March 30 deadline for FYLPro applications

Washington – The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. last March 18 hosted a meet & greet and webinar with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. and former FYLPRO delegates at its headquarters, reminding applicants of the March 30 deadline to apply for the program.

The event was open to interested applicants for the Filipino Young Leaders Program, a week-long leadership immersion program in the Philippines in July. Alumni from the program are expected to share experiences from the trip and share insights on how to land a spot on the prestigious opportunity.

I totally missed the session because it was in the middle of the day for Hawaii. Getting together with the FYLPro folks is always a fun time. I feel very inspired every time I get together with them.

The Embassy said the program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by 02 July 2015;
Ready and capable of travelling to the Philippines to participate in the 4th FYLPro and the 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT)on 02-04 July and 06-09 July 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT), respectively;
Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other area of involvement; and,
Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino-American Community, or in issues and/or activities that align with the interest of the Filipino American community or the Philippines.

Interested individuals may download the application form here.

Applications and documentary requirements should be submitted to the foreign service post nearest the applicant’s place of residence—the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Agana — on or before 30 March 2015.

The names of the 10 chosen delegates will be announced on 30 April 2015.

If you fit the bill, please consider applying! I swear, the program is something you will never forget.

Here’s the flyer I made for the last event.

March 22, 2015 Add Comment

PInay: Culture Bearers of the Filipino Diaspora – Part 2

I’m happy the first event was a success! The Filipino Association of University Women scheduled a follow-up session from the first event. So that means, we needed to update the poster.

The organizer also told me the poster really played a big role in drumming up interest for the event. I really believe in what a great graphic can do. =)

March 10, 2015 Add Comment

PInay: Culture Bearers of the Filipino Diaspora

Have you ever heard someone say “That is so Filipino!”? If you’re pinay and have a story to tell, then please consider attending this.

How do Filipino women immigrants express their core values and how is it being understood? Explore with us answers on ways Filipino women believe in, incorporate and practice Filipino characteristics in their life experiences.

The Filipino Association of University Women is undertaking a project that would explore how Filipino women immigrants transmit Filipino culture, and looks at what is actually being transmitted.

We are inviting women to share their:

Lived experiences of Filipino culture,
Core values as passed on by their ancestors, and
Their own culture transmission and culture perpetuation behaviors.

FAUW plans to document the stories and conduct outreach presentations to share their findings. The organization intends to publish a book that would investigate, through first person stories contributed by Filipino women of all ages, the extent to which they believe in, incorporate and practice any of the core values in their life experiences.

It will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 at Hamilton Library, Room 301 of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Discussion starts at 1:00 pm and will be led by Professor Emeritus Virgie Chattergy of UHM College of Education.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii, Hamilton Library. For inquiries, contact Rose Churma at rosechurma@mac.com or (808) 358-2868. R.S.V.P. by Friday, Nov. 14.

The painting used in the poster of Filipina women in their electronic devices is by Ben Cab.

November 7, 2014 1 Comment

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.

# # #

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

35 reasons why Maui is voted best island in the world

This article was published in the FilAm Courier, Oct. 16 issue.

Maui did it again. I couldn’t be more proud to call Maui my home.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Magazine has rated Maui best island in the world – the top pick of its correspondents – now on its 20th consecutive winning year.

Sure, there are tons of reasons that make Maui no ka oi. It is a collaboration among entities that preserve the island’s beauty and charm. It is the local government and organizations that have kept up with the demands of time. With 35,000 visitors coming in daily, imagine how much impact that will have on infrastructure, local businesses and environmental management.

Visitors on Maui leave with priceless memories and come back wanting more. The reason is not Haleakala nor the almost-perfect beaches that we have. Our visitors come back, stay at one of our signature hotel accommodations, and instantly become hanai to the Maui family. That is the reason. It is our friendly, unsung heroes of the hospitality department that has made us no. 1 again and again.

I recently emceed at the 2013 Outstanding Housekeepers Awards Banquet and Recognition Ball, sponsored by the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Association. One by one the awardees went on stage and accepted recognition framed certificates. Their fellow employees cheered every time their hotel name was called out.

Mayor Alan Arakawa thanked the honorees for their hard work. Photo by Ryan Piros, County of Maui.

These manangs and manongs make sure that after a rough day out and about Maui, visitors come back to their hotel rooms with their beds made, trash emptied, towels washed and supplies refilled. They make sure laundry is done. They make sure every dirty work is done. And they’re happy to do it for you.

I have not traveled extensively around the world to compare services and justify my claim. But I hear it from other people who have, and claimed that nothing compares to when your housekeeping person is a Filipino.

Do you know that feeling when you come home and the house is spic and span, dinner is ready, your used clothes washed, dried and folded, and your bed welcomes you with open arms for another episode of slumber? I happen to have been blessed and experienced that most of my life growing up in the Philippines. But I promise you, I wasn’t a spoiled brat.

We had a yaya – a house help. It is typical and common for Filipino middle class families to have a helper. Our yaya, we call her Ninang, has been with us since my parents were married and practically raised me and my brothers.

I reminisce the conveniences I had when I still lived with Ninang in my best place in the world – home in the Philippines.

But remember that feeling – that feeling when a deep sigh of relief really meant like a relaxing embrace. That’s the same feeling every visitor who has voted for Maui in that survey felt during their stay in the island. That was it. They had a Ninang during their stay. Because of that, Maui became their best place in the world.

Every awardee that night beamed with so much pride. Maui’s luxurious hotels and recognitions would be nothing without their hard work and love for the job. They truly are heroes.

Please stop a moment, greet, and throw a shaka the next time you meet one. And if you recognize any of these names, then you have an award-winning Ninang in your family, too.

Here are the 35 reasons why Maui is voted Best Island in the World – the 2013

Housekeeping Awardees:
Andro Lacaden
Henry Oandasan
Perigrino Yadao
Jerry Santiago
Laurence Castillo
Rowel Bautista
Amado Vallesteros
Andres Arcala
Adriano Mercado
Jun Peredo
Joven Antolin
Jayson De La Cruz
Oscar Soriano
Elenita Ildefonso
Marife Ilar
Elsa Piano
Rosario Versola
Marilou Blando
Jackie Puno
Nenita Corpuz
Maribel Ibe
Cristina Bollante
Magdalena Magaoay
Erlilnda Parilla
Erlilna Pagaduan
Leinie Acoba
Ermelita Torrente
Nellie Huliganga
Rudy Melchor
Rose Sijalbo
Cecilia Yagin
Blasilda Yapit
Nenita Alcantara
Mehelle Felipe
Giji Turner

Tweet your best hotel housekeeping moments with me at @keeet.

# # #

Mahalo to the Binhi At Ani Board members for putting the event together! Especially to Manong Manny Baltazar, Event Chair and former awardee himself. Talk about giving back =)

October 17, 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

UPAAH Ilang-Ilang tree planting

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.

Photos are available from the Narra Tree planting event from UPAAH member Dennis Bondocoy here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbondocoy/sets/72157619775814921/with/3638181410/

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.

# # #

October 2, 2013 Add Comment

Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko: Search for distinguished overseas Filipinos

Sharing a Press Release from Ms. Marianne de Vera of ABSCBN Global – I always see her, for some reason, every time I come home. =)

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Visit our url site: http://tinyurl.com/nbnmcuv

The search is on for distinguished overseas Filipinos

TFC launches “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” stories of hope and inspiration

supported by myREMIT

October 1, 2013 (QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) – The Filipino Channel (TFC), the only network truly in the service of Filipinos wherever they may be, launches “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” stories of hope and inspiration, in partnership with the network’s remittance arm in the Philippines, E-Moneyplus, Inc. under its brand myREMIT.

TFC will search the world for stories of overseas Filipinos (OFs) who have inspired others with their success stories, making them worthy of admiration and emulation. These include Filipinos who have triumphed over adversity, paid it forward and built their dreams especially for their kapamilyas or family and including for their communities.

“Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” stories of hope and inspiration supported by myREMIT,” is open to all Filipinos of legal age and who are based in any part of the world, where there is TFC. They can visit TFC facebook pages worldwide and simply follow the instructions. Supporting photos of these worthy Pinoys and their families or beneficiaries are highly encouraged.

At least one winner will be chosen from each of the identified continents: U.S.A., Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Japan, and some parts of Asia like Hong Kong and Singapore. A total of twenty winners who struggled and succeeded and then shared their blessings with their family, friends and communities in the Philippines will be chosen as winners. The winners will be featured in one of the exclusive shows of TFC. Each of the twenty winners’ designated beneficiaries in the Philippines will receive Php 20,000.00 through myRemit.

According to myREMIT Business Unit Head Raymund Abog, “Both TFC and myREMIT believe that anywhere they are in the world, OFs’ success stories showcase how best Filipinos work and struggle to make it in a foreign land and sometimes go beyond by extending the help not just to their families but to their kababayans. Moreover, these inspiring narratives will motivate their fellow Filipinos to create their own success stories. We are expecting a lot of touching entries from all walks of life, from every part of the world.”

For more information on “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” stories of hope and inspiration supported by myREMIT,” visit http://bit.ly/TFCPamilyaKoBuhayKo

###

September 30, 2013 Add Comment

October is Filipino Ameican Heritage Month: Maui FilAm Fest on Oct. 12

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.

Mabuhay and Aloha!

September 30, 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