Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - June 3, 2023

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CANDID PERSPECTIVES

toNgi wiNS idol, ASiANS get iNto hARvARd

LINGERING THOUGHTS

RooSteRS, lgBtQ, RAil ANd iAM

BOOK REVIEW

SAANMAN—MgA KuweNto MulA SA BiyAhe, BAgAhe At BAliKBAyAN Box

JUNE 3, 2023

Buying A Home is Still One of the Best Investments to Make, Keep Alive the Hope for Purchasing Your Dream Home

Data taken by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015, show Filipinos have the third (behind Japanese and Chinese, ahead of Whites, Native Hawaiians, and all others) highest rate of homeownership in Hawaii among all ethnicities.

Almost 60% of Filipinos in Hawaii own the homes they live in. When considering the super high cost of living and real estate in the state, this is fairly high. There’s certainly room for improvement, but this statistic could also reasonably be a lot worse. The national average homeownership rate is a little higher at 64.4%.

For many Filipinos it doesn’t come as a surprise that our community is doing relatively well in this category. Home ownership is one of our highest priorities and it’s not just about status or a sense of achievement, but we look at owning our own home as the family unit’s security.

Most Filipinos growing up in the 1960-1990s grew up in households where their parents were homeowners, as well as their uncles and aunties. Of course, back then, it was easier with homes prices being lower and banking regulations were more flexible. It was common then for practically any married couple with two steady sources of income to be able to buy their own home.

In fact, it’s possible that home ownership today is linked to the same house that was purchased by baby boomer generation Filipinos in the 1970s-1990s. First, it could be the same house that was inherited and is currently occupied by baby boomers’ descendants. Or second, that house their parents purchased in the 1970s-1990s were sold in the 2000s and the capital gain used by their children to make a healthy downpayment on their own homes.

This is one strategy to explain a fairly high homeownership rate. Another is that Generation X Filipinos lived with their parents for a while and saved a healthy sum for downpayment before leaving the nest and purchasing their own home.

Some millennial Filipinos are following the same cultural pattern, and the fact that they tend to have higher paying jobs than their parents and grandparents, adds to their ability to purchase their own home in a real estate market that’s one of the highest in the nation.

Real Estate is still one of the best investments to make

From a financial standpoint alone, investing in property could be the best financial decision. Consider the rise of inflation relative to the rise of real estate prices. Home prices increase significantly, outpacing inflation rates. Home prices have increased 1,608% since 1970, while inflation has increased 644%.

In 2021 alone, home prices rose 20%, while inflation grew at a 7.5% pace. If home prices grew at the same rate as inflation since 1970, the median home price today would be just $177,788. Instead, home prices have increased far faster than inflation, soaring to $408,100 as the national average.

Now also consider the rise of annual income with inflation. Rises in annual income have barely been keeping pace with inflation over the last few decades. Overall prices of goods in America have risen 67% since 2000. After adjusting for inflation, however, the median American household income has increased by just 7% in total since 2000 – that’s only 0.3% per year.

So, both the money earned (income) and inflation itself are well behind the pace of real estate rising.

Preparing to own your dream home

Clearly, we see how buying a home is one of the best investments when tracing inflation. But at the same time, this rapid out-

FROM THE PUBLISHER

After the peak of the pandemic when the median price for a single-family home in Hawaii broke the $1 million mark, residents were in shock. For many non-property owners hoping to one day buy their Hawaii dream home, the new $1 million price tag was deflating, leaving some to question if their dream of homeownership in paradise is even possible. The high cost of real estate has been linked to the increasing outmigration of locals moving to the mainland.

For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo looks into the current real estate market which slowed down with prices dropping slightly but interest rates are at a high point. Experts in the industry inform us on what could be required to buy a home in this current market and gives buyers tips on what to look for that could land buyers a good deal, for example, considering houses that have been sitting on the market for a while or targeting certain neighborhoods with higher inventory (which means lower prices). Data shows Filipino homeownership in Hawaii is relatively high. This could be in part due to a cultural practice common among Filipinos and something that could help in your journey to buy your dream home even today with skyrocketing prices. Find out what it is in the cover story.

Speaking of being priced out of paradise, we have two articles this issue on the 2023 American Idol winner Iam Tongi who is from Hawaii but just moved to the mainland because of Hawaii’s high cost of living. Tongi is not Filipino, but our community and all of the Asia-Pacific, and apparently, many on the mainland, were impressed by his talent and gift for singing and songwriting. HFC columnists Emil Guillermo and Seneca Moraleda-Puguan give us different perspectives on the first-ever from Hawaii to win American Idol.

Also in this issue, we have an article “Roosters, LGBTQ, Rail, and Iam” contributed by former state senator Will Espero. As the headline suggests, it’s a mostly political piece, calling for lawmakers to stiffen the penalty of cockfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony, calling on more tolerance and respect for transgenders on the mainland, and anticipating the use of rail which will be operational (parts of it) soon.

Lastly, we have a feature 1) “What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines,” 2) HFC columnist Atty. Emmanuel Tipon’s “Immigrant Bride Fooling Around and How to Unlove a Loved One,” 3) HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko’s “We Serve. Where There Is a Need, There is A Lion!” and 4) HFC contributor Rose Churma’s “SAANMAN—Mga Kuwento Mula sa Biyahe, Bagahe at Balikbayan Box,” as well as news affecting our community.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Remember HFC is published online at www.thefilipinochronicle.com for your convenience. Thank you for supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle. Until the next issue,warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor

Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography

Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant

Lilia Capalad

Editorial & Production Assistant

Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader

Elpidio R. Estioko

Perry Diaz

Emil Guillermo

Melissa Martin, Ph.D.

Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

J.P. Orias

Pacita Saludes

Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq.

Charlie Sonido, M.D.

Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista

Edna Bautista, Ed.D.

Teresita Bernales, Ed.D.

Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.

Rose Churma

Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D.

Linda Dela Cruz

Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand

Amelia Jacang, M.D.

Caroline Julian

Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D.

Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.

Matthew Mettias

Maita Milallos

Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D.

Renelaine Bontol-Pfister

Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

Mark Lester Ranchez

Jay Valdez, Psy.D.

Glenn Wakai

Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent:

Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents:

Big Island (Hilo and Kona)

Grace LarsonDitas Udani

Kauai

Millicent Wellington

Maui

Christine Sabado

Big Island Distributors

Grace LarsonDitas Udani

Kauai Distributors

Amylou Aguinaldo

Nestor Aguinaldo

Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros

Molokai Distributor

Maria Watanabe

Oahu Distributors

Yoshimasa Kaneko

pacing of home prices to inflation points out why it’s even more difficult for today’s millennials to purchase a home. How can millennials prepare to buy a home?

• First and foremost, increasing your income potential is the best way to set you on your way to owning a home.

• Lower your debt-to-income ratio. In other words, watch how you spend your money. Avoid buying frivolous things you don’t really need. Look into areas where you can cut costs. Instead of buying a new car, perhaps buy one in still great condition just a few years old. Spend within your means.

• Save for a down payment. Mentioned above is the cultural practice that Filipino families use to save money by not leaving the nest early, like 18-22 years old.

Shalimar / Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives

Carlota Hufana Ader

JP Orias

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023 EDITORIAL
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Congratulations to the Hawaii Class of 2023 Graduates

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2023 college and high school graduates. The last graduation ceremonies wrapped up in Hawaii this past weekend.

This year marked the first for Hawaii to have no COVID-19 health and safety restrictions for ceremonies, except that people attending were asked to stay home if they felt sick or tested positive for coronavirus within the past five days.

In 2022, the Hawaii State Department of Education COVID-19 guidelines made student participation voluntary, required masks to be worn at all times, required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 48 hours prior to the ceremony.

So fortunately, with restrictions gone, this year was the start of normalcy, back to pre-COVID-19 and all about celebrating students, their hard work and perseverance, as well as their parents for their support and encouragement.

During graduation season high school students commonly will hear words of encouragement and advice from their adult family.

For those high schoolers who graduated with honors, know what they want to pursue careerwise and have been accepted to a great college of

their choice – they probably don’t need much in terms of motivation and are on their way to success.

Real-world advice

But to those high schoolers who may not have been as focused and already have in mind – based off their mediocre to poor academic performance – to just get a job thinking they’ve reached their full potential by finishing high school, here is advice for you: life is just beginning. You get a second, third, fourth or as many chances as it takes to accomplish what you really want.

High school is not the final dress rehearsal for the real world as you might think. There are endless examples of successful people who did poorly in high school, people who later found that special motivation to give them the needed drive to achieve.

That motivation can come in many forms in your adult life. First and arguably the most important factor is as an adult, you must now pay bills and earn a living unlike your years as a teen. The lack of money to pay for what you really want is a powerful motivating factor for you to get a career that can pay for the life you want.

Second, having a family, wife and children, costs money. This will spark a fire to get things done, be more responsible with finances and career

Rather, spend just a few years more at home living with your parents to build up your savings war chest. This will help tremendously in putting down a handsome downpayment on a home.

• Maintain a strong, healthy credit score. Bad credit can raise your interest as high as 2 percentage points. That could be equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars and certainly a higher monthly mortgage.

• Understand thoroughly the types of loans available. Shop around for great loan rates.

• Timing is important. Investors, speculators and just your average buyer are always trying to figure out when is the best time to buy a home.

When interest rates are high, it’s perhaps not the best time

choices. As a parent, you will also want to be a good example for your children.

The truth is in the real world motivation and drive are the most influential factors in achieving. In high school, often a student is distracted and immersed in self-discovery mode. Students get caught in peer pressure and want so desperately to belong to a certain group. They think of being popular. They might fear a certain bully or group of bullies who become sources of stress and affect their ability to concentrate.

In college, most of all that nonsense goes away. People are just too busy working and studying, too busy being adults with responsibilities that really matter.

So high school graduates -- if an adult hasn’t already reassured you yet of your true potential, it’s certainly more than you can imagine for yourself as a teen. You most likely could possess talents you are not even aware of having.

High school is not the end of all and your experiences there haven’t already established the limits of your capabilities. Your journey is just beginning. The path ahead is uncertain. It will not be easy. But life after

to buy real estate. If your personal finances are in order and prices tend to be lower than normal or stable, perhaps this could be the best time to buy real estate.

• Get sound advice from professionals in the business. But not just any professional, but those who you can trust. Just like shopping for loans, researching a company and the potential professional to represent you in your real estate needs is also important. Word of mouth is a great resource.

You’d be surprised at what former clients might have to say about someone who looks good on paper but has a sketchy reputation.

It’s a tough real estate market at this moment. If you are seriously looking to buy, best of luck in your journey. 

high school is like a reboot, a fresh start.

In this light, high school graduation is not just about a celebration of achievement, it marks a new beginning of unlimited potential. This is something to be excited about.

The power of motivation

There are many stories of inspiration. One is of Bianca Jeannot. From the age of 4 to 10, Bianca was homeless, moving from shelter to shelter with her single-parent mom and two brothers with special needs. One brother had down syndrome; the other needed dialysis every day.

Her teen years and high school were already atypical. Despite the chaos and instability, she graduated from high school. That year, her mother also passed away, which made her family situation worse. She was suddenly put in the role of head of the household, adding to her stress and responsibilities, not to mention the grieving she had to endure of losing the one and only parent she knew.

With all this on her shoulders, Bianca met these chal-

lenges with fiery motivation (mentioned earlier as a key to success). Bianca worked several jobs, went to college in New York, and took care of her two brothers with special needs at the same time. She graduated from New Rochelle College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a certificate in forensic science. She graduated with a 3.8 GPA and won several scholarships.

“Although we’ve suffered, and although we’ve gone through a lot, it’s made me who I am, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Bianca said. “If I can do it, it means that it’s meant for me.”

Bianca’s life situation is an extreme example of the power of motivation. And she was able to accomplish all this freshly out of high school.

The future is bright not only for those who we typically think have immense potential like your honors or smart students. All high school graduates have a bright future. Convincing yourself of that is a start. Now dive in and do the work to make your dreams a reality.

JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3 EDITORIAL
(Buying.....from page 2)

Buying A Home in Hawaii’s Current Real Estate Market: Tips and Filipinos’ Cultural Advantage

Being priced out of paradise due to the high cost of living and real estate has been responsible for Hawaii’s consistent outmigration since the early 2000s and keeps growing. Close to 30,000 Hawaii residents left for the mainland from 2020 to 2022.

Hawaii’s current real estate market has gone down slightly in property prices and activity. The median price of a single-family home for April 2023 is $1,000,000 and for a condominium $499,000. In March 2023 it was $1,096,250 (single-family) and $535,000 (condominium).

But the median price for both is still high for the average income-earner and even above average income-earner if they don’t already have an existing property to sell off and apply the capital gain towards a downpayment on their dream home.

What would financing look like for a Hawaii property in today’s current real estate market? Roland Casamina, President/CEO of House of Finance, Inc. said “It could be as little as 3% down payment, if their credit is good. In the case of a $1 million purchase, it equates to $30,000 down payment, plus closing costs. Generally, closing costs can equate to as much as 3% also, which means

Dr. Valerie Tan bought her Hawaii property in 2021 for $990,000. Like most Hawaii parents, she thinks about the possibility of her children leaving due to Hawaii’s high real estate market. “I’m concerned that children won’t be able to buy, maybe even rent, a property on their own which will force them to leave Hawaii for a state with lower real estate costs, especially if they have a family and children of their own,” Dr. Tan told the Filipino Chronicle.

She said, “A condo

you may need to come up with as much as $60,000 total cash to close. But many lenders probably can live with lower closing costs, so if you have at least $50,000 in total cash we can make it work.

“Secondly, with a loan amount of $970,000, plus mortgage insurance since the down payment is less than 20%, property tax and property insurance, we may need as much as $15,000 per month income to qualify,” Casamina told the Filipino Chronicle.

If buyers are not making a down payment of 20% (which used to be the standard), for many income-earners the monthly mortgage could be too high.

As the baby boom generation ages, typically what realtors are seeing more often is their children either inheriting the home and living in it or selling their parents home and using some of that money to use towards a down payment on their Hawaii dream home. That’s one route keeping the younger generation of locals from leaving Hawaii. Still, some who sell their parents’ property choose to leave for another state where their money has stronger buying power.

For many Hawaii millennials this scenario isn’t an option – either their parents don’t have property or are still in their late middle-aged years. For these millennials who already have their own

that’ll comfortably fit a family can cost $500K and a single-family home costs $1-2 million. Housing is the biggest monthly expense, and it is difficult and heartbreaking to think a family may have to put in most of their monthly income on housing alone and then must triage other necessities.”

Hawaii’s current real estate market: high prices and high interest rates

Hawaii’s current slow market is due in part to both high prices and high interest rates.

Michael Yoshino, realtor-associate, Locations Hawaii, explains “The main challenge facing Hawaii homebuyers [currently] is the low inventory of homes. Inventory controls prices of homes and low inventory keeps prices on the higher side. With rising high interest rates, buying activity has decreased which normally would lower home prices. However, home prices have lowered but have not crashed, so in many cases Hawaii homebuyers face a double whammy of high prices and

families, if they’re not able to buy a home in Hawaii they’re also choosing to leave the state.

The University of Hawaii Economics Research Organization (UHERO) said in a report that Hawaii has the highest level of regulation in the country, resulting in a median resale value that is two and a half times the national average.

Justin Tyndall, UHERO Assistant Professor of Economics, said “When it comes to new housing in the state, we see some single-family homes and large condo towers, but little in between,” Tyndall explained. “It’s not a coincidence that across the state, it’s illegal to build anything other than single-family homes.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he wants to tackle the affordable housing problem by promoting the construction of low-rise apartments. This would expand inventory and inventory specifically that is lower priced than what’s mostly currently available, single-family homes and high-rise condos.

high interest rates. But don’t panic, devise a plan with your loan officer and realtor and go out there and you will eventually find the right property to fit your needs and budget.

“Being an island with limited space, prices will always be higher than what you would like to pay. However, talk to a realtor and loan officer to see exactly where you stand. Either way you’ll either end up with a great home or you will be able to create a plan of action so that you’ll be ready to buy when the time is right for you,” Yoshino told

the Filipino Chronicle.

On financing a home today

Casmina said before going out to look for a property, get pre-qualified. “Good for you to bring your 2021 and 2022 tax returns and your latest pay stubs. In the case of House of Finance, we would check your credit to see how we can improve your credit score. This determines what kind of interest rate and mortgage insurance you may pay.”

On purchasing a home in

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4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023
COVER STORY

(Buying A Home....from page 4) this high interest rate market, Yoshino said “Buyers are in a difficult spot because their monthly payment is much higher now than it was a year ago or their buying power decreased significantly for the same monthly payment.”

He said one way to get a lower interest rate is to ask your lender about an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan. “ARMS have a lower interest rate for a specific term, say maybe 5, 7, 10 years, and then the interest rate adjusts to a higher rate after the specific term. Most buyers refinance or sell their property within 10 years. If you think this is a highly likely option for you, give this loan some consideration after obtaining guidance from your loan officer or financial advisor who knows your finances well.”

Experts say ARMS could work for buyers wanting to sell in the near future, but if you plan to keep the property long-term and are banking on refinancing later, there could be some complications. Your ARM loan terms, and interest rate may at first be more lenient because of the lower monthly payments, but, if you want to refinance down the line into a fixed rate, it could be difficult to get approved for the same size mortgage loan. When it comes to refinancing in the future, your financial situation may change, your credit score may change and the property you purchased its value may be lower. All of these could affect your ability to get out of the original loan with a higher interest rate. Remember ARM rates go up after a specified time and your monthly payment could increase and you may not be able to get a fixed interest rate loan for the same size.

But typically, whether the loan is an ARM or fixed, as soon as interest rates drop, homeowners will refinance an existing mortgage (assuming no major changes have occurred) and reduce their monthly payments. The savings could be dramatic, so experts recommend homeowners pay attention to interest rates even after buying their home. For example, a mort-

gage rate just 2% lower than your existing rate, it could be possible to refinance your 30-year mortgage to 15-year mortgage and essentially have the same monthly payment.

If a reason you are paying for a high mortgage rate is due to poor credit score, it’s also possible that as soon as your credit improves, you could refinance your mortgage at a lower rate. Lenders penalize borrowers with credit scores below 680 in the form of interest rates currently 1.5% higher than borrowers with credit scores above 780. The good news is that paying your mortgage consistently on time will raise your credit score eventually.

Experts say there are pros and cons to the multiple types of loans available. They warn that it’s not just about qualifying for a loan at the maximum amount to enable you to buy your dream home, it’s about getting the right loan for you, even if it means buying a property for a lesser price. They recommend before signing for a loan that you fully understand the terms of that loan.

Buying tips: 1) look for property sitting on market for a while, 2) consider the neighborhood you’re buying into Yoshino, who has been in the real estate industry for two decades, says buyers should consider homes or condos that have been sitting on the market for a while. “Often

COVER STORY

some of these properties are great properties that were over-priced or just need some minor renovations. You may be able to get the property at a nice discount if the seller really needs to sell or you can ask the seller for a credit to buy down your interest rate to lower your monthly payment to a reasonable amount,” he said.

“Looking ahead to the summer, when home sales and prices typically rise, prospective buyers can expect to see decreased competition and more options in neighborhoods with greater inventory. Sellers in higher-inventory neighborhoods will need to price their homes accordingly to ensure a successful sale. It’s important to note that local market statistics can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood,” Yoshino said.

Challenges that could affect your ability to buy a home

Besides the typical income threshold and credit history that affect all buyers, Casamina said there are some spending patterns he’s noticed among his Filipino clients that could hurt their ability to buy a home in Hawaii.

“For many of us, the first thing that we do when we get a job, is to buy a brand-new car. The monthly payment is so large that it hinders our ability to qualify for the mortgage loan and save money for down payment. Second most

“The main challenge facing Hawaii homebuyers [currently] is the low inventory of homes. Inventory controls prices of homes and low inventory keeps prices on the higher side. With rising high interest rates, buying activity has decreased which normally would lower home prices. However, home prices have lowered but have not crashed, so in many cases Hawaii homebuyers face a double whammy of high prices and high interest rates. But don’t panic, devise a plan with your loan officer and realtor and go out there and you will eventually find the right property to fit your needs and budget. Being an island with limited space, prices will always be higher than what you would like to pay. However, talk to a realtor and loan officer to see exactly where you stand. Either way you’ll either end up with a great home or you will be able to create a plan of action so that you’ll be ready to buy when the time is right for you.”

common problem that we encounter is we fix our home in the Philippines while we struggle to pay rent here in Hawaii. For many who do this, they have one of the best houses in their hometown in the Philippines yet continue to pay rent in Hawaii [because they cannot get a loan to buy property in Hawaii.]”

Filipinos and homeownership in Hawaii

The national average of homeownership rate for occupied housing units is 64.4%.

Hawaii

In Hawaii that rate is 60.3% Researchers at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015, showed homeownership in Hawaii by Household Race. Filipinos came in third behind Japanese and Chinese, but ahead of Whites, Native Hawaiians, Koreans, and others.

The percentage breakdown: Japanese 73.6% (and

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JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

Idon’t know about you, but I think I’d rather be an “American Idol” than a Harvard matriculate. But we all know any success takes skill and luck. So, maybe the answer to that affirmative action lawsuit at Harvard is—a lottery?

In the meantime, let’s all sing our praises to Iam Tongi, the young man who put the “NHPI” in AANHPI Month when he became the first Hawaiian-born, Pacific Islander singer to win ABC’s vocal talent contest, “American Idol.”

I was still rooting for 17-year-old Filipino Canadian Tyson Venegas who was eliminated after making the Top Ten and had some face time during the finale.

But it’s the 18-year-old Tongi who’s matriculating into showbiz with a bang.

Tongi, from Kahuku on the North Shore of Oahu, was the top vote-getter in the 21st season of the show, beating out country singer Megan Danielle, 19, from Georgia.

For several weeks, there appeared no way Tongi could lose.

With his size and soulful sound, Tongi seemed reminiscent of another Hawaiian

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Tongi Wins Idol, Asians Get Into Harvard

singer, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole, a.k.a “Bruddah IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole, who died in 1997, was known around the world for his ukelele version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which made him a legend.

Tongi’s rival, Megan Danielle, had a gritty southern lilt in her voice reminiscent of a young Dolly Parton. But that wasn’t going to top the second coming of Bruddah IZ.

AANHPI singers have come close in the past to be the “American Idol,” with Hawaii’s Filipino American Jasmine Trias finishing in the top three in 2004 and Nepalese American Arthur Gunn finishing second in 2020.

But Tongi broke through in a big way in this year’s competition as he appeared to be the judges’ favorite from the start, delivering emotional renditions of songs like James Blunt’s “Monsters.”

In the finale, Tongi did that song again. But this time he was paired with Blunt himself, in a live performance dedicated to Tongi’s late father that left both Tongi and the audience in tears.

That nearly sealed the deal for Tongi, who at just 18 looks ready with the “American Idol” stamp of approval to make a huge splash.

In the aftermath, the rumors spread that the show was rigged. It is an election where people are allowed to vote multiple times. And it doesn’t seem fair when Hawaii must

(COVER STORY: Buying A Home ....from page 5) ans are struggling with higher poverty, unemployment and overcrowding rates.

Okinawan Japanese 77.3%), Chinese 64.1%, Filipinos 57.8%, Native Hawaiian 55.7%, Whites 51.2%, Korean 52%, and others.

State economist Eugene Tian says long-time immigrants such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Filipino communities have relatively higher homeownership rates, which are strongly correlated to income and better economic well-being.

In comparison, newer immigrant groups like Marshallese, Tongans and Samo-

Filipinos cultural advantage to buying a home

Estrella Aquino, Waipahu, has been a homeowner since the 1990s and plans to stay put. The value of her home has skyrocketed from the original price. But she knows selling high but staying in the same market means also buying high.

“I think homeownership in Hawaii among Filipinos

Getting admitted is the hard part.

This year, 56,937 people applied to Harvard and only 1,942 got in. That’s a 3.41% acceptance rate.

On Friday, the college announced 84% said they would matriculate, or actually enroll this fall, about 1630 students.

And about 486 of them are Asian American.

More surprising is the class economic diversity, with Harvard raising the threshold for its zero-cost program. Previously, it was meant for families making $75,000 a year; now, families making less than $85,000 can qualify.

Nearly 24% of this incoming class are from families that qualify.

vote in the afternoon when the show is on at 8 pm Eastern. But there’s no way to know unless someone wants to demand a recount.

Does someone think that’s worth it besides the runner-up’s friends and relatives?

Just before the finale, Tongi was back on Oahu for the traditional home visit of the finalists. Thousands of people went to Turtle Bay and the North Shore, where Tongi was given an honorary high school diploma from Kahuku High.

A nice gesture. But after winning “American Idol,” Tongi doesn’t even need a diploma from Harvard.

But others do.

That’s a freshman class that’s 29.8% Asian, two percent higher than the record set last year.

It makes for an odd coincidence. Just as the Supreme Court is set to deliver an opinion by this summer in a lawsuit that claims Harvard’s process discriminates against Asian Americans, the school has produced a class that is more Asian, and more diverse in terms of race and class in its history.

The Black student population is down slightly but is still at 14.1% of the new class. Latinx students are down from 11.9% to 11.1%. Native Americans and Native Hawaiians were at 3.6% and are now at 2.3%.

White students are up from 42.5% to 42.7%. That’s still too close to 50% for my taste.

Make no mistake. Harvard’s no public school. But the school now has a much better mix of class and race than ever before. The fourth-generation legacy still gets in. And so do the wealthy. That’s the affirmative action that needs to be excised.

But the case before the Supreme Court doesn’t really address that aspect. Is a lottery the answer?

Most observers feel that the court’s 6-3 conservative majority will side with the earnest but duped Asian Americans (mostly Chinese) who claim discrimination.

The ruling could ban affirmative action and force every college in the nation, not just Harvard, into some form of “race-blind admissions.”

Harvard’s

record number of Asian Americans

I love the word matriculate. It sounds like it should do more than it does.

But it’s just the easy part after you get admitted—saying if you’re really going to go. Yes or No.

is relatively high because Filipinos value owning a home. We feel more secure and have a sense of pride in owning one. Besides having better jobs today than in the past, I think Filipinos save more so that they can put a big downpayment and qualify to buy a house. We’re able to save more by living with our parents for a while and paying them a small rent. After a couple of years, we have sizeable savings. This process can work to our advantage. But it can only work

It doesn’t exactly look like America, with Asians at 29.8% of the class, and more than four times the Asian population in the U.S.

But the school has a racial diversity that wasn’t present when I was a student there in the 1970s.

if children are ambitious and disciplined to save money and not just go out and have a good time.”

She said if the younger generation today can be patient, not rush off to be independent and save money by staying home, it’s still possible for many Filipinos to get their dream home in Hawaii. “But, of course, the younger generation must also work hard and get good jobs,” Aquino said.

“It’s sad that so many of our local-born children in Ha-

But how would a raceblind policy improve what Harvard was able to accomplish on its own using race as just one factor among many?

The anti-affirmative action group, Students for Fair Admissions, which claims that Harvard discriminated against Asian Americans, might welcome the race-blind (continue on page 14)

waii, including some nieces and nephews of mine, have already left for the mainland. Some left for school and never came back because they like it there. It’s good for them. But some who love Hawaii and would have liked to stay if they could buy a house but couldn’t, these are the ones I feel sad for. The result is many of our families in Hawaii are separated. We miss our loved ones who are not here, and life is not the same without them around.”

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023
2023 American Idol winner Iam Tongi

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

Immigrant Bride Fooling Around and How to Unlove a Loved One

Pity

me, I need you

know it’s wrong, it must be wrong

wife’s relative said she moved to the mainland.

he had her “under his skin.”

I’M A FOOL TO WANT YOU

Lyrics by Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, and Joel Herron

Sung by Frank Sinatra

Dedicated to Ava Gardner

A Filipino tearfully admitted that his young wife who had arrived less than a month ago had left him. She was talking with another man by phone when he arrived home.

Grabbing her cell phone, he threw it on the table. They quarreled. But that same afternoon he bought her another cell phone.

He caught her again communicating with a man. When he arrived home one day, his wife was gone and had left her wedding ring on the bed. The

He wanted her deported. He showed a picture of his wife and another man cheek to cheek which he discovered through the internet. The next day, he said he changed his mind. He did not want to deport his wife. He said he still loved her. I provided him with guidance on how to unlove someone.

A fool to want her

Many men who claim that they love their wives cannot give her up even if the wife has committed the worst matrimonial sin – adultery.

A friend did not talk with me for a time when I suggested that he divorce his wife after he found that his wife was not faithful. When we resumed talking, he said that Satan was behind his wife’s fakefulness but that Satan was no longer behind her.

I was about to joke that

maybe Satan was beside her now, but I held my peace. He said he did not have concrete evidence anyway that his wife was committing adultery. I was going to say that circumstantial evidence is sufficient, but again I remained silent.

As Frank Sinatra’s ballad “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” puts it:

“Use your mentality, wake up to reality But each time that I do just the thought of you Makes me stop before I begin Because I’ve got you under my skin.”

Difficult to unlove someone

For those who are in love, it appears that it is difficult to part with someone you love. It is said to be worse than the death of a person you love.

Frank Sinatra despite all odds refused to “wake up to reality” in pursuing Ava Gardner whom he loved and was obsessed with winning because

He described his lamentations and desperation by writing the song “I am a fool to want you.” He persevered and won her briefly and then lost her.

But if your loved one is not an Ava Gardner who was beautiful, a good actress, and a wonderful person, is she worth pursuing? Or should you “wake up to reality” and “use your mentality”?

If your “loved one” is an adulteress or unfaithful, is she worth keeping? Are you the forgiving kind?

A California Filipino asked an Ilocano lawyer to reconcile him and his attractive wife who had betrayed him. The lawyer hosted a dinner for both of them in a romantic setting.

The wife complained that the husband was abusive in words and deed. The husband promised to be loving and caring. The wife accepted him.

Later, the guy called the

(continue on page 15)

JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7
you
a fool to want you
want a love that can’t be true A love that’s there for others too
a fool to hold you
a fool to hold you
seek a kiss not mine alone
share a kiss the Devil has known
’m a fool to want
I’m
To
I’m
Such
To
To
Time and time again I said I’d leave you Time and time again I went away
But then would come the time when I would need you And once again these words I’ll have to say
Take me back, I love you
I
But right or wrong I can’t get along Without you.”
“I

Cockfighting is a very controversial pastime in Hawaii with a long history in our state and foreign countries around the world.

In the Philippines, it is elevated to a national sport with supporters and participants vying for cash and prestige.

Many towns have cockpits where legal and illegal fights are held so breadwinners can feed their families from the winnings of this blood sport. Taxes are also collected making cockfighting a revenue generator for the government.

Many Filipinos in Hawaii are supporters of cockfighting due to its history and

Roosters, LGBTQ, Rail, and Iam

culture despite it being illegal here and in all 50 states.

The popular activity was brought to Hawaii by Filipinos who learned about it from the Spaniards who conquered the Philippines and spread their traditions throughout the islands.

Sadly, in my opinion, Filipinos and others continue the tradition of harming, maiming, and killing roosters for sport, pleasure, entertainment, and greed.

The recent shootings in Nanakuli that resulted in two adult deaths after a night of fighting have brought renewed attention to this brutal pastime. We know the roosters didn’t cause the deaths of the people involved.

The cockfighting itself didn’t cause the deaths. What did cause the deaths was the post-cockfighting environment one could suspect that lingers during these events.

Some believe these clandestine gambling events

are also a magnet for illegal drugs, drinking, and black-market stolen items.

With these known facts, I feel the state legislature, county police, and federal law enforcement have done little to curtail this illegal activity.

A recent article in Civil Beat highlighted the fact the feds and the Honolulu Police Department once actively combated this criminal venture. However, the article stated in the past year, there have been no raids or arrests involving cockfights.

Hopefully, after the Waianae shootings, law en-

forcement will aggressively re-engage in this criminal activity.

Cockfighting is only a misdemeanor in Hawaii, and I believe it’s time for the Hawaii legislature to change the crime to a felony. There is a pro-cockfighting lobby in our state, and when talk of making cockfighting a felony comes up, there are those who will activate supporters to lobby to leave the law as is.

These folks may include breeders, sellers, fight organizers, and others who may benefit from the illegal fights like food vendors, security workers, and feed suppliers.

Why should Hawaii lawmakers increase the penalty to a felony for cockfighting?

Imagine two MMA (mixed martial artists) fighting in a ring. Now imagine them both holding a ten-inch knife with a six-inch blade. They must fight to the death.

This is a grisly descrip-

tion that roosters are trained for and what they experience in the cockpit. Sharp steel blades are tied to their legs, and the birds must kill or be killed unless the owner throws in the towel or a rooster can no longer fight.

This is a barbaric, horrific way to die, and lawmakers must see and acknowledge that no animal must be subjected to this treatment in a civilized society. Dog fighting is a felony in all fifty states, and the same should be for cockfighting as well.

Hawaii lawmakers must not fear the pro-cockfighting advocates and must do what is inherently right.

I’m willing to guess illegal fireworks are also part of the cockfighting scene as small-time criminals look for a way to make a buck regardless of the consequences to neighborhoods, communities, and animals.

If any lawmaker is read(continue on page 10)

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023 LINGERING THOUGHTS
JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

This article’s title is the motto of Lions International, a guiding principle of every Lion member, whether they are in California or Hawaii. They are everywhere!

Serving the community, the Lion-way takes long years to be able to rise from an ordinary member to a lion-servant, says the governorship.

But there is a lion who broke the cycle by becoming the governor-elect for only years, not the normal 10-year period.

In a short period of time, Lion Benjie Fernandez became the Governor-Elect of Lions District 4-C6 in the latest Lions International Convention held at Dublin, Pleasanton, California last week.

Wow, amazing performance, Benjie! That’s one for the books!

What’s amazing is that he first became a member of the Milpitas Executive Lions Club in 2018. Then the following year, he became the president of the club. After that, he became zone chair, and then 2nd vice dis-

“We Serve. Where There Is A Need, There is A Lion!”

trict governor, and after another year he became the 1st Vice District Governor. Now, during the last international convention held in Dublin, he was elected Governor of Lions Int’l. District 4-C6.

It was a sensational rise for my friend Benjie who was relatively a new member of Lions International, but a confirmation of his long service in the community for many years. Benjie loved being a servant of the people he serves pursuant to the International Lions Club motto: “We serve. Where there is a need there is a lion.”

Immediately after the election from his Holiday Inn Dublin Hotel in Pleasanton where he was billeted with his wife Luz Fernandez, Benjie said:

“Thank you, Lions District 4-C6, California for a great convention. I humbly accept the honor as your Governor-Elect for 2023-2024. Though I know it hasn’t been long… to lead in servicing our community. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and role in playing in building a future for anyone we serve.

I am looking forward to being your servant leader and working alongside all of you in the next Lions year and beyond.”

He ended up repeating his

guiding principle, actually his theme for his term this year as governor: “Service knows no boundaries.”

In a phone interview, he confirmed, “Yes, commissioner, this is my theme for my term as governor. I will launch it next week.”

I had collaborative work with Benjie in the service of the community. When I was a chair of the Milpitas Library Education and Advisory Commission (LEAC), I invited him one summer, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be one of the judges of commission’s Essay Writing Contest 2021 for Milpitas Youth!

He willingly accepted the invitation and went through the rigorous process of judging the essay entries of some 175 contestants from elementary and high school.

He shared LEAC’s idea that the contest helps students express their feelings and thoughts on a selected topic of community concern, such as tobacco awareness.

LEAC recognizes writing essays by students will enable them to practice and perfect skills transferable throughout

ing this article, I would like to request a poll of your constituents on this question of making cockfighting a felony or a misdemeanor. I have trust in humans and believe the majority would be supportive of making cockfighting a felony.

On another front, I am disturbed and disgusted by the treatment of transgender individuals by Republican legislators from several states on the continent. Their complete lack of compassion, understanding, empathy, and tolerance is unfortunate and out of touch with reality.

The sexuality and gender of some individuals can be a sensitive and touchy matter. Human beings have their differences and those in the minority should not be harassed and challenged by

their learning career and into their entry into the world market.

The contest was sponsored by LEAC, the Milpitas Library, Friends of the Milpitas Library, and the Milpitas Youth Commission. Prizes were provided by the City Council of Milpitas. During the essay writing contest, students had two weeks to write and submit their entries.

Judges for the high school category: Harvey Barkin, Editor-In-Chief, FilAm Star weekly newspaper; Francis Espiritu, Executive Editor/ Publisher, Philippine News Today weekly newspaper; Romy Morales, Former daily field reporter; People’s Journal and book author. And Don Orozco, Sr. International Correspondent, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation; Host, Radyo

Agila sa Amerika

For the Middle School

Category are: Benjie Fernandez, Immediate Past President, Milpitas Executive Lions Club; 2nd Vice Governor, District, Lions International; Dr. Roman Dannug, PhD, Former PUP Dean; Rudolfo Brillantes, Former PUP English Lit. Professor; Denis

ignorant legislators abusing their power against marginalized people.

In Montana, state representative Zooey Zephyr was barred from speaking on the House floor because she expressed her first amendment right in support of gender-affirming healthcare and peaceful protests.

Montana Republicans didn’t like what she said and punished Zephyr for her words. The courts refused to intervene, citing the need for a separation of powers. Zephyr ended the session working and taking votes on her laptop in the hallway outside of session.

LGBTQ folks are productive members of our society who live in our neighborhoods, shop at the same stores, work with us, and participate in similar activities.

Marks, Former Stage Drama and English/Journalism Professor, Evergreen Community College; and Lino F. Caringal, Jr., Co-Editor, Palaris and The Urdaneta Voice.

The collaborative effort for community service went on because every time Lions International has projects, he invites me to join him and be a judge. He invited me to be a judge during the Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2020-2021. I went through the judging criteria and submitted to him the scores of the contestants.

Okay, folks, the Lion superstar is here!

His installation as district governor by Lions International will be held on July 6-11, 2023, and his installation by the district will be on August 12, 2023, at Newark, Fremont, California.

Kudos to the rising star and superhero Lion-Governor-Elect Benjie Fernandez!

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.

They live normal lives as well. In some circles, however, their identities are troubling and feared. Education is a must to help these folks.

People like Montana Republicans and others should be ashamed of their anti-LGBTQ ideas and policies. They bring negativity, pessimism, and antagonism to a world that needs more hope, love, and peace.

We need more tolerance on this earth and less divisiveness and hate being produced and supported by elected government officials.

Honolulu’s rail system will be operational by the end of June, and many are anxiously waiting for the opportunity to ride on a reliable consistent transportation system.

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023 AS I SEE IT
(continue on page 13)
(LINGERING THOUGHTS: Roosters ....from page 8)

What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines

Health information can be overwhelming when you first become pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant.

On top of dietary restrictions, medication considerations, and overall health management, these days there is the added question of how to protect yourself and your baby against COVID-19.

Luckily, the evidence is clear that COVID vaccines provide the best protection against the worst outcomes of the disease.

“One of the best ways to reduce your risks from COVID when pregnant is by getting a COVID vaccine,” said YuchHsun (Thomas) Lu, PharmD, RPh.

“COVID vaccines protect you from becoming very sick from the disease. This is great news because keeping you as healthy as possible during pregnancy is important for you and your baby.”

If you are pregnant, considering getting pregnant, or breastfeeding, here’s what you should know:

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant people and those who are breastfeeding. As with anyone over the age of six months, it is recommended that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future, all get a COVID vaccine. Doing so reduces the risk of severe illness and other health effects from the virus for people, including those who are pregnant. And there is no evidence that any vaccine, including the COVID vaccine, causes fertility problems.

A free COVID vaccine can help protect you and your baby. If you have COVID while pregnant, you are at increased risk of complications that can affect your pregnancy and the developing baby. Yet, getting a free COVID vaccine during pregnancy helps protect you from serious illness and

can protect your baby as well. In fact, studies show that babies whose mothers were vaccinated against COVID during pregnancy were less likely to get COVID in their first six months of life.

It’s important to reduce your risk of catching COVID when pregnant. Although the overall risks are low, if you are pregnant or were recently pregnant, you are more likely to get very sick from COVID compared to people who are not pregnant. Fortunately, the vaccine can help protect you

from serious illness.

You can also take simple steps to help avoid the illness such as limiting your in-person interactions with people who might have been exposed to COVID as much as possible and wearing a well-fitted mask, especially near crowds or in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Finally, you should wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. Attend your healthcare appointments during and

after pregnancy to stay healthy. It is important to visit your healthcare provider for all your recommended appointments while pregnant. Going to these appointments helps maintain your and your baby’s overall wellness because your healthcare provid-

er can answer your questions, provide guidance, and support you in receiving all recommended vaccines, including your COVID vaccine.

To learn more about protecting yourself against COVID or to find a vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov. 

JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11 HEALTHLINE

SAANMAN—Mga Kuwento Mula sa Biyahe, Bagahe at Balikbayan Box

This anthology is written entirely in Filipino by 56 writers. Each contributor is credited with three articles—some in poetry, short essay, or short story.

The submissions were arranged alphabetically by the authors’ last name—a total of 168 literary pieces of varying lengths and styles—but all were written in the Philippines’ national language of Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, the language commonly spoken in the areas or provinces around Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.

In the editor’s introduction, we learn that the writers who contributed to this anthology were from the more than 50 entries he received in May 2015 from a small writing contest he initiated as part

of the launching of his first book, Ang Autobiografia ng Ibang Lady Gaga.

The entries proved to him that these newly minted writers continue to dream—that they will come back—not to edit once more their respective entries, but to continue their dreams for the land of their birth—the land that shaped their being.

It is not surprising that the editor dedicates this book to all Filipinos in the Diaspora—the migrants, the OFWs and other travelers who have sought their fortunes and risked their lives for a better future for those they’ve left behind.

One of the writers featured is Wifredo Quiambao— his three short pieces caught my attention. A public school teacher in Bulacan, he also writes romance novels in Filipino, one of which has recently been published.

His first story is titled “Package De livery.” The first sentence notes that three boxes will be ar riving. For those who have been sending balikbayan boxes back home, the drill is familiar—the author describes this process accurately. One box contains the computer set that was promised, wrapped in an old blanket to withstand the wear and tear of travel.

The second box contains the hand-me-downs of the master of the house and his family: lamps, printer, speaker, vase, plastic flowers, Christmas lights and tree plus chocolates from the USA! But third—it contains the OFW’s remains—an ending I didn’t expect! His second story is depressing. domestic worker asks

for a short leave to return home to surprise her husband on his birthday. Instead, she was the one beyond surprised—what she finds are his remains.

The third story is a bit lighter in tone, but not that much. At least there are no human remains to be found. It is the sto - ry of Lelay, an illegal immigrant from Mindanao who finally gets her wish to work in Sabah.

Since Lelay is “no read-no write” she communicates with her employer via sign language. The only English word she knows is “Yes, op kors”— the language of choice of her amo. Instead of the chicken she’s supposed to buy, she comes home with nails! Needless to say, she got some verbal abuse—in English—which she didn’t understand.

The narratives of Armando de Leon Jr. are based on his experiences as a caregiver in USA and UK.

In the first one, titled “Liberty,” he narrates his experience of visiting the Statue of Liberty. He notes that he had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time—to take the long train ride and wear nice clothes for the prized selfie with the statue in the background.

But by the time, he made the selfie shot, his phone rang.

“Hurry up!” his employer says. So he does, quickly getting on the train back to his caregiving duties. His final word:

“BLURRED”

In the story called

“Trick or Treat,” he describes the first time he goes trick-ortreating during Halloween in Texas.

Dressed as a witch, he and his two charges go door to door and scare the homeowners to give candy—and reflects on the weirdness of the Halloween experience.

The last lines are pure Pinoy—where he assesses the amount of candy he collected, tastes some, but decides to wrap them all in a towel and places these lovingly in the balikbayan box to be sent to the daughters he left behind.

The third story is heartbreaking. In this short narrative, he describes those minutes before he falls asleep in his room in London. When he stares at the ceiling, he imagines the ceiling as a television screen where he can see in his mind’s eye his family back home.

But when the draft of cold air enters his bedroom, he hugs a pillow with his family’s photo and describes the falling snow matching his falling tears. In very sparse language, he captures the loneliness of these folks who choose to work overseas.

Since leaving the Philippines, reading Filipino for me has become more difficult. But these stories are so gripping, and their impact so heartfelt that these folks wrote in their own language.

It probably won’t have the same impact if written in English (which increases its accessibility). For those who want to relearn the language, this is a good start—the stories are short but have a punch that is long remembered.

ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an on-line 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.

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023 BOOK REVIEW

(

IAM TONGI: The New American Idol

My husband and I are big fans of American Idol ever since we were young. We’ve witnessed stars born from the show – from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood, David Cook to Jessica Sanchez. It has produced award-winning artists who are inspiring millions to follow their dreams.

Our family of four watched the whole 21st season of American Idol – from the auditions to the grand finale. We live in South Korea so we couldn’t get to watch the live telecasts so we would wait for

a few days to watch full episodes online.

We would gather as a family to watch American Idol over dinner. Even our 7-yearold Callie and 4-year-old Yohan would get excited to watch, cheering for the idols they have learned to love.

During the auditions, we were so amazed by the huge number of talents showing up. There were a lot of incredible artists and singers worthy to be called the next American Idol.

But there was one particular artist who caught our attention. When he entered the room where the judges were, he was wearing a black shirt,

PICTORIAL NEWS

khaki shorts and slippers.

He sang ‘Monsters’ by James Blunt, a song he wanted to dedicate to his late father, Rodney. His name was etched, not just in our minds, but in our hearts.

On May 22, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu’s Acting Head of Post Grace Bulos (second from left) met with United States Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration officers Gina Smoot, Area Assistant Director of the Honolulu Area Office (left), James Wulff, Regional Administrator of OSHA San Francisco (second from right) and Roger Forstner, Area Director of the Honolulu Office (right). In their discussion, they explored opportunities to provide Filipino nationals in Hawaii and American Samoa with information, guidance and access to education and training resources on workers’ rights and occupational safety and health.

Most residents are not happy with the high cost of rail, but in five years, its value will be noticeable. When the full rail line is completed and working, I believe it will be used by many residents and tourists alike.

Communities like Kalihi, Waipahu, and Ewa with many Filipino residents will benefit from the billion-dollar investment. These beneficiaries will be workers, students, elderly, and others who won’t want to deal with the price of gasoline, parking fees, repair and maintenance bills, and bumper-tobumper traffic.

I expect the high-tech driverless rail system is easily a 100year investment that will be useful to multiple generations.

If driverless cars become the norm one day, no one will ever

need a driver’s license as technology will take over the responsibility of mobility for all.

Hopefully, our lawmakers will find a way to finish the rail system to Ala Moana Shopping Center and through the city of Kapolei. To save money, I feel an at-grade system should be discussed and debated.

If high-density apartments and condominiums are built near the rail stations, more affordable housing could be available for our residents. This may allow more families to live in Hawaii and not move away.

Finally, congratulations to 18-year-old Iam Tongi for recently becoming the American Idol and bringing pride and happiness to the 50th state.

Hawaii has many talented artists, and Iam’s win should

His name is Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old student from Kahuku, Hawaii. While tears were flowing from his eyes as he sang his beautiful song, his beautiful voice and powerful storytelling pulled our heartstrings.

We knew right then and there, he was special, and he will go a long way in the competition.

We were right.

Among the thousands of American Idol auditionees, he consistently stood out. As he braved one stage of the competition to another, while many are being cut out of the competition, his humility, innocence, excellence, and heartwarming way to tell a story through songs charmed the judges, the studio audience and the viewers from America and other parts of the world.

No wonder his name resounded in the studio, people kept shouting his name: Iam! Iam! Iam! We were rooting for him all the way, too!

Iam didn’t have to wear fancy clothes to stand out. In fact, the whole time, he was just wearing slippers. He didn’t have to dance, squat or move from one corner to another.

He just stayed put, carrying his beloved guitar and singing his heart out. He didn’t have to hit super high notes nor showcase songs from one

focus a spotlight on local venues, stages, and concerts filled with talented singers, dancers, and musicians.

Culture and arts can play a huge role in Hawaii’s postcovid economy, and Iam’s big win is one we will not forget anytime soon.

With a global audience thanks to technology and the internet, Hawaii’s artists can compete in the international market and earn enough to offset the high cost of living in our state.

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.

genre to another to prove his versatility.

His authenticity and being true to himself caught the hearts of the American people who voted for him. He was worthy of the title, the next American Idol.

Aside from his authenticity, simplicity, amazing storytelling skill, and his ‘goosebumps-inducing’ voice, his love for his father won our hearts.

Rodney must have left a deep mark in his son’s life that in every song Iam sang, his love for his father was evident. It was as if he was there watching over his son.

He must have been very proud. Iam did Rodney proud. Following his dream and sharing his talent with the world was Iam’s way to give back to his father. What a way to honor the man who raised and believed in him.

Iam is an inspiration to many young people. He’s a beautiful example of what it means to honor one’s dad. He is a gift to his beautiful island, Hawaii.

My family is very happy he is this year’s American Idol. We can’t wait to listen to the songs he will create, see the places he will tread, and witness the hearts he will touch.

Congratulations Iam Tongi from your Filipino fans in South Korea.

JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13 PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
LINGERING THOUGHTS: Roosters ....from page 10)

Social Security Administration Extends Outreach and Access for Supplemental Security Income

The Social Security Administration has expanded its outreach to underserved communities in need of financial help who may be eligible for Supple-

mental Security Income (SSI).

“Helping eligible people access critical benefits, including SSI, is part of Social Security’s core mission,” said Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi. “Underserved communities face additional

challenges, like unreliable or no access to the internet and computers, that widen the divide.”

SSI provides monthly payments to those age 65 and older or to other adults and children with a disability or

blindness who have limited income and financial status.

The SSI monthly payments help pay for basic needs such as rent, food, clothing and medicine.

Moreover, those who receive SSI may qualify

for other financial help such as Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), and Medicaid. They may also qualify for discounted internet service through Federal Trade Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.

To learn more about the program, visit ssa.gov/ssi or call Social Security’s National Hotline at 1-800-772-1213.

Public Health Nurses to Promote Disaster Preparedness

The Department of Health Public Health Nursing Branch (PHNB) has partnered with CVS Longs Drugs to advise shoppers on how to get their households ready for hurricanes and other natural disasters. Discounted emergency preparedness supplies will be available at CVS Longs Drugs during this time.

The event will be conducted at the following CVS Longs Drugs locations:

• June 6 at Haleiwa from 9am-12pm

• June 7 at Kaneohe from 9am-12pm

• June 13 at Moiliili from 9am-12pm

• June 14 at Downtown Honolulu (Pali) from 9am-12pm

• June 22 at Hilo (555

approach, but what if such a change ends up with a school that’s nearly 40% Asian, like some University of California campuses? Of course, the Asian number could go down too.

And what of the representation of other groups? What if Black and Latinx admissions decrease even further and white admissions go back over 50%?

Kilauea Ave) from 9am-11am

• June 22 at Hilo (Prince Kuhio Plaza) from 9am-11am

• June 27 at Kapaa from 9am-12pm

• June 27 at Lihue from 9am-12pm

“We want our communities to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies before they occur. This event provides the community an opportunity to talk with public health nurses about disaster preparedness and how they can manage their health conditions during and after a disaster,” said PHNB Chief Joan Takamori.

“Preparations should include health considerations, like ensuring a person has

That appears to be the Republican Party’s goal in a universe where “diversity” is now considered a dirty word by anti-woke Republicans.

SCOTUS could always affirm the lower court’s ruling that sided with Harvard. But the Supremes seem ready to undo real progress, and that would be a shame.

Maybe they should con-

enough of their prescription medication, or an extra pair of glasses for their emergency kits. Pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions

and medically fragile are more vulnerable during a disaster. We want everyone to be aware of their needs, and the needs of their loved ones, so that they can better

prepare and recover.”

For more information regarding hurricane season, visit health.hawaii.gov/prepare/ advisories/hurricane-season/. 

Honolulu City Council Chairs Introduce Charter Amendment,Bill Prohibiting Outside Employment for Councilmembers

Council Chair Tommy Waters (D-4) and Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina (D-3) introduced a charter amendment and bill to ensure the undivided attention and commitment of City Councilmembers as public servants. Resolution 23-109 and Bill 33 (2023) seek to prohibit Councilmembers from holding outside employment while in public office.

sider “totally blind,” what I would consider an enlightened lottery. The key: make people qualify for the lottery by grades, then throw them in a cage of numbered ping-pong balls that get picked at random till all the spots are gone.

That eliminates affirmative action for the mostly W&W (the white and wealthy) legacy types. And it acknowledges that in life, there’s more to success than merit.

There’s the matter of pure luck.

I have previously been negative toward any kind of lottery-based admissions. But when dealing with the limited resources doled out in admission to a place like Harvard, how else do you make things “fair”?

Talent wins out most times in life, as in Iam Tongi in “Idol.”

“As elected officials, it is our duty to prioritize the needs of the community above outside interests. Councilmembers should not have divided interests, and these measures are intended to increase public trust by eliminating outside employment,” said Chair Waters.

“In the past, there have been a number of ethical violations, and these measures

But you also need a lot of luck to win. Ditto, Tongi.

Let’s see how lucky you are on getting into the college of your choice.

We know how much AAPIs love to gamble.

Just coming to America was a gamble for many of us.

I hope you are one of the 486 Asian Americans planning to enroll in the fall.

But if you’re not matriculating there, perhaps because that’s because you were rejected. Then I hope you’re not planning to sue.

Remember, you were not discriminated against.

Try a different perspective. Of the 1,942 who were originally admitted, 312 people among them said NO to Harvard. Or maybe Harvard was their backup and not their first choice.

are intended to address that. I remain committed to the people of Oahu, ensuring that we remain fully dedicated to the kuleana entrusted to us.” According to amendment and bill, Councilmembers will be required to put their full attention, time and energy to their public service duties. The public are encouraged to testify on this issue at the June 7th council meeting. 

Harvard is not planning to sue them for discrimination.

But if you got rejected, you may want to see where those 312 naysayers are going and join the “Just say No to Harvard” club.

You’re a natural. You know “No.”

Just don’t sue.

One time-wasting lawsuit forged by conservative zealots—and fronted by Asian Americans–is one too many.

NOTE: I will talk about this column and other matters on “Emil Amok’s Takeout,” my AAPI micro-talk show. Live @2p Pacific. Livestream on Facebook; my YouTube channel; and Twitter. Catch the recordings on www.amok.com.

EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok.com.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JUNE 3, 2023
HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: Tongi...from page 6)

LET’S ZUMBA | Filipino Community Center | Every Monday starting January 9, 2023 at 6:15pm | FilCom Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu | Need to unwind in movement and dance after a long workday? Join the community as we Zumba through the evening. Only $5 per class. Proceeds go to support these programtypes for FilCom Center.

COVID-19 & FLU FREE VACCINATION | Filcom Cares | Apr. 20, May 18 and Jun 15 from 10am to 12pm | Filipino Community Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu | FilCom Cares is inviting the community to get jabbed

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

in the upcoming free vaccination drive. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 shots are available for free to the community. Just bring your photo ID, medical insurance card (if any), and your vaccination card. For more information, call FilCom Cares at 808-369-5380.

106TH ANNUAL KING KAMEHAMEHA CELEBRATION FLORAL PARADE | King Kamehameha Celebration Commission | | June 10, 9am to 12pm for the parade, 11am to 5pm for the event | Parade starts from Richards St and King St and ends at Kapiolani Park | Celebrate King Kamehameha and Hawaii culture and heritage at this annual floral parade in

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

honor of King Kamehameha. Enjoy Hawaii cultural activities, hula, live entertainments, food booths and more at Kapiolani Park from 11am to 5pm.

10TH ANNUAL MO’ILI’ILI SUMMER FEST AND BON DANCE | Kamehameha Schools, the Mo’ili’ili Hongwanji Mission, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i, the Mō’ili’ili Community Center, and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa | | July 1, 5-10pm | Old Varsity Theatre Parking Lot, 1110 University Ave., Honolulu | This annual summer fest celebrates the historic Mo’ili’ili with Honolulu’s largest Bon Dance and modern street festival with various food vendors and retailers.

The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge Is Here!

The community is invited to grow seeds of knowledge as part of the Hawaii State Public Library System’s annual Summer Reading Challenge which began June 1.

Participants of the Summer Reading Challenge can gain rewards such as locally published books for kids, school supplies for teens, plant kits for adults and entries for the Grand Prize drawing courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

To join the challenge, follow the steps:

lawyer: “Manong, I cannot make love with my wife anymore. Every time I try to make love with her, I imagine the other guy making love with her.”

“It is just marrying a widow or divorcee, another guy has made love with her before,” explained the lawyer.

“But I would not want to marry anyone but a virgin,” the guy responded.

“Welcome to the club,” cheered the lawyer.

How to unlove someone

How then do you unlove someone you love? The first thing to ask is what made you fall in love with this person? Do these reasons still exist?

If not, then as the Bible says: “There is a time to stay and a time to leave.”

If it is time to leave, “cut and cut cleanly,” as President Marcos was told by the Americans during the EDSA coup d’etat. Be civil and do not hurt the other person. Do not “burn bridges behind you.” You might have to return someday.

Avoid or minimize contact

• Register online at librarieshawaii.org/summerreading/ or visit your local library.

• Read at least one hour or more per week.

• Log you minutes using the Beanstack app or go to librarieshawaii.beanstack. org.

• Keep it up until the end of July.

For your Reading Rewards, here are the equivalents”:

• Every one hour of read-

with her. Remove everything that reminds you of her. “Out of sight, out of mind.” Think of all the bad things that she did and balance them against the good things.

Is she truly worth loving? Is she trustworthy? Is she beautiful or are you blind? Did you enjoy each other’s company and had fun being together?

Did she show that she loved you and cared about you?

How was her bedroom performance? What did she bring to the relationship?

“She only brought her panties,” remarked a disgusted relative of a man who hesitated to give up his attractive wife.

“It’s good if she had panties,” quipped a bystander.

Only the love of another woman can make a man unlove a woman. There are many fish in the ocean. Cast a bigger net. Go to a different ocean. You might think that the woman you love is more beautiful than your new find. But beauty is only skin deep. What happens if this beautiful woman’s face is blemished by an acci-

ing logged, you will earn a virtual badge and an automatic entry for the statewide Grand Prize: four roundtrip tickets to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

• When you reach the fourhour and eight-hour milestones, you will earn free reading rewards while supplies last.

• If you visit the library weekly, you will receive and complete a fun activity sheet.

dent or disease? Would you still love her?

Inadmissibility or deportability of an unfaithful wife

How do you get the immigration authorities to deport your unfaithful wife? Report the facts and let them decide under what provision of law she should be deported.

Before you ask them, divorce your wife first. Immigration authorities will ask you if she is that bad and why are you still married to her.

When and where did the adultery occur? In her home country while waiting for your petition to be approved or after she arrived in America?

Are there children who are the fruits of her adulterous relationship?

There was a young woman who went to the U.S. Embassy for her visa interview carrying a baby.

The consul asked if the baby was their child with the petitioner. She said, “Yes.” The consul asked when the child was born. She gave the date.

“E heluhelu kākou! Let’s read! Reading over the summer has great benefits--it strengthens reading skills in kids, and teens and adults can learn new things and reduce stress,” urged State Librarian Stacey Aldrich.

“Reading also supports memory and cognitive engagement, which contributes positively to our brain health. Escape the summer heat and visit our branches to browse and borrow materials or use our free Wi-Fi and public computers.”

He asked when the last time her husband and she were together. She gave the date. It was more than 9 months.

The consul said that it could not be their child with her husband. She insisted that it was. The Fraud Prevention Unit questioned her neighbors, checked the hospital records, and grilled the woman until she finally confessed that the father was not her husband. The consul refused to give her a visa for having made false statements before a consular official.

The husband wrote to the consul that he loved his wife and had forgiven her and given her a visa. The consul refused.

There is relief under immigration law. But the husband’s family did not want to spend the money to help a shameless woman who might also commit adultery upon landing in America.

How do you prevent your wife from committing adultery? There is a couple – the man was 90 and the alien wife was 60 and still very attractive – who spent every day togeth-

For more details, visit librarieshawaii.org/summerreading/. New information and upcoming events will be announced on the website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Alaska Airlines, McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii, Pizza Hut Hawaii, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Ward Village, University of Hawaii’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program, National Endowment for the Arts, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii, and local Friends chapters.

er. The man recently joined our Creator.

It is safer for a man to marry a woman who loves him than a woman he loves.

ATTY. 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 has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. 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 w rites columns for newspapers. 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, 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.tiponlaw.com.

JUNE 3, 2023  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15
(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Immigrant...from page 7)
JUNE 3, 2023

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