March 1 2015 issue

PAGE 2 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

ERRATA

Oops! The Courier takes great efforts to check facts, but sometimes in meeting deadlines, we skip steps and make mistakes. We apologize and mean no harm.

Last issue’s cover story contained some inaccurate information and we would like to set the record straight: - Donna Mercado Kim’s mother, Lily Mercado, was a waitress, and not a housewife.

- While her maternal grandfather was Filipino, her maternal grandmother was Portuguese.

Her grandfather was politically inclined but not involved in the union.

- In elementary school, she did try to get involved in student government but when she ran and did not win, she opted for other activities.

- She did walk in her high school graduation, but due to lack of resources, she was unable to return to Pullman, Washington for her college graduation at Washington State.

Welcome Aboard: Casamina and Gallarde Join Courier Roster

We are privileged to have two new writers join our ranks, even as the Fil-am Courier continues to ramp up on our commitment to bring you articles that truly reflect community sentiments and current mores.

CASAMINA-CABATU

Amelia Casamina-Cabatu will be taking over the updates on the Community Calendar effective March 15th. She picks up the responsibility from community leader Edna Alikpala who has begged for time off as she is busy getting acquainted with her first grandchild from only daughter, Erika.

We wish Edna well and as Edna knows, she is only on hiatus, and may be contributing articles to the Courier from time to time.

Amelia was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii

with family roots from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She graduated from Farrington High School and attended the University of Hawaii.

A businesswoman, Amelia is a pioneer in her field of work. Her home became the first residential home to be licensed as an adult day care center by the State Department of Human Resources and have been the owner/ administrator for the CASAMINA ADULT DAY CARE HOME since 1992. Through her genuine compassion for the elderly and disabled adults and her continued commitment in providing excellence in caregiving, The Hawaii State Legislature presented Amelia with a certificate of commendation and recognition lauding her as an exemplary role model for healthcare providers in the state.

Amelia’s community service affiliations are with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii serving as the 2015 Chairwoman, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and served as a

board member for the Oahu Filipino Community Council, the Filipino Business Women’s Association and the Filipino Women’s Civic Club. Amelia was given the Progress Award in the media and communication category by The United Filipino Council of Hawaii. She is the past president of the Oahu Filipino Jaycee Women Organization and the public relations officer for the Filipino American Military Organization.

Amelia is a veteran radio broadcaster and holds an FCC radio operator permit since February 1987. She was the news director for 1540 KISS AM Filipino radio for over 15 years and currently guest hosts for 1270 KNDI Radio.

One of her many passions, Amelia share her God given talent and time by hosting many private celebrations and public community functions.

Amelia is married to Arnold Cabatu and resides in their home in Salt Lake.

They have a daughter Armay and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends at home.

in Waipahu and Ewa Beach, in addition to his childhood abroad. Jaco holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Masters degree in Communications from the University of Hawaii Manoa.

Jaco has over nine years of legislative, political campaigning, and strategic communications experience. His strategic communications small business, JG Strategic Solutions, has provided consulting services for many campaigns in the last four election cycles, focusing on community outreach, integrated media strategies, fundraising, and infrastructure building.

Some highlights of Jaco’s national work include: - serving on President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign focusing on Asian American Pacific Islander outreach throughout the

eastern seaboard - creating a national digital and earned media strategy as a contract consultant for the Asian American Justice Center’s push for comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S. Senate - managed State Senator Will Espero’s 2014 campaign for U.S. Congress - managed Dept. of Interior Assist. Secretary Esther Kiaaina’s 2012 campaign for U.S. Congress - Digital Director, Reuniting Families Campaign - Communications, Director for Filipinos for Family Reunification

Jaco currently resides in Ewa and spends his time exploring restaurants, finding the best halo-halo places, and learning foreign languages.

GALLARDE

Bryan Jaco Gallarde will be tasked with writing general assignment stories for the Courier. Currently, Jaco is the Legislative Office Manager and Senior Advisor to Ewa State Representative Matthew S. LoPresti.

He is a proud fifth-generation Filipino American who spent most of his life

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 3

Bennette Espineli Misalucha

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1987 PUBLISHER Mary Llanos Cordero MANAGING EDITOR Bennette Espineli Misalucha DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Armando Dela Cruz Busmente PRODUCTION MANAGER Alice Llanos Busmente ASSISTANT EDITOR Radiant Cordero COPY EDITOR Danielle Evangelista PHOTOGRAPHERS/GRAPHICS Brandon dela Cruz Noah Felipe Gabe de Lis0o Jeff Orig James Ramos COLUMNISTS Edna Alikpala Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq. Jesse Bacon II Nancy Bernal Cesar Bonilla Alice Llanos Busmente Anabel Gasmen Cabebe Dr. Rickie Camara Dr. Patricia Halagao ZenyMuyot 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. 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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Where Hawaiian and Filipino Values Intersect When the first Filipino plantation workers arrived in Hawaii in 1906, they found a community that was quite diverse, but also one where people preferred to stay within their own cultural framework. The plantation bosses also recognized such, and perhaps, even encouraged this practice.

Hence, there were “Japanese camps” for the Japanese, “Portuguese camps” for those of Portuguese ancestry, and “Filipino camps” for those from the Philippines.

It was a natural response to a new experience. When confronted by the shock of being in a new country, the Filipinos clung to each other.

They formed associations which replicated the traditions of their mother country, and which gave them some psychological stability. They organized events which alleviated their homesickness; they cooked food that provided sustenance to their bodies as well as to their waning spirit; they sang songs and performed dances which carried with them, the memories of past joyful existence, of families and dear loved ones left back home.

B u t t h rou gh the last one hundred years, as each generation of Filipinos intermarried with people from other cultures, as they became embedded in the local community and the collective memories of the motherland slowly faded like images in an old photograph, there came a sincere desire to broaden the base, to reach into the greater community and to forge alliances that will allow them to become integrated into the fabric of Hawaii.

But even as this assimilation has taken place, there continues to be a place for the traditional Filipino culture. Today, it’s celebrated in various ways in our community, through songs, dances and the annual terno, Maria Clara or kimono balls.

These Filipino influences in Hawaii will be celebrated as the focal point at this ye a r ’s M e r r i e M o n a r c h

Festival in April. History will be made when a Filipino dance company, Kayamanan ng Lahi, performs as guest artists at the iconic event.

This is the first time that an invitation has been issued, and one which was the brainchild of Iris Villacrusis, the Philippine-born but Paristrained designer who calls the Big Island home. Villacrusis, who has a deep love for Filipiniana and has curated exhibits on Philippine textiles in the past, is also very active in the preservation of Hawaiiana costumes and traditions. He has also designed and sewn holokus for reigning festival pageant participants, which allowed him the access to bring this idea to the Festival organizers.

Answering the challenge to represent the Philippine culture at the Merrie Monarch Festival is the group, Kayamanan ng Lahi, which is led by culture iconoclast Joel Jacinto. Although the group is based in Los Angeles, they have strong Hawaii ties, with Hawaii relatives peppered throughout the Islands. The group has performed as the main attraction during key Filipino community events in Hawaii, including the opening ceremonies of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu in 2002.

Read about how the stars aligned to make this historic event happen in our cover story written by Kathleen Lee. The juxtaposition of the Philippine culture with the indigenous host culture of Hawaii is actually one of parallel lines. The truth is: there is more that binds us than separates us.

The concepts of “aloha” and “mabuhay” align.

Take for instance, the concept of aloha. “Aloha” can be defined as where a person is concerned about “the overall well-being of a community.” Similarly, the Filipino values are “centered at maintaining social harmony, motivated primarily by the desire to be accepted within a group. The main sanction against diverging from these values are the concepts of “Hiya”, roughly translated as ‘a sense of shame’, and “Amor

Sakadas upon arrival in Hawaii

propio” or ‘self-esteem’.

(Source: Rolando M. Gripaldo (2005). Filipino cultural traits: Claro R. Ceniza lectures).

For Hawaiians, the concept of “ohana” or “family” is firmly rooted in their ways.

Similarly, for the Filipinos, their ties to their “pamilya” reign strong, and this is manifested in Filipinos here continuing to send monies regularly to relatives back home, families helping each other to buy houses, or even in the concept of godparents, called “ninongs” and “ninangs” which solidifies the family’s responsibilities in raising a child.

There are five Hawaiian values that are at the core of “aloha”: ahonui (having patience and persevering through challenges), ha’aha’a (humility and modesty), akahai (expressing kindness with tenderness), lokahi (unity through a sense o f h a r m o ny ) a n d o l u o l u (conveying agreeability by being pleasant). (Source http://www. waimea.com/ big-island/people.html) Ta k e a l o o k a t h o w similar these are: “Filipino social values or Filipino core values, along with the Filipino character or Filipino identity of a person or an individual

known as the Filipino, the Filipino value system are found to possess inherent key elements. Among them are optimism about the future, the concern and care for other people, the existence of friendship and friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, religious nature, respectfulness to self and others, respect for the female members of society, the fear of God, and abhorrence of acts of cheating and thievery.

(Source: Talisayon, Serafin.

Filipino Values, Chapter XIII, Teaching Values in the Natural and Physical Sciences in the Philippines.)

When the Merrie Monarch Festival unfolds this year, we hope you will appreciate the importance of such a milestone event. We also hope you will support it with offers of help and resources since there are still gaps that are waiting for generous benefactors to fill. Please give generously.

Hawaiians like to use the word, “Imua!” to galvanize action to move forward. “ S u l o n g ! ” i s m y appropriate response.

PAGE 4 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

By KATHLEEN LEE Our cover....

This beautiful photo of a Kayamanan ng Lahi dancer is from their archives.

Cover concept

by Noah Felipe of OrigMedia.

Mahalo to Jeff Orig at OrigMedia.

Both Jeff and Noah can be reached at www.origmedia.com or by calling (808) 447-9859.

Iris at the Merrie Monarch Festival

A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE 2015 MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL “Mana” is a word found both in Philippine language and throughout Polynesia, as Kayamanan ng Lahi’s p r o g ra m d i r e c t o r J o e l Jacinto pointed out.

“It is our inheritance, our legacy, our spiritual power, that is really a continuum which Filipinos and Hawaiians share.”

Jacinto is one of the founders of Kayamanan ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts, a critically-acclaimed nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California.

Renowned for its extensive dance repertoire, costumes and music ensembles, Kayamanan has received

numerous accolades including this song of praise from the L.A. Times: “(Kayamanan) is consistently exciting and a triumph of enlightened cultural preservation.”

Aside from celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, the performing arts group will add another outstanding achievement to its records this April: it will be the first-ever Filipino/Filipino dance troupe to perform in the annual Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This crowning moment for the Filipino community is the brainchild of a passionate collective, which includes

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 5

Kayamanan’s two other main principles: Avencita “Ave” Jacinto, administrative director and the love of Jacinto’s life, and Barbara Ele, dance/artistic director for the organization.

Ano t her mai n contributor to the significant performance in spring is award-winning costume designer Iris Gil Viacrusis, owner and designer of Iris Gil Design in Keaau, Hawaii.

Joel Jacinto is also the executive director for Search To Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), a nonprofit organization based in L.A. that aims to provide health and human services,

community economic development, and a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to strengthen community.

His drive to educate and empower the Filipino community has led to his dedication to the organization for the last 24 years. Jacinto’s youth paved the way towards his interest and finding commonalities between the Filipino and Hawaiian cultures.

He credits his hanai family in Waianae, for taking him in as a son during his youth. “I will always be grateful to the Nuuiwa

family,” Jacinto expressed.

He was educated in UCLA, where he was active in the Filipino college community, and UH Manoa.

Viacrusis’ background boasts a multitude of local, national and international education and experience.

Born and raised in the Philippines, he was schooled there as well as in California and France. His beginnings in the business of fashion design included collecting dolls in his youth.

“A friend’s grandmother said, ‘if you can do dresses for the dolls, it will be easier on a real person,” he said.

Years after that predictive

statement, the Hilo resident is now the costume historian and designer for the Royal Court of Merrie Monarch and

several local halau. Some of his current endeavors are an open research project with Bishop Museum’s Archive

PAGE 6 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

and Ali’i Collection, and I’olani Palace’s Hawaiian Monarch Gown reproduction.

The two met through a series of mutual friends, including Jacinto’s sister, and Bennette Misalucha and Rose Churma.

Jacinto addressed some details regarding Kayamanan ng Lahi’s Merrie Monarch performance. “Our biggest challenge is raising enough funds and resources to bring the troupe there. We have 50 performers, 43 dancers, 7 musicians, and

25 kokua who are all coming to support. We are trying to prepare ourselves to represent our homeland and

our culture. Kayamanan was just in France last summer, so we’ve been doing a lot of fundraising. Everything’s

For the past two years I have experienced mild to severe Back Pain. I would visit a chiropractor (we live on the mainland) and I would get short term relief from his therapy.

While visiting family in Laie, Hawaii for the past 2 months, I started treatment with Dr. Holland. His assessment of my Back Problem was very thorough. Back X-Rays were ordered which showed that I had a subluxation of L4-5/. During my visits with Dr. Holland he was very thorough in not only treating my Back Pain symptoms, but started educating me on preventative measures --- strengthening exercises, proper diet, rest and living a healthy life. In my subsequent visits,he had me demonstrate the strengthening exercises he had assigned me to learn from previous visits. He wanted to make sure I was on the right track to help myself get better. My previous chiropractor usually treated my symptoms only.

I would like to express a sincere heartfelt “Mahalo” to Dr. Holland for his superior professional expertise as a Chiropractor.

Sincerely, Hank K. Nawahine III Fruitland, Idaho

back-to-back, and requires a lot of work. However, we’re excited that we get to share and uncover with everybody present the whole ike, the closeness and similarity that Filipinos and Hawaiians share in terms of culture and ideology.”

Viacrusis shares similar sentiments. “Presenting the idea (of Kayamanan performing) to the director of the Merrie Monarch, Aunty Luana, was easy.

Getting them funded for their trip is the challenge, with transportation and lodging and meals. Hilo is a small town and with having all the halaus and visitors, it’s challenging to get things reserved.”

Like Jacinto, Viacrusis understands the importance of the performance.

“Filipinos are a major part of the history of Hawaii and its population now. And the show that Kayamanan will be presenting will be an eyeopening event. Many in the audience may never have seen this type of cultural presentation. And more significantly, many of the hula dancers and even royal court kings and and queens

are often of mixed Filipinos ancestry. (2-3 generation from the sakadas).”

Jacinto summed up his message eloquently. “What makes me passionate about life in general, is being part of the community, it is about contributing to empowerment, betterment, advancement of our people because no one’s going to serve and take care of our community but us.”

He adds: “We cannot remain insular, but we need to take that advancement to the next level. We can contribute more to society, so that we can malama the world as best as we can. The whole persona of the Filipino is one very similar to aloha, to kindness, to compassion.

Puikahunua - around the world wherever Filipinos go; we have to leave a mark and contribute because that is our operating system, our lens; to be a good part to be a good citizen of the world and to love each other. To be the best we can be and share that with whoever, wherever.”

Kathleen Lee spent the 80’s in the Philippines - born in Batangas on an Air Force base,and raised in Baguio (PMA, Fort Del Pilar) and Manila (Quezon City), respectively. She and her family moved to San Jose, California in the early 90’s, where she ended up at San Jose State University to study Political Science. In 2009, Kathleen moved to Hawaii, and learned more about the community working for the Hawaii State Legislature and YMCA of Honolulu. She now works for a P.R. agency.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 7

Profile:

By RADIANT CORDERO

Iris Gil Viacrusis hails from Olongapo City, Philippines, but traces his roots to the Visayas through his paternal grandfather. He graduated with a bachelor degree in Business Administration and a minor in Fine Arts at Mission College in California and obtained an associate degree in Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

Iris had the fortunate opportunity in 2001 to move to Paris, France. There, he attended Ecole Chambre Syndical de la Coutre a premier fashion school in Paris. While studying in Paris, he worked as a design assistant at Haute Couture House, and Malhia Kent Fabric Design House which is known for designing apparel for Dior, Chanel, and Valentino, and other respected brands. While there, he also designed theatrical costuming for stage plays.

After three years in Paris, Viacrusis came back to the United States and first worked in Dallas, Texas in interior design for a year before moving to Hawai‘i in 2005. Iris settled in Hawaiian Paradise Park on the island of Hawai‘i, in the District of Puna. There, he started his own business, Iris Gil Design, a dress shop specializing in Filipiniana and Hawaiian attire.

Through Iris Gil Design, Viacrusis has curated many exhibitions which showcase Filipino fashion and culture. Iris presented his Habi at Baro exhibit at the Wailoa Center in May 2010. The success of the exhibit contributed to his continuation of the exhibit at the Lyman Museum in Hilo the following year in 2011, and at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in Honolulu in 2012.

Just last year, this talented designer was awarded and honored by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with the “Outstanding Filipino Leader Award” for his substantial contributions to the school.

Viacrusis is dedicated and passionate about promoting the Philippine culture and

Iris Gil Viacrusis

traditions of the Filipinos in Hawai‘i.

In addition to his passion for Filipiniana, Viacrusis has been the costume designer of historical costumes for the Royal Court of the Merrie

Monarch Festival for the past five years. Viacrusis isn’t just talented with fabric, but with floral arrangements as well.

He has shared his expertise with the Hilo Orchid Society wherein he designs their

floral displays for their annual Orchid Show, the oldest and largest orchid show in the state.

With his generous spirit, Iris Gil Viacrusis continues to share his knowledge and

expertise as a historian.

He has displayed his gifts of ingenuity and creativity across the many unique cultures that call Hawai‘i home.

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

Profile:

By RADIANT CORDERO

Joel has been the executive director of the Filipino community organization. Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) since October 1991, and founder of the Filipino c u l t u ra l d a n c e t r o u p e , Kayamanan Ng Lahi.

S I P A’s p u r p o s e i s to enrich and empower g e n e ra t i o n s o f P i l i p i n o Americans and others by providing health and human services, community economic development, and a place where all people of all backgrounds can come together to strengthen community.

It was co-founded by a coalition of progressive and passionate individuals within the Filipinos, Asian American & Pacific Islander, and progressive communities in the late 1960’s. It was one of the key driving forces behind the now-flourishing neighborhood of Historic Filipino town.

Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles that

Joel Jacinto

is committed to presenting, promoting, and preserving the richness and diversity of Philippine culture through dance and music. In addition to performing and holding weekly workshops, Kaya-manan also plays a leadership role in providing

technical assistance, training and consultation, instruction and programs in folk dance to many student and community folk dance groups across the United States.

The youngest of the Jacinto family with his siblings Maria Loisa, Jaime Jr., and Josefina – Joel is the only child of Jaime and Lusberta Jacinto to be born on American soil.

J o e l ’s p a r e n t s a n d siblings came to America in 1961 and settled in San Francisco, California, where his mother was posted for her first international assignment as a consular official for the Philippine D e p a r t m e n t o f Fo r e i g n Affairs. Joel and his family grew up in the Richmond District of San Francisco, a neighborhood known for its diversity.

He attended Lowell High School and the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.He

went on to pursue graduate studies in Public Health at the University of Hawai‘i at Mânoa, and Applied Anthropology at California State University – Long Beach.

At UCLA, while tending to his studies, he developed a new found love and passion for his culture, which he (re)discovered through a club organization at UCLA called Samahang Pilipino, and also by taking a course from Professor Felix Tuyay about the Filipino-American community, the FilipinoAmerican experience, and the diaspora of Filipinos from the Philippines.

The course was popularized by Roy Morales,

who coincidentally founded SIPA. In a fortunate turn of events, Joel discovered SIPA through Tuyay and Morales.

Joel is married to Avecita Ramos-Jacinto, whom he met at UCLA while at a meeting for Samahang Pilipino, and she also helped co-found Kayamanan Ng Lahi. Joel and his wife are blessed with their two sons, Kai and Keanu.

With his wife, their colleagues and supporters —through their involvement in the Filipino community in Los Angeles and around the nation— Joel works hard to build alliances and to move the Filipino-American empowerment agenda forward.

Radiant Cordero is an Assistant Editor at the Fil-Am Courier.

She was awarded by the United Filipino Council of Hawaii as an “Outstanding Youth” and by the JCI Filipino Junior Chamber as a “Top Outstanding Young Filipino.” She graduated with honors from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in American Studies in May 2012 and is now a Master’s candidate in the Public Administration Program at UH Manoa. Cordero serves as the Volunteers’ Coordinator for the KaBATAan: Filipino for Kids Hawaii program and works as an External Government Relations and Legislative Aide at the Honolulu City Council.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 9

By BRANDON ELEFANTE Council Member City and County of Honolulu

In 2012, my predecessor, now State Senator Breene Harimoto, introduced and the Honolulu City Council adopted Ordinance 12-15, which is a complete streets policy for the City & County of Honolulu. A “complete street” includes certain features to put important street safety concepts into practice making a road that serves pedestrians, autos, bicycles, and people of all mobilities. This is an exciting time for all of us as we achieve safer streets through attention to design details intended to address specific safety issues.

Features include improvements to the street, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes.

These can be achieved through design of items such as bicycle lanes, planting strips, pedestrian refuge islands, and mini-circles. By making a street safer, people are encouraged to stroll, visit with their neighbors, get out of their vehicles and ride their bicycles, and to make the city vibrant and exciting. Complete streets have been credited in many areas of the country with increased economic benefit and quality of life.

Complete street features can also include “parklets,” which are mini-parks large enough to fit in a typical onstreet parking stall, bringing

the people to the street.

An example of a parklet in Honolulu is a seating area fronting Hank’s Haute Dogs in Kakaako, with benches and a trellis.

The City has begun designing complete streets projects throughout the island to improve safety and mobility. In Aiea, we have the complete street features on Ulune Street fronting Aiea High School, which include striping, reverse-in parking, narrowing of the road, and signage to make pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists aware of these safety improvements. In Pearl City, the Manana area includes mini-circles and street bulb-outs to address safety and speeding issues— other complete streets elements.

These complete streets designs begin with a walking audit with community leaders, neighborhood residents, the State Department of Health, the City Department of Transportation Services, consultants and other partners.

I recently attended a complete streets walking audit of Hiapo

Waipahu Walk Audit: Complete Streets experts Dan Burden and Samantha Thomas with Councilmember Elefante

Street in Waipahu, where we discussed the recent rollover accident on Hiapo and Mahoe Streets and how to make that area near August Ahrens Elementary School safer for all travelers.

Dan Burden, a nationallyrecognized Complete Streets expert, led the group on a walk-about to identify issues and possible solutions. The city will compile a report with suggestions for the area tailored to specific needs identified. A recent

safety improvement in the area includes a dedicated s t u d e n t d r o p - o f f / p i c kup lane recently opened adjacent to August Ahrens Elementary School.

Yo u c a n f i n d m o r e information about Complete Streets at: http://www. smartgrowthamerica.org/ complete-streets If you know of an area in our community that could benefit from some of the Complete Streets features, please contact me at 808-

768-5008 or at belefante @ honolulu.gov. Mahalo!

Brandon Elefante represents Honolulu City Council District VIII which covers Aiea, Pearl City,Waipahu. He is an active member of several organizations including the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce ofHawaii. He can be reached at (808) 768-5008 and his email is belefante @ honolulu.gov.

PAGE 10 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

By DR. CHRISTOPHER TORTORA, M.D. Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye Center

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending images from the eye to the brain. It affects nearly 3 million Americans, and by 2032, that number is expected to increase by 50 percent, according to the 2014 Prevent Blindness “Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems” report. January was designated National Glaucoma Awareness Month to remind those most at risk to get regular checkups from their eye care professional.

Glaucoma is typically caused by a build up of pressure in the eye, or

National Glaucoma Awareness Month intraocular pressure, due to either overproduction of fluid in the eye or blockage in the eye’s drainage area where the cornea and iris meet. The disease can also occur in those with normal eye pressure and is believed to be a result of poor blood flow to the optic nerve.

Open-angle and angleclosure are the two primary types of glaucoma. Openangle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and progresses slowly over time because fluid in the eye is not draining properly.

Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but progresses quickly with a painful, sudden buildup of pressure in the eye because the angle

of the drainage area is too narrow.

Gradual loss of peripheral vision is a common symptom of openangle glaucoma but usually goes unnoticed because the disease doesn’t present noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Angleclosure glaucoma symptoms are more abrupt and include severe eye pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights and red eye.

Early detection is key to help prevent vision loss and permanent blindness.

People most at risk of developing glaucoma include those: • Aged 40 and over • O f H i s p a n i c , A s i a n or African-American descent • With a family history of the disease • Diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension • Who’ve had an eye injury or eye surgery • W i t h extreme nearsightedness (myopia) • T a k i n g steroid medications for an extended period of time

Most of the risk factors for developing glaucoma cannot be prevented, and the optic

nerve doesn’t regenerate itself. Glaucoma can be successfully controlled with an early diagnosis and treatment to slow down or stop further damage.

Treatment ranges from eye drops to laser surgery and microsurgery. The goal is to either decrease the amount of fluid produced by the eye or clear blockage in the drainage area.

Everyone 40 and over should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every two to three years from their eye care professional to check for glaucoma and other eye diseases. Individuals most likely to develop glaucoma should get an eye exam once a year, including those 40 and over with other risk factors or 60 and over.

Christopher Tortora, M.D., a board certified ophthalmologist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly informational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit HawaiianEye. com and Facebook.com/HawaiianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 11

By PERFECTO R. YASAY, JR.

The National Artist Award is the highest tribute given to Filipinos for significant contributions towards the development and promotion of Philippine arts and letters. It is not the result of a stiff competition for a coveted status, but an acknowledgement of enduring life-long accomplishments.

Nominees are evaluated by the National Commission for Culture and Arts jointly with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and selected and proclaimed by the President.

The achievements of individuals in the field of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast, architecture, design and other allied arts are measured in terms of their outstanding vision, creativity and imagination, which represent the nation’s ideals in the humanities and unique aesthetic expression.

Artists embody the product of their personal struggles and the recognition is meant to venerate ingenious works and triumphs regardless of flaws in character and lifestyle.

Nick Joaquin, my wife’s uncle is regarded by many as one of the greatest Filipino literary artists. He was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature on March 27, 1976.

In one of his lectures as a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Literature, Journalism and Creative Communication Arts, he is said to have addressed what troubled his critics as his Jekyll and Hyde personality. Without revealing much about what it meant he explained that as a storyteller and reporter he was simply committed

THE FILIPINO NATIONAL ARTIST to write things as they happened in a manner that is new, surprising and significant.

Many true artists are portrayed to have odd traits.

They are seen as weird and scarcely considered as conformists, conventional or predictable. Their faults are usually accepted as part of their defining qualities.

Wo l f g a n g A m a d e u s Mozart, who often went against the harmonic rules and norms of demeanor of his era, is admired as the world’s greatest musical prodigy of all time. He is believed to have been afflicted with an obsessive-compulsive behavior and frequently used foul language primarily associated with “anal vulgarities”.

Similarly, Edgar Allan Poe, the legendary American poet and author acclaimed for his macabre tales, was a gambler whose mysterious demise at the age of 40 years was attributed to alcoholism, drug addiction, syphilis and other “disreputable cause”.

Evidently, these immortal figures like many celebrated artists greatly esteemed for their magnificent creations and performances never scored well in good manners and right conduct.

This explains why the nomination of Nora Aunor as National Artist for Film, stirred much public controversy.

The Superstar, described as a phenomenon in movies and entertainment was unanimously recommended by the NCCA and CPA but rejected allegedly because of drug abuse and other compulsions. Still President Benigno Aquino III insists that he owes nobody any clarification why he junked Nora Aunor.

And yet, one is left with

NORA AUNOR the allegorical question that if it is proper to scrap a nominee for having a dark side should not many of our National Artists be stripped of their prestigious designation?

After successfully practicing law in the Philippines and the United States, “Jun” served as Chairman of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission under President Fidel V. Ramos. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Christian University in Manila, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Filipino Community Center. Yasay, along with his wife Cecile and daughter Stephanie, is a resident of Honolulu.

PAGE 12 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

By ANGIE DYTIOCO SANTIAGO

Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin installed the 2015-2016 PMAH Officers and Governors: Drs. Carol Davide, Christopher Regala, Jerald Garcia, Melvin Paul Palalay, Emma Avilla, Millete Oliveros, Alpha Yadao-Riveral, Nicanor Joaquin (President of Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls), Josephine Waite, Russell Kelly (President of Ohana Medical Missions,Inc.), and Rosalio Paeste (President of PMAH Foundation).

PMAH Installs New Officers and Governors for 2015-2016 Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. and the uncle of Dr. Davide served as special guest and shared words of wisdom with the audience.

The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) recently held its annual installation of officers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. Dr. Carolina D. Davide leads the organization

for 2015 - 2016. Other officers include PresidentElect Dr. Michael Castro, Secretary Dr. Melvin Paul Palalay, Treasurer Dr. Emma Avilla, and Immediate Past President Dr. Jerald N.

Garcia. Board of Governors include: Dr. Alpha Yadao Riveral, Dr. Milette Oliveros, Dr. Josephine De La Torre Waite, Dr. Christine Jose B a k e , D r. C h r i s t o p h e r Anthony T. Regala, Dr. Nicanor Joaquin (President

– Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls), Dr. Rosalo Paeste (President – Foundation), Dr. Russell Kelly (President – Ohana Medical Missions), and Executive Director JP Orias.

Angie Dytioco Santiago, our Gathering Place columnist, is a U.H. Manoa graduate. She is currently a Governor of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH), a Public Relations Officer for the Bulacan Circle & Associates of Hawaii (BCAH) and a member of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH). She served as 1st Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) from 2013 to 2014 and as the BCAH President from 2010 to 2012. She is the daughter of Angel &Rubing Dytioco and is married with two sons. She enjoys photography and participating in cultural and social activities and events.

The handing over of the gravel by Immediate Past President Dr.Jerald N. Garcia to Dr. Carol Davide.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 13

Past Presidents of the PMAH: Drs. Enrico Camara, Erlinda Cachola, Quintin Uy, Ramon Sy, Fortunato Elizaga, Antonio Tan, Ignacio Torres, Amelia Jacang, Charlie Sonido, Danelo Canete, Nicanor Joaquin, Aurora Mariani, Jose DeLeon, and Jerald Garcia.

Tessie Amore, Matthew Amore, Paige Davide, Paula Davide, Dr. Carol Davide, Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., Lucia Amore; Virginia Davide, Michael Amore, and Anna Davide.

Salustiano Bunye, Michael and Tessie Amore, Virginia Davide, Dr. Carol Davide, Vickie Bunye, Paula Davide, and Atty. Vicente Aquino.

Linda Guting, Dr. Ben Realica, Marife Aczon-Armstrong (President of PNAH), Brenda Monegas and husband, Lulu T., and Cora R.

Front Row: Angie Santiago, Atty. Tony Oposa, and Ann Canete.

Back Row: Atty. David Forman, Jun Colmenares, and Dr. Dan Canete.

Anna Davide serenades and dedicates “The Impossible Dream” to the new PMAH President whom she lovingly calls “Nanay.

PAGE 14 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

Six Outstanding Women Leaders To Be Honored at Forthcoming Terno Ball On Friday, March 6, 2015, the Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club will be celebrating its 61st anniversary by holding its 41st Annual Terno Ball. The event will be held at Ala Moana Hotel from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Event Chair Letty Saban revealed that the event seeks to perpetuate the Filipino culture by focusing on the rich cultural heritage associated with the terno, which is characterized by the iconic butterfly sleeves.

The HFWC will also honor six outstanding women in various fields, as part of the celebration. The honorees are:

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ANGELI CALLO

Angeli Callo is a recording artist who has performed locally and internationally on television and in numerous prestigious events. She has recorded 4 CDs to her name and is currently working on her 5th CD. As one of the owners and founders of Music & Arts

Training Center of Hawaii, established in February 2014, Angeli teaches students ranging between the age of 4 and older.

In addition to being the Administrator of the Center, she and her husband, Stephen take charge of the Choir and Special Music Ministries of the New Life Church Honolulu. They also host weekly Bible Studies and regularly visit and pray for sick people in hospitals and homes. As part of their regular community service, they organized concerts to help victims of typhoons and natural calamities.

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DOLORES MANGATI ORTAL An accomplished community and business leader, Dolores Mangati Ortalis an influential figure to reckon with. A licensed Realtor since 1978, “Dolly”, as she is fondly called, caters to both buyers and sellers and her goal has always been

a satisfactory real estate transaction with happy ending.

In 1982, Dolly and her friend Angeles Baptista established the BaptistaOrtal Realty Inc. and for over 32 years of dedicated service, the company has continued selling real estate t o t h r e e g e n e ra t i o n o f clients.

Dolly and her husband, Engineer Simeon Q. Ortal founded the Dreams Come True Foundation which has provided scholarships in Hawaii, as well as in the Philippines. Furthermore, the Foundation nurtures

high school students from their Alma Mater, the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade (INCAT).

Dolly is a leader in various community organizations as well as in her parish. She is a recipient of several prestigious awards: 2004 Filipino Business Woman of the Year (FBWA), 2008 Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad (TOFA), 2008 INCAT Centennial Outstanding Alumni, and 2012 UFCH Progress Awards.

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN EDUCATION

VIRGIE CHATTERGY, Ph.D. Dr. Virgie Chattergy is a Professor and Assistant Dean Emeritus from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Education.

She received her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Doctorate Degree in Education (Ed.D) from the University of California at Los Angeles where she also completed a Certificate Program in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).

Dr. Virgie was born, raised and educated in Cebu City where she received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSE-ED) from St. Theresa’s College.

Dr. Chattergy pioneered the efforts to promote the inclusion of language sensitivity and cultural diversity in teacher education programs in the College of Education at a time when the idea was relatively new as a subject in Higher Education. Her involvement in this field led to a variety of professional activities, awards and recognition.

A p r o l i f i c e d u c a t o r, l e c t u r e r, k e y n o t e speaker and writer, Dr. Chattergy was awarded for “Leadership in Asia/Pacific Island Education” given by the National Education Association (NEA); was granted fellowship for a summer by the National Institute of Education (NIE); and was bestowed the LapuLapu Lifetime Achievement given by COVO.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 15

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN HEALTH CARE & MEDICINE

DR. EMMA B. AVILA Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Emma B. Avilla finished her medical degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Philippines.

To c o m p l e t e h e r residency, she attended the Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey and for her internship, she was assigned at the New Jersey Poison Control Department.

After finishing her medical degree requirements to p ra c t i c e m e d i c i n e , s h e decided to move to Hawaii to do her private practice as OBGYN specialist.

Currently, Dr. Emma Avilla maintains her own clinic and office at Dillingham Blvd. in Honoluluand at the Queens Medical Center West Oahu.

Inspi te of her dai l y busy schedule, Dr. Avilla finds time to volunteer with the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii’s Bayanihan Clinic without walls offering medical attention to immigrants who have no insurance.

Shari ng her l ove of singing, she is an active member of the Saints Peter a n d Pa u l c h u r c h c h o i r.

Likewise, Dr. Emma is a regular member of the Charismatic prayer group lector and of the Eucharistic ministry.

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN JOURNALISM

BENETTE ESPINELI MISALUCHA Bennette E. Misalucha is the Managing Editor of Fil-Am Courier which is the oldest Filipino ethnic paper in Hawai`i. Bennette has been associated with the Courier for the past twenty five years, mostly as a contributing writer. She took on the leadership role in 2013 and has since expanded the breadth and depth of the paper’s coverage. Under her leadership, the Courier’s editorial board has grown by more than thirty writers; increased the number of regular columns which cover e d u c a t i o n , p s yc h o l o g y, politics, wellness and diversity; developed the neighbor islands’ bureaus which now boasts of coverage from Maui, Kauai, Kona and Hilo communities; and spearheaded the rebranding of the Courier’s front cover.

In addition to her role at the Courier, Bennette has her own consulting company. Prior to opening her business in 2008, she held key executive roles in banking and real estate development. 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.

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), United Filipino Community Council’s “Progress Awards 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 named “Woman of the Year/Advocate for Higher Education” by the Filipino Women’s Civic Club (2011).

She is also an alumnus of the Pacific Century Fellows program, Hawai‘i’s version of the White House Fellows (Class of 2003).

OUTSTANDING WOMAN ACHIEVER IN VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

ANGIE DYTIOCO SANTIAGO Angie Dytioco Santiago is a University of Hawaii graduate in Sociology with minor in Ethnic Studies.

Born in Bulacan province in the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaii in 1972, she is currently an Equal Opportunity Specialist for the City and County of Honolulu’s Equal Opportunity Department. In 2008, Angie was selected as “Employee of the Year” for the City’s Department of Human Resources.

Angie has been involved for over 40 years as a community volunteer, event chair, participant, donor

and supporter. Her current community involvement includes serving on the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) Board of Governors (2014-2015); writing “The Gathering Place” column for the Filam Courier (March 2013 to present); acting as Public Relations Officer (20142016) and Past president for the Bulacan Circle and Associates of Hawaii (20102012); and serving as a member of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (2014 to present). Angie also was elected as the First Vice President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) and served for one term (2013-2014).

Her community activism goes well beyond the Filipino Community including Blood bank of Hawaii. Aloha United Way (AUW), March of Dimes, the great Aloha Run, The Komen Walk and the City’s Memorial Day Program.

PAGE 16 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

By Nancy Bernal

The Honolulu Music, Arts and Food Festival is premiering on March 13, 14 and 15 at The Aloha Stadium.

Presented by Showmakers Incorporated, this three-day

Boney James

Left to right: John Trones, Jim Brickman, Al Waterson and Jordan Segundo

festival will provide nonstop enter-tainment on two stages featuring 17 musical groups on the main stage emceed by Al Waterson and a large variety of acts on the family stage emceed

by Jordan Segundo, plus circus acts, numerous food booths, a huge assortment of arts and crafts booths, a beer and wine garden, family activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, bouncers, a giant slide, photo ops with cartoon characters and Storybook Entertainment characters and more. Each date will feature a different genre of music. On March 13 at 5 til 10 p.m., Country Music will be the theme onstage.

On March 14 at 12 noon til 10 p.m., the music will be mixture of pop, rock, oldies,

Left to right: Al Waterson, Dan Kuramoto, Kimo Cornwell, June Kuramoto, Shoji Kaneda, Dean Cortez and Michael Paulo

island contemporary and reggae. On March 15, at noon til 10 p.m., jazz, blues and funk will be showcased.

Ka p e n a , G o J i m m y G o , Taimane, Rocky Brown, Dita Holifield and more great artists will be performing. For more information and entertainment schedule, check out www.honolulumaffest. com ••••

Apaulo Music Productions (Michael Paulo - Owner/ Producer) presents a Smooth Jazz Concert featuring Boney James (Saxophonist). This incre-dible concert will be held at The Magic of Polynesia Showroom located in The Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, 2300 Kalakaua Avenue at 8:45 p.m. on March 14, 2015.

Boney James is a world-

class Saxophonist, Songwriter and Producer. Tickets can be purchased at TIX.com or (951) 696-0184. For more information, ApauloMusic Productions.com ••••

Jim Brickman’s Concert at The Blaisdell Concert Hall on January 31 was huge success.

He performed his hit tunes including “Valentine” and featured two vocalists: Maila Gibson and John Trones. The packed house loved every moment, including his quick wit and storytelling.

While in Honolulu, Jim enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Chef Chai’s Restaurant with Al Waterson, Jordan Segundo, John Tro nes and Wend y Leonard (Tour Manager). Jim truly loves spending time in Hawaii and looks forward to his next visit to the Aloha State.

••••

The Hiroshima Concert on January 24 at The Magic of

Polynesia Showroom was a great night for the musicians and the attendees. The outstanding performance of this legendary musical group resulted in multiple standing ovations from the audience.

June Kuramoto’s mesmerizing artistry on the koto was a highlight.

•••• Shop A Lea is coming to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and this annual event will feature a performance

by Jordan Segundo (Hawaii’s First “American Idol” Finalist) on March 18 at 6 p.m on the Centerstage. Admission is free to the public.

•••• 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 NancyBernal @aol.com)

Kapena

Left to right: Maila Gibson, Jim Brickman and John Trones (backstage at the concert)

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 17

By MARNELLI-JOY BASILIO

On Saturday, February 21st the First Annual Great Malunggay Festival a n d Pa ra d e t o o k p l a c e at Leeward Community College. The event was a celebration of food, fun, and the Filipino culture, featuring various food and retail vendors, a parade, and lots of entertainment from local talent.

A malunggay quiche by the Plantation Tavern wa s t h e w i n n e r o f t h e cooking contest for the food vendors. In a close second was the malunggay pesto by Kuuipo’s Snacks and Plate Lunches.

One of the highlights included the Fil-Am All Star Band, featuring members from bands like the Society of Seven, Honolulu the Band, and the Manila Machine: FaniTedios, Maria Aquino Lauer, Kristian Lei, Jan Luna, Al Simbahon, Jeannette Trevias, Ricky Trujillo, Ben Juan, AdneyAtabay, Ricky Ricardo, Albert Maligmat, Eddie Maligmat, and Vene

Photo credit: Jonathan de Leon Photography

FIRST ANNUAL MALUNGGAY FESTIVAL OFF TO A GREAT START

Marie. Many of these Filipino musicians and singers are friends and it was a pleasure to hear them all jam together on one stage.

A parade around the Leeward Community College Campus including Volks-wagen Beetle and motorcycle enthusiasts featured the Malunggay

Festival Royal Court: Queen: Gwendolyn Carranza King: Hermen Garma 1st Princess: Kristine Cabudol 1st Prince: Ozzie Jaramillo 2nd Princess: Cynthia Cuestas

2nd Prince: Deavon Jaramillo

T h e Fe s t i v a l i s t h e b r a i n c h i l d o f Wa i p a h u resident Al Simbahon.

“We wanted to create a family friendly event that would bring our community together. The committee and I are grateful for all the

support and we look forward to the next festival.”

For more information, visit www.malunggay festival.com or “Like” the page on Facebook: The Great Malunggay Festival and Parade.

PAGE 18 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015

Look, I’m On TV:

by DANIEL B. EISEN, PhD

There’s a glitch in the Matrix or the American Broadcasting Company has taken an important step toward respecting diversity.

While some individuals of Asian descent were able to see their experiences reflected on television 20 years ago, many younger individuals have never had that opportunity.

Asian Americans have made numerous appearances on television, but often appear in roles that serve as racial tokens in a predominantly White media space. These roles often perpetuate stereotypes and provide little insight into the reality of being Asian or Asian American in the United States.

Renowned cultural studies scholar Stuart Hall argued that these visual representations shape and maintain the social categories and hierarchies that we use to understand our world.

Therefore, ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” is important in this media landscape because it questions these representations by providing a glimpse into Asian American lives paired

Representations of Diversity on Television with critical commentary about race in the United States.

Like “All American Girl,” which featured Margaret Cho and aired 20 years ago, “Fresh Off the Boat” is an enjoyable sitcom that examines Asian American life. Focused on Eddie Huang (played by Hudson Yang) and his family, who move to a predominately White neighborhood in Orlando, the show avoids reducing the Asian American cast to simple caricatures.

Instead the show highlights the complexity of being Asian American as: (a) Eddie’s identity is constructed through hip hop in opposition to both Asian and American culture, (b) Eddie’s grandmothers assert their identity through language, (c) Eddie’s father strives to achieve the American Dream, and (d) Eddie’s mother attempts to blend Asian culture with American ideals of upward social mobility. These various forms of identity construction and each characters’ unique position between the categories of “Asian” and “American”

showcases the complex nature of Asian identity formation and provides examinations of the tension that often arises between generations.

“Fresh Off the Boat” also provides critical commentary on race relations in the United States. This is accomplished through well-crafted jokes about race relations, rather than drawing on racial and ethnic stereotypes for a quick laugh. For example Eddie’s mother meets her White neighbors, who are rollerskating down the street.

After a few introductions she asks the group: “are you all sisters?”

The joke, like many others in the show, is humorous because it directs micro aggressions experienced by Asian Americans towards White individuals, thus showcasing the absurdity of such assumptions and comments.

In another scene, Eddie’s attempt to make friends at school is thwarted by his homemade lunch. The White students tell him his food smells weird, call the noodles worms, and tell

him to leave their table.

Disparaged Eddie moves to a table with a Black student, who asks “Did the White people not welcome you with open arms?”

While the truth revealed by this statement on race relations stings, the comedic delivery allows those who can relate, all too well, with the statement to ease the tension caused by reflection through laughter.

U l t i m a t e l y, “ F r e s h Off the Boat” provides a humorous, yet critical, space to examine the Asian American experience in the United States.

In a media climate that often reduces marginalized individuals to simple caricatures, the show is a much-needed jolt to these inaccurate representations and allows individuals to f i n a l l y s e e t h e m s e l ve s reflected positively in mainstream media.

Although the Filipino experience varies from the pan ethnic Asian American experience, tuning into ABC at 8:00PM on Tuesdays will provide individuals of Filipino descent the unique opportunity of seeing many aspects of their life represented on their television screens

Daniel Eisen grew up in Ewa Beach and graduated from Campbell High School before attending Pacific University, Oregon to earn his BA in Sociology. After living in Oregon for four years, he returned to Hawaii to earn his PhD in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where his doctoral work examined young adults’ development of a Filipino ethnic identity in Hawaii. Daniel Eisen is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

THE FIL-AM COURIER • MARCH 1-15, 2015 • PAGE 19

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