Fundraising gala raises more than $200,000 for Filipino Community Center

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The 12th Annual Bayanihan Gala Dinner and Silent Auction on Oct. 25 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel raised more than $200,000 for the benefit of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, the largest center of its kind outside the Philippines, event Chairperson Rosemarie Mendoza announced today.

The gala honored three outstanding members of the Filipino community with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The honorees were retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice and educator Simeon R. Acoba Jr., retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Mario R. Ramil, and philanthropist and community servant Maria A. F. Etrata.

12th Annual Bayanihan Gala Dinner Honorees Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Maria A. F. Etrata and Justice Mario R. Ramil.

“It was fitting to celebrate our honorees’ achievements during October as the Filipino-American History Month, and also remembering to celebrate over a century of Filipino-American presence in Hawaii,” Mendoza said. “Our honorees are wonderful examples of how Filipinos have contributed to our state and to our country, and I want to thank our dignitaries, sponsors and all who attended to help us recognize their achievements.”

Mendoza reported more than 500 people attended the gala.

Special guests at the gala were Mayor Kirk W. Caldwell who introduced Etrata, Gov. John D. Waihee III who introduced Ramil, and Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano who introduced Acoba.

In his acceptance speech, Ramil acknowledged his fellow awardees –Etrata’s philanthropy via Renato and Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation, which has supported numerous community events that has promoted the Filipino culture, and Acoba’s continued support for the educational system in his new role as a regent for University of Hawaii.

“I have always encouraged my staff to participate and volunteer in community events,” Ramil said. “There’s a wealth of knowledge and experience outside the office setting that is worth learning.”

Ramil was appointed by Gov. Waihee in 1987 to his cabinet as the director of Labor and Industrial Relations, and in 1993 was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Etrata during her speech recalled her younger days in the Philippines when she had to walk to go to school in a rural community where she grew up. “It was hard and my family was poor, but I’ve always held on to my dream of a better life and I never let go of that dream, which led me to the United States,” Etrata said.

Etrata now owns and manages Home & Community Services of Hawaii, Inc., Preferred Home & Community Based Services, Inc., and The Primary Care Providers of Hawaii, successful agencies that offer health care services to the community.

During Acoba’s speech, he thanked the FilCom Center for its efforts in “keeping the Filipino cultural legacy alive.”

“Occasions like this allow us to reflect on our history and remember the courage of the Sakadasand the accomplishments of their children,” Acoba said. “We celebrate the industriousness of immigrants, their contributions to modern society, and the pride of those who endured tribulations but left us a legacy of virtues to aspire to.”

Acoba served as a Supreme Court justice until his mandatory retirement in 2014, and last year received the Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence from the American Judicature Society, which Gov. Cayetano described as the top award for justices across the United States.

The gala featured live entertainment from local Filipino artists, including Noly Paa, Kristian Lei and Charles Degala, traditional Filipino folk dances by the Teknqlingz Crew and Maria Clara by Evelyn Cabradilla and Troy Mendoza, and reception music by Banda Kawayan and Coro Filipino’s “Harana.”

Banduria band Pintig Himig by Marie Jocelyn Marfil and Fred Abejon performed live during the awardees’ video presentations as Mistress of Ceremonies Sonia Lugmao Aranza read each biography.

Mendoza also wanted to acknowledge Kumu Kaleo Trinidad who performed a special Hawaiian oli, Julian Maeva for a fireknife dance, Aureanna Tseu for an elegant hula performance, and event Co-Chairs AJ Halagao and Sherry Menor-McNamara.

“A portion of the proceeds will go to community programs for the elderly and youth in not only the Filipino community, but also the community at large,” said Edmund Aczon, chairman of FilCom Center’s board of directors.

The FilCom Center offers programs such as the Filipino for Kids Summer Program; social services and economic development courses, which offers U.S. citizenship classes, immigration outreach events, NCLEX nursing review sessions, computer enrichment and workforce training seminars.

FilCom Center offers year-long events that promote Filipino culture and community empowerment such as the Flores De Mayo, FilCom Sundays and Pasko sa FilCom, which is scheduled on Dec. 7 at the center.

For more information and photos from the Bayanihan Gala, visit bayanihangala.com.

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Logo:

Photos in Smugmug: http://kit.smugmug.com/Events/Evening-Gala/BayanihanGala/

Also did the photo-wall backdrop at the event, the invite and the website: www.bayanihangala.com

And, the videos. =) It sure was a very busy night!

November 7, 2014 Add Comment

Kapit lang.

Some de-lata goods donated to victims of the typhoon had notes like “Kapit lang” (hold on), “Wag mawalan ng pag-asa” (don’t lose hope) and “Wag susuko” (don’t give up).

My first set of tears following Aling Yolanda’s aftermath in Central Philippines was when a dear friend pleaded for help on Facebook Nov. 11. He had been desperately trying to get information from all sources possible about his family in Dulag, Leyte. He writes, “I saw in the news how the typhoon destroyed the Palo Cathedral, a humongous structure. I wept. There is no way that our house can stand a chance.”

Even with open lines of communication, I pray every day for the safety of my family 5,000 miles away. I couldn’t even begin to imagine putting myself in Arjay’s shoes.

Maui had several fundraisers for the American Red Cross. The Kain Na! Kokua for the Philippines was a sold-out event Nov. 17. The event was originally intended for the victims of the earthquake that shook Bohol. A month in the planning, the organizers were compelled to extend the outreach to typhoon Yolanda victims.

Eighteen amazing chefs from all over Maui, led by Chef Jojo Vasquez of the Plantation House, got together and presented plates of modern and traditional Filipino dishes. It was a feast like no other.

I urge readers that the next time you have a chance to express mahalo to any of these chefs, please do:
· Anton Haines of Pacific O
· Christopher Galiciano of Four Seasons Resort
· Elizabeth McDonald of Mala Lahaina
· Evelyn of Ilocandia Grocery
· Gevin Utrillo of Japengo
· Jake Belmonte of Maui Culinary Academy
· James Simpliciano of Simplifresh
· Joey Macadangdang of Roy’s Kaanapali,
· Jojo Vasquez of The Plantation House
· Larry Badua of Badua’s Catering
· Mark Ellman of Mala and Honu Restaurants
· Mike Burman of the Ritz-Carlton
· Randy Cruz of Randy’s Catering
· Riko Bartolome of Asia-Vous
· Roger Setler of Four Seasons
· Sheldon Simeon of Mala Wailea
· Tante Urban of Tante’s Island Cuisine, and
· Tylun Pang of Fairmont Kea Lani

Their masterpieces include renditions of binagoongan salmon, pusit guisado, made-to-order prawn crepes, pato (duck) sisig with fiery chili/adobo duck sonota, and kare-kare meatballs.

While flavors were competing on taste buds, the other notable aspect of the fundraiser was that the chefs were there not to outdo each other as expected from culinary cook-offs. All the chefs were there to serve food to guests who have donated for a great cause. They were there for unified mission and carried out a vision to lend out help.

The chefs and their staff – all volunteered their time and resources, to raise funds for our kababayans. A thank you is not enough.

Earlier that Sunday, the Binhi At Ani Community Center became a ‘drop off’ point for the public. Some volunteers were counting pennies. I heard reports that kids gave up their allowance and wait staff donated their collected tips.

Multiple vehicles drove in and out, and a local radio station was broadcasting the event live. A community does come together in time of need. It was heartwarming to say the least.

As for my friend Arjay, he later found out that his entire family survived. Material things have been destroyed and lost, but lives were spared. For many other families, that obviously wasn’t the case.

At press time, Arjay and a crew would have fed about 1,000 plus families on Leyte from donations he collected from his personal network. Personally, he was a sure way that I know my pennies would be converted in tummies. I admire his strength and perseverance to come face to face with the wrath that destroyed his hometown.

The rebuilding begins, and on Maui, we’ll hold on with the rest.

I have nothing else to say but kapit lang. We will all get through this.

To view some of the sample dishes and for more photos from the Kain Na! event, log on to kitzulueta.com.

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View photos from the sold-out Kain Na! Event:
Click on image

November 19, 2013 Add Comment

Maui Filipinos who made a difference #Mauifilam

In case you missed it, the historical display at the Maui FilAm Heritage Festival Oct. 12, 2013 featured 20 Maui Filipinos who made a difference. This year, the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation decided to give a preview of the Maui FilAm history by telling the stories of these outstanding people.

There were a lot more names to be considered, but nobody said the Chamber is stopping at 20. Feel free to comment and leave names below on who you think should be in the next round.

These images were displayed on 20×30 boards last festival. They were put together by Senator Gil Keith-Agaran (who is also included in the display), Melen Agcolicol of Copy Services, Alvin Santander and myself. Special thanks to Manong Leo Agcolicol (another featured individual), Atty. Ben Acob and my hapun assistant Deron Furukawa for helping put them up.

Here are the images – in no particular order. Please enjoy!

October 15, 2013 Add Comment

Most Outstanding Competitors named at 2013 JKA Hawaii Fall Tournament

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

8th Kyu Division 1
1. Lauren Nashiwa, MKA
2. Cassidy Hanano, MKA
3. Shaun Kana, JKS

8th Kyu Division 2
1. DJ Metzler, MKA
2. Evan Recopuerto, MKA
3. Ethan Recopuerto, MKA

6 year olds Mixed Kyu
1. Kai Shively, JKS
2. Quentin Starbuck, JKS
3. Inoka Balinbin, JKS

8-10 y.o. 7th Kyu
1. Aika Saito, OAHU
2. Kelvin Lam, JKS
3. Kaelan Potter, JKS

11-15 y.o. 7th Kyu Female
1. Tihani Arbogast, MKA
2. Briana Lazo Corado, MKA
3. Ellie Pedersen, OAHU

8-9 y.o. 6th Kyu
1. Taiga Saito, OAHU
2. Jem Balualua, MKA
3. Xander Domingo, JKS

Purple Belts Mixed
1. Maximus Juan, MKA
2. Jerick Bareng, MKA
3. Jessica Juan, MKA

8-9 y.o. Brown Belts
1. Ethan Tsuhako, MKA
2. Yuna Lee, JKS
3. Andrea Alvarado Cruz, JKS

10 y.o. Brown Belts: Male
1. Jordan Shim, MKA
2. Adrian Benito, JKS
3. Matthew Sylva, MKA

14-17 Brown Belts: Female
1. Maybell Benito, JKS
2. Rocio Cano Cruz, JKS
3. Kelsi Fillon, MKA

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.

KUMITE

9th Kyu Beginners
1. Sierra Freitas, MKA
2. Keoki Lazo Corado, MKA
3. Kaio’o Aquino, JKS

8th Kyu Division 1
1. Cassidy Hanano, MKA
2. Jaki Kua’ana, JKS
3. Lauren Nashiwa, MKA

8th Kyu Division 2
1. DJ Metzler, MKA
2. Ethan Recopuerto, MKA
3. Evan Recopuerto, MKA

6 year olds Mixed Kyu
1. Quentin Starbuck, JKS
2. Inoka Balinbin, JKS
3. Kai Shively, JKS

8-10 y.o. 7th Kyu
1. Kai-Boy Constantino, MKA
2. Mason Arbogast, MKA
3. Kiana Lazo Corado, MKA

11-15 y.o. 7th Kyu Female
1. Tihani Arbogast, MKA
2. Ellie Pedersen, OAHU
3. Briana Lazo Corado, MKA

8-9 y.o. 6th Kyu
1. Jem Balualua, MKA
2. Xander Domingo, JKS
3. Taiga Saito, OAHU

Purple Belts Mixed
1. Jessica Juan, MKA
2. Maximus Juan, MKA
3. Jerick Bareng, MKA

8-9 y.o. Brown Belts
1. Yuna Lee, JKS
2. Ethan Tsuhako, MKA
3. Andrea Alvarado Cruz, JKS

10 y.o. Brown Belts: Male
1. Adrian Benito, JKS
2. Jordan Shim, MKA
3. Matthew Silva, MKA

14-17 Brown Belts: Female
1. Maybell Benito, JKS
2. Kelsi Fillon, MKA
3. Rocio Cano Cruz, JKS

14-15 Brown Belts: Male
1. Brody Yamada, MKA
2. Jaden Texeira, MKA
3. Michael Doan, JKS

Brody Yamada versus Michael Doan with JKA Hawaii Chief Instructor Sensei Hiro Maeda during a match

Adults, Black Belt
1. Donn Natori, OAHU
2. Roman Czerwinski, JKS
3. Matt Arakawa, OAHU

Team Kumite
First Place: Kelsi Fillon, Jaden Texeira, Brody Yamada
Second Place: Maybell Benito, Adrian Benito, Michael Doan

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September 24, 2013 Add Comment

Paris is first Miss Teen Maui Filipina

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!

Photos on Facebook you can share: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.514090188671452.1073741828.369002069846932&type=3&uploaded=66

More photos on smugmug: http://kit.smugmug.com/Events/Pageants/Miss-Teen-Maui-Filipina/31623247_7Rvttc

September 2, 2013 Add Comment

Secret to photo restoration: Clone Stamp tool

This is one of my favorite things to do with photoshop. I like restoring old photos.
It’s fun to alter images – remove this person, make shirt color different, add longer hair, etc. etc. – BUT it’s more challenging to preserve the original image.

This was a request from a good friend – ‘Can you please remove the cracks?’

Original image

Well, my secret:

And then… ta-dah!

restored photo

August 30, 2013 Add Comment

Miss Teen Maui Filipina

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!

Ria

Paris

Kaegil

Sheina

Cassidy

August 30, 2013 Add Comment