Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - August 15, 2026

AUGUST 15, 2026

COMMENTARY

FEATURE

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Political Corruption By Any Other Name Is Still Political Corruption

King of Komix

The State of the Nation Address?

The Philippines Isn’t Foreign When Your Family Still Lives There

BIBLE REFLECTIONS

Strength That Stays Humble: What Alex Eala’s Journey Reminds Us About Following Christ

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  AUGUST 15, 2026

EDITORIAL

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hawaii Must Set the Rules Before Large AI Data Centers Arrive

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nlike many mainland communities caught off guard, Hawaii has time to decide whether – and under what conditions – massive data centers should come ashore. This short window should not be wasted.

Everyone is aware of AI, but the cost in energy and water to run AI, powered by AI data centers, is not common knowledge unless you are paying attention to news. The sprawling, energy-hungry hyperscale data centers now transforming communities on the U.S. mainland are being protested, and in many cases, are too late to stop. Hawaii does not want to be in this irreversible situation.

What made this situation possible on mainland communities is a lack of awareness as lawmakers made deals with AI giant corporations without much public discourse or notification. Hawaii’s public must carefully consider the consequences of building large-scale AI data centers before projects are announced and permits move.

AI data centers require enormous, continuous supplies of electricity, water, land and supporting infrastructure. While AI has benefits, AI data centers could result in higher utility costs, new grid pressures and demands on scarce water. These pressures on energy and water have turned data centers into a political issue that crosses party lines. Supporters emphasize innovation, investment and jobs; critics ask who pays for water systems and emergency capacity. The argument is not whether artificial intelligence will be used. It is whether communities must subsidize its infrastructure or surrender control over where and how that infrastructure is built.

Hawaii’s vulnerability is its reason to plan For Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem and limited energy, building large AI systems must be smart and energy efficient.

To date, there are already a few data centers in Hawaii, but no large-scale data centers, nowhere near the amount and size of data centers typical of cities with Hawaii’s similar land mass on the mainland.

State and county leaders should establish public rules now for rejecting an unacceptable proposal — or approving one only when its costs, benefits and risks are transparent and enforceable. Hawaii’s isolated island grids, high electricity costs, limited land and constrained freshwater supplies make the state vulnerable for improvisation and experimentation.

Lawmakers are already aware that a large new load of AI data centers could require expensive generation and grid upgrades. The State Legislature has already recognized the need for scrutiny and ordered studies on AI data centers, for example, on areas that could impact on utilities, ratepayers, natural resources and climate goals. That work should become the beginning of a durable regulatory framework and be taken very seriously.

Hawaii residents should be demanding the following In the meantime, Hawaii residents should weigh in on this critical issue, demand for a full environmental as(continue on page 3)

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nce regarded as a distant concern of the tech industry, the rapid growth of AI data centers is becoming a hot election-year debate. For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo reports that many communities on the mainland are pressing candidates and public officials to explain how cities and states will accommodate AI data centers that can consume vast amounts of electricity and water while occupying large tracts of land. For many voters, they are also concerned about higher utility costs and fear they could be left financing these AI infrastructures. While AI data centers are minimal in Hawaii at this moment, some residents in our Filipino community offer suggestions to protect the public from bearing the costs of the AI boom and possible future harms to Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

Recently, Filipinos around the world witnessed Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala claim the biggest championship of her career by winning the Mubadala DC Open. We have two articles on Eala: 1) “A New Dawn for Philippine Tennis” by HFC Sports columnists Julian Bothamley and Dylan Bothamley, and 2) “Strength That Stays Humble: What Alex Eala’s Journey Reminds Us About Following Christ” by frequent Bible Reflections contributor Bermie Dizon. At just 21, Eala is the Philippines’ highest-ranked athlete in WTA history, reaching a career-high No. 20 this August 2026. As a junior, Eala reached a combined ranking of No. 2 in 2020 and won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title.

Also, in this issue HFC contributor Renelaine Pfister gives us a fascinating feature on comic strip artist Manuel Luis “Manix” Abrera, who is based in Baguio.

His fans describe his work as portraying everyday life in the Philippines, for example, in a college classroom, waiting for a jeepney, eating street food, or Christmas shopping.

HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma contributes a book review on “LITTLE MANILA IS IN THE HEART – The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California by Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, a passionate activist who dedicated her life to documenting the rich history of Filipino Americans of Stockton, where she grew up.

In Hawaii-Filipino News, HFC columnist Dr. Arcelita Imasa announces that the 3rd Annual Hawaii Walk for Health returns on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in Aiea. Dr. Imasa, the event chair, said “This event continues to grow because people recognize that health is connected to every part of our lives.” Get more details in the article.

More in news, the Hawaii Department of Taxation is reminding taxpayers affected by the March 2026 Kona Low Storm that the August 20, 2026, deadline to request a waiver of penalties and interest for late filing or payment of income taxes for the affected period of April 20, 2026 through August 20, 2026, is approaching.

Lastly, HFC columnist Emil Guillermo contributes “The State of the Nation Address? The Philippines Isn’t Foreign When Your Family Still Lives There.” Guillermo’s article mentions the suspicious deaths of two Filipino Americans killed in the Philippines: Lyle Prijoles, a 40-year-old from Hayward, killed on April 19 during a Philippine military operation in Negros Occidental, and Kai Sorem, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle.

We hope you enjoy these and our other articles.

Thank you for supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle. Visit our website thefilipinochronicle.com to get your free e-copy of each issue. For your advertising needs, email us at filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad

Editorial & Production Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Rose Cruz Churma Elpidio R. Estioko Willie Espero Emil Guillermo Gary Hooser Arcelita Imasa, M.D. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan J.P. Orias Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Dr. Dylan Bothamley Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Max Levin Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Millalos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributor

Christine Sabado

Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Shalimar / Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Hawaii Primary Election: The Winners Were Clear; Hawaii’s Voter Mandate Was Not Because of Super Low because there so many special Congratulations on his primary Voter Turnout features of Hawaii-living that resi- win. But he also should be aware

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or all the serious talk, complaints and even angsts over Hawaii’s affordability and need for action, Hawaii did not show a sense of urgency based on the low voter turnout in the recent primary election. Just 33.1% -- the statewide turnout reported after the third count – is a dismal turnout and sends a weak message to elected politicians that Hawaii residents can “talk up” urgency but are not willing to back up their sentiments with their votes.

Turnout data About 274,093 ballots arrived by mail and only 6,349 were cast in person, confirming that voting by mail is now the preferred channel of Hawaii elections. The Democratic ballot accounted for 210,283 mailed votes, compared with 47,073 Republican mailed votes. In-person voting was more evenly divided: 2,862 Democratic ballots and 3,120 Republican ballots.

The losers of the primary election are the Hawaii eligible voters who did not show up to cast their votes. With 846,543 registered voters and some 280,000 ballots counted at the third stage printout, nearly two out of every three registered voters did not participate.

It’s reasonable to suggest that the results of the election do not demonstrate broad public engagement going into the November general election, even as it’s high-

ly likely that the Democrats who won in the Primary will go on to win in the General.

Statewide voter participation remained among the lowest primary levels of this century.

On the positive side, kudos to all who took the time to vote and helped to make our democratic process stronger.

Messages sent to politicians The question begs for those who did not vote, which is it – 1) Hawaii residents are sufficiently content that they did not bother to go out to vote or 2) that they believe their vote doesn’t matter? It’s certainly easier to vote in Hawaii than many parts of the mainland where mail-in voting is limited.

Just by looking at the data, the result of incumbency wins over new challengers, it suggests the first point that Hawaii is for stability and the status quo. It’s rare in Hawaii for incumbents to be defeated, especially in congressional races. However, based on polls and informal talks at gatherings prior to the Primary, many and perhaps a majority of Hawaii residents expressed a desire for change but for whatever reason didn’t show up when it matters. Change is not necessarily meant in the way of replacing a candidate, but the areas of focus should change.

The messages sent to politicians are arguably all of the above: Hawaii residents want stability

dents want retained; there is also a large contingency desiring change and that the low-voter turnout suggests something else like apathy or laziness besides a rejection to shake things up.

Race in the 1st Congressional District The most revealing contest this primary election indicating a desire for change was the 1st Congressional District. Incumbent Ed Case defeated state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole 58.5% to 37.4% (as of third count), a margin of 22,939 votes. It was a strong victory for Case and the votes for Keohokalole weren’t necessarily against Case being an inefficient congressman, but those voters wanted more change.

The challenger framed the race as a test of whether a younger, more progressive voice could dislodge a senior incumbent. In a campaign message, Keohokalole said, “The solutions we’ve been getting from Ed Case are not good enough. Families like mine are being priced out of our communities.” Case countered that seniority and a seat on the Appropriations Committee gave Hawaii leverage in Washington. Voters chose continuity, but more than one-third of Democratic participants backed the challenger — a substantial bloc that Case cannot and should not dismiss.

Case has been doing well in securing federal funds for Hawaii.

of the national movement within the Democratic Party and the concerns as expressed by Keohokalole. And Keohokalole deserves credit for articulating well some of those progressive concerns are like affordability, generational change and the direction of the Democratic Party.

As for outreach to Hawaii’s Filipino community, Case each election cycle and in non-election years has done the work. There’s no data available as to how Case did this election in garnering Hawaii’s Filipino vote, but those in the Filipino community could speculate that he did well.

Any candidate running for statewide or large office districts like for congress or U.S. Senate should be aware that reaching out to grassroots and ethnic grassroots communities are important to their success. And politicians who’ve been in office for a while cannot ignore large ethnic groups then suddenly expect their support when they seek higher office.

The overall assessment of this primary election is that participation was anemic. Politicians should not look at their victory as a green light for the status quo because too many eligible voters stayed home. The goal now is to broaden the electorate and earn the confidence of those who stayed home. If you’re winning with a high voter turnout, that’s a true sign of approval from Hawaii residents. This did not happen.

The worst outcome would be to wake up only after a hyperscale project is presented as inevitable as in many communities across the nation. For example, take the situation in El Paso (a city similar in size to Honolulu) where the current mayor and City Council are trying to undo – because of immense public pressure – what the former administration and Council did, making a deal stealthily with Meta to build a hyperscale data center. City attorneys say it would cost too much to back out of that deal. In their situation, it might be too late.

At the same time, Hawaii residents should not simply and

reflexively close the door on every form of digital infrastructure. There are reasonable exceptions for digital infrastructure. No doubt, job creation and high-tech usage are compelling reasons for building digital infrastructure.

But lawmakers should set the terms now: no secrecy, no shifting burden and no project without informed public consent. Scale and self-sufficiency without longterm damage and cost are ideal.

Hawaii lawmakers must be transparent and listen to the concerns of Hawaii residents before approving the building of any major AI data centers in Hawaii.

(Hawaii ....from page 2)

sessment, advocate for renewable power and alternative cooling that will not use millions of gallons each year of fresh water to go to AI data centers. Hawaii residents should also do their own research and look at the data on energy and water requirements.

Before any large data center is approved, Hawaii should also require: • Early public notice and meaningful community review • Independent energy and grid modeling, with enforceable reliability standards and no shifting of upgrade costs to existing ratepayers.

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Binding water and energy budgets, public reporting of actual consumption and consequences for exceeding commitments.

Developer-funded infrastructure and decommissioning, without open-ended public subsidies.

Clear community benefits, including credible job numbers, workforce commitments and protections for nearby neighborhoods.

And perhaps most importantly, the right to say no, when a project cannot meet Hawaii’s resource, affordability and environmental standards.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  AUGUST 15, 2026

COVER STORY

Hyperscale AI Data Centers Haven’t Come Ashore Yet: Hawaii Residents Say Now Is the Time to Discuss Preparedness

By Edwin Quinabo

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I data centers, a political issue this election year

AI data centers are emerging as an unexpected flashpoint as voters prepare for the upcoming general elections. Across the nation, local communities are questioning whether these facilities’ enormous demands for electricity, water, and land are compatible with available resources and longterm sustainability.

In areas where the expansion of AI data centers has contributed to rising utility bills, the debate has moved beyond technology and infrastructure. It has become a kitchen-table issue for voters who they say are already struggling to make ends meet and do not want to pay additional expenses for AI data centers.

Bipartisan Issue

While there are deep dividing issues between Republicans and Democrats, concerns over AI data centers have largely been bipartisan.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the first federal legislator to call for a national moratorium on AI data center construction, said “These facilities consume more electricity than entire cities while paying a fraction of the taxes. Working families subsidize corporate AI development through higher electricity bills and degraded grid reliability,” he said. “Frankly, I think you’ve got to slow this process down.”

Republican Gov Ron DeSantis of Florida has publicly opposed hyperscale data center expansion in Florida and proposed an AI Bill of Rights allowing communities to block them. “We have a limited grid. You do not have enough grid capacity in the United States to do what they’re trying to do. Do you want a hyperscale data center in The Villages? Yes or no? I think most people would say they don’t want it,” he said.

The debate has intensified as scientists warned that AI data centers could double national electricity use within a few years and consume millions of gallons of water each day for cooling.

Candidates across the political spectrum now find themselves navigating a complex landscape: voters who welcome technological innovation but fear its local impacts. The issue has become a litmus test for how leaders balance economic development with resource protection, transparency, and community consent. As election season unfolds, AI data centers have become a

symbol of the broader question confronting voters: who benefits from the AI revolution, and who bears its costs.

National protests

Opposition to the rapid expansion of AI data centers is drawing national attention. On July 18, HumansFirst coordinated 142 demonstrations across 42 states, according to Reuters. Turnout varied by location, but campaigns across the country have packed public hearings, gathered petition signatures and helped delay or block some developments, signaling that community resistance has become a significant obstacle to the AI infrastructure boom.

In California’s Imperial Valley, residents protested a planned 330-megawatt complex after its developer sued for access to about 260 million gallons a year of Colorado River water, intensifying concerns about diverting scarce supplies from farms and communities.

National energy and water consumption of AI data centers

U.S. data centers are poised to claim a rapidly growing share of the nation’s electricity supply.

McKinsey & Company estimates that consumption could rise from 147 terawatt-hours in 2023 to 606 terawatt-hours by 2030, increasing from 3.7% to 11.7% of total U.S. power demand.

The power requirements of individual projects are also escalating. Deloitte reports that the largest AI data centers now being planned could require as much as 2 gigawatts, while early-stage mega-campuses could consume 5 gigawatts — enough to serve about five million homes. At that scale, a single facility can draw electricity comparable to a small city, increasing pressure on utilities, power grids and (continue on page 5) communities.

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (Hyperscale....from page 4)

AI data centers also place demands on water supplies both directly, through cooling, and indirectly, through the generation of electricity. A 2026 Harvard analysis of 472 large U.S. facilities estimated an annual operational water footprint of about 300 billion liters, or 79 billion gallons, with roughly three-quarters tied to electricity production and the remainder used mainly for on-site cooling. For perspective, 79 billion gallons is enough to fill roughly 120,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. It also equals about 216 million gallons every day, averaged over a year.

What the scientific community says about AI data centers

Scientists examining the rapid expansion of AI data centers warn that the industry’s environmental footprint extends well beyond electricity use. Researchers also caution that the full cost of scaling AI often remains obscured because company disclosures and conventional assessments may not capture the combined effects of energy, water, land use and supporting infrastructure.

A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report led by Arman Shehabi, one of the leading U.S. researchers on data center energy use, found that U.S. data center power use could double or triple by 2028. He said, “Data centers are one of the fast est-growing electricity loads in the world… Their energy use could double in just a few years.”

Emma Strubell, Carnegie Mellon University, a researcher on AI model training estimated that training one especially compute-intensive language model could produce nearly five times the lifetime emissions of an average American car.

A study led by Shaolei Ren, University of California, Riverside, the leading researcher on AI water consumption, estimated that training GPT-3 in Hawaii data centers Hawaii currently has 10 operational data centers, with 0 under construction and 0 planned, according to the most recent statewide infrastructure tracking. These facilities represent 27 MW of reported capacity, though only half publish capacity figures, meaning the true total is likely somewhat higher, and could be as high as over 20, depending on the directory and its counting method.

Data center map lists 9 facilities across Honolulu, Kapolei, and Waimea.

There are others on federal property. Although to-

tals vary slightly because databases use different inclusion criteria, these are primarily colocation, telecommunications, government, and university facilities — not large hyperscale AI campuses. National counts also confirm Hawaii as one of the states with the fewest data centers, tied near the bot tom of the U.S. list.

Hawaii does not yet have hyperscale AI data centers, so there is no published, Hawaii specific breakdown of electricity use, renewable energy consumption, or water usage for AI data centers.

AI data centers in Hawaii

“Data centers are one of the fastest-growing electricity loads in the world… Their energy use could double in just a few years.”

– Arman Shehabi

one of the leading U.S. researchers on data center energy use, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

“The environmental costs of AI systems are substantial — from water use to carbon emissions — yet they remain largely hidden. AI is built on the extraction of energy, labor, and natural resources. Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water.”

– Kate Crawford

Researcher at USC & Microsoft Research and Author of Atlas of AI

Microsoft’s U.S. data centers could “directly evaporate 700,000 liters of clean freshwater,” and concluded that AI’s water footprint “has largely remained under the radar.”

Kate Crawford, Researcher at USC & Microsoft Research and author of Atlas of AI, widely cited on environmental harms has described AI as an extractive system supported by minerals, energy, labor and vast physical infrastructure, arguing that its planetary costs are obscured by the technology’s seemingly immaterial form. She said, “The environmental costs of AI systems are substantial — from water use to carbon emissions — yet they remain largely hidden. AI is built on the extraction of energy, labor, and natural resources. Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water.”

Dr. Jesse Jenkins, Princeton University Energy Systems Researcher, expert on grid reliability and large electrical loads, told the New York Times, “The growth of data centers is putting real pressure on electric grids… AI accelerates that demand dramatically.”

are still mostly conceptual, and emerging designs emphasize on site renewable generation rather than grid dependence.

Experts say Hawaii’s grid cannot support a 100– 500 MW facility without major upgrades, so any Hawaii-based AI center would almost certainly rely on on site generation (solar, hydrogen fuel cells, battery storage) with the grid as a secondary backup. Hawaii mandates 100% renewable energy by 2045 (Oahu), 100% renewable by 2035 (neighbor islands).

What Hawaii’s water usage would look like if

Hawaii built a 20–50 MW AI data center -- traditional evaporative cooling could require millions of gallons per day. Hawaii’s water constraints make this unsustainable, data shows.

Hawaii lawmakers on AI data centers Hawaii lawmakers are calling for closer scrutiny of large data centers as artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive demand for energy-intensive facilities. In 2026, Senate Resolution 90 and House Concurrent Resolution 206, House Draft 1, asked the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene

a working group to study effects on electric utilities, ratepayers, natural resources and climate goals.

The measures warn that major facilities could require costly grid upgrades, increase outage risks and consume tens of millions — or, at the largest scale, billions — of gallons of water each year. They also emphasize that Hawaii’s isolated island grids are especially vulnerable to large new loads and say safeguards are needed to keep infrastructure costs from shifting to households and small businesses. (continue on page 6)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  AUGUST 15, 2026

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Hawai’i Walk for Health Returns for Year Three with Theme “Today’s Steps for Tomorrow’s Strength”

By Dr. Arcelita Imasa

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he 3rd Annual Hawaiʻi Walk for Health returns on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in ʻAiea, bringing together families, students, healthcare advocates, community organizations, workers, and civic leaders for what organizers expect to be the largest Walk for Health yet.

This year’s theme, “Today’s Steps for Tomorrow’s Strength,” reflects the belief that the actions we take today—whether caring for our physical and mental health, supporting our neighbors, advocating for our communities, or investing in the next generation—build a healthier and more resilient Hawaiʻi for tomorrow.

Now entering its third year, Hawaiʻi Walk for Health has evolved from a grassroots community walk into a growing movement centered on the idea that health extends far beyond exercise. Health is shaped by our economic security, our relationships, our workplaces, our environment, our mental well-being, and the strength of our communities.

As Hawaiʻi families continue to navigate rising costs of living, housing insecurity, workforce challenges, concerns about government accountability, and humanitarian crises affecting loved ones around the world, organizers hope this year’s event reminds participants that no one walks alone.

That is why we walk.

We walk when words aren’t enough. We walk when we are frustrated, concerned, or searching for solutions. We walk to support our workers, our immigrants, our kūpuna, our youth, and our neighbors. We walk to care for our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.

We walk to show solidarity. We walk because today’s steps become tomorrow’s strength.

One of this year’s priorities is empowering young people to become advocates for lifelong health while helping break the generational stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and wellness.

Organizers hope the Walk inspires families to have meaningful conversations about physical, emotional, and social well-being, while encouraging youth to become leaders in building

communities, advocate for mental wellness, empower our youth, or simply spend meaningful time with family and friends, every participant becomes part of something bigger. Together, we’re taking today’s steps toward a stronger tomorrow.”

Organizers expect record participation this year and invite individuals, families, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, unions, and community groups to register early and form walking teams.

Financial and in-kind sponsors are also invited to support the event through sponsorship opportunities that help expand programming, educational activities, youth engagement, community outreach, hydration stations, activity booths, music, and participant giveaways.

Registration is now open at bit.ly/walkforhealth.

Organizations interested in sponsoring or partnering with the event may contact walkforhealth2026@gmail. com.

healthier communities for generations to come.

The 2026 Walk also comes during an important election year, reminding participants that community engagement begins long before Election Day. By walking together, participants demonstrate that caring for one another, listening to diverse voices, and investing in stronger communities are all part of building a healthier democracy.

The Walk is designed to be welcoming and accessible for everyone. Participants will enjoy a wellmarked, mostly flat course suitable for beginners, families with young children, kūpuna, and individuals with reduced mobility.

Along the route, walkers will encounter inspirational signs, educational displays, community resources, and interactive activities highlighting health, wellness, culture, and civic engagement.

“This event continues to grow because people recognize that health is connected to every part of our lives,” said Dr. Arcelita Imasa, Event Chair.

“Whether someone joins us to improve their health, support workers and immigrant

About Hawai’i Walk for Health Hawaiʻi Walk for Health is a collaborative community event promoting health,

the costs and demands required to build it, but thorough study, careful control, and rigorous oversight by the involved agencies and the companies building it are extremely necessary.”

Balmori said she trusts that the government, various concerned agencies, scientists, researchers, and industry groups will subject this argument to a thorough study and that she eagerly waits for any updates they’ll share.

Rose Cruz Churma similarly favored environmental review and urged companies to explore solar, wind and ocean-water cooling. “It’s been shown

that there is a toll on the environment. As such, data centers should be subject to an environmental assessment — and if needed, an environmental impact statement for proponents to show what environmental impacts are expected, and their solutions to it to minimize impact. The State laws already mandate this for certain projects, such as those using public funds or on public lands. Perhaps the laws should be expanded to include creation of data centers,” she said.

On whether the benefits of AI are worth the demands that’s needed to

wellness, civic engagement, cultural awareness, and community empowerment throughout Hawaiʻi.

The 2026 event is hosted by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaiʻi (UPAAH), National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), Hawaiʻi Filipinos for Truth, Justice and Democracy (HFJTD), Hawaiʻi Workers Center (HWC), and the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute.

Joining the organizing committee this year are Anakbayan Hawaiʻi, Filipino Curriculum Project, Filipino Mental Health Initiative–Hawaiʻi, Generation Action at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, Katipunan Club at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Philippine Pre-Medical Association of Hawaiʻi, Social Medicine Hawaiʻi, and Timpuyog Organization at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Together, these organizations are working to create the largest and most impactful Hawaiʻi Walk for Health to date, uniting diverse communities around a shared commitment to wellness, education, civic participation, and collective action.

(COVER STORY: Hyperscale ....from page 5)

Hawaii’s Filipino community have concerns Respondents broadly agreed that large AI data centers would require close scrutiny because of their potential demands on

the islands’ limited water and electricity supplies.

Rhoda Balmori called for more public understanding of the technology and said developers should bear added energy costs rather than pass them to residents.

“When the issue or topic involves water and energy, it is only natural for us to show interest and concern especially regarding the (would be) consumption levels of AI data centers,

which are not yet fully clear to everyone. However, we may first need to understand what AI data centers are and consider the benefits they can offer us.”

Balmori, Honolulu, added “it is only right for the companies building AI data centers to take responsibility and shoulder the additional energy-related costs. It would be unfair for us -- and especially for those not relying on or use modern technology -- to shoulder additional utility bill increases caused by the AI data centers built.

“The benefits AI can provide may outweigh

power it, Churma commented “Whether we like it or not, AI is already embedded in our daily lives.

We are already reaping the benefits (as well as the downsides) even before we realize the full impact of AI on the environment and our humanity. Some jurisdictions have imposed moratoriums on the creation of more data centers.

Perhaps Hawaii should do the same and allow our scientists and experts to assess its full impact on our fragile ecosystem?”

Churma said even if a national moratorium (freezing the building of (continue on page 16)

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

COMMENTARY

Political Corruption By Any Other Name Is Still Political Corruption

By Gary Hooser

I

t’s crazy really.

A Hawaiʻi grand jury has brought criminal charges against 5 individuals believed to have both given and received bribes connected to political favors.

The Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor, a former State Representative, a State Deputy Director of Transportation, the former head of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and a former staff member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM) are all now headed to trial.

The charges stem from an investigation into a mysterious paper bag that supposedly contained $35,000 and was passed to an “influential legislator” by someone attempting to influence that legislators actions, all while being tape recorded by federal agents.

Of course, there’s no telling where this will lead, when another shoe or two will drop, and upon which politician’s head it will fall.

While all are innocent until proven guilty, the whole thing stinks to high heaven.

Even more nauseous, IMHO, is the stench surrounding $2,469,561.56 spent between July 9 – July 17th by Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) and related Superpac “For a Better Tomorrow” – for the purpose of influencing our local elections.

It’s easy for many it seems, to just ignore and shrug off this blatant purchasing of political influence and fundamental corruption of our electoral process.

Defenders of the status quo will say it takes money to run a campaign. The SuperPac is just helping candidates they believe will do a good job. It’s all legal, copacetic, fine, ok, and completely satisfactory, is the knee-jerk response when asked.

What?

These same folks will get their knickers in a knot over cash in a paper bag, but prefer to just ignore the

Odds and Ends

By Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.

T

rust Checking Account If you created a revocable living trust, it’s a good idea to open a checking account in the name of the trust.

Checks made to the trust can be deposited only to an account bearing the trust name.

For example, perhaps you were interested in buying a house that you would own in the name of the trust.

If you wrote a check for a good faith deposit on a house you were interested in buying, then changed your mind after the inspection, the escrow company has to

issue the refund to the trust.

You can’t cash a check made to the trust. You have to deposit the check into a checking account in the trust’s name.

Life Insurance Beneficiaries Many parents or grandparents want their children or grandchildren to receive the money from a life insurance policy. They name those children or grandchildren as the life insurance policy beneficiaries.

But what if there are children or grandchildren born after that policy is executed? Those children

millions being spent by a SuperPac. Whether someone is giving $35,000 in a paper bag directly to an elected official, or $2,469,561.56 indirectly to 20 elected officials and candidates, the money is being given for the same identical purpose – to influence the decisions of government in favor of the person or organization giving the money.

In both cases (the bribery money and the SuperPac money), there are no “upper limits” to the money being transferred, and none of the money is reported publicly by the candidates as a campaign contribution.

Normal campaign contributions have a “maximum donation cap”, and the name, address, occupation of donor, and amount of the contribution, is reported publicly by the candidate via the campaign spending commission reporting guidelines.

There’s no question that the power and influence of big money is corrupting, and has corrupted the

outcome of our elections, the outcome of legislative processes, and the funding of government services and capital improvement projects.

Money buys access to government decision makers. Big money buys big access to big government decision makers.

Access is not illegal, but those with access have influence, AND this gives them (and the projects and government policies that benefit them) a HUGE advantage over everyone else.

The single most important political/electoral issue for all of us today must be “getting big money out of politics and elections”.

This must be the “litmus test” that leads every conversation, with every elected official and/or candidate for public office.

Those holding public office or seeking to serve who receive “indirect” financial support from any SuperPac – cannot simply claim to “have no control” over that contribution, while receiving tangible benefits from that money.

We need to hear from our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Mayor, Coun-

cilmember, State Legislators, AND the candidates.

Which side are they on?

Are they just shrugging their shoulders and saying, “This is the way the game is played, and I’m playing it.”

Or are they saying, “This is not a game. SuperPacs should not be allowed to financially support political campaigns in amounts that exceed the legal limits of a regular campaign donor. I support publicly funded elections, increased regulation of SuperPacs, AND banning completely contributions from government contractors and related entities.”

Both the giving and the receiving of big money support cast a shadow over our democracy, and both the donor and the recipient share responsibility and culpability.

As a Hawaiʻi resident and voter, please reach out today and ask your elected representative this question: “Which side are you on?”

and savings accounts without probate.

Ask your bank for a pay-on-death beneficiary form. You can name the persons who you give your funds to after you pass.

Those persons then present your death certificate to the bank to claim the money in your accounts.

the top of the first page – to the Bureau with a letter requesting that its records be updated to show your deed.

Many times homeowners believe the bank owns the home until the mortgage is paid and that they don’t have the deed. Homeowners own the home at the time of purchase, so they do have a deed.

The unstamped deed will usually be with the mortgage documents given at the time the home was bought. After the BOC records the deed, it will mail the recorded deed to the homeowners.

The file stamp on the top of the first page of the deed shows the date and time the deed was recorded in the Bureau of Conveyances.

GARY HOOSER is a former Hawaiʻi State Senator and Majority Leader.

LEGAL NOTES won’t receive the money.

If you name your trust as the beneficiary for the life insurance policy, those after-born children/grandchildren can share the policy money.

The trust should have a provision that children/ grandchildren born after the trust is created are also beneficiaries of the trust and the trust is deemed modified to include them. Then when the trustee collects on the life insurance policy, she can distribute the money to all the children/grandchildren per trust instructions.

Bank Accounts If you don’t have a trust or will that distributes your property to your beneficiaries, here’s one option for passing on your checking

Deeds Hawaii has a centralized land recording system (the other is Washington, DC). This means it’s easy in Hawaii to find land ownership. When you search your name, your deed should be listed with your name as Grantee for property that you currently own.

If it’s missing, you can send a copy of your deed – with the recording stamp on

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  AUGUST 15, 2026

FEATURE

King of Komix

By Renelaine Pfister

S

everal years ago in Cebu City, I was in a book store when I came across a thin red book, with tiny drawings of humans on the front cover, and on the back, angels and demons along with Baybayin, the old Filipino alphabet.

I was intrigued by the edgy art, and I bought it.

It turned out to be a comic book, Kikomachine Komix, by Manuel Luis “Manix” Abrera, and it was hilarious and weird.

I have been a big fan since.

Manix studied Fine Arts at U.P. Diliman, and it was at the college paper, The Philippine Collegian, where Manix first started drawing comics.

Initially it was with other artists and then a solo one which was the birth of Kikomachine Komix.

“Kikomachine” is derived from “Kiko Matsing,” a character from Batibot, of which Manix and his friends were fans (they also formed

a rock band called Kiko Machine; they still play currently).

Manix’s father, Jess Abrera, who himself was a comic strip artist on The Philippine Daily Inquirer for decades, suggested Manix submit his work. The Inquirer published Kikomachine Komix in 2001 and still does, six days a week.

Manix’s mother is Bernadette Abrera, historian and former dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy at U.P. Diliman, who taught Manix to look at different points of view or perspective.

Jess Abrera is Manix’s role model, not only for drawing and comics.

He encouraged Manix to develop his own unique drawing style, to persevere when things seem tough, and advised him to be confident, but not arrogant when he found success.

Manix and his family live in Baguio, where he creates his comics daily,

with few exceptions. He enjoys observing people in daily life, and always has a sketchpad handy.

His comics portray everyday life in the Philippines, for example, in a college classroom (“Terror Prof,” my personal favorite character, is deliciously wicked to her students), waiting for a jeepney, eating street food, or Christmas shopping. Other times, his characters are humorously philosophical on an alternate plane of existence called “Parallel Earth,” or they’re specks of dust discussing philosophy.

He might also venture into the supernatural, with characters like the Mahiwagang Dwende.

His imagination and creativity are boundless.

Among Manix’s idols in comics are, number one, his father. Then there’s Pugad Baboy creator Pol Medina Jr., Calvin and Hobbes’ Bill Watterson, The Simpsons’ Matt Groening, and The Far Side’s Gary Larson. He enjoys

Sci-Fi books, such as The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, Watchmen

by Alan Moore, and master of the macabre, Tim Burton. He’s currently reading Timeline by Michael Crichton.

Manix was always an avid reader, growing up in Antipolo, where his house was full of books.

“Parang Booksale,” Manix says, referring to the bookstore in the Philippines crammed with used books. His parents encouraged their children to read and rewarded them with books they wanted when they did well in school.

The practice continues: Manix and his partner read to their daughter, seven-year-old Ulan, every night. Ulan is now starting to appreciate Manix’s work, especially his silent comics which are her favorites.

Aside from his own comic strip, Manix also made a weekly webcomic on GMA network called News Hardcore!, Manuel Luis ‘Manix’ Abrera

and makes cover art for publishers like DC Comics—his first DC cover came out in 2021: Batman The Knight.

Manix is part of a group of artists called Next Comic Art, who take commissions from comic book publishers such as DC Comics.

Manix puts his personal twist and style on wellknown characters like Grogu and Wolverine.

He has published a total of 29 books so far, and has won three National Book Awards, including for his wordless graphic novel, “14.”

This September, he is set to release his 20th Kikomachine Komix book.

Manix was one of The Outstanding Young Men of 2022 for his contributions to literature, culture and the arts, organized by the Junior Chamber International Philippines and TOYM Foundation.

Manix believes life is full of wonder. He believes in the richness of the Filipino culture, draws inspiration from it, and is a strong advocate of it.

He said there’s a possibility he and his fellow artists might come to Hawaii for a ComicCon. We should be so proud to welcome a fellow Pinoy who has made a vast amount of people happy with his work, and who has remained down to earth and humble while doing it.

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 15, 2026

AS I SEE IT

Is the Shift to Textbooks a Rejection of Technology at this Time?

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he 21st century is the year of technology in the business world including the classroom here and abroad.

That’s the reason why almost all educational institutions, whether in the elementary, secondary, and even in college spent a large portion of their budget in modernizing the classroom.

However, there is a trend in the European community of going back to textbooks due to some reasons cited by the proponents after a series of experiments and latest developments.

My former buddy from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, now the Dean of the College of Communications, Joey Alagaran, PhD, posted on Facebook the shift from classroom digitalization to printed books in European universities.

This is something of importance because while most of the world jumped to digitize education, six European nation – Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, Italy, and Denmark – started removing screens from classrooms at this time and bringing back physi-

cal textbooks, deep reading practices, and handwriting.

“This shift is not driven by nostalgia, but by scientific evidence proving that writing by hand and reading on paper significantly improve memory, focus, and comprehension,” Alagaran explained.

“Sweden pioneered this pushback in 2023 when its Ministry of Schools halted mandatory tablet usage and reinvested hundreds of millions of kronor into physical textbooks. Denmark has allocated 540 million kroner to swap tablets for books, distributing 17,500 new printed copies across classrooms, with a strict directive to make all schools completely mobile-free by 2027.”

In fact, even France and Italy, he mentioned, have already banned smartphones in primary and middle schools, and instead reintroduced paper planners and traditional pencil-and-paper tasks. In Scandinavia, Norway reports that 96% of its primary schools have successfully removed mobile devices from learning spaces, while Finland implemented similar restrictions in 2024.

This collective educational pivot challenges the global consensus on class-

room digitalization, a reversal to old practices.

Are we ready to do that here in the U.S.? In the Philippines? It’s something revealing considering that at this age of modern technology, the thought of going back to textbooks is a little bit strange.

In recent years, some European education systems — including Sweden which is one of the six European nations advocating to go back to textbooks — have begun reversing their earlier push toward full digitalization, reinvesting in printed textbooks, handwriting, and traditional classroom materials.

While the trend is strongest in schools, it has implications for universities and higher education institutions.

Sweden, a leader in digital education at that time, aggressively introduced tablets, laptops, and online platforms widely in classrooms over the past decade.

However, by 2023, the Swedish government announced a major shift to: Mass investment in printed textbooks (around $83 million in 2023) and fiction/non-fiction books for students; Cellphone-free schools and reduced reliance on digital devices in early grades; and Emphasis on handwriting and sustained reading, seen as key to comprehension and memory.

It was reported that the reversal was driven by: - Declining literacy and comprehension scores in reading, math, and science - Teacher reports of re-

fragmented and mentally exhausting. Many repeatedly associated paper with duced focus, attention, focus and comprehension, and engagement in while screens were linked screen-heavy environ- to multitasking and interments ruptions.

- Cognitive research Sweden made it clear suggesting paper-based though that it is not abanreading improves reten- doning technology altogethtion and concentration er. In fact, Sweden increascompared to screens ingly appears to believe that - Equity concerns over digital tools should support unequal access to reli- rather than replace foundaable internet and devic- tional skills such as reading, es at home writing and concentration, Although the shift is and have repeatedly stressed most pronounced in prima- that screen-based learning ry and secondary education, is not automatically synit signals a reassessment of onymous with educational the role of digital tools in progress. higher education. So, uniThey cited that reading versities may see this as a a physical book, demands cue to: sustained attention in a way - Balance digital re- scrolling often does not. sources with printed The concern is not simply materials for core texts that children are using techand reference works nology, but that deep read- Encourage handwrit- ing may be declining, and ing for note-taking and the habits associated with it study, which some re- slowly eroding. search links to better Reading long and commemory encoding plex texts requires sustained - Reduce screen fatigue attention, patience, reflecin lectures and study tion and the ability to remain spaces, especially for mentally engaged without students with long constant interruption. reading loads Researchers studying - Re-evaluate digital-on- digital reading environly course delivery, en- ments have increasingly suring that online for- warned that screen-based mats complement rather reading often encourages than replace traditional more fragmented behavior learning methods such as browsing, scanFor universities, this ning, task-switching and could mean adopting hy- shorter attention cycles. brid models where printAs I See It, Sweden’s ed books and handwritten decision is not really about notes are valued alongside rejecting technology at all digital resources, fostering but recognizing whethboth accessibility and cog- er students actually learn nitive benefits. better. This means that the In a 2019 study led by physical act of reading, Ágústa Pálsdóttir of the highlighting important inUniversity of Iceland, ex- formation, flipping through ploring university students’ pages and annotating marperspectives on printed ver- gins still matters. sus electronic learning maMaybe… we can do terials, they found out that some experiments and if most students believed they there are positive results, concentrated better, re- why not? tained information more effectively and engaged more ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was thoroughly with printed a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded texts. journalist here in the US. For Others further de- feedbacks, comments… please scribed digital environ- email the author at estiokoelpiments as distracting, dio@gmail.com

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

By Emil Guillermo

F

ilipinos in Hawaii are just about halfway home, whether you look East or

West.

Do you feel closer to the Philippines, or the U.S.A.?

I’m wondering about that when I heard the State of the Nation address of the Philippines delivered recently by Bong-Bong Marcos. The Second coming of what exactly?

And should we as Americans care?

Of course, we should.

We aren’t totally divorced from the ancestral homeland.

Filipino Americans are constantly reminded that the Philippines isn’t some faraway place we visit on vacation. It’s where our parents were born. Where our cousins still live.

Where grandparents are buried. Where every phone call home can begin with, “We’re okay,” or, just as easily, “We need help.”

Where I am in the Bay Area is home to one of the nation’s largest Filipino communities. California alone has nearly two million Filipinos—roughly half of all Filipino Americans in the United States.

If your Filipino co-worker seems to pick up every overtime shift, chances are they aren’t just paying a mortgage in Oakland or Daly City. They’re helping support a family in Quezon City, Cebu, Iloilo, or Negros.

Every year, Filipino Americans send an estimated $17 billion from the United States to the Philippines. Those remittances account for roughly a tenth of the Philippine economy. One wire transfer may keep children in school, put food on the table, pay hospital bills, or help el-

The State of the Nation Address?

The Philippines Isn’t Foreign When Your Family Still Lives There derly parents make it another month.

When the average fulltime worker in the Philippines earns less than $400 a month, dollars stretch a long way in a peso economy.

That’s why some Filipino Americans were paying attention to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address last month.

Not because they expected a soaring speech.

Because they were listening for justice. They were listening for Lyle Prijoles.

If you’ve never heard his name, that’s part of the problem.

Prijoles, a 40-year-old Filipino American from Hayward, was killed on April 19 during a Philippine military operation in Negros Occidental. Also killed was Kai Sorem, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines say those killed were connected to the Communist Party’s New People’s Army.

Their families say otherwise.

Human-rights advocates describe Prijoles and Sorem as labor organizers and peaceful activists working alongside sugar workers struggling under crushing poverty. Prijoles had traveled repeatedly to the Philippines since 2006, documenting conditions in Negros and advocating for farm workers whose lives rarely improve no matter who occupies the presidential palace in Manila.

Those conflicting stories are exactly why members of Congress, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, have called for an independent investigation.

After all, two American citizens are dead.

If an ally’s military kills Americans under disputed circumstances, shouldn’t we want to know exactly what happened?

Yet the story barely made news in the United States. Perhaps because it’s inconvenient. It’s inconvenient for Manila. It’s inconvenient for Washington.

Strategic allies aren’t supposed to kill American citizens.

Filipino Americans understand something many Americans don’t.

The Philippines isn’t just another country. It’s family.

When someone from Hayward dies while trying to improve the lives of sugar workers halfway around the world, the distance between California and Negros suddenly disappears.

President Marcos had bigger issues on his mind this week.

China’s growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea dominated much of the speech. Marcos rightly rejected racist insults aimed at Filipinos and insisted his country would not surrender its sovereignty.

“We are not racists. We are not liars,” Marcos declared. “We are respectful and we are dignified. We are Filipinos and we do not yield.”

Strong words. Necessary words. But patriotism isn’t measured only by

how forcefully a government stands up to China.

It’s also measured by how a government treats its own people.

The Philippines inherited many of America’s democratic institutions.

Even the “State of the Nation Address” echoes our “State of the Union.” Congress. Elections. Constitutional government. We exported the architecture of democracy.

What we couldn’t export was accountability.

For too many Filipinos outside Manila, democracy still feels less like government by the people than government by political dynasties, oligarchs, and entrenched interests. Marcos Jr. isn’t his father. He isn’t ruling under martial law. But many of the structural inequities that pushed

generations of Filipinos to leave home remain stubbornly intact.

That’s why activists like Lyle Prijoles believed ordinary workers deserved better. And that’s why his death matters.

The United States sends military assistance to the Philippines because China poses a genuine threat. Fair enough.

But friendship should never require silence.

Military cooperation shouldn’t exempt any government from answering hard questions when civilians—and especially American citizens—are killed.

For Filipino Americans, this isn’t simply foreign policy. It’s personal.

Because when your family still lives there, when your paycheck still helps keep relatives afloat, when your heart is divided by an ocean but connected by blood, the Philippines is never just another country.

It’s still home. And home deserves better. EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator.

His talk show is on www.amok. com.

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 15, 2026

BOOK REVIEW

LITTLE MANILA IS IN THE HEART – The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California

By Rose Cruz Churma

L

ittle Manila Is In The Heart was published in 2013. The book was written by Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, a passionate activist who dedicated her life to documenting the rich history of Filipino Americans of Stockton, California, where she grew up. This book includes her own family’s story, in which her grandfather was one of the farm workers who came to pick crops in the early 20th century.

In the introduction to her book, she recalls how her elders rarely spoke about the Little Manila community that had thrived in downtown Stockton, which was slowly destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s.

Very few also talked about the intense racism and discrimination that they experienced in Stockton, nor did they speak of Carlos Bulosan, whose novel, America is in the Heart, chronicled the lives of the early Filipino American migrant workers, and who would profoundly affect Mabalon’s trajectory as a scholar and who would eventually chronicle her community’s history.

She writes in the introduction: “My book is an attempt to understand the silences, recover and find meaning in the memories of Stockton’s community members, and interpret and tell their stories.”

The author drew from oral histories, newspapers, photographs, personal archives and her own family’s history to show how the immigrants created a unique ethnic culture “shaped by their identities as colonial subjects of the United States,” their racial-

ization as brown people and their collective experience in the fields.

Thankfully, many of the descendants of the manongs who arrived in the early 20th century continue the efforts to preserve their past, among whom are Erwin and Corie Mina, who generously shared their time and resources and allowed me to visit the FANHS Museum last July 1.

Erwin Mina now serves as president of the FANHS Museum and still has vivid memories of growing up as a young boy in California’s asparagus fields.

Established in 2016, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Museum celebrates and showcases the rich and diverse stories of Filipino Americans. Its permanent collection and rotating exhibits provide an evolving experience that captures the proud heritage of Filipinos as they take root in their adopted land.

The museum is located in what was once a thriving Little Manila located in the heart of downtown Stockton, and the destruction of the city’s Filipino-owned landmarks that defined its distinctive community has inspired the author to explore Stockton’s history, which wove many threads of the Filipino American experience that resulted in this book.

Since her family’s history is “inextricably linked with the history of Little Manila and of Filipinas/os in Stockton,” the writing of this book has been “emotional and highly personal,” unlike what one would expect of a history book.

One of the book’s goals is to recover the memories

o f the past in order to reimagine a better present and future not only for the Filipino American community of Stockton but also for similar communities.

Unfortunately, we have lost much of our community’s history because of the thinking that our stories are not important enough to be considered “history” but junk that clutters up our homes.

This book consists of three parts. Part I recounts the stories of the members of Little Manila from their lives in the Philippine provinces to their initial settlement in Stockton in the 1910s.

Part II explores how the members created their own world by creating institutions such as their churches, labor unions, and other civic organizations.

Part III describes how Little Manila was destroyed by urban development in the late 1960s and how new immigrants had threatened to destroy the “delicate fabric of the community.”

The book has an epilogue where the author reflects on the legacy of Stockton’s Filipino American community and the politics of history and memory in community building for ethnic communities. She cautions about heated debates over what to preserve and why, the validity of memories, and the economic and cultural challenges of historic preservation and urban revitalization.

Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, who was an associate professor at San Francisco State University, was a third-generation Filipina

born in Stockton, California, in 1972.

She received her B.A. in History with a specialization in Asian American Studies and her M.A. in Asian American Studies in 1997, both from UCLA. She was a student leader and fierce advocate for marginalized communities within and beyond the university.

In Los Angeles, she became well-known as a powerful spoken word poet, and her creative voice directly aligned with her rigorous scholarship. It was also at UCLA where she co-produced the documentary “Beats, Rhymes, and Resistance: Filipinos in Hip Hop in Los Angeles.”

She passed away in August 2018 while on holiday in Kauai, Hawaii. ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Deadline for Kona Low Disaster Relief Requests Is Approaching taxpayers are urged to file

T

he Hawai‘i Department of Taxation reminds taxpayers affected by the March 2026 Kona Low Storm that the August 20, 2026, deadline to request a waiver of penalties and interest for late filing or payment of income taxes for the affected period of April 20, 2026 through August 20, 2026, is approaching.

The Internal Revenue Service extended certain federal tax deadlines to

August 20, 2026, for taxpayers affected by the disaster, and DOTAX has aligned with this date for purposes of waiving penalties and interest for late filing and late payment of income taxes.

Taxpayers may request a waiver of late file and/or late pay penalties and interest by completing and filing Form L-115, Tax Relief Request for State Declared Disasters (“Form L-115”)

by August 20, 2026, but

as soon as possible.

To ensure timely and accurate processing, DOTAX recommends that affected taxpayers file Form L-115 electronically via Hawaii Tax Online, at https://hitax.hawaii. gov, by selecting “2026 Disaster Relief Request.”

If you have questions regarding electronically filing, please contact Taxpayer Services at 808587-4242 or by email at taxpayer.services@hawaii.gov.

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Can We Make Our Standards Higher?

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

T

he SENATEflix continues.

This time, the spotlight is on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte.

I vividly remember being in high school, rushing home to watch the Senate impeachment trial of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. Back then, I never imagined that years later, our nation would once again witness impeachment proceedings. This time, involving the country’s second-highest official.

While these proceedings demonstrate that due process and the justice system are at work, they also reveal a sobering reality: we, as a people, often fail to choose our leaders wisely.

Time and again, we seem to repeat the same mistakes.

It is not my intention to prejudge the outcome of this case. The impeachment process must be allowed to take its course. Still, I cannot help but feel frustrated whenever those entrusted with public office appear to fall short of the trust placed in them.

We deserve leaders who honor that trust. Yet, at the end of the day, it is we who elect those who occupy positions of power. Too often, instead of solving our nation’s problems, some leaders become part of the very prob-

lems we long to overcome.

As I watch the proceedings - listening to the arguments of both the prosecution and the defense, hearing witnesses testify, and observing senators ask their questions- I find myself experiencing a range of emotions. Frustration, most of the time.

There are moments when I wonder whether some senator-judges have remained as impartial as their role requires. At times, clarificatory questions seem to sound more like advocacy than clarification. There are remarks that come across as condescending. Other statements seem to be senseless manifestations that become headlines and quotable quotes.

Beyond the impeachment proceedings, we continue to see public officials facing various allegations and legal controversies. We hear leaders whose words lack dignity and whose stewardship of public

funds is questioned. These are resources entrusted to them by millions of hardworking Filipinos who faithfully pay taxes and hope for honest governance.

It makes us ask: Are these the kinds of leaders we want? Can we please raise our standards in the next election?

It’s saddening. It’s infuriating.

It’s discouraging. It’s frustrating. All these emotions come at once.

How do we move forward? What kind of future are we leaving for the next generation? Are we willing to settle for this kind of governance?

Will we continue allowing our leaders to betray the public’s trust, election after election?

To my fellow Filipinos, I make this heartfelt appeal: let us choose better. If we truly desire change, then we must also change the way we vote. We must educate ourselves,

examine the qualifications and character of those seeking public office, and resist voting based solely on popularity, family name, or political loyalty. It is time to look beyond personalities and political colors. It is time to vote with wisdom, discernment, and integrity.

May what our nation is experiencing today remind us to be more discerning in the elections two years from now. May we elect men and women of integrity - leaders who fear God, uphold justice, serve with humility, and place the welfare of the Filipino people above personal ambition or political dynasties.

I pray that corruption and evil will be exposed, that truth will prevail, and that justice will be served in the nation we dearly love. May every decision be guided by wisdom and made for the good of the Filipino people. Lord, You are sovereign, and You remain at work even when circumstances seem uncertain. We trust that You love justice and that You are able to heal our nation.

Someday, I believe we will see leaders who embody the highest standards of integrity and servant leadership. Impossible as it may seem, with God nothing is impossible.

For now, let us patiently witness the truth unfold.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 15, 2026

LINGERING THOUGHTS

NATO, Trump’s Folly, and Midterm Elections

By Will Espero

T

he war in Iran has been a major embarrassment for the United States under Donald Trump and Peter Hegseth. Their inability to produce a permanent ceasefire or peace has weakened the stature of our country.

Many nations have avoided the war against Iran, although Iran has brought the war to some of our allies in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt have all been attacked by Iran, and the possibility of an expanded war or conflict unfortunately continues.

Member countries of NATO, our top ally in Europe, have kept an armslength distance from the war despite Trump’s pleas for assistance. The purpose or reason for the Iran war was never articulated clearly, and the closeness of Europe to Iran gives our European allies reason to pause and watch from afar.

The impacts of Trump’s war are hurting many countries’ economies around the world, and the last thing that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) wants is a regional conflict that could turn into a world war.

Trump has threatened to pull soldiers away from Europe, but that would be a terrible decision in my opinion, as Russia is still a major threat, as can be seen with its war with Ukraine.

I must state that one of Donald Trump’s successes in his second term was the demand for NATO to pay for more of its military defense. European countries had been paying about 1.2% of their GNP (Gross National Product) on defense, and Trump demanded more payment,

Inside the NATO Headquarters in Belgium

which rose to around 2.5% on average.

This issue had been lingering for many decades under many presidents, and Trump’s loud, belligerent ways have produced results to the benefit of the USA. NATO’s increase in payments should be seen as an opportunity for NATO countries to wean themselves away from U.S. influence and strengthen their needed European alliance. It will give NATO more control and show the world it can survive and prosper with less funding from the USA. Under Trump, relations between NATO and the USA have been like a roller coaster with many ups and downs. Trump has shown he cannot be trusted to support NATO without conditions, and those conditions may sometimes irk NATO. Trump’s desire to control Greenland is one example of Trump’s ridiculous ideas. He has called European leaders weak, has criticized some of their policies like immigration, and has befriended Russia’s Putin, an enemy of NATO. Regardless of Trump’s opinions, a new president will one day replace Trump, and I predict things with NATO will improve given time and distance. A USA presence in Europe will benefit the USA and Europe, and with Russia’s war with Ukraine at a stalemate, the area is

still a powder keg to watch and monitor. Hopefully, a ceasefire and peace can be negotiated soon, although Ukraine has built its own war industry to stand up to Putin’s aggression.

The war between Ukraine and Russia has shown that a smaller country can challenge big bad Russia, and the war can evolve in a manner that gives Russia anxiety and fear due to Ukraine’s lowcost military weapons and drones finding their targets.

Ukraine has successfully adjusted, transformed, and created a military industry which has caused havoc for Russia.

NATO is actively supporting Ukraine against Russia, and the valuable experience, collaboration, and lessons will benefit NATO in the long term.

NATO is going through a transition under Trump’s second term, and it will be stronger and better down the road thanks to Trump.

When Trump leaves the White House, expect a sigh of relief from NATO as it begins a new relationship, post-Donald Trump, with the USA. Let’s hope the Ukraine-Russia War discovers peace soon, and the senseless bombings and deaths come to an end.

The war against Iran isn’t going well for Trump, and it has become a tire around his neck he drags around every day. Despite

the early destruction in Iran due to USA attacks and bombings, Iran has not surrendered or capitulated to Trump’s demands. Even with the killing of many of Iran’s top leaders, Trump has not been able to secure a victory over Iran.

Our bases in the Middle East are being attacked

by Iran, and unfortunately, U.S. military personnel have been killed. Over 400 injuries have also been reported as discontent in the United States and around the world grows, as high prices due to oil and inflation impact our global population.

A plan to start the Iran war was easily developed, but a plan to end the war appears to be lacking.

Trump miscalculated the will and resiliency of the Iranian regime, as an exit strategy cannot be found or negotiated. The control of the Strait of Hormuz and oil have become focal points in this tense situation, with many countries now blaming Trump for high prices and rising costs.

The Iran war has become Trump’s folly as his inability to defeat a weaker country has hurt America’s reputation and image. Trump and Peter Hegseth have utterly failed up to this point in time.

Although we are far from being like the Afghanistan War, which dragged on for years, Trump must work with Europe and NATO to find a solution that results in peace.

China, as a big buyer of Iranian oil, may also have a role in a peace deal.

China has benefited from Trump’s foreign policy disaster by looking neutral even though it sides with Iran.

Israel’s Netanyahu should be identified as the ally that talked Trump into bombing Iran. It has been reported that other presidents were asked by Netanyahu to bomb Iran’s nu-

clear facilities, but Trump was the one who decided to proceed; a terrible decision by the Trump Administration. With this said, Israel does have a right to exist along with Iran and Palestine.

I’m personally sick and tired of the endless cycle of wars in the Middle East, and I really do hope a peaceful solution can one day be found.

Today, we’re not sure how or when the Iran war will end, but in the meantime, oil supplies are manipulated, and gasoline prices remain high.

Trump’s folly will be a legacy of his presidency, and it’s important that the Iran war comes to an end as soon as possible so no more American soldiers have to die.

As the midterm elections arrive, the Trump era must be carefully reviewed and analyzed, and Trump’s actions must be studied or scrutinized. Are Americans benefiting, or are the Trump family and Trump network enriching themselves unethically and unfairly? We all know the answer to that question.

Insider dealing, unethical behavior, bullying, and corruption appear to be the norm in Donald Trump’s second term, and a majority of Americans agree.

Our country needs to make drastic changes during these midterm elections, as accountability is paramount in government.

The sickness and disease that has infected our federal government must be treated and removed.

We voters, can make it happen. Your vote is your voice. WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and State Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Gabby Concepcion Brings His Star Power, Music, and Memories to Hawai’i

By Grace Manipol Larson

T

he Filipino entertainment icon returns to Hawaiʻi for a special series of live shows celebrating love, music, and generations of fans.

One of the Philippines’ most recognizable and enduring entertainment personalities, Gabby Concepcion, is coming to Hawaiʻi for a special series of live performances that promises an unforgettable night of music, stories, nostalgia, and pure Filipino entertainment.

Gabby Concepcion

Known for his decades-long career in Philippine television, film,

music, and entertainment, Concepcion continues to captivate audiences with the same charisma that made him a household name across generations.

Now, Hawaiʻi fans will have the opportunity to see Gabby Concepcion up close and personal as he brings his signature charm and energy to the islands.

“Hawaiʻi has always had such a special place in the hearts of Filipinos,” said Concepcion. “I’m very excited to come back, see our kababayans, and share a beautiful evening together. This is more than

a show—it’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and create new memories.”

The Hawaiʻi performances will feature music, personal stories, audience interaction, and plenty of surprises, creating an intimate experience for longtime fans as well as a new generation discovering the enduring appeal of one of Philippine entertainment’s most beloved stars.

The GABBY CONCEPCION LIVE IN HAWAIʻI is at Historic Palace Theatre (Hilo, Hawaii) on August 26, 2026 at 7pm.

PHILIPPINE NEWS

CFO Chair Receives Award for Global Filipino Partnerships

T

he Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) conferred the Presidential Commendation Award upon Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II during the Gala Night of its 47th National Convention.

Receiving the award on Ang’s behalf were distinguished Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) honorees: Lolita B. Compas, Banaag Awardee (2002); Victoria Navarro, Banaag Awardee (2014); and Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, recipient of the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award (2024).

“I accept the distinction of being named an Honorary Member of PNAA as a personal recognition, and as a symbol of the partnership between your organization and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. For that, thank you, from all of us at the CFO,” Ang said in his video message.

“The Commission on Filipinos Overseas stands ready to work with PNAA on professional exchanges, ethical recruitment dialogue, research initiatives, and youth mentorship.”

The recognition highlights Ang’s ongoing work to champion the core mandate of the CFO— driving diaspora engagement for national development. Under his leadership, the Commission has expanded its focus from traditional pre-departure services to forging lifelong partnerships with Non-Resident Filipinos (NRFs), who comprise roughly 60 percent of the country’s 10.8 million overseas Filipinos worldwide.

Ang has consistently empha-

sized that NRFs are active co-creators of progress rather than mere sources of economic remittances.

Through structured political, economic, and cultural initiatives, such as the LINKAPIL program, the BaLinkBayan portal, and youth development efforts like YouLeaD, his administration successfully harnesses global Filipino expertise, innovation, and philanthropy to support the nation’s growth.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Ang as Chairperson of the CFO, with the cabinet rank of Secretary, in October 2024.

Since then, he has focused on advancing the President’s policy of making migration a choice rather than a necessity.

The PNAA, one of the largest networks of Filipino professionals abroad, reflects the values of service and excellence that Ang actively promotes.

The Presidential Commendation Award serves as an affirmation of his vision to build a globally connected Filipino community whose success abroad translates directly into domestic progress and nation-building.

“Your contributions to the Philippines remain significant.

Through remittances, philanthropy, knowledge transfer, medical missions, and institutional partnerships, you demonstrate concrete diaspora engagement for national development. Many among you support scholarships, donate equipment, and mentor young nurses who aspire to follow your path,” Ang added.

The CFO’s mandate is to link NRFs to the Philippines politically, economically, and culturally.

About the Commission on Filipinos Overseas The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), established under Batas Pambansa 79, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos permanently residing abroad. It is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily addresses the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and other temporary migrants.

The CFO, which is an agency under the Office of the President,

works to strengthen the political, economic, and cultural ties of global Filipinos with their home country. Its primary stakeholders include Filipino permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, participants of the US Exchange Visitor Program, participants of Au Pair Program for Europe, and Filipino descendants overseas.

For more information, please contact Atty. Jhade Quiamco of the Office of the Executive Director at jcquiamco@cfo.gov.ph

16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 15, 2026

SPORTS CORNER

A New Dawn for Philippine Tennis

By Julian Bothamley and Dylan Bothamley

a

A

lex Eala has had breakout year on the highest stage in professional

tennis.

Since turning professional, the prodigy from Quezon City has steadily climbed the WTA rankings.

This year at Wimbledon, years of preparation came together.

After opening Wimbledon with a win over World No. 75 Renata Zarazúa, Eala defeated World No. 28 Maya Joint in the second round. But it was her third match, against World No. 3 and defending Wimbledon champion Iga Świątek, that caught the world’s attention.

Eala won a grueling first set after dueling the defending champion to 9-9 in the tiebreak before producing two points in succession to close out the 7-6 win.

Fittingly, Eala won the second set not with an error from the World No. 3, but by taking the initiative. On her third match point, Eala’s serve forced Świątek to

the backhand near the sideline. Świątek’s cross-court return landed just short of the baseline, but Eala took advantage of impeccable positioning and sent a deep cross-court forehand return that nearly landed on Świątek’s baseline, forcing the defending champion to remain in deep positioning. Świątek’s second crosscourt return landed just past the service line, setting up Eala for a clean look at the entire court. Świątek remained shaded to the backhand side of the court, leaving wide open space for Eala to attempt a power shot to Świątek’s forehand side for the win.

But Eala chose to attack with precision, uncorking a heavy topspin forehand that dove over the net, landing on the edge of the service box just inside the opposite sideline and kicked away from Świątek.

Eala ended the match with a winner that the defending champion could only watch sail past. It was perfect tennis.

The win was recognized as one of the tournament’s defining upsets. It was the kind of victory that can change how a player is viewed.

Eala would push World No. 13 Jasmine Paolini to three sets before her historic run finally came to an end.

Tennis is a sport with relatively little randomness compared with many other major sports. That is why victories over the sport’s elite carry so much predictive value.

If Wimbledon left room to wonder whether Eala

had simply enjoyed a magical fortnight, her play at the DC Open in July has begun to answer that question.

She opened the tournament by rallying past Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen before following it with another statement victory over defending champion Leylah Fernandez to reach the quarterfinals.

In the span of a month, Eala has now defeated the defending champions at both Wimbledon and Washington.

On August 3, Eala became the first Filipina to win a WTA 500 event with

her victory against Jessica Pegula at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington. This is Eala’s first WTA title which pushed her up in the wold rankings at the top 20.

For the Philippines, Eala’s success extends beyond a single tournament. Her historic Wimbledon run opened a new chapter for Philippine tennis, while her continued success in Washington suggests that breakthrough was not a fluke, but the emergence of a genuine contender.

Filipino sports fans now have good reason to believe that even bigger moments may still lie ahead.

have discussed and encouraged efforts to diversify Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy and to promote sectors such as the film industry, sports and technology to provide a financial boost and as well as jobs. AI data centers are ideally-suited to do just this—provided the process is done correctly and most importantly, that taxpayers’ pocketbooks are unaffected,” she added.

On government’s role and AI companies’ responsibilities, Ader commented, “it is important for these multi-billion dollar companies to pay their fair share of the expenses associated with AI data centers, including electricity, water and other utility costs. The state has no business offer-

ing tax incentives and other subsidies to these wealthy corporations. In exchange for land development and other building permits, it is only fair to assess these companies’ exaction fees to pay for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, improved roads, playgrounds, parks and other quality of life necessities for the communities that will be impacted.”

Ader believes Hawaii is the ideal place for data centers, especially on the Big Island where there are vast tracts of available land near the coastline.

Memito Ablan said large AI data centers could threaten Hawaii’s limited freshwater supply unless they use alternatives such as ocean water and argued

that developers — not residents — should pay for the facilities’ energy and maintenance costs.

“AI companies should be required to foot the bill for the on-going cost and maintenance of data centers. The financial burden should not have to fall on the people of Hawaii.

Taxpayers cannot afford it, since we already face a high cost of living and many of us are living from paycheck-to-paycheck.”

On a possible national moratorium, Ablan said he supports it. “Data centers should not be built until the public is assured that these facilities won’t harm the environment and won’t increase the cost of living.

They are using precious resources.”

(COVER STORY: Hyperscale ....from page 6)

AI data centers) occurred, “we have very little control on what goes on within military installations. The nature of military roles requires them to be secretive and their activities to be strictly confidential. Also, a major engine of our economy is military spending.

“I am really skeptical that a moratorium will include our military facilities since the geopolitical scenario requires them to be at par — technology-wise, with other nations. And unfortunately, it is the military that will need the use of data centers here in Hawaii. Despite all these, each of us should try to learn as much as possible on the impacts of data centers and AI, instead of burying our heads in the

sand,” Churma said.

Carlota Ader warned that data centers could strain water supplies, raise living costs and threaten privacy but she doesn’t support a moratorium and favors data centers as a boost to the local economy. “The typical Hawaii resident does not know much about data centers and their impacts on the community. Having said that, it is the responsibility of legislative bodies that approve building and land use permits and other state agencies such as the Public Utilities Commission to carefully vet these large-scale ventures and the impacts on our state,” Ader said.

“For decades, public and private sector leaders

AUGUST 15, 2026  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  17

COMMUNITY CALENDAR HINAMI NCLEX-RN REVIEW CLASS | Filipino Community Center, HiNAMi (Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc.) | Third Flr, Suite 302, FilCom Center, 94-428 Mokuola St, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 | July 8 to November 18, Every Wednesday at 5pm to 8pm | Ms. Beatrice Ramos-Razon, a registered nurse, leads this licensure exam review class. For more information, email programs@filcom.org and bramosrazon@aol.com.

32ND ANNUAL MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL | Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 | August 20 to 21, 6:30am to 10pm and August 22 to 23, 8am to 10pm | Buy Hawaii. For Hawaii. Shop hundreds of local vendor foods featuring local artisans, crafters, and makers. Enjoy live musical performances and more.

DOCTORS-ON-STAGE: “AGAINST ALL ODDS” | Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls, Doctors-On-Stage | Salvation Army Kroc Center, 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway, Ewa Beach, Hawaii 96706 | September 26 at 6:00pm | This musical production by Doctors-On-Stage and Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls aims to raise money for a good cause. For more information about “Against All Odds,” call 808-518-8929 or email bcww@gmail.com.

BIBLE REFLECTIONS

Strength That Stays Humble: What Alex Eala’s Journey Reminds Us About Following Christ

By Bermie Dizon

Y

ou know her story a little, I am sure.

Four years old, swinging a racket nearly as big as she was, on ordinary courts in Pasig City, in a country where tennis has never been the sport anyone expected greatness from.

At thirteen Alex Eala said goodbye to everything familiar and moved to Spain, chasing something she could not yet prove was there. And here is the part I love most. It did not happen fast.

Years of small tournaments nobody was watching. Quiet rankings. Nearly empty stadiums. Almost two decades of unnoticed work before the world finally turned to look.

It Is Not Just That She Climbs. It Is How. That is what gets me every time. After a hard loss at the Australian Open, she did not sulk, did not make excuses. A few days later she was right back on court, playing for her country again. She talks about her losses like they are simply lessons, one match at a time, never a verdict on who she is.

And when the crowd shows up for her, thousands of miles from home, she is quick to say it is not about her, it is about them.

That is grit that has not gone hard. That is humility that has not gone insecure.

I do not know many people who can win and stay grateful, or lose and stay steady, the way she does. If you ask me, grit and humility are not just something Alex Eala shows on occasion. They define her character.

The more we watch her, the more familiar it feels. A quiet, unglamorous faithfulness that nobody applauds for years, until suddenly the fruit is undeniable. Strength that never had to turn hard to survive. Success that keeps looking for someone else to lift instead of something else to prove. I know that pattern from somewhere else.

Thirty hidden years before three public ones.

Never needing applause to know who He was. Turning every moment of triumph into another chance to serve someone else. His name is Jesus.

Alex Eala is not trying to preach anything to us. But watching her, I find myself thinking less about her forehand, and more about how rare, and how beautiful, it is to see strength that never stops being humble.

Concluding Thought Here is what I keep coming back to. Greatness and gentleness were never supposed to be opposites.

We can fight hard for what

we are called to do. We can put in the years nobody sees. And we can still stay soft enough to give credit away, and humble enough to keep learning. That is not just a tennis lesson, my friend. That is the shape our lives were always meant to take.

Prayer Lord, thank You for this small, gentle reminder that strength and humility really can live in the same heart. Teach me to work with everything I have, and still hold what I achieve with open hands. When I win, keep me grateful.

When I lose, keep me grounded. Let my life, in whatever small way, point someone back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions for the Heart • Where have I been measuring myself by how fast I am rising, instead of how faithfully I am walking?

• Who has been quietly cheering for me, the way those crowds cheer for Eala far from home? Have I told them thank you?

• When my next setback comes this week, will I respond with bitterness, or with the kind of grounded grit that just keeps moving forward?

God’s Word for Your Day Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal,

what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  BERMIE DIZON is a retired pastor of Grace Communion International (GCI), Glendora, CA and a former writer for USA Tribune for nine years. He is also the author of the book “God, In Every Step” and has now published his second book “God in Every Heartbeat”which contains 52 heartfelt devotionals drawn from personal stories, Scripture and the lives of others. You will be reminded that God is with you in every breath, every joy and every struggle. The book is now available at Amazon.

18 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  AUGUST 15, 2026