a r e equitably shared. “We split the mortgage, and we both buy groceries. Because we have similar values when it comes to money, we never fight about it,” Gwyneth added. They also share a love for travel. “China, Missouri, Minnesota, Cal i forn ia, Europe,” Arryl rattled off a number of places they have been together as a couple. “We want to travel now while we still have the flexibility to do so.” Arryl is equally sure about what makes their relationship work: “We don’t sweat the small stuff. We love each other, and we’re happy. Yes, there are challenges, but for us, we are there for each other. Gwyneth is easy, and I enjoy being with her. I don’t think we will ever get tired of each other.”

Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Fil-Am Courier’s Managing Editor. She has been affiliated with the Courier since 1987 as a contributing writer and as Managing Editor since April 2013. She started her career as a journalist, and was a reporter/producer both in Hawaii (at KHON Channel 2 News) and in Cebu, Philippines.

The calipjo family of the island of kauai with kauai county council member Arryl kaneshiro.


to think of dating at the time,” laughed Mary Rivera. “Her lively and outgoing

When Mary and Alex Rivera look into each other’s eyes, they see the promise of love and happiness for the future as a married couple. Forty nine years into marital bliss, Alex, 72, and Mary, 73, continue to grow as one and realize in themselves that the path to everlasting love is a journey filled with joy and commitment to make the union last. Their lives intertwined in 1964 in the Philippines. “When I first saw Mary, I immediately knew she was the one I was going to marry,” recalled Alex Rivera. “I quietly wished for her to be the one person I would spend my life with,” he added. He glanced her way at a party hosted by Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Company and was immediately attracted to Mary’s beauty. She was a social butterfly at the event where she didn’t even notice him. “I was too busy thinking of meeting new friends and other people

personality is like that of my dad,” said Alex. She quickly points out that Alex is rather reserved and quiet but “it’s in that silence that his heart speaks,” said Mary. During their two-year courtship, Alex recalled saying to her, “Please don’t say no.” On June 26, 1967 they had a big church wedding with 200 family members, sponsors and friends to witness the union. A dream wedding came true for the newlyweds and even bigger dreams for the future. “We dreamed of going to America —the city on top of the hill. Its lights still shine bright today,” said Mary. The dream was realized in 1970 when they immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines. They were filled with hopes and dreams of a better future for their children. They credit Alex’s

late mother, Teodora Garcia Rivera, who was able to bring all her children and their family to the United States. The couple has four grown chi ldren named Carmela, Paul, Edwin and Angela and 11 grandchildren ranging from ages three to 24 years old. It’s the role of wife, mother and grandmother that Mary cherishes the most while she balanced personal and work life. She is always mindful of how to keep the romance alive. “ I surprise Alex with little gestures like writing him a poem on his birthday, giving him foot massages, or cooking his favorite tinola which is a combination of chicken, papaya and malungay leaves,” said Mary. “Nurturing a relationship is an intentional process—

something we learn over a period of time,” she added. You’ll also find them doing activities together like not only cooking, and going to the movies or the theater, but also travel ing and living part time in Hawaii, Illinois, Alex’s hometown of Calamba, Laguna and Mary’s hometown of Iloilo and Bacolod in the Philippines. For Alex, it’s his hands-on role as a husband, father and grandfather with which he demonstrates his love and affection for Mary and his children. His thoughts drift to 2007 when he suffered a major heart attack in the Philippines. “My wife was devoted to me as she was my caregiver after suffering from a stroke and enduring the long road to recovery,” said Alex. Four years later, Mary also suffered a heart attack and

by bERnIE cAALIM


Bernie Caalim is taking a break from her career to take care of her mom. Her past work experience include being Senior Vice President of Travel and Tourism at McNeil Wilson Communications, Anthology Marketing Group and stints at KHON Channel 2 News and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and volunteers for the American Heart Association, Hawaii Chapter.

Alex found himself in a role reversal as he assumed being the caregiver, nurturing his beloved wife everyday with words of encouragement and love. It’s no wonder Alex’s friends call him pangga as a term of endearment. In those moments when facing the unknown of whether or not your spouse will survive, Mary and Alex feel blessed. “It’s really during

this times when one feels the deepest appreciation for God’s healing touch,” they both said. “We love this season of our lives—we’re healthy,” said Mary. Mary and Alex both admit that even though they have made mistakes as a couple, “We can express our own opinions gently and respectfully,” said Mary. And they do that by looking into each other eyes, knowing

1. Put God first in your marriage. He is not God at all unless He is God of all

2. Love is a commitment. Decide to LOVE inspire of, not because of

3. you married him/her for life. Remember he/she is part of a family you can be a part of for life. Enjoy your time with them!

4. communication is the key to a loving re-lationship. It’s okay to ask... Who... What ...When... Where... Why? Keep an open heart... An open mind

5. Treat each other with respect and gentle-ness. Remind yourself everyday how much richer your life is because of your spouse.

6. Prioritize your time --- there will be those days when beach walking with your young son or daughter takes precedence over your “todo” office work

7. children are a heritage of The Lord. Keep them close to your heart no matter how old they are. Talk to them, pray for them.

8. celebrate every season of your life! Celebrate milestones, passages, with friends and family

9. be thankful for what you have... for the every-day gifts of the heart that enriches our lives and of those around us

10. And finally, find your purpose and reason for being. Knowing that opens a world of pos-sibilities for you. It’s a wonderful life. Enjoy the ride!

that there are deep feelings of love and honesty and the hope for still a brighter outlook for their future. Next year, the Riveras will mark their 50th golden wedding ann i ve r sa ry. “We’ re planning a quiet celebration with our family in Iloilo. It’s significant because we are going back tour roots, to the city where we said, ‘I do’.”

Top 10 Tips

How To Have a Successful Marriage

From Mary and Alex Rivera on

Rosa “Bing” and Ed

JOAQUIN

Enduring

Love

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • FEBRUARY 16-29, 2016

What does love mean to you? Some say, “Love is awesome and beautiful, it ’s never jealous. It’s about trusting the other person, supporting you like a bridge.” Others contend, “Love means loving someone even though they may not deserve it.” Still others believe that “Love means making sacrifices if you love somebody… love is thinking about the other person. Love is forgiveness, understanding, and kindness.” To Rosa “Bing” Joaquin, “love” exemplifies “a deep inner sensation that gives one strength and joy.” It is an adage that is reflected in the strong relationship between Bing and her husband Ed, even as they approach their 25th anniversary in two years. Like many couples, their

In a recent interview with the Courier, Bing (who is normally very private) allowed us a glimpse into what makes her marriage work:

Q: Please share how you and your husband met. Ed and I met in Manila during a dinner arranged by mutual friends who would regularly get together for business and socials. He kept looking at me from the other end of the long table and I was getting self-conscious. We hardly spoke that night but it turned out my business partner had wanted me to meet him all along. He was the cousin my business partner was talking about who recently moved back to Manila from New York. Our paths were truly meant to cross.

Q: can you shed light on how he proposed to you? We were both mature and have known each other for about two years in a

steady relationship. We went through personal challenges and got to know each other strongly enough to realize that we were meant to be committed together. One Sunday luncheon, we made “the announcement.” And his mother cried.

Q: What was the most romantic gesture your husband has ever done for you? It was a Valentine’s Day was when he was just courting me and we had finished dinner in a posh hotel restaurant. He must have bribed the manager because we were the last couple… and a full orchestra cont inued to play our favorite classic songs.

Q: Tell us about your family. Our son Eddie is a Senior at Kaiser High School and our daughter Saree is a Junior in the same school. Eddie drives a moped to school and has a part time

job in Hawaii Kai while Saree is passionate about musical theater and the rigors of being an IB student. Ed has four other adult children from a previous marriage and he has five adorable grandchildren.

Q: As a couple, have you and your husband endured any recent setbacks? I t h i n k t h e m o s t significant setback was when Ed suffered a major stroke in 2008 while visiting family in the Philippines.

Q: How did you react once you found out? I felt numb and helpless but the most difficult was explaining it to our children who were 9 and 10 then.

Q: Since that incident, has your life changed? The first year of adjusting to his new condition was painful and draining. I was sustained by my strength of faith and the love and

love has endured their fair share of life’s hardships and triumphs but the decades have only strengthened the ties that bind.

by RAnDy coRTEz


R a n d y C o r t e z w o r k s as a Leg is la t ive A ide for Representative Romy Cachola in the House of Representatives. At the University of Hawaii – Manoa, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy along with a Bachelor’s in Filipino and Philippine Literature. Currently, Randy is a second year law student at the UHM William S. Richardson School of Law. Previously, Randy served as President of the JCI-Filipino Junior Chamber (a.k.a Filipino Jaycees), and continues to devote his time to the Knights of Rizal - Hawaii Chapter.

support of our family. When he became stable, I focused on my attitude to embrace and accept his disability. But it was also made me adamant in leading normal lives ever since. We travel and go on vacations, picnic on the beach, and shop in the malls, [and] watch movies just like regular families.

Q: What does “devotion” mean to you? Devotion is being at peace and finding purpose in my life as the caregiver for my husband. I had since found a new kind of meaning to our relationship. I don’t compare myself with anyone. I am happy and fulfilled in the new role I have to play. This is it. Like the song, I stand by my man.

Q: Does Valentine’s Day hold a special place in your heart? Has the meaning of Valentine’s Day changed ever since you met your husband? Valentine’s Day is not that important for me anymore. I have realized how delicate and unpredictable life and fate can be. And so, each day is a special opportunity to show and experience love. To find beauty, happiness and fulfillment in ordinary and simple things that you do each day for someone you love, how can you wait for a year to celebrate it? I n s p i t e o f t h e s e hardships Bing and Ed’s love continue to endure. L i fe ’s unpredictabi l i ty, a t t i m e s m a y s e e m daunting, tumultuous, and disheartening. But faith, devotion and enduring love towards family allows us to

conquer these hardships, just l ike Bing and her husband Ed.

4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS OFFERED at $1,650,000 (fs)

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Inclusions: Ceiling Fan, Convection Oven, Dishwasher, Disposal,Microwave, Photovoltac, Range Hood, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Satellite DishSchools: Waialua Elementary, Waialua Middle, Waialua High School

HOME OWNERS OR INVENTOR’S DELIGHT ! Property is located near Aweoweo Beach Park. Property was remodeled in 2006. An upgrade was done in 2013. As you step in the house, a spacious family room awaits, next to a cozy Study Room. The house offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bath and a large living room.You can step out to your lanai from the Master Bedroom & enjoy the cool breeze and partial view of the ocean. Lost size gives you room to garden! Was once a licensed card home & currently licensed as Bed & Breakfast.

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Owners occupied. Allow 48 hour notice, please. Subject to purchasing and sumaltaneous closing of a placement property.

• MLS: 201821183 • Parking:2 • Bedrooms: 1.5 • Year Built:1973 • Baths: 1.5 • Maintenance:$440/Month • Living Area: 1,142 sf • Property Tax: $72/Month • Lanai Area:126 sf • TMK: 1-9-8-059-001-0106

3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, 2 PARKING/OFFERED at $410,000 (FS)

Ed and bing Joaquin in 2006 with their children Richard and Saree.


said, in her island accent. My emotions were spiraling. I had never met someone from Hawaii, let alone someone as breathtaking as Pam. We spent that day getting to know one another. She drove me to the interview and after an exhaustive four hours, I knew the position was mine. Pam and I spent my last day in Los Angeles driving around in her little convertible, enjoying the beach, and celebrating my birthday over dinner. I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. However, the next morning I awoke to a feeling of melancholy as I flew back to Indiana. Within a week, I received an offer. I accepted with a start date in mid-April.

architecture. She loved to perform traditional Hawaiian dances, learned karate, and could even weld. She loved cooking and baking, but was famous for her pineapple-upside-down-cake. Aloha_Girl peaked my interest, but was she more than I could handle? The next evening, when I logged on Match, I noticed a message in my inbox. With much curiosity, it was from Aloha_Girl. “Nice profile, great pics. Too bad you live so far away.” she said. I could tell she was confident, but I wondered if she had a sense of humor. “Pam, you moved from Hawaii to California, visiting Indiana should feel like it’s next door.” Those two short messages struck a whirlwind of conversation for one month. Another conversation started with the Raymond Group. They reviewed my resume and an interview was set. With the growing urge to meet Pam in person, the interview, and my birthday in early March, I decided to treat myself to a vacation. I flew into Los Angeles. Pam greeted me with a beautiful lei. “Aloha”, she

an outgoing lady who enjoys a similar lifestyle; someone with a good heart, and who doesn’t sweat the small stuff.” After my profile was in place, it was time to search for a possible match. I came across “Aloha_Girl”. Her photos showed a fun-loving lady who loved to spend time with her friends. After reading her profile, I learned that she was born and raised in Hawaii, but moved to California in 2000 to further her career in

by ERIc goFF

During the winter of 2006 in Indiana, I decided to close down my small drywall company. The independence of owning my business became overshadowed by my love of construction and managing projects. So, I decided to call an old acquaintance, Joe Bolicki, a recruiter specializing in placement of construction managers. “None of my clients in Chicago are looking for project managers”, Joe said, “but I do have a company in Southern California, the Raymond Group, which would be a perfect fit.” After reading about the company and sending my resume, I grew curious about California girls, so I joined Match.com. Joining a dating site meant creating a username and profile. After many attempts, I finally settled on GenuineSole. My p ro f i l e… “W i th passion for outdoors, I’m an avid in-l ine skater, intermediate rock climber, and an adrenaline junkie on downhill skis. I love to travel. I enjoy dancing and art exhibits. I’m looking for

My Aloha Girl

Eric and Pamela Goff

I had little time to find an apartment. Luckily, Pam was kind enough to help in the search. I flew back to California to sign a lease and we both headed to Indiana to pack. The next three days were spent driving across country in a 25’ moving truck and a trailer. Tha t vaca t i on and exper ience became a pivotal point in my life. Now, we celebrate our 7th year wedding anniversary in September and in April, my 9th year at the Raymond Group. Wha t a wonde r f u l journey it has been!

Eric and Pamela Goff during their first meeting.

Eric and Pam share a love for the outdoors, including participating in competitive sports.

Eric and Pamela Goff now reside in Los Angeles but visit Hawaii often for work and play. Pamela Domingo Goff of Maui was a former Miss Hawaii Filipina.


Symptoms o f AMD include dark, blurry spots in the center of vision and a decrease in the brightness of coln preserving eyesight. Those 50 and older should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam from an eye doctor every two to three years to check for AMD and other eye diseases. If early AMD is detected, more frequent eye exams may be needed to see if the disease is progressing. There is currently no treatment for early AMD and no cure for the dry form. However, the National Eye Institute did extensive studies that showed high doses of certain vitamins and minerals (including vitmain

Aging Eyes and AMDC, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin) can he lp to s low the progression for those with intermediate or late AMD. Nutritional supple-ments based on these studies are available from a number of manufacturers and may be referred to as AREDS or AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies). Wet AMD can be treated with variety of procedures that help to close off broken blood vessels and slow the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. Treatments include injecting drugs directly into the eye or via the arm with an accompanying laser beam to the eye that activates the drug, known

by DR. cHRISToPHER ToRToRA, M.D.Medical Director of

Hawaiian Eye Center

Dr. Christopher Tortora, a board certified ophthalmologist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Satur-day at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit www.HawaiianEye.com and www.Facebook.com/HawaiianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”

form is the most common and is a result of drusen, white or yellow fatty protein deposits, in the macula. As drusen grow and multiply, eyesight becomes dimmed or distorted. In advanced stages, the macula becomes thinner and can lead to blind spots or complete loss of central vision. The wet form of AMD is far less common but advances much more rapidly. Abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macula and leak blood and fluid into the retina. The abnormal blood vessels eventually scar and cause permanent loss of central vision. In some cases, dry AMD can turn into wet AMD.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss for those 50 years of age and older, affecting more than 2 million Americans. It develops with age and can greatly diminish central vision. AMD is a progressive and usually painless eye disease that occurs when the eye’s macula starts to deteriorate. The macula is the small central portion of the retina, or the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. AMD develops slowly over time and symptoms often go unnoticed until significant damage has a l r e ady o c cu r r ed . I t causes central vision to blur while peripheral vision is unaffected. Centra l vision allows a person to see straight ahead and distinguish fine details. There are two forms of AMD—dry and wet. The dry

as photodynamic therapy. Laser surgery, which differs from photodynamic therapy, is used far less often and involves aiming a high-energy beam that burns the abnormal blood vessels. Risk factors for AMD include: being 50 and older, smoking, obesity, h y p e r t e n s i o n , h i g h cholesterol and a family history of the disease. Caucasians and women are also more likely to develop AMD. The best way to help prevent AMD or limit its effects is to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet and not smoke. Even with treatment, AMD may still progress or reoccur. It’s important to speak with an eye care professional about treatment options and risks.


by DR. ALFRED SISon

can be combined to create complementary colors, these three primary styles of love could be combined to create nine different secondary love styles. For example, a combination of Eros and Ludos results in Mania, or obsessive love. And more recently, Gary Chapman writes that we love and express it through the Five Love Languages - gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service (devotion), and physical touch (intimacy). Even with the hundreds of theories and postulates of love I have reviewed or read, I still come back to a verse

love. For example, he found that participants who rated high on the love scale that he developed spent a great deal more time gazing into each other’s eyes as compared to those who rated only as weakly in love. P sycho log i s t E l a i ne Hatfield has described two different types of love: compassionate love and pass ionate love. Com-passionate love involves feelings of mutual respect, trust and affection, while passionate love involves intense feelings and sexual attraction. H a t f i e l d d e f i n e d passionate love as: “A s ta te o f in tense long ing for un ion wi th another. Passionate love is a complex functional whole including appraisals or appreciations, subjective f ee l i ngs , exp res s i ons , patterned physio logical processes, action tendencies, and instrumental behaviors. Reciprocated love (union with the other) is associated with fulfillment and ecstasy. Unrequited love (separation) with emptiness, anxiety, or despair”. Psycho log is t Rober t S te rnbe rg p roposed a triangular theory suggesting t h a t t h e r e a r e t h r e e components of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Different combinations of these three components result in different types of love. For example, a combination of intimacy and commitment results in compassionate love, while a combination of passion and intimacy leads to passionate love. According to Sternberg, relationships built on two or more elements are more enduring that those based upon a single component. Sternberg uses the term consummate love to describe a combination of intimacy, passion and commitment. While this type of love is the strongest and most enduring, Sternberg suggests that this type of love is rare. In his 1973 book The Colors of Love, John Lee compared styles of love to the color wheel. Just as there are three primary colors, Lee suggested that there are three primary styles of love. These three styles of love are: (1) Eros, (2) Ludos and (3) Storge. Continuing the color wheel analogy, Lee proposed that just as the primary colors

found in Corinthians 13:4-8 that still holds true for me and maybe for you in answering the question “What is Love?” “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” Happy Valentine’s Day! Aloha, Peace, Namaste, Amen. – Dr Al

Since this month has the universal day of celebrating Love – Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be a “lovely” idea tocite theories and perspectives on love from the social, biological, and psychological sciences. Biological views of love tend to view the emotion as a human drive. Love is often seen as one of the basic human emotions such as anger or happiness. That we have been pre-programmed from evolutionary drives of survival. Other Theorists have suggested that love is instead a cultural phenomenon that arises partly due to social pressures and expectations. Psycho log i s t Lawrence Caslerposits, “I don’t believe love is part of human nature, not for a minute. There are social pressures at work.” But if love were a purely a social or cultural invention, it would stand to reason that love would simply not exist in some cultures. Anthropological research sugges t s t ha t l ove i s a universal emotion. Love is most likely influenced by both biological drives and cultural inf luences. While hormones and biology are important, the way we express and experience this emotion are influenced by our personal conceptions of love. In 1958, psychologist Harry Harlow suggested that “so far as love or affection is concerned, psychologists have failed in their mission. The little we know about love does not transcend simple observation, and the little we write about it has been written better by poets and novelists.” But Dr. Harlow, our field has grown. Social psychologist Zick Rubin was one of the first researchers to develop an instrument designed to empirically measure love. According to Rubin, romantic love is made up of three elements: Attachment: The need to be cared for and be wi th the other person. Physical contact and approval are also important components of attachment. caring: Valuing the other person’s happiness and needs as much as your own. Intimacy: Sharing private thoughts, feelings, and desires with the other person. In his research, Rubin identified a number of characteristics that distinguished between different degrees of romantic

Alfred A. Sison, MA, LMFT, PsyD; “Dr. Al” is a licensed clinical psychologist with a subspeciality license in marriage and family therapy. He services individuals, couples, and familes through the therapeutic process, and maintains a private practice in Honolulu, HI. He holds a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology degree from Argosy University, Hawaii Campus and a Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialty from the American School of Professional Psychology, Hawaii Campus. He completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.

LOVE:Perspectives from the Social, Biological, and Psychological Sciences


by AngIE DyTIoco SAnTIA-go

the largest Electric Slide dance ever performed on the island! The decision to move the ATOK event from October to January did not deter the record turn-out at the festival which was broadcast l ive by KNDI 1270 AM Radio Station. The perfect weather, the community, the organizers, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers teamed up to make this year’s ATOK a huge success!

Thousands of residents and visitors crowded Colburn Street on January 16, 2016, for the 9th Annual “A Taste of Kalihi” (ATOK). Coordinated by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) Foundation, and in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and the Etrata Foundation, the block party was not just a “gathering place” but it was “The Social Gathering Place” to be for fabulous food, live entertainment, and door prizes. The door prizes included a trip to the Philippines donated by Philippine Airlines and a Las Vegas trip donated by Edith Gudoy of Everlasting Travel. The event also included a “Keiki Zone” ride area, numerous exhibition booths, Zumba fitness, and

A Festival of Food, Fun, and Community Pride

David F lo i rendo, Larry ordonez, council Member J o e y M a n a h a n , S t a t e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e R o m y cachola, Maggie Domingo, and conrad Valdriz.

Western union volunteers and staff: Randall Landry, Rai Mendoza, Jeannie Lum (Account Executive, Wu Hawaii), and Tresha Pepito.

The Hawaii construction Alliance donated $10,000 to the FccH, Foundation. Pictured: FccH President Sam Acosta, Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, United Filipino Council of Hawaii President Maria Etrata, council Member Joey Manahan, council chair Ernie Martin, State Senator Donna Mercado kim, Vanessa Tan, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and State Representative Romy cachola.

Entertainment included the Linglingay Dance group performing a Filipino folk dance.

Former Mrs. Hawaii Filipina novie Hartwell and Raymond Sebastian entertain the crowd.

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii provided consultations and advice.


Jennifer Aquino, Vilma Valdez, Lynn Ruth, Luz Peirson, Espie badua, Lydia kamiya, Lynne gutierrez, constancio Paranal III, Senator Donna Mercado kim.

unITE HERE Local 5 members: Manuel Sagun, Virgil kodep, gemma conn, cyntia uy, Delia bareng, gladys Pobre, cleo Mckeague, Marites uy, Stephanie uy, Michelle uy, gemma Weinstein, Joli Tokusato, Eithan Felicitas, Julius Rualo, Lourdes Maquera, and Sherwin Mamaud.

A Zumba fitness dance led by Troy and Rose Mendoza of Pinoy crew 808.

Mayor kirk caldwell giving a welcome address to the crowd.

Liempo Lechon was one of the popular items at the ATok. conrad Abuel pictured with Manny Ante of bick’s Lechon.

The food booths attracted many hungry customers.


by JoRDAn SEgunDo

THE ULTIMATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE BOWL

WEIGHT LOSS?We all know that weight loss can be tricky — in order to drop the weight, we need to eat fewer calories than we burn, but sometimes, even when we do all the right things, weight loss can come to a screeching halt. Here are four of the most common reasons you’re NOT losing weight.1. You’re stressed - This is especially true when it comes to

weight loss. Stress releases cortisol (often simply referred to as “the stress hormone”). Cortisol reduces muscle tissue and encourages the storage of body fat.

2. You’re not getting enough sleep – Sleep helps to reduce levels of cortisol, but also produces growth hormone (GH). GH helps to encourage fat loss, supports your immune system, and helps to keep your organs functioning properly. Sleep also balances the hormones that control hunger. While it varies from person to person, most of us should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

3. You’re not drinking enough water - There are many benefits to drinking enough water, one of which is proper kidney function. Dehydration impairs your kidneys, and when your kidneys aren’t working properly, your liver has to pick up the slack. Your liver is responsible for the metabolism of fat, which means fat cannot be metabolized as efficiently when your liver has to work twice as hard to remove toxins.

4. You’re not eating enough fiber - Fiber aids in digestive health and helps to create a sense of fullness, which makes consuming fewer calories easier. Most of us assume we’re getting enough fiber from grain-based products like bread and cereal, but the reality is these highly processed foods have been stripped of their nutrients and fiber. Instead, eat more fruit and vegetables, and opt for whole grains, like brown rice and steal-cut oatmeal.

2 cups frozen bananas1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk3 tablespoons peanut butter1 banana, sliced2 tablespoons dairy-free mini chocolate chips1 tablespoon peanut butter1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:1. Blend frozen bananas, almond milk, 3 tablespoons peanut butter until smooth.2. Pour the smoothie into two bowls, dividing equally. Set aside.3. In a small bowl, put in remaining peanut butter and coconut oil to make a peanut

butter shell. Microwave for 30 seconds and mix with a spoon until smooth and thinned out.

4. Drizzle each smoothie bowl with the peanut butter shell, banana slices, and chocolate chips. Serve with a spoon and enjoy your tasty treat!

POW! WOW! HAWAII!More than 120 artists from Hawaii and around the globe have gathered in Kaka’ako for the 6th Installment of Pow! Wow! Hawaii! – A global collective of artists, musicians and mixed media influencers who transform urban landscapes with epic murals. They painted 60 murals in six days using nearly 4,000 cans of spray paint. The next time you’re in the Kaka’ako area, look out for the new works of art.

Jordan Segundo is most noted as the first contestant from Hawaii and the first Filipino-American selected as a Top 32 finalist on season two of American Idol. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of Hawaii’s top entertainers. In addition to singing, he has branched out into acting and television hosting. He is currently the weekend weather anchor and a reporter for KITV4 Island News. Aside from performing, Segundo is also very active in the community. He generously volunteers his time and talents to worthy causes and non-profit organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the D.A.R.E. Program and the Oahu SCPA. When not performing, Jordan enjoys working out, cooking and hiking. To contact Jordan Segundo, visit his website at www.jsegundo.com


Filipino Millennials Mobilize for Pamantasan Council Bill

4th Filipino faculty hired.” Faller testified that the Pamantasan Council and annual conference created a “sacred space” for Filipino youth to become enlightened by the truths rarely shared by other Filipino students, who, like him were “products of ‘passport parents’”. One Pamantasan Conference highlight that crystallized Faller’s commitment to social justice issues was learning of his colleague’s truth, “The only lines my father stands in are unemployment lines.” “Affirmation is what this bill is about… I learned my language, my culture, my history. Pamantasan helped me to feel like I belonged in higher education.” Galacgac stressed. Her mother lost her job as a hotel housekeeper due to a car acc ident. Although her mother was ascertained by the hotel to be “disabled”, Galacgac recalled thinking as a young girl, “To me, my mother was always able to care for our family.” As an example, Galacgac’s mother single handedly navigated the Punahou campus to find the admissions and financial aid offices in order to secure a campus job and seat for her daughter at that premier private school. “Even though we don’t have money, study hard.” was her mother’s advice, as Galacgac set off on her own from Kalihi to Punahou with no Filipino teachers or administrators, except one elementary school teacher Estrel Gascon Lohmeier.

committees to fund the Pamantasan Council Bill. As such, recent UH graduates Jeffrey Tangonan Acido, Ph.D. in education; Ash l ey Ma r i e Anche ta Ga l a c ga c , mas t e r s i n education; undergraduates Debieh Amberlyn Ramos Miguel, UH West O‘ahu; and Edward Kevin Barbasa Faller, UH Manoa took the time to describe how chronic and systemic problems in education shaped their evolving Filipino identities and honed their strength of character as first generation college students. According to Acido, a former UH Board of Regent appointee by Governor Neil Abercrombie to represent students, the UH systemwide Pamantasan Council was establ ished in 1987 to address education equity issues concerning 1) Filipino student, faculty, and staff representation and success; 2) Philippine and Filipino-American courses in the curriculum; 3) Filipinos in the department of education; 4) Filipinos in jobs, careers, and community service; and 5) Relations between Phil ippine and American higher education institutions. “In the 85 years since the College of Education was formed at UH Manoa, only three tenured instructional faculty out of 212 are Filipino; roughly 2 percent.” Acido testified. “Hopefully, by the 86th year of the College of Education, with the help of lawmakers, there might be a

of faculty identify as Filipino. Compared to other ethnic groups, Filipinos have the lowest post secondary degree rates in the state. Tak ing matters into their hands, Filipino youth and community members across the country swept social media with over a thousand views within hours of Facebook posts of their friends’ legislative testimonies to advocate for resources to address education inequalities affecting Filipinos in Hawai‘i. HB 2224 aims to fund the Pamantasan Counc i l , a systemwide University of Hawai‘i (UH) program for the success of Filipino students. “Pamantasan” means “higher learning” or “university” in Filipino. Rep . Hen ry Aqu i no of Waipahu led his fellow legislators to resurrect this failed measure for yet a third attempt at passage in this 2016 legislative session. As a result of a rapid response from 25 organizations and individuals who submitted written and oral testimony in support and none in opposition, House Higher Education Chair Isaac Choy, Vice Chair Linda Ichiyama, and committee members voted unanimously to move HB 2224 out of committee with amendments. The call to action by these Filipino youth involves rallying community support to persuade their lawmakers to secure commitments from the powerful House Finance and Senate Ways and Means

by cHARLEnE cuARESMA

Education disparit ies persist for today’s Filipino millennials, despite over a century of Filipino firsts in accomplishments and contributions to our 50th State’s vibrant, multicultural society, including the election of the first governor of Filipino ancestry in the nation. Over a thousand views within hours of posting testimonies on Facebook by the “Millennial IV”, Filipinos from Maui to Chicago and the Philippines decried that a decade later, when the after-glow of gala spotlights had since faded, sakada plantation ghosts loom in the dreams and voices of these youth. Like generations before, they and their families were still silently and invisibly sacri f ic ing to overcome income inequality barriers in order to be the first to go to college in the 21st century. Even though increasing numbers of Filipino students continue to excel, recruitment, retention, and graduation rates from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) remain a lopsided dream, and not a reality for sizable numbers of descendants of sakadas and immigrant families generations later. By 2010, Filipinos rose to become the second largest ethnic group in Hawai‘i. Residents identifying as Filipino alone comprised 15 percent of the population, with 25 percent identifying as Filipino and one or more racial groups, according to the United States Census. Likewise, Hawai‘i State Department of Education (DOE) found that Filipino students were the second largest ethnic group in public schools. In addition, Filipinos made up more than half the students enrolled at Farrington, Waipahu and Lana‘i high schools, as well as at Lana‘i elementary school. Given this, an uneven balance begs the question of equity, where Fi l ip ino students in Hawai‘i public schools represent 22 percent, yet only 6 percent of DOE teachers are of Filipino ancestry. In contrast, while Filipino students are well represented in DOE schools, they are underrepresented in the entire UH system, where 12 percent of students identify as Filipino. At UH community colleges, 6 percent of faculty identify as Filipino. At UHM 2.5 percent

Galacgac’s classmate Venus Blas sought Mrs. Lohmeier to form the Punahou Filipino Club. This Filipino club was enriched by Ray Rausa, a dance choreographer and cultural teacher who volunteered his time. Though feeling out of place with her peers, the smiles of Filipino janitors and groundskeepers at Punahou bolstered her confidence to do her best. Miguel calls Waialua her home. She had no Filipino teachers from kindergarten through college, except for Philippine Studies classes at Leeward Community College. She never learned about her home or culture in DOE classes. “I was once wishing to be someone else, someone not of the same background and culture. Growing up I didn’t believe that a person like me – a Filipina, coming from parents of working multiple jobs as housekeepers , c l eaners , f a rmers and landscapers , a t tend ing public school education with teachings of the American culture, and no background on my own culture besides the stereotypes — could successfully graduate from a University that doesn’t not have high rates of Filipino graduates. It gave me no hope in entering higher education.” She is grateful to the Pamantasan Council and the annual Pamantasan conference wi l l enab le students to have diversity within academic settings and be rooted with their culture identity. After viewing the social media posts on HB 2224 and reading the bill, former Governor Benjamin Cayetano indicated he fully supports the “Mil lennial IV” with these closing remarks: “The metrics for accountability to mitigate Filipino disparities are important, but what these young people affirm for me is the Filipino adage from the old-timers: “You cannot get to where you are going, without looking to where you came.” For more information on how you can support HB 2224 Pamantasan Council or to get video links to youth testimonies, send an email to [email protected]

The author (extreme left) and uH Filipino-American student leaders with members of the State house of representatives. Also in picture is Dr. Amy Agbayani (second row, second from right) from uH’s diversity access program.

uH student leaders testifying at the capitol in support of Hb 2224.

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February 16 2016 issue

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Transcript of February 16 2016 issue