Hawaii Filipino Chronicle News - May 23, 2009

OPEN FORUM

inside look

Legislature Betrayed MAY 23, 2009 the Filipino People with Tax Increases

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

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Filipino Actor Takes Center Stage in Mamma Mia!

PHILIPPINE NEWS

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Envoy Axed Over Missed Obama Photo Moment

HAWAII’S ONLY WEEKLY FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

HAWAII’S FILIPINOS TO CELEBRATE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY By Carlota ADER

awaii’s Filipino community is gearing up for “Freedom Bash 2” which will celebrate the 111th anniversary celebration of the Philippines’ independence from Spanish colonial rule. Organized by the Consulate General of the Philippines, Freedom Bash 2 is scheduled for June 12, 2009 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Attendees will be treated to dancing and a live performance by violin virtuoso Jay Cayuca and his band. Over 400 guests including Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and notable business and community leaders attended last year’s inaugural Freedom Bash, which was held at the Honolulu Country Club. Cayuca, who was among the performers, was such a hit that organizers have booked a repeat performance.

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Violin virtuoso Jay Cayuca

“A nation is born into freedom on the day when such a people, molded into a nation by a process of cultural evolution and sense of oneness born of common struggle and suffering, announces to the world that it asserts its natural right to liberty and is ready to defend it with blood, life, and honor.” —Diosdado Macapagal, former President of the Philippines VIOLIN VIRTUOSO Those who have not yet seen or heard Cayuca in concert are in for a treat. Music critics describe his style as “explosive.” A versatile musician, his range of songs during a single performance can and has ranged from classical, contemporary rock, jazz and pop. Cayuca was born in Butuan City and raised in a musically-talented family. His mom is a piano teacher, a sister sings and (continued on page 4)

YWCA to Recognize Filipino Doctor By HFC Staff alihi physician Dr. Erlinda M. Cachola is among 10 women who were selected by the YWCA for their outstanding leadership. She and the other awardees will be honored at the YWCA’s annual Leader Luncheon on June 19, 2009 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The other honorees include: • Suzanne D. Case, executive director of Nature Conservancy of Hawaii • Anna Elento-Sneed, Esq., Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing • Signe A. Godfrey, president of Olsten Staffing Services • Marsha Graham, chief of Medical Management at Tripler Army Medical Center • Janice Kalanihuia, president of Molokai General

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Filipino Students at UH Receive Fulbright Scholarships By HFC Staff ive students from the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s Filipino and Philippine Literature Program have been selected to receive the Fulbright-Hayes Scholarship Awards from the U.S. Department of Education Study Abroad Project. The students are Cristina Monica Agluba, Randy Cortez, Zaldymar Cortez, Maribell Pabalan and Cherry Lou Rojo. Totaling $4,200 each, the scholarships will en-

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able the students to participate in the Advanced Filipino Abroad Program (AFAP) that will take place in the Philippines from June 11-August 8, 2009 at De La Salle University located in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The scholarship includes costs for roundtrip airfare, tuition fees, books, in-country travel, board and lodging and spending money. The five UH students will leave for Manila by the end of May or early June. (continued on page 4)

Dr. Erlinda Cachola

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. WAIPAHU, HI 96797

(continued on page 4) PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

EDITORIAL

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MAY 23, 2009

A Challenge to Do More

hilip Alston was not the first this year to make an unfavorable assessment of the state of human rights in the Philippines. In a 16-page report last month, Alston, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, summary or arbitrary executions, said the Philippine government had made some progress in stopping the killings targeting mostly militant activists and journalists, but had failed to institutionalize reforms he had recommended following his first visit two years ago. Last March the European Parliament had reached a similar conclusion and issued a resolution calling on the Arroyo administration to act decisively in stopping extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. During the debate before the resolution was passed, Benita FerreroWaldner, commissioner for external relations and European neighborhood policy of the European Union, acknowledged that the Philippines had made “considerable progress” in upholding human rights, including the ratification of 12 international treaties on human rights as well as the abolition of the death penalty. Ferrero-Waldner also noted that the number of assassinations of militant activists and journalists “decreased significantly” in the past two years, but she said there has been a “flare-up” in recent months. Instead of griping that Alston has prejudged the Philippine situation and the European Parliament is off the mark, the government should consider the assessments as a challenge to do more in protecting human rights. Both the UN and the Europeans have expressed particular concern over the human rights situation in Davao City, where people have been turning up dead or have disappeared. The most notorious case was the abduction and brutal murder last March of Rebelyn Pitao, a 20-year-old teacher who happened to be the daughter of the New People’s Army’s commander for Southern Mindanao, Leoncio Pitao. The father linked 11 military intelligence agents to his daughter’s killing. There is no way this murder can be justified as a legiti-

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Tourist Haven n a move aimed at further boosting the country’s tourism industry, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law the National Tourism Policy Act of 2009 during her visit to Cebu last week. The new law outlines a national policy for tourism as an engine for economic growth. It was signed days after the release of a Department of Tourism data showing that Cebu garnered the top spot of the list of 14 major tourist destinations in the country in the first four months of the year. According to the DOT record, tourist arrivals in Cebu reached 422,239 in the first quarter of 2009. The figure was three percent higher than the number recorded in the same period last year. Other top tourist destinations in the country this year include Boracay, Davao City, Zambales, Camarines Sur and Bohol. These places are known for their world-class resorts that attract thousands of local and foreign tourists every year.

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mate counter-insurgency operation, as the military has tried to justify a number of the cases classified by militants as extrajudicial killings. Unless this case is resolved and measures put in place to deter similar attacks, the government cannot expect a favorable report from international human rights monitoring bodies. (www.philstar.com) With the enactment of the National Tourism Policy Act, it is seen that Cebu would be well positioned to draw millions of foreign and local tourists in the future. The province has always been the favorite destination of tourists given its rich and diverse attractions. It helps that Cebu’s modern infrastructure greatly contributed to its accessibility. With an international airport and a large seaport hosting dozens of domestic trips daily, Cebu has become a huge magnet of tourists. Of course promotion also counts. Cebu’s endorsement before the world as a top tourist haven in the country fared well as it is now fast catching up with Bali in Indonesia and Chiang Mai in Thailand in the race for the best tourist destination in Southeast Asia. However, there is one problem that tourism authorities should address. It has been noted that there is a shortage of hotel rooms in Cebu despite the fact that many hotels have been sprouting around the metro of late. Tourists are starting to find Cebu a worthy place to visit. But what if they are forced to dwell in the streets for lack of accommodations? (www.philstar.com)

HAWAII-PHILIPPINE NEWS EDITION Charlie Y. SONIDO, M.D. Publisher and Executive Editor

Chona A. MONTESINES-SONIDO Publisher and Managing Editor

Dennis GALOLO Edwin QUINABO Associate Editors

Randall SHIROMA Design Consultant

Columnists Carlota Ader Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Sen. Will Espero Grace F. Fong, Ed.D. Mayor Mufi Hannemann Governor Linda Lingle Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Rosemarie Mendoza J. P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon,Esq. Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D.

Contributing Writers

Advertising/Marketing Director

Calvin Alonzo, O.D., Rowena Ballesteros, Clement Bautista, Linda Dela Cruz, Fiedes Doctor, Gregory Bren Garcia, Danny de Gracia II, Amelia Jacang, M.D., Caroline Julian, Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D., Glenn Wakai

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Creative Designer

Junggoi Peralta Philippine Correspondent

Account Executives

Carlota Ader J. P. Orias Big Island Distributor

Elmer Acasio Ditas Udani

Guil Franco Photographer

Tim Llena

Maui Distributor

Cecile Piros

Administrative Assistant

Molokai Distributor

Shalimar Pagulayan

Maria Watanabe

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $85, foreign country $95. Copyright 2007. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone: (808) 678-8930. Facsimile: (808) 678-1829. E-mail: filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

MAY 23, 2009

by Senator Will ESPERO pace—Freedom to Explore. Our five year mission: to boldly go where no man has gone before. Okay, trekkies, time to get excited. Flying in space could be five to six years away from being reality here in Hawaii. Tourism is the chief generator of jobs and revenue in Hawaii, reaching into all sectors of our state's economy. Expanding new niche offer-

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HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION On Freedom and Captivity (Part 1) ings, such as space tourism, can enhance Hawaii's appeal as a tourist destination. Space tourism could boost Hawaii's revenue, kick start economic development, and create high-paying aerospace jobs. Its profitability potential was confirmed in 2007, when Virgin Galactic, the space flight company in Sir Richard Branson's Virgin group of companies, reaped about $31 million in ticket sales, from over 100 passengers. Last December the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a launch license to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority to establish a commercial spaceport. A limited number of these spaceport licenses is expected to be issued. Preparing Hawaii to be in position to join this exclusive club is crucial

for the economic advantages this license may bring. A bill I had introduced as a House counterpart, HB 994, appropriates from the tourism special fund and airports special fund the money to apply for a spaceport license from the FAA. In 2007, the Office of Aerospace Development was estab-

lished to promote the space industry in Hawaii. This past Session, SB 537 creates an Aerospace Advisory Committee of 16 appointees, to advise and assist the Legislature and state agencies in monitoring, evaluating and promoting aerospace development across the state. The committee is given the task of fol-

lowing trends elsewhere; identifying and promoting aerospace development opportunities; facilitating relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations; and recommending policies to foster growth and diversification in the industry. Hawaii is world famous as a site for astronomical research. Light pollution, however, has increasingly made scientific observation and data collection more difficult. SB 536 requires a statewide starlight reserve strategy to preserve the quality of the night sky and its value for cultural, scientific, landscape, natural, and astronomical purposes. It would be fun to get Captain Kirk out here for the first flight…. (Part 2 Next Issue)

cost of business for these Filipinos. Friends, the way to advance Filipinos is not through more government spending and more taxation, but by making it easier for Filipinos to start businesses, succeed, and accumulate wealth. When Filipinos are able to be the source of wealth in the community, they will outpace any payout that any government social program could possibly imagine. Wealthy

Filipinos are the key to giving our children the option to go to college and the power to be leaders in the community. The actions of the 2009 Legislature have cast a pall on the future of many Filipinos. We are more important than government programs and our income belongs to us as our rightful reward for our labor. Government was created for man, not man for government; it is an immoral thing to push the faces

of hardworking Filipinos into the ground to preserve government programs that the majority of us don’t even know about and probably wouldn’t care about if we did. In general, our Filipino representation at the Hawaii State Capitol has failed us because the majority of them went right along with these tax increases. Do you want to be a true representative of the Hawaii Filipinos? Protect the people's right to prosper.

OPEN FORUM Legislature Betrayed the Filipino People with Tax Increases By Danny DE GRACIA, II hief Justice Earl Warren once ruled, “Legislators represent people, not trees or acres. Legislators are elected by voters, not farms or cities or economic interests.” This year, the Legislature did anything but represent the people as they chose to balance the grossly inflated state budget on the backs of taxpayers. In an OpEd printed by the Honolulu Advertiser on April 13th, Finance Committee Chair Rep. Marcus Oshiro said, “Personal income tax increases are a better option than spending cuts” and with that edict, the Legislature proceeded to hike not just income taxes, but taxes on oil, cigarettes, hotel rooms, conveyance on luxury and second homes, and more. The Filipino community will be hurt severely by the Legislature’s choices this year. Tax increases

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against individuals who make more than $200,000 and couples who make more than $400,000 will crush Filipino small business owners who, despite making more than the tax threshold, often hire their close relatives and friends. The decision to increase the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) which targets tourists staying in hotels will hurt many Filipinos who are employed in hotel housekeeping and culinary services; as it is, prior to the tax increase, hotel occupancy in Hawaii was already at its lowest since 1998. Hotels can’t keep our people employed if tourists are driven away by cost. The decision to raise taxes on oil in favor of protection of coral reefs (HB 1271) will also hurt Filipinos because many of our brethren also rely on care home transport services for their income. Higher oil taxes mean higher gas costs, and higher gas costs raises the

"Danny de Gracia speaking against legislation to increase taxes during an April 15th rally at the Hawaii State Capitol."

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HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

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plays the cello, while another sister is a pianist. But for Jay, he was drawn to a performance on TV by internationally-renowned violinist Rony Rogoff. From that moment on, he was hooked by the violin’s sweet and moving sound. The instrument became his “one true love.” By age 15, he began playing the violin professionally. Soon he was playing for top orchestras, including the Philippine Philharmonic. He is a multi-awarded musician who has traveled all over the world and performed for a wide range of audiences. In the Philippines, he is a highly-sought after entertainer for social functions and events welcoming visiting foreign dignitaries and heads of state such as Nelson Mandela and others from the U.S. and abroad. Local Filipinos who have had the opportunity to see Cayuca perform have glowing remarks. Toy Arre, President and COO of the FilCom Center, saw Cayuca perform (cont. from page 1; Filipino Students ...)

The five AFAP scholars are undergraduate students who are majoring or minoring in Filipino language and Philippine literature. They will be accompanied to the Philippines by eight more students from the mainland—six graduate and two undergraduate students. The mainland students are

HEADLINE NEWS (CONT.) last year and describes him as a violin virtuoso who plays a wide range of music from “classical to rock and everything in-between.” “He is also quite a showman on stage,” Arre says. “Personally, I do like his music and enjoyed the performance he gave last year.” Oahu resident Teodora Villafuerte also saw Cayuca perform. She says he has the ability to mesmerize the audience with his talent and showmanship. “He can also be a good role model for kids who have music abilities, for he can show that one can go places, meet people and inspire others through music,” Villafuerte says. The members of Cayuca’s band include: • Keyboard: Livia Gloria • Vocalist/Percussionist: Laura Austria • Guitarist: Bernardo “Yuri” Muyargas • Drummer: Benjie Ariola Tickets for Freedom Bash 2

are available by calling the Philippine Consulate at 595-6316 ext. 242. Attendees are encouraged to wear native dress, clothing style from the 1970s or dancing attire. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Adrianne Francisco (University of California-Berkeley), Thomas Gaff (University of Oxford), Justine Nocom (University of Washington), Charleston Daulo (University of San Francisco), Jeffrey Perillo and Brandon Reilly (University of California-Los Angeles), Joseph Stevens (Cornell University) and Allyson Fernandez (City College

of San Francisco).

HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY Sadly, many local Filipinos are unfamiliar with the events leading to the Philippines’ Independence Day, which is observed on June 12. On that day in 1898, shortly after the Battle of Manila Bay where U.S. armed forces defeated Spanish troops, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines’ independence from Spain after 400 years of colonization. The declaration, however, was not recognized by the U.S. or Spain, as the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the U.S. in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.

MEET THE SCHOLARS Agluba is a junior accounting major but is taking Filipino for a minor. Her goal for the AFAP trip “to learn more about the language and the values of my culture so I can find my identity and to share this knowledge with others.” R a n d y Cortez, is a senior majoring in Filipino and philosophy. He is the outgoing president of the Katipunan Club and recipient of the recentlyawarded Venancio Igarta Scholarship. His goal is to educate himself about the Philippines’ rich language, history and literature. “The scholarship will definitely help me go beyond the classroom and

MAY 23, 2009

Despite “liberating” the country from Spain, the U.S. still wanted to keep the Philippines for itself. It wasn’t until the signing of the Treaty of Manila on July 4, 1946 that the Philippines at last gained its independence. The treaty provided for the recognition of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines and the relinquishment of American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands. As a result, Independence Day was observed in the Philippines every July 4 for almost the next 20 years until former President Diosdado Macapagal intervened. At the urging of historians and nationalist politicians, Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 4166 into law on August 4, 1964, which officially designated June 12 as the Philippines’ Independence Day. Consul Lulu Tabamo from the Philippine Consulate, who grew up in the province of Tarlac in the Philippines, made it a point to attend the flag raising ceremony at

her school or in the town plaza during Independence Day. She also remembers watching the annual parade through her hometown, which was led by a brass band, town officials and other municipality officials. “Since it was a holiday, we also took the opportunity to watch on television the celebration in Luneta, which is now Rizal Park,” she says “It was always attended by the President of the Philippines. When I started working in Manila, I attended the Luneta celebrations whenever I could. It was a good feeling to be with fellow Filipinos on that special historical occasion.” Tabamo says that it is important for Filipinos to observe the Philippines’ Independence Day. “It is the day when Filipinos unite in taking pride and showing respect for their country. It is also the day to commemorate the past and remember what our forefathers fought for to attain the freedom that we now enjoy,” she says.

experience things from a different vantage point,” Cortez says. “My experiences as an AFAP scholar will allow me to become an active agent in the progressive development of the Philippines from a ‘third world’ country into a developed nation-state through the numerous pressing issues that students will discuss and debate about during the intensive eightweek program.” Zaldymar Cortez is a Family Resource/Family Consumer Science major. Already in his senior year, he plans to also take Filipino language and Philippine literature as his second major. He is looking forward to the trip. “A lot of expectations are running through my mind as I prepare to depart for the Philippines,” he says. “I want to converse with others who use Filipino in their everyday communication, to test the skills I have acquired here in the Filipino and Philippine Literature Program and to travel back to my homeland. I prayed hard for this scholarship because I know I’d be competing with other students. This is indeed a blessing.” Pabalan is a junior majoring in communications and speech com-

munications. She is also pursuing a minor in Filipino language and literature. She aspires to broaden her knowledge and perspective of Philippine life. “Being in the Philippines, I expect to have a great academic experience and re-live a back-to-basics simple lifestyle that is one of the unique aspects of the country.” A student who calls Saipan her home, Rojo is a junior whose major is Filipino language and Philippine literature. She is also the recipient of the 2009 UH Filipino and Philippine Literature Program Scholarship. “One of my goals is to develop all my skills in Filipino,” she says. “I hope to increase my vocabulary so I can improve my communication in the language. I also hope that the AFAP can help me decide what type of law to study since I plan to enter law school after graduation.”

INTENSIVE PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Currently in its 18th year, the AFAP is administered by the UH College of Languages, Linguistics (continued on page <None>)

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Hospital • Melody K. MacKenzie, assistant professor of law at University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law • Diane J. Plotts, vice chair of the Board of Trustees for Kamehameha Schools • Virginia M. Pressler, M.D., executive vice president of Hawaii Pacific Health • Indru Watumull, community volunteer. “The Leader Luncheon theme this year is based on the principle that it takes a community to raise a leader. In turn, the leader raises the community,” says YWCA of Oahu President and CEO Cheryl Kauhane Lupenui. Dr. Cachola is married to veteran politician and current City Councilman

Romy Cachola. The couple arrived in Hawaii in the early 1970s from the Philippines. For over 25 years, she and other community volunteers have organized a free annual health fair in Kalihi for the poor, immigrants and other needy residents. She has also worked with other Filipino physicians and local clinics to provide free health care for Filipino World War II veterans. Since 1977, the YWCA has honored more than125 women for their contributions to the community. Founded in 1900, it is the oldest and largest women’s organization in Hawaii. Its many programs empower women and girls to discover their fullest potential and, in turn, give back to their communities.

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

MAY 23, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Filipino Actor Takes Center Stage in

MAMMA MIA!

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MAMMA MIA! RUNS UNTIL MAY 30. THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AT THE BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL IS TUESDAY-THURSDAY AT 7:30 P.M., FRIDAY AT 8 P.M., SATURDAY AT 2 AND 8. TICKETS ARE PRICED AT $75, $65 AND $40 FOR WEEKDAYS AND SUNDAY EVENINGS; $85, $75 AND $50 FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY PERFORMANCES. GROUP SALES, WITH DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR 15 OR MORE, ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE HAWAII OPERA THEATRE BOX OFFICE

by Glenn WAKAI

Adam Jacobs of Mamma Mia! dam Jacobs is the first person you see upon entering Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana on Thursday afternoon. Amidst the shoppers milling around the stacks of books, there are a handful of people gathered at the front of the store to get Jacobs’ autograph and take pictures with the star of Mamma Mia! He is cordial to everyone who approaches and graciously absorbs compliments on his performance at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Jacobs is as skillful with his ador-

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ing fans in the bookstore, as he is in on stage. In a couple of hours he will head to work -playing Sky, who is about to marry a young woman (played by Liana Hunt) in search of her father. The smash hit musical is in Hawaii for three weeks. The show is based on the songs of ABBA from the 1970s. The 29-year old Jacobs wasn’t even born when “Dancing Queen” and “Take A Chance on Me” topped the music charts. “I love just being able to share an experience with an audience. You don’t get that same feeling from TV or film. I love when you can feel they are with you,” says Jacobs, “The Hawaii audience is a step above others we’ve performed in front of. You can tell they love the show. They begin clapping even before a scene is done.”

EARLY GROOMING Jacobs grew up in Half Moon Bay, a suburb of San Francisco,

playing the piano and singing in the church choir. His sister, 25-year old Arielle is also making a name for herself on stage. She just finished touring with the Disney production “High School Musical.” As youngsters, the siblings would also entertain at Christmas parties and weddings. It wasn’t until his days in high school when Jacobs fell in love with theater. After graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, he became a shooting star. Jacobs has appeared on Broadway in the role of Marius in “Les Miserables.” He has also been seen in national tours of “Cinderella” and “Les Miserables,” as well as in the San Francisco Opera’s “Harvey Milk,” among other productions. In addition to being a great singer and dancer, being part Filipino has been a big advantage for Jacobs. His unique features have allowed him to play a variety of roles, that called for a Latino, Cuban, or native American.

TRAVELS TO HAWAII Jacobs married an actress. Kelly Kohnert is currently on the road starring in Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Both Broadway stars are very familiar with Hawaii. Two and a half years ago, they were honeymooning on Maui. Last June Jacobs and his wife performed a cabaret show on the Norwegian Cruise Lines for a month.

Adam Jacobs, star of Mamma Mia!, is surrounded by the three leading ladies in his life. Seated, Liana Hunt to play his bride in the play. Top left is his sister Arielle and his mother Abby “I love the beach. Getting fish tacos and shaved ice and relaxing in the sun,” says Jacobs, “The people here are so nice. Hawaii is the most welcoming place we’ve gone to.” Mamma Mia! is in the middle of its 31 city tour, which began in April in Los Angeles, and will end in January 2010 in Montreal. “Traveling is not as glamorous as people make it out to be. We get to see parts of the country many never see, but living out of a suitcase can be tough,” says Jacobs.

PROUD FILIPINO MOTHER It certainly helps when family are around. This week Jacobs is being joined by Arielle and his mother Abby. Abby’s parents hail from Pangasinan. She fostered music in her home, not knowing her two children would one day grab the spotlight all over the globe, “My husband and I feel ex-

tremely blessed,” says Abby Jacobs, “I would be running them back and forth between practice and shows. My day would start at 6 a.m. and end at 11 p.m.” Abby is still a nurse in New Jersey and occasionally travels to watch her children on stage. Despite seeing her kids in countless productions, she says while watching her son perform at the Blaisdell took her breath away, “I could feel my heart soar and fill with pride. It never gets old because each venue is different.” One day Jacobs hopes to perform at a venue in the Philippines, a country he has never visited. He says there will be lots of opportunities to explore new places and new roles after Mamma Mia! The curtain on Jacobs’ career is still rising. GLENN WAKAI is a State Representative (Moanalua-Salt Lake) and is a former television reporter.

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

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MAY 23, 2009

UH Filipino Program Announces Rep. Abercrombie to Discuss Healthcare Scholarship Recipients Reform

(L-R) UH-Manoa’s scholars Randy Cortez and Cherry Lou Rojo

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HAWAII-MANOA’S Filipino & Philippine Literature Program has awarded two scholarships for the Fall 2009 semester to Randy Cortez and Cherry Lou Rojo. Cortez is a senior who is majoring in Filipino and philosophy. He is also the outgoing president of the

Katipunan Club and a dancer with the Techniklinz Dance Troupe. Last year, Cortez received the $1,000 Aida Ramiscal-Martin Scholarship for students majoring in Filipino. He is also this year’s recipient of the first Venancio Igarta Scholarship for Filipino Heritage Students. Cortez hopes to enter graduate

school and become a professor at the university someday. Originally from Saipan, Rojo is a junior who is majoring in Filipino and minoring in music. She is an active contributor for Katipunan Magazine, a semi-annual publication of the Filipino & Philippine Literature Program. She plans to enter the College of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree. The Filipino Program awards scholarship every year to encourage students at the UH to major or minor in Filipino language and Philippine literature. The scholarship affords enrollment in at least two advanced or higher-level courses in Filipino or Philippine literature. The scholarships were first awarded in 2003. To date, a total of nine $1,000 scholarships and one $500 scholarship have been given to deserving students. Donors who have made the scholarships possible each year include Dr. Doris Ching, former vice president of external affairs at UH; Dr. Teresita Ramos, Emerita Professor at UH; Dr. Aida RamiscalMartin, State Department of Education teacher and community leader; and Dr. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, coordinator of the Filipino Program. The Consortium for the Advancement of Filipino (CAF) and other generous individuals also donate to the Program during fundraising campaigns.

U.S. REP. NEIL ABERCROMBIE will conduct two Healthcare Community Forums to gather information about the problems faced by healthcare professionals and by the public in Hawaii. Congress is working on major reforms in healthcare delivery and will forward the recommendations to the White House by the end of the year. The first event is a Healthcare Provider Forum, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Queen’s Conference Center’s Mabel Smyth Auditorium at 6 pm. Doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, rehabilitation specialists, pharmacists and others involved in healthcare delivery, such as medical suppliers, health insurance administrators, nursing homes operators and long term care providers are encouraged to attend. The second event will be a Public Community Forum at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at McKinley High School. Rep. Abercrombie will summarize the highlights from the Providers’ Forum and seek public feedback. “Today, healthcare in the United States is way too expensive, way too complicated and

leaves way too many people out,” he says. “As Congress considers healthcare reform, I want to be sure the needs and interests of Hawaii’s working families, small business owners and others are addressed and that they are heard and carefully considered in Washington.” Information, conclusions and feedback from the two events will be transmitted to White House and to the Congressional Committees charged with drafting legislation. “Hawaii can’t wait for healthcare reform to happen. We have to be part of the solution,” Abercrombie says. “If we can’t reduce healthcare costs, many families will face continuing financial hardship and the prospect of having to make terrible choices.”

Blood Bank Tempts Donors With Cool Treat T H O S E W H O D O N AT E BLOOD to the Blood Bank of Hawaii on Memorial Day, May 25, will receive a free coupon for a pint of ice cream at participating Baskin-Robbins stores. Blood Bank officials encourage donors to visit the Blood Bank at 2043 Dillingham Boulevard in Honolulu from 6:30 am to 2 pm, or in Hilo at the Prince Kuhio Blaza for Big Island residents from 7:30 am to 5 pm. The Blood Bank’s “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” promotion is

aimed at heightening awareness of the need for blood and to inspire people to give during a traditional period of low donor turnout. “Keeping the blood supply at a safe level during the summer is quite challenging because schools are out and many people go on vacation,” says Wendy (cont. from page 4; Filipino Students ...)

and Literatures through the Filipino and Philippine Literature Program. Much of the credit for its success goes to Professor emeritus Dr. Teresita Ramos who established the AFAP program in 1991 with the aim of filling a void in the academic community by providing third year level students a one-ofa-kind opportunity to acquire the linguistic foundation necessary to engage in academic research, professional discourse and cultural interaction with all segments of Philippine society. An important aspect of the program is a eight-week stay with Filipino families in Dasmarinas, Cavite, a rural area to help immensely in enhancing cultural immersion. Dr. Ruth Mabanglo, the cur-

Abe, the Blood Bank’s chief operating officer. To be a blood donor, one must: • Be in good health • Be 18 years of age or older (17 with signed Blood Bank of Hawaii parent/legal guardian consent form) • Weigh 110 pounds or more • Bring a valid photo ID with date of birth rent AFAP director, announced that this summer’s program includes one week of sub-immersion in Batangas. Students will study the economic, ecological, political, cultural, religious and social life of the province. Part of the immersion project is putting together and publishing a coffee table book, doing an oral and written presentations on topics they have chosen before and during the sub-immersion project. Students who have finished two years of Filipino language studies are eligible to apply for AFAP scholarship grants. The best time to apply is November to December each year. For inquiries, log on to the Advanced Filipino Abroad Program at www.hawaii.edu/filipino or email Dr. Te r e s i t a R a m o s a t teresita@hawaii.edu.

MAY 23, 2009

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte TIPON obody can fault our brown brother Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao for his spectacular performance against Ricky Hatton whom he flattened in less than two rounds. The feat even landed Manny on Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people which likened him to Nelson Mandela (the South African leader whose wife reportedly was running around while he was in jail) and predicted that he would become President of the Philippines. Watch out Manny Villar, Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Bert Teodoro, etc. Not so with Martin Nievera. The Filipino National Anthem police (like the Middle Eastern religious police who catch women with "improper attire" -- too little veil or too much cleavage) have criticized Martin for his alleged "improper" or "incorrect" way of singing the Philippine National Anthem in Las Vegas before the fight. If the Anthem Police had

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HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

IMMIGRATION GUIDE Pacquiao, Martin Nievera, and Filipino National Anthem Police their way, they would jail Martin like the religious police jail improperly attired women. If he goes to the Philippines, they might place a "hold departure" on him when he returns to the U.S. The Anthem Police claim Martin violated Republic Act No. 8491, aka "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines" approved on February 12, 1998. It provides: "Section 37. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe. Section 38. When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor."

PENALTIES Civil and criminal penalties are imposed for violating these provisions. "Section. 48. Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President, shall, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall

be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. Section. 50. Any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) nor more than Tw e n t y t h o u s a n d p e s o s (P20,000), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. Provided, That for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. . ."

DID MARTIN SING WITH FERVOR? Martin allegedly violated the law by not singing in "accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe" and not singing "with fervor". "Fervor" means "intensity of feeling and expression." Merriam-Webster Dictionary. How much more fervor do the Anthem Police want from Martin? Except for Martin, have you heard anyone singing the Philippine anthem "with fervor"? If all these fervorless singers were to be sent to jail, there would be no room in Philippine jails for them. For fervorless singers outside the Philippines, how can they be prosecuted

PHILIPPINE NEWS

NBI's Findings: Failon's Wife Committed Suicide by Sandy ARANETA / Friday, May 22, 2009

MANILA, Philippines - THE NA-

TIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (NBI) ANNOUNCED yesterday that based on evidence, Trinidad Arteche-Etong, wife of ABS-CBN news anchor Ted Failon committed suicide. Trinidad was found with a gunshot wound to her head inside a bathroom of their house on No. 27 General Aquino Street, Tierra Pura Subdivision in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, last April 15. Failon (Mario Teodoro Failon Etong in real life), a news anchor of ABS-CBN TV Patrol, had claimed that his wife committed suicide due to financial problems, and Trinidad’s relatives supported Failon’s claim. Trinidad died the next day at the New Era General Hospital in Quezon City. In a six-page statement issued during a press conference at NBI headquarters in Manila, NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said: “After careful perusal of the testimonial evidence and conscientious evaluation of the results,

for violating a Philippine law? Nestor Mata, the only survivor of the plane crash in Mt. Manunggal that claimed the life of President Magsaysay, wrote in Malaya on May 8, 2009 "Martin sings anthem with fervor burning". He described Martin's singing thus: "Martin sang the very same music as composed by Julian Felipe and the lyrics as officially authorized and protected by that law [R.A. 8491]. He did not change a word of the lyrics. "He started slowly (like one expressing his love of country), then he quickly segued into a martial tempo in the middle section (like a soldier marching into war in defense of the motherland from foreign invaders), and finally ended with a soaring voice, a passionate pitch, a sustained high note (like a patriot loudly proclaiming that he was ready to die for his beloved country)." Mr. Mata said that "Martin's stirring performance must have inspired Manny Pacquiao's stunning feat in knocking out Ricky Hatton in 359 seconds into lullaby land!" Nestor Mata pointed out that "in the 1920s, the National Anthem was changed from a marching tempo to 4/4 to facilitate its singing, and the key from the original C major to G."

recommendations and conclusions of the criminalists, working as a team, as regards their investigative, technical, scientific, medical and psychiatric analyses, the NBI concluded that Trinidad Arteche-Etong indeed committed suicide.” Mantaring said that the NBI, supported by all its findings and investigative leads after a monthlong investigation, has now established and concluded that “no other person was present, or was with Trina inside the bathroom the moment the trigger was pulled and that the victim has the capability, motive and means of doing such act.” The NBI extensively focused on an essential part of the investigation. Part of its official report revealed the findings of the NBI Neuro Psychiatric Section (NPS) in its psychological autopsy conducted which declared that the victim suffered from “Major Depressive Disorder.” The NPS explained that this mental condition is characterized by the presence of depressed

mood most of the day, nearly everyday as indicated either by subjective report (Trina expressed her sadness regarding losing their money) or observation made by others (Trina was described by her family and friends to be tearful and at times, in deep thought); insomnia nearly everyday (Trina mentioned to her friend Joy Tan that she was unable to sleep much during her trip to Cebu). The disorder includes feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (Trina mentioned that she cannot face Ted with what she had done, and that she will feel worthless if Ted would not trust her anymore); diminished ability to think or concentrate (Trina had exhibited poor judgment as she was planning to falsify bank statements just to buy some time); recurrent suicidal ideation, with a specific plan for committing suicide (Trina mentioned this not just to Joy Tan and Criselda Francisco but also to her sister Pamela in her last text message in which she asked forgiveness for what she was about to do). “These and other facts narrated and witnessed by the victim’s friends, relatives and

husband convinced them that Trinidad was in a state of Major Depressive Disorder several days prior to the consummation of her ultimate way of escaping her anguish,” said the NBI report. National Capital Region (NCR) Division chief lawyer Edward Villarta, head of the investi-

7

"Tempo" is "the rate of speed of a musical piece." "Key" is "a system of tones and harmonies generated from a hierarchical scale of seven tones based on a tonic." Merriam Webster Dictionary. If one does not know the difference between key of C and G, or the difference between the tempo 2/2 and 4/4, one should not be criticizing another person's singing. In fact, one should not be singing at all, except in the confines of one's hermetically sealed bathroom. To avoid future controversy, Manny announced he might sing the anthem himself in succeeding fights. Mabuhay ka Manny. "Sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil." (ATTY. TIPON is from Laoag City, Philippines. He holds a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from U.P. He is admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, other U.S. Courts, and Philippine courts. He handles cases throughout the U.S. and the Philippines. He specializes in immigration law and criminal defense. Office: 905 Umi St., Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96819. Tel. (808) 847-1601. E-mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. Listen to his very interesting, useful, and humorous program "Immigration X Files" on KNDI Hawaii radio 1270 AM on the dial every Friday 7:30-8:00 a.m. This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. It may not be cited as an authority.)

gating team, released the report to media. Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) had earlier investigated Failon and other members of his household for possible cover-up of the incident. (www.philstar.com)

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

COMMUNITY

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▲ (L-R): Melina Mariano, Jeanra Bometivo, Eunice Escrupolo and Robert Mondoy, Choir Director at St. John Vianney Church in Kailua

▲ UST Medical Graduates, Drs. Oliver Arquero and Arli Bumatayo during the UST Singers farewell reception at the Philippine Consulate

PARADE

MAY 23, 2009

▲ Doctors-On-Stage doing an intermission number during the UST Singers concert at Farrington High School Auditorium. (L-R): Dr. Alvin Vales, Dr. Joji de la Torre- Waite, Dr. Ross Simafranca, Dr. Cielo Guillermo, Dr. Nicanor Joaquin, Peggy Laurel & Dr. Larry Darbes

(L-R): Elvira & Virgil Gabriel celebrating Mother's Day with Virgil's mom, Amelia Gabriel, who is visiting from Florida ◄

▲ UST Singers’ conductor Fidel Calalang, Jr (seated extreme right) ▲ UST Alumni during the UST Singers concert at the Filipino with two UST Singers members, Robert Tagalog & Vernie Abando Community Center. Seated (l to r): Lyna Burian and Sarah Robert. (L -R): Jesse Koppel, Cora Legaspi, Tessie and Bernie Bernales (standing at the back of Calalang) with UST Alumni and friends Lyna Burian, Lita dela Cruz, Mr. & Mrs Dante Verdadero and Dr. Edgar Dela Cruz enjoying the delicious cuisine during the UST Singers farewell reception ▲ Dr. Elizabeth Abinsay and former Rep. Jun Abinsay (center) with the ▲ Yolanda Kerr, Barb Troegner, Senator Will Espero, Eva Laird Smith, and Char Lesher during their visit at the ► UST Singers who they hosted during their 5-day stay in Hawaii. Hawaii State Legislature

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

MAY 23, 2009

COMMUNITY PARADE

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HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

PHILIPPINE NEWS

MAY 23, 2009

GMA Richer by P44.9 Million by Michael PUNONGBAYAN / Thursday, May 21, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – PRESIDENT ARROYO HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED her wealth since she replaced deposed President Joseph Estrada in 2001. Mrs. Arroyo’s latest sworn statement of assets and liabilities and net worth (SALN) filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on April 30 showed her P44.9 million richer than in the previous year. Her total declared assets in 2008 stood at P177.179 million but her liabilities in the form of net payables amounted to P33 million, leaving her with P144.539 million. In 2007, the President’s SALN showed her total assets at P99.616 million, or P11 million higher than in 2006. When she assumed the presidency in 2001, her declared net worth was only P66.747 million. As president, her annual salary is P693,000. Her shares of stocks, declared under the category of personal and other properties, stood at P110.437 million last year.

Mrs. Arroyo declared only six real properties in 2008 as against seven in 2007, including a house and lot in Baguio worth more than P67 million with cost of improvement at P645,287; a residential lot in Antipolo worth P1.7 million; a commercial lot in Tayabas, Quezon worth P2.4 million; an agricultural lot in Nasugbu, Batangas, P1.5 million; raw land in Coron, Palawan which she bought in 2005 for more than P2 million; and a fish pond in Malolos, Bulacan purchased in 2007 for P507,800. Her declared real properties last year amounted to more than P5 million as against the P6.8 million reported the previous year, during which she declared ownership of another agricultural land in San Rafael, Bulacan. For 2007, Mrs. Arroyo’s SALN declared “no business interests and financial connections” but for 2008, she identified La Vista Investments and Holdings Inc. as a business interest run by her husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. La Vista holds office on the 8th Floor of LTA Building in

Legaspi Village, Makati City. As required by law, the President listed the names of six relatives who are also in government. They were led by her two congressmen-sons Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel M. Arroyo and Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado M. Arroyo who, based on their own SALNs released by the House of Representatives in May 2008, are among the richest congressmen with net worth of P96.7 million and P83.7 million, respectively. Her brother-in-law Ignacio T. Arroyo Jr., the richest among Arroyo relatives in Congress with a reported net worth of P145.8 million, was third on her list. The President identified the rest as Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo, her sister-in-law working at the House of Representatives; Erlina M.B. de Leon, a cousin working at Malacañang; and Carlos L. de Leon, a cousin-in-law connected with the Office of the President.

NOLI’S SALN Vice President Noli de Castro also grew richer, by more than P3.8 million in 2008 based on his

Vice President Noli De Castro with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sworn SALN filed with the Ombudsman. The broadcast journalistturned-politician declared his total assets at P60.902 million and liabilities at P2.5 million. De Castro, who receives a monthly salary of P46,200, declared ownership of five houses and lots and three lots worth more than P29 million. The properties include a house and lot in Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City worth P40,000 with an improvement cost of P200,000; a house and lot in Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City worth P3.5 million; houses and lots in Pasong Tamo, Quezon City worth P1.4 million and P7.7 million;

and a house and lot in San Antonio Heights, Batangas worth P695,000. De Castro also declared ownership of lots in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan worth P2.7 million; a lot in Mindoro, P300,000; and a lot in Forrest Hills, Antipolo, P3.8 million. He also declared ownership of several pieces of jewelry worth more than P2 million; appliances and furniture, P2.060 million; paintings and other artworks, P480,000; three vehicles – a Suburvan, a Ford Expedition and a Chrysler – worth P8.4 million; shares of stocks in ABS-CBN worth P1 million; and P17.5 million bank deposit. (www.philstar.com)

Favila Says Exports Starting to Pick Up by Ma. Elisa P. OSORIO / Thursday, May 21, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – AFTER

RECORDING A 52 PERCENT DROP in investments for the first three months of the year, the government announced that second quarter investments would be better as a South Korean firm finalizes its plan to invest in the country’s renewable energy industry. “Things started picking up,” Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter B. Favila told reporters yesterday afternoon. He said the signs are very encouraging. In

fact, exports are starting to pick up. “Exports have bottomed out,” Favila said. According to him food and furniture exporters have started recovering the lost orders they suffered when the global demand started slowing down. Most importantly, Favila noted that the electronics industry is gaining ground again. “This is good news because this is our number one export,” Favila added. Aside from the export industry, drivers for growth in the second quarter investments are

tourism and the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. Favila disclosed that he will be visiting Korea soon where he will meet with a Korean firm that has expressed interest in investing in the country’s renewable energy sector. Favila said the firm has partnered with a local company. More details are expected as soon as the deal is finalized. The global crisis has adversely affected the investing climate in the Philippines as approvals for the first quarter of the year decreased by 52 percent. DTI Undersecretary Elmer C. Hernandez reported that investments approvals of the two attached

agencies of DTI amounted to P17.98 billion, 52 percent lower than the P37 billion recorded in the same period the previous year. The Board of Investments (BOI) had P4.3 billion worth of investment for the first three months of the year, down 57 percent from last year’s P9.3 billion. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on the other hand, recorded P13.7 billion worth of investment approvals or 51 percent lower than the P27.7 billion during the same period in 2008. “Indeed the global economy is bad and it is reflected in our investment data,” Hernandez explained. This year, domestic investors tried to make up for the slack left

by foreigners as more local firms infused money in the country. Foreign investment approvals went down by 80 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period a year ago. Foreigners contributed only P3.9 billion compared to P19.8 billion last year. (www.philstar.com)

Pacquiao Calls on Rebels to Lay Down Arms by Paolo ROMERO / Friday, May 15, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – FILIPINO

BOXING IDOL MANNY PACQUIAO called on insurgents to lay down their arms and assisted President Arroyo the other day in turning over financial assistance to former communist guerrillas in his first official act as ambassador for peace and understanding. Pacquiao joined Mrs. Arroyo and Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Avelino Razon Jr. in General Santos City in turning over checks worth P20,000 each to 22 rebel returnees from Cotabato as part of the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP).

During the ceremony, the President described Pacquiao as an “apostle of peace and understanding” and serving as an inspiration to Filipinos, including those who oppose the government. She said the champion’s achievements showed that Fil-

ipinos can achieve their dreams if they set their minds on it. She said Pacquiao “exemplifies the indomitable spirit and triumph of the Filipino spirit.” Pacquiao told reporters that he was happy that some rebels have returned to the fold of the law. “For peace and unity for my beloved countrymen, I will do what I can (as ambassador for peace and understanding),” Pacquiao said in Filipino. “I call on all those fighting from the mountains (to) return to the fold of the law. They can talk to me or call me,” he added. Razon said the appointment of the boxing icon as a peace envoy will greatly help the government’s peace process.

(www.philstar.com)

MAY 23, 2009

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

PHILIPPINE NEWS Envoy Axed Over Missed Obama Photo Moment by Pia LEE-BRAGO / Thursday, May 21, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – FOR FAILING TO TAKE A CRUCIAL PHOTO, an ambassador has lost his job. Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa reportedly missed three opportunities to take a photo of President Arroyo with US President Barack Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) in Washington last February, and received a tongue-lashing from the Chief Executive. Foreign Affairs officials, who asked not to be identified, said the President had instructed Gaa to grab any opportunity during the NPB to shoot photos of her with Obama. Arroyo had flown all the way from the Middle East to attend the NPB in hopes of seeing and meeting Obama. The officials said the President was very upset that Gaa could not be found when Obama passed by three times and greeted her. “The President designated Ambassador Gaa as photographer during the NPB in Washington. But when President Obama passed Mrs. Arroyo three times wala si Ambassador Gaa,” an official related. The officials said Arroyo was very angry because of the missed photo opportunity for what should have been the “photo of the moment” when Obama stopped to shake hands with her. After the NPB, the officials said members of the Arroyo delegation saw the President very angry when she called Gaa and ordered him to ride with her in the presidential car. “Pagkatapos ng (After the) big event they saw each other. The people there saw and heard the President call Amb. Gaa. She told Gaa to join her in the car. Sabay sara ng kotse (The doors slammed). It was dramatic,” another official said. Officials said although Gaa may be re-

Ambassador Willy Gaa turning home, he can still remain as ambassador to the United States for a while because no replacement has been designated. Sources said Consul General Marciano Paynor Jr. of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco is being considered to replace Gaa. Paynor, a former chief presidential protocol officer, accompanied the President on her various trips abroad and is very close to Mrs. Arroyo. Paynor was chairman of the Philippine National Organizing Committee when the country was supposed to host the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu in December 2006. He announced the Philippine government’s decision to postpone the summit supposedly because of a coming typhoon, but some diplomats claimed that the postponement of the meeting of ASEAN heads of states was an embarrassment to the country. The ASEAN members and the international community expressed doubts on the country’s political stability since the postponement happened when the “political” storm hit the government because of the protest of various groups opposing the plan to amend the Constitution. (www.philstar.com)

Malaysia Turns Over 5 Filipino Terror Suspects by Paolo ROMERO / Thursday, May 21, 2009

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - MALAYSIA

TODAY TURNED OVER FIVE SUSPECTED al-Qaida-linked militants who have long been sought in the Philippines for alleged involvement in high-profile kidnappings and bomb attacks, officials said. The five Abu Sayyaf group members were arrested after arriving at Manila's international airport. One is being sought by US authorities for a past terrorist attack, officials said. The five _ Mohammad Hatta Haipe, Borhan Mundos, Gulam Mundos, Suffian Salih and Hasim Talib _ were arrested in Malaysia in recent years for immigration law violations. Philippine security officials believe Mundos served as an Abu Sayyaf finance officer and had links to the Indonesia-based regional militant group Jemaah Islamiyah, which has been blamed for deadly bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, the anti-terrorism council said.

Mundos has been linked to a 2002 bomb attack in a department store in the Philippine southern port city of General Santos, it said. Salih and Talib were allegedly involved in the April 2000 kidnappings of 10 European tourists and 11 Malaysian and Filipino workers from a dive resort in Sipadan, Malaysia, the council said. The hostages were freed after huge ransom payments were made, reportedly funded by Libya. US authorities are expected to seek access to Haipe, who is suspected of involvement in an unspecified past terrorist attack that targeted Americans in the Philippines, according to two police officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. The US Embassy declined to comment on Haipe, except to say it was aware he has been turned over to the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf has about 400 fighters and has been blamed for numerous kidnappings, bombings and beheadings. It is believed to have received funds from al-Qaida and is on the US list of terrorist organizations. (www.philstar.com)

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by Joy Angelica SUBIDO / Thursday, May 21, 2009

ANILA, Philippines – With down right cheap air fare rates now available to every Juan these days, traveling to some distant island is a more fetching option than stewing in traffic for hours on your way to any of the “nearby” haunts just outside the metro. The only dilemma left is in deciding where to go. With Cebu Pacific’s easy-on-the-pocket airfare deals, the options get even better. Cebu Pacific, after all, flies to numerous Philippine destinations. Flying off to any of your favorite Philippine vacation spots for an action-packed weekend – or even just for a lazy day of relaxation and recharging — will most definitely feel like a judicious way to make the most of what is left of summer. For us on that particular weekend, it had to be Cebu — the perfect place to relax on the beach or enjoy the urban of a charming city. Although we took the early morning flight, the Cebu Pacific stewardesses were bright, perky and enthusiastic. The airline is well known for the games played on board, where they give out small prizes to passengers. But recognizing that most passengers were still in the Twilight Zone and barely awake at the early hour, there were no such games on our flight. In no time at all, we were in Cebu, whisked through the efficient air-

M

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

TRAVEL

port, and deposited right in front of the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa in Mactan. The bright, birthday-cake pink color of the hotel effectively woke our group of sleepy zombies and put us in active party mode. The hotel pool is built beside an enclosed lagoon, with the aquamarine and turquoise ocean stretching beyond it. Water enthusiasts will surely be hard-pressed to decide where to swim first. “The hotel is actually called the pink icon,” said general manager Harald Feurstein. “We cater to a diverse variety of clients.” And as we surveyed a group of goldenskinned youngsters cavorting in the water and silver-haired couples contentedly sipping their cold drinks under the shade of umbrellas, we decided that it was a happy mix. Hilton Cebu marketing and communications manager Sigfred Catalan shares that they have themed beach parties, with a constant extra effort to plan interesting activities for the enjoyment and entertainment of both hotel guests and Cebu locals, while tours can be arranged for both adventurous and lazy souls. We were definitely in the lazy category. A quick freshening up at the hotel, and then we were off to Olango Island in one of Islands Banca Cruises’ party boats. Known to bird enthusiasts as a prime destination for bird watching, Olango is just five kilometers east of Mactan Island. But part of the fun is getting

there. Since the bancas are outfitted with comfortable cushions and beanbags, an iPod dock, plus a cooler packed with cold drinks, one can truly chill out on the ride. Want more of the luxurious lifestyle? One can arrange for an onboard masseuse to soothe away your muscular kinks caused by urban stress. A quick stop in Talima to try and feed the already overfed fish that ignored the breadcrumbs we dropped overboard, and we were soon on our way to one of the restaurants on stilts that ring the island. For food enthusiasts, the selection is just glorious. Certainly, food styling is a rudimentary art form here, with all dishes uniformly decorated with random rings of onion and tomato. Definitely not

much to look at. But the flavors were simply superb. We had freshly steamed saang shells whose chewy meat was delicious with a dipping sauce of chili-tinged vinegar; fat crabs with orange aligue that we mixed with white, steaming rice; scallops and mussels and shrimps; grilled unicorn fish; crunchy, briny lato or sea grapes and a fat fried eel that looked too brown and ordinary outside, but had delicious, white and cottony flesh within. We washed it all down with long draughts of coconut water. Never mind the bulging swimsuits. It was an extended luncheon and we still could have stayed longer, but decided to check out Cebu’s city life. We dozed throughout the boat ride to Mactan and the car ride to the city. As in all Philippine cities, the malls are a big attraction. Cebu is no different. However, we tasted a lovely, light and feathery bibingka in a restaurant called Laguna at an Ayala mall. There was also an ongoing Cebu Pacific promotion during our visit, where unused bus or ferry tickets to Siargao, Cotabato and Dumaguete could be traded for airline tickets. Passengers lined up outside the SM Mall to do just that. Good idea. Saves time to do fun things, we thought, remembering all

MAY 23, 2009

we did in our few hours in Cebu. The rest of the afternoon was spent meandering around the malls. One would think that we already had too much to eat. But locals are the best authority in finding gems of local restaurants, and we couldn’t pass up the chance to try out new local fare. Ria Redulla, marketing communications head of the Islands Group who joined us in the banca ride, suggested we try Rica’s in Paseo Saturnino on Ma. Luisa Road and, of course, we did. For supper, the dulong pasta made with tiny fish was delicious, and so was the highly recommended salpicao. Others in our group who had steak, pizza and other types of pasta also enjoyed their meal and we all swore that we would be back to try other items on the menu. Later that night, as we sipped our cocktails at Manny O’s and enjoyed the sight of our pink hotel, and the fish swimming in the lighted lagoon below, we marveled at how much we were able to do in a day. The amazing thing was that we weren’t tired at all. Well, maybe a bit sleepy after all that gorging on eats. And so it was off to the wonderful spa, a good night’s rest and a hassle-free flight to Manila the next morning. Thank goodness for affordable air travel! (www.philstar.com)

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

LEGAL NOTES

MAY 23, 2009

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Shift in Immigration Enforcement targeting the root cause of illegal immigration which is the unscrupulous hiring practices of employers of undocumented aliens. At the same time, it will curtail massive document fraud and social security abuse by individuals who resort to these illegal schemes to secure jobs in the U.S. In the past, immigration raids largely targeted the workers. In 2008, among the over 6,000 arrested, only 135 were employers. These raids resulted in 1,100 being prosecuted criminally and 5,100 workers being charged with immigration violations. The blanket raids usually were based on mere tips without adequate time to conduct an investigation and gather evidence. The shift in worksite enforcement was an offshoot of a recent raid last February 24 in Bellingham, Washington that resulted in the arrest and detention of 28 workers at the Yamato Engine Specialists. The lack of procedural due process during this raid caused immigrant rights organizations to urge DHS Secretary Napolitano to look into the possi-

ble harsh treatment of the arrested workers and the possible violation of their civil rights. To assuage the employers’ fears of immediate crackdowns, ICE also announced that it will not randomly target employers without adequate basis. Its investigations and arrests will be based on intelligence garnered from a variety of sources such as tips from the public, reports from the company’s current or former employees, even referrals from other law enforcement agencies. While the enforcement will largely be focused on erring employers hiring illegal workers, the ICE will continue to arrest and process for removal undocumented workers found during these raids. However, to afford them due process, it will obtain search warrants, indictments and arrests, or a commitment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute a suspected erring employer prior to arresting its workers or employees at the worksite. It will continue to consider humanitarian factors in enforcing the

DOH: Flu Now in RP

outbreak began last month. A month after the world was alerted to a potential flu pandemic, the WHO was caught yesterday between the spread of the new swine flu virus to 41 countries and doubts fostered by its mild symptoms. Some 10,000 cases and 80 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of A(H1N1) influenza emerged in Mexico and the US, and the world remains at flu alert level five, signaling an "imminent pandemic." But World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan is hesitating about declaring a full-pledged pandemic by moving to phase six, even though travelers have carried it to other countries. The top level would indicate sustained community transmission in a second region outside of the Americas. When the WHO's annual assembly opened on Monday, British Health Secretary Alan Johnson voiced doubts about phase six that had been growing behind the scenes after countries rushed to contain new cases of swine flu. Chan acknowledged this week that the WHO's pandemic response plan, introduced three years ago, was largely designed around the more deadly and virulent, but less transmissible, H5N1 bird flu virus. "This scale was based on geographical distribution, but the public belief is that pandemic means seriousness," said Sylvie Briand, acting director of the WHO's Global Influenza Program.

by Reuben S. SEGURITAN ntil recently, the enforcement of immigration laws focused on the removal and deportation of undocumented aliens, particularly unauthorized workers caught during random immigration raids. Last April 30, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will shift its focus to the criminal prosecution of employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) bureau is tasked with enforcing this directive. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the change in enforcement emphasis is aimed at

U

PHILIPPINE NEWS

by Sheila CRISOSTOMO / Friday, May 22, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – A 10-

YEAR-OLD FILIPINO GIRL who had traveled to the United States and Canada was found positive for Influenza A(H1N1), making her the first confirmed case in the Philippines. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced this last night in a teleconference from the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Geneva, Switzerland. "We now have the first confirmed case of Influenza A(H1N1) in the Philippines... The discovery of this first case is something we have been preparing for," said Duque. The girl arrived in the Philippines last May 18, and eventually developed fever, cough, and sore throat the next day. Swab throat samples were taken from the girl who is now confined in an "undisclosed health facility." Duque said the samples were examined and confirmed at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) using the A(H1N1) testing kits donated by the Atlantabased Center for Disease Control and Prevention through polymerase chain reaction machines. "The patient was started on anti-viral and given supportive care. The patient no longer has fever and cough, but she still has sore throat," he added. The family and those who had

close contact with her have already been advised to go on quarantine. "We advise the public not to panic. There is no community level outbreak. Measures are being implemented to prevent transmission," Duque said. DOH Undersecretary Mario Villaverde said the results of the laboratory tests would be sent to a WHO-accredited laboratory in Melbourne, Australia. He added the co-passengers of the girl in the plane home would be contacted to advise them to observe self-quarantine. Villaverde had also urged the public to observe personal hygiene, take nutritional food, get enough sleep, take vitamin C, and drink lots of water and fruit juices to strengthen their immune system. "If you can postpone travelling to other affected areas, that would be good for you," he advised the public.

WHO TALLY TOPS 11,000 CASES The World Health Organization earlier raised its tally of swine flu cases around the world to 11,034 and 85 deaths. WHO said most of the new 791 cases have been reported in Canada, Mexico and the US. Mexico confirmed three more deaths linked to swine flu, while the US confirmed two since Wednesday's tally. At least 38 other countries have also reported cases since the

(www.philstar.com)

law. Existing humanitarian guidelines include allowing the release of people who are the only caretakers of children or seriously ill relatives, pregnant women, nursing mothers or those with medical conditions or disabled, in raids involving more that 25 employees. This threshold number was lowered from the prior policy that required at least 150 employees. The new initiative sends a strong message that the DHS will not tolerate exploitation and abuse of unauthorized workers, as well as violation of immigration and labor laws. The goal of these efforts is to reduce the demand for unauthorized workers in order to protect the employment opportunities of the country’s legal workforce.

These efforts purportedly lay the groundwork for the Comprehensive Immigration Reforms as envisioned by President Barack Obama. Through these reforms, he seeks to remove incentives for individuals to enter the country illegally by cracking down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants, protect the rights of workers, in general, by making their working conditions safe and viable, and support the country’s economic recovery by ensuring an orderly immigration and labor system. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

MAINLAND NEWS

14

Temporary Visa Holders Allowed to Enlist in U.S. Military

two year period immediately preceding the date of enlistment.

by Crispin R. ARANDA NON-IMMIGRANT VISA HOLDERS in legal status in the U.S. may now enlist in the U.S. military and be eligible for lawful permanent residency and then citizenship. The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced on May 18, 2009 that the military can recruit certain legal aliens whose skills are considered to be vital to the national interest. Those holding critical skills such as physicians, nurses and certain experts in language with associated cultural backgrounds would be eligible. The limited pilot program will recruit up to 1,000 people and continue for a period of up to 12 months.

ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for enlistment, applicants must be in valid status in the U.S. for at least two years in one of the following categories at time of enlistment: an asylee, refugee, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or any of the following non-immigrant categories: E – Treaty trader/ Investor including dependents, E-2) F – Academic student (F-1, F-2 dependent of F-1) H – Temporary worker (H-1C, H-2A, H-2B; H-1B, H-3, H4) I – Member of information media J – Exchange Visitor and dependents (J-2)

K

– Fiancée of U.S. citizens as well as minor, below 21 children in K-2 status; L – Intracompany transferee (executive, managerial and specialized knowledge personnel) M – Vocational and other nonacademic student O – Scientists, Artists, educators, business people or athletes including those accompanying; P – Internationally recognized athlete or member of internationally recognized entertainment group; Q – Participants in international cultural exchange program R – Aliens in religious occupations; religious workers and/or professionals; S – Those supplying critical information related to terrorism; T – Victim of human trafficking; TD – Spouse, child of NAFTA professional; TN – NAFTA professional (Canada, Mexico nationals) U – Victim of criminal activity V – Spouse of legal permanent resident alien and minor dependents Applicants do not have to be in any status for two years straight but could be in any of the above categories when applying. However, he or she must not have had any single absence from the U.S. of more than 90 days during the

THE

PHILIPPINES

WILL

SOON BE A DESTINATION for Costa Cruises, Europe’s premier cruise company. The company recently has announced the launch of its new ship that will include the Philippines in its route. Costa Cruises debuted the Costa Classica. According to the Philippines’ Department of

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS Health care professionals currently in the U.S. in any of the above-mentioned status would be given preference, as well as those with special language and cultural backgrounds such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Moro, Punjabi, Somali and Tamil. Applicants in this category (Health Care Professionals) must commit to at least three years of active duty or six years in the Selected Reserve. Those with language and culture backgrounds must serve at least four years of active duty. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

PREVIOUS ENLISTMENT

AND RESIDENCY PATHWAYS Non-U.S. citizens who served in the U.S. military have been allowed residency and/or citizenship ever since the Revolutionary War. The Lodge Act of 1950 permitted non-citizen Eastern Europeans to enlist between 1950 and 1959. Additionally, the U.S. officially began recruiting Filipino nationals into the Navy in the late 1940s when it signed the Military Bases Agreement of 1947 allowing U.S. military bases into the Philippines. In 1990, certain Filipino veterans who served as Scouts or guerilla fighters were able to apply for citizenship. In total, over 35,000 Filipinos enlisted in the

Tourism, Manila will be one of its key ports of call.

U.S. Navy through the program between 1952 and 1991. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reports that today, about 29,000 non-citizens serve in uniform and about 8,000 legal permanent resident aliens (green card holders) enlist each year. The law ensures that the sacrifice of non-citizens during a time of national need is met with an opportunity for early citizenship, to recognize their contribu-

MAY 23, 2009

tion and sacrifice. In fact, today’s military service members are eligible for expedited citizenship under a July 2002 Executive Order. The military services have worked closely with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to streamline citizenship processing for service members. Since September 11, 2001, nearly 43,000 members of the Armed Forces have attained their citizenship while serving this nation.

Cockfighting Film Receives Awards “PRINSIPE SABONG,” A FILM ABOUT COCKFIGHTING and cultural diversity, won the prestigious Remi Award for Best Feature Film at the 42nd Annual WorldFest-Houston Independent International Film Festival. Winning that award wasn’t easy for “Prinsipe Sabong,” considering that cockfighting has been banned in nearly all of the 50 states and has faced strong opposition from animal rights groups. Cockfighting enthusiasts say that the panel of judges at WorldFest correctly saw “Prinsipe Sabong” as a celebration of cultural diversity, rather than simply a movie about cockfighting. The story is simple, real and built around superstitions related to the sport of cockfighting, says executive producer Edwin G. Monton. It’s a story of the search for prinsipe sabong—the best gamecock that beats Joey Estevens’ 12-time champion cock. So Joey returns home to look for the mysterious cock and instead finds love. The film stars Gardo Versoza as Joey Estevens, Katya Santos as Celine Montemayor and Allan Paule as Jeffrey Stevens. It was produced and written by Armie C. Fernandez and directed by Yeng Grande. “Prinsipe Sabong” will also receive the Bronze Best Picture Award at the Mexico Film Festival, scheduled for May 31, 2009. (Good News Pilipinas) Gardo Versoza

MAY 23, 2009

15

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

C LASSIFIED A DS MOBILE DJ, BAND, PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEO KARAOKE, HULA, SOUNDS AVAILABLE call 808-382-9495 VARIOUS OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT Located in Waipahu. Call 678-8930 for details.

B USINESS D IRECTORY

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! BABYSITTER for a 6 year old boy of a Filpino family in Waikiki Beach/Diamond Head area. Able to drive kid to and from school (Maryknoll Catholic School) preferred but not necessary. If you are interested, please call Angela at (714)6067199.

NON-MEDICAL CAREGIVERS WANTED

I NEED HELP Elder care/domestic, in exchange for room in my Ewa home.Must be reliable /female. Please contact Lynn at 271-0885

WANTED YARDMAN Looking for a yardman to work at my Nuuanu home. Exchange for a free room including utilities. Call 531-7377

In-house training program for non-certified candidates. CNA & HHA welcomed. Part time and full time positions available. Contact: Lynn at Aloha Home Care Services Phone: 271-0885

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WANTED Experience preferred, Please submit writing samples or published works and resume to hfci@hawaii.rr.com

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN 2009 WHEN THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN HONOLULU WILL HOLD COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL EMILY AT 595-6316 EXT 242 JUNE TO AUGUST—Overseas Absentee Voting Registration for Filipino citizens who wish to vote in the presidential elections in May 2010. Registrants may come to the Consulate in person with their

Philippine passports to accomplish the application form.

JUNE 12, 8:30am, at the consulate grounds — “Araw ng Kalayaan” (Independence Day)

and another activity at 6:30 pm.

JULY 10-14TH — Ambassadors and Consul Generals Tour to the Philippines, a special package tour for the public.

C OMMUNITY C ALENDAR

LITTLE MISS PHIL. HAWAII / SATURDAY

person: Eddie Agas-783-3327, Carlota Ader-688-3215

MISS OAHU FILIPINA PAGEANT / SATURDAY

May 30, 2009 ● Call Maggie Domingo-841-2841, Estrella Ramos-927-8188 and Janice Sevilla-595-8000

11TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHIL. INDEPENDENCE / FRIDAY

June 14, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hawaii Prince Hotel ● Contact event chair Danny Villaruz at 778-0233 or Lina Longboy at 375-0828

LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINES HAWAII SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT / SATURDAY May 30, 2009 ● 6 - 9 pm ● Empress Restaurant ● For more info. call Maggie Domingo at 841-2841 or Janice Sevilla at 595-8000

MRS. HAWAII FLIPINA PAGEANT BY UFCH / SATURDAY June 6, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Room ● Contact

June 12, 2009 ● 7 pm ● Featuring the music of Jay Cayuca and his band ● Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom ● For more info. call Jean Jeremiah at 387-5481 or Emily Reyes at 595-6316 x 242

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROJECT / SATURDAY June 13, 2009 ● 9:30 am - 1:30 pm ● Likelike Highway & Kalihi Street ● Contact Lina Longboy at 375 0828

R EAL E STATE

OFCC GOLDEN JUBILEE PRESIDENT'S BALL/ FRIDAY June 26, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hilton Hawaii Village Resort & SPA H ● Contact event chair Leo Gozar at 230-0088 or Lina Longboy at 375 0828

OAHU FILIPINO COMMUNITY COUNCIL (OFCC) ANNUAL CONVENTION/ SATURDAY June 27, 2009 ● 7:30 am - 4 pm ● Hilton Hawaii Village Resort & SPA ● Contact event chair Carlota Ader at 688-3215 or Lina Longboy at 375 0828 for more details

FILIPINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII INSTALLATION BANQUET / SATURDAY July 11, 2009 ● 6 pm. ● Hilton Hawaiian Village ● Call Rose Mendoza at 371-3902 or Bennett Evangelista at 398-5988

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL EVENTS VISAYAN CENTENNIAL FIESTA May 2009 ● Lanai

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL TOUR May 15 - June 3, 2009 ● (Iloilo, Cebu and Davao) Philippines

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL AWARDS GALA / SUNDAY July 19, 2009 ● 6 pm. ● Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki For more information, send email to juncolme@yahoo.com

C ARS F OR S ALE

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION

16

COMMUNITY PARADE

JULY 12, 2008