WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY? volunTary selF-deporTaTion
ANNIVERSARY REFLECTION
My hFC Journey: a gen Z reFleCTion
FEATURE gene albano: ConneCTion, ClariTy and ConviCTion
BIBLE REFLECTION
FroM eMpTiness To eTernal purpose: a Journey oF FaiTh NOVEMBER 15, 2025
OPINION
My ThoughTs on The Federal governMenT shuTdown
Happy 33rd Anniversary to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC), its publishers Dr. Charlie and Chona Montesines-Sonido, editors, graphic designer, social media specialist, columnists, contributing writers, staff support and distributors.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the HFC management extends a warm heartfelt thank you to each individual –advertisers, readers, friends, community partners – for your years of unwavering support on this incredible journey and a project our publishers have called a “labor of love” for the Filipino community.
A mahalo also goes out to the Filipino community, the organizations who’ve worked with our staff to share their cultural and civic events, the Philippine Consulate General Honolulu, our partners in state and federal government and the University of Hawaii who’ve provided important announcements for our community.
For any small business to survive and thrive in Hawaii for decades is a testament of resilience and great sacrifice. This also holds true for the HFC which started in July 1991.
Montesines-Sonido, who is also the managing editor, said “it has been a privilege to create a platform that championed advocacy, cultural pride, and civic engagement. Whether we were spotlighting Filipino professionals, covering immigration reforms, or promoting health initiatives, I felt we were making a tangible difference. That impact -- however quiet or gradual -- was profoundly satisfying. The Chronicle was never just a newspaper—it was a lifeline for our community, a mirror reflecting our struggles, triumphs, and aspirations.”
The HFC not only is a community newspaper, but as Montesines-Sonido points out it’s been actively promoting and sponsoring community health fairs and activities, sponsoring community and professional health organizations support their fundraising efforts and activities to benefit the Filipino community and the Hawaii community-at-large.
The HFC has worked hard to make our newspaper accessible. The hardcopy of the HFC could be found in the halls of the State Capitol to the University of Hawaii to local Filipino restaurants and dozens of outlets. As the HFC joined the digital age, it has been offering free access to our website where viewers could read each issue of the newspaper.
The 1990s have been difficult for the HFC as most print publications. Many have gone out of business or were bought out by larger publications. Printing costs have skyrocketed. But the publishers were committed to forge ahead despite mounting financial burdens. Thus, again, as the publishers say, the HFC is a “labor of love” that has remained steady through the 2000s until the present.
Many of our readers believe the HFC’s commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence should have garnered the newspaper more awards over the years. It has covered all the major issues mainstream media has and in some cases with greater depth. But for the same reason the HFC was established in the first place, there remains corporate bias in mainstream media.
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IPublisher & Executive Editor
t isn’t every year that we choose to write a cover story on our anniversary, but we wanted to do one this year as we celebrate our 33rd anniversary. It’s a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the work we have done and give thanks to the Filipino community. HFC associate editor Edwin Quinabo interviewed me where I shared my thoughts on the HFC’s mission over the three decades. He recaps our emphasis on the pressing issues, our emphasis on empowerment through elections, and our features that inspire our readers. A few HFC columnists and contributors tell us why they write for the HFC and highlight some of their most compelling articles. We are thankful to all of you, our supporters, and the blessings we received from God for reaching this milestone.
Our features of Filipinos on the move doing outstanding work continues this issue as HFC contributor Renelaine Bontol Pfister profiles Gene Albano who was appointed by Mayor Rick Blangiari as Director and Chief Engineer of the Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance. He oversees a staff of six hundred people. Besides his professional work, he gives back to the community serving as Board Director of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Congratulations on your appointment, Gene Albano. We wish you much success.
For those who’ve been paying attention to Philippine affairs, there’s been a snowballing anti-corruption movement. Our HFC columnist in the Philippines Seneca Moraleda-Puguan contributes “Voices of Truth: Media’s Role in Awakening a Nation.” She writes, “We have long known that corruption exists. But its depth, scale, and brazenness have only been fully exposed these days. Thanks to the power of media and social media.”
HFC contributor Linda Dela Cruz submits “Filipino Stories and Culture Showcased at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival.” She suggests three films for our readers: 1) Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, 2) Quezon, and 3) Along Comes Larry, The Larry Ramos Story. Get a summary of these films in the article. In national news, most of the attention has been on the Federal government shutdown. Congressman Ed Case contributes to the HFC an opinion piece, “My Thoughts on the Federal Government Shutdown.” He writes, “If it [the shutdown] is over [by the time this article is printed], that won’t be the end of it. For if we don’t find a less divided, more solution-oriented way of governing, we will simply lurch from crisis to crisis, each harming our country further.”
Also garnering overwhelming attention of late is the issue of SNAP. Read our HFN news “Gov. Green Provides Additional Coordinated Relief Efforts to SNAP Beneficiaries Amid Federal Government Shutdown.” In other news, Filipino American parenting coach Karen Gibson releases a new book “6 Decades, 6 Lessons: Wisdom from My Journey.” We hope you enjoy these articles as well as our other columns and news.
Lastly, on behalf of the staff and management of the HFC, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Visit our website thefilipinochronicle.com to get your free e-copy of each issue. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!
Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Associate Editors
Edwin QuinaboDennis 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 LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai
Millicent Wellington
Maui
Christine Sabado
Big Island Distributors
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai Distributors
Amylou Aguinaldo
Nestor Aguinaldo
Maui Distributors
Cecille PirosRey 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
Shame on Republican lawmakers. Not only will 1011.8 million Americans lose their Medicaid coverage due to Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act according to the Congressional Budget Office, but in addition about 8 million people will lose their subsidized ACA coverage which could push some 5 million to go uninsured.
Republicans rejected Democrats proposal to extend the ACA credits in the shutdown impasse. A deal must be made by the end of December to extend the ACA credits.
What happens if the ACA credits are not extended?
Those who forego coverage may delay or avoid seeking treatment, which can result in worse health outcomes and higher costs in the long run. For Americans with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, going uninsured could be a matter of life and death.
What kind of numbers are we looking at? The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projects an increase in preventable deaths to approximately 51,000 per year due to the combined impact of legislation on Medicaid cuts and ACA marketplace coverage reduction.
This increased uninsured rate could have other consequences besides poor health outcomes, including higher Medicare costs. State and local governments could
(Happy 33rd ....from page 2)
But it has never been about accolades as a mission, but of prioritizing Filipino voices, advocating for the Filipino community and telling our stories. The HFC aimed to inspire and empower. We’ve done that through features of outstanding Filipinos excelling in all walks of life from the arts to academia to government and business. We’ve empowered our community through mobilizing our readers to get out and vote, and to be aware of the pressing issues of the time to make sound educated decisions during elections.
The HFC’s impact on the
end up bearing the brunt of these ACA changes. Basically, ending the ACA credits could amount to further shock to the overall healthcare system from the Medicaid cuts passed earlier in the year.
A rise in uninsured individuals also would lead to more uncompensated care in hospitals and clinics causing financial strain, potentially leading to reduced services or higher costs for all patients.
For those who are able to pay the additional costs for coverage with the ACA, marketplace estimates say that premiums could double—or even triple— for those 22 million Americans receiving enhanced subsidies.
• Average enrollee impact: Annual premiums would jump from $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026, an increase of $1,016 per year.
• Middle-income families: A family of four earning
Filipino community has been positive. It has helped to unite Filipinos, breaking from the divisiveness in the 1980s-1990s. Also, during the same period, the HFC helped bring a mostly insular community into the spaces of the greater community in what was then called by our community “mainstreaming.”
Baby boomer Filipinos increased their visibility and participation starting with political engagement. The HFC helped to promote these pioneering individuals in public office as elected officials, heads of departments and commissions. The HFC did the same in the private sector featuring those climbing the corporate ladder
$130,000 (just above 400% of the federal poverty level) would see monthly premiums rise from $921 to $1,998— an annual increase of about $12,900.
• Lower-income individuals: Someone making $28,000 would see their share of premiums rise from 1% of income ($325 annually) to nearly 6% ($1,562 annually).
Premium increases are slated to go into effect next year if the tax credits lapse after Dec. 31.
This increase in insurance cost comes at a time when inflation is on the rise, forcing Americans to choose between paying for coverage or other essential expenses such as housing, food, or utilities.
The expiration of ACA credits threatens the gains made under the ACA in expanding access to affordable healthcare that Democrats have been pushing for.
About three-quarters of Americans (roughly 74–78%) support extending the enhanced ACA premium tax credits, according to multiple KFF polls in 2025. Support is strongest among Democrats but still includes a majority of independents and about half of Republicans.
By party affiliation: Democrats: 91–94% support extending the credits, Independents: 76–80% support, Republicans: support dipped from 59% in September
via our “On the Move” segment.
The HFC has been a reservoir of invaluable life-saving information during the peak of COVID-19, helping to keep our community – among the most affected by deaths and hospitalization – from contracting the virus. The year before a vaccination was created, there were widespread fear. The multiple stories the HFC published helped to calm some of those fears. The HFC did the same story telling and disseminating of urgent information during the Maui wildfires.
Arguably our immigrant population is where HFC has had the most impact. For years the HFC had multiple immigration attorneys help
to about 50% in November. These are exceptionally high numbers of support for any policy.
The combination of both cutting Medicaid and now ending the ACA tax credits could be a double whammy of political suicide for the Republican party. Americans are fixed and focused on affordability and will demand it in the midterms. And raising the cost of health insurance doesn’t help anyone.
Republicans have focused on repealing and replacing the ACA but have not united behind a single comprehensive alternative plan. Affordable healthcare will certainly be among the top issues for both the midterms and 2028 presidential election.
If Republican lawmakers can read the tea leaves and know what’s good for them, it’s not too late with regard to extending the ACA tax credits. While Republicans in both the House and the Senate have so far refused to engage on extending the tax credits as part of a deal that ended the shutdown, it’s not too late for Congress to take that step if they come around to it. They can even reinstate the subsidies after they expire.
But even if the subsidies are extended, it may already be too late for some prospective enrollees who have had seen next year’s higher prices and have made other plans.
to guide our immigrant community through the complexities of becoming a United States citizen. We’ve had columns in Tagalog and Ilocano. News from the Philippines, cultural articles and features on immigrants all helped to make our immigrant population feel more welcomed in their new home country.
And at this very moment when immigrants nationwide are faced with major obstacles and in some cases are facing abject cruelty, the HFC has been advocating for our immigrants.
Lastly, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! May it be filled with wonderful memories and joy. Aloha and Mabuhay!
By Edwin Quinabo
“In a world where so many stories go untold, being able to tell our community’s story with truth and integrity has been the greatest reward of all,” said Chona Montesines-Sonido, publisher and managing editor of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC), reflecting on the newspaper’s longevity and personal satisfaction running the HFC.
Chona and her husband Dr. Charlie Sonido established the HFC in 1991 and are celebrating the newspaper’s 33rd Anniversary. Like other ethnic media, the HFC from the start set its goal as an advocacy, niche newspaper for Hawaii’s Filipinos at a time when mainstream media inadequately covered the Filipino community.
Through the years, thousands of stories have been written about in the Chronicle of Filipinos from all walks of life from cancer survivors, domestic abuse survivors, immigrants achieving the American dream –countless of both heartbreaking and triumphant stories destined to be told through this project started by the Sonidos and supported by writers and community leaders of like mind.
Through the decades HFC readers have relied on the Chronicle to deliver serious comprehensive coverage on the issues that matters like immigration, Medicaid-Medicare, policy proposals and affordability, just a few of the current concerns articulated by Americans at the moment.
“Many Filipinos in Hawaii are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, and immigration policies directly affect their ability to reunite with family, secure stable employment, and access legal protections.
The Chronicle consistently covered immigration legislation, visa challenges, and stories of undocumented Filipinos. It provided a platform for advocacy, urging lawmakers to support humane and inclusive policies. By amplifying these stories, HFC helped mobilize community support for immigration reform efforts, especially during periods of heightened federal scrutiny, Montesines-Sonido explained.
More on urgent contemporary issues, she adds “Filipino families, especially seniors and low-wage workers, are disproportionately affected by cuts to public health programs like Medicaid. The Chronicle published editorials, cover stories, Health Supplements, and features warning about proposed federal budget cuts that could strip thousands of Hawaii Filipinos of their health coverage. This advocacy raised awareness for healthcare policy and racial equity, reinforcing the Chronicle’s commitment to protecting Filipino lives and livelihoods.”
Currently, there are between 41,000-50,000 undocumented immigrants in Hawaii that experts say are mostly comprised of individuals from the Philippines.
An estimated 30,000-42,000 people in Hawaii are expected to lose their health coverage as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which became law on July 4, 2025. Approximately 10,000 people in Hawaii are projected to lose coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, partly due to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and new eligibility.
Soledad Bueno, Ewa Beach, has been reading the HFC for at least 20 years. “It’s been troubling times especially this year. “I recall at least three cover stories that the HFC has done on immigration this year alone
– denaturalization, birthright citizenship, ICE tactics and mass deportation. There might be more. Added to that they’ve done insightful editorials on immigration. As a legal immigrant very disturbed by what’s happening in this country on immigration, I have some peace of mind that there is a newspaper like the HFC advocating for immigrants.”
Clement Bautista, Honolulu, current president of Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii and HFC contributing writer, said the issues covered by the HFC he found important to him were the Hotel Labor Strikes (2006), Hawaii’s Brain Drain (2007), Remittances (2008), Costs of Education (2008), and Hawaii’s Public Schools (2011).
Just this year alone, the HFC has tackled issues like AI’s impact on the workforce, school bullying, drug addiction in Hawaii, Trump’s tariffs, Medicaid cuts, medical debt, Gen Z and the future of the Filipino community, Filipino Americans’ status, growth and communities in the U.S., and more.
“Community newspapers and publications, especially ethnic-focused publications, have always provided additional and, often, alternative coverage and views not covered or neglected by mainstream newspapers and publications. This selective coverage by the mainstream press has always been the case and has been es-
pecially important in regard to Hawaii’s labor and community histories. For the HFC to be celebrating its 33rd anniversary, it is important not only because of communicating the perspectives, views and voices of the Filipino community, but also because it represents the social need and economic support for this type of publication,” said Bautista on the importance of having a community newspaper like the HFC.
Imelda Calupig-Joaquin, Aiea, past president of the Pasuquinio Association of Hawaii, former secretary of the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls, expressed HFC’s importance not just for local news but news from the Philippines. “The HFC is one of only the two Filipino newspapers in the islands and its existence is very important to the community, not just to the Filipinos living here. With the presence of social media, HFC has a vital role in relaying credible, accurate and reliable content information. It helps the readers be updated with current events happening in the Philippines and locally -- be it cultural,
HFC readers say highlighting Filipino role models has been inspiring the community for generations. It has bas been one of the most effective community engineering to foster pride in Filipino heritage while inspiring younger generations to chase after their own aspirations. Over the years the HFC has featured contributions of accomplished Filipinos from entrepreneurs, academics, philanthropists, artists to government and community leaders.
Renelaine Bontol Pfister, HFC contributing writer, says she is honored and humbled to have featured the achievements of fellow Filipinos. “I recently wrote about Gene C. Albano, who is the Director and Chief Engineer of the Honolu-
political, social and economic.”
Elections, political coverage
HFC readers are varied like its population and look for coverage that suits their interest. But HFC staff say what’s certain is readership is ramped up during election years as interest builds on who are running for public office among Filipinos in the community. “Each issue is always something to look forward to in the HFC. The issue that comes to mind that’s really helpful and informative especially to voters is featuring all the elective candidates running for office during election time,” Joaquin said.
Montesines-Sonido said HFC’s publishing of Filipinos and non-Filipinos running for public office aims to get Filipinos aware of and support those who are most qualified and speaks to the issues we value so as to empower Filipinos in our community.
She said the HFC has also been involved in increasing voter registration and disseminating voting guides. “We also do analysis on candidates and feature in length those running for the top offices like governor, lt. governor,
lu Department of Facility Maintenance. I have also featured artists like Leeroy New, who installed his artwork Taklobo on the grounds of Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu in March 2022, and writer Caris Avendaño Cruz’s wonderful children’s book, Marikit and the Ocean of Stars. I hope to entertain and inspire other Filipinos when they read these articles.”
Pfister says she writes for the HFC “to shine a light on the achievements and connect with my fellow Filipinos here in Hawaii, and to highlight events and issues that are important to our community.”
Linda Dela Cruz, HFC contributing writer, broadcast (TV and radio) journalist, recalls two inspiring features she’s written for the Chronicle. “One of the
“Many Filipinos in Hawaii are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, and immigration policies directly affect their ability to reunite with family, secure stable employment, and access legal protections. The Chronicle consistently covered immigration legislation, visa challenges, and stories of undocumented Filipinos. It provided a platform for advocacy, urging lawmakers to support humane and inclusive policies. By amplifying these stories, HFC helped mobilize community support for immigration reform efforts, especially during periods of heightened federal scrutiny.”
–
Chona Montesines-Sonido Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Publisher and Managing Editor
US Senate and House,” Montesines-Sonido adds. “We also make sure to ask candidates questions that are most important to our Filipino community that may not necessarily be emphasized by the mainstream media. It’s also true that an engaged community in the democratic process is empowering and can influence politicians to pay attention to our community and our needs. During each election, the HFC has been a credible source on the issues and political candidates.”
most meaningful pieces
I’ve written for the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, is when I shadowed renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Francis Duhaylongsod of Kaiser Permanente. I witnessed an open-heart surgery firsthand. The Day in the Life of story shed light on the incredible skill and compassion behind lifesaving care, inspiring pride within the community and deepening appreciation for all medical professionals. Each surgery Duhaylongsod did is a life that can continue as a gift to the family and our world. For me, it was more than just a story — it was a reminder of why I tell stories. I want to connect with people through empathy, curiosity, and shared purpose. That same commitment to purpose and community continues to guide everything I do and all that the
Hawaii Filipino Chronicle does.”
HFC’s columns have been a platform for community voices with contributions from mostly Filipino writers, professionals and pundits as well as non-Filipinos like Hawaii politicians and professors. Columnists have tackled pressing issues of the time from immigration, affordability, government policies, politics, Philippines current affairs and culture, mainland and local news. HFC columnist Emil Guillermo has been a jour-
Dela Cruz said another feature that holds deep meaning to her is the article on Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Alex Tizon of the Seattle Times. It was an honor to interview and learn about a fellow Filipino writer who truly mastered his craft and used storytelling to illuminate complex truths. His dedication to honest, powerful journalism inspired me to pursue my own work with greater purpose. I might never have discovered his story if not for the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, which gave me the chance to highlight his legacy for our community. After writing the piece, I learned of one of his most talked-about works—published posthumously—which explored themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Tizon’s courage in telling difficult, deeply personal stories reminded me why representation matters—because when we see Filipino voices in national conversations, it empowers all of us to tell our own.”
By Gary Hooser
These are some crazy times we’re living in.
The official usda.gov website now states:
“Senate Democrats have voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program… the well has run dry…We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
On an official website of the United States government, President Donald Trump and his enablers are blaming Democrats for keeping food out of the mouths of mothers and babies, for the benefit of undocumented immigrants and
transgender people.
To Trump, this is an effective messaging narrative… trifecta of hate.
He’s demonizing Democrats while scapegoating aliens and immigrants (really, all people of color), and the transgender/LGBTQ community - all on the opening page of an official U.S. government website.
To Republicans, and those in the MAGA community: You should be ashamed of yourselves.
You know it’s not true.
You know full well the words “illegal aliens” and “gender mutilation” are used here to inflame and divide, and have no basis in the reality of what’s REALLY going on.
You know also that BOTH sides of the political aisle share responsibility for the government shutdown.
Yet you sit there in silence.
(COVER STORY: Hawaii-Filipino ....from page 5)
nalist for more than 30 years, on a local and regional level in Hawaii, California, Texas, and Washington, DC, and then covering national and international stories while at NPR.
“I feel compelled to use my experience to analyze and comment on the news of the day for the readers of HFC. I can put the events of the day into a Filipino context that will help people see the relevance to their own lives,” Guillermo said.
He commented on one of his columns published March 26 this year when he wrote on Signalgate, “that’s where the Defense Department head Pete Hegseth shared classified information on a common public app. And the reason it could not be covered up is because a reporter was invited in on the conversation. It’s a story that shows the arrogance and incompetence of Trump’s cabinet, as well as a kind of hidden racism.”
HFC book reviews
A gem of a column that immortalizes in print
You sit there in silence and allow the hate to fester.
Please. I ask today that you join me in saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Please. Reach out to your Republican and MAGA leadership and ask them to pull back and temper their words and their actions.
This whole thing has gone way too far and unless we stand together now, it will soon spiral out of control.
We are all in this together. You and I, citizens and immigrants, and everyone who walks the planet - regardless of the labels.
And to get out of this mess we all have to work together.
That’s what it’s going to take, you know. You and I must work together to find a path forward that allows us both to look our children and grandchildren in the eyes, proud of our maturity - and our common humanity.
contemporary and historical Filipino personalities and authors is the HFC Book Reviews written by HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma. HFC readers find this column unique and a format not available on a regular bases anywhere in the sphere of Filipino publications.
Churma said, “Writing for the HFC allows me to engage with a vibrant community and share insights that resonate with our readers. It provides a meaningful platform to highlight voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard, deepening my connection to both Philippine literature (and those written by Filipino Americans) and our collective heritage.”
Two book reviews she wants to highlight: Memory to Meaning and Gideon Lasco’s The Philippines Is Not A Small Country. She explains Memory to Meaning is a compilation of personal narratives collected from the Filipino community. Created from a community writing workshop
We can both agree, I think, that our soldiers and government workers deserve to be paid; our frail, elderly, and low-income families deserve to eat; and affordable healthcare is something each of us is entitled to.
Yes, of course, there are other issues where we also must find common ground. I am 100% confident we can make that happen — once we start down the path of reconciliation.
None of us want crime and drugs in our communities. Whether those bad actors are immigrants or citizens - they must be stopped and brought to justice.
Waste, fraud, and abuse in government or in any public institution also must be rooted out and the perpetrators held accountable.
Of course there’s more. Much more.
But I’ll close today with something I’m pretty darn sure we have in common, and that is faith and confidence in the United
in Hawai‘i, this anthology gathers voices that might have remained unwritten. Together, they weave a tapestry of experiences that remind us of the healing found in storytelling, and the connections we discover when different lives reveal their shared humanity. “This anthology proves that within each of us lies a story-fragile, powerful, and deeply human. In this collection, ordinary individuals become storytellers, breathing life into moments that shaped them: childhood joys and sorrows, journeys across oceans, lessons of resilience, and quiet triumphs of the heart,” she said.
The Philippines Is Not a Small Country written by Gideon Lasco is the latest book review Churma submitted. She said the essays featured in this book were culled from the author’s weekly column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer spanning five years—from 2015 to 2020. The author explains further that his essays address the ques-
States Constitution.
I’m pretty sure you, like myself, also revere and honor the words, the history, and the intent of this document upon which our country was founded.
Let’s go back to the Constitution, to the three separate but equal branches of government, and to the eloquence and simplicity of its preamble:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Are you in?
Please. Tell me you’re in. We’ve got to reverse the madness, settle the ship, and return home.
GARY HOOSER is a former Hawaiʻi State Senator and Majority Leader.
tions—”what does it mean to be Filipino, and what is the meaningful basis for taking pride in the nation? What is our place in the world —and how should we envision a future we can all share?” Although the essays do not directly answer the questions, they hint at their answers.
“His opinions in these essays are insightful and thought-provoking and would be of interest to our local audience with ties to the Philippines. The author is so observant to the nuances of Filipino culture and the resilience of the Filipino—wherever they may be. I hope that through these book reviews, the HFC readers find time to reflect on what it means to be Filipino American in our adopted homeland,” Churma said.
The Sonidos point out the difficulties of surviving the tsunami-size changes in the media industry. “The decline of print advertising in
the 1990s, competition from digital spaces and social media platforms, and the mergers of small papers and the buying of local papers by bigger mainstream media have posed challenges,” Montesines-Sonido said.
She elaborates, “the reduced printing costs of online publication have offered an alternative, proliferated, and today dominate news reporting. This provided a lot of challenges to print media, which is facing increased printing costs. The Chronicle’s endurance stands out as a testament to community service, but the company’s printing operations are closing down and have posed the biggest challenge of all. This challenge is facing us now. We tried to find a printer in Maui after the one we had in Honolulu shut down in 2024. Now, the Maui printer has shut down its operations too.”
While the future is unknown, reaching the milestone of 33 years of publication is worth all the celebration for now.
By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon
he Department of Homeland Security has announced certain benefits for illegal aliens to encourage their travel back to their home country or another country where they have lawful status.
TIllegal aliens may receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any failure to depart fines, and a $1,000 exit bonus payable upon arrival in the country where the alien has returned. The announcement was made through the CBP Home Mobile App: www. dhs.gov/cbphome.
What are the incentives to self-deport?
Once non-criminal illegal aliens submit their intent to depart through the CBP Home Mobile App and pass vetting, they will temporarily be deprioritized by ICE for enforcement action before their scheduled departure.
Illegal aliens requesting assistance will have a timely departure arranged for them. The CBP Home Mobile App allows illegal aliens to plan their return, including having an opportunity to depart in a timely manner – allowing them to wrap up work, school, and personal matters and organize their return in an orderly and lawful way.
The CBP Home program lets eligible aliens return home as regular travelers – without arrest, detention, or restraints. It is a safe, orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility, not fear. Illegal aliens will have civil fines for failure to depart after a final order of removal or a voluntary departure order in the U.S. forgiven, and will not have to pay these fines.
Illegal aliens must use the CBP Home Mobile App to record their intention to voluntarily depart from the United States. This feature allows illegal aliens to voluntarily notify the U.S. government of their intent to depart the United States instead of facing ICE enforcement actions, detention, and removal.
Eligible illegal aliens receive cost-free travel, travel assistance, and a $1,000 exit bonus. They will also be deprioritized for detention and removal by ICE while preparing to leave.
Non-criminal illegal aliens in the United States who had an encounter with CBP either at a port of entry or between ports of entry.
Categorical parolees whose legal presence in the United States has expired or will soon expire.
Aliens whose Temporary Protected Status is terminated.
The following aliens are also eligible:
1. Aliens in immigration proceedings. Potential participants should consult with your lawyer prior to indicating intent to self-deport.
2. Illegal aliens who have been previously deported.
3. Illegal aliens who have been ordered removed or have a final order of removal.
1. A $1,000 exit bonus. It will be provided upon confirmation through the app that the return has been completed.
2. Travel assistance. Illegal aliens who register for voluntary self-deportation through the CBP Home Mobile App will receive travel assistance, such as arranging travel for their
children or extended family or obtaining valid travel documents.
Aliens requesting assistance will have a timely departure arranged for them (estimated departure to be within 21 days of approval). Illegal aliens in need of assistance should take extra care to ensure that they provide accurate contact information and are responsive to outreach attempts.
3. Forgiveness of any failure to depart fines.
4. Leaving voluntarily may improve future immigration options.
5. De-prioritization for enforcement actions, detention and removal by ICE once the illegal aliens submit their intent to depart through the CBP Home Mobile App and pass vetting.
If you are an alien unlawfully residing in the United States, ICE will continue to prioritize your removal. It is a process that often results in detention and rapid removal and could result in a permanent bar to reenter the United States.
Illegal aliens who do not qualify but want to go home are encouraged to reach out to their home country’s Embassy or Consulate for assistance in returning home.
Information needed to sign up for CBP Home Mobile App
1. First name
2. Middle name
3. Last name
4. Date of birth
5. Country of citizenship
6. Email address
7. Phone number
8. A clear self-photo or selfie
Can families travel together?
Yes. You must register family members as co-travelers within the CBP Home Mobile App.
Should children (legal minors) register in the app?
Yes. They can be registered after an adult has been registered utilizing the same email account.
Can children (legal minors) travel with principal alien?
Yes, if:
1. They pass the usual CBP checks, like verifying ID and immigration status.
2. Parents and legal guardians have a notarized consent letter from any parent or legal guardian who is not traveling with the child. You can find examples of the consent letter online by searching for “Minor Travel Consent Form” or “Letter of Consent to Travel with a Minor”.
How to verify departure from the United States?
Air or sea travel. CBP will confirm your departure from the United States. Those using CBP Home Mobile App do not need to take any additional action. While not required, the alien can still self-report his/her departure through the CBP Home Mobile App and receive a digital record of the departure on the alien’s mobile device.
Land travel. After physically leaving the United States, the alien must open the CBP Home App, select “Departing
Traveler” then select “Verify Departure”.
The alien must:
1. Be at least three miles outside the U.S. border.
2. Authorize the use of location services on your phone.
3. Submit a new photo to CBP Home.
4. Submit your personal and travel information, including first and last name, date of birth, sex, passport or alien registration number, and country you are physically in while verifying departure.
For additional concerns, please email: CBPHome@cbp.dhs.gov https://www.dhs.gov/ cbphome.
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. 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 Nationality 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.
By
Congratulations to Campbell High School student Jacob Badua for bowling a perfect 300 game.
On October 28, the Star Advertiser reported Jacob’s outstanding accomplishment at an OIA event at Schofield Barracks against Nanakuli High School.
No one can remember the last time this feat occurred, although it may have happened in the last century. Badua’s success is to be applauded and appreciated.
Bowling a perfect game is a difficult task, even for professional bowlers. Jacob’s achievement in high school is rare and one to be proud of. His pursuit to bowl in college and then pursue a professional career is on the right track and one to watch.
This Ewa Beach freshman is a special talent as he and his teammates prepare for the state championships in November.
We wish him and his teammates the best in their tournaments and know that Ewa Beach will be represented well at the local bowling alleys.
The Pamana Art Exhibit at Honolulu Hale in celebration of Filipino American History Month in October recently ended, and Corinne Gallardo and Leo Gaza once again did a fantastic job showcasing local artists and their artwork.
I was honored to have two paintings displayed along with many other talented artistas.
Participating artists
in the show were Jimmy Tablante, Yvonne Manipon, Alton Tacata, Roland Serania, Corinne Gallardo, Yana Cabana, Maureen Izon, and Janet Costantino.
Other featured artists included Ken Nakamura, Ka-Ning Fong, Donald Cage, Frances Wong, Cassie Zhang, Phillip Riley, Esperance Rakotorina, Frank Oliva, Addy Mirza, Rchel Melander, Steven Lum, Pearl Ling, Edd Harnas, Stephen Kakaio, Larry Geyrozaga, George Davis, Leila Diamond, Charene Davis, Tanya D’Avanzo, Nancy Chodosh, Peter Chuberko, and Hana McEvilly.
Vincent Bercasio, Will Espero, and students from Waipahu High School.
A one-day pop-up art show and sale will also occur on December 13, Saturday, at the same locations in Waipahu. Mark your calendars and support local artists during the holiday season.
In another art event in Waipahu, the new Westside Artists Alliance will have a celebration of art at the Westgate Shopping Center on November 8 and 9.
Lohiau’s Banquet Room and Camille’s Hawaiian Food will host the two-day art extravaganza as holiday shopping begins for all.
The weekend will feature an art exhibition and sale, music, videos, refreshments, and more. Everyone is welcome to visit.
Featured artists are CJ Aloe, Zach Angeles, Matthew Tactacan, Catalina aka Waipahu Willie, Jimmy Tablante, Corinne Gallardo, Nalani Sato, Chanel Tanaka, Candice Gallardo, SisterFace, Grant Larson, Woosung Lee, Robert Mace, Enoka Phillips, Shiloh Perkins,
The long-awaited rail system (HART), currently being built, hit a new milestone by opening the route from Kapolei to Middle Street in Kalihi.
Commuters can now catch a ride in Ho’opili (Ewa Beach/Kapolei), Waipahu, Leeward Community College, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea, the stadium, Pearl Harbor Base, the airport, and the Middle Street bus station.
HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation) will eventually go to Kakaako with possible plans to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and the University of Hawaii.
It is not an inexpensive project, but the value of rail in 10, 20, and 30 years will be obvious and apparent as future generations have another option to travel east to west, the urban corridor where the majority of Oahu resi-
dents reside.
HART is about mobility and getting people from point A to point B in a fast, reliable mode of transportation.
Commuters on rail don’t have to worry about traffic congestion caused by stalled vehicles, accidents, wet roads, debris on freeways, highway construction, or distracted drivers.
The ride is comfortable and clean, and as more housing is built by the rail stations, more people will use the system to move around.
With driverless cars being slowly developed and used, it is possible that the children born today or in elementary school will never need a driver’s license.
The HART system is a high-tech train that is driverless and controlled at the headquarters overlooking Pearl Harbor. Feeder buses will assist those who need to use public transit.
I know the costs are over-budget, but this is an expense our island needs.
A strong economy and an island of a million residents need consistent, reliable transportation systems, and residents will now have the choices of walking, car-pooling, driving their own vehicle, cycling, The BUS, and rail.
As transit-oriented development (TOD) begins, more shopping, government services, non-profit organizations, and affordable housing
and rentals will be available along the rail line.
I see the HART system being an economic catalyst for the communities to run through. Small businesses along the rail line should benefit.
Moreover, when the system opens in 2030 to Kakaako, more tourists will ride the rail and help pay for the annual maintenance.
The HART system is here to stay and will pay huge dividends in the future. Naysayers may disagree, but the same feelings were present when San Francisco opened its rail system long, long ago.
Just be patient and watch. I, for one, will definitely use the rail to travel to town. I have taken my bicycle on the rail line and have ridden on the Leeward Bikeway back home to Ewa.
Soon, I will take the rail to Keehi Lagoon Park with my bike and ride back home along the sidewalks and bike paths available.
With all the decades of debate and discussion, it’s great to see this dream and vision for Oahu come to fruition.
One day, I will catch the rail with my bike and find a safe route from downtown to the Ewa Plain. I’m looking forward to the views, open air, and exercise.
WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and State Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues
By Emil Guillermo
Donald Trump is turning Filipino and he doesn’t even know it.
But I can see it.
He’s building his big ballroom, as he transforms the White House into his Malacanang.
It’s part of the process that I’ve been telling you about—how the U.S. is becoming more and more like the Philippines under Marcos Sr. and Duterte.
It’s getting closer and closer to reality.
And so quickly after No Kings Weekend.
We saw how Trump reacted to that. He reposted a video of himself as a fighter pilot dumping fecal bombs on the protesters. Doesn’t matter if it was AI feces. It was still a disgust-
ing response.
Then before anyone could respond to that, Trump showed everyone how he can do anything he pleases. He tore down the East Wing.
I’ve always considered it a special privilege to have been based in Washington as a journalist and for a time to cover the White House. That press credential I held during the G.W. Bush years, was my passport to the grounds, where history was made.
So you can imagine my shock last week, when no press pass was needed. The cameras caught it all.
And seeing is believing.
The East Wing of the White House is gone.
Think of all the special history made there like the
signing of the Civil Rights Act with Rev. Martin Luther King witnessing. All of it, gone in a cloud of dust.
The wrecking ball did more than attack the facade as the president implied when he originally said any construction wasn’t going to “interfere with the current building.”
The president assured the construction would be “near it but not touching it.”
Trump lied. What’s new?
The East Wing demolition was more like “total and complete” obliteration, Trump’s favorite word after last summer’s big surprise when the U.S. bombed Iran.
That wasn’t six or seven years ago, just a few months ago in the summer. Now it’s just a faded distraction in the first year in the Trump parade of hits (which includes his own military birthday parade).
We still don’t know how effective that Iran mission was by the way.
But as far as the East Wing, it’s gone.
Trump touched it.
And like everything he touches, it turns into the metaphor of what he’s doing to our country and our democracy for real.
He’s destroying us, and all that we thought we stood for.
Ethics? Integrity? Rule of Law?
Nope it’s the de facto rule of one man.
He’s The Tenant President Not Forever Resident
Mind you, Trump doesn’t own the White House. He’s just a renter, a tenant, just as he is an elected steward of our country.
But he’s not acting like a renter. He sure doesn’t seem to care about his security deposit.
Not when he’s fashioning the country and our government to his autocratic tastes, which are very Filipino circa Marcos Sr. and Duterte.
Those Filipino leaders went after political enemies. Trump does too. (John Bolton, James Comey, Letitia James).
The Filipinos had their crony capitalists. Trump does too, rewarding cronies like the tech AI billionaires
(continue on page 13)
By Renelaine Bontol Pfister
Have you ever appreciated the workers pruning trees in public places, fixing broken streetlights and potholes, sweeping sidewalks, and keeping streams tidy?
Gene C. Albano does.
Albano was appointed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi in July 2023 as Director and Chief Engineer of the Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance.
He oversees a staff of six hundred people, among whom are keeping our public spaces safe and clean, including bridges, roads, sidewalks, drainage systems, public buildings and electrical infrastructure.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Honolulu since he was six months old, Albano traces his roots from Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
He attended Moanalua
Middle and High Schools, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach.
Before he even thought about engineering, Albano recalls when he was a child tagging along with his grandfather and uncles when they were building their family homes.
He shared, “The feel of hammering a nail, the smell of wet concrete, and the satisfaction of seeing walls take shape that quietly planted the seed for my future career.”
After graduating from college, instead of working on the mainland, Albano appreciated the slower pace of life and proximity to family in Honolulu, and decided to stay.
He began his ca-
munication drive performance.”
When Albano first spoke to Mayor Blangiardi, he hadn’t considered taking a government position.
He was flattered and surprised when the mayor later offered him a position on his cabinet, but initially thought he might decline.
I am as a person,” he said.
A family man like his father, Albano and his wife raised three children, all of whom have graduated college and earned degrees.
reer in a local consulting firm, Nakamura, Oyama and Associates, where he worked for 15 years and where he “learned the value of perseverance and problem-solving through the grind of day-to-day work. Those early years taught me how to think critically, adapt to challenges, and learn from failure.”
He went on to join a global engineering firm, Lincolne Scott, where he became President of the Hawaii office.
After Lincolne Scott was acquired by Williams Sale Partnership USA or WSP, Albano became Senior Vice President of the Honolulu office, handling major building and utilities projects in Hawaii, various Pacific Islands, the continental U.S., and Asia.
“As I advanced to leadership roles within a large, publicly traded global engineering firm, I came to appreciate how every part of an organization from finance and marketing to human resources, technology, and legal must align to deliver success,” he said.
“That experience gave me a holistic view of how great organizations function and how culture, accountability, and com-
However, after months of reflection, prayer and talking to family, close friends, and his wife of 30 years, Shari, he accepted the position as Director and Chief Engineer of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance.
Just like deciding to stay and work in Honolulu, accepting this position was his way of giving back to the city that raised and shaped him. His previous positions have helped him transition into public service. He says “I’ve developed a deep appreciation for our blue-collar workforce, the people who keep our operations running every day, often behind the scenes.”
He’s proud of the recognition of his hardworking staff through emails and letters of appreciation. Moreover, there has been a reduction in position vacancies from 40% to below 20%, and the introduction of new technology has cut down operational inefficiencies since he assumed his role in the city.
The sense of responsibility and commitment is something he learned from his father, a public servant in the state legislature, who taught him the deeper meaning of dedication, purpose, and service.
“Those lessons shaped not only who I am as a professional but also who
As a proud member of the Filipino community, Albano has represented the mayor in events such as Honolulu–Philippines sister city visits to Manila, Baguio, Vigan, and Laoag.
Aside from his role in the City and County of Honolulu, Albano is active in various organizations like the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers and the Hawaii Society of Healthcare Engineers.
He has served as a volunteer catechist and Buildings Committee Board Member at St. Philomena Parish, youth coach and referee, Board Director for STEM programs at Kaimuki and Waipahu High Schools.
He currently serves as Board Director of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. And he remains a licensed Professional Engineer in Hawaii, Guam, California, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Albano states it is an “honor of a lifetime” to serve as Director and Chief Engineer at DFM.
“In many ways, my journey has come full circle from learning how to deliver on a single engineering task, to helping an entire organization deliver on its mission,” he shared.
“Every step has reinforced my belief that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about connection, clarity, and the conviction to keep improving for the people we serve.”
n high school in the Philippines, in our literature and English classes, we were taught of writers doing great in America in the 1930s to 1950s and beyond.
One of them was Carlos Sampayan Bulosan who was not only a great writer but was an activist whose editorial and literary works contributed to the labor movement and progressive causes in the US.
Last September was his death anniversary month and this November was his birth anniversary month, so the Philippine News Today (PNT), a weekly newspaper circulating in the Bay Area, is paying him a tribute for his achievements fighting for Filipinos and Asian immigrants from the 1930s to the 1950s.
The tribute will be held at the Auditorium, Milpitas Jose Esteves Library @ N. Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 12 noon to 4:00 pm.
Spearheading this tribute are PNT Editor-In-Chief Alfred G. Gabot; PNT Publisher/ President Francis Espiritu; Columnists Art G. Madlaing and Elpidio R. Estioko; long-time former mayor of Milpitas Jose Esteves; and the Binalonanians in the Bay Area led by Romualdo Cerezo and the United Pangasinanes of California led by Ernie T. Abalos.
Opening remarks and acknowledgement will be done by Elpidio R. Estioko, author/columnist; welcome remarks by
Hon. Garry Barbadillo, Esq., Vice Mayor, City of Milpitas; Former Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves will deliver the inspirational message.
The introduction of lead discussant by Teddy Molina, columnist; Remembering Carlos Bulosan in Milpitas, San Jose and San Francisco by Alfred G. Gabot, author, journalist; Poetry Reading: “Gusto Ko Ang Malawak na Lupaing Amerika.” by Claire Morales True and Ronnie Estrada; Donation of Books “Iti Pusok Ti America,” by Art Madlaing and Romeo Cerezo of the Binalonanians.
The introduction of the guest of honor and speaker will be done by Elpidio R. Estioko and speech of the guest of honor and speaker Hon. Neil Frank Ferrer, Philippine Consul general will follow.
Discussions/Reactions/Q & A will be led by Hon. Evelyn Q. Chua, City Councilmember and Alfred Gabot, Elpidio R. Estioko, Art G. Madlaing, and Ernie T. Abalos as panelists.
The tribute will be done by Gabot, a nephew of the late Bulosan entitled: “Carlos Bulosan Left His Heart in San Francisco” and the last part of the program will be the book signing/sale of “California: A Philippine Territory Almost and Other Stories” by Alfred Gabot, professor/author/ journalist.
Few weeks ago, in Los Angeles, a campaign to rename Echo Park Library in the Filipinotown, Los Angeles to Carlos Bulosan Library has secured a major boost from media and other groups, including the Philippine
was associated with the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing, and Allied Workers of America (UCAPAWA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), a predominantly Filipino American cannery trade union based in Seattle.
later years were of illness, hardship, and alcoholism. He died in Seattle suffering from malnutrition and an advanced stage of bronchopneumonia. He was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.
Philippine Global Media Group headed by veteran journalist Val Abelgas, president; and Dan Nino, chairman; presented a signed resolution supporting the campaign initiated by the Carlos Bulosan Book Club led by Commissioner Jaime Geaga and the Friends of Echo Park Library headed by James Castillo.
Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee Gamble signed the resolution as a witness to show support during a tribute to Carlos Bulosan and launching of the book, “California: A Philippine Territory Almost and Other Stories,” authored by journalist and professor Alfred Gabot, a nephew of Carlos Bulosan.
Bulosan arrived in Seattle in 1930, at the young age of 17. He was met with racism and was forced to work a low paying job as a farmworker, harvesting grapes and asparagus, while also working other forms of hard labor in the fields of California. Moreover, along with his brother Lorenzo, they worked as a dishwasher in the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
Bulosan contributed to the labor movement and progressive causes through his editorial and literary works. He
In 1934, he helped edit The New Tide, a short-lived Filipino workers’ literary magazine that connected him with other left-leaning writers, including Richard Wright and Sanora Babb. Through The New Tide, Bulosan promoted themes of social justice, anti-colonial struggle, and solidarity among working-class communities. There, he was hired to edit the 1952 Yearbook for International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 37.
As a journalist, Bulosan expanded his activism for the ILWU during the 1940s and 1950s. His articles and reports in union publications addressed Filipino migrant labor conditions and supported multiracial worker solidarity along the Pacific Coast. His visibility as a union writer led to FBI surveillance during the early Cold War years, when he was considered a “dangerous subversive.”
Bulosan, despite these pressures, continued to use newsletters, magazines, and union yearbooks to articulate the struggles and aspirations of Filipino and other marginalized workers in the United States.
He was blacklisted as a labor organizer and socialist writer during the Second Red Scare of the 1950s. Denied a means to provide for himself, his
His works, however, did not immediately garner widespread appreciation. For two decades after his death, his works were largely forgotten, until a group of young Asian Americans rediscovered his works and led to the republication of America is in the Heart in 1973.
In 2018, the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies Initiative was established at the University of California, Davis to carry on his legacy of activism through research and advocacy of the Filipino and Filipino-American community. The initiative backs the creation of the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies to support research, education and advocacy.
With the push of Philippine News Today reviving his writings via this tribute in the Milpitas Jose Esteves Library, Filipino Americans and Asian Americans, especially his townmates from Binalonan who are here in the US, can appreciate his contributions to the country’s farm labor movement.
Carlos Bulosan, you and your literary and revolutionary works deserve to be remembered and appreciated! You deserve the best accolade!
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
Filipino American parenting coach
Karen Gibson has been writing books about parenting and education. But for her 60th birthday last year, she reflected on her life and the wisdom she learned along the way.
“6 Decades, 6 Lessons: Wisdom from My Journey” is Gibson’s most personal book yet. In the book, she shares six life lessons she wishes she had
known decades earlier.
“I include insights that might have spared me from countless meltdowns, periods of depression, and moments of heartache,” said Gibson, the author of 2020’s “Mama’s Gotta Let Go: How To Let Go Without Losing Your Sanity.”
“I invite readers to embark on their own journeys with greater grace, courage, and self-compassion,” she shared.
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: East Wing ....from page 9)
who recently asked him to call off the border patrol and the national guard’s descent into San Francisco.
Got money? Get access, influence. Trump’s way.
The corruption is so thick, the best thing you can say is, at least it’s transparent. Out in the open. But if we don’t say anything, it makes us all complicit in Trump’s Democracy, Inc.
Last week, Trump openly pardoned the imprisoned head of Binanace, Changpeng Zhao, whose businesses have ties to the Trump family’s multi-million dollar crypto business.
Conflict of interest? Oh, that’s OK now if he allows it. Trump is the final arbiter.
It leads to a legal plundering, just like Marcos plundered the Philippine government coffers. Trump justifies his plundering as business as usual. The pardon means Zhao likely won’t have to pay any of the fines resulting from the $4.3 billion settlement by the company with the Justice Department. Somehow it feels like the Binance money will find its way to Trump.
Trump’s also asking the country to pay him a quarter of a billion dollars for costs incurred when the U.S. prosecuted him.
The book also has a simple exercise after each lesson that encourages readers to apply the same lesson in their own lives.
Gibson’s new book aims to inspire readers with its message of resilience, reflection, and renewal.
Check out Gibson’s book, “6 Decades, 6 Lessons: Wisdom from My Journey,” on Amazon via http://bit.ly/48JBwVB.
Remember all those secret documents in bathrooms at Mar-a-Lago? Trump wants to be compensated for the trouble.
He’s set it up by appointing his unqualified personal attorney and lackeys to head the Justice Department who are at the ready to approve the request. Trump has institutionalized corruption.
With Halloween coming up, who will say boo to Trump? Masked Republicans who will suddenly discover a spine?
Meanwhile, Trump continues to send in national guards to cities that don’t need it. His ICE agents are terrorizing communities, but also using perfidy to lure well-intended undocumented residents into meetings, only to find it was just a trap leading to deportation.
Trump is already a defacto U.S. autocrat.
Republicans in Congress are under his thumb, and willing to do whatever he wants. And if anyone wants to litigate, six members of the Supreme Court are ready to be his black robed rubber stamp.
And just when you think it can’t get more Filipino-like, last week, Trump announced he’s not going to bother to seek approval for more military attacks on suspected drug boats from Venezuela.
Where’s the due pro-
cess? Declaration of war? Without it, it’s an extrajudicial act, using drug war/ law and order fears as an excuse, as cover.
It’s unbecoming of a great democracy. But so fitting of the likes of the Philippines of Marcos and Duterte.
It’s UST. University of Santo Tomas? Nope, the United States of Trump.
So it just feels right as Trump is his most Filipino, that he didn’t stick around the U.S., but instead headed to Asia.
The tour included stops in Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and a meeting with 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that includes a meeting with China’s Xi Jinpeng.
Oddly, the Philippines finds itself needing America’s help more against China these days. The RP is not playing strong It’s playing weak, and letting Trump do his thing.
The others seem to be also playing nice, placating Trump, talking about how he deserves the Nobel prize.
Thailand and Cambodia apparently are willing to settle their differences with Trump at the helm. Did they use Trump or did Trump use them?
It’s all just a precursor to the meeting with Xi.
Trump hyped up the meeting saying it was on a scale of one to ten, a 12. Was it?
The tariffs are still there, and trade agreements over soybeans were struck.
But what did he do about China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea. Trump didn’t even talk about Taiwan.
The Philippines, and the others, need and want the U.S. to contain China.
The price may be to give Trump whatever he wants in tariff negotiations. Small price to pay when you have no power.
China and Xi want to make sure it gets the same respect and deference Putin gets.
That is, if China wants to invade a sovereign na-
tion, go ahead. Doesn’t sound right. But the Philippines and Taiwan did not come up.
That’s worrisome. It will have to be addressed at some point.
In that sense, and I hate to say it, but Trump’s strong man may be the only way to play on the world stage. Trump’s vision is to be as strong as his superpower adversaries, Putin and Xi.
But in Asia it’s apparent, the strongman costume is not just for Halloween. It’s not for show. What that means for democracy at home, is scary.
EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok. com.
By Rose Cruz Churma
“The Philippines Is Not A Small Country” by Gideon Lasco was initially released in 2020 but is now on its eleventh printing in 2025.
Published by Bughaw, an imprint of the Ateneo de Manila University Press, most of the essays contained in this publication are from the author’s commentaries in the Philippine Daily Inquirer from 2015 to 2019.
In April 2023, we invited the author to be a panelist at the Hawaii Philippines Business & Economic Council’s (HPBEC) Virtual Talk-Story to help inform Hawai’i’s large Filipino community on current issues that were then faced by the Philippines, among which were the proposed phase-out of the iconic jeepneys in Metro Manila.
His opinion piece on the modernization of the jeepney in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (and reposted on his Facebook page) was insightful and thought-provoking and would be of interest to our audience with ties to the Philippines. However, due to conflicts to his schedule, it did not push through.
It was a pleasant surprise to discover this publication at the September 2025 Manila book fair at
the Ateneo de Manila Uni versity’s booth.
Author Caroline Hau calls this collection of essays “wide-ranging, well-considered, and above all, thought provoking and empathetic.” She adds further that the author “…is attentive to the nuances and resilience of Filipino life, place and meaning-making…”
locality. (My brother-inlaw’s favorite pabaon is their household’s prized bagoong alamang, which I dutifully pack in my carry-on—until one bottle broke at the airport: that was the last time I would accept that pabaon!).
Attached to these two cultural quirks are obligations on the part of both the giver and recipient that strengthen social ties.
in a head hunt and distinguishing oneself in battle. For these men, having an undeserved tattoo would dishonor their ancestors.
In the introduction, Lasco explains that his essays address the questions: “What does it mean to be Filipino, and what is the meaningful basis for taking pride in the nation? What is our place in the world —and how should we envision a future we can all share?”
Although the essays do not directly answer the questions, they hint at its answers.
The essays featured in this book were culled from Lasco’s weekly column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer spanning five years—from 2015 to 2020.
The essays are grouped into seven chapters with single word titles: Country, Nation, Culture, People, Technology, Modernity and World.
The essays can be read in any order, depending on one’s mood and interest.
In the first chapter and the first essay “Letter to Young Filipinos on the land I love,” he admonishes the Filipino youth to “learn more about our country” to look beyond textbooks but “peruse stories of the untold heroism of ordinary people.”
To look beyond Metro Manila, the focus of most headlines, “to explore your own country before you aspire to visit distant lands.”
In the second chapter, in the essay titled “Memory as resistance” he reflects
on how people easily forget the misdeeds of corrupt politicians, and cites as an example the political rehabilitation of the Marcos family.
He laments that the Filipinos’ collective amnesia is instrumental in the impunity enjoyed by those who have exploited the nation. He admonishes: “We must keep remembering and retelling the injustices of our time and the people that enable them…and remembering itself is a creative form of resistance.”
Various forms of art can be the truth’s last refuge, a weapon against disinformation and fake news. He concludes, “… for as long as we bear the memories of injustice, the hope of a fair verdict remains.”
The essay “Pasalubong, pabaon, and utang na loob” in the third chapter, the author describes these three Filipino ‘institutions’.
In pasalubong, a traveler is expected to bring back souvenirs for his family and friends. If you’re coming from Davao, it’s durian and its many forms; a trip from Baguio would require walis tambo, peanut brittle, strawberry or ube jam; and from Hawai’i, chocolate macadamia nuts.
Pabaon, on the other hand, a traveller is given gifts from the places he visits—from any object he admires in his hosts’ home or special products of the
The author observes that “The pabaon and pasalubong become vessels through which social relations can travel and geographic and social distances are bridged.”
Another concept is utang na loob translated loosely as a “debt of gratitude.”
This cultural practice implies that there are favors that cannot be quantified or repaid in money. The only way to repay it is to return the favor when an opportunity arises, a voluntary act given freely but repaid under obligation.
The essay in the fourth chapter titled “Why some Kalinga men don’t want a tattoo” caught my attention. I recently attended a forum on the art of batok and how some of the speakers described hiking to the remote village of Buscalan in Kalinga province to get a tattoo from Whang-od, the Philippines most famous mambabatok, a cultural icon in her own right.
The author describes how some of the Kalinga men echoed this sentiment: “I will never get a tattoo from her!”
For most visitors who come to Kalinga and seek and value the “poetry on the skin,” as one of the tattoo recipients described the art, tattoos can be decorative and therapeutic.
But for Kalinga men who are still rooted in their culture, tattoos can only be earned, by participating
Essays in chapters five and six explore the impact of technology in our modern world. In “The lost art of bedtime storytelling,” he admonishes parents to resist the impulse to leave the task of storytelling or book reading to the TV screen or to the electronic devices that most kids acquire early on.
Neuroscientists have determined that children listening to stories or being read at bedtime improves their mental imagery and narrative comprehension.
The most convincing proof of this is in the biographies of great writers themselves like Gabriel Garcia Marquez who credits his grandfather who told him stories of their civil war, or of Jose Rizal whose mother told him stories, one about the moth who hovered over the candle’s flame.
Lasco himself credits the stories his mother told him while growing up at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos faculty housing on the slopes of Mount Makiling.
In the last chapter aptly titled “World,” each of the essays were written outside of the Philippines, documenting his observations of the cities and towns he has visited around the world.
One that was of interest to me was “A city without billboards” which he wrote while in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in South America with a population of 12 million people. He was amazed that Sao Paulo had no billboards!
Apparently, in 2006, the city passed a law that forbade outdoor advertisements, such that the following year, over 15,000
By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Corruption in the Philippines is at its peak.
Though many of our politicians and government officials have faced trials for mismanaging public funds in the past decades, we have never witnessed this degree of blatant and shameless theft of hard-earned taxes that should have been used to uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
These are funds meant to build schools, improve healthcare, create jobs and construct reliable infrastructure. Instead, they have become personal treasure chests for a few.
We have long known that corruption exists. But its depth, scale, and brazenness have only been fully exposed these days. Thanks to the power of media and social media.
Had some corrupt Department of Public Works and Highways contractors not flaunted their extravagant lifestyles online, and had vigilant public officials like Mayor Vico Sotto not called out media personalities who glorify such behavior, the public might never have been stirred to demand accountability.
It began with media and social media, and it is through these channels that the clamor for truth and accountability continues.
Exposés and documentaries on ghost projects and substandard infrastructure are now being featured prominently on major television programs such as Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA 7. Platforms like Bilyonaryo Channel and Rap-
pler consistently reveal the lavish lifestyles of lawmakers and local officials, along with their links to anomalous public works.
Social media, for all its flaws, has also become an equalizer. It has given ordinary citizens a voice.
It keeps the stories alive, reminding the public to stay vigilant and continue demanding justice from leaders who should be solving our nation’s problems, not creating them.
What a tragedy it is for
a country so rich in natural and human resources to remain so impoverished in good governance.
Of course, as we navigate the flood of information online, we must remain discerning. Not everything we see or read is true. We must guard against fake news and seek truth above sensationalism.
Yet, amid the chaos and darkness, I find hope. What was once done in secrecy is now being brought into the light.
This awakening, the Filipino people’s collective cry of “Enough is enough!” and “We deserve better!”, marks the beginning of change.
As a people, we must keep fighting. By God’s grace and mercy, justice will be served, integrity will rise again, and healing will come to our nation.
And this is why being part of an institution that
values truth and empowers voices is such a privilege.
For 33 years, the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has been a steadfast platform for truth, awareness, and community engagement.
To contribute to a publication that enlightens minds, opens hearts, and inspires action is both an honor and a responsibility I cherish deeply.
As we celebrate the Chronicle’s anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my thoughts, to speak for those who cannot, and to take part in the ongoing mission to expose truth and uphold integrity.
Happy 33rd Anniversary, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle! May you continue to inform, inspire, and ignite change for many years to come, not just in Hawaii, but wherever truth and justice need a voice.
By Linda Dela Cruz
Sharing the Filipino story—both from the homeland and across the globe— is essential to understanding the depth, resilience, and creativity that connect Filipinos everywhere.
The 45th Hawaii International Film Festival partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to screen at least eight films shot in the Philippines and beyond in the “Spotlight on The Philippines” from October 15 to November 16 on Oahu, Maui, Lana`i, Kaua`i, Big Island and Moloka`i.
With 77 feature films, 143 shorts to 42 world premieres representing 46 countries, HIFF45 offered a global cinematic feast— many of which will continue making waves beyond the festival.
“As we celebrate our 45th anniversary under the theme Convergence, we honor HIFF’s legacy as a bridge across cultures while looking ahead to new possibilities,” says HIFF Executive Director Beckie Stocchetti.
Why is it important to have Filipino films?
“Oral history and documentary filmmaking preserve cultural narratives and ensure that history is represented authenticallythrough the eyes of the creatives who lived it,” shares Andrea Christina Caymo-Kauhanen, Executive
Director of The Filipino Community Center.
The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle previews of some HIFF45 films to watch again and put on your watchlist.
Eraserheads: Combo on the Run
The popular punk rock band the Eraserheads, sometimes called “The Beatles of the Philippines,” formed in Quezon City in 1989. The members of the band lead singer and primary songwriter Ely Buendia, guitarist Marco Adoro, bassist Buddy Zabala, and drummer Raimund Marasigan recorded six albums together.
Director Maria Diane Ventura documents their comeback tour in 2022 - 20 years after they broke up in 2002. This Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. film has already gotten awards.
The FilCom Center hosted Ventura for a Q&A session on Oct. 29 before the Hawaii premiere at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei the next day. Buendia joined via Zoom.
Caymo-Kauhanen emphasizes the role of films done by Filipinos: “This film showcased the vital role of using one’s own voice in shaping how our stories are told, remembered and passed on rather than having an outsider define that for you.”
Ventura reveals one of the most challenging parts as well as the best parts of making the film was figur-
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: The Philippines ....from page 14) billboards, considered visual pollution, were taken down. Perhaps that city mayor who convinced his constituents of the merits of removing billboards had been a visitor of Hawai’i and was impressed with our uncluttered horizons.
Hawai’i has banned billboards since 1927, a bill that was enacted by the Hawai’i
ing out how to dig deep to share the musician’s truth and expose their vulnerabilities.
“Their humanity and their willingness to reveal that is what is so special about this film,” Ventura notes. “The accessibility to that allowed for some profound reflections and honest look within.”
After debuting in the Philippines in March and in Hawaii in October, Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, which was released by Warner Bros. Pictures will be shown globally next year.
Quezon is a 2025 Philippine epic historical drama film co-written, edited, composed, and directed by Jerrold Tarog. Quezon is about the political rise of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, played by entertainer Jericho Rosales. Quezon is currently playing in some theatres.
This is the third and final film for TBA Studios’s Bayaniverse trilogy which consists of Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo: The Boy General (2018).
Territorial Legislature with the help of the local group called The Outdoor Circle, to protect the state’s natural beauty and scenic views.
Lasco is a Filipino medical anthropologist, physician, and academic known for his work in medical anthropology and public health research. He is also a writer and mountaineer.
He obtained his medical degree from the University of the Philippines (2011-2014) and his doctorate from the University of Amsterdam (20132017). He was a lecturer at UP Diliman’s anthropology department and a researcher at Ateneo de Manila University’s Development Studies program.
Baby Ruth Villarama, the director of Food Delivery: Fresh From The West Philippines Sea was in Hawaii for HIFF45. Other films shown at HIFF included Magellan, East Did Meet West, Maybe It’s Just the Rain, and Myself When I am Real.
Along Comes Larry, The Larry Ramos Story Hawaii-based entertainer Larry Ramos was the first Filipino-American to win a Grammy with the band the New Christy Minstrels in 1963. Veteran broadcast journalist Rick Quan first did a short story on KITV about him before doing this 30-minute documentary.
“I felt he deserved more recognition for being the first Asian American to win a Grammy and his role with The Association, one of the most popular bands of the late 1960’s,” explains Quan.
“I was also surprised to learn the Association had its roots in Hawaii and the song, Never My Love, which Larry sang co-lead was the second most played song in the 20th century according to BMI.”
The next scheduled screening is in San Francisco on Nov. 23. It will also include a live one hour concert from Larry’s former band, The Association as a fundraiser for Philippine International Aid. Larry passed away in 2014.
He is also fellow-at-large at Hong Kong University’s Centre for Criminology and from 2025 to 2026, he is a Takemi Fellow for International Health at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The inaugural HIFILM Industry Conference was held at the end of the Honolulu screenings in late October. The three-day event delved into the film industry and had panels on financing as well as discussions with NBCUniversal, and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
“The conference convenes a dynamic mix of professionals to examine how production shapes real communities, both on and off screen,” HIFF Artistic Director Anderson Le adds. Le helped edit the book When Strangers Meet: 45 Years of the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. It features 45 heartfelt stories from people whose lives were touched by HIFF since its inception in 1981. The book is available from HIFF while supplies last.
HIFF Founder Jeanette Hereniko launched the festival as a community outreach event for the East West Center at the Varsity Theatre with seven films. She served as HIFF director for 15 years until 1996.
“What began as a modest showcase of seven films has grown into a crossroads where cinematic traditions of the past meet the boldest visions of the future,” says Hereniko.
Lasco is a recipient of the National Book Award for Essay and has been named a TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) honoree.
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
By Congressman Ed Case
Isincerely hope that, by the time you read this, the deeply disappointing and completely unnecessary and solvable federal government shutdown is over.
Tens of millions of Americans have suffered direct impacts, and all of us have been affected, including Filipino Americans.
The National Federal of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) rightly stated that “across the nation, Filipino Americans serve in government, the military and essential public service roles.
A shutdown disrupts the stability of these workers and their families, creates uncertainty for small
businesses, and impacts seniors and children who depend on vital programs.”
Our active duty servicemembers’ pay has been uncertain, a million-plus federal workers including 25,000 in Hawai‘i have worked or been furloughed without pay, and supplemental nutrition assistance for some 165,000 and affordable health care insurance for tens of thousands throughout Hawai‘i has been at risk.
Our overall economy has suffered, with uncertainty in key activities like tourism, construction, health care, small business and agriculture.
The last federal government shutdown lasted 35 days and cost the U.S
economy an estimated $11 billion.
The underlying issue remains the administration’s and my Congressional majority colleagues’ failure to prevent a health care crisis facing some forty million Americans if federal assistance for unaffordable health insurance expires.
As I write, the U.S. Senate has voted fourteen times to reject their proposed solution that abandons them.
The solution was always a bipartisan compromise that continues both
overall government funding and assures these tens of millions of our national ‘ohana of basic affordable health care. I have devoted my own efforts in Congress to this result.
Why is this so hard?
First is the growing politics of 100%, where anything less than a total win is viewed as a loss. That is not how our democracy can or should work, especially in a closely divided Congress.
Massive misinformation intended to inflame and confuse the debate and prevent a bipartisan compromise is also to blame. Take the claim that federal health insurance assistance goes to illegal immigrants.
That is completely false; they are not eligible for these benefits today and they would not be under any extension or modification.
If this funding/healthcare crisis is not over when
you read this the pain will have spread far broader and deeper and a solution will be far more acute.
If it is over, that won’t be the end of it. For if we don’t find a less divided, more solution-oriented way of governing, we will simply lurch from crisis to crisis, each harming our country further.
That is not just about D.C. changing on its own; that is all of our responsibility to demand that it happen.
My office remains open to assist you however we can. Please go to my website at case.house. gov for information on the shutdown and resources as well as my other efforts in Congress or email us at ed.case@mail.house.gov or call my Honolulu office at (808) 650-6688.
My staff and I wish you and yours only the best. Aloha.
Earlier this month, Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced new coordinated state actions to protect Hawaii residents and families from the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown which disrupts the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“These are challenging times for working families
across Hawaiʻi,” said Gov. Green.
“No one should go hungry or lose stability because of gridlock in Washington. When federal support is paused, Hawaiʻi stands up. We take care of one another and act with urgency and aloha to protect our people.”
The state will issue a $250 emergency relief payment per eligible individual
to help households bridge the gap created by the pause of federal SNAP funding. The total cost for the emergency relief payment is
By Kristine
“MANILA, Philippines — A warrant of arrest has allegedly been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in connection
with the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
In an interview with DZRH on Saturday morning, November 8, Remulla said he had “good author-
ity” to disclose the matter, citing public interest.
“I have it in good authority [to disclose] kasi public interest program ito, that the ICC has issued a warrant against Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, warrant of arrest,” Remulla said.
Dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under then-president Rodrigo
$42.2 million in November.
Moreover, $2 million in state support will be directed through the Department of Human Services (DHS) to Hawaii’s food banks to maintain essential operations and food distribution across every island. An additional $500,000 will be given to the Farm to Families program, spearheaded by the House Majority Caucus to
Duterte, playing a key role as the top implementor of the government’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
The development comes as Duterte, 80, has been detained at the ICC detention center in The Hague since March 13, awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his anti-drug campaign as both Davao City mayor and
purchase locally produced food.
The coordinated relief effort brings together the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, DHS, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, and community partners including Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Maui Economic Opportunity, the Foodbank and Aloha United Way.
Philippine president.
ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, accusing him of involvement in at least 76 killings linked to his drug war.
Dela Rosa, a known Duterte ally in the Senate, has previously said he is “ready” to join Duterte should the ICC issue an arrest warrant against him. (www.philstar.com)
By Jim Bea Sampaga
This year, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) is celebrating its 33rd anniversary.
When I joined HFC in late 2019, the paper was preparing for its anniversary gala dinner to celebrate the paper’s 25th and 26th anniversaries.
I was a recent graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa at the time, and I spent my college years championing Filipino and Filipino American stories.
Joining HFC as an editorial assistant was a no-brainer. It was my chance to work directly with the Filipino community in Hawaii and, in a way, give back to the community that took care of me.
Founded in 1993, HFC was established by Charlie Sonido, M.D. and Chona Montesines-Sonido when they noticed the need for news coverage that is relevant to the growing Filipino and Filipino American community in Hawaii.
And true to its name, HFC chronicled events and issues relevant to Filipinos in Hawaii, the United States, and the Philippines for the past 33 years. The paper championed Filipino and Filipino American voices in media, politics, business, and the arts.
My most memorable HFC coverage
Since I joined HFC, I have helped cover numerous issues and events for the Filipino community in Hawaii and beyond.
From featuring local Filipino public office candidates, small businesses, and local artists, to covering Hawaii Filipino news, Filipino movie screenings and more, I was an allaround member of the HFC editorial team.
But for me, the most memorable HFC coverage we did was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It wasn’t just the com-
munity we’re covering that was going through changes because of the pandemic; the paper had to adjust and adapt too.
Our readers grabbed copies of HFC from newsstands located in supermarkets, clinics, restaurants, and other small businesses for the past several years.
With those establishments limiting customers and the government imposing lockdowns to minimize the spread of COVID, HFC had to pivot quickly to ensure our coverage reached our readers.
We all worked remotely. We still continued printing our issues and delivering them to newsstands to keep our offline readers updated despite the lower foot traffic.
Our editorial team covered numerous updates on federal and local government agency mandates on lockdown, stimulus checks, cash assistance, food drives, safety and quarantine protocols, and vaccine availability.
Continuous updates on COVID variants and vaccine variants were also available in every issue of HFC. The paper also shared news on COVID vaccine drives spearheaded by the Filipino Community Center’s FilCom CARES.
HFC covered every facet of the COVID pandemic, especially when the second-worst hit by the pandemic was the Filipino community. Filipinos in Hawaii are everywhere, from the frontlines of essential businesses to the frontlines of clinics and hospitals.
In between the constant updates and mandates we were covering, HFC still took the time to shine the light on the people that mattered the most: the Filipinos who kept us safe and going amid the COVID pandemic.
After the pandemic
The effects of the pan-
demic were a reminder that HFC is now more important than ever.
It was an eye-opener for HFC to realize that it’s important to have an established online presence. Before the pandemic, HFC was solely a print newspaper with a static website. When the pandemic happened, the lower foot traffic meant it was time for HFC to prioritize social media and its website.
We revamped its website to update bi-weekly alongside the release of the latest printed issue. HFC is now easily found on social media. Electronic versions of the printed issues are accessible on its online archive.
Having an online presence also meant HFC isn’t confined to Hawaii anymore; it’s now accessible to readers in the mainland and beyond, including the Philippines.
The government’s response to COVID and its effects meant that people are more critical of their public officials than ever. HFC is a newspaper by the people for the people, and at its core is the passion to serve the betterment of the community.
HFC covered #StopAsianHate and #StopAAPIHate, alongside similar social movements such as #BlackLivesMatter.
The paper’s several cover stories and columns from various contributing authors highlighted the racist rhetoric and the social movements that emerged during the COVID pandemic.
Residents are recovering from the effects of the pandemic, and they rely heavily on the government
to support their recovery. Election season during the pandemic was the time for the people to make their voices heard.
Every election year, I was tasked to reach out to public office candidates with Filipino ancestry and ask about their background and the issues they care about. It’s HFC’s way of providing a platform for Filipino and Filipino American candidates to directly address the Filipino community in Hawaii.
Whether the candidates are Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I learned that all they want to achieve is to make Hawaii more affordable for its residents by making housing affordable and offering more job opportunities to residents. I realized that the power is truly with the voters to elect competent public officials who will make these promises a reality.
The pandemic wasn’t the only period that HFC had to cover intensely, but it’s the coverage that taught me so much while reflecting on the state of the newspaper, its readers, and the Filipino community.
I might have joined HFC in its latter years, but I feel connected and represented in this newspaper.
When I joined the team, I was prepared to serve and give back to the Filipino community. But I didn’t know that I would learn so much in my journey with HFC.
With three decades of history, HFC taught me that some things truly never change. The Filipino community is resilient but also brave in challenging the status quo. There are several Filipinos and Filipino Americans making waves in numerous sectors, and I just never heard any of them from traditional media outlets.
Representation is truly
important, and HFC provided that representation. As part of the HFC, our articles amplified the voices of the exceptional Filipinos and Filipino Americans we featured. I was among the group of writers and authors who connected with the Filipino community in Hawaii and beyond.
Three decades. That’s how long HFC has been around, serving and representing the Filipino community. This is a testament to their dedication to delivering news, features, and shedding light on important issues.
Three decades is not just a milestone achievement but proof that HFC has a long-lasting impact on the Filipino community.
With the recent news that HFC’s printing press provider in Maui is shutting down, it is uncertain when and where the paper’s 2026 issues will be printed, or if the paper will continue releasing issues.
Prior to Maui Printing Press, HFC was a partner of Hawaii Hochi Printing in Honolulu until Hochi’s closure in July 16, 2024. HFC will still be available to access online. We encourage you to continue reading our past issues, cover stories, and articles. That’s three decades worth of Filipino and Filipino American history in Hawaii.
Stay connected to HFC’s online presence. Visit thefilipinochronicle. com to read our cover stories and articles online. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/TheFilipinoChronicle) and Instagram (instagram.com/the_ filipino_chronicle/). View HFC’s archive of published issues on issuu.com/hawaiifilipinochronicle.
The future might be uncertain for HFC, but its presence will live on in the Filipino community in Hawaii and beyond.
LET’S ZUMBA | Filcom Center | Consuelo Courtyart, FilCom Center, 94-428 Mokuola St, Waipahu | Every Monday at 6:15pm | Need to unwind in movement and dance after a long workday? Join the community as we Zumba through the evening. For more information, visit https://filcom.org/ communityprograms.
EXHIBITION - KULTURANG MAKULAY: COLORFUL CULTURES OF THE PHILIPPINES EXHIBITIONKULTURANG MAKULAY: COLORFUL CULTURES OF THE PHILIPPINES | East-West Center, Center for
Philippine Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa | East-West Center Gallery, John A. Burns Hall, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu | November 21-22 at 7:30pm, November 23 at 2pm | This production delves into the interconnected lives of Filipinos maneuvering the waters of belonging and exclusion in Hawaii and beyond, and will be performed in a combination of Filipino, Ilokano, and English languages. Tickets start at $9. To book tickets, visit https://hawaiiathletics. evenue.net/events/KT1.
PASKO SA FILCOM
| FilCom Center | Casamina-Flores Ballroom, FilCom Center, 94-428
Mokuola St, Waipahu | December 14, 3-7pm | Celebrate Christmas the Filipino way with traditional games, good food, and contests for everyone! Schedule to be announced soon. Follow FilCom Center on Instagram to stay up to date: https:// www.instagram.com/thefilcomcenter/.
SAKADA DAY CELEBRATION
| FilCom Center | Casamina-Flores Ballroom, FilCom Center, 94-428 Mokuola St, Waipahu | December 20, 10am to 1pm | Honor the Filipino agricultural workers that migrated to Hawaii in early 1900s. For the schedule, follow FilCom Center on Instagram to stay up to date: https://www.instagram.com/thefilcomcenter/.
By Lily A. Montesines-Capalad
efore encountering Christ, my life was a rhythm of routine—simple, ordinary, and outwardly content.
BThere were moments of joy with family and friends, especially during special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, feasts and other holy days).
Yet, beneath the surface, something always felt missing. I had what many would consider a good life: a family, a home, and a stable job in an American company.
But even these blessings couldn’t fill the quiet emptiness within; something always felt incomplete. I still found myself wondering if there was more to life.
Deep down, I sensed a void that success and comfort couldn’t satisfy. The words of Scripture echoed in my heart: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
A seed was planted one day while I was casually flipping through TV channels searching for the sermon of various televangelists.
I landed on The 700 Club and was unexpectedly drawn to the stories
being shared.
Though the moment sparked my curiosity, it was fleeting—I returned to my daily routine and shelved the stirring in my heart.
Five years later, the Lord moved more directly. A fellow member of the Philippine Association of Secretaries applied for and was hired at our company.
We quickly became friends, and in time, she began to share her faith with me. She gave me booklets and reading materials from her church, and to my surprise, I devoured them with eagerness.
I had never been so captivated by spiritual content. It was as though a hunger I didn’t know I had was finally being fed. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
This hunger led me to open the Bible. Not just to read it, but to examine it closely.
I wanted to see for myself if what I had been reading aligned with God’s Word. To my amazement, familiar verses took on new life.
I began to understand teachings that once felt obscure, especially re-
garding worship and the meaning behind God’s appointed times.
The clarity I received lit a fire in me. I eventually decided to be baptized, marking my surrender to Christ and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
But following Jesus did not exempt me from pain. I faced many trials: health crises that made me think I wouldn’t live beyond a year, especially after reading a medical abstract my sister sent me about a patient in their hospital with a condition similar to mine.
I also suffered financial loss from a scam and experienced deep betrayal from people I once trusted. Yet, even in my suffering, I was never alone.
The Holy Spirit became my constant companion. I experienced a peace that surpassed all understanding—an inner joy that no trial could take away.
As the Bible says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all un-
derstanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
At one point, I even felt so secure and full of joy in God’s love that I was ready to leave this world behind and be with Him.
Yet He gently reminded me: I was not saved to escape the world, but to be His light within it. Though I am no longer of this world, I am still in it—for a purpose.
I am here to live out His commission and to be a living testimony of His grace, truth, and power.
Jesus never promised a life without hardship, but He promised His presence. “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
He gave us the Holy Spirit as a Helper—to guide us, strengthen us, and keep us walking in truth.
As I continue to walk this path, I hold tight-
ly to His promises and keep my heart grounded through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual discipline.
What began as a moment of curiosity became a lifelong journey of transformation. From emptiness, He brought fullness.
From questions, He brought truth. And from a life of routine, He gave me eternal purpose. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
A short prayer: Lord, sustain me by Your Spirit, that I may walk faithfully and joyfully as Your true disciple. Help me reflect Your light in both the quiet and trying moments of life, until the day I see You face to face.
LILY A. MONTESINES-CAPALAD lives out her faith as a follower of Jesus Christ, continually growing in God’s Word and shining His light in her community and beyond. She remains deeply grateful to our gracious Provider for opening the opportunity to have testimonials published through the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle.
