JULY 7, 2015 TUESDAY ILOCOS SURIAN BOARD MEETING

JULY 7, 2015 TUESDAY -------- ISAH Brd mtg July 7 2015 Susannah Wesley Community Center EIGHTEEN [18] In attendance clockwise from Danny Villaruz, Rose Sabangan, Veronica Esteban, Al Sabangan, Art Abinsay, Amado Yoro, Rexie Tuzon, Janet Lau, Ben Cabreros, Carmen Cabreros, Maria White, Alice Castaneda, Emelyn Damo, Jun Abinsay, Julius Soria, Anita Alquiza, Davelyn Quijano, Loida Yamamoto. Meeting call to order by Danny Villaruz at 6:57 pm----invocation by Al Sabangan TREASURER’S REPORT: SORT OF EVALUATION OF THE QUIRINO AWARD  Above average---there is always a room for improvement  Parking is another factor, some people went home once they don’t find a parking  More control supposed to be at the reception table for collecting donation, and assigning guest to table  Suggestion to PREPAID TICKET a week before the event  There should be more realistic budget  There was some unanticipated items came up for the last minute MRS. ISAH MATTER Santiago candidate has withdrawn. Moved by Maria White seconded by Ben Cabreros to accept withdrawal. Santiago president assured to ISAH that they still participate in the mission w/o candidate Other discussion: Unit Non candidate is okay to join mission Had a precedent in 2005 Sinait participated in w/o candidate 2013 Santiago participated in w/o candidate WHY THE SWITCHED OF VENUE NECESSARY? Ala Moana could not accommodate more than 300 As a consensus of the 5 participating town: 4 for Hilton, 1 Ala Moana. Cost is a difference of $10.00 from 65 to 75 =========== Distribution of tickets: issued to: For unit with candidates initial tickets 50 each For unit w/o candidate initial tickets 25 each 1. Cabugao=====001-050-Veronica/Emelyn 2. Sto Domingo===051-100-Rexie/Janet 3. San Juan Lapog---101-150-Alice/Jenalin 4. Vigan ---151-200-Loida/Anita 5. Santiago – 201-225-Maria 6. Narvacan –226-250-Ben 7. Santa ----251-275-Julius 8. Sinait Alumni – 276-300-Davelyn 9. Annak Sinait -301-325-Amado FIRST CANVASSING: Sept 12 LAST CANVASSING: Oct 10 Venue: to be announced Amado will make a follow up every other week [Tuesday Committee meeting as a progress report]

MRS ILOCOS SURIAN AT THE TAPA BALLROOM, HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE HOTEL

MRS ILOCOS SURIAN PAGEANT AND CULTURAL PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD AT THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE HOTEL & SPA TAPA BALLROOM on October 24, 2015. Theme: Keeping Ilocano traditions alive. Five finalists will be representing their respective unit organizations like Cabugao, Sam juan Lapog, Sto Domingo, Vigan and Santiago.Ilocos Surian president Danny Villaruz is extending cordial invitation to all community leaders and organizations in the community to support this project. Part of the proceed will be used for the medical mission in December 2015.

MAY 5, 2015 TUESDAY ILOCOS SURIAN BOARD MEETING SWCC

MAY 5, 2015 TUESDAY, ILOCOS SURIAN BOARD MEETING, IN ATTENDANCE clockwise from Danny Villaruz, Rose Sabangan, Veronica Esteban, Al Sabangan, Rexie Tuzon, Isabel Rivera Phu, Louie Funtanilla, Janet Rivera Lau, Estrella Taong, Paul Taong, Amado Yoro, Lina Mercado and 2 guests=========Mrs ISAH candidates, Janet Lau, Sto Domingo, Anita Arista, Vigan, Janel Nishida, Lapog; Emelyn Damo, Cabugao; and one for Santiago================isabel Phu to be member of Ads/Sponsorship committee---=====Maria Etrata will not be able to attend June 5, she'll be on cruise with her family from June 2=======don''t solicit from her, let her voluntary donate whatever she wishes; ============Tentative medical mission: Dec 14-20; 2015=====Ilocos sur doctors will help the mission======mission can be done same time same day for 2 or 3 towns------doctors will spread out to different towns=======Estrella/Paul are San Juan Lapog focus======

TYPICAL SUNDAY WORSE TRAFFIC APRIL 26, 2015

· A TYPICAL SUNDAY IN THE LIFE OF AMADO YORO [and my wife]-----APRIL 26, 2015. ONE OF THE WORSE TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS I EVER EXPERIENCE IN HAWAII ROAD PARTICULARLY THE KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY FROM ANNA MILLER.SUMIDA FARM TO SAM'S CLUB, ABOUT A 2 MILE STRECTH FROM 2PM TO 4PM 2 HOURS A TURTLE PACE MOVEMENT ON TRAFFIC DUE TO CONSTRUCTION.=========SOMEONE MAY PONDER, INCLUDING MYSELF, will this be forever for the next 15 years or so-------related to the construction of the very costly rail system?========Felt some anxiety, stress, time pressure and yet, pressure about the extension of taxes collections for the rail======Way way back the original presentation, everything was seemed OK, in 2006 or 2007 the 0.5% was approved according to some estimation, it should be enough=====what now my love=======the project was behind schedule, yet the budget came out SHORT almost a MILLION?========Traffic, traffic, Can the authority and the responsible contractor/s find a better scheduling------we hope so--------Too bad, I missed some important meeting/s to attend. Rushing from downtown church for Sunday service and meeting-------I really missed the regular monthly Council's Board meeting that was held at the FilComCenter in Waipahu-------what a day, my love------traffic, traffic should have a better solution---------please don't let motorists stalled for many hours in a short span of the road------we hope there is a better way Like · Comment · Share Jessica Macugay Abella, Jay Respicio Sagario, Yvonne Yoro and 14 others like this. John Gines Garcia Apo amado .....tamaaaa! 15 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Yes, 2 hours from that Kaonohi St by Anna Miller Restaurant and Kamehameha Hwy Pearlridge to Sam's Club Acacia and Waiawa Interchange------Pearly City Waipahu separation-------Imagine a 4 lanes and gradually reduced to 2 lanes due to heavy construction equipments at the medial portion of the highway=======thanks God, there is no accident occurred yet. 15 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Mr. John Gines Garcia, prove me wrong if you think I am posting here a fiction------it is a bare fact, factual and I saying it by personal experience--------just imagine how I looked like inside the 1 year old car with a/c in good condition--------i rather opened the 4 windows and able to smell the burning gasses from several models of vehicles exhausts pipes-------hehehe--------I took out my long sleeve, and my long pant as I have short in me--------Mr John, I do not encourage you to travel that busy, busy hours. Stay home if you do not a have a MEETING, important meeting to attend. Relax in front of your TV instead, less stress that way-------and by May 2, you will be able to watch Pacquiao's fight-------did you put a bet? 15 hrs · Like John Gines Garcia Yes! Boss! Pacman. ! May be good idea to bring your experience to the city council meeting about hart,,,,, 15 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Delfin Dumayas, ty, I think San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, mo bera in traffic this time as the construction here is in progress------San Nicolas has good roads as I have seen it in late 2012.....I was able to take a picture of the BIG SAN NICOLAS DAMILI BANGA, able to to to the Robinson Mall-----as we proceeded to the DepEd Diivision office-----in Laoag City Amado Yoro's photo. 15 hrs · Like · 2 Amado Yoro Amado Yoro's photo. 15 hrs · Like · 1 Delfin Dumayas Natrapik ita ti kalsada nga agpa-Laoag, manong Amado Yoro... Gaps iti road widening... 15 hrs · Like Amado Yoro ay, ket mayat ngarud no mapalawa met ti kalsada ditan. ti imasna no madalapus dagiti adu a tianggi dagiti small business people dita-----------sayang no mairaman a madalapus tay eatery tay kaanakan dita asideg ti dakkel a banga, ti kalsada nga agpaSarrat 15 hrs · Like Mario Orbito Amado, rail came up short almost a billion, not a million. And they are working in a plain field now, how much more if they run into buildings, utility lines, plus delays, lucky if they can finish the rail with 10 billion. and they are telling us that we will have a better quality of life then. Sorry to hear about your experience today, hope rail workers are not being paid overtime today, Sus maria josep. 15 hrs · Like · 1 Cheryl Lei Yoro Balcita That's why I think they should just stop the project altogether - it's supposed to help commute but it's causing more stress and problems for everyone. Getting to and from places never took an hour or more growing up, it's gotten worse over the years and will continue to get worse due to this dumb project. 15 years is too long and at what price is it costing us? We are paying for it now, our kids will be paying for it later...RIDICULOUS! Just my opinion! 14 hrs · Like · 1 Amado Yoro I stand corrected about the amount that is short---alll I know is SHORT.Mario Orbito-----IT IS TOO EXPENSVIE------------and it will always be short -----no maparti a baka koma daytoy------just killing a cow------maibus diay darana---------all the blood drains out and the dead body will become stink to dry up---------I hope not; convince me that the cow remains alive though all the blood drained out----then, people will enjoy the kaldo [ride] 14 hrs · Like · 1 Andrea Baptista "I told you so!" ..... I wish the mayor(s), the Honolulu Council(s), the state legislature(s ) the governor(s), the greedy labor unions and all the stupid "dreamers" rooting for the ,rail system listened! I wish ex-Gov. Cayetano and his company had more teeth ans support on the discontinuance of the project.,,,,,,,,,,,, All ye, Pro-rail people are you sure there will be enough revenue to finance YOUR rail? ...... All, ye, public officials who keep pushing for more taxes, when you can't BLEED anymore taxpayers, will you give up your salaries to finance YOUR project- rail? ....... I'm not giving up my SS benefit and pension to your GROSS MIISTAKE. I'll be using ny own car to run around town, not to pay a r ide on YOUR rail, you know! ...... THINK! STOP THE RAIL NOW! Use the standing concrete posts to build BUS ROUTES instead! 14 hrs · Like · 1 Mario Orbito Agree to Manang Andrea, and Cheryl Lei. contractors, labor unions and politicians are in cahoot together in this rail satisfy their greed. Rail will not solve traffic, whoever will gave up their cars? It does not go to schools where we drop our children, to our doctors, and other parts of the island. How many times are we ever fooled? Now more taxes. Wish Ben will try again. 13 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Thanks for the better terminology BLEED in place of drained out Manang Andrea Baptista. There are numbers of columns/posts now standing from Kapolei to Leoku/Farrington Hwy by the Don Quijote store-----driving is also slowed down. My driving time from the Ewa Villages to Waipahu, Fort Weaver Road one lane took me 5-8 minutes to the Oahu Sugar Parking lot in the late 70's or before this rail project, , this time around, for a 4 lanes Fort Weaver Road, may take a 20 to 45 minutes due to congestions toward the H-! freeway, and the Farrington Hwy is narrowed down------what a day, my love, what an experience-----ay sus 13 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Election time is around the corner.And whatever type of election that be, vote out those no good; vote in those who are good 13 hrs · Like John Witeck Traffic sucks due to disjointed construction and I'm afraid it will worsen -- and the fixed rail being built will not improve matters at all. I feel for those who have to daily endure such commutes! Hope you don't have another Sunday like today! 11 hrs · Like Amado Yoro just imagine how traffic can be eased Amado Yoro's photo. 10 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Amado Yoro's photo. 10 hrs · Like Amado Yoro Mr. John Witeck, later, drive either to Kapolei or Waipahu from Wahiawa/Mililani and ride the train, say, 7=15 years from now 10 hrs · Like · 1 Amado Yoro or that years we will not be able to renew our driver license lol 10 hrs · Like John Witeck I doubt that will be convenient for most folks and that the parking will be adequate. But one can hope. 10 hrs · Like Amado Yoro yeah, parking will be another challenge or problem, fees, vandalism unless security is safe

Officially enter into Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature 2015 Ilokano-Sarita April 23, 2015 thursday

APRIL 23, 2015 THURSDAY ---HAWAII TIME====== Aloha: To CPMA Thanks God. Finally I was able to mail A HARD COPY OF MY OFFICIAL ENTRY this afternoon a 4:09pm at the Ewa Beach Post Office with a $10.31 postage. 2 CDs inside, the Consent Form, the Entry Form. I was told by the UD Post Office's Cashier that it takes 5-10 business days to reach its destination. I emailed the article and the other forms as required. Amado I. Yoro April 23, 2015 6:45pm Hawaii time SAB-ONG: NANGUBBAAN KEN NI MARGARITA PENNAME: Igor la Madrid [Amado Gloria] 25 pages plus 1 page synopsis 1st prize---PhP15,000.00 2nd prize---Php10,000.00 3rd prize---Php8,000.00 Awarding Sept 1, 2015

MARCH 2015 THE MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH FOR G AND I

March is the most expensive month Gloria and I had.===============Federal tax refund received=======immediately melted just like an ice for reasons: In prep or her bd, and her Hermana Mayor Arpil and May respectively======March 19 paid $500.00 consultant re: property matter======Disco Mart March 24 bought====sofa table cost her $399.00 plus tax and delivery========Carpet Outlet March 26 bought 12x20 feet carpet $300.00 plus gas borrowed truck; Servco Waipahu bought 2013 Toyota Corolla $17,000.00 financed payable in 5 years========Car is necessity for transportation to work, to church, and other errands==========

FIRST OF FIRST FILIPINOS IN HAWAII ---an ongoing research by Amado I. Yoro

First of First Filipinos In Hawaii Ongoing research by Amado I. Yoro Member, Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission [Act 159] FIRST OF FIRST FILIPINOS IN HAWAII By Amado I. Yoro OFCC/UFCH Co-Chairman, Sakada Centennial Celebration 2006 10/2/2002 Still yet to come, preparation is underway and by the late part of 2005 or three years from now, Hawaii Filipino Community and Hawaii’s general community will be celebrating the 100 years of Filipino Immigration for the whole year 2006. As duly approved by State Legislature, both houses, Senate and House of Representatives, and duly signed by Honorable Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano under Act 159 (HR 1942)(OFCC Res 12-2001), to commemorate this significant history of Filipinos in Hawaii, I would like to share what I have found out during my search and research who among the Filipinos of Hawaii are considered “first” in the respective field of profession, endeavor, maybe employment, government positions, and “who’s who among Filipinos” based on informations and sources* available in the course of my research. (This is a partial research) Immigration by nationality: Per “An Act for Government of Masters & Servants” Hawaii Legislature of 1850 passed a law that employers are permitted to recruit workers from foreign countries. Prior to the Filipino immigration, other ethnic nationals came first in these order:  Chinese, 1852;  South Sea Islanders, 1859-1865;  Japanese, 1868;  Portuguese, 1878;  Norwegians, 1881;  Germans, 1881;  Puerto Rican, 1900;  Korean, 1903;  Filipinos, 1906;  Spaniards, 1907. The Filipino Immigrations: Prior to December 20, 1906, it was learned that recent historical discoveries claim that the earliest Filipino came to the United States way back in 1765 when a group of Luzon “indios” working as slaves in the Spanish Galleon Trade jumped ship and settled in the bayous of Louisiana” (Milkfist In Brackish Water/Bangus” by Rev. Fred Vergara. “The first recorded settlement of Filipinos in America dates way back to 1763 when Filipinos aboard Spanish galleons jumped ship in New Orleans and fled into the bayous of Louisiana” (Filipino Chronicle Editorial March 1, 2001) Andrew Lind mentioned in his book “Hawaii’s People” that there were 5 Filipinos came to Hawaii in 1853 as a cook, musicians. They were scattered in the different neighboring islands” Reverend Fred Vergara added that: “Filipinos can serve as “bridge person” in America’s emerging new pluralism. Filipinos and other Asians share a common geographic origin in the Asia-Pacific basin. Filipinos and Black share a common colonial history from Spain. Filipinos and Black share a common experience in slavery and oppression. Filipinos and Native Americans share a common religious heritage and indigenous belief in environmental spirits. Filipinos are heirs of over four centuries of Christian culture and traditions from 1521 to 1898 on the Spanish colonization. The Hawaii Sugar Planters Assn (HSPA) had decided to extend the recruit to the Philippines, its official representative A. F. Judd went to Manila, and had recruited the first 15 Ilokanos, all males boarded into SS Doric first landed in Honolulu port on December 20, 1906 then proceeded to Ola’a Plantation at the Big Island. These 15 males were: 1. Antonio Gironella, 14 2. Francisco Gironella, 18 3. Vicente Gironella, 19 4. Celestino Cortez, 19 5. Julian Galmen, 20 6. Mariano Cortez, 21 7. Martin de Jesus, 22 8. Mariano Gironella, 23 9. Apolonio Ramos, 26 10. Emiliano Dasulla, 26, married 11. Cecilio Sagun, 27, married 12. Prudencio Sagun, 28, married 13. Marcelino Bello, 28 14. Filomeno Rebollido, 30 15. Simplicio Gironella, 56, married (Simplicio Gironella was the father of Antonio, Francisco, Vicente, and Mariano Gironella) Below names arranged as they were listed in the Oath of Inward Passenger List. 10- Martin de Jesus = 22 - single 11- Mauricio Cortez = 21-single 12-Cecilio Sagun = 27 – married 13-Marciano Bello = 28 –single 14-Filomeno Rebollido=30- single 15-Apolonio Ramos = 26- single 16-Francisco Gironella = 18-single 17-Antonio Gironella =14-single 18-Prudencio Sagun= 28-married 19-Celestino Cortez =19-single 20-Emiliano Dasulla=26-married 21-Julian Galmen=20-single 22-Simplicio Gironella=56-married 23-Vicente Gironella=19-single 24-Mariano Gironella=23-single A. F. Judd Report December 1906 – HSPA Simplicio Gironella is the father of Antonio, Francisco, Vicente, and Mariano What life they were confronted: Filipinos coming to America are always confronted by dualistic, bifurcated, double-standard, and dichotomized Western culture. Westerners “split” everything from atom to marriage. Black and White, hostility and hospitality, racism and paternalism, liberalism and fundamentalism, civilized and barbaric, work and play, etc. This is the context in which Filipino Americans and other immigrants find themselves. If they are to survive and thrive, they must learn to live in this context “Pagdiriwang 1996: Legacy and Vision of Hawaii’s Filipino Americans “by Jonathan Okumura and Roderick Labrador said: “The commencement of Filipino labor migration to Hawaii on December 20, 1906 ….first Filipino labor recruit arrive in 1906 significantly 15 Ilokanos from the group that would eventually comprised the majority of the Hawaii Filipino population. These 15 were assigned to Ola’a Plantation on the Big Island, and 2 of them were sent on a tour of all the plantations and then were returned to the Philippines “to testify of conditions seen by them” Okumura acknowledged that the 15 Ilokanos were not the first arrival, as Andrew Lind pointed out in his book: “All About Hawaii” that 5 were in the island 3 in Honolulu; 2 unknown before December 20, 1906. The reason why the 15 were recognized as the first arrival was that Alfred Judd of HSPA made that official as first recruit workers. 1907 there were less than 190 Filipino men, said Okumura, quoting Ramon Cariaga, a Filipino anthropologist, while information says: 150 in 1907 by Ruth Mabanglo; Sinking Root: Filipino American Legacy in Hawaii edited by Dean Alegado. In 1907, the first recruit of Filipino laborers consisting of 188 men; 20 women and 2 children according to “Filipino Immigrant by Honorante Mariano, University of Oregon Thesis – 1933” : That Filipinos have proven themselves to be good workers. They adopt themselves well to the tasks in the field…85 percent of all Filipinos are engaged in field work…” Mariano enumerated the following reasons why Filipinos attracted for emigration: • Love of adventure • Influence of Steamship companies. Camilo Osias asserted in January 1930 that “steamship companies were the main responsible to the large exodus of Filipinos, and he said in part: “American shipping interest advertise all through the country the allurement of this land of opportunity and promise” One of the sakadas believe that going to Hawaii is just like Paradise and saying “Kasla Gloria Ti Hawaii” • Influence of relatives • Desires for education • Economic causes Ruben Alcantara in his Sakada: Filipino Adaptation In Hawaii said: “Sakada story is the basic historical foundation of Filipino life in Hawaii today (Sakada – in general refers to a laborer-recruit, as well as to the process of recruiting..) Different Waves of Filipino Immigrations: 1. First Waves – December 20, 1906- 1919 2. Second Waves – 1920-1929 In 1925 about 50% Filipinos –sugar plantation workers. Pablo Manlapit led a fight for higher pay and better home 3. Third Waves – 1930- 1934. The Tyding McDuffie Independence Act/Commonwealth 4. Fourth Waves – 1946. Mass migration (Gran Exodus). Port Salomague, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Syquia Building in Vigan, Ilocos Sur was a Recruiting Center via SS Maunawili and SS Falcon 5. Fifth Waves – 1965 The Pacific Frontier and the Philippines US Filipino Directory by Stanley B. Garibay A. The First Filipino-American Relationship The first Filipino-American contact was when Commodore Mathew Perry, after a successfully open a commercial footing in the Orient through a Treaty with Japan, 1854, went to Manila to Scout Filipinos to work in a Naval Base at Guam. But the first real Filipino-American relationship occurred when Assistant Secretary Theodore Roosevelt, due to the absent of Secretary Long, cabled Commodore George Dewey, who was in Hong Kong, to attack the Spanish Garrison in the Philippines, May 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War of 1989. The sudden great immigration of Filipinos in the United States between 1922-1940 was due to the great demand of labor in both U.S and Hawaii. It was the third great immigration of Oriental in America. First the Chinese immigrant that came in 1860 who were used to work in railroads across the continent, second the Japanese that came during 1910-1920 to work in the farms” There were three types of Filipinos that came to the USA from 1921 to 1932. First, the “Adventurers”, which composed of the students and the laborers. There were two kinds of students: the regular and the pensionados who were sent by the Philippine government to study in USA. The pensionados were supposed to be the bright students, but there were those who were also sent as favorite sons of the politicians. Most of them did not do any good except a few like Camilo Osias from Bauang, La Union. The regular student on the other hand were the victims of the Depression of 1930-1938. Very few also succeeded like Benny Catapusan, who got his Doctor’s degree by being schoolboy. Those who got their degrees went back to the Philippines to teach after the Second World War. Some stayed in America and became common laborer in farms, restaurants and hotels. This is due to lack of opportunity for Filipinos in United States. B. American Reaction to Filipinos (From 1928-1943) Between 1924-1925, most of the Filipinos were sent to Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations. In 1926-1928, most of them begun to come to the United States through Port of Seattle, Washington. Most of them found work in Alaska Salmon Canneries. In 1928-1931, most of them begun to fill the needs of the farm works, railroads and sawmills, from Washington to California and as far as Arizona to Montana. First the Filipinos stayed in Washington, goes to Alaska in summer, then find any kind of city jobs such as hotel, restaurant, schoolboy, or in the farm during Winter. King street of Seattle, Washington was their Small Manila. You find pool-Halls one after the other full of them. They worked in the farms from Tacoma, Auburn. Puyallup up to Wenarchee and Yakima, the apple Valley of Washington. The years of 1926-1930 when most of them came to USA, the American public begun to resent the present. American Newspapers in the Pacific Coast were full of Anti-Filipino Editorials and news. Mrs. Sweet from Yakima, wrote series of Articles in the Philippine Free Press admonishing the Filipino parents not to send any more of their sons to America to become the victims of “SIN” (She was acting the Filipino Mother of Yakima, She tried hard to help Filipinos find work in the Valley). Catherine Mayo also wrote her worst anti-Filipinos book: “Daughter For Sell” The Filipino students tried their best to continue their educations going to high schools as schoolboys earning from $8.00 to $20.00 a month. As the years went by, only about 5% to 3% of them had the courage to finish their studies, those who went as far as finishing four years college, participated in the Philippine Independence debate. For the Filipinos were then beginning to question the prolonged presence of the American in the Philippines. In Hawaii, Filipinos tried their best. They involved themselves in government, in politics, in law and tried their luck in business, in education, and all activities they believed they can survive. And by striving their best it pays off. 1. Honorable Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano, first Filipino governor in Hawaii and the United State of America,1994-2002, son of a sakada from Urdaneta, Pangasinan 2. .Honorable Eduardo Malapit, first Filipino Mayor in USA, in Kauai, Hawaii., passed away August 2007 3. Judge Alfred Laureta, first Filipino Federal District Judge, first Filipino State Director of Labor and Industrial Relations followed by Dr. Joshua Agsalud, Mario Ramil, Leonardo Agor 4. Atty. Peter Aduja, son of Vigan, first Filipino elected representative to occupy a seat, Territory of Hawaii, 1954, first president of Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii, 1977, passed away last February 2007 5. Honorable Benjamin Menor, first Filipino elected senator, Territory of Hawaii and first Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and followed by Mario Ramil and Simeon Acoba , both son of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. 6. Mrs. Ines Cayaban, first Filipina to study Public Health Nursing at the University of Hawaii 7. Pablo Manlapit, first Filipino labor movement organizer 8. Mario Albalos, first Filipino awardee of the Thomas Jefferson Award by the American Institute of Public Service & Honolulu Advertiser, followed by Dr. Espaldon, Richard Abing, Ines Cayaban and Jesus Cayaban, Dr. Erlinda Cachola, Amado Yoro, 1988 and Atty Tony Ramil, 1989 9. Richard Adap, first Filipino teacher in Hawaii 10. Elias Yadao, first Filipino member of Board of Supervisor 11. Richard Caldito, Sr., first Filipino Councilman in Maui County 12. Alfred Lardizabal, first Filipino Director of State Personnel & Services. Served as State Representative representing Kauai 13. .Domingo Los Banos, first Filipino District Superintendent, State Dept of Education 14. Amado I. Yoro, first Ilokano staff member Hawaii Filipino News under Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, Sr, and Yoro a first son of Sinait, Ilocos Sur to become president of Oahu Filipino Community Council, first president of DWCLCAAH, Gumil Oahu; number one poet in resident – Hawaii; first son of Sinait served as member of the Hawaii State Board of Registration (COMELEC) appointed by Gov. George Ariyoshi; first Ilokano writer won the major prize (3rd) Economy Tours & Travel, Inc; and first prize winner of the Ulopan Literary Contest, one of the two (2) Pedro Bucaneg Awardee 2002 in Hawaii (Poetry category . Amado Yoro is the first Ilokano Hawaii resident published novelette for Bannawag, 1977, followed by Mario Albalos, 1978, Francisco Ponce 1979, and others 15. Maggie P. Domingo, first woman to become president of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii; first president of Ilocos Nortenians of America (INA); member, Hawaii Public Television Committee appointed by Gov Cayetano 16. Mrs. Irene Quemado, first Ms Philippines-Hawaii 2002, sponsored by Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii, Inc. 17. Matilda Molina, first Filipina woman served as acting Chairperson of the Hawaii Democratic Party, first woman to become president of Oahu Filipino Community Council, 1978-1979. Served as UFCH secretary 18. Agrifina Cabebe, first woman served as vice president of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii 19. Peter Bareng, first president of United Laoageneos of Hawaii 20. Justo dela Cruz, first president of the Oahu Filipino Community Council, 1959-1961, also served UFCH president, 1961-1962, then elected OFCC president, 1968-1969 21. Dr. Gregory dela Cruz, first Filipino to serve a member of the Board of Regent, University of Hawaii, a son of Justo Dela Cruz, a community leader and administrator 22. Joe Blanco, first Filipino to chair the Board of Regent, University of Hawaii, a son of businessman Fred Blanco. 23. Roland Sagum, first UFCH convention Chairman and first president of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii, 1959-1960; first Commander of the Hawaii Chapter Order of Knights of Rizal, 1971-1984. On January 7, 1959, Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, Sr, appointed Sagum as General Chairman to assist a Statewide fund drive for a Rizal shrine in memory of the 100th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. By September 15, 1961 a total of approximately $10,000.00 as part of a US Army Friendship Mission to the Philippines, where Sagum deeply involved in Knights of Rizal. • Shirley Jacinto, first Miss Hawaii Talent Searcher’s Club • Mel A. Gonzales, first president of Hawaii Talent Searcher’s Club. Mel involved with KISA Radio as a DJ, then OFCC as a member of the board, then as president of the Postal Carrier Union. He is a dramatist, actor and writer. • Honorable Lorraine Rodero Inouye, first Filipina (Piddig, IN & La Union) Mayor for the Big Island County, now a State Senator • Consul General Solita Aguirre, first Filipina(Manila) to become Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General, Honolulu • Hon. Modesto Farolan, first Ilokano [Sarrat, IN] and first Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, Honolulu, Hawaii 1946-1948 • Buddy Gomez, first non-career diplomat served as Consul General Philippine Consulate 1986-1990 • Ambassador Minerva Jean Falcon, first Ilokana (Lallo, Cagayan) to serve as Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, Honolulu 1996-1999 • Lerina Saludes Galvez, first Miss Gumil Hawaii • Nenita Ibarra Crisostomo, first Miss Sinaitenians of Oahu • Leticia Yoro Basuel, first Mrs. Sinait National High School Alumni of Hawaii, sponsored by SNHSAAH 1997 • Imelda S. Padasdao, first Filipina deacon, Philippine Independent & Episcopal Church- Honolulu • Honorable Daniel Kihano, first Filipino Speaker of the House of Representatives, State of Hawaii (Emilio S. Alcon, Vice Speaker) • Mr. Lito Alcantra, first Filipino contractor who was awarded as Minority Contractor of the Year, Hawaii, Guam and California • Janell Dumlao, first Miss Isabela Hawaii Association • Mr. Tony L. Sagayadoro, first president of Isabela Hawaii Association, during his term, he coordinated the Aloha Medical Mission to Isabela. He is now at KNDI Radio as a DJ and Account Executive; Pride in Waipahu; UFCH Progress Awardee 2001, now Hawaii Program Coordinator MOTTEP • Mr. Constancio Quinto, first president of Laoag City Circle of Hawaii. Active with Caballeros de Dimasalang. • Manuel Cabacungan, first president of Sinaitenians of Oahu. 1973 and Annak Ti Sinait iti Hawaii, 1997. Co-organizer of Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii; Sinait National High School Alumni Assn of Hawaii. • Dr. Estrella Pada Taong, first president of Sinait National High School Alumni Association of Hawaii. 1995. Became active with OFCC, Ilocos Surians Assn of Hawaii, Gumil Oahu, others. • Debbie Obrero, first Miss Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii • Acela Garcia, first Mrs Hawaii Filipina, United Filipino Council of Hawaii, thereafter, she was very much involved with the community. Served in various capacities with OFCC board and UFCH • Albert Ugalino, UFCH president who first to formulate Mrs. Hawaii Filipina Scholarship Pageant. Involved with Tri-Media Council, a comedy-drama writer. • Pastor Pablo, first president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce • Isabel Tagala, first woman president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce • Cecille Piros, first president of Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chapter, followed by Atty. Tony Ramil • Dr. Henry Manayan, first Ilokano who owned and managed first Filipino Radio Station, KISA. Dr. Manayan served UFCH President, 1973-1975 (His son Rick Manayan also served UFCH president 1994-1995. His other son Henry, Jr. became mayor of Milpitas, California) • Modesto Salve, first born to graduate from Honolulu public school • Leticia Quintal, first Miss Hawaii Filipina, 1959, followed by Lilian Gabuco, 1960. • • Carmella Barut. First Miss Oahu Filipina 1973, but won for Miss Hawaii Filipina • Ludivina de Castro, first first runner-up for Miss Oahu Filipina Pageant that was automatically Miss Oahu Filipina. • Honorable Rudy Pacarro, first Filipino to serve as Chair, Honolulu Council • Donovan Dela Cruz, youngest Filipino to serve as Chair, Honolulu Council, 2003 • Bella Ortega Tomas, first Filipina selected a s Mrs. Hawaii, and first Filipina who won 3rd placer of the Mrs. America • Richard Ato, first Filipino to serve as Asst Chief of Police, Honolulu Police Dept. • Carayo Caoili, first president of the Hawaii Filipino American Media Council. Former Editor of Fil-am Courier, co-organizer of Gumil Oahu • Pacita Saludes, first president of Gumil Hawaii; Annak ti Kailokuan, first Hawaii writer awardee as Leona Florentino, highest award given by Gumil Filipinas; UFCH Progress Awardee 2001 • Roland A. Bueno, first president of Gumil, USA, Inc., editor-in-chief, Bannawag Hawaii Bureau, Inc (BHBI), staff members, Amado Yoro, Elvin Quiocho, Mike Ulibas, Bert Ugalino. Publishers: Rev. Jose J. Lazo & Maggie Domingo • Annie Corpuz, first president of La Union Circle of Hawaii • Fortunato Teho, first Filipino graduate from University of Hawaii • Connie Chun, first Filipina to serve as Chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission. When ran a state representative against Romy Cachola, with a tie vote, result after the Office Election intervened, Romy Cachola won. • Norberto Villanueva, first Filipino Radio Announcer in Hawaii • Leonora Albayalde, first organizer of Kauai Filipino Women’s Club. One of the first 5 Bishop’s Awardee, St. Paul’s Church 2001, others are Gloria P. Yoro, Albina Gamponia, Gregorio Guerrero, Miguel Pascua. • Jean Lumaoag, first president and founder of Filipino Business Womens Assn of Hawaii • Geminiano Toy Arre, Jr., first Filipino to serve as president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce • Diosdado Avecilla, first Filipino travel organizer/agent and also known as “Dean of Filipino Travel Agents” • Faustino Respicio, ran the longest radio and TV program for 55+ year the “Filipino Fiesta” • Rev. Timoteo Quintero, first vicar & founder of St. Paul’s Church, Honolulu since 1959-1997, replaced by Rev. Randolph VN Albano • Dr. Amefil Agbayani, first Filipina born to win UH distinguish alumna award and obtained doctorate in Political Science • Atty. Abelina Madrid Shaw, first Filipina to be appointed into Cabinet post by Governor George Ariyoshi, as Special Assistant to the Governor and the Human Resources and Progressive Neighborhood Program, and now Chief of Staff under Honolulu Mayor Harris’ administration • Dr. Helen Nagtalon Miller, first Hawaii born Filipina who obtained Ph. D at the University of Hawaii • Francisco Ponce, first Ilokano writer in Hawaii selected as Most Valuable Writer of Bannawag 1978 • Fred Quibol, first Editor-in-Chief, Tangguyob Magazine, Gumil Oahu official magazine since 1997- 2000 • Pacita C. Saludes, Amado Yoro, Mario Albalos, first triumvirate in Iloko writing, Gumil Hawaii, Ilokandia Magazine 1975-1982 • Zachary Labez, Amado Yoro, Jun Colmenares, triumvirate editorial board for Oahu Filipino Times, OFCC • Ric Agnes, first Ilokano writer in Hawaii who won first prize for the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for two consecutive years, editor of Tangguyob • Artemio T. Ignacio, first Ilokano writer in Hawaii to win the Upland Municipal Ilocos Sur Assn in USA (UMISA) and Prinsesa Urduja Literary Award (PULA) • Andel Barroga, first Webmaster of Iluko.com and put Tangguyob on the Website, former vice president of Gumil Oahu • Amelia (Mel) Ramos, first president and founder of Gumil Hawaii Grande; UFCH Progress award 2001 • • Roland Casamina, first president of the Filipino Community Center, Inc. 1993 • Edith Pascua, first president of the Hawaii Filipino Democrat. 2002, past president, OFCC, board member, FilComCenter • Carol Taj, first Ms Ilocos Nortenians of America • Dr. Danilo Ablan, first president of Sirmata (Vision) 2004 • Felipe P. Abinsay, Jr., first president of Vigan Association of Hawaii, 1983. Member, State House of Representatives • Senator Robert Bunda, first Filipino Senate President. Hawaii State Senate 2000 • Angela Baraquio, first Filipina and Asian won Miss America 2000 • Benny Agbayani, first Filipino World Champion Baseball • Ben Villaflor, first Filipino boxer, Champion • Jesus Salud, first son of Sinait, Champion, boxing, followed by Brian Viloria (Narvacan, IS), both known as “Hawaiian Punch”. Both Ilokano parents • Dr. Ignacio “Nas” Torres, first president to Filipino Coalition for Solidarity, president, Candonians of Hawaii • Pete Ramos, first president of Tri-Media Council, served UFCH president 1979-1981, and Deputy District Governor, District 50, Lions Club International • Rev. Randolph V.N.Albano, first who introduced a Bishop’s Award annual recognition, St. Paul’s Church, membership Chair of the Order of Knights of Rizal, Hawaii Chapter • Larry Ramirez, first president & founder of Ilocos Norte College of Arts & Trade Alumni Assn of Hawaii, past president of United Laoageneos of Hawaii, board member, OFCC. • Serafin ‘Jun’ Colmenares, first Chairman of the Philippine Consulate Philippine Celebration Committee of Hawaii, 1999, COVO president; • Orlando Layugan, first president of San Nicolas National High School Assn of Hawaii • Judge Mario Evangelista, first president of Fil-Am Vets, 1991 • Rev. Jose J, Lazo, first president & founder of Friends of Marcos, Radio Commentator, Resource person, UFCH; co-organizer, Gumil Oahu. He is the first minister to introduce Baptist Church • Mrs. Florentina Lazo, first president of Baguio High School International Alumni Assn – Hawaii Chapter • Ted Saribay, first president of Filipino Leaders Alliance Group (FLAG), past president, Cabugao Sons & Daughters of Hawaii • Dr. Raymund Liongson, first president of the Northwestern University (Hawaii), instructor, Leeward Community College, University of Hawaii System, and president of the University of Philippine Alumni Assn of Hawaii, now Commissioner, Filipino Centennial Celebration Commssion • Mrs. Soledad Alconcel, founder of Philippine Cultural Foundation in Hawaii • Fely Unico, first president of Sampaguita Club; member of Gumil Hawaii • Francisco Ugale, first president of Magsingal Hawaii Residents Assn of Hawaii, publisher of Hawaii Filipino News; served as UFCH President • Conrado Paguirigan, first president of Damilians,(San Nicolas Foundation of Hawaii, Inc.), followed by Ernie Pascua • Nicanor Agdeppa, first president of Sinaitenians of Maui • January 16, 1971, first assembly meeting of Gumil Hawaii, KAIM Radio headed by Mrs. Pacita Cabulera Saludes and Anton Cacatian, Felipe Madarang, others • August 13, 1996, first assembly of Gumil Oahu, Filipino Express Restaurant, Kambingan, Westgate Center, Waipahu. Amado Yoro was elected first president, • August 17, 1996, first Literary Forum, Gumil Oahu, Ewa Manager’s Mansion, Chaired by Francisco Ponce. • November 15, 16, 17, 2002, first Gumil International Conference hosted by Gumil Oahu in coordination with Gumil Filipinas and Gumil Metro Manila, headed by Gladys Menor, Jose A. Bragado and Cles B. Rambaud, president of their respective Gumil. It was held at the Philippine Consulate and FilComCenter. • Edmund “Butch” Calaycay, Jr., first Filipino Certified Court Ilokano Interpreter, Nov 2007[I met him in person at UH Nov 17, 2007] • Additional names as of August 25, 2005 • Lolinda Ramos, first Filipina Corporate Officer of banking institution Filipino Newspapers and Periodicals The most current are: o Filipino Summit Maui 2004 by publisher Herman Andaya from Bacarra, Ilocos Norte o Fil-Am Light News 2004 Maui by Cornelio Ancheta from Laoag City o Pingki – Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii newsletter edited by Amado I. Yoro, 2003 to present o Fil-Am Courier, publish by David and Mary Cordero, twice a month, 1987 to present, Amado Yoro is one of the Editorial staffs o The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, semi-monthly, 1997 to present, Amado Yoro is one of the contributors o Oahu Filipino Times edited by Zachary Labez, Amado Yoro, Jun Colmenares, publish by OFCC,bimonthly, 2001 to present o Tangguyob, Iloko Writers magazine by Gumil Oahu, quarterly, 1997 to present, Amado Yoro as its first president, edited by Fred Quibol o Aramid ni San Pablo, an official newsletter by St. Paul’s Church, Honolulu, editors Dwayne Bueno, Amado Yoro, managing Editor, Rose Galanto, Norma Alejandro, Cheryl Lei Yoro, Chad Agullana, staffs Others like:  Ang Sandaka ( The Sword), weekly published by Pablo Manlapit, 1914  Hawaii Filipino News, Editor Roman Cariaga, published by Star Bulletin, 1930-1939  Filipino News, Editor Abe Albayalde, English-Iloko weekly, Kauai, 1951-1959  Masakbayanmi a Filipinos, monthly, English-Iloko, 1934-1938  Philippine Press, bi-weekly, English-Iloko, Hilo, 1934  Kauai Mangiturong, 1938  Ti Silaw, Cayetano Ligot, publisher and Clemente Reyes, Editor, (claimed to be the oldest and largest Filipino publication), 1938  Tulong, 1938  Naimbag a Nakem, 1938  Goodwill, a magazine, 1938  Hawaii Island, semi-monthly, 1938  Mangitandudo, Kauai, weekly, 1938  Philippine Commonwealth Cheronicle, 1938  Philippine News Tribune, Maximo Sevilla, editor, 1938  Hawaii Nei, monthly magazine, 1941  Work to Win Bulletin, Wartime magazine, Faustino Respicio, 1941  Philippines at War, the Medium of Information Among Filipinos, 1943-1945  New Post, the New Philippines, Ric Labez, Editor, 1947-1949  Philippine Journal, Agapito Patacsil, editor-publisher, 1947-1962  Ti Mangyuna, 1948-1958  Hawaii Filipino American Tribune, 1950  Now is the Time, religious paper, Maui, 1953  Hawaii Reporter, labor newspaper with Filipino edition, 1959-1961  Philippine American Press, 1960  Philippine American Goodwill Foundation, 1960  The Filipino Herald of Hawaii, Teddi Medina, editor, 1962  Pilipino Progress, Pearl City Publishing, 1965  Pacific Courier, Victor Agmata, publisher, 1967-1979; it was taken over by Mel Europa, Editor, 1979-1988  Pacific Journal, Raymund Bartolome, publisher, 1967-1977  Pahayag, anti-martial law newsletter, 1972-1989  Filipino Community News, Ric Labez and Dr. Henry Manayan, 1975-1976  Paradise Magazine, edited by Rev. David Saludez, Pacita Saludes and Antone Cacatian, 1974-1976  Ilokandia Magazine, co-publishers: Amado Yoro, Elias Yoro, Pacita Saludes, Graciano Soriano, Leo Blanco, Anastacio de Castro, trilingual edited by Amado Yoro and Pacita Saludes, Francisco Ponce, 1976-1982  Hawaii Filipino News, Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, editor/publisher, 1975-1981; it was taken over by Francisco Ugale, 1981-1987  Santak, an Iloko supplement of HFN, edited by Amado Yoro, 1983-1986  OFCC Newsletter, edited by Lulu dela Cruz, 1980-1982  Pluma Magazine, Co-Publisher, Amado Yoro and Mario Orbito, editor, Mario Albalos, 1986-1988  KISS Magazine, edited/published by Rick Manayan  The Sentinel, an official Newsletter for Sinaitenians of Oahu, published/edited by Amado Yoro, 1985-1987  The Pride of Sinait, an official newsletter of Sinait National High School Alumni Assn of Hawaii, published/edited by Amado Yoro, 1996-1997  The Community Advocate News Magazine, trilingual, monthly, publisher, Jun Abinsay, 1992-1995  Kaisahan, UFCH newsletter edited by Sol Manaay and Rick Manayan, Amado Yoro, Iloko Editor, 1996-1998 OFCC Past Presidents & Present  Justo Dela Cruz+ 1959-1961  Adelino Valentin+ 1961-1961  Diosdado Avecilla+ 1961-1962  Jesus O. Cayaban+ 1962-1963  Dr. Marcelino Avecilla+ 1963-1964  Gelacio Daoang + 1964-1965  Moises Claveria+ 1965-1966  Pedro Oducayen+ 1966-1967  Emilio Alcon+ 1967-1967  Victor Agmata 1967-1968  Justo Dela Cruz+ 1968-1969  Bart Alcaraz+ 1969-1970  Pol Ragasa+ 1970-1971 12/31/13/colorado  Gene Albano 1971-1973  Pete Racelis, Jr.+ 1973-1974  Mel Europa+ 1974-1975  Mel Agag, Jr.+ 1975-1976  Ilalo Parayno 1976-1977  Fred Aspree+ 1977-1978  Matilda Molina+ 1978-1979  Ricardo Labez+ 1979-1981  Mario Albalos+ 1981-1982  Amado Yoro 1982-1982  Nunelon Medallon+ 1982-1983  Victor Guillermo 1983-1984  Gerry Rojo 1984-1986  Don Alvarez+ 1986-1990  Maggie Domingo 1990-1990  Romualdo Agustin 1990-1992  Marlene Manzano+ 1992-1994  Jun Abinsay 1994-1996  Ernie Pascua 1996-1997  Ben Cabreros 1997-1999  Edith Pascua 1999-2001  Eddie Agas, Sr. 2001-2003  Jenny Quezon 2003-2004  Dr. Arnold Villafuerte 2004-2005  Lynne Gutierrez 2005-2007[]  Franklin Borromeo 2007-2008  Cirvalina “Lina” Longboy2008-2009  Danny Villaruz 2009-2010  Maria Etrata 2010-2012  Jean Jeremiah 2012-2014  Alex Vergara 2014-2015 Miss Oahu Filipina  1973 Carmela Barut*  1973 Ludivina De Castro  1974 Celita De Castro*  1974 Robin Cabiles  1975 Jackery Tejada*  1975 Sharilyn Baqui  1976 Sharon Robles*  1976 Erlinda Meneses  1977 Lourdes Felipe*  1977 Teresa Fernandez  1978 Theresa Ribaya  1979 Elsa Perlas  1980 Juli-Ann Nalani Sagum  1981 Cynthia Lapenia  1982 Coralei Rivera  1983 Melinda Gaborna*  1983 Maribel Esteban  1984 Dodie Viquelia*  1984 Ginger Davenport  1985 Gladys Primero  1986 Joyce Mina  1987 Ligaya Stice*  1987 Marie Ann Agustin  1988 Melissa De La Cruz  1989 Romelia Broas*  1989 Ania Lei Davalos  1990 Kathy Duhaylongsod*  1991 Lori Ann Messina  1992 Gayle Valdez  1993 Raquel Bueno  1994 Corazon Dumlao  1995 Pamela Domingo*  1995 Cheryl Fernandez  1996 Lori Butay*  1996 Lynn Bagasol  1997 Angelica Batin*  1997 Lesley Ann Paglinawan  1998 Jessica Corpuz*  1998 Pamela Lavlilla  1999 Arnalde Dedee Melchor*  1999 Fe Albano  2000 Jennifer Vea*  2000 Sheri-Lynn Baclig  2001 Maribel Apuya*  2001 Lori Lamug  2002 Agnes Calderon*  2002 Liana Green  2003 Aureana Tseu*  2003 Glenda Salvador  2004 Ruth Aguinaldo  2005 Jermel Lynn Quillopo  2006 lg time  2007 Jerryca Gasmen  2008 Krystle M. Acido*  2008 Bianca Castillo [2nd ru elevated]  2009 Margaret Pascual *  2010 Marinell Castillo  2011-Leoveni Mabiog  2012-Heavenly Fines  2013-Erika Joy Ordonez*  2014= Lovely Joy Orsino *Won Miss Oahu, then crowned Miss Hawaii Filipina Title + deceased UFCH Past Presidents & Present First UFCH Convention held on June 19, 20, 21, 1959, prior to that, Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, Sr. started the campaign in September 1957 in order to unite the Filipino leaders representing Filipino civic clubs throughout the Territory. Ambassador Dionisio facilitated the “gathering of the eagles” through face-to-face dialogs. Chairmen of the six island councils were all respected leaders of their communities. Anastacio Luis, Big Island, Marcelino Francisco, Kauai, Liberato Abado, Lanai, Rafael Cabebe, Maui, Antonio Abrahano, Molokai, Justo dela Cruz, Oahu. HPD Lt. Roland Sagum served chairman of the first convention. There were 150 delegates with their theme: “Statehood and the Filipinos in Hawaii”. It was August 21, 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th State of the Union, after Alaska, 49th. The first Miss Hawaii Filipina was held under a Fiesta Filipina Project @. • Roland D. Sagum+ 1959-1961 • Justo Dela Cruz+ 1961-1962 • Nicanor Domingo+ 1962-1963 - Maui • Diosdado Avecilla+ 1963-1965 • Gelacio Daoang+ 1965-1966 • Frank Farinas+ 1966-1967 • Jose Sanidad+ 1967-1969 • Manuel Guillermo+ 1969-1970 • Mario Bautista+ 1970-1971 • Flaviano Leomo+ 1971-1972 • Dave Paco + 1972-1973 • Henry Manayan 1973-1975 • Gene Albano 1975-1976 • Jake Manegdeg 1976-1977 • Pat Esclito, Jr. 1977-1978 - Maui • Jake Manegdeg 1978-1979 • Pete Ramos+@ 1979-1981 • Dave Paco+ 1981-1982 • Virgilio Agcolicol 1982-1984 - Maui • Francisco Ugale@ 1984-1986 • Bert Ugalino@ 1986-1988 • Tony Ramil 1988-1990 - Maui • Maggie Domingo@ 1990-1992 • Zachary Labez+ 1992-1994 • Rick Manayan 1994-1995 • Oscar Portugal 1995-1996 – Kauai • Maggie Domingo@ 1996-1998 • Don Alvarez@+ 1998-2000 • Greg Peros 2000-2001 - Maui • Dwayne Bueno@ 2001-2003 • Don Guzman 2003-2004 – Maui • Don Alvarez+ 2004-2006 • Bryan Andaya 2006-2008 • Eddie Agas, Sr. 2008-2010 [las vegas conv 84 delegates] • Lynne Gutierrez 2010-2012[lv 32 delegates] • Jenny Quezon 2012-2014 [51 delegates Kauai 2013- 1 vote diff from Liza Trinidad • Maria Etrata -2014-2015 +Deceased @= Amado I. Yoro served as Publicity Chair under their respective administration, except Ugalino administration being Chair on Membership Committee, and Ugale being member on Scholarship Committee with Vince Bagoyo, Chairman and Sakada Committee Publicity. Bueno’s administration, Yoro both served on Publicity/Newsletter and Sakada & Elderly Committee Mrs. Hawaii Filipina  Acela Garcia 1988  Linda Villena 1989  Dolores Oandasan 1990  Miriam Guerrero 1991  Remy Rabanal 1992  Evangeline Munoz 1993  Felina Quebral 1994  Veronica Esteban 1997  Corazon Manarpaac 1998  Marites Domingo 1999  Edita Simon 2000  Lydia Balais Fontes 2001  Therese Viquilla Aleta 2002  Felice Chit Guillermo 2003  Wibitz Stewart 2004 –1st time maui  Reyna Rahman 2005  Armi Oliver Farinas 2006  Imelda Anderson 2007  Edna Ballesteros 2008  Jema Geronimo 2009  Kanani Dias 2010  Joy Agni 2011  Mm 2012  Nnn 2013 Miss Hawaii Filipina  Leticia Quintal 1959  Lilian Gabuco 1960  Lina Pasion 1961  Barbara Balderas 1962  Estrellita Ortiz 1963  Gloria Parinas 1964  Rose De Dios 1965  Sandra San Agustin 1966  Veronica Ortiz 1967  Joyal Torres 1968  Leilani Petranek 1969  Janice Bergado 1970  Thelma Supnet 1971  Shirley Cambe 1972  Carmella Barut* 1973  Jackery Tejada 1974  Celita De Castro* 1975  Sharon Robles* 1976  Lourdes Felipe* 1977  Jill Pacarro 1978  Teresa Limcaco 1979  Beth Sabala 1980  Joan Camero 1981  Jody Ann Andrade 1982  Melinda Gaborna* 1983  Dodie Viquelia 1984  Janet Vidad 1985  Donna Beth Balag 1986  Shelly Caldito 1987  Ligaya Stice* 1988  Monica Lischka 1989  Melissa Dela Cruz 1990  Kathy Duhaylongsod* 1990  Remedios Broas* 1991  Eva Marie Arconado 1992  Ruth Naomi Coller 1992  Juliet Raymundo 1993  Amy Centeno* 1994  Pamela Domingo* 1995  Lori Butay* 1996  Angelica Batin* 1997  Jessica Corpuz* 1998  Dee Dee Melchor* 1999  Jennifer Vea* 2000  Maribel Apuya* 2001  Agnes Calderon* 2002  Andrea Tseu 2003  Ruth Aguinaldo* 2004  Rutchelle Melchor 2005  Jo AnnCaro 2006  Cierra Rauch 2007 ma  Krystle Acido* 2008 oa  Celina Hayashi 2009 ma  Margaret Pascual 2010 oa  Topaz Fernandez 2011 ka  Ariel Enriquez 2012 bi  Erika Joy Ordonez 2013 oa  Big Island queen 2014 *Won the title of Miss Oahu, an Island pageant, then won title as Miss Hawaii Filipina, statewide pageant, same year. Take note: between 1959 to 1972, statewide queen is chosen directly. Thereafter, Miss Oahu Filipina is first chosen and given an opportunity to run for the statewide title in the same year of her reign. In some administration, the first runner-up was also allowed to compete for the statewide title. UFCH Progess/Sakada Awardees 1990 1991 1992= none – Labez pres 1993 = none – Manayan - pres 1994 = none = Portugal - pres 1995 = none = Portugal - pres 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 – 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Filipinos in Politics, Past & Present • Atty Peter Aduja • Judge Benjamin Menor • Pedro dela Cruz • Barney Menor • Eduardo Malapit • Eddie Sarita • James Tehada • Daniel Kihano • Bernaldo Bicoy • Richard Caldito, Sr. • Richard Caldito, Jr. • Rick Medina • Jake Manegdeg • Emilio Alcon • Ted Mina • Rudy Pacarro • Gene Albano • Ollie Lunasco • Connie Chun • Judge Reynaldo Graulty • Alfred Lardizabal • Domingo Takahashi • Vince Bagoyo • Mariano Acoba • Ben Cabreros • Melodie Aduja • David Pendleton Present Senate  Senate President Robert Bunda  Senate Vice Donna Mercado Kim  Ron Menor  Lorraine Rodero Inouye  Willie Espero Present House of Representatives  Felipe Abinsay, Jr., (D)  Michael Magaoay (D)  Alex Sonson (D)  Rida Cabanilla (D)  Kimberly Pine ( R)  Lynn Finnegan ( R ) Present Honolulu City Council • Romy Cachola • Nestor Garcia • Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair Kauai Council Maui Council Big Island Council Other Filipinos in Politics outside Hawaii • Thelma Garcia, Alaska Representative • Henry Manayan, Jr, Mayor, Milpitas, California • Manibog, Mayor, Daly City, California Filipinos in Restaurant  Jesse Coffee & Restaurant, Jesse Badua  Bahay Kubo, Joey Alcantra  Filipino Express, Lito Alcantra  Mabuhay Café, Fil & Jean Lomaoag  M & N, Moises & Norma Yere  Cocina, Chona Sonido  Elena’s, Theo & Elena Butuyan  Thelma’s, Thelma  others ================================ About the author: Amado I. Yoro: Current Member, Editorial Board, Oahu Filipino Times, OFCC; co-chair, Sakada Centennial Celebration Year 2006,OFCC/UFCH; co-chair, OFCC/UFCH publicity; editorial staff, Fil-Am Courier; US Correspondent, Ilocos Times; Hawaii Correspondent, Tawid Magazine/Saringit Chronicle. References(Mostly from)  UFCH/OFCC annual Souvenir Booklets  Fil-Am Courier  Hawaii Filipino News  Hawaii Filipino Chronicle  Santak  Pluma Magasin  Ilokandia Magasin  Pacific Courier  Pacific Journal  Sakada Book  Milkfish in Brackish Water/Bangus by Rev. Fred Vergara  Research  Pinoy: The First Wave by Dr. Robert V. Vallangca  The Filipinos in Hawaii: 1st 75th Years by Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, Sr.  Mr.Faustino Respicio’s Book  Out of this Struggle – The Filipinos in Hawaii: 75th Anniversary by Luis V. Teodoro, Jr.  Pagdiriwang 1996 – Legacy & Vision of Hawaii Filipino American by Jonathan Okumura & Roderick Labrador  Sinking Roots: Filipino American Legacy in Hawaii by Dean Alegado  Sakada: Filipino Adaptation in Hawaii by Ruben Alcantara  Filipina – Hawaii Filipina Women by Pepi Nieva  Searching for the Promised land: Filipinos and Samoan by Nancy Foon Young  Filipinos in Hawaii by Roman Cariaga  Eminent Filipinos by Consul Benjamin Domingo  Who’s Who in Hawaii Filipino Professionals by Mary K. Makapagal  Others Sources: Interviews UFCH Convention-incomplete 2% margin of error Still good number beyond 200 delegates compare to the following: 2013 Kauai - 51 delegates and Jenny won 1 vote over Liza Trinidad 2012 Hilo - 117 delegates and Jenny won vs Fajardo and Pulido 2011-Las Vegas - 34 delegates [2 did not vote] Lynne G unopposed 2010 Lahaina Maui - 150 + delegates Lynne automatic because I withdrawn due to my 1 month gall bladder and vile stone operation June 2010- I endorsed Lynne 2009 - Kaunakakai, Molokai Eddie Agas reelected unopposed 48 delegates but only 44 votes, other 4 left earlier due to flight schedule 2008 - Las Vegas, 84 delegates, but 2 did not vote- Eddie Agas, elected unopposed For the 2014 race between two women is just like a platoon vs battalion. For me, it is NOT THE NUMBER, it is the quality of service counts. Lanai 1999 convention was chaired by Vincent Bagoyo and Norma Barroga held at the Manile Bay Hotel Good luck Apo Amado

MARCH 16, 2015 MONDAY=====FIRST OFCC CONVENTION COMMITTEE MEETING

March 16, 2015 Monday=====First OFCC Committee Meeting= Susannah Wesley Community Center=======8 In attendance: Alex Vergara, Jean Jeremiah, Jake Manegdeg, Amado Yoro, Armi Farinas, Marienne Vergara, Lety Ancog, Richard Ancog.=======Jake Manegdeg, Chairman, Amado Yoro, Albert Roque, Co-Chairs [moved Loida and Baybe to Credential and Registration] List of possible parliamentarian, legal cousel: Alex Sonson, Judge Graulty, Duke Aiona, Bryan Andaya, Vernon Rivera

Samahang Ilocano March 14, 2015 Adopt a Hwy Farrington Hwy

March 14, 2015 Samahang Ilocano =======Adopt a Hwy Volunteers Joy Malaabed Sr, Pat Ucol, Noly Butay, Edwin Saquiton, Errol Caoagas, Bards Gumila, ArmandoSoriano, Michael Racoma, Gloria Malabed,Dominador Galingana====13 bags

HOKU BBQ FUNDRAISING MARCH 14, 2015 SATURDAY NEAL BLAISDELL PARK.AIEA

March 14, 2015 Saturday====Volunteers today for the HOKU====Amado Yoro, Gus Concepcion, Romulo Basuel, Ophelia Basuel, Davelyn Quijano, Ador, Quijano, Ellen Orsino, Tony Ipalari, Hermie Gaspar, Rosebella Ipalari, Grace Ines, Leonila Degala, Angelita Idica, Johnny Idica, Rolly Padasdao, Gloria Padasdao, came into the tent Roger Tapat, Emelyn Anunciasion, Angie Santiago, Jesse Pascual, David Willing and 2 kids, Mario Palma, Leonila Degala, balatong, Grace Ines, arozcaldo, Amado Yoro, water, soda, tables, chairs, trash bags, Lilia del Rosario, Edgar Ipalari, Natividad Lived, suman, seaweeds, GUS, AMADO, ROMULO, JOHNNY, ADOR, went to pick up the 300 chicken in the Kapahulu district--Rainbow Drive Inn, Paid $ 2372.81 To 50th State Poultry,Inc. for the 300chicken=============================Davelyn incharge of the listing=======I gave the receipt to Hermie=unload, unpack, re-pack is very organized and systematic

Maro 6, 2015 Biernes====screen ti aglawlaw ti balay

Marso 6, 2015 Biernes ---nagmalemak a nangistimar ti screen ti aglawlaw ti balay tapno saan a serken dagiti pusa ti sirok $50.00 ti naigastok.

Committee Meeting 2nd Quirino Award Feb 17, 2015

ISAH Q AWARD CTE MTG FEB 17 2015 MCDONALD AIRPORT IN ATTENDANCE; Danny Villaruz, Al Sabangan, Alice Castaneda, Roger Tapat, Lina Mercado, Amado Yoro Note: At the opening of the meeting, Danny informed the group that Loida has tendered her resignation as a Event Chair for the Mrs. ISAH 2015 due to her mother’s accident. Need to attend her most of the time. Regarding the PRIORITY for the QA, tickets must be monitored in order to see progress as we need attendance. For the ADS/SPONSORSHIP SOLICITATION, the group has agreed that though it is not mandatory, however, to option and to encourage others to GET ONE FULL PAGE ADS per officer including advisers. HW will consider one but if they want to give one each, it is up to them. BACK COVER IS RESERVED FOR WEST LOCH HOTEL BY Mr. Alcantra ONE full page per unit member organization If one can solicit 7 FULL PAGES, the 8th is free ads for the solicitor. SOUVENIR BOOK PROJECTION is 140-150 pages====10-12 NON REVENUE Qne each for: • ISAH President • QA Event Chair Half each for: 1. Consulate/UFCH 2. Ilocos Sur Gov/Hawaii Gov 3. Vigan City Mayor/ Honolulu Mayor 4. OFCC/ ONE FP for Awardee: 1. QA-Hawaii 2. QA-Ilocos Sur Half each Awardee for 1. Don Belong/Leon Pichay 2. Gabriela 3. Soliven Ilocos/Soliven Hawaii 2 pages for ISAH/QA background history QA Committee meeting must be weekly with a 5 required quorum INITIAL PLEDGERS FOR ADS: Alice, 3; Amado. 2; Danny, 1 ½; Roger, 1; Lina, 1, Al, 1

breakfast meeting with jun bumanglag and ric agnes ,,zippys ewa renton 2/13/15 tgif

feb 13, 2015 tgif ====breakfast with jun bumanglag, ric agnes at zippy's ewa----book from jun operation medalla cartel talked about writing, face book, others

OFCC: SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE ON THE MOVE......IN ACTION, IN TASKS TAKER

OFCC Special Projects On the Move……In Action, in tasks taker By Amado I. Yoro ----------------------- What a wonderful morning this February 7, 2015 Saturday in Hawaii nei. I, being the Chairman of the OFCC Special Projects Committee under the OFCC in order to tackle special tasks including but not limited to Feeding the Homeless, Adopt a Highway, Food Banking, Census, rapid response, walk for fun in relations with the raising funds for calamity and natural disasters victims, weed and seed, graffiti buster paint up, earth day A’ina Day, others. --------------------- For many years now that I was involved in this type of volunteerism: raising funds for calamity and natural disasters victims, weed and seed, graffiti buster paint up, earth day A’ina Day, others. --------------------- For many years now since my arrival from the Philippines as a son of an ordinary watercress worker and a grandson of a 1926 sakada sugar plantation worker, and I was landed in the sugar plantation as a utility field worker with a $2.10 per hour in 1971, I was involved in this type of volunteerism with the Lions Club International, the Leeward Lions Club, Honolulu Fil-Am Lions Club, the Waipahu Business Association, this project used to be called the WEE-ful program under the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highway Division. I would say: this is one of various extra curricular activities I am doing in life……the spirit of volunteerism. Give and share. -------------------- Today, as the first activity of the year 2015 in terms of Adopt a Highway, at this bright and sunny morning, asides from our regular participants in attendance, we welcomed the newest ever member, Espie Badua, a businesswoman by profession, insurance agent and member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce. She said: “my pleasure to join you in this kind of community service, helping the community back and make the environment cleaner”. Badua said, and “I can be with you in the Feeding the Homeless as I want to serve as well” -------------------------- This whole force this morning are as follows: Luz Peirson, from the Filipino Womens Civic Club and the Bulacan Circle of Hawaii, former OFCC treasurer; Lory Barroga-Lee, former member of Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii; Tia Go, youngest, daughter of Helen Grace Villanueva Go, Candonians of Hawaii president; Al Sabangan, consistent volunteer, officer and adviser of the Cabugao Sons & Daughters Assn of Hawaii, and the Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii, UFCH Progress Awardee 2012 for Community Service with his wife Rose Sabangan; Angie Santiago, Board of Governor, UFCH, former co-chair for the OFCC Special Projects, with her is her son Damien Santiago, youth. --------------------------------- A very consistent as one of the ACTION TAKER- Make a Difference is Jean Jeremiah, the always there person, earliest responder, an OFCC Immediate past president [2012-2014], OFCC Council of Past Presidents reocorder [secretary], executive director of the Filipino Organizations.com; Jesse Pascual, who is very good co-chairman; a UFCH Progress Awardee 2013 for Community Service; former DWCLCAAH president and OFCC director. ------------------------------------- For the Oahu Filipino Community Council [OFCC], Adopt a Highway Project is one of various activities the Council has involved with. ---------------------------------- It is a quarterly activity participated by volunteers. It was being done in the past and as far as I can remember, adopt a highway is an individual organization’s project, then, in the 80’s [ I was OFCC president 1981-1982] and 90’s, it was of and on, in 2005, the project was nearly neglected therefore the DOT took out the sign both ends: Nimitz Hwy and Kula Kolea. To restore and reactivate the project, we had requested that DOT to re-install the sign; OAHU FILIPINO COUNCIL, and in 2006 until now the signs are up and visible. [Thanks to Mr. Charles Lee, highway division]. ----------------------------------------- Not to take any credit, this writer has been co-chairing, chairing this activity under various OFCC president from Edith Pascua,[1999-2001] Eddie Agas, Sr., [2001-2003], Jenny Quezon,[2003-2004], Arnold Villafuerte, [2004-2005], Lynne Gutierrez,[2005-2007], Franklin Borromeo, [2007-2008], Cirvalina Longboy, [2008-2009], Danny Villaruz, [2009-2010], Maria Etrata, [2010-2012], Jean Jeremiah, [2012-2014] and currently under Rev. Dr. Alex Vergara, OFCC president 2014-2015. --------------------------------------------- This project became a partnership with other organizations as promulgated by the UFCH Resolution 2010-001 that was passed at the annual convention in Lahaina, Maui, under the UFCH past president Eddie Agas, Sr. The resolution was prepared and introduced by Jun Abinsay, Danny Villaruz and this writer. ----------------------------------------------------- Our committee is open for anyone who has the free time, purely voluntary at free will at own risk. Must be physically fit as the activity requires some bending, picking trash and bagging. It takes only forty five to ninety minutes depending the number of participants. Adopted street is the Kalihi St. a 2-mile stretch from the Nimitz Hwy, Oceanside; split Kalihi and Likelike Hwy to Kula Kolea Rd, across the Kalihi Elementary School towards the Wilson tunnel to Kaneohe running in the very heart of Kalihi district also known as “Filipino town” where most Filipinos live here, and represented by Filipinos to the State Legislature and/or the Honolulu City Council. At various occasions some representatives or former have joined this activity as part of their outreach like from Representative Jun Abinsay, former representative Vice Speaker Joey Manahan, now a councilman; Vice Speaker John Mizuno, married to a Filipina. Also participated in by former Mrs. Hawaii Filipina Armi Farinas, Jema Geronimo, Miss Hawaii Filipina Margaret Pascual, Miss Oahu Filipina, and others. ###

ISAH BOARD MEETING///FEB 3, 2015////SUSANNAH WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTER

FEB 3, 2015 TUESDAY===ISAH BOARD MEETING----In attendance clockwise from Danny Villaruz, Rose Sabangan, Veronica Esteban, Al Sabangan, Art Abinsay, Roger Tapat, Antonio Ipalari, Gus Concepcion, Romulo Basuel, Amado Yoro, Lina Mercado, acting secretary; Alice Castaneda, Waneka Davis, Estrella Taong, Paul Taong, Nemesio Dar, Editha Dar, Lety Dalit, Jimmy Dalit, Emmie Villaruz, Jun Abinsay============ Pres Danny wants the Quirino Award Committee to meet each week======it was moved and seconded that QAC will meet each Tuesday beginning Feb 17 until April-----------Loida concern is work conflict of schedule=======moving board meeting to another day has been denied======[board felt if it is granted to move, then, we putting a precedent]========================discussion if it is possible to put nominee to other category should there is no nominee=============single category ONLY------as a nominator make sure your nominee fits into certain category----------ADDED Soliven one for Hawaii===========Resolution was passed to Congratulate Vigan City being chosen as 7New Wonder Cities n the World=======carried=======

Reso to congratulate Vigan City as 7NewWonders cities in the World 2014

Resolution Congratulating Vigan City relating to the Selection of Vigan City a New7WonderCities in the World 2014 ============================= Whereas, Vigan City, as one of the 0NE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR CITIIES in the Philippines according to Local Government Listing as of Dec 2013.==================== Whereas, Vigan City was entered into a very rigid process of selection for the 7New Wonder Cities among the 1200 plus cities from the 220 different countries in the the World.================ Whereas, Vigan City is the World Heritage Site by United Nation Ecomomic and Scientific Cultural Organization, 1999, as best preserved example of planned Spanish colonial town in Asia============= Whereas, Vigan City is the former Ciudad Fernandina. Vigan shows unique views, and old Spanish colonial buildings, and structures================= Whereas, Vigan is the country’s oldest surviving Spanish colonial city that dates back to the 16th century. Tourists visit this heritage site known for its cobbled streets, old houses and horse-drawn carriages.===================== Whereas, Vigan City has a 49,747 population================= Whereas, Vigan City has an geographical area of 9.7 square miles==================== Whereas Vigan City has gone into a very rigid process of selection by professional judges from different country and with different backgrounds=================== Whereas, That rigid processes took several phases ranging from the summer 2013 with 1200 cities from 220 countries 300 cities from 77 countries 28 cities to 21 countries – Oct 2, 2013-july 2014 21 cities to 14 countries – July 7, 2014-Oct 7, 2014 14 cities to 7 countries – Oct 7, 2014 to Dec 7, 2014 =================== Whereas, Vigan City garnered one of the 7New WondersCities in the World, in no particular rank but an alpha order as duly proclaimed by Bernard Weber, President and CEO the 7NewWonder Cities in the World: ================================= 1. Beirut-Lebanon============ 2. Doha-Qatar======== 3. Durban-South Africa============== 4. Havana-Cuba============= 5. Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia======== 6. La Paz-Bolivia====== 7. Vigan City-Philippines====== ============== Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be provided to the following” 1. Oahu Filipino Community Council 2. United Filipino Council of Hawaii 3. Philippine Consulate General-Honolulu 4. Office of the Governor of Hawaii 5. Office of the Governor of Ilocos Sur 6. Office of the Mayor Vigan City 7. Office of the Chair, Culture and Arts, Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs for both Senate and House 8. Office of the Chair, Culture, Arts, Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, Honolulu council ========================== This 38th years and Vigan has been represented by Jun Abinsay, Peter Aduja, Mario Albalos during the formation year 2/27/1877m and Aduja and Albalos served as presidents, Vigan is a consistent member of ISAH.========================= Co-Introduced by Amado I. Yoro, ISAH Adviser, VAHA Director and Co-Introduced by Felipe P. Abinsay, Jr. ISAH adviser, ISAH Adviser, VAHA Founding President, February 3, 2015

AMADO YORO TOP 20 ACHIEVEMENTS 2014

AMADO I. YORO’S TOP 20 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS In God’s Blessing and Guidance ================= From Amado Yoro's Journal: Church, Community, writing related Activities ======================== A. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Humbled and honored in winning the 1st Prize SELACA Poetry Contest 2014 with a Php10,000.00. I donated the prizes distributed to my relatives in Tapao, one taking Music in college; 2 taking youth leadership training and for the Church Youth Group [note: I was 2nd prize in 2013]==================== 2. Successfully spearheaded, initiated, implemented the “Walk for Fun Projects” Sinait Fit, Healthy and Active as a fundraising project for the Sinait Medical Mission as collective efforts by Annak Ti Sinait Iti Hawaii and the Sinait Alumni related to the Sinait Medical Mission April 2014 in Sinait through the leadership of Hermie Gaspar, Bill Gaspar, Davelyn Quijano, Gus Concepcion, Romulo Basuel, Antonio Ipalari, and other officers and members.====================== 3. Successfully spearheaded, initiated, planned and coordinated as to raise fund for the Construction of the Sto Cristo Milagroso Shrine/Marker in Logo Dadalaquiten Norte, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, through the leadership of Davelyn Quijano, Gus Concepcion, Romulo Basuel, Antonio Ipalari, and Hermie and Bill Gaspar and the ILORETA family for donating a parcel of land where the Apo Lakay/Black Nazarene Marker was constructed. Logo Dadalaquiten Norte has been believe to be the Black Nazarene was landed by waves as was been floated from Nagasaki, Japan in the 1600’s. Sto Cristo Milagroso became the religious patron saint for Saint Nicholas Church in Sinait [Simbaan a Dakkel] ==================== 4. Successfully conducted the Elections for Annak Ti Sinait and Sinait Alumni as Election Chair. Able to coordinate an Evening with VIP’s Special Ranking officials from Sinait: Vice Mayor and Engr. Glenn Guzman; Sanggunian Bayan Member Romel Dayoan and Punong Barangay Roselily Dayoan of Dadalaquiten Norte in a separate dinner get together attended by members and officers of joint Annak Ti Sinait and Sinait Alumni Assn of Hawaii. 5. Successfully conducted the Elections for Ilocos Surian Assn of Hawaii as Election Chair, and served as Adviser. Reelected Danny Villaruz, the longest serving president ever since 2001 with a successful administration mainly the Ilocos Surian Medical and Homecoming Mission 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, and expecting to led the December 2015. Other ISAH projects such as President Elpidio Quirino Leadership and Humanitarian Award, Scholarship, Typhoon Victims Assistance Program, etc.=================== 6. Successfully assisted the annual OFCC convention as Co-Chair with Jake Manegdeg and Election of Officers as co-chair with Danny Villaruz, Larry Ramirez, John Ramos, Jun Abinsay and others, for the last 7 years back, with other Convention Chairs like Ernie Pascua, Carlota Ader, Leo Gozar, Mario Palma. Able to attend, participate in the OFCC regular monthly board meetings.================== 7. Successfully served as Judge for Mothers and Fathers Day KNDI Radio by the request of Mr. Geronimo Malabed, Owner. ===================== 8. Successfully renewed the Agreement for the Adopt a Hawaii both OFCC and the Samahang Ilocano, Intl, Kalihi street and Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, respectively [2 miles each] with the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, Highway Division============================== 9. Humbled and honored to be a Cover page with feature story written by Myra Yoro Madayag, Layout Artist for Timpuyog Journal. I retained my status as Hawaii Correspondent for TJ. And concurrently, I retained my column PARADISE PAGE with Ilocos Times as regular week; and my writings to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and some contributions to Bannawag, and monetary donations to Gumil Filipinas Conference, I sponsored five [5] student delegates to the National Convention and Seminar and Workshops held in Claveria, Cagayan in April 2014. Lizelle Cate Oandasan, Nichole Velasco, Aparri West National High School; Redelyn Sabal, Christina Repalda Cagayan National High School, Tuguegarao City and Baby Erlyn S. Domingo CSU, Sanchez Mira Campus.======================= 10. As a Chairman of the OFCC Special Projects Committee, we successfully renewed and led the regular monthly Feeding the Homeless with the Institute for Human Services with the assistance of my co-chairs: Angie Santiago, Armi Farinas, Jesse Pascual, Art Abinsay, Al Sabangan, Eddie Agas, Sr., Danny Villaruz and able to increase numbers of volunteers from other people and other organizations like Santiaguenians Assn of Hawaii led by Maria Cristina White; Candonians of Hawaii led by Helen Grace Villanueva Go; the University of the East Alumni Assn – Hawaii Chapter led by Baybee Hufana Ablan. And for the Adopt a Highway Clean Up Project, we also increased the number of participants.==================================== 11. Successful ISAH picnic at the Park Neal Blaisdell Park as Co-chair with Al Sabangan, Danny Villaruz, Roger Tapat, Art Abinsay, approximately 70 members in attendance from the 13 unit organizations f Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan Lapog, Sto Domingo, Vigan, Santa, Narvacan, Candon, Santiago, Santa Maria, Magsingal, Tagudin, Caoayan.================================== 12. Successfully led an ADOPT A PARK [NBP] for St. Paul’s Church with approximately 70 volunteers on Sept 27, 2014 and with a $1000.00 grant from Matson Navigation Ika Pu’u Aina with the City and County Park & Recreation Department========================================= 13. Participated in the OFCC Adopt a Park as initiated by Jean Jeremiah, OFCC past president with about 67 volunteers and with a $1000.00 grant from Matson Navigation and the City and County Park and Recreation Department.============================== 14. On November 29, 2014, I was elected as OFCC Council of Past Presidents Vice Chairman [COPP], Danny Villaruz, Chair and Jean Jeremiah, recorder. There are 22 living past presidents out of the 45 men and women who served OFCC since June 1959, the formation year.================================ 15. Successfully continue to sponsor the annual AMMAFLA literary writing contest for budding writers in Ilokano short story since 1997; with the partnership with Francisco Ponce, Alfred Quibol, with the coordination of Mr. Cles B. Rambaud, Bannawag, and able to produce another brilliant, intelligent and versatile writer to the Carlos Palanca Awardee 2014 Ronelyn Ramones. Other contestants who have gone thru AMMAFLA to Don Carlos Palanca Award include: Eden Aquino Alviar, Danny Antalan, Ariel Tabag, Arnold Jose, Dr. Clarito De Francia, Sherma Benosa, Jaime Agpalo, others.========================= 16. Resource speaker for the Gumil Hawaii Literary Seminar/Workshop [Labor Day 2014]; and the Gumil Filipinas 4th International Conference in Honolulu [Oct 31-Nov 2, 2014] sponsored by the Gumil Oahu.========================================= 17. Delegate to the Hawaii Diocesan Convention representing St. Paul’s Church last October 2014; and maintained our family pledge for the general fund and for administration and operations of St. Paul’s Church. I maintained my status as an advisory capacity for the Bishop’s Committee, the 3 legs: Laymen of St. Paul’s, Women of St. Paul’s, Youth of St. Paul’s, and the Vicar with other 3 elders: Emma Valdez, Eddie Agullana and Albina Gamponia.========================================== 18. Successfully sent 3 balikbayan boxes to MMSU, Batac City, contents of my collections of old copies of Bannawag magazines from 1971 to 2007 by the recommendation of Dr. Aurelio Solver Agcaoili for the Ilokaniana Section MMSU Library and as acknowledged by Dr. Alegria Tan Visaya.=========================================== 19. Successfully rejoined the Filipino Coalition for Solidarity and served in an Advisory Council relating to social justice, social issues and concerns include but not limited to immigration, civil rights, government and politics, education, culture to name a few.=================================================== 20. In personal health matters. Thanks God, it was successfully cleared and certified as 100% clear in my once in every 10 years Colonoscopy Exam and procedures Sept 22, 2014. Successfully maintained my weight ranging 138-144 pounds; my Blood sugar 85-130; AIC 7.9; Systolic 126, Diastolic 76; Pulse rate 78, and regained my walking ability after my left ankle surgery caused by accident as I fixed my roof and my left ankle’s fractured bones and now able to keep my 4-5 miles daily regular walk. My eyes examination was adjusted from every 6 months to every year. ========================= B.NON Accomplished: Unable to continue my House re-Roofing; unable to find a part time job for additional income------my babysitting of my 3 years old grand daughter may hindered my job hunt.================================ C. Others: Loss of friend/s, the demise of Larry Ramirez

QUIRINO AWARD COMMITTEE MEETING AT POPEYES/JAN 28, 2015///JUN ABINSAY NEW PAPA of a little princess

JANUARY 28, 2015 WEDNESDAY========NOTE: Congratulate Jun as new papa, girl born jan 27, 2015=========================2nd Pres Elpidio Quirino Award Committee meeting at Popeyes. Dillingham: Danny Villaruz, Jun Abinsay, Rose Sabangan, Amado Yoro, Al Sabangan=========talked about QA-Phil====Jerry Singson and Soliven A: Luis Abregas/UNP=============talked about emcee: Larry/Sonia; Larry/Amelia===================Historical significant of each participating town first, then, other towns==========in video; Example: Sinait, the Sto Cristo Milagroso, Apo Lakay; Cabugao, the Salomague Port of the 46 sakada mass migration ti Hawaii, the SS Maunawili an Falco, Vigan, the Syquia Building a recruitment center of thousands of sakada=======instrumental background======Budget for the Trophy award $700.00=======Ilocos Sur hymn===========================resolution about the 7Wonder cities in the World - Vigan City=====copy of such resolution to OFCC, UFCH, chair, committee on arts, culture, tourism State house, Senate, Council, Consulate===================================all unit president must make copies of the Nomination papers and provide to their respective members===========================

AMADO ILORETA ILAR YORO: MAN OF ACTION

JANUARY 28, 2015 WEDNESDAY ========MEETING WITH MARIO ORBITO POPEYES DILLINGHAM=======Talked about Rail and its future====only until LCC or Pearl City==========================Talked about book publicationREFKECTIONS, AMADO ILORETA ILAR YORO WITH 4 A's and 2 I's===================or A MAN WITH PASSION AND COMPASSION ========================or AMADO ILORETA ILAR YORO: Action taker, achiever, accomplished, Artist: writer, poet, short and feature story writer, novelist, biographer

FEEDING THE HOMELESS JANUARY 26, 2015 MONDAY

JANUARY 26, 2015 MONDAY ======Feeding the Homeless======In attendance: Mens shelter: Jesse Pascual, Angie Santiago, Alicia Domingsil, Tiffany Domingsil, Alex Vergara, Tessie Aganon, Art Abinsay, Amado Yoro, Helen Go, Maria Cristina White, Amado Yoro===================Womens sheltr: Armi Farinas, Lynne Gutierrez, Nilda Barsatan Imelda Formoso=========================================

MY TRIP TO THE CITY OF ANGELS [LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA]

MY TRIP TO THE CITY OF ANGELS JUNE 27 TO JULY 2, 2007 ============ Amado I. Yoro ============== FIRST PART: Here I Am, Father Randy: Destination: Los Angeles, California. It is an EPISCOPAL ASIAMERICA MINISTRY NATIONAL CONSULTATION 2007 LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA =============== For a last minute, REV. FR. RANDOLPH VN. ALBANO, VICAR, ST. PAUL’S CHURCH , emailed me: please avail yourself to a National Consultation, Manong. I want you to represent [again] St. Paul’s Church, this time. None of Bishop’s Committee Members; WOSP; LOSP; YOSP is available, and as you are the Chairman, Vicar’s Advisory Board; former Bishop’s Warden from 1991-2007, please make yourself ready. ==================== I emailed him back: Only if all the elected officers were told and given the opportunity, I will go, Father. ============================ [NOTE: Hawaii representatives: Kimo Hino –St. Andrew Mimi Wu, - St. Peters Joyce Kim, - St. Luke Ernesto Pasalo – Good Shepherd Youth Derrick Shimabukuro – Good Samaritan Amado Yoro –St. Paul’s ===================== Filipino clergy in attendance: Bishop Bart Espartero Bishop Porfirio Dela Cruz Rev. Tomas Madella Rev. Greg Bayaca Rev. Raymund Bonoan Rev. Ruth Pasipit-Paguio Rev. Tony Gumawad Rev. Fred Vergara Rev. Bayani Rico Robert Cristobal- youth ======================================= Apagisu nga alas dies ti agsapa iti Mierkoles, Hunio 27, my wife Gloria dropped me off to the Honolulu International Airport. =========================================== SUBJECT: EAM, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA VENUE: WESTIN HOTEL BY THE AIRPORT JUNE 28-JULY 2, 2007 ======================= THEME: “Working Towards Being Competent Leaders in a Diverse, Changing World” ============================ THANK YOU FATHER ALBANO FOR YOUR TRUST. I’VE HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR AS YOU NEEDED ME. THEN, I CAME TO THINK OF ISAIAH 6-8: “WHOM SHALL WE SEND…” ==================== “HERE I AM” ONE OF THE 209 REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT CONGREGATIONS USA, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas Islands. =============================== Via Hawaiian Airlines, I arrived at the Los Angeles Airport about 9:30 pm, and I took a Hotel Shuttle Bus to Westin Hotel by the airport about 10:20 pm, on June 27. I checked in and was assigned to Room 949 with a roommate Mr. Thomas Kuk, a volunteer, Mission To Seafarers [Flying Angels] Seattle, Washington. ================================ This is not my first time to travel to the US mainland. As I am involved with the Church, and the Episcopal Hawaii Diocese, and commissioner of the Hawaii Diocese on Stewardship Commission, commissioned by Bishop Richard S.O. Chang, and also a member of the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund Commission. I’ve gone to Washington, DC in 2002; Camp Allen, Navasota, Texas in 2003; Virginia in May 2004; San Francisco, California in June 2004; Seattle, Washington in 2005. ============================================================ In our local communities here in Honolulu, and the Big Island, Hawaii, I was a presentor/speaker about stewardship in September 2003, St. George Church, Pearl Harbor; Thanksgiving Day November 2005, St. Columba Church, Pauulilo, at the Big Island; January 2006, Resurrection Church, Hilo, Hawaii, as part of my ministry in Volunteerism. My audience include but not limited to Bishop, dean, clergies, laymen and women ======================== As a member of the Commission on Election of the Hawaii Diocese, and the Registration and Credentials, I’ve gone to Annual Hawaii Diocesan Convention locally: Honolulu, and Kihei, Maui . ================================== This time around, in this Los Angeles EAM National Consultation, I am representing my church as a Past Bishop’s Warden and current Chairman of the Vicars’ Advisory Board. ========================== Only this time of the year, none of any of the elected officers is available. It used to be represented by the Bishop’s Warden, the Vicar, the president or any representative of the 3 legs: Womens of St. Paul’s; Youth Group of St. Paul’s; Laymens of St. Paul’s, for certain reasons. =============================== Being an active member of my congregation, I said, in response to Fr. Randy [Albano], and as I’ve heard Isaiah 6:8: Whom Shall I Send”… and I said: Here I am” =================================== DAY 1 - June 28, 2007- Thursday – Morning, I volunteered myself at the Registration and Reception Desk chaired by Angela Cabanban. I want to utilize my strength and my passion about Stewardship of Time and Volunteerism as my personal and spiritual ministry. With me are Florence Pucay, wife of Mr. Alfredo Pucay, who is involved with EAM for about 30 years now, Mr. Arthur Toy, the husband of Fran Toy, president of EAM. Gigi Kwok, Chikako Tsukuda, fellow volunteers. =========================== I attended the General Assembly and the presentation of Eric Law about RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES ================================ R-take RESPONSIBILITY on what you say and feel without blaming others========= E- use EMPHATETIC listening=============== S – be SENSITIVE to difference in communication style============ P- PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak====== E – EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions============= C – keep CONFIDENTIALITY=================== T – TRUST ambiguity because we are not here to debate who is right or wrong ========================================= RESPECT AND COMMUNICATION WERE TRANSLATED INTO SEVERAL LANGUAGES, include but not limited to Ilokano, Tagalog, Visayan, Korean, Chinese, Niponggo, others as part of the group discussions. ===================== Filipino Convocation. Meeting #1. About 40 people representing their respective congregation. Report in a form of sharing. Scope: Challenges, surprises and unexpected surprises. =============== Common challenges are: lack of participation, lack of communication, lack of youth and young adult involvement. ====================== SUGGESTIONS: Everyone has a GIFT, everyone must be welcomed [not turned down] New people is a new gift. Bring them in, invite them, involve them. Find out their personal interest. ======================================== DAY 2 - June 29, 2007 Friday. Continuation of the group discussion: ====================================== CONCERNS • Youth development • No follow-up • Participation • Separate convocation: Philippine Independent Church & Philippine Episcopal Church • No Bible Study Group GIFTS • Volunteerism/Stewardship • Adviser • Counselor • Good listener • MINISTRY ============================= DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION STYLES ============================= LOW CONTEXT • Individual-oriented • Rely on explicit coding of information being communicated; less aware of contexts • Linear logic • Adjust to new situation quickly • Conflict may occur because of violations of individual expectations create conflict potentials • Deal with conflict by revealing • Direct, confrontational attitude • Fact finding • Focus on action and solution • Open, direct strategies ========================= HIGH CONTEXT • Group-oriented • Rely heavily on the physical context or the shared context of the transmitter and receiver; very little is in the coded, explicit, transmitted part of the message • Spiral logic • Take time for contexting in new situation • Conflict may occur because of violations of collective expectations • Deal with conflict by concealing • Indirect, non-confrontational attitude • Face saving • Focus on relationship • Ambiguous, indirect strategies [I am 3.5 grouping in a scale of 6] ============================== WHAT IS COMPETENT LEADERSHIP IN A DIVERSE CHANGING WORLD? ===================== Self- awareness – deep understanding of one’s cultural values, strengths and weaknesses, and privilege and power that come with one’s roles and cultural background ============================== Appreciations of differences as opportunities, rather than as a problems ==================== Commitment to pluralistic understanding of issues while being able to make faithful decisions ======================= Active theological reflection on diversity issues as they relate to oneself, others, one’s community and creation ====================== Discipline and applying appropriately skills, models and theories that will increase the inclusiveness of various situations. ====================== Ability to guide and support a community to move toward change faithfully in response to its changing environment. ================================= ICEBERG ANALOGY OF CULTURE ==================== • EXTERNAL CULTURES o See o Hear o Touch o Taste o Smell 1. Explicitly learned 2. Conscious 3. Easily changed 4. Objective Knowledge ===================== • INTERNAL CULTURES o Beliefs o Values o Patterns o Myths 1. Implicitly learned 2. Unconscious 3. Difficult to changed 4. Subjective Knowledge =================== LEARNED LESSONS FROM LUNCHEON MESSAGE RELATED TO LEADERSHIP Openness and willingness to accept responsibilities Flexibility and availability Commitment and service More action and follow-up; less talk and arguing ISAIAH 6:8 Whom Shall I Send ============================= DAY 3- June 30, 2007- Saturday Participated in the LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION WORKSHOP Definition of MISSION – Stewardship and Ministry. 1. Goal setting and strategy. 2. Sent by God. 3. Discovering and meeting needs 4. Medium 5. Bringing Christ presence to the world 6. Unity as people/God’s children 7. Share God’s Love 8. Bringing hope 9. Authentic in pluralistic culture 10. Building community 11. Spiritual practice 12. Thing to accomplish as intended =================== Definition of LEADERSHIP – To see things as they truly are and to act on what we see faithfully and effectively. Lead by example. Leadership/relational; courageous leadership; joyful leadership ================= ACTION PLAN • Attainable • Realistic • Measurable ======================= Attended MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS [MDG] Example the ERDF – Rice Mill and Irrigation project in the Mountain Province Attended Advocate meeting. Result of the meeting: Warren Wong was elected Chair, Carole Lee, secretary and Inez Saley, treasurer ============== Attended Province 8 meeting. St. Paul’s Church-Honolulu was used as an example as a fastest growing congregation in Province 8, because of its uniqueness in Ilokano service, immigration and family reunification and the lack of family planning, hence, fast growing because members “ability to make babies” [Mimi Wu and Fr. Bayani Rico] =========================== Attended Dinner/Banquet Sea Empress Restaurant 1636 Redondo Blvd, Gardenia City.[Table with Fr. Ray Bonoan, Tomas Madella, Bishop Porfirio Dela Cruz, Lyman Salvador of St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary, Manila] ======================================== DAY 4 - July 1, 2007 Sunday Mass to the Holy Trinity/St. Benedict, 412 North Garfield Blvd. Alhambra City. Met our kakailian a taga-Bontoc/Baguio. I met Mr. Manny De Castro and Mr. Iping Boluhan, members of the Vestry. Also met Mr. Edward Biag, one of the elders at Holy Trinity. ============================================= Rev. Fred Vergara, Rev. Tony Gumawad, Retired Bishop Porfirio Dela Cruz, were participated in the Mass. Other clergy who attended the mass included but not limited to Bishop Raul Tobias, Revs. Ray Bonoan, Tomas Madella, Bayani Rico. ========================== Luncheon was offered, there was a short program showing the cultural dances of the Igorot brothers and sisters. Backed to the hotel after 4pm. =================================================================== DAY 5 - July 2, 2007 – Monday Filipino Convocation Meeting #2. Fr. Bayani Rico was reelected as Convener; and Fr. Ray Bonoan, was elected Co-Convener; while Ashlee Witte, was elected secretary [young-adult] ======================= I was able to connect myself to Mr. Donald V. Romanik, President of the Episcopal Church Foundation, who spoke before the group. ECF, offers grant and transformational ministry; help non-profit organization ============================== Motion was presented by the Young Adult Group, and adopted by the convocation to send five youth representatives to EAM in Taiwan on June 6-9, 2007. ========================== Motion also was presented that Filipino Convocation will make a side-trip to Manila, and stay for 4-5 days before heading to Taiwan, or vice versa.; after the Taiwan Consultation. ================================== The Closing Eucharist was held for the closing. NEXT CONSULTATION VENUE: TAIWAN, BISHOP DAVID LAI – HOST: “You are welcome to our small town but interesting place” he said. ======================= What did I learn here and brought home: =============================== Enabled me to refine my personal, professional and spiritual outlook Enabled me to integrate, connect and communicate with others Enabled me to utilize my time: voluntary and joyfully Enabled me to work, communicate with others respectful manner Enabled me to experience how to work with compassion; and learned how to avail, prioritize, offer and take action as needed to achieve things in common goal. Remain humble as I grow with HIM for a deeper understanding and love Success rely and depend in our commitments, action and deed, not necessarily what we think, or what we say. ================ Recommendations from me to my congregations: ============================== Number 1. Leaders of the church, group, community should consider to give priority, flexibility and time to certain conference, consultation, workshops/seminar in upgrading our knowledge in Christian leadership.===== Number 2. Besides the BC is represented, 3 legs should resume going for representation ============= Number 3. Youth Development must continue; and do more participative role ===================== Agyamanak manen Appo. Thank you again. #####

NO GREATER JOY DANCING WITH A CHOPPING BOARD JANUARY 26, 2015-Harris UMC

No Greater Joy Dancing with a Chopping Board, the white Potato, the Cabbage, the Kitchen Knife and the Pots ====================== Amado I. Yoro It was 4:15 early Monday morning of January 26, 2015 I said to my wife who still in bed: I’ll go with Father Alex Vergara to town. I’ll be home by 10:00 am.”, then left the house. ================== Father Alex and I had agreed yesterday during our regular monthly of the Oahu Filipino Community Council [OFCC] to go to one of the churches in town to try explore for a possible expansion and to connect our ongoing OFCC Special Projects as our community outreach program as prescribed by the UFCH Resolution 2010-001. ==================== Father Alex is the OFCC president who is also involved in [I am beginning to learn now who he is the longer we work together] in many community outreach being a retired pastor; I am a OFCC past president [1982] now a vice chairman of the OFCC Council of Past Presidents [COPP]. I’ve been doing this feeding the homeless, the elderly, the nonparents children many years back since my arrival in July 1971 with the Lions Club, the Waipahu Business Association, our St. Paul’s Church Honolulu, the DWCLCAAH, others. I was certified as a Layman Ministry by the Member Mission Network, Inc. [New York based] as I attended seminars and stewardship training in this type of outreach in Santa Barbara California as provided by the Episcopal Asia Ministry and Church Development with the coordination of Rev. Wayne Schwab with the recommendation of Rev. Dr. Fred Vergara and Rev. Canon Randolph VN Albano. ================================= Taking the Bus is a regular thing I do whenever I go out. Since I got this benefit of Senior Bus Pass, most of the time I take advantage of the Public Utility Transportation: The BUS. ================================== I missed the Route E Bus due to the traffic signal that prevented me to run and ride. Bus runs according to set schedules. No park and wait for any passenger until the driver sees you through the side or back mirror that you are trying to catch it. ======================================= Fortunately, the BUS 91 came in just a few minutes around 4:45am. ================================== Bus 91 is much faster than the Route E and in about 5:20am, I got off the Bus at the corner of Bethel and King streets. It took me ten minutes to reach Harris United Methodist Church corner of Vineyard and Nuuanu streets. ================================= I went around the building and no one around. =========================================== I called Fr. Alex informing him that I am already in front of the gate. ================== I went to the parking lot and I saw an elderly woman just parked her car and getting out, I said good morning and introduced myself. I told the lady that I was invited by Fr. Vergara to come and volunteer here. ===================== Inside the kitchen, I was told to take out 4 big cooking pots out from the kitchen cabinet and I was told to put it in the big 4 burners stove. =========================== I asked them just show me a sample what to do by actual demonstration, I am a fast learner, then, things follow in good hands. ========================= There comes the white chopping board ontop of the stainless tables, the bucket of potato, the cabbage, the onion and the kitchen knife. ======================= Kimi showed me how to cut and how to shred, ============================== Then, that is fast and quick. ========================= Fr. Alex on the other side did most of the cooking, putting all the necessary ingredients to make the soup good and tasty. He did some stroke in stirring, mixing, and adding water . ===================== I have that their senior volunteer as Kimi Shigemura who worked here as a volunteer for more than 30 years. ====================== Other women like Helen, Norma and other 3 ladies are so welcoming and friendly. Environment like this with the elderly is not new to me anymore. I worked with people in all ages, I told them: don’t pay attention to your age, don’t count it; what is more important is what is your activity/ies is/are and what contribution to your group or community count. ;============================= Fr. Richard is also a retired pastor. But we both agreed: no retirement is applicable to serve in His Name.[the Lord] =========================== I introduced myself as a volunteer, a member of St. Paul’s Church-Honolulu. A Bishop’s Warden [President] for about 17 years and with the church about 35 years. A volunteer, community organizer with the Mission Day Service and the UFCH/OFCC Feeding the Homeless, the Adopt a Highway/Park; Hawaii Food Bank, others. ======================= One criticized me why I am doing this and not to find a paid parttime or full time job for my own table. ============================== Giving and sharing time, talent and sometimes treasure out from the pocket is for make me feel better than receiving from a payroll money. It is true, I need money as I am financially in need, but, the difference is the ‘divine’ giving and the receiving material things. ============================ Closing prayer by Fr. Alex Its 7 am ---what a wonderful morning in one hours sharing the time to prepare meals for those ‘brothers and sisters” destitute and no shelter. That early morning starts a good day of sharing my voluntary time, one of the THREE T’s in stewardship and serving the Lord in this way. ======================== THANKS GOD, YOU LET US DO THIS FOR THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN DESTITUTE, sleeping along the street, with cardboard and old old old blankets or what not-----for sharing is LOVE, for giving is passion and compassion-----let me do it again Lord, should ALLOW ME once or many many more times and in a million times......if you believe that is how do you want me to serve......for the community and in your name.=============================== That is Volunteerism as an act of giving time, talent and treasure, provide services without any expressed or implied promise of remuneration, but giving free time, at free will, for the benefit of others, Thanks God. You let me did it again ! ============================= No greater joy to serve; and no other consolation and reward but your continued blessings to my family, friends and the community in providing us the 10-H: health, happiness, harmony, helping hands, humility, hope healing, a ‘house’ as I call it HOME. ==================================== That HOME as an abode to dwell with my family: to pray, to eat food in our table, to laugh, to sing, to converse and communicate, to read and to learn everyday that make us stronger individual and to spend our life as a temporary basis- that there is a permanent place to rest eternally. “Ta idiay balay ni Ama adu ti pagyanan iti awan patinggana a biag” #####