July 1 2016 issue

PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 3

Bennette Espineli Misalucha serving The community since 1987 Publisher Mary Llanos Cordero

WHERE ARE OUR YOUNG LEADERS?

Managing Editor Bennette Espineli Misalucha Director of Design Armando Dela Cruz Busmente

“The secret message communicated to most young people today by the society around them is that they are not needed, that the society will run itself quite nicely until they — at some distant point in the future — will take over the reigns. Yet the fact is that the society is not running itself nicely… because the rest of us need all the energy, brains, imagination and talent that young people can bring to bear down on our difficulties. For society to attempt to solve its desperate problems without the full participation of even very young people is imbecile.” — Alvin Toffler

Production Manager Alice Llanos Busmente Assistant Editor Radiant Cordero Copy Editor Danielle Evangelista Photographers/Graphics Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Liso Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Amelia Casamina Cabatu Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao Zeny Muyot Angie Santiago Perfecto Yasay Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Conrad Abuel Ric Agnes Paul Alimbuyao Ria Baldevia Eriza Bareng Marnelli Joy Basilio Bernie Caalim Randy Cortez Radiant Cordero Mary Cruzada Jaime de Jesus Brandon dela Cruz Christian Evangelista Imelda Gasmen Veronika Geronimo Leo Gozar Ben Gutierrez Kathleen Lee Carmela Minaya Gladys Quinto Marrone Gladys Menor John Pagaragan Paola Rodelas Judy Relosimon Sandra Sagisi Nicole Velasco Jason Ubay MichiVillaruz Neighbor Island Bureau Maui Kit Zulueta Jeremy Zane Big Island Mil Asuncion Jane Clement Dr. Margarita Hopkins Kauai Virgie Cruzada Liza Trinidad Marynell Valenzuela ADVERTISING SALES MarivicAldaya Mary Cordero Annabel Cabebe Florence Tan McCollom Lydia Kamiya Joni Redick-Yundt Rudy Bautista Marynel Valenzuela CIRCULATION Florence Tan (Oahu) Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu) David Cordero (Maui) Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai) Milli Asuncion (Big Island) Legal Counsel Alfredo Evangelista, Esq. Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.)

THE FIL-AM COURIER is published twice a month by OAHU RELOCATION SERVICES located at 2221 Liliha St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Opinions expressed by the columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fil-Am Courier. Publisher reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and other material submitted. Reproduction of material and ads appearing in the Fil-Am courier is forbidden without written permission. All photos submitted become the property of the Fil-Am Courier.

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The Philippine Consulate lanai was the venue for this year’s annual Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) convention.

Alex Vergara, the current President kept the convention’s official matters on point as the conferees eagerly listened to the issues presented. This was the end of Manong Alex’s two year term, but as the deliberations continued, one could not tell his era was ending as his enthusiasm did not seem to wane. As many can agree, Manong Alex has done a good job.

I looked around and spotted many recognizable faces in the audience. There was Nana Maggie Domingo, the iconic octogenarian whose incredible influence in this community stems from her radio broadcasting roots dating more than fifty years. There was Cecilia Villafuerte, the indefatigable community volunteer who is great at o r g a n i z i n g m a j o r e ve n t s despite being busy with her real job as a mortgage banker.

I saw Letty Saban who blazed the trails as a travel agent in the years before Expedia became popular, and who continues to get excited about forming women’s groups. I had a chance to chat with Edna Alikpala, whose role as a new grandma takes her away to Oregon for long periods of time, but whose heart is always in the right place in Hawaii so by that token, has always been a reliable community work horse.

Also present was business wiz Maria Etrata, current President of the United Filipino Community Council (and many other organizations, too many to mention) and whose generosity to community needs also make her one of the most sought after attendee in every Filipino function. I scanned the room and my eyes fell on Nancy Walch, who has the energy of three people, as she tries to juggle academic work, her successful business and community commitments.

Close to where I was sitting, I spoke with Lynn Guttierez, the retired school teacher who is finding her new normal as a widow. That day, Ramon Sumibcay, President of a nurses association, was also a beehive of activity as he

The Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) during one of their meetings.

ably represented his group while serenading attendees to the OFCC convention with his smooth rendition of romantic standards. There were so many others that day—each of them are leaders in their own unit organizations—and as I smiled and nodded in their direction, they acknowledged me with a smile. With every smile, my heart swelled with warmth and aloha. It was as if their faces blurred into a general feeling of positive vibes, and somehow I felt enveloped in a feeling of familiarity.

In short, I was with family.

I have been involved in the Filipino community as a volunteer for thirty years, and had the opportunity to work with a number of these people.

For many, our community ties have led to more intimate bonds and I have invested personal relationships with many of these folks, who are my manongs and manangs.

But a nagging feeling still persisted.

Then it hit me. Where are our young people? Why are they noticeably absent at the convention?

With the exception of Zhoydell Magaoay, a past President of the Filipino Jaycees and Raisa Polido, past Miss Young Teen Filipina, and the new Miss Oahu Filipina, there was no one there who could be characterized as the future of our community.

I know that w e have promising young people who are very capable. I see

them on social media doing amazing things and even going on quests to discover their Filipino roots. I am even inspired by the tremendous efforts they expend to make the world a better place, as most millennials are inclined to do.

But why were they not at the OFCC Convention? Why don’t I see them involved in other Filipino organizations?

What is that “divide” all about?

And is being Filipino enough to bridge the gap between those born in the US and those born in the Philippines?

Have we made an effort to invite the young people to our events? Or are we waiting for them to come on their own free will to participate in the task of community building?

I dare say this is important: during every event, every initiative, we need to ask the question: Have we as community leaders INVITED our young people to have a seat at the table? As my mom used to say, whoever is the adult needs to be the one to initiate.

One group that has a history of reaching out to the young people is the Filipino Chamber. In fact, I am glad to note that their incoming President, Bernadette Fajardo will be reaching out to integrate them as part of her program of work.

In this issue of the Courier, we feature a profile of Bernadette Fajardo, who will be installed during a banquet on July 16th. Written by our

Courier contributing writer Jaco Gallarde, the article maps out Bernadette’s path to leadership.

As Bernadette will tell you, I had something to do with her start in the Filipino community. It was during my term as President of the F i l i pi n o Ch a mbe r (19992000) that I invited her to get involved. That year, she immersed herself in the Chamber and I even surprised her when I gave her the award for the Most Outstanding Member! That was almost twenty years ago, and to her credit, she continued on that path culminating in her present Chamber’s role.

Cultivating the next generation of leaders is what a leader does.

I challenge our community leaders to cultivate relationships with our young people. Do not be afraid to reach out to the locals (those born here) – these young people may not necessarily share our immigrant experiences, but it is up to us to make them aware of our issues.

But it takes two to make this work. We need the young people to also step into the light, and be willing to participate.

The collaboration between the young and the experienced always makes for a better outcome.

PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

By Jaco Gallarde

Our cover....

This elegant photo of Bernadette Fajardo, the incoming President of the Filipino Chamber was taken during the 2014 Maria Clara Ball.

Photo Credit: DAR RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY/ABS-ABN of Pasig Rizal, Philippines Cover Concept by Noah Felipe of Orig Media.

Mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media.

Both Jeff and Noah can be reached at www.origmedia.com or by calling (808)447-9559.

Relevant. Impactful.

Sustainable. Transparent.

These are the driving words of Bernadette Fajardo, who will be installed as the 62nd President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH), the leading voice of Filipino business professionals across the State of Hawaii.

A member of the FCCH since 1999, Bernadette (or Dette as her friends would call

her), has been a driving force in the community and the Chamber, commitments she attributes to her love of serving humanity.

Leading up to becoming its president, Fajardo has served in various leadership roles at the FCCH, including Membership Chair, FCCH Filipino Entrepreneur Program Chair, Director and Vice President.

“ I m a g i n e a w a v e coasting down the ocean,” offered Fajardo, “and the wave has an energy that picks up the things and people in the ocean as it crosses. That’s my vision for our administration of the Chamber – there’s so much energy to harness.”

Born in Manila, Philippines to an attorney father and a school teacher mother, Fajardo recalls her

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 5

With Lt. Gov. Shaun Tsutsui

parents instilling the values of hard work and education amongst ten brothers and sisters, a fact that was a constant in their upbringing.

“I was always encouraged to do my best, and reach higher,” said Fajardo. “These are values that I passed on to my children, and I am grateful that they are now settled in their careers: my daughter Candace is now Regional Director to West Coast University, while my son Cesar Benedict is a Doctor of Physical Therapy.”

Fajardo came to Hawaii in the 70’s with her husband Cesar Fajardo. (The couple is celebrating over 40 years of marriage and partnership.)

They then both worked for Philippine Airlines, and when the company assigned them to Hawaii, they decided to make it their permanent home. Fajardo eventually worked as Secretary for San Miguel Corporation, a Membership Specialist at the Honolulu Board of Realtors, and as a Trust Specialist, Supervisor, and

The Fajardo family: Austin, Candace, Jessica, Chloe, Bency, Bernadette and Cesar.

Administrative Officer with City Bank, Central Pacific Bank, and Bank of Hawaii.

Additionally she has served as a Financial Professional with Prudential Financial as well as manager and owner of B2B Printing.

Fajardo has also been active in the Filipino American community here, serving as the President of the Filipino Women’s Civic Club, member of the Heald College Advisory Board, ILAING Coordinator, Chair of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee in Hawaii, President of the Filipino Business Women Association, President of Candonians of Hawaii, President of St. John’s Mililani Parsh Filipino Catholic Club, Vice-President of Oahu Filipino Council, and Auditor of the Filipino Council of Hawaii.

“Business and community service go hand in hand,” said Fajardo. “It’s imperative that we as business leaders work to support budding entrepreneurs as well as

Then FCCH President Bennette Misalucha awards Bernadette Fajardo as 1999-2000 Outstanding Chamber Member of the Year.

give back to the community.

I am most excited about that role for the FCCH, to help our members and help our community partners to be successful so that they in turn can share their success.”

Fajardo could not contain h e r e xc i t e m e n t a s s h e shared the success of one such project: the Ilocano Language Acquisition and Immersion for New Generation 2015 project, a community program which offers language classes and a trip to the Philippines f o r n o n - n a t i ve I l o c a n o speakers who wish to learn the language.

The program enables young Filipinos to learn the value and importance of the Ilocano language for a period of three months and are afforded the opportunity to visit the Philippines for two weeks.

“So much of our culture is about our language, it’s what defines us, and this program is especially important to me,” explained Fajardo.

“Cultivating these kinds of partnerships, working to better the community, initiating projects to improve our business climate, and to strengthen our members and partners—these are my goals as president.”

T h e I l a i n g p r o g ra m offers beginning level Ilocano language courses to members of the public, specifically aimed towards younger generations.

“I am very proud of the partnerships with such entities like the Filipino Community Center who hosts the classes, and organizations like Philippine Airlines, Maria Etrata, the

Philippine Consulate, and Congressman Eric Singson, who helped organize and sponsored the students’ trips. It was really a winwin. Our students were able to truly understand and enhance their Ilocano skills.”

According to Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili, Associate Professor of Ilocano Language and Literature at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Fajardo was instrumental in securing the funding for the project. “ W i t h t h e F i l i p i n o Community Center coming over to help and offering its space for the regular Saturday formal training and classes,” explained Agcaoili, “Dette began to work to put together the funds needed to run the program of about 50 hours of Ilokano language and culture lessons. Students of all ages had to sit it out with me and two other instructors for four hours each Saturday.”

Bernadette and Cesar

“Dette, even during our meetings, would call up her friends, and would, unabashedly, ask for help to fund the iLAING activities…

Big sums and small sums, it does not matter to Dette.”

As she looks toward the future, Fajardo’s eyes lit up and she smiled with excitement and confidence even as she describes a busy calendar for the year filled with events that are aimed to support members

PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

Fajardo’s parents: Atty. Benedicto and Modesta Dario

and the Filipino community.

“Our leadership team is excited to host its first seminar for its members, continue our academic scholarship program, and finding new ways to promote our Filipino businesses and help them be as successful as possible,” said Fajardo.

“We are always finding ways to strengthen our partnerships.”

Last year, the FCCH was amongst the community associations which organized the Sakada Day at the Hawaii State Capitol, in which the original Sakadas were recognized for their contribution to our state and society.

In the early days: Cesar, Bernadette, Candace & Bency Fajardo

This was of particular importance to Fajardo, as the President of the Candonians has family roots from the area.

“Who we are as leaders in our community, has so much to do with the contributions of those before us” said Fajardo. “We must honor the past while preserving our future. That’s why we honor those who paved the way, and we invest in those who will continue that path.”

That investment is beginning to bear fruit. The FCCH has been strengthening their relationship with the Filipino Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), inviting them to participate

Cesar & Bernadette Fajardo - 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary - Dec. 18, 1996

at e ve n t s as p ar t n e rs , as well as allowing them membership into the group with a generous discount.

“I think about my children, and they are my inspiration.

A whole generation of future business, government, and academic leaders are here, and they just need our nurturing.”

Fajardo also credits her loving husband of 44 years, Cesar Fajardo, for keeping her even-keeled.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines and Mapua Institute of Technology, Cesar later served as a Station engineer with Philippine Airlines.

Together, they also own and

operate a printing company, B2B Printing, a full-service printing firm that does commercial printing and designs.

As to what got her interested in helping Filipino businesses and community organizations, Fajardo said that she “enjoyed meeting with people and helping them realize their financial and personal dreams; it really is the culmination of the American dream.”

Like a true marketing professional, she pivoted back to her guiding principles, and the theme of this year’s mission.

“We want to awaken the energy of those that have been in the organization for a while, and the energy of newer members, and ride a wave together so we can accomplish an aggressive agenda that strengthens and promotes our Filipino business voice here in Hawaii,” said Fajardo.

Known amongst the community as a

serial fundraiser and philanthropist, there is never a dull moment with Fajardo, and she can often be seen working a room soliciting donations for humble causes such as scholarship funds, supplies and goods for the needy, and natural disaster relief for people in the Philippines.

“You can’t successfully solicit a donation, if you don’t believe in the cause yourself with your whole heart,” said Fajardo. “And that’s my strength, I take that passion and I don’t relent, until I get a commitment.”

The FCCH will hold its 62 nd Annual Installation banquet, where Fajardo will begin her term as president, on July 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. The event is organized

by Installation Chair Marivic Dar. Those interested in tickets should contact (808) 342-8090

Bernadette with her parents on her wedding day - Dec. 18, 1971

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 7

Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation 62nd Anniversary & Annual Installation

CO M M ITTEE M E M BERS

18 year old Bernadette as Mutya ng Maynila in Manila, Philippines

Bryan Jaco Gallarde is currently a freelance public affairs and communications consultant, with over ten years of local, state, and federal experience in political communications and government. He has managed city council, state house, and congressional campaigns, as well as served as a field and Filipino American Vote Coordinator for the national south-eastern region for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, as well as Communications Associate at Washington D.C. based public affairs firm Dewey Square Group. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, he loves to eat, and is slowly crawling his way through all of Hawaii’s best restaurants.

PRESIDENT - BERNADETTE DARIO FAJARDO EVENT CHAIR - MARIVIC DAR CO-CHAIRS: SAM ACOSTA, LITO ALCANTRA, PAUL ALIMBUYAO, STEPHEN CALLO, BRANDON DELA CRUZ, MARIA A.F. ETRATA, CECILIA VILLAFUERTE

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

Congratulations!

Bernadette Fajardo, President 2016-2017 and to all officers of Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 9

The Lottery Is No Retirement Plan Pay yourself first instead, with your future in mind.

by Patrick Tantoco

Powerball fever swept across America recently, with a record jackpot of $1.5 billion being split by three winners in the January 13 drawing. Millions lined up for lottery tickets, hoping to realize their dreams of being rich, independent, and carefree.1,2 This infinitesimal chance at massive wealth was certainly alluring – to too many, more alluring than the practical steps that can be taken in pursuit of personal wealth and retirement security.

T h e p a s s i o n f o r Powerball defied logic.

It may have been a commentary on our wishful thinking, and on the lack of financial literacy in America as well.

As Creighton University professor Brad Klontz remarked to CNBC, “A lot of individuals who are not saving for their retirement are standing in line to buy a Powerball ticket. It’s a lot more seductive than instituting a savings plan.”1 On January 13, a Powerball ticket buyer had a 1-in-292-million chance to win the big prize. In comparison, the odds of someone being killed by a falling vending machine within the next 365 days are 1 in 112 million, and the odds of a person being struck by both lightning and a meteorite during their

lifetime are 1 in 210 million.2 When the Powerball jackpot reached $1.3 billion last week, a widely circulated Internet meme claimed that the jackpot could end poverty, stating that every American would get $4.3 million if it were divided equally among the population. This was passed along as truth rather than colossally bad math – it would only apply if there were 300 Americans. Since there are roughly 300 million Americans, divvying up the $1.3 billion across the entire U.S. population would give each of us $4.33, give or take a few cents – enough to buy a flavored latte.3 What if we simply saved $4.33 per day, or more? Our financial lives might take a turn for the better.

Usually, wealth is not a matter of fate or luck.

We can all take practical steps toward financial freedom, and even if we do not end up rich, those steps may improve our personal finances and retirement prospects.

First, spend less than what you make. Two or three percent less, 5% less, 10% less – whatever the number, it must be calculated from a comparison of your monthly income versus your monthly budget. That comparison may take a half

an hour, but it is time well spent. Size up the money coming into your household per month with the money going out of it per month, and set a percentage that you would like to save every month. In effect, you will be paying yourself X dollars a month – and paying yourself, rather than your creditors, is a fundamental move for financial independence.

T w o , d i r e c t t h e s e savings into investment accounts as well as savings accounts. It is vital to build up savings so that you can have an emergency fund – a good, strong emergency fund amounts to several months’ worth of salary. Another portion of the money can go into retirement savings accounts, preferably to be invested in equities. Yes, 2016 has started poorly on Wall Street, but one bad month (or year) is not the historical norm for the market.

Three, cut down bad debts. There are some “good debts” in life – debts that we take on in pursuit of

a worthy outcome, such as a home loan or an education loan. Bad debts outnumber them, and the average credit card statement will note many. Some financial professionals and consumer advocates will tell you to try and pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, then the one with the next highest interest rate, and so on; others will tell you to eliminate the smallest debt first and work your way up to the largest. One way or the other, you want less debt and you want to pay off any credit card balances in full each month.

F o u r , c h a t w i t h a financial professional to determine your money goals. When will you have enough savings to retire?

When should you claim Social Security, and how long should you keep working?

How much monthly income might you need when you are retired? Most people retire without any answers to these questions, only guesses. It is important to know not only what you are doing, but also where you are going – and through

a long-run saving and investing strategy, you can set objectives and measure your progress toward them over time.

The fantasy of receiving great wealth with no effort inspires people to play the lottery and try other forms of gambling. The reality is that saving for retirement takes planning and commitment.

While some may not want to acknowledge this reality, those who do may find themselves making financial strides as others struggle.

Patrick Tantoco may be reached at (800)977-1838 or Patrick@tantocofinancial. com www.tantocofinancial .com.

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates *Registered representative offering securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) A registered Broker-dealer and investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Tantoco Financial services and IFG are unaffiliated entities. OSJ branch 12671 High Bluff Drive Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92130

PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

Filipino Chamber of C Officers and Boa Bernadette Dario Fajardo Bernadette Dario Fajardo was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and traces her roots to various provinces in the Philippines through her father, Atty.

Benedicto A. Dario from Candon, Ilocos Sur, and her mother, Modesta A. Dario from Bulacan and Quezon. She graduated from the Philippine College of Commerce with honors and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce Management and Finance.

Fajardo’s career spans over 25 years as a Trust Specialist, Supervisor and Administrative Officer at City Bank, Central Pacific Bank, and Bank of Hawaii. She retired from banking in 2007 and became a Financial Professional with Prudential Financial until 2012.

She currently manages B2B Printing and Consultant for Aloha Graphics. Some of her community accolades and services are: 2008 Filipino Business Woman of the Year by the Filipino Business Women’s Association (FBWA) & FBWA Foundation; FBWA President, 2009 and 2010; Candonians of Hawaii President 2004 to 2008; and St. John’s A & E Filipino Catholic Club President, 2001 to 2006; Chair of Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii in 2013 in partnership with the Philippine Consulate of Honolulu; Advisory Board Member of Heald College; and Current President of Filipino Women’s Civic Club, 2012 to 2016.

Fajardo is also the Coordinator of the very first Ilocano Language Acquisition and Immersion for New Generation (ILAING) 2015 project, which enables local Filipino young generation to learn the value and importance of the Ilocano language for a period of three months and are afforded the opportunity to visit the Philippines for two weeks.

She is married to Cesar F. Fajardo, a retired Philippine Airlines Station Engineer. Bernadette and Cesar are blessed with two children, Candice Beryl and Dr. Cesar Benedict, DPT (married to Jessica Edita, PharmD) with two grandchildren, Austin and Chloe from Azusa and Long Beach, California.

Rosalinda Bahinting Abuel Rosalinda (Linda) Bahinting Abuel is a wife, mother and grandmother. She was born and educated in the Philippines. She graduated Salutatorian from her hometown elementary school. She went to Centro Escolar University and was in the top five among the graduating class of 1968. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Majoring in Accounting. Soon after graduation she passed the Certified Public Accountant Examination in 1972. She joined a local CPA firm and worked her way up to Junior Partnership until she left to join her husband Conrad in Hawaii in 1980. Linda joined Touché Ross and Co., CPA’s in Hawaii as an Audit Supervisor for three years. Her 32-year career in non-profit financial management started in 1984 with her employment as the Accountant (ultimately Chief Fiscal Officer) for Child and Family Service (CFS) in Hawaii. In 1996 she left CFS when she was given the opportunity to join the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. She joined the hospital’s Family Support Services-Healthy Start Program, as the Accounting Manager for seven years until 2003 when the hospital was forced to close this community service due to loss of government funding.

From 2004 to the present, Linda serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Waianae Coast Community Mental Health Center, Inc. dba Hale Na`au Pono which serves the seriously mentally ill and their families. She is responsible for the planning, management and administration of financial matters. These include budget preparation, financial statement preparation and reporting, audit, cash management, contract negotiation and financial compliance with state and federal authorities, internal control and development of financial policies and procedures.

Linda is also active in community projects, particularly those involving the Filipino community. She was the volunteer financial manager for the capital campaign to build the Filipino Community Center. She was the 2014-2015 Treasurer for the Oahu Filipino Community Council. She held various leadership positions in organizations such as the Filipino Chamber of Commerce as its Treasurer for two consecutive years (1997 and 1998), President (1998) of the Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW), and provides consultation to other Filipino cultural clubs and associations, notably the FAUW and the Bulacan Circle and Associates of Hawaii.

Paul Billington

Paul R. Billington, immediately upon his honorable

discharge from the Navy, began his career in the College Admissions field and has been in this field for over 40 years.

He is currently the Senior Director of Admissions

for Argosy University, Hawaii Campus. Billington has helped for many years with the University of Hawaii Garden event, is on the Board of Directors for Hawaii College and Career Fairs (HCCF), assists with the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Center for Standardized Patients. Paul is also on the Executive Committee as the current President of the Hawaii Ballroom and Dance Association. Paul believes very much in giving back to the community and therefore is very proud of the work that Argosy University has been doing with their Scholarships. He has been involved with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce for the last 13 years, of which he has been on the Board of Directors for five of those years. Paul has actively participated in the Taste of Kalihi, Legislative Breakfast, and Entrepreneur of the Year events.

Brandon Dela Cruz

Brandon Trinidad Dela Cruz is a second-generation Filipino, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His influence by the Filipino culture began at an early age with his parents instilling important values of faith in God, education, hard work, humility, and integrity into his character.

Beginning in 1998, Brandon was exposed to a variety of Filipino experiences including Operation Manong, Sariling Gawa, and UH Manoa’s Katipunan and Timpuyog clubs. He transcended the college Filipino community and got involved with the larger Filipino community, including the Filipino Community Center (where he was the youngest member of the grassroots community relations team). He also hosted a weekly show on KNDI Radio called “The Filipino Community Network from 2001 to 2006 where he devoted his show “to discuss issues concerning the Filipino community while looking at the Filipino community from various perspectives.”

Today, Brandon has translated his success in the community into a thriving professional career as the Director of Marketing for international, Hawaii-based restaurant chain, L & L Drive-Inn/L & L Hawaiian Barbecue. He attributes his blessings of success to the experiences he’s gained through the community, especially his involvement with the Jaycees. “The experience and lifelong friendships from the Jaycees have been a treasure for me that I have and will continue to carry through life.”

Angie Santiago

Angie Dytioco Santiago has dedicated three decades of public service to the people of the City and County of Honolulu in various positions that has enabled her to interact with people from all walks of life.

Her positions with the City’s Department of Human Resources include: Workers Compensation Adjuster for 13 years; Benefits Specialist for six years; and an Equal Opportunity Specialist and Human Resources Specialist for almost nine years.

Aside from serving the City, she also serves her community in many capacities. She is a regular columnist with the Fil-Am Courier for three years. For community organizations, she has served as governor of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii, Entertainment Program Chairperson for the 24th Filipino Fiesta Committee (2016), Assistant Auditor for the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii, First Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council, Tagalog Region Chairperson of both the 20th and 21st Filipino Fiesta, and was President of the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii.

Her terrific work ethic and involvement in the community has earned her awards such as Outstanding Woman Achiever in Volunteerism & Community Involvement by the Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club, Department of Human Resources’ 2008 Employee of the Year, and the City and County of Honolulu’s 2008 Employee of the Year nominee.

Maria A. F. Etrata Etrata is currently the president and founder of Preferred & Community Based Services and The Primary Care Providers of Hawaii, all of which are organizations representing attendant care and day care service providers for the elderly. She was named the 2007 Filipino Business Woman of the Year by the Filipino Business Women’s Association for her excellent track record of caring for the elderly and medically-fragile of our community. In the same year, Etrata was also awarded Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

Etrata also founded the Renato & Maria A. F. Etrata Foundation, a non-profit organization that benefits educational institutions and related activities, focusing specifically on scholarships, student financial aid services, awards programs, and more.

She currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors for the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu and the Kauai Filipino Community Center. She is Past President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and the past President of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) among many other Filipino organizations.

Bennette Misalucha Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Managing Editor of Fil-Am Courier which is the longest running Filipino ethnic paper in Hawai‘i. In addition to her role at the Courier, Bennette serves as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, a position she has held since April 2014. She has thirty years of experience behind her. Amongst the roles she had served were Vice President and Regional Director for Government and Community Relations for Actus Lend Lease and a Senior Vice President and Senior Manager at Central Pacific Bank. Early in her career, Bennette spent seven years in the media world as a reporter, writer and news producer, both locally (KHON Channel 2 News) and in the Philippines. She is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and an honors graduate of the Bank Administration Institute’s Graduate School of Retail Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she was the first Hawai’i banker to later serve as its Assistant Director for four years. Bennette sits on a number of community boards, including the Board of Regents of Chaminade University, Oahu Transit Services (TheBus), The Filipino Community Center, Oahu Arts Center and the Friends of East-West Center.

Bennette’s work has earned her many distinctions, such as recognition as “Woman of Distinction in Banking” by the Girl Scouts of Hawai’i (2002), the United Filipino Community Council’s “Award in Banking and Finance” (2002), the “State Mother of the Year” for American Mothers Inc. (2007), one of top “Ten Women Volunteers in Hawai‘i“ by Pacific Business News (2008) and was recently recognized by the Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (2015).

Sam Acosta

Sam Acosta is a Financial Services Consultant with Primerica Financial Services. He has been in the industry for more than ten years. He started his business providing employee benefits like major medical and supplemental health insurance programs, like Sec 125 plans, Life and Long Term Care insurance and retirement plans. Today, his focus is now on recruiting, licensing, training, and developing independent agents who want to build a business for themselves in the financial services industry.

Acosta is a graduate of Waipahu High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa with the degree of Travel Industry Management majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Prior to becoming a financial services specialist, he worked with Creations in Catering, a premiere special events and catering company in the islands. He also owned and operated a food and service catering business, “The Garden Lanai at Olaloa,” for three years. He served on the Board of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce between 2003 and 2007 as Director and Vice President and chaired various committees during those years.

Acosta reigns from Zambales, Philippines and is married with one son named Joshua.

Luz Peirson

Hawaii has been Luz Peirson’s home for 27 years.

Luz has been married to her husband, Jamie, for 29 years and blessed with three children: Leilani, Kema, and Khaya. She considers herself blessed and would like to continue to be actively and directly involved in community service to the best of her abilities, with honor and integrity, thus she is honored to be given the chance to have served the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as treasurer and this year as auditor.

Luz earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce and also majored in Accounting at Samar College in Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Peirson is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Permit to Practice in the State of Hawaii. Luz held various positions, namely as City and County of Honolulu’s Budget and Fiscal Services’ Senior Staff Accountant in the Capital Assets and Accounts Payable Department, was an auditor of a local CPA firm, a Finance Director at nonprofit organizations with multimillion dollar budgets, and was a sole practitioner as a CPA specializing in nonprofit organizations and helping businesses and individuals with their tax and accounting needs. She has over 22 years of work experience in both the public and private sectors.

Luz is a member of the Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants since 1996 and was a past FCCH treasurer, assistant treasurer and past treasurer of the Fil-Am Catholic Group at St. John A & E in Mililani, past treasurer of the Mililani High School Parents, Teachers, Students Organization, and her best job has been as a Soccer Mom and Certified Regional Referee for AYSO Region 919.

Rose Galanto Rose Chavez Galanto was born and raised in Pagsanjan Laguna, Philippines. Her father was raised in Candon, Ilocos Sur and her mother from Pagsanjan Laguna. A year after graduating high school from Pedro Guevarra Memorial High School in Laguna, Philippines, Rose migrated to Hawaii in 1966. Galanto married in 1968, divorced in 1978, and is blessed with one child, Sheila Marie Galanto and two grandchildren, Taylor Nohelani and Tayson.

Rose was employed at American Savings Bank and International Savings. She is currently a Realtor Associates at Granventure Realty since 1980. She is a rental property manager for over 10 years. In 1981, she established and managed her own jewelry business, Hill Solid Gold, Inc., and is the owner of Aloha Tours and Travel, Inc. since 1977, the oldest Filipino travel agency in the State of Hawaii.

Rose’s passion is traveling the world. Some of her experiences include tours to Machu Picchu, Middle East Piligrimage tour, Palawan Underground River of the Philippines, Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Underground Salt City of Poland, and the largest castle in the world in Prague, Czech Republic.

Constacio Paranal III Constancio is the Executive Director at the Japan - America Institute of Management Science (JAIMS); he supports both Hawaii and Tokyo operations. In addition, he is also a Clinical Professor of Marketing, Management and Industrial Relations at the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business.

Early in his career, Constacio was inducted as a fellow via the Urban Education Leadership Programme in Washington D.C., where he worked with strategic analyst and policy makers at the nation’s capital. Prior to joining JAIMS, Constancio worked as a Sr. Global Management Consultant at HP Enterprise Services in Silicon Valley, UK, and Australia.

Constacio currently serves as the Hawaii Representative of the Education Doctorate Student Assembly at the University of Southern California. He attended and completed graduate studies at Harvard, USC, Berkeley, and UKMC. He also attended college at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.

A recent transplant from Cambridge, Constancio joined FCCH to reconnect with his roots while pursuing his advocacy towards the advancement of the Filipino community in Hawaii. He hopes to inspire the Hawai’i youth and give back to the community through his corporate, civic and socio-political engagements.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 11

Commerce of Hawaii ard of Directors Eddie Agas, Sr.

Eddie Agas, Sr. is a public servant with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction’s Construction Management Branch.

Agas was appointed by former Mayor Mufi Hannemann as an Advisory member of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Leeward Coast Benefit Grant Program. Former Governor Ben Cayetano also appointed Eddie to the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission, which is an organization established for the sole purpose of planning events to commemorate the 100 years anniversary of the arrival of the Filipino contract laborers (sakadas) to Hawaii. Agas serves as the Chair of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC)’s Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, OFCC Ways and Means and Rapid Response committees, co-chair of the Feeding the Hungry for Institute for Human Services. He is the President and CEO of Cal-Hawaii, LLC., Principal and Marketing Manager of EJ Enterprise, LLC., and part principal of Crystal Dew Bottling Corporation in the Philippines.

Eddie has held various positions and been a member of various committees at the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as Assistant Secretary, Board of Directors, ATOK Chair, and Co-Chair of the Golf Tournament. He is also a member of the Knights of Rizal - Hawaii Chapter, Knights of Columbus, and Pastoral Council of St. Jude Catholic Church. He has served as President of OFCC, United Filipino Council of Hawaii, and International Filipino Society of Hawaii. Eddie has also chaired the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee and served as Director of the Filipino Coalition for Solidarity and Chair of the Global National Filipino Federation Association of America (NaFFAA) Gala in 2006.

Randy Cortez

No other maxim exemplifies Randy’s overall purpose in life than that of community service. Using this guidance, he seeks to make a difference in society by continually striving to be a catalyst for positive change.

Born in Pinpin, Sta. Cruz, Philippines, a five year-old Randy and his family immigrated to Hawaii.

Eventually, the Cortez Family came to reside in Kalihi. Randy is a proud graduate of the University Laboratory School (a.k.a. University High School).

Currently, Randy is a second year law student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) William S. Richardson School of Law. For his undergraduate degrees, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy along with a Bachelor’s in Filipino and Philippine Literature at the UHM. During the summer of 2009, the UHM Filipino and Philippine program selected Randy, alongside other noteworthy students, to participate in the three-month Advanced Filipino Abroad Program (AFAP) in Manila, Philippines as a Fulbright-Hays scholar. Several years later, he would return to the Philippines as a young professional through the Filipino Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) established by Jose L. Cuisia, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States.

In satisfying his passion for community service, Randy served as President of the JCI-Filipino Junior Chamber (a.k.a“Filipino Jaycees”) in 2013. To this day, he is a member of the organization. In addition, Randy continues to devote his time to the Knights of Rizal – Hawaii Chapter, previously serving as Chapter Pursuivant.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch Kenneth Nakasone Ken Nakasone and his firm Kobayashi, Sugita &Goda have participated in the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as sponsors of various Chamber events for many years. Having seen the Chamber grow and evolve, Ken joined the Board to take a more active role in helping the Chamber as a Director.

Ken has practiced law in Hawaii for 16 years. He represents clients in a variety of matters involving real estate, condominium, construction, banking, governmental procurement, and employment and labor law. Ken is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association serving as the Chair of its Labor and Employment Law Section in 2012 and as the Vice Chair of that section in 2011.

Ken is involved in the community as a member of the Hawaii Democratic Party, the Hawaii United Okinawan Association, and the Society for Human Resource Management Hawaii Chapter. He has also served as a Director and Past President of the Kiwanis Executive Club of Honolulu.

Editha Pulido Gudoy Editha Pulido Gudoy hails from Dingras, Ilocos Norte to Martin Pulido and Avelina Dulay. Editha grew up poor in simple rural surroundings. She walked to school barefoot, used guava leaves to brush her teeth, and bathed in a nearby river. She excelled in school and continued to succeed in high school at Quirino High School in Quezon City, Philippines where she graduated Salutatorian and was the only student from her graduating class to become accepted to the University of the Philippines in Dilliman. At University, she began with Liberal Arts and concentrated on Business. While completing her studies, she met her husband, Ben Gudoy who was finishing his Law degree. The two married in Ben’s hometown of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. The two have two children, Benedith Ventura and Benjamin Gudoy, Jr. In 1967, the Gudoy family immigrated to Hawaii. Editha and her husband engaged in numerous business ventures. In 1980, Ben and Editha, in part due to their love of travel, established Everlasting Travel. The agency provided travel, door-to-door cargo service, money remittance, and other services. Everlasting Travel has had the privilege of being one of the top producers of airline ticket sales and has been accredited with an A+ rating and numerous awards. Everlasting Travel has also been a yearly recipient of Philippine Airlines award for recognition for its valuable sales and contribution and excellent marketing awards.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch is the Owner of AIM, Inc. and President and CEO of ADVANTAGE Health Care Provider, Inc. She was recently recognized on June 16, 2016 by the University of Hawaii’s School of Nursing’s 60th Anniversary Gala as the 2016 Outstanding Alumni for Leadership, Excellence, and Innovation.

Her other awards include: Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year, Filipino Business Woman of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer Lecturer Award, Legislative Award Recognizing the Outstanding Achievement for Outstanding Filipino Nurses in Hawaii, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Commitment to Minority Women’s Health, and many more.

Her accolades include: Gubernatorial Appointee to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board (2016), Chair of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Western Regional Conference (2015), and Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii Chair, Corporate Sponsorship at the 8th Biennial Gala by creating a net income of over $20,000 (2014).

Nancy is married to Gerhart Walch since 1979 and they have two children, Christeen and Kuhio.

Vanessa Tan Kop Vanessa Tan Kop serves as the Managing Director at Newmark Grubb CBI, Inc., a commercial real estate company. There, she is an investment, sales, and leasing specialist and has successfully represented landlord and tenants in closing transactions in a seamless and timely manner.

Her previous involvement in the healthcare industry, such as time with Hawaii Medical Center (formerly St. Francis Medical Center) and Kaiser Medical Center - Pharmacy) has fulfilled her need to help people and reach out to her community. Vanessa also has vast retail and sales experience from her early years working with her family’s hardware and lamination business. She negotiated sales contracts at an early age and assisted in presentations of various business services. With her multicultural background, not only does she have strong public relations and customer service skills, Vanessa also has unique business experiences that has allowed her to do business in Asia, especially in the Philippines, and Hawaii and has the tools to assist the Chamber in becoming a place for people to grow and flourish even in harsh economic times.

Vanessa is actively involved in the community and is one of the Board of Directors with the Hawaii State Art Museum, International Council of Shopping Center member, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Director.

Alex Vergara Jay Raymundo Born and raised in Hale’iwa, Jay Raymundo graduated from Waialua High & Intermediate School and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and French Language & Literature from Boston University in 2002. In 2004, Jay moved back to the islands to pursue a career in healthcare.

He currently is the Chief Executive Officer of Aloha Habilitation Services, which is a healthcare service provider for the elderly as well as individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Jay has always been involved in the community through local Filipino organizations and serves on the boards of the Filipino Junior Chamber and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

Alex Vergara serves his community extensively apart from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. He is the current president of the Oahu Filipino Community Council and an ex-officio member of the FilCom board of directors, which has allowed him to gain an understanding and appreciation of the Filipino community through networking and partnerships.

Vergara is a commissioned chaplain of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), state of Hawaii Sheriff Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Vergara is a certified instructor at the HPD Academy, Hawaii Department of Public Safety, and the FBI Academy in Quantico.

His education includes a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the Lyceum of the Philippines, Fine Arts degree from the Philippine Women’s University, Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and conferred a Doctor of Ministry from the Claremont School of Theology in California.

An ordained minister of The United Methodist Church, he served churches on the Big Island of Hawaii, the inner city of Honolulu, West Side of Kauai, Oahu’s Waianae Coast and the new city of Kapolei. He is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains with Basic Master and Senior Chaplain Certifications.

Rocky A. Anguay

Rocky A. Anguay has been a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii for 14 years and has recently completed his second year as a Board of Director prior to his new position as Assistant Secretary in the Chamber. He has assisted with the Chamber’s projects such as “A Taste of Kalihi.” the annual trade mission to the Philippines, the Annual Golf Tournament, and many more. He is looking forward to another year with the Chamber now as the Assistant Secretary and hopes to continue to contribute to the growing success of the Chamber.

Rocky has almost 35 years of experience in the financial industry and has served as Director and Past Vice President, President and State Director of the Institute of Financial Education. He is a former Assistant Vice President of Pioneer Federal Savings Bank and was in charge of their Training Department.

He was most recently a Personal Banking Officer for First Hawaiian Bank’s Pearl City Branch for the past 11 years and is now the Waianae Branch’s Manager and Assistant Vice President.

Susana Berardy Susie Berardy has been active in the business community in Hawaii for over 25 years. Out of college the Berardys built a successful business (DBI Hawaii Inc.) specializing in Wholesale & Distribution of a wide variety of gifts lines.

DBI Hawaii has owned and operated seven retail stores over the past several years. DBI-Hawaii Wholesale customers have included some of the largest retailers in the state of Hawaii as well as Mainland chains doing business in Hawaii. The Berardys have been highlighted and written about in several local newspapers and articles.

Susie is very active in the Filipino community having won several awards in business such as: 2001 SBA Filipino Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year State of Hawaii; 2001 BYUH Distinguished Alumni; 2003 Filipino Business Woman of the Year State of Hawaii; and 2003 BYUH Distinguished Alumni of the Year . She has been past President of the Filipino Business Woman’s association of Hawaii. The Berardys donate much of their time mentoring and teaching others how to succeed in business.

Yonie Malig-on Payroll Coordinator of Nordic PCL Construction, Inc., aspiring to be the most respected builder, renowned for excellence, leadership unsurpassed value. Graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce majored in Accounting.

She has served as member of the Board of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, Chairs and Co-Chairs various FCCH Committees. She is actively involved in Community projects and holds the title of Diamond Queen, 2007, Philippines, Ms. Terno 2007, sponsored by the Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club, Ms. Maria Clara, 2nd runner up 2014 and she also served as Campaign Coordinator of Aloha United Way for 11 years.

Jeannie Lum Jeannie Lum is an account executive for the Western Union Company. She oversees the business in the State of Hawaii, having to manage over 150 agents that include supermarkets, check cashing and payday loans, and mini, locally owned shops within the community. Her management makes her a onewoman show since she is the only representative out here in Hawaii – having to oversee sales, operations, and marketing and grass roots initiatives. Jeannie was born in the Philippines and moved to the US when she was one year old. She attended St. Anthony’s in Kalihi, then to St. Francis in Manoa for high school, and then Chaminade University where she earned her bachelor’s in Marketing and Broadcast Communications, Summa Cum Laude. She also received her Master’s in Business Administration at Chaminade right after she graduated, and was a graduate speaker at her commencement ceremony.

Her career took off with taking on numerous volunteering and internships opportunities both in high school and college. Some of her internships included Public Relations at Sheraton Waikiki & the Royal Hawaiian, Account Coordinator at Hastings & Pleadwell: A Communications Company, and Special Events Intern at the Chaminade University Office of Institutional Advancement.

She was named one of the Most Promising Minority Student in 2005 under the American Advertising Federation where she received the award in New York City. Connecting with the community and taking advantage of opportunities to work and learn as much from others as possible was important to Jeannie.

PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation 62nd Anniversary & Annual Installation

Sponsors and Donors Diamond Sponsor FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK

Ruby Sponsors

BANK OF HAWAII EVERLASTING TRAVEL SERVICES, INC KOBAYASHI, SUGITA & GODA, LLP PHILIPPINE AIRLINES QUEEN’S MEDICAL CENTER

Gold Sponsors

CAL-HAWAII, LLC CONSUELO ALGER FOUNDATION CS ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, INC. HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE IRONGATE, LLC LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION UNITED LAUNDRY SERVICES

Silver Sponsors

ALSTON HUNT FLOYD & ING LAWYERS CW ASSOCIATES, CPAs GENTRY HOMES, LTD. GROUP BUILDERS L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE PRUDENTIAL – PACIFIC FINANCIAL GROUP RON D ELECTRIC TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOUNDATION WEST LOCH PARK HOTEL

Donors AVALON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CENTRAL PACIFIC BANK DR. FORTUNATO & NIEVA ELIZAGA BETH & JAMES HOBAN DANILO & PRECIOSA LOPEZ MCDONALDS OF MAUI

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 13

By Nancy Bernal Al Waterson

The Sax Pack: Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Jackiem Joyner

Mango Jam Honolulu is a great event for the whole family to enjoy and admission and parking is free! On July 22 and 23,

you can enjoy excellent live entertainment, delicious f o o d a n d a va r i e t y o f activities at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center at Honolulu

Jordan Segundo

Yasmin Dar Fasi and Shaiyanne Dar

Hale. On both dates, the production of “Mango Days” will be presented on the indoor stage at 6:30 p.m. f e a t u r i n g A l Wa t e r s o n , Brother Noland and more in this entertaining musical s h o w.

The line-up of musicians and singers on the outside stage include Jordan Segundo, Kapala, Hoku Zuttermeister, Nahoa, Darin Leong, Mano’o Company with Sean Na’auauo and Bruddah Waltah, Kapena Kids, Keilana and Darin Leong. Food booths with mango-inspired dishes and beverages will be available along with a farmers market with fresh mangos and other produce and a beer garden

with mango-inspired drinks.

On July 22, the fun starts at 4:30 p.m. til 10 p.m. and on July 23, bring the whole family at 10 a.m. til 10 p.m.

For more information, call 768-6622.

••••

Get ready for a fantastic smooth jazz concert presented by Apaulo Music Productions on August 6 at The Hawaii Convention Center – Liliu Theater at 8 p.m. featuring The Sax Pack (Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Jackiem Joyner).

This will be a high energy concert with some of the best musicians in the nation performing in Honolulu for one night only! Get your tickets at TIX.com or call 951-696-0184.

••••

Premier Filipino American Comedian Rex Navarrete returns to The Hawaii Theatre on July 30 for one show only! Rex is known for his unique brand of Filipino humor and he continues to sell out venues nationally and internationally. Tickets are available at (808) 5280506 or online at www. hawaiitheatre.com •••• Attention all actors – professional and amateur!

Margaret Doversola will

Allison Chu

Rex Navarrete

be having an Adult Acting Workshop (for ages 15 and over) on July 10 at The Manoa School of Art & Music in The Manoa Marketplace at 1 til 5 p.m. Please call 9475736 for more information and to register.

•••• Congratulations to Allison Chu on being crowned Miss Hawaii 2016 at the pageant on June 11 at The Hawaii Theatre. She will be going to the Miss America Pageant on the mainland in September.

•••• Yasmin Dar Fasi and Shaiyanne Dar are taking their Dolkii clothing line to a whole new level with new creations designed by them.

They recently showcased their latest designs on the runway at The Night Market in June and received rave reviews. Check out their trendy new clothing online at www.dolkii.com •••• For now, That’s Entertainment!

(If you would like to submit entertainment information, please contact Nancy Bernal at 947-5736 or e-mail her at Nancy Bernal@ aol.com

PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

by Dr. Rickie Camara

It has been a mindless day, on your part or others’ or both, and you are feeling lousy. Or you are about to enter an important meeting or a social gathering, and you are feeling anxious. Or you are just plain guilty over the past, hassled in the present, and worried about the future.

What to do? Hack your brain.

By hacking the brain I mean doing certain behaviors, including thinking, that improves your sense of wellbeing and even changing the way others see you. Let us start with some simple ones.

When you feel sad or down, simply smile. And make it a smile even bigger than your face. Smile that beatific smile to the angels that babies, even those born

premature, have. Try it now: smile and see if you can feel bad at the same time. Smiling is your original face and it brings back your original state and you automatically feel good. So now that you know this hack, next time you see someone beaming with a smile ask them, “So what is really bothering you?”

Now combine that smile with an active posture with your head and chest lifted and your shoulders slightly back, down, and relaxed.

You will immediately feel a sense of lightness of the body and clarity of the mind, not only because you can breathe better but because the spinal extensors and flexors are working with gravity and in synergy with

little effort. The simple act of correcting your posture can trigger multiple physical and emotional benefits: higher self-esteem, more arousal, better mood, lower fear, and stronger pulses. Slouching even affects the way you speak: experiments show that slouchers use more negative emotion and sadness words and fewer positive emotion words.

And then there is the “power posture” which has a host of confidence-boosting effects from simply opening up your body and taking more space in a room. Power moves include standing tall with feet astride and hands on the hips, grasping your hands behind your head, and putting your feet up on the desk.

Spending time in a power pose increases testosterone (even in women), risk taking, pain tolerance and belief in one’s own leadership abilities.

Conversely, when we feel powerless we do the opposite. We make our selves smaller by slouching, closing and rounding the shoulders, wrapping our arms and/or legs, etc. Which brings me to the “as if” brain hack which states that by simply behaving as if you are powerful, you are more likely to actually feel powerful. Pretending to be happy and confident will make you feel happy and confident.

These hacks fall under the rubric of “body language” and are important in that they not only affect how you feel but how others perceive you. People will treat you differently when they perceive you as being happy and confident. And the really neat thing is that you actually help spread those positive feelings to others; they too begin to feel better!

That brings me to the brain hack of “social mimicry:” one tends to mimic, without realizing it, the posture and physical gestures of who you interact with. Even animals do this which is why we say, “monkey see, monkey do.”

This is also known as the “chameleon effect” and may be why spouses begin to look or act like each other after many years together.

What practical applications does this have? If you are at a party or other social event and you think someone is watching or staring at you, yawn; and if they yawn too then you were right! If you want to get a positive response from someone, nod while you talk. If you want people, especially children, to speak quietly, talk to them in a whisper.

Brought to an extreme, this hack helps explain the development of the ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ wherein hostage victims begin to develop positive feelings towards their captors. Except maybe if they know they will soon be beheaded as they will have no brain to mimic others with.

The Golden Rule, on the other hand, is mimicry at its best: Treating others in the same manner when others treated you well.

This article would not be complete without a love hack. Do you want someone to fall in love with you? Do you feel that you are losing that special connection with someone? Well, if you stare into someone’s eyes for

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 15

4 whole minutes you will automatically fall in love, even if that someone is a complete stranger! This is laboratory-proven and it works even better if you get to ask each other personal and meaningful questions while peering at each other.

Questions like, “If we were in a movie, what would it be about? Describe the love scene.”

“Priming the brain” is another way to hack it.

If you recite and repeat a given set of words then it will alter your mindset and affect your attitudes and behaviors.

Repeating positive words makes you more positive.

Validating words validate you. Prayers and mantras improve your wellbeing and sense of closeness with God. If you have someone “find” a $5 bill or if you “surprise” them with a gift, then they are more likely to help others in an appropriate situation.

With priming, even cognitive

performance improves with more ready access to positive material in memory and more rapid screening and efficient decision making.

Speak in “action verbs.”

If you want to be directional and goal-oriented then speak to yourself using active, rather than passive, verbs. Keep the mind moving with ‘verb-al’ language. Start it when you wake up in the morning. Tell yourself what you will do that day. If you don’t have a purpose or direction in your mind, you will feel ‘lost.’ Even telling yourself to stay still is a direction, an action, rather than just sitting down doing nothing.

This brings me to the greatest brain hack of all: meditation. By developing the skill of being continuously aware of what your body and mind is doing and feeling, you will automatically know when your posture is not right, when your breathing is shallow, when you are

depressed, stressed or anxious, and which will allow you to make those necessary self-corrections as you go through life day to day and from moment to moment.

You will be able now to cease acting “as if” and instead live from a position of “I am.” You will be happy and comfortable in your skin and in this world, and this positive feeling will spread out to others. And this world will be a better place for you and me…!

Dr. Rickie Camara is a Board-Certified psychiatrist and Bikram Yoga teacher. He teaches yoga classes at Hotyoga8 in Kaimuki. He has a yoga-aligned health coaching and counseling practice in Kahala. You can hear him every Friday on the radio at KNDI between 8 and 8:30 a.m. on the Medical Forum with Flor Martinez. Email contact at rickiec@ pixi .com.

PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

STATEWIDE community CALENDAR Compiled by Amelia Casamina Cabatu

OAHU July 3, 2016 Annak Ti Batac International (ATBI) 2nd Quarter Meeting.

1414 Olino Street Honolulu, HI; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Contact Person: Dolly or Simeon Ortal 225-9997 or 422-1667 July 7, 2016 Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation & Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii Conference Hale Koa Hotel, DeRussy Hall, Registration 7:30 AM; Topic of discussion: Novel Approaches and Multidisciplinary Management o f C a n c e r.

Continuing Education Credits of 6.5 hours will be given. Contact Persons: Marianela-hsch@hawaii.rr.com or Natalie-natztheflip@ gmail. com July 16, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation 62nd Anniversary & Annual Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom; 6:00 PM; Attire: Formal; Contact Persons: B e r n a d e t t e Fa j a r d o 3 4 2 8090, Sam Acosta 306-1428, Marivic Dar 342-8879 or www. filipinochamber.org July 16, 2016 Mr. Pinoy Hawaii USA 2016 presented by Kalayaan Philippines International, Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom.

5:00 PM-11:30 PM; Contact Persons: Calvin Bagaoisan (Interim President)

286-4334, Ben Pulido (Executive and Program Director) 421-9747

T i n a S a l va d o r 4 2 6 - 6 1 8 3 , Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Erlinda Ferrer 721-1501

July 16, 2016 Santanians Association of Hawaii-USA Installation of Officers & Board of Directors Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom. 6:00 PM-11:00 PM; Contact Persons: Dr. Julius Soria 722-9958, Amy Quides 2 5 5 - 6 3 8 0 , A u r o ra G a r c i a 722-3150 or email santanian sofhiusa@gmail.com

August 6, 2016 COVO Congress Of Visayan Organization 30th Annual Convention and Gala.

Convention to be held at Philippine Consulate Lanai 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Gala: Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 6:00 PM-11:00 PM; For more info, please call May Mizuno at 7414503.

July 22, 2016 Ms. Sinaitenians 2016 Fundraising event Plantation Café. 94-333 Waipahu Depot St. Waipahu, HI. First and last canvassing at 5:00 PM. Contact Persons: Dolly Willing 542-3767, Anna Liza Mateo 271-4173, Gus Concepcion 638-1699, Annabel Rafanan 392-8739.

August 13, 2016 Philippine Women’s Civic Club (PWCC) Filipiniana Ball. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom.

6:00 PM; Cost: $65.00; Suggested attire: Maria Clara, Kimona, Terno or Muslim.

Join the contest for the Best Filipiniana Costume. Contact Persons: Letty Saban 2559429, Edna Alikpala 282-3669.

Mimi Gozar 312-0778, Edith Gudoy 457-0253

July 23, 2016 The Sinaitenians of California with the collaboration of the Annak ti Sinait Iti Hawaii and the Sinait National High School Alumni Association of Hawaii will have a Grand Reunion Pacific Beach Hotel, Ballroom.

6:00 PM. Contact Persons: Dolly Willing 542-3767, Anna Liza Mateo 271-4173, Gus Concepcion 638-1699, Annabel Rafanan 392-8739 July 20-24, 2016 37th Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) National Convention. Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington DC; PNA Hawaii Contact Persons:

August 14, 2016 Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH) 2016-2018 Reaffirmation of Officers at the Honolulu Country Club. 1690 Ala Puumalu Street, Honolulu HI from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Contact Persons: Tessie Aganon 348-3746, Rose Sabangan 677-9487, Maria Etrata 3922962, Danny Villaruz 778-0233 August 19, 2016 KNDI RADIO 1270 Anniversary Celebration Empress Restaurant (Chinese Cultural Plaza) 2nd floor, 100 N. Beretainia Street, Honolulu HI. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Tickets: $50.00 at the door, or presale $45.00. Full night of entertainment, fun and a chance to win a round trip ticket to the Philippines Contact Person Lorene Godfrey 946-2844 August 20, 2016 UPAA University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii Installation of Officers Gala. 6:00 PM; Filcom Center 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu, Hi Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 7786291, Melody Calisay 808 2249535, Jenny Normandy 808 286-4426 August 27, 2016 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Recognition Night honoring the 2016 Parents/ parent of the year, recognizing

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a community leader and a familiar face, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the former Chair of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and are blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information to acmina 808 @gmail. com or call her at (808) 282-2033.

the 2016 outstanding achievements of graduating high school valedictorians in public and private schools & presentation of the continuing scholar recipients, and introducing the 1st Trailblazer Award presented to Mr. Eddie Flores. Empress Restaurant 100 N. Beretania St. 6:00 PM. We are currently searching for the parents/parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their children (3 minimum) to college and/or universities & have attained their professional chosen careers. Contact Persons: Janice Sevilla 5958000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Gozar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy 841-2881, Maggie Domingo 783-0068 August 27, 2016 Filipino Nurses of Hawaii (FNOH) 4 3 r d A n n u a l Re c o g n i t i o n and Awards Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts; Coral Ballrooms IV & V; 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Penny Chung 221-6212, Myra Baided 2306438, Donalyn Baldeviso 4976739 September 17, 2016 Filipino Women’s Civic Club A n n u a l M a r i a C l a ra B a l l , Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; 6:00 PM. Join the Maria Clara Contest. Contact Persons: Bernadette Fajardo, President 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 780-4985 September 24, 2016 6th Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Peace and Social Justice Gala Filipino Community Center, Waipahu. 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Sponsored by the Knights of Rizal-Hawaii Chapter Contact Persons: Mario Palma 3978626, Raymund Liongson 3814315, or Jun Colmenares 8389775 October 22, 2016 La Union Circle of Hawaii presents Miss & Mrs. La Union Hawaii USA 2016. Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom, 5:30 PM; Coronation with Dinner.

Cost $65.00 Contact Persons: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616 Laurie Ann Tadina 358-0474; Conrad Valdriz 953-8888; Ben Pulido 421-9747; Lolita Domingo 295-1387 October 30, 2016 “ W h o A r e Yo u To n i g h t ? ” Halloween and Masquerade Ball Fundraising event presented

by the Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii (PNAH) Rumours Nightclub, Ala Moana Hotel. 5:00 PM-10:00 PM. Contact Persons: Tina Salvador 426-6183, Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Erlinda Ferrer 7211501 November 19, 2016 NAMI, INC. Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc. 15th Anniversary Gala and Appreciation of RN Review Class Volunteer Lecturers & Recognition of New RN’s and Review Graduates. 6:00 PM. Banyan Tree Showroom, Hale Koa Hotel. Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 808 7786291, Jun Obaldo 808 2777495, Bong Curameng 808 383-0135 November 19, 2016 F i l i p i n o B u s i n e s s Wo m e n Association (FBWA) celebrates its 33rd Annual Kimona Ball and FBWA Business Women of the Year Award Presentation.

Hawaii Price Hotel 6:00 PM Contact Persons: President- Nancy Wa l c h 7 7 8 - 3 8 3 2 , K i m o n a Ball Chairwoman Armi Oliver Farinas 221-0667, Co-Chair Elsa Talavera 358-8964

MAUI July 29-31, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Annual Convention to be held in Maui. Place & Time TBD. Contact Persons: Greg Peros in Maui (808) 276-8771; Dwayne Bueno in Oahu (808) 266-0392 July 30, 2016 United Filipino Council Of Hawaii (UFCH) Miss Hawaii Filipina 2016 Binhi At Ani Community Center in Maui.

Contact Persons: Greg Peros (808) 276-8771, Maria Etrata (808) 392-2962 October 15, 2016 Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival presented by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation Maui Mall in Kahalui, Maui. 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Flag raising ceremony at the county building on October 3rd at 10:00 AM. For more information contact Kit Zulueta, President (808) 291-9407 or email: info@ mauifilipinochamber.com and visit their website: www. mauifilipinochamber.com

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 17

By brandon elefante Council Member City and County of Honolulu

Join Us at the Ready 2 React Preparedness Event

On Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pearlridge Center Uptown as well as the Toys ‘R’ Us parking lot, dozens of city,

state, federal, and nongovernmental agencies will converge for Ready 2 React, a community preparedness event which draws the largest collection of emergency vehicles and equipment of any Oahu event.

Now in its fourth year, this event will bring preparedness experts together with the public to help prepare residents for emergencies or disasters that may affect Oahu. Meet the experts in emergency response and emergency preparedness so your family will be better prepared for the next disaster.

First-responders and preparedness experts

will include the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (Ocean Safety and Emergency Medical Services), American Red Cross, Hawaii National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team, FEMA, and the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Ready 2 React is being coordinated by the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management in conjunction with your Aiea-Pearl City Legislators as part of the Aiea-Pearl City Town Hall Meeting series. We hope to see you and your family and friends there!

Here are some photos highlighting milestone events and the wonderful work people do in our community.

Interest-free Down Payment Loans Still Available to Low-income and Moderate-income Families

Qualified low-income and moderate-income families can receive interest-free loans for home purchase down payments.

With mortgage rates still at historic lows, a zerointerest down payment loan can be the difference between renting and owning a home.

Interested households must apply for the program through a mortgage lender after receiving approval for a first mortgage. In order to qualify, applicants must provide five percent of the purchase price as a down payment and complete an approved homeownership course. A home inspection is also required. Loans will be awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis.

There is no cost to apply. $380,000 in Federal HOME funds have been allocated for the program on Oahu.

For more information, please call the Department of Community Services, Rehabilitation Loan Branch Honolulu Fire Department at at 768-7076. the 2015 Ready 2 React Event at Pearlridge Center

City Council Honors Kutmaster Spaz For Ten Years of Service Councilmember Elefante and the Honolulu City Council recognized DJ Kutmaster Spaz for his ten years of service to the students at Webling Elementary in Aiea. Since 2006, he has volunteered his time to talk to Webling’s sixth graders as they transition to middle school.

Pictured left to right with Councilmember Elefante: Principal Sherry Yamada, DJ Kutmaster Spaz, and 6th Grade Teacher Jon Custino.

City Council Honors Pearl City High School Director of Bands Chad Kamei Councilmember Elefante and the Honolulu City Council recognized Pearl City High School Director of Bands Chadwick Kamei on being named the 2015 laureate in the Legion of Honor of Bandworld and inducted in 2016 to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

August Ahrens Elementary School Promotion Ceremony Councilmember Elefante joined Senator Nishihara, Representative Aquino, Principal Nguyen, Vice Principal Sheets, and Vice Principal Thompson at the August Ahrens Promotion Ceremony to congratulate the students for all their hard work.

PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016

CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

JANITOR: Pay $8.50$10.00/hr Looking for candidates with 1 year commercial experience.

Buffing, waxing & cleaning floors. Shampooing & vacuuming carpets. Cleaning common areas. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs. Call Staffing Partners at 945-9300.

Live-In Caregiver

LABOR:

LITE INDUSTRIAL/ LABORERS

- Warehouse

- Driver Helper

- Production Line

- Food Prep/Dishwashers Pay $8.50 - $9.50/hr 6 mos of recent work experience needed. For interviews call our Ala Moana office 945-9300, Staffing Partners.

Drivers Needed!

Will be moving cars from various locations on Oahu. Must have clean driving abstract jobs@hi-employment.com

Ph. 695-3974

FOOD PRODUCTION WORKERS/DRIVERS, FT/PT Immediate opening, AM/PM, Call Shirley 531-6671

Help Wanted

(CNA/NA) Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai ARCH is looking for a live in Or live out caregiver for a 5 beds residential Care home.

If interested please e-mail your

Resume at berrol55@ yahoo. com or call Berly Rol Or George at 396-4196.

Experienced Industrial Sew Person Needed

Excellent Benefits (Health, 401K, Vacation).

Immediate Hire

Call: 848-0888

for rent

DUPLEX FOR RENT 4 BEDROOMS / 2 FULL BATH, QUALIFIED FOR FOSTER HOME /CARE HOME W/PARKING /FENCE & GATE, CALL

627-2376 232-9798

services

12-day Vancouver, Canada & Alaskan Cruise with Holland America Cruise Liner

June 20 – July 1, 2016 $2880 + 550 in taxes – Interior Cabin www.Lionsgatetravel.com

Rev. Cir Domingo

Live-in Aide work part time Trade Apartment in Hana, Maui

(808) 391-5019

Greg Braymen PO Box 976, Hana, Maui 96713

WEDDINGS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Judge Graulty (retired) call 778-8510 to schedule.

Call 808-439-6766

DRIVER & PROCESSION ROOM WORKER

BUSINESS OPPURTUNITY

Start a commercial Clean abstract required for cleaning business. driver. Competitive pay, medi- Low down payments, financing, cal,dental, vision, & 401k profit training and an inintial customer base. Immediate opportusharing benefits.

Apply In peron at: KOHA FOODS

500 Alakawa St.. #104 Honolulu, HI 96817

nies in Hawaii.

Call Coverall today at

808.225.2610

This offer is made by prospectus only. See Franchise Disclosure Documents for details.

car for sale 1997 Nissan Quest van.

As Is. Best OFFER call 843-1820 or 478-9688.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • july 1-15, 2016 • PAGE 19