Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - February 22, 2025

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

LEGAL NOTES

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Know Your Rights During an ICE Encounter

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Even With Super Bowl Loss, Nikko Remigio is an Inspiration

Love, Faith, and The Beauty of Waiting

FEATURE

A History of Resistance & Resilience…as It Defined Filipinos of Hawai’i

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 22, 2025

EDITORIAL

Reject President Trump’s Plans to Denaturalize U.S. Citizens and End Birthright Citizenship

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resident Donald Trump’s broad plan on immigration – mostly aimed at combating illegal immigration – is a mixed bag with border security accepted by a majority but other initiatives downright unconstitutional, unnecessary and anti-immigrant.

Acceptable measures: shoring up support at the border and ending “catch and release” Some of his plans that are directed at beefing up border enforcement are beneficial. This is a no-brainer, receives bipartisan support and needs no further explanation.

Also, Trump ending “catch and release” -- a practice of releasing migrants to the community while they await hearings in immigration court -- is practical and fair. Under catch and release, many migrants coming into the country seeking asylum just wouldn’t show up for their immigration court hearing. With Trump’s executive order, migrants seeking asylum must now initiate the process while waiting in their own countries or temporarily be detained if in the U.S. until further processing. This helps to weed out illegitimate cases for asylum but also prevents mass entry of asylum seekers at the border which has placed tremendous stress on resources to U.S. border cities across the nation.

Former President Joe Biden’s support for catch and release was his own political implosion that in part led to his downfall in popularity as caravans of migrants crowded the borders and entered through the asylum process. Make no mistake, seeking asylum is legal and should continue, but it was flawed in part because catch and release encouraged misuse of this process.

Where Trump goes radically overboard: denaturalize U.S. citizens and ending birthright citizenship First, Denaturalize U.S. citizens. Trump’s new push to denaturalize U.S. citizens is absurd and simply overzealous, especially when considering how long and difficult it is to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

This extremely rare feature in immigration of denaturalizing a U.S. citizen historically would only be reserved to those who have a Nazi past or ties to terrorism. It’s so rare that less than a dozen people a year would be stripped of their naturalized U.S. citizenship.

Trump signed via executive order the “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” It’s an indication that denaturalization will be part of his crackdown on undocumented immigrants and bound to be weaponized beyond “real” foreign terrorists. Why the cynicism and suggestion of abuse? Just by Trump ordering resources be spent to denaturalize some U.S. citizens means more than likely the agency receiving funding will justify their funding and find U.S. citizens to denaturalize. This is how the government works.

It’s worth noting that former President Barack Obama first initiated to expand denaturalization to seek citizens with ties to foreign terrorists. Then other grounds for denaturalization emerged, such as finding naturalized citizens who’ve been previously deported or lied about criminal records that the USCIS did not find.

Because of the potential for the weaponization of a denaturalization policy, also given the fact that there are already stringent processes in place to become a natura-

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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resident Donald Trump’s immigration agenda is upending the lives of families and striking fear in communities across the nation. Most people are unaware that there are 350,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., according to the Department of Homeland Security. When you calculate that with the U.S. Census Bureau’s figure which has Filipinos’ total population at 4.1 million, we see that a whopping 8.5% of Filipinos in the U.S. could be affected by mass deportation.

For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo looks into mass deportation, as well as other controversial Trump immigration proposals such as ending birthright citizenship, denaturalizing U.S. citizens born in this country by undocumented parents and ending catch-and-release. We have a mix of members in the Filipino community from various backgrounds opining on all these proposals. There are qualified areas of support in principle to some of these proposals and outright rejection of other Trump immigration initiatives.

On the same topic of immigration, San Francisco Bay area immigration attorney and immigrant rights advocate Lourdes Santos Tancinco contributes an important article “Know Your Rights During an ICE Encounter.” She affirms that undocumented individuals who face deportation have legal rights such as due process and equal protection under the U.S. Constitution, right to remain silent until you have consulted a lawyer, right to demand a warrant. Find out what these other rights are and how you, the undocumented, can prepare in the event of imminent deportation. Also, HFC columnist Atty. Emmanuel Tipon contributes “Mass Deportation is Enforcing the Law, but Relief is Available for Some.”

In local events, HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma writes “A History of Resistance & Resilience… as It Defined Filipinos of Hawaii,” an article on the exhibit by the Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW) that opened at the Hawai’i State Library’s main lobby February 1, 2025.

In a world often clouded by hardship, stories of love, shine like beacons of hope. In this issue, HFC columnist Seneca Moraleda-Puguan tells a fascinating story of love, of finding love atypically in the fifties. It’s not just a love story, but one of patience and faith.

Recently millions of Americans watched the Super Bowl. HFC columnist Emil Guillermo contributes “Even with Super Bowl Loss, Nikko Remigio Is an Inspiration.” Remigio is a Filipino American with an interesting life story who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lastly, we have part 2 of “Supporting Workers is More Important than Ever in These Times” by Dr. Arcelita Imasa. She writes “true solidarity transcends self-interest, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and interconnectedness.” If you believe in fighting for workers’ rights, find out in the article how you can be of service. We hope you enjoy these and our other news and columns.

Visit thefilipinochronicle.com to get your free e-copy of each issue. Thank you for your support. For your advertising needs, contact 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 Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros

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

lized U.S. citizen in the first place – a denaturalization policy is unnecessary and only arouses fear among naturalized U.S. citizens.

Second, ending birthright citizenship. Another explosively contentious immigration goal of Trump is ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents with unlawful or temporary status.

The fact that Trump thinks that he can unilaterally un(continue on page 3)

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Mass Deportation Is Not the Ethos of the Good Samaritan

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resident Donald Trump campaigned on mass deportation. Many supported it and still do, but there are others coming to grips of what it really entails as deportation footage are cycling through social media and news reports.

What we’re seeing are children crying before the camera because one or both parents have been arrested and deported.

“Where will I go? How will I eat?” some of them no older than 10 years-old ask, confused and traumatized. Their lives uprooted in a day.

We see a young man 17 years-old whose mother illegally came to the country and brought him to the U.S. at the age of four. His three brothers were born in the U.S. He was recently deported and separated from his family. His life and by no fault of his own entering illegally at four, is forever changed in a day.

We see a restaurant owner who came into the country illegally 20 years ago with nothing.

He worked hard to build a business, paid taxes, hired employees, and contributed to the economic flow of his community. He has been detained and about to get deported.

We see farms, dairies, meatpacking plants have many of their employees not showing up for work

because they’re afraid of being deported. Some of these business owners say they have spoiled food not harvested and might be forced to close because they don’t have American workers who are willing to do that kind of high-intensive and low-paying work.

Eventually should many of these businesses close, it could raise the price of groceries that Americans are already reeling over, experts say.

Mass deportation vs case-by-case review for possible deportation The slogan mass deportation sounds like something many voters are on board with, that there should be punitive measures to deport illegal entrants. But the problem is -- and many are starting to realize after seeing mass deportations happen – illegal immigrants should not be brush stroked categorically as one monolithic group.

Certainly, there are illegal aliens with criminal records and pose a danger to communities who should be deported. This group is a small minority.

Then there are others undocumented who are fine contributors to society and provide invaluable work like those working at various stages of our food-supply chain who should be offered either a pathway to

citizenship or given working visas or both.

To treat this massive group of 11 million people as a one-size fit all and to administer one legal recourse to deport – this is not only harmful to them and their families, but a disservice to Americans who rely on their contributions for the betterment of society.

Mass deportation, while it sounds just, is not a solution to our immigration problem that admittedly needs fixing. There must be a better review process, one that leans on the side of a case-by-case review of the undocumented to determine who should and shouldn’t be deported. No criminal record besides illegal entry, number of years living in the U.S., positive contributions to society, impact of children under 18-years old – these are just a few considerations that should be weighed to determine an outcome besides immediate deportation.

And it’s just logistically impossible to implement a process closer to a caseby-case review with mass deportation when millions are being targeted in a very short period.

adults by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, including approximately 600 in each state of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and 1,216 nationally -majorities in every swing state prefer the path to citizenship over mass deportation (65%-55%).

Humane and religious considerations While there should be separation of Church and State, there are a few issues in public policy where religious considerations cannot be removed from public policy debates.

Abortion and wars are known issues. Migration is another. The religious aspect is a consideration in this debate because many in our Filipino community are Christians.

The bible is full of examples of migration from both the Old Testament (Abraham, Sarah, Moses) and New Testament. In Exodus, the Israelites fled Egypt from persecution. In the Book of Matthew, the Christ child, Joseph and Mary were migrants who fled Bethlehem into Egypt shortly after Jesus’ birth to escape King Herod’s wrath. To spread the gosStrong support for pathpels, the apostles and early way to citizenship church fathers spanning In an extensive sur- hundreds of years after vey fielded between Sept. Christ’s death migrated 23-Oct 1, 2024 with 4,640 throughout the Middle

East, Europe and even as far as India (St. Thomas).

Welcoming and helping strangers is a biblical principle that reflects compassion, the true ethos of what it means to be a Good Samaritan.

In Leviticus 19:34, it says, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.

Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” In Hebrews 13:2, it says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Jesus identified with migrants in need. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus said “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in.”

The Roman Catholic Church historically and at this moment is supportive of the humane, compassionate and welcoming treatment of migrants.

It’s encouraging that Americans on both sides of the political spectrum are starting to rethink mass deportation as they realize the horrific consequence of it in breaking apart families. We’re better than this, Americans. Let’s stand together and reject mass deportation.

ment, it will require a twothirds vote in both the House and Senate and ratified by three-quarters of the states. Trump’s best-case scenario, then, becomes a SCOTUS divergence from centuries of established precedent.

A Pew Research Center estimates that 1.3 million U.S.-born adults are children of immigrants without legal status. Data showed the number of babies born in the U.S. to immigrants who entered the country illegally has dropped significantly to

about 250,000 in 2016.

While these numbers are low, the potential damage to social cohesion among U.S. American citizens could be weakened. How? It’s likely that Americans who have racial prejudice and bigotry will begin to call into question fellow Americans validity of their U.S. citizenship simply by the “eye test,” how people look. “Do they look like a foreigner?” Followed up by other doubts, “I wonder if his parents were legal at the time of his birth?” and so

on, to a point of widespread animus, hostility and division. This is the last thing a divided country needs – grounds for further division – and Americans casting doubt onto each other over whether they are “real” U.S. citizens or not.

Trump knows very well the uphill legal battle and almost near impossibility to end birthright citizenship.

His move to end this specific part of his immigration agenda is just playing into his xenophobic base and it must be rejected.

(Reject ....from page 2)

dermine the 14th Amendment to the United States that outlined the rights and privileges of Americans citizenship (ratified in 1868) – that includes birthright citizenship -- by a mere executive order is wishful thinking, and Trump knows the legal challenges his EO will face.

In 1904, the SCOTUS already ruled in the Wong Kim Ark case clarifying that anyone born in the United States was a citizen under the Court’s interpretation of the Fourteenth

Amendment, regardless of the parent’s immigration status. That case has been established precedent for more than 125 years.

The American Immigration Council wrote, “Revoking this right [birthright citizenship] would require amending the U.S. Constitution, or for the U.S. Supreme Court to diverge from centuries of established precedent and legal principles that date back to before the founding of this country.”

If Congress passes a new constitutional amend-

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 22, 2025

COVER STORY

Filipinos in U.S. Keep Close Watch on Trump’s Immigration Policies that Could Jolt Nearly 10% of Community’s Population

By Edwin Quinabo

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tatistics suggest that the Filipino community in the U.S. could be sorely jolted by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies that mostly target undocumented migrants.

The Department of Homeland Security records show there are 350,000 unauthorized Filipino migrants residing in the U.S. as of 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau in the same year registers 4.1 million Filipino Americans in the U.S. Combine the two figures: 8.5% of Filipinos in the U.S. are at-risk of potential deportation.

While the number of undocumented Filipinos deported since Trump began his mass deportation is not available, data from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows more than 200,000 people believed to be undocumented have been arrested shortly after his inauguration in the span of a month. Thousands already have been deported. ICE has been instructed to arrest at least 1,200-1,500 per day.

Kami Yamamoto, MPH, Education Officer, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), told the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, “Filipinos become undocumented for a variety of reasons - they’re victims of labor trafficking, they have overstayed their tourist visa, they’re unfamiliar with the system, sometimes they even forget to renew their visa. In some instances, they also become subject to exploitation because of these same reasons.

“Nonetheless, we maintain migrants - undocumented or not - have only gone abroad and endured years if not decades of separation from their loved ones to provide a better life for themselves and their family. The question we ask: would you not do the same for your family and provide them with support by any means possible? From our door-to -doors and community talakayan (discussion), we have heard fear and anxiety from community members about the Trump administration’s in-

timidation, harassment, and surveillance administered by ICE,” Yamamoto said.

Arrests in Hawaii, not just criminals

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 21,000 illegal immigrants in Hawaii. Nearly two-thirds of them are listed as being from the Philippines or Japan.

Federal agents have arrested numerous individuals in Hawaii, and recent protests have been held near the state capital. One of the attendees was Thor Donola whose uncle was recently arrested by ICE. He told HNN, his uncle has no criminal background. “They are ripping families apart. They are ripping people away who ultimately just come here for a better life.”

Sol Castro, Makakilo, a second-generation Filipino American told the Filipino Chronicle, “The Trump administration emphasized deporting people with criminal records who pose a danger to the community. Most people don’t have a problem with that.

But what’s happening is undocumented people who are good contributors to our communities, people who we want to stay, are also being deported. I don’t think sensible, fair Americans want to see that.”

Trump expanded arrest priorities to anyone in the country illegally, not just people with criminal convictions.

The White House clarified its definition of criminal history. “If you are an individual who illegally enters the United States of America, you are by definition, a criminal,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Widespread arrests emoting palpable fear

rests being made at gas stations, on highways, restaurants, stores, at Home Depot (where migrants often wait to be picked up for short-term, day labor work), places of employment and homes.

The areas where ICE can seek illegals will expand. The Department of Homeland Security announced it would roll back an Obama-era directive, suddenly allowing the immigration agency to detain people in sensitive areas such as hospitals, places of worship, court rooms, funerals, and weddings.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

Unlike the Biden administration, Trump has ordered other government enforcement agencies to work with ICE on deportations, that include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives-all part of the Justice Department-and the Homeland Security Department’s Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol.

A closer look at polls on Trump’s imExtreme fear that any undocu- migration policies

Trump has signed about 30 execmented -- and not just those with criminal records -- have migrants hiding utive orders to date with about 10 reout, staying at home and some who lating to immigration. Some actions on need income electing to not show up immigration were immediate like mass (continue on page 5) to their workplace. Reports have ar-

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

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

deportations and the end of catchand-release, while others face legal challenges and could take years or fail to be implemented like ending birthright citizenship and denaturalization of U.S. citizens specific to those born in the U.S. to illegal parents.

In these first months of Trump’s immigration actions, polls show wide support for Trump’s immigration policies but also unfavorable disagreement in a few areas.

“There’s essentially broad agreement with Trump’s position on these topics, but as soon as you start pushing into specifics, a lot of that dissipates,” said Chris Jackson, Ipsos pollster and senior vice president.

He explains, “the concept of mass deportations may work better for Trump in the abstract than in the reality. Immigration, in reality, is complicated, messy and difficult. The real question is going to be... does that level of support maintain or fragment as they confront the reality of what it means.”

An Axios/Ipsos Poll conductOn Mass Deportation

Raymund Llanes Liongson, PhD, Ewa Beach, a self-identified “secular, progressive, humanist” is against mass deportation. “Mass deportation does not make sense; it invites chaos and abuse and creates terror and violence. There should be a pathway to citizenship for those already in the country.

Undocumented immigrants are a vital part of America’s workforce. Research shows that substantial shares of critical occupations nationwide are filled by undocumented individuals, including crucial jobs in farming (34%), construction (13%), building grounds and maintenance (13%), food preparation and services (7%), and manufacturing and production (7%),” he said.

Divina Telan Robillard, Kailua, Democrat, said “any government action that does not consider individual circumstances, as in mass deportation, is unfair, unproductive, disruptive, and inhumane. It is unconscionable. There must be a decent, fair process to allow in-country undocumented

ed Jan. 10-12, 2025, shows 9 in 10 Republicans and close to half of Democrats say they support mass deportation of illegals. But at the same time, just one in three (33%) endorse separating families or sending people to countries other than their country of origin in the interest of speed. And just 33% support deporting those who came to the U.S. as children.

In another poll conducted later, Jan. 27-Feb 5, 2025, the Marquette University Law School poll shows support for Trump’s deportation already dropped to 60% in favor and 40% opposed to Trump’s deportations of illegals. 57%, oppose deporting immigrants who have been in the United States illegally for a number of years, have jobs, and no criminal record, while 43% favor deportation in this circumstance.

In yet another later poll, Feb 5 to 7, 2025, CBS News/YouGov found most (52%) oppose “the U.S. government establishing large detention centers, where people would be sent and held, while the government determined whether

people to achieve citizenship.”

Nieva Elizaga, community leader, said “the deportation of undocumented people will not be good for the economy. Who will pick vegetables and fruits? Who will work in the factories? Essentials for daily living will be unaffordable, not just eggs.

I think they should be given some kind of visa but not outright citizenship. It wouldn’t be fair to those who have been waiting patiently for years and years to get their green card legally. The children brought here as minors should be given green cards.

They are here through no fault of their own. The children born here are citizens, according to the constitution.

We should not let Trump get away with proclamations that are illegal.”

Mark, identity withheld by request, Independent, formerly of Salt Lake but resides in a border city on the mainland has mixed feelings on mass deportations. “Trump is doing what people voted for, so Americans want action.

This is justified. A big part of what he ran on is deporting

illegals. But there are many undocumented who deserve to stay in this country – those who haven’t broken laws besides illegal entry, those who lived here for many years and contribute positively to our communities, those who were brought in as minors, and parents with underage children.”

Humanizing the illegal vs legal debate

Yamamoto said, “with all of Trump’s executive orders and policies, it is NAFCON and the Tanggol Migrante Campaign Network’s belief these are just attempts to obfuscate the root causes of migration, which is the economic crisis that is happening in countries around the world like the Philippines. Over 7,000 Filipinos leave the country every day because of the lack of sustainable job opportunities and a livable wage in the Philippines. We wish to humanize the situation that many migrants find themselves in right now and humanize those who have become the subject of this debate of ‘le-

“There’s essentially broad agreement with Trump’s position on these topics [on immigration], but as soon as you start pushing into specifics, a lot of that dissipates. The concept of mass deportations may work better for Trump in the abstract than in the reality. Immigration, in reality, is complicated, messy and difficult. The real question is going to be... does that level of support maintain or fragment as they confront the reality of what it means.”

– Chris Jackson

Ipsos Pollster and Senior Vice President

or not they should be deported. In a Democracy Institute poll, 67% support reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy.

Most polls show broad support for strengthening the border. There is a legislative proposal to increase the number of Border Patrol agents from about 20,000 to 22,000, and to provide more funding for surveillance, is favored by bipartisan majorities in the swing states (7177%), including 77-82% of Republicans and 65-79% of Democrats. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 70% are in favor (Republicans 74%, Democrats 71%). gal vs illegal’, ‘good vs bad migrant.’”

She adds, “One of the main demands of the Tanggol Migrante Campaign is to call on the Philippine government to defend and protect their nationals by providing concrete support for migrants including the conduct of wellness checks for Filipino nationals in ICE detention and the provision of Assistance to Nationals (ATN) funds for Filipinos experiencing financial problems in the U.S. including but not limited to exorbitant immigration application fees.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants to meet with Trump to discuss among matters, the fate of thousands of Filipinos at risk of deportation.

“I will meet with President Trump because there’s much that we need to discuss between the U.S. and the Philippines in terms of trade, in terms of defense and security, and now, the new policy on immigration,” Marcos told reporters.

Catch-and-Release Ends

Catch-and-release is a

policy that immediately after processing, releases into the U.S. any asylum seekers who came through the border. Mark blames catchand-release for spiking illegal immigration. “Under Biden, the asylum option was overused and abused.

They just had to come in at the border, claim asylum, be processed and were released with an immigration court date which most would not appear. It was so easy because of this catch-and-release policy. The word was out that all they need to do is follow these simple steps to live in the U.S.” Trump put an end to catch-and-release his first week in office. Migrants who cross the U.S. border will no longer be set free in the U.S. while they await their immigration hearings.

Mark adds that the massive number of asylum seekers at the border was in the thousands each day in some weeks during the Biden administration. U.S. cities along the border had their resources strained and the federal government was not quick to re(continue on page 8)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 22, 2025

LEGAL NOTES

Know Your Rights During an ICE Encounter

By Atty. Lourdes Santos Tancinco

I

n 1954, Operation Wetback led to the mass deportation of Mexican laborers from the United States.

Approximately one million immigrants were deported during this operation.

Fast forward to 2025, the threat of mass deportation looms again, echoing the campaign pledge of President Trump.

Now, as President-elect, this pledge is beginning to materialize, posing a real threat to all undocumented immigrants. An estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants are at risk of arrest.

Mass deportation raises serious concerns about human rights, community stability, and the legal protections afforded to individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

However, the likelihood of being targeted in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid depends on the government’s priorities. Understanding the priorities determining enforcement and the vulnerability of those targeted is crucial for immigrants without proper legal documentation.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected?

The government’s priority targets for arrest and immediate deportation include several categories of individuals.

Criminal Convictions: Individuals with final criminal convictions for aggravated felonies or those deemed threats to national security and public safety are prioritized for deportation. This category often includes individuals with complex legal and humanitarian situations.

Outstanding Orders of Removal: Those with final orders of removal and no pending appeals are a primary focus. However, this does not apply to cases that are still open, administratively closed, or terminated, providing a small window of reprieve for some.

Recent Entrants: Those who entered the United States within the last two years and are within 100 miles of the U.S. border are at heightened risk. These individuals often lack deep ties to the community and may face expedited removal.

Unauthorized Presence: Many immigrants present without proper documentation fall into this broad category. These individuals may have overstayed visas, been victims of misinformation, or faced unique personal circumstances. Specific examples include but are not limited to: • Individuals unable to file timely extensions or status changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Victims of abusive relationships unable to self-petition for relief.

• Those misled by unscrupulous agents about their immigration status.

• Immigrants brought to the U.S. as children who are ineligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be affected if there are policy changes.

• Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) if there will be policy changes.

• Individuals overstaying visas to care for ill relatives or dependents or for other personal reasons.

Basic Rights of Unauthorized Immigrants

The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution guarantee due process and equal protection to ALL people in the United States including undocumented immigrants.

Despite their immigration status, individuals in the United States are entitled to certain constitutional protections.

What to Do If ICE Knocks on Your Door

Right to Remain Si-

lent: You can assert your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Refuse to answer questions about your birthplace, immigration status, or how you entered the U.S. Politely state that you will not speak until you have consulted with a lawyer.

Right to Demand a Warrant: ICE agents cannot enter your home without a warrant. If they claim to have one, ask them to slide it under the door or show it through a window. Verify that it is signed by a judge and contains your correct name, address, and date of birth. Without a valid warrant, you are not obligated to allow entry.

Right to Refuse Document Requests: Do not provide any documents or consent to searches without consulting a lawyer. Assert your right to legal counsel before sharing any information or documentation.

What to Do If Taken Into Custody

Remain Calm and Polite: Though detention is a stressful experience, maintaining composure can help protect your rights. Avoid confrontations and remain respectful.

Right to Refuse Signing Documents: Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer. You may inadvertently waive your rights to legal representation or a hearing, leading to immediate removal.

Right to Legal Counsel and a Phone Call: Have your attorney’s contact information readily available.

While ICE does not provide legal representation, you are entitled to contact a lawyer.

Use your phone call wisely to coordinate legal assistance

or inform a trusted individual of your situation.

Due Process Right to a Hearing: Under the Fifth Amendment, all individuals—regardless of immigration status—are entitled to due process. Detainees typically have the right to a hearing, except for those apprehended near the border or lacking two years of physical presence in the U.S. Requesting a bond hearing may allow temporary release pending the resolution of your case.

Right to Appeal: A removal order is not final. You can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, if necessary, to Federal courts for certain legal issues. While stays of removal during federal appeals are not automatic, they can be requested.

Right to Consular Access: Detainees have the right to contact their home country’s consulate. For example, Filipino citizens can reach out to the nearest Philippine Consulate for assistance with family communication and legal support.

Proactive Steps to Protect Yourself

Preparation can mitigate the risks associated with potential ICE raids or detention. Consider taking these steps.

Organize Important Documents: Gather identification, proof of residence, and other critical documents.

Store them securely in an accessible location.

Consult Legal Counsel: Discuss your case with a trusted immigration attorney to explore possible options for relief while there is time to do so.

Connect with Advoca-

cy Groups: Identify and familiarize yourself with local organizations that provide resources and support for immigrant communities.

Draft and Share a Preparedness Plan: Create a plan for your family, including financial and emotional support, in case of detention. Share this plan with a trusted individual or your lawyer. Ensure trusted individuals are aware of your plans and can act on your behalf if necessary.

Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from places or events where ICE raids are likely.

Verify Information Sources: Rely on reputable sources for immigration-related updates. Avoid suspicious links or misinformation on social media.

Be Mindful on Social Media: Avoid posts that could attract attention or be misconstrued.

Conclusion

Mass deportation poses a grave threat to the immigrant community, but knowledge and preparation can provide a vital defense.

By asserting their rights and seeking legal support, undocumented individuals can navigate this challenging environment.

As a nation built by immigrants, it is imperative to advocate for humane and just immigration policies that reflect 21st-century realities.

Only through education, community support, and legislative comprehensive immigration reform can we protect the rights and dignity of all individuals in the United States.

ATTY. LOURDES TANCINCO is an immigration attorney and immigrant rights advocate based in the San Francisco Bay area and a partner at the Tancinco Law P.C., a law firm established in 1992.

She is also a producer/host of Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika, an immigration law informational show aired on GMA Pinoy TV. She may be reached at law@ tancinco.com, www.tancinco. com, facebook/tancincolaw, or at 1-888-930-0808.

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

I

n a prior article, we listed President Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration which he signed on his first day in office – January 20, 2025. We said that the Orders should be read in the context of his campaign slogan to Make America Great Again.

We shall discuss in this article President Trump’s first Executive Order on Immigration:

Protecting The American People Against Invasion This Executive Order is the basis for mass deportation and other federal government actions against illegal aliens.

The Executive Order criticizes the prior administration which “invited, administered, and oversaw an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the United States.

Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws.”

The Executive Order declares that “it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens.”

Pursuant to this policy, the Order: 1. Revokes all Executive Orders on immigration of the previous administration, particularly E.O. 13993 of January 20, 2021; E.O. 14010 of February 2, 2021; E.O. 14011 of February 2, 2021; and E.O. 14012 of February 2, 2021.

2. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate action

Mass Deportation is Enforcing the Law But Relief is Available for Some to protect the public safety and national security interests of the American people, including the enforcement of final orders of removal, and ensure that the primary mission of the Department is the enforcement of laws related to illegal entry and unlawful presence of aliens in the U.S. 3. Directs the Attorney General in coordination with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate action to prioritize the prosecution of criminal offenses on unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence in the U.S. 4. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish task forces in all States to include representation from other Federal agencies and state and local law enforcement agencies to fulfill the policy objectives of this order.

5. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to take action to identify unregistered illegal aliens and that failure of such aliens to register shall be treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.

6. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure the assessment and collection of all fines and penalties from aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. 7. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate action, in her sole and unreviewable discretion, to ensure the expedited removal of recent entrants and other illegal aliens from the U.S.

8. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to construct, operate, control, or use facilities to detain removable aliens, and to ensure the detention of aliens apprehended for violations of immigration laws pending the outcome of their removal proceedings or their removal from the country.

9. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to authorize State and local officials to perform the functions of immigration officials in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the U.S. 10. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to adopt policies and procedures to encourage aliens unlawfully in the U.S. to voluntarily depart as soon as possible.

11. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to take appropriate action to ensure that foreign states accept their nationals and eliminate documentary barriers, dilatory tactics, or other restrictions.

12. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate action to establish a system to facilitate the administration of all bonds

required to administer the provisions of INA. 13. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to reestablish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) to provide support to victims of crime committed by removable aliens. The free hotline is 1-855-488-6423 or 1-855-48-VOICE. This office was established by President Trump in 2017.

It was abolished by President Biden in 2021.

14. Directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to rescind the policy decisions of the previous administration that led to the increased or continued presence of illegal aliens in the United States, including the parole authority and temporary protected status, and ensuring that employment authorization is not provided to any unauthorized alien.

15. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, which seek to interfere with federal law enforcement operations, do not receive access to federal funds, and to un-

dertake civil or criminal action against such jurisdiction’s practices that interfere with the enforcement of federal law.

16. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review and audit all contracts providing federal funding to non-governmental organizations supporting or providing services to removable or illegal aliens, to ensure that such agreements conform to applicable law, and that they do not promote or facilitate violations of immigration laws, and to initiate clawback or recoupment procedures.

17. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to take action to ensure that all agencies identify and stop the provision of any public benefits to any illegal alien.

18. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to increase the number of agents and officers.

What Relief Is Available There are various forms of relief available to illegal aliens.

Each case has to be analyzed and evaluated by a (continue on page 8)

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 22, 2025

LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVES

Hawaii’s Commission on Salaries Considers Controversial Pay Raises for Elected Officials

By Rep. Elijah Pierick

R

ecently, the Hawaii Commission on Salaries met to deliberate a highly controversial proposal to raise state lawmakers’ pay by as much as 28% in one year, with some legislators seeing a total increase of 64% over several years.

While some argue that elected officials deserve competitive salaries, I question whether such increases are justified when pressing issues remain unresolved.

Many residents in Hawaii, particularly those in the service industry and among the Filipino community, are struggling to make ends meet.

This raises an important question: Should we really increase the pay of public servants when so many recurring issues are

left unaddressed, and when those increases may ultimately raise our taxes?

The proposal has sparked outrage among Hawaii’s working-class residents, many of whom feel their representatives have not delivered the results needed to justify such significant pay raises.

For these residents, the argument for raising legislators’ salaries seems disconnected from their everyday struggles.

Why should public officials like myself—many of whom already benefit from generous pensions and other benefits—see such a dramatic pay increase when critical issues affecting their constituents remain unresolved?

The public has a right to expect that their elected officials focus on addressing these issues before rewarding themselves with such substantial raises.

After all, we are public servants, meant to work for the people—not for our own financial gain.

Under the proposed pay increase, state lawmakers would see their salaries jump by a staggering 64% over time, pushing their annual pay into the six-figure range.

The question becomes: What are the tangible results from lawmakers that justify such a large raise?

As a representative of District 39, which includes Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Ho‘opili, Waikele, and Royal Kunia, I have made my stance clear on this issue.

I cannot, in good conscience, support raising the salaries of elected officials without clear, measurable outcomes that benefit the people of Hawaii.

My concerns reflect the frustrations of many residents who feel that

their lawmakers have not done enough to address the needs of their communities, and who are wary of paying higher taxes to fund these increases.

I am committed to serving my community and advocating for the changes that will improve the lives of hard-working Hawaiians, but I believe it’s important that we, as lawmakers, demonstrate tangible results before asking for such significant raises.

For these workers, any tax increase to fund the pay raises of lawmakers would further strain their already limited resources.

As the Commission on Salaries and my colleagues continue to review this proposal, it’s clear that the issue of lawmakers’ pay is not just about numbers—it’s about fairness, accountability, and trust.

Until we see tangible

results—until we address the challenges of housing affordability, wasteful spending, and the rising cost of living—I believe many will continue to question whether such dramatic salary increases are justified.

My opposition to this proposal serves as a reminder that we, as elected officials, must prioritize the well-being of our constituents—especially those who are struggling the most—before considering financial rewards for ourselves.

If we are truly committed to representing the people of Hawaii, we must show that we are dedicated to solving the real challenges facing our state— one meaningful step at a time.

Until then, any proposed pay raises will rightly be met with skepticism.

million in FY 2023, and 3.1 million in FY 2024, 3.1. At the same time, Lliongson said, “The Biden administration navigated and welcomed a promising bipartisan congressional bill, but GOP lawmakers eventually walked away from it at the urging of Donald Trump, as he was centering his reelection campaign on immigration.”

On “catch and release, Liongson said that policy is a debatable program. “On the one hand, it is considered a humane act that does not result in overcrowding

detention facilities. On the other hand, some believe that catch-and-release policies can incentivize more people to attempt illegal entry. There is weight on both sides of the argument. But I keep asking, what happened to the old American ideal expressed in the sonnet of Emma Lazarus, inscribed on a bronze plaque and attached to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ The huddled masses cannot apply to just the white migrants from Eu-

rope in the 1880s. It applies to the huddled masses of today.”

Robillard said on catch and release and asylum seekers, “People cross our border for many reasons.

It is important to me that a person be given the chance to state what that reason is and if found it is within our stated acceptable reasons, that person should be allowed to stay. I believe those who cross the border need to know that they will be detained in humane circumstances (for exam-

He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines.

He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publisher and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the annotations and case notes to the Immigration and Nation-

ality Act published by The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and Bancroft Whitney Co. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, politics,

and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty.

Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@ yahoo.com. Website: https:// www.tiponimmigrationguide. com.

(COVER STORY: Filipinos in U.S. ....from page 5)

imburse municipalities and, in some cases, did not. And whatever federal aid is given to municipalities, it became disproportionately allotted to migration. The rest of the country does not understand the burden that border cities face. “For example, municipal-run hospitals and clinics are frequently visited by illegal immigrants. This drives up costs for these health centers that were established for citizens of the municipality, but it is the taxpayer who will end up paying for the added medical visits by illegals with

rising property taxes. U.S. border cities have among the highest property taxes in the nation. This is unfair,” Mark said.

Liongson acknowledges that the Biden administration “failed to manage the southern border effectively.” He cites the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization based in Washington, D.C., that showed encounters with migrants at the southwestern border rose from 458,000 in 2020 to 1.7 million in FY 2021, 2.4 million in FY 2022, 2.5

(continue on page 14)

(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Mass Deportation ....from page 3)

competent and experienced lawyer. Hire one and let the lawyer do the worrying for you.

This is not something that can be done by travel agents or nonlawyers.

They might just mislead you and get you deported – as some travel agents have done - when you could have been saved.

We shall be discussing

the other immigration-related executive orders in subsequent articles.  AT T Y. E M M A N U E L SAMONTE TIPON was a Fulbright and Smith-Mundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He placed third in the 1955 bar examinations.

The information provided in this article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Publication of this information is not intended to be created, and receipt by you or reading by you does not establish or constitute an attorney-client relationship.

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Even With Super Bowl Loss, Nikko Remigio Is An Inspiration But I confess. I did steal a glance at Remigio

By Emil Guillermo whenever he might touch y dad, whose the ball.

He didn’t change the birthday would game, but he touched it have been S u p e r B o w l three times and providweekend, was a betting ed more yards than all of KC’s running backs. man.

That’s all I needed to He came to the US in see.

1928 as a colonized FiliHe’s our Filipino guy. pino, an “American National,” where he couldn’t be a citizen, vote, own Nikko Remigio and Idenproperty, or even marry tity Politics Detractors may call the person he wanted. it “identity politics,” and Not if they were if you haven’t noticed all white.

Still, he had hope the attacks on DEI (diand believed in America. versity, equity, and incluPlus, he always liked the sion) it’s a real thing.

DEI just makes it long odds. He didn’t give sound so expendable. up.

But not when you Sort of like Nikko Recall it by what they’re migio.

That’s why, without really rolling back. At a doubt, I’m sure my dad stake is our Civil Rights would have bet on the in America.

People don’t seem Kansas City Chief’s Filipino guy, Nikko Remi- to understand the fight gio. Not necessarily the for visibility. To be recognized. To be seen. It’s whole KC team.

Or even the Taylor all wrapped up in the big Swift part. In the 1920s, idea of Civil Rights.

Roll them back? You my dad would have been have enough of them? I beaten or killed for even didn’t think so. liking her music.

I recall the last FiliBut Dad would have pino American to make a loved Nikko. Just Nikko. splash in the Super Bowl He’s our guy.

I wasn’t boycotting was Doug Baldwin (Afrithe Super Bowl, I just can American father, Filipino mother). wasn’t watching it.

His five catches for 68 It’s about six hours of time I’ll never get back. yards helped Seattle beat And frankly, I didn’t need Denver in 2014’s SBXLto see Trump preening at VIII. Baldwin made a rethe game. turn appearance in 2015 If you haven’t noticed, all Americans are in Super Bowl XLIX, but engaged in an even big- Seattle lost to New Enger game that means so gland.

We’ve been there bemuch more than the Super Bowl. We don’t need fore.

But Nikko is difthe distraction now. Not when our democracy is ferent. In the world of half-Filipino pride, he’s falling apart.

You want to get pas- actually the son of a Filsionate about Eagles and ipino father.

Mark Remigio was Chiefs?

Get passionate about born in Seattle to parour Founding Fathers ents whose roots go back who are currently rolling to Iloilo and Muntinlupa, according to reports. in their graves.

show his value primarily as a punt returner capable of energizing a team and changing the tempo of the game with a dazzling run back.

That’s why Nikko’s value was up on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Filipino guy is an instant X-factor.

M

Chief’s Nikko Remigio

He moved to Southern California, and with his wife Jennifer, half African American and white, started a family with the birth of Nikko in 1999.

Their marriage was the great hope of ending racism in the U.S. when all people would have a love interest in one another.

The Remigios aren’t perfect; the marriage ended in divorce.

But Nikko and his siblings were parented well. He became a high school star at the Los Angeles powerhouse, Mater Dei, then went to Cal. I didn’t notice him until 2023 when he was a transfer to Fresno State.

He was quick and dynamic, but Filipino-sized, around 5-9, about the same size as Baldwin.

Like his bulldog mascot, he never gave up.

A solid player, Remigio went undrafted in 2024. Then Kansas City took a flyer on him as a free agent.

When he was about to make the team, he was injured. When he recovered, the setback relegated him to the practice squad, where he made little money as he lived his football dream.

I kept rooting for his comeback. It wasn’t until late December that the Chiefs made him part of the real team, and Nikko started to earn the money football players deserve for putting their bodies on the line.

He also started to

Nikko Remigio and his Filipino animal companions What did he do with his big team money?

He used it to bring his family from the Philippines. Relatives stuck in the immigration system?

No, his Filipino rescued cats (3) and dogs (2).

Nikko is like me, an American-born Filipino.

Last year as he prepared for the NFL, he got connected to a track star in the Philippines, Maureen Schrijvers.

They started dating and eventually married, but the big issue was what to do with Maureen’s five animals.

I am married to a woman who is an executive at PETA (People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals). I know what living with five animals is like. We’ve had as many as eight at one time, not counting the children.

PETA-Asia has an active rescue program in the Philippines. I was heartened to hear how Nikko’s wife rescued all her animals.

Kai, a street dog, was found tied in a sack on the beach. One of their cats was found blind, sleeping in Carabao poop in a rice field.

“My wife, she is an angel,” Nikko told the Kansas City Star. “If it wasn’t for her moving here, I think we’d have like 10 pets at this point. She wants to rescue all of them.”

I understand totally.

At this point, the Remigios’ three cats (Coco, Lau, and Maya) and one dog, Kai are in the United States. They met all the restrictions and paperwork and got them all here.

But another dog, Hoku, stayed behind in the Philippines. That is until Nico got that raise.

The plan now is for Nikko’s dad to go back and retrieve Hoku for a big reunion back in Kansas City. They won’t be Super Bowl Champs, but it doesn’t matter. All the Filipinos, cats, and dogs will be together again— as a family.

So, the animal story makes me like Nikko.

The diversity/multicultural part of his life makes me like him too.

But it’s the dad part that gets me most. It’s the Filipino part.

I was nowhere near as good as Nikko when I played. But when you are blessed to play football, you play your hardest when they let you.

For me, that was when I was 12 and 13 playing Pop Warner football in San Francisco. I was MVP for my team as a running back.

But I was ashamed of my dad, the colonized immigrant. He wasn’t like the other dads. And I remember going to the team banquet to retrieve my trophy alone.

I didn’t realize it probably meant more to him than I thought. I didn’t know his history. I do now.

I wish I had shared the moment with him like Nikko and his dad are sharing Super Bowl LIX. It’s part of our American legacy.

Win or lose, it’s no small thing being a Filipino American in the Super Bowl.

EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator.

His talk show is on www.amok. com.

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 22, 2025

AS I SEE IT

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he Asian American Stories 2025 Video Contest is on with a theme “My Gift to America” with Olympic skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi agreeing to participate in the legendary Storyteller Award.

California State Representative Ash Kalra, on the other hand, in an interview with Diana Ding at the Ding Ding TV Studio in Santa Clara, emphasized the importance of the contest, not only for Asian Americans but to all Americans especially immigrants in the US who are the backbones of the country.

He also urged everyone to participate in the contest by telling their stories, so others could learn from them. As I See It, it is a learning opportunity for all!

This is also a chance for fellow Hawaiians to join by telling their stories and their gifts to America. I know there are many

Skating Legend Yamaguchi to Join Asian American Stories 2025 Video Contest Asian Americans on the Island of Hawaii who are very successful and have wonderful and rich experiences and contributions to America people need to know and learn from.

Celebrating Asian American Stories recognizes AAPI Story Tellers which kicks off the Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. The award ceremonies will be on May 1, 2025, to be held at the HL Peninsula Restaurant, 1365 Ranch Dr., Milpitas, CA 95035. This year’s theme “My Gift to America!” is a continuation of last year’s theme of “All of Us Belong Here.”

Co-chairs Diana Ding and Joel Wong stated: “Building on the tremendous success of last year’s contest (72 entries, a dynamic awards ceremony, and a significant impact on the Bay Area’s Asian American communities), we’re excited to embark on a new chapter. It celebrates the unique contributions

Kristi Yamaguchi

Asian Americans make to the fabric of our nation.”

Judging rules and contest details include the following: 1) There will be two divisions – the Youth division (ages 12-18) and the adult division (ages 19 and above); 2) Entries need to submit a one-minute video & a 150-word essay by March 15, 2025.

The video must be in MP4 or MOV format, under one minute and the essay written in English.

The theme “My Gift to America” should showcase uplifting and inspirational stories of Asian Americans and their contributions to society. Entries should be submitted in digital files (not YouTube links) and

should be sent to Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM).

The submission period is from January 15 to March 15, 2025. There is still enough time for interested parties to send their entries. The judges are waiting for your prized entries.

According to Joel Wong, the chairman of the board of judges, the Contest Rules are: “Open to journalists, influencers, content creators, organizations, and everyone deciding to share Asian American stories in the US. Content must be original and relevant to the theme.

Use of external materials requires proper permissions.”

By entering, participants are granted SVCM permission to distribute videos across various media platforms.

Judging will focus on inspiration, storyline, creativity, and technical skills and the judging committee’s decision is final.

Last year’s awarding ceremonies was emceed

by NBC Bay Area News Reporter/Host Robert Handa. The major winners of

last year were: Tim (Jian) Zheng, 1st Place, Adult category; Sylvie Nguyen 1st place, youth category; Min Zhou, 2nd place, adult category; Samantha Quynh Huong Tran, 2nd place, Youth category; Jiayi Li, 3rd place, Adult category; and Abby Wu, 3rd place, youth category.

In sharing the contestant’s 1-minute video, board of judges chair Joel Wong said: “The contestant will share his/her story with millions of people; engage with acclaimed filmmakers and influential leaders; get a ticket (worth $150) to the award ceremony; win $5,000 (total $20,000) in grants for the contestant’s future production; win a sponsored trip to Washington DC by UCA; and 1st 20 submissions will receive AAS T-shirt.”

Fellow Asian Americans from Hawaii, join now! The American people are awaiting to listen to your stories! ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com

MEDICARE Q & A

Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP Benefits Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, You Need to Know WA 98101

By NAPCA Staff

I

n recent years, rising inflation has made it harder for many seniors to pay their expenses. This month, we’ll look at programs that can help with the cost of groceries and health care. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for assistance from federal and/or state programs.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call: 1-800-336-2722 Email: askNAPCA@ napca.org Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd

Q: Did you know that only about half of eligible elders benefit from cash assistance for grocery shopping?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest Federal nutrition assistance program. This program gives you a special debit card to help you buy food if you have a limited in(continue on page 11)

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

FEATURE

A History Of Resistance & Resilience… as It Defined Filipinos of Hawai’i

By Rose Cruz Churma

“A

History Of Resistance & Resilience… as It Defined Filipinos Of Hawai’i” is an exhibit by the Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW) that opened at the Hawai’i State Library’s main lobby last February 1, 2025.

Initially conceived to serve as a backdrop to the program “We Tell Our Story,” the exhibit will be on display at downtown’s main library until February 22 after the final public forum that features community & student artists.

At the exhibit’s opening last February 1, a hybrid public forum was held followed by a panel discussion that fostered conversations on the issues raised through the writing process. Selected participants from the major islands were invited to read their narratives.

The forum in Oahu was followed by presentations at the Lyman Museum in Hilo on February 3 & 4.

The exhibit, aside from the chronological timeline, consists of photographs, ephemera, artifacts and artwork interspersed among the panels that describe the major phases of Hawai’i’s history.

Filipinos arrived in Hawai‘i in large numbers due to the state’s need for labor

and the promise of bettering their economic status, with the first group arriving in 1906—the benchmark usually used in noting the Filipinos’ arrival to the islands.

However, this exhibit’s historical timeline starts with Hawai’i’s pre-colonial oceanic connections which is evident in the similarities in the linguistic, traditional symbols and cosmologies of different cultural groups in the Philippines and the Pacific Islands.

The segment on “Pre-Colonial Oceanic Connections” uses images that show the ocean routes of the pre-colonial seafarers, as well as the similarities in language, folklore, tattoo symbols, and other cultural practices of certain Philippine groups with Pacific Islanders, including those who settled in Hawai’i.

Two images were used to highlight “Hawaiian Monarchy and the First Philippine Republic.” One is the photograph of Jose Sabas Libornio, the Royal Hawaiian bandmaster from Manila who arrived in Ha-

(MEDICARE Q & A: Medicare ....from page 10)

come and a few assets.

A household must meet both the gross and net income limits. For instance, a two-person household’s gross monthly income must not exceed about $2,215, and net income must not exceed $1,704.

Additionally, their assets must be $2,750 or less.

However, if there’s a member in the household aged 60 or older, they don’t need to meet the gross income test, and the asset

limit increases to $4,250.

These limits are updated each year.

While SNAP is a federal program, you must apply in the state where you currently live and meet the state’s requirements, as each state manages its own application process, eligibility criteria, and benefit distribution.

Some states, such as California, New York, and Washington, have income limits higher than the federal ones, so it is worth apply-

wai‘i in 1893 and helped compose the song Kaulana Na Pua. The second image is the photographs of the first Philippine president Emilio Aguinaldo and Robert Wilcox of Kauai in their military uniforms.

Several images were used to describe the “Hawaiʻi and the Philippines: Territories of the U.S.” including a photograph of Pablo Manlapit who led the 1924 islandwide strike which ended in the Hanapepe Massacre in Kauai.

Two photographic images—a group photo of Filipina lolas who were used as comfort women during WWII juxtaposed with a photograph of soldiers celebrating V-Day in Samar province in 1945 are the images used to highlight the segment on “World Wars I (1919-1926) and II (1939-1945).”

In 1944, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) under Jack Hall’s leadership became a strong political force by organizing workers inter-ethnically, including Fil-

ipinos. The labor movement grew to more than 30,000 in 1947. Images of the posters used by the ILWU to recruit members was used as the image to define this era titled “The Cold War & the Red Scare.”

The segment on “The Democratic Revolution: Labor Punctures through the Plantation Power Structure” showed how the labor movement began to challenge the Big 5, and Filipinos began to have more visibility with the establishment of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii in 1954 and the formation of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii in 1959—the same year that Hawai’i became the 50th state.

Aptly called “The Second Hawaiian Renaissance vs Tourism and Military Economy” this segment also showed the impact of Martial Law in the Philippines and how this caused factionalism in the Filipino community.

The gains and setbacks experienced by the community from the late 70s to

ing to see if you qualify.

Currently, only less than half of eligible older adults are participating, meaning over half may be missing out on this valuable support.

Please consider applying to see if you are eligible.

ple with disabilities.

If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. For those who don’t get SSI but want Medicaid as a senior, you need to meet limited income and asset requirements, which vary by state and change year to year.

For example, in California, a married couple can qualify with a monthly income of $2,432, and CA does not count assets in determining Medicaid

Q: Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Yes, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Federal law requires states to provide Medicaid to certain groups, which includes many older adults and peo-

the end of the 20th century are noted in the segment, “The Filipino Diaspora in the Political Arena” including the creation of Pamantasan to ensure that Filipinos are represented in Hawaii’s higher education system and the election of the first governor of Filipino ancestry in Hawai’i and the nation.

Aptly titled “Hawai`i Filipinos in the 21st Century” this segment highlights the gains earned by Filipino women in various sectors as well as the creation of “The Filipino Curriculum Project” to train Hawai’i’s K-12 teachers to create Filipino-centered courses in their schools. Just recently, teachers from the Philippines (under the J-1 visa program) have been recruited to teach in public schools to address the shortage statewide.

The exhibit was created

by Ellen Rae Cachola and Marie Antonette Ramos.

The artworks were contributions from local artists such as Zack Angeles, Grace Caligtan, and students from Farrington and Lanai High School. Other contributions include photographs and memorabilia from sakada descendants.

The exhibit was made possible by a grant from the Hawai’i Council for the Humanities and can be viewed at the Hawai’i State Library during its regular hours until February 22, Saturday. eligibility.

On the other side, in Washington, the monthly income and asset limits are the same as SSI’s --- $1,450 in monthly income and less than $3,000 assets for a couple --- so only SSI recipients qualify for full Medicaid as seniors.

If you are approved for FULL Medicaid as a senior, your state Medicaid will pay your Medicare Part B premium for Medicare Part B (and if applicable, Parts B (continue on page 12)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 22, 2025

OPEN FORUM

Plumbing Victory on Maui More Meaningful Than it Might Seem

By Joe Kent

A

new Maui law that directs the county’s Department of Water Supply to modernize its plumbing rules might seem like just a drop in the policy-making bucket, but it could wind up making a big splash for local homebuilding.

That’s because updating those regulations for the first time since 1995 will in many cases make building new homes and renovating existing ones — and even recovery from the August 2023 wildfires — easier and less costly.

I first learned of Maui County’s outdated plumbing rules in March of last year when I interviewed Maui entrepreneur Syd Smith, who owns Maliko Estate Coffee in Upcountry and is a member of the Maui County Council’s Agriculture Working Group.

Smith cautioned that the county’s plumbing regulations conflicted with new state and county measures aimed at boosting homebuilding through the addition of accessory dwelling units. The issue specifically concerned the county’s water-fixture rules.

See, it’s common, as Maui County does, for jurisdictions to assign a number, called a water-fixture unit, to water-using appliances such as sinks, toilets and washing machines based on how much water they are expected to use, and to regulate that usage through water meters.

But Maui County’s water-fixture unit calculations had become woefully outdated, and the associated fees are among the highest in the state.

For example, the Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Association of Plumbing and

Mechanical Officials assigns 1.5 fixture units to a dishwasher, whereas Maui County’s current score is 2. Meanwhile, the UPC gives dishwashers a lower score than toilets, but Maui County does the opposite.

The county’s current water-fixture-unit limit for 5/8-inch water meters — the most common size for Maui households — is 31; however, water-using appliances have become much more efficient over the past 30 years. The county does allow property owners to exceed the 31-unit limit, but up to only 42, and at a cost of $389 each.

To make matters worse, installing an additional 5/8-inch water meter under current rates costs $12,060, and $33,356 for a 1-inch meter.

And that’s not all.

Regarding adding or upgrading water meters in Upcountry Maui in partic-

The following month, Councilmember Gabe Johnson of Maui’s Lanai district introduced Bill 146 (2024), titled “Amending the water code on the methodology for calculating domestic water demand,” which the full Council unanimously approved and Mayor Richard Bissen signed in January.

They say water takes the path of least resistance, and thankfully that seems to have been the case with this plumbing legislation.

It’s encouraging to see not only commonsense policies prevail, but how quickly lawmakers acted after being made aware of Maui County’s water-fixture woes — and be reminded that one small voice can make a big difference.

As mundane as water-fixture unit rules might seem, this is a homebuilding victory worth celebrating.

ular, Smith lamented to me that, “Everybody knows you’re probably going to die before you ever get to the top [of the wait list].”

Soon after my talk with Smith, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii researchers got to work digging deeper into her concerns and published a report in September titled “How fixes to Maui’s water-fixture policy could ease its housing crisis.”

The report called attention to how the county’s fixture-unit limits have increasingly become a burdensome and costly impediment for residents seeking to renovate or add dwellings to their properties — and shortly after it was released, Maui County Department of Water Supply Director John Stufflebean told Maui Now that the department was aware of the issue and would be proposing recommendations to the Council in a couple of months, calling it “a major effort.”

JOE KENT is executive vice president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

of MSPs based on an individual’s income level, and each type provides a different level of coverage.

Under federal guidelines, a single individual may qualify if their monthly income is up to $1,780 and assets are below $9,430, while couples may qualify if their monthly income is up to $2,399 and assets are under $14,130.

However, some states, such as New York, have more flexible MSP eligibility criteria. In the state of New York, single individuals with income up to $2,445 or couples with income up to $3,298 per month can qualify, and NY does not apply as asset test.

Please note. While MSPs provide substantial financial assistance, they

do not include additional coverage such as dental, vision, or hearing aids.

Please call us if you have any questions or need assistance.

Note: The primary residence (the house the person lives in) and one car that is used for transportation are typically not counted as assets for Senior Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and SNAP. National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages. 

(MEDICARE Q & A: Medicare ....from page 11)

and A). Medicaid can help with additional Medicare costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

You’ll also automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare-covered prescription drug costs.

Beyond this, Medicaid can offer more services than Medicare alone, including long-term care, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.

Q: I was determined I was not qualified for full Medicaid when I turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare. Is there any way to get help if I am not eligible for Medicaid for the elderly?

If you are not eligible for Medicaid and can’t afford the costs of Medicare, you may still qualify for partial Medicaid through Medicare Savings Program (MSP). MSPs are a subset of Medicaid benefits sponsored by state Medicaid.

They help people with limited income and few assets pay for Medicare costs such as premium or both premium and out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll also get Extra Help with MSP approval.

There are three types

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Love, Faith, And The Beauty of Waiting

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

I

n a world often clouded by hardship and despair, stories of love, hope, and redemption shine like beacons of hope—reminding us that even in darkness, light prevails.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining an online bridal shower for a dear friend and mentor, Ate Razzel Remiendo.

We spent a lot of time in Baguio during my high school years and even after college before life took us in different directions—me to South Korea and her to the United States.

Who would have thought that she would find love in her 50s? When she shared the news of her engagement, my heart overflowed with joy.

Sharing with you their incredible love story from their own point of view.

From Her: A Journey Of Trust And Surrender David and I first became good friends in December of 2023 when he helped me with a major project called His Toy Store. He was my tech support, assisting with planning, execution, and follow-up. At the time, he was also working part-time as a stage technician at our church, and our collaboration naturally strengthened our friendship.

As we continued serving together, I began to hear more about David’s heart for compassion ministry.

His passion deeply resonated with me, and I invited him to join the core team of our Outreach Ministry, where I served as the team lead.

Around April, David boldly expressed his intention to pursue me for marriage. I admired his courage and honesty, but I turned him down. I valued our friendship, but I simply didn’t see him in a romantic light.

Yet, earlier that year, something had begun stirring in my heart. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray and fast for marriage—a dream I thought I had long surrendered. I had convinced myself I was content being single, and during our 2023 corporate fasting, I didn’t even include marriage in my prayers.

But God reminded me of a prophecy I received in college: “You and your family will serve the Lord.” Decades had passed, and I had almost lost hope. But during this time of prayer, I asked God for a lifetime ministry partner—someone to lead, walk alongside me, and share His heart for the city.

When David shared his feelings, I didn’t immediately recognize that God was answering my prayer.

By June, the intensity of David’s feelings became overwhelming, especially as they surfaced during ministry moments. I remember telling him, “I cannot do this now,” essentially asking him to take a step back.

Feeling burdened by personal and ministry responsibilities, I confided in a pastor, who ultimately decided to transition David out of our shared ministries to give us both space.

During this separation, I focused on healing from past wounds and supporting my family through a difficult time. I appreciated the space, yet I began to notice how much I missed my interactions with David. I found myself talking about him more to my family and mentor. Looking back, I was missing him more than I realized.

In September, as we prepared for another cycle of our ESL classes, I reached out to David for tech support. Though hesitant, he agreed to help. This time, I noticed something different—he was calmer, steadi-

er. Our interactions felt more natural, and I felt safe and at ease with him.

Personally, I was battling an overwhelming sense of discontent. I prayed daily for clarity. I even dared to dream big—praying for a move to New York in 2025, picturing life in a Manhattan apartment. Though I had no idea how it would happen, I trusted God with my desires.

By late 2024, David and I began spending more time together outside of ministry. He planned thoughtful outings, including a trip to Seven Lakes where he went out of his way to ensure my mom’s comfort.

His kindness and care slowly broke down the walls around my heart.

Still, I hesitated.

One night, after pouring my heart out in prayer, I woke up with an unexplainable peace.

When I shared my uncertainties with my mom, she gently reminded me: “ I t ’s about time you think of your own happiness.

Don’t wait a n y m o re .

David really cares for you.

Don’t let him go.”

Her words pierced my heart, and I knew—it was time to say yes. Not just to David, but to the Lord’s plan for my life.

From Him: A Lesson Of Faith And Patience In late 2023, Razzel asked for my help with admin tasks for the His Toy Store event. I had just started working part-time at the church, and through our shared volunteer work, we quickly became good friends.

One defining moment happened during an out-

reach at Rikers Island. After a powerful time of ministry, we gathered in a prayer circle. As I held Razzel’s hand, I felt a deep sense of connection—something unlike anything I had ever experienced. From that moment, I began to wonder if God had a greater plan for us.

By early 2024, I realized I was falling in love with her. One day, I invited her for coffee—not for a ministry meeting, as she had assumed, but to share my heart. I told her, “I’ve never been more attracted to another human being in my life.”

She was shocked, amused, and flattered—all at once. But in the end, she said: “I can only give you friendship.” While disappointed, I was grateful she didn’t cut me off.

However, remaining just friends with someone I loved was incredibly difficult.

By mid-year, Razzel needed space, and I was asked to step back from our (continue on page 15)

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 22, 2025

HAWAII WORKERS CORNER

Supporting Workers is More Important than Ever in These Times Part 2

By Dr. Arcelita Imasa

I

n our last column, we discussed how many people living in Hawaii come from low-income households.

Low-income workers could very well be your family members, relatives, friends, or neighbors.

We also highlighted the challenges they face, such as having to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

The high cost of living in Hawaii forces many low-income workers into difficult situations—when nearly half of a family’s income goes toward housing, many workers are left with no choice but to forgo medical appointments.

Additionally, ongoing threats to many of our immigrant workers—who are essential to Hawaii’s

economy—place an even greater burden on our communities.

However, one source of hope for low-income workers is the growing solidarity shown toward them.

Solidarity is the unity and mutual support among individuals or groups, often grounded in a shared goal or purpose.

It involves recognizing others’ struggles, empathizing with their challenges, and taking action to support their well-being.

True solidarity transcends self-interest, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and interconnectedness.

In the context of workers’ rights, solidarity means understanding the struggles of low-income workers, advocating for their rights, and actively working to improve their living and working conditions.

in solidarity with Queen’s nurses, delivering a letter to Queen’s management urging them to negotiate in good faith and help avert a strike.

How Can We Show Solidarity for Low-Income Workers?

Solidarity begins with acknowledging that low-income workers are not just contributors to the economy but individuals with dreams, families, and basic needs. It requires rejecting systems that dehumanize or marginalize them.

Beyond personal actions, solidarity calls for pushing policies and practices that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, access to healthcare, affordable housing, quality education, and other fundamental rights

and social services.

For those of us in positions of privilege, solidarity means leveraging our influence to highlight the struggles of low-income workers, sharing their stories, and demanding change on their behalf.

It can take many forms, such as supporting businesses and organizations that treat their workers fairly and ensuring that low-income workers are not exploited.

We have demonstrated solidarity in tangible ways, such as supporting Max’s Restaurant workers who were victims of wage theft (see our July 12, 2024, column) and exposing the housing issues faced by our COFA brothers and sisters (see our Nov. 5, 2023, column).

The Hawaii Workers Center remains committed to organizing workers and amplifying their voices. Last month, we stood

ever endorsed the president’s interpretation. This court will not be the first.”

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a statement, “If allowed to stand, this order—for the first time since the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted in 1868—would mean babies born each year in Hawaii who otherwise would have been citizens will no longer enjoy the privileges and benefits of citizenship.”

On denaturalizing citizens, the Supreme Court put an end to politically driven denaturalization campaigns in 1967, ruling that the government could only revoke an immigrant’s citizenship in the case of fraud or “willful misrepresentation.” Irina Manta, a law professor at Hofstra University in New York, began build-

ing a database of denaturalization cases. She said, “You would think naturalization would be final, no matter what people did or didn’t do. The government shouldn’t be able to come back five years later and question it.”

Liongson agrees with most legal scholars that say ending birthright citizenship is illegal and unconstitutional. He said of denaturalization, “The attempt to denaturalize U.S. citizens is part of the grand design to restore White dominance and supremacy in the U.S. It reveals what MAGA truly is. It is not about making America great again. (It has always been great.) It is about making America White again.”

Robillard also called ending birthright citizenship unconstitutional and on denaturalizing U.S. cit-

izens whose parents were illegal at the time of entry, she called that “immaterial.” She explains, “it would be making a person pay for the fault of their parents.”

Castro said, “It’s a time of real fear in immigrant communities as they see family members deported. Even government workers are afraid to speak out on mass deportation but can comment on Trump’s safer policies like defending the border and ending catch-andrelease that many agree with. Eventually, though, and we’re already seeing it, mass deportation will become less popular because many of the undocumented, including many who are Filipinos, are contributors and in good standing. These migrants should be given a pathway to citizenship.”

Join the Solidarity Force Fighting for the rights of low-income workers is a direct way to act in solidarity and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

We seek partners— both individuals and organizations—to join us in this work.

Find us at bit.ly/hwcsolidarity to be added to the contact list for the Solidarity Force.

In solidarity, Hawaii Workers Center Dr. ARCELITA IMASA is a practicing family physician and the secretary of the Hawaii Workers Center’s Executive Committee of the Board. She grew up in the Philippines before migrating to Hawaii with her family more than a decade ago.

(COVER STORY: Filipinos in U.S. ....from page 6)

ple children not separated from parents) prior to hearing their case in immigration court. I think that is fair.”

Ending birthright citizenship and denaturalize U.S. citizens President Trump is seeking to end birthright citizenship in the US, a nearly 160-year-old practice guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil. If ending birthright citizenship were to pass legal muster, it would not strip citizenship from children already born in the U.S. before the new policy takes effect.

The second part, a separate policy that Trump wants, is then to denaturalize U.S. citizens born in the U.S. to undocumented parents, a

retroactive goal.

The latest update: U.S. District Court judge in Maryland Deborah L. Boardman issued a preliminary injunction that indefinitely blocked President Trump’s attempt to unilaterally eliminate automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants on U.S. soil.

“The executive order conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment, contradicts 125-year-old binding Supreme Court precedent and runs counter to our nation’s 250-year history of citizenship by birth,” Judge Boardman ruled.

“The United States Supreme Court has resoundingly rejected the president’s interpretation of the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. In fact, no court in the country has

FEBRUARY 22, 2025  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SPRING 2025 CULTURAL PROGRAM | Filipino Community Center | Various schedule until April 30, 2025 | FilCom Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu | Join this comprehensive program this spring for an enriching journey through Filipino culture. The program fee is $25. To register, visit https:// filcom.org/communityprograms.

WE TELL OUR STORY: FILIPINO VOICES OF HAWAII, ARTIST TALKS | Filipino Association of University Women, Hawaii, Hawaii Council For The Humanities | February 22, 1-4pm | Hawaii State Library, 478 South King Street, Honolulu | The exhibition features a historical timeline grounded in the resistance and resilient of Filipinos in Hawaii. The closing reception will feature artists as they share the inspiration behind their work.

HAWAII TRIENNIAL 2025 | ALOHA NO | Hawaii Contemporary | February 15 to May 4, 2025 | Various locations across the state | Hawaii Triennial 2025 is the state’s largest, thematic exhibition of contemporary art from Hawaii, the Pacific, and beyond. For over 78 days, HT25 features 49 artists and art collectives with site exhibitions on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. For more information, visit hawaiicontemporary.org.

BIBLE REFLECTIONS

From Brokenness to Purpose: A Journey of Redemption and Grace

By Melvin Molina

I

grew up as the youngest of seven siblings—six boys and a girl— in a big family. My childhood memories of my father were far from ideal.

He worked overseas throughout my elementary and college years, and during his vacations, he often spent his time drinking with friends.

When he returned home, he was usually drunk and would verbally and physically abuse my mother. Those were the painful images imprinted in my young mind.

During my school years, I wasn’t the best student. I surrounded myself with friends who weren’t the best influence, but despite that, I made a promise to my mom and myself never to have vices like smoking or drinking.

I kept that promise, though I was still very attached to my friends, often staying out late while they drank and smoked. I also developed a habit of cursing and got involved in gambling.

I lived a double life—

pretending to be one person at home while being someone entirely different outside.

Over time, the façade left me feeling empty. I longed for the happiness that could only come from having a loving relationship with my father and a peaceful family life.

After graduating from college, I started working to help my family financially. Yet, that persistent sense of emptiness followed me, stemming from my high school years. I tried to ignore it, but it wouldn’t go away.

I eventually enrolled in a professional caregiving course, planning to work overseas. That’s when I met Uni, the woman who would change my life.

Although we were in different class schedules, fate brought us together during our on-the-job training. I expressed my interest in courting her, but her sisters weren’t initially in favor.

Uni invited me to attend a Christian church, and I agreed, hoping to win her approval. She also

sent me daily Bible verses, which brought an unexpected joy into my life.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but God was already working in my heart. The emptiness I had felt for so long finally began to fade.

On October 7, 2007, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and in February of 2008, Uni and I officially became a couple.

We got married in 2010, and a year later, we welcomed our son. In December 2016, we attended Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) Cainta, and that first experience reignited my passion for serving the Lord.

We joined a small group led by Pastor Ariel Guinto and eventually started leading our own group of young couples.

We were also invited to serve in the Council of Servants (COS), a great privilege that opened doors for us to disciple others.

Today, our Discipleship Group (DGroup) members are leading their own groups, and we remain part of the COS. I have had the honor

Melvin with wife Uni and son Gavrie Ciel

of participating in pastoral care, including child dedications, wake services, premarital counseling, and speaking at church events.

Most of all, I’m overjoyed that my entire family is serving in ministry together. My wife and I coordinate Across Ministries in our local church, and our 13-year-old son leads a discipleship group of young students in Elevate Mini.

Even more, my parents have accepted Jesus and now regularly attend Sunday services.

Recently, my niece and her family expressed their desire to attend church as well.

None of this would have been possible had I not opened my heart to the gospel.

God used my wife to lead me to Him, filling the void that had haunted me for so long. Though the road ahead may be challenging, I hold fast to God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

One day, I hope to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:23) I am Melvin Molina, once lost, now found, and saved by Christ’s grace. To Him be all the glory and honor. MELVIN MOLINA and his wife Uni are currently the overall coordinator of Across Ministries in CCF Cainta, and they are also part of the COS (Council of Servants).

(PERSONAL REFLECTIONS: Love ....from page 13)

shared ministries. It was one of the hardest moments of my life. But instead of letting bitterness take root, I surrendered to God’s plan.

One night, as I poured my heart out in prayer, He spoke to me: “I will bring you together in My time.”

And so, I waited.

In August, Razzel began inviting me back into her life. In October, she

suggested a day trip—just me, her, and her mom. I was honored. Spending time with them, I could see that she was starting to trust me in a new way.

Then, in early December, everything changed.

One night, during dinner, Razzel casually asked, “David, isn’t there something you want to ask my mom?”

Caught off guard, I realized she was giving me the

green light. Right then and there, I asked Mama Nena for Razzel’s hand in marriage. Her response?

“Of course! What are you waiting for?”

That night, Razzel asked for a short break from communication to seek God. I gladly honored her request. But the next day, she texted me: “I thought you were getting off work at 8… I wanted to see you.”

It was happening.

On December 8, 2024, we had our first official date. As we sat in a small café, she held my hand and said, “I love you.”

A few days later, I proposed in our future home in Washington Heights, Manhattan. It was intimate, perfect, and undeniably God-orchestrated.

On February 8, David

and Ate Razzel tied the knot and exchanged their vows at the St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York.

Their love story is a powerful testament that God makes everything beautiful in His time.

If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. Trust God’s process- His plans are always good, and His timing is always perfect.

16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 22, 2025