CALLING ALL ISKOs and ISKAs in Maui! We are looking for you! Step forward and make yourselves known!
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii will have a tree planting event at the Bahay Kubo of Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Garden in Iao Valley, Wailuku on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. The group will plant an Ilang-Ilang tree, which is a common plant in the Philippines famous for its strong fragrance.
Poster credits: Photos from Dennis Bondocoy, UP oblation image by Ray Liongson, and layout by Kit Zulueta.
The event coincides with a month-long celebration of the Filipino community in Hawaii to commemorate the Filipino-American History Month. UPAAH was last spotted on Maui in 2009 where its members, together with the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, planted a Narra tree – the Philippine national tree, which is now thriving at the same place.
UPAAH President Carolyn Weygan intends to invite alumni of the distinguished university and consider forming a Maui chapter of the organization. The current Board of UPAAH includes PRO Kit Zulueta and Board Member CJ Ancheta, both Maui residents.
Distinguished members of the community and proud UP Alumni include Consul General Julius Torres of the Philippine Consulate of Honolulu, 2012 Lifetime Achievement Awardees Dr. Belinda ‘Lyndy’ Aquino and former President of the Filipino Community Center Geminiano ‘Toy’ Arre Jr.
The 2013 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings proved that the University of the Philippines maintained its top place among other universities in the Philippines.
Members from Oahu look forward to joining fellow ‘iskolars ng bayan’ in the Valley Isle. An organizational meeting will follow the tree planting at the same venue.
All University of the Philippines alumni residing on Maui are encouraged to attend the event. For information, contact CJ Ancheta at 280-1616.
Here’s another upcoming project! There are so many things going on this October and these little projects actually keep me sane. Well, I love working with super passionate people – especially the ladies of MauiGoRed.
On another note, I did lose a loved one – my precious Tito Ilz, from heart failure. It makes me feel so much better spreading awareness on how to have a healthier lifestyle. I would hate to lose another loved one. Health first!
Here’s the release and some images I put together for the Executive Committee:
WAILUKU, Hawaii – The Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team invites the public to join in the quest to fight heart disease at the 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon and Health Expo on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
The event features a wide array of activities designed to raise awareness and generate funds such as health screenings, live demonstrations and a silent auction. And, back by popular demand, ‘Swag Bags’, filled with giveaway goodies and great educational material, will be given to the first 100 guests.
The centerpiece of the event is a three-course ‘heart-healthy’ lunch prepared by Chef Tylun Pang and a fashion show dubbed ‘Surviving,’ featuring women survivors of heart disease. One in three American women suffers from some form of heart disease making it the number 1 killer of women.
JoAn Gascon, who suffered from supraventricular tachycardia, a form of heart disease, ‘worked’ the cat walk at last year’s event as one of the models of the fashion show. “Since doing the surgery, I have not experienced any more episodes,” Gascon said. “I have taken steps to be healthier so I can watch my granddaughter grow up!”
As the Go Red for Women campaign’s national sponsor, Macy’s is committed to raising awareness of heart disease, and helping women to live longer, healthier lives. The Luncheon and Expo is locally sponsored by Maui Electric Company, and serving as Chairwoman of the 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon & Health Expo is president Sharon Suzuki.
“We all have a loved one or know someone affected by a cardiovascular disease or stroke,” said Suzuki. “Preventative education and awareness is so very important and this event is an opportunity for all of us to come together as a community and be a part of the solution.”
The Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA) and Wailea Golf, LLC are other top level local sponsors.
To join the Luncheon and take advantage of the exciting offers at the Expo, registration is accepted online at www.mauigoredforwomen.org. Table sponsorships of 10 seats are still accepted and individual tickets at $100 donation per person may be reserved. Registration closes on October 28, 2013.
All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement research, education, community service and health advocacy programs for women.
The 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon and Health Expo is also locally sponsored by Araki-Regan & Associates, Munekiyo & Hiraga, Employer’s Options, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc./Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar, Inc., Kawahara & Co., CPAs, Inc., Monsanto Hawaii, Island Honda, American Savings Bank, United Auto Parts (NAPA), Aloha Eye Clinic, Maui Petroleum, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Sae Design.
The American Heart Association, Maui is always looking for passionate women to join the Go Red for Women Ambassadors who are willing to help “spread the red” of these important messages in our community. The ambassadors are volunteer leaders committed to raising awareness and saving lives from heart disease.
For more information on Go Red for Women visit www.goredforwomen.org, or call (808) 244-7185.
For more information on the Maui Go Red for Women Ambassadors, visit www.mauigoredforwomen.org, or find us on Facebook.com/MauiGoRed or follow us on Twitter @mauigored.
I will be at the Maui FilAm Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10am – 3pm. The Kit Zulueta Productions booth will have some parol kits and other toys for sale. There were some shirts from last year that I still have too, so I plan to just clean out my storage space at home.
Chef Jake Belmonte of Maui Culinary Academy, spearheading Master P-noy Chef cook-off wearing one of my shirts last year: U can adobo anything for ‘Battle Adobo’
It will be another exciting event! The committee, led by Atty. Fred Evangelista, is working so hard getting all the details together. Many thanks to Phil Sabado of Sabado Studios for always allowing the group to get together at his space.
Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival Committee meeting
I’m happy how the poster turned out this year – great thing our photographer Janno Gonzales of Litratto captured Ms. Becca Godfrey’s beautiful smile – currently the title holder for Miss Filipino Fashionista! Here’s the latest poster project:
The celebration kick-off tomorrow (Oct.1) is at a Philippine flag-raising event by the County building front lawn. I had the honor to emcee last year’s one and it was a great moment – singing Lupang Hinirang and really meaning every word: … aming ligaya ng pag may nang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo. Deep man, deep.
The Timpuyog Cultural Group behind me with Filipino-Americans in uniform who helped raise the Philippine flag. Mahalo to Ryan Piros for the photo. I’m rarely in the pictures, so I treasure every one that I’m in.
Anyway, there will be free filipino food! If that’s not enough reason, I don’t know what else is.
There will be a series of events in October – some already set, some still in the works. I’ll be sure to post updates and any additional information here. In the meantime, I invite you to follow Maui Filipino Chamber on Facebook and check out the website for more Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival updates.
KAHULUI, MAUI – The 2013 Japan Karate Association Hawaii Fall Tournament held Sept. 22 at the Kahului Elementary School named 9 year old DJ Metzler of Maui Karate Association and brown belt Maybell Benito of Japan Karate Shotorenmei of Lahaina as this year’s Most Outstanding Male and Female Competitors, respectively.
Maybell Benito and DJ Metzler
The Most Outstanding award is determined by winning first place on two major categories – kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), and by a panel of instructors officiating the tournament.
This is Benito’s 2nd Most Outstanding trophy and Metzler’s first.
A special award – the Most Spirited Competitor, was awarded to green belt Xander Domingo who although failed to snatch his division’s gold medals, was voted by the judges as someone who exemplified the true spirit of karate and sportsmanship.
MKA Chief Instructor Sensei Deron Furukawa with Xander Domingo
JKA Hawaii’s Chief Instructor Hiro Maeda led the kick-off of the event with some inspirational words emphasizing on the importance of doing a proper kiai – a short yell during a technique. Councilmember Don Guzman who holds the Kahului residency seat, officiated the Oath of Sportsmanship with the participants. Guzman also thanked the parents of the competitors for their support and explained that “the success of the children is highly dependent on how much encouragement and support is dedicated by them.”
Councilmember Don Guzman with the tournament officials
The panel of officials include instructors from Oahu namely Sensei Hiro Maeda and Sensei Bob Spear, Lahaina Dojo’s Chief Instructor Sensei Walter Chihara, and tournament host officials from MKA led by Chief Instructor Sensei Deron Furukawa, Sensei Ricky Supnet, Sensei Ted Kesaji, Senpai Stephanie Metzler and Senpai Kit Zulueta. Lunch for the competitors were provided by Chef Kirstin Dougherty of UH Maui Culinary Academy.
This is the fourth fall tournament hosted by the Maui Karate Association. JKA Hawaii Oahu will host the next Spring Tournament in Hahaione Elementary School in Hawaii Kai, Oahu in May 2014.
This tournament was the culminating activity of a weekend-long event. All the participants got to eye out their competition during a three-hour joint training Saturday. More information about the tournament and host club is available at www.jkahawaii.com.
Participants warm-up during a 3-hour seminar, a day before the tournament
The 2013 JKA Hawaii Fall Tournament results are below:
KATA
9th Kyu Beginners
1. Sierra Freitas, MKA
2. Keoki Lazo Corado, MKA
3. Patrick Breeden, OAHU
14-15 Brown Belts: Male
1. Michael Doan, JKS
2. Brody Yamada, MKA
3. Jaden Texeira, MKA
Adults, Black Belt
1. Glen Delatori, JKS
2. Randy Ginoza, JKS
3. Roman Czerwinski, JKS
TEAM KATA, Intermediate:
First Place: Ellie Pedersen, Taiga Saito, Aika Saito
Second Place: DJ Metzler, Lauren Nashiwa, Cassidy Hanano
Third Place: Briana Lazo Corado, Kiana Lazo Corado, Tihani Arbogast
TEAM KATA, Advanced:
First Place: Kelsi Filon, Jaden Texeira, Brody Yamada
Second Place: Adrian Benito, Maybell Benito, Michael Doan
Third Place: Jessica Juan, Maximus Juan, Jerick Bareng
Jaden Texeira, Kelsi Fillon and Brody Yamada during the Team Kata category, here performing Bassai Dai.
Everyday I drive by Kaahumanu Ave, the tents are slowly coming to life. Pretty soon, the rides, the food booths and the lights will get some action and you’ll find yourself, once again, at the Maui Fair.
http://mauifair.com/2013/
Just like you, I enjoy my time at the fair. Luckily, I had the opportunity to participate further – rode a fancy convertible and waved to the crowd during the parade (drove the convertible back to the rental place, too), did my shift at the County booth, took advantage of parking passes, and ate my nightssss away.
So here are some tips I learned from past attendance:
1. Wear covered FLAT shoes.
I think I made the description generic enough to fit your style – sneakers, doll shoes, running shoes, whatever you fancy. It will be dusty – even at night, though it’s dark and for others, romantic, there will still be dust. Protect your feet, keep them clean, wear covered shoes. The ‘flat’ part is simple. Maui Fair grounds are mostly on grass, too. Unless you’re expert walking on grass with heels on, then fine. Perhaps wedges are acceptable if you insist on having long legs, but you MAY be walking a lot – depending on your level of curiosity and sense of adventure.
An old aerial image of Maui Fair. At least there will be grass now.
2. BUY those food tickets and support non-profits
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll pick up the plates that you pre-purchased from your office mate or friend who’s been fundraising, the main thing is you purchased. I would strongly recommend buying food from one of the non-profit booths. NOT ONLY do they have the traditional and ono’ selections: flying saucers, POG shakes, shoyu chickens, malasadas, etc, but you’re actually helping and supporting the community.
Sure that deep fried bacon is making you curious, but if you are making the decision where to spend your last few dollars, spend it on one of the non-profit booths. I assure you that someone you know is volunteering a shift in one of those booths and is working really hard to support his/her organization.
So what, stand in line. If you can stand in line at Costco, you’ll be fine standing in line at the Maui Fair.
Well, this is sort of self-explanatory. Let’s all not be selfish and contribute to everyone’s convenience. If you can save some spots by carpooling with your family and friends to get down at the venue, then do it. Since we’re talking about cars too, make it habit already to put reusable bags in your vehicle – not just during Maui fair season, really. But those food items that you plan to take home? You’ll most likely be given paper bags – which will be a B to carry to your vehicle. B stands for Biceps – because it will be a biceps workout. (hehe)
4. IF you go GAGA with winning all the toys
Consider giving them to the next wide-eyed keiki next to you and I guarantee you will be more than a hero for the night.
Give the toys to someone who would really appreciate them
This happened to me and my boyfriend and we’ve turned it into an annual thing. FOR SOME lucky strike, I won two toys with the basketball free throw game. I got both balls in – imagine that?! =) The cheapy stuffed animals are really cute, but in reality, they’d be dust collectors at home.
Then there was this little girl and her brother looking at the others with those huuuuge toys they carry around – my heart just melted and we gave our toys to them. If you plan to do this, make sure the parents are aware, by the way. This will avoid any miscommunication – you’ll never know.
Have fun testing your accuracy skills and make someone else’s night. =)
5. GO AROUND and appreciate someone’s hard work
I know some people who go just for the food, for the rides. The Maui Fair is actually bigger than that. Visit the exhibits inside War Memorial Stadium – last year, Saigon’s owner Jennifer Nguyen won an award growing this huuuuuge gourd. It was taller than her!
Jennifer and Mayor Alan Arakawa with the award-winning gourd
My point is, there’s so much talent and work put in the displays and the best way you can show appreciation is to just go and check it out! No harm at all! The mini-zoo is also a wonder place, for me. I still couldn’t forget this huge bunny rabbit from last year – it was ridiculous. All the animals on display were beautiful, FAT, amazing. Someone worked really hard.
Just look at this beautiful creature from last year. Just amazing!
If you do have some money to spend, support our local businesses at the commercial centers. Engage a moment of salesmanship from our people. Ask questions. Ask them a lot of questions. Buy something! Tell them they did a good job with their displays. Make suggestions and recommend good stuff to friends.
CAUTION: DO NOT go inside the displays like this girl in the photo. She got scoldings for stepping too close to the displays.
6. TALK to your County officials
Maui Fair is the biggest community event in Maui. Your County officials will be there and present. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to them. Water, Fire, Police, Mayor’s Office – most likely, most of them will be represented. Pick out some brochures, answer their questionnaires, play games and win a freebie, talk to the officials and don’t be intimidated. They are there to listen to you and they will listen to you.
7. WATCH A SHOW
There will be plenty. Aside from the hourly performances at the tent, know that there are talent shows, cook-off competitions, and even robotics and lego competitions (which I thought last year was soooo cool. Almost made me want to switch my course to Engineering. Oh wait, I’m not in college anymore. Darn it)
Kalapana rocked it last year
8. WAVE and SMILE to the parade peoplez
The parade kicks off the weekend. Hey, those folks waving at you from the parade – they all worked hard on that float. They did it because they want to spread the aloha – so give it back by throwing them your sweetest smile, add a wave and share your photos online telling the world how awesome they did.
I had the honor of being aboard Mayor Alan Arakawa’s convertible last year, with Mayor’s CoS Herman Andaya. This year, I’m actually going to see the parade – the whole parade! Perhaps one of the first parades I’ll ever see as a spectator! I’m excited!
Binhi at Ani Community Center, Kahului, Maui, Hawaii – Paris Nicole Sensano was crowned 2013 Miss Teen Maui Filipina on its first season after months of preparation, prayers and paparazzi glitz and glam.
Paris Nicole Sensano
The First runner up trophy went to Ria Mae Natividad and Second runner up was awarded to Kaegil Concepcion. The top two candidates also took home all the special awards. Best in Terno, Best in Sportswear, Best in Ticket Sales and Ad sales went to Ria. Best in Talent, Best in Speech, Best in Pre-interview, Most Photogenic and Miss Congeniality all went to Paris.
Kaegil walks the ramp with chin up high!
Candidates Sheina Manangan and Cassidy Cortez each received participation trophies. In her Facebook page, Sheina expressed her thoughts “Even though I didn’t win anything, I still feel like a winner!”
“Best experience ever!” Sheina added.
Sheina lifting weights for the Talent portion – talk about A-W-E-S-O-M-E!Let’s talk about my favorite shot of the night – beautiful Ria!
The venue was packed with screaming fans, friends and families of the contestants. Your reporter can barely hear her cellphone notifications now because her eardrums decided to shut off for the rest of the week.
But the program was great. As the curtains closed and opened – with your eyes directed to the feet that dragged them in and out – every segment of the pageant night brought surprises. My favorite, as always, was the terno competition.
My personal top two choices were Ria’s and Cassidy’s. They were just so beautiful. The ladies paraded like moving Barbie dolls with sparkles and bright smiles and again – the screaming fans.
Cassidy’s Terno
The pageant’s judges include Marcia Paranada, Allyka Nakoa-Clark, Deborah Campbell, Peter Lee and Nena Tukana.
Executive Director Michelle Santos led the Binhi At Ani Board of Directors in the execution of the pageant. In her speech, she didn’t forget to thank her partners in crime Ryan Piros, Tracy Takayama and this year, the ladies had personal coaching from 2011 Miss Maui Filipina Shelby Bantillan.
I had the privilege to take some of Shelby’s photos at the beginning of her reign.
2011 Miss Maui FIlipina Shelby Bantillan
The pageant was hosted by Mix105.5’s very own Jingo Magic and the beautiful Jem Zane.
I guess the trend now is to go younger, ergo Miss TEEN Maui Filipina was born. These teens have potential to accomplish so much more than what having a crown meant ten, twenty years ago.
Congratulations to Paris and all the girls! We shall all look forward to next year!
The first time I worked with pageant guru Michelle Santos was on an emcee gig for the Ilocos Surian Association’s installation event. Then I hosted 2012’s Miss Maui Filipina pageant at the Hyatt where 2012 title holder Shelby Bantillan won.
This Sunday, Binhi at Ani Community Center will have 5 young pinays compete for this year’s title. It starts 6pm and tickets are $20.
A few weeks ago, I met these ladies and we took some pictures at the Bahay Kubo at Kepaniwai Park in Iao Valley. I’ve submitted my tally sheets and Miss Photogenic is…. stay tuned!
It’s that time of the year again. September 21-22 weekend will be dedicated to my art of choice: shotokan karate. This will be the 8th tournament that we’re putting together and year after year it gets better and better.
I think I can fairly say I’ve had some competitive years behind me, battle scars, strict training and diet. Boy, I was so in shape then it’s like a dream (that’s never going to happen again.)
But what joy it is to teach! I get a rush when I know I can help them improve and see actual results. Some of our kids were so bad when they started – couldn’t even reach their toes, couldn’t jump a foot in the air! I feel I’m helping them have the childhood experience all kids deserve to have.
I look at our kids now and boy, they have improved tremendously. You put your faith in a learning mind and wonders will happen.
Anyway, the public welcome to watch the tournament. There are no entrance fees for the audience. Bring your kids and though these tournaments last a whole day, they can be pretty cool. I’ll be behind the mic to let everyone know what’s going on.
Maui Karate Association puts tournaments Maui-style, of course. To me, it’s not really a tournament, it’s an aloha get-together. It should be renamed to Aloha Karate Tournament or something.
A day before the tournament, all participants from various clubs get to know each other in joint training and a pot-luck fellowship dinner is held at the Hawaii Nature Center where kids and families can stay overnight.
Bonfire. smores. stories. Deron and I become instant parents.
Well, as for me, it’s a lifelong quest for personal development so dreams of going up the ranks are still there. It’s just goddarn difficult when you’re in the middle of the Pacific to get to our HQ which is based in New York. It’s actually closer I think if we go Japan. But anyway, I still have some years – maybe someday. Maybe someday.
Maui FIlipino Chamber of Commerce 3rd Quarter Membership meeting
This is the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd event that’s going to be held at Tante’s Restaurant at the Seaside Hotel. As far as I know, the last one with State Tax Director Fred Pablo was very sucessful, so I’m looking forward to this one, too!
Flying all the way from Oahu, Mr. Greg Dunn, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau, has agreed to talk story with us on trends, tips and best practices in business. He was just appointed last June. In an effort to cyber-know him before the actual event, I learned that he was affiliated with the Hawaii Nature Center – whose current Executive Director Dyanna Okazaki was a karate mom in JKA Hawaii.
In addition, our 2013 JKA Hawaii Fall Tournament will have an overnight potluck/bonfire/fellowship event at Maui’s Hawaii Nature Center at Iao Valley. I used to work for a non-profit and we do anything to hit targets for fund-raising, so will help as much as possible.
The second speaker is Ms. Rowena Nikki Baysa, Program Specialist of Maui’s Hawaii Health Connector. Ms. Baysa actually spoke at the Maui County Business Resource Center yesterday to educate about health insurance and business so she may be anticipating the same questions from us. I personally don’t have much concerns about health insurance – which is pretty lame and sad – a chunk of my salary is dedicated for it, I know that.
So I continue to receive notifications from Kaiser – “Hey, Maria! Come and see us!” – wow, they are so friendly. And I continue to ignore. I promised myself I will go for at least a physical this YEAR.
Joe Moore of KITV News once said “People on the quest for wealth and disregards health, end up losing both.” So true.
Join us on Wednesday. The $20 is so worth it – just Tante’s hospitality alone. You don’t have to be a member to join us. In fact, bring your friends with you, THEN you can all join the Chamber afterwards.
RSVP: Brianmoto.moto@gmail.com or Call Alvin Santander at 808-856-2605
That’s right, I was fortunate to have devoured an exclusive set course prepared by Top Chef Sheldon Simeon (@chefwonder) and Chef Mark Ellman, owner and executive chef of Honu and Mala Restaurants in Lahaina.
The fundraiser was a benefit for Punana Leo O Maui, a Hawaiian immersion preschool dedicated to family-based programming where the entire ohana, makua and keiki, are immersed in the Hawaiian language and culture; and
for the Lahaina skate park – a project that Chef Mark Ellman is very passionate about.
Well, it appeared that the restaurant was non-stop busy tonight so I’d like to extend my Congratulations to the chefs!!!
So moving on, let’s talk about the food.
The menu was signed by Chef Sheldon – and if I didn’t catch on quickly, it just looked like someone was checking whether a sharpie still had ink!
Cocktails – we had drinks. I mean, we had drinks. It was awesome.
The whole course was Filipino-inspired so the starting with the drinks, we had
Palawan Press – Muddled thai basil, orange and lime juice with agave nectar and Absolut Hibiscus vodka
Manila Smash – watermelon muddled with lime sour and agave nectar, St. Germaine and Sauza Tequila Blanco
Pacquiao’s Punch – Ten cane rum, lemon, guava and pineapple juice with soda H2o, housemade ginger syrup
Lime in the Coconut – (I didn’t get to try this), The real Daiquiri, Old lahaina run, Fresh lime, agave nectar and coconut H2o.
And going over the course really fast –
Starters: rice cracker (kamaboko, soubise, chive), Brie cheese Inari, RADISH. yes, RADISH with toasted rice, shrimp paste – I’ve NEVER had anything like it.
Tasting Menu includes: Kauai prawns, hurricane popcorn, kampachi and roasted-awesome- pork belly. Of course it’s not just what it seems – there were ingredients like kochujang and veloute. Umm… yeah, sumtn’ li’dat.
Our dessert was coconut mousse with calamansi curd with malasada and mango lemon verbena sauce.
Now, if you know me, I eat anything and everything and most of the time don’t really care about the process of food-making, but I give a damn about the presentation. And taste of course, yeah, that would be the whole point – taste.
Honu and Mala Ocean Tavern have world-class food and it’s always a good time dining out that area with the sunset. All the best, Chef Ellman!
