Philippine Consulate General to discuss “Doing Business in the Philippines”

KAHULUI, Maui – The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce will host Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu Gina Jamoralin at its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 p.m. at Tante’s Island Cuisine restaurant, chamber President Melen Agcolicol announced today.

Jamoralin will speak about “Doing Business in the Philippines.” She previously served as executive director, then assistant secretary for the Office of American Affairs of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and as director for Trade and Economics for the Office United Nations and International Organizations.

“I invite all interested parties – even non-Filipinos, to join us for networking over heavy pupu,” Agcolicol said. “Part of the chamber’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of business and broaden opportunities for businesses.”

The event is open to the public with a $15 fee for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Fee at the door is $25. Heavy pupu will be served.

Attendees are requested to R.S.V.P. by calling (808) 205-7981 or via email at info@mauifilipinochamber.com.

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March 22, 2015 Add 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.

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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

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.

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October 2, 2013 Add Comment

Maui to go red against heart disease

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:

PRESS RELEASE by:

American Heart Association, Maui Region

Kauwela Bisquera, Regional Director

(808) 244-7185

kauwela.a.bisquera@heart.org

Maui to Go Red against heart disease

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.

October 1, 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

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September 30, 2013 Add Comment