UFCH PROGRESS AWARDEES 2010

[Escerpt from the UFCH Progress Awards and Re-Affirmation officers 2010 Souvenir Book- Oct 16, 2010. Hawaii Prince Hotel]

Theme: "Beyond Accomplishments...."

Program
Host, Jennifer Vea de Vera, Miss Hawaii Filipina 2000

Invocation, Cleo Bala Casino, Former Board of Governor, UFCH

National Anthems sung [Lupang Hinirang] by Marnelli Basilio, Miss Oahu Filipina 2010
Star Spangled Banner by Margaret Pascual, Miss Hawaii Filipina 2010

Welcome address by Eddie Agas, Sr, Outgoing UFCH president

Re-Affirmation of commitment Ceremonies officiated by Concul General Leoncio Cardenas Jr.

Message by Lynne Gutierrez, Incoming president.

Entertainments during the dinner were provided by Crisselle Aquino, Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2010 and Alyssa Reyes,

Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2009 for Hula Duet; Margaret Pascual, Miss Hawaii Filipina 2010, Mozart; Kanani Dias, Mrs. Hawaii Filipina 2010, Journey to the Pacific.

Remarks by Honolulu Acting Managing Director Doug Chin , representing Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle.
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ELIGIBILITY FOR THE NOMINATION

A. Nominee has never won in any category in previous progress award conducted by UFCH
B. Nominee is of Filipino ancestry, with the exception for nominees in the category of ATIN Kaibigan
C. Nominee is a current resident in Hawai and has established residency for not less than 3 years preceding the submission deadline
D. Nominee has never been convicted of any felony


SELECTION CRITERIA
Personal achievement - 25%
Professional achievement- 25%
Community Ciivic Involment - 30%
Other pertinent information - 20%

THE LEGACY AWARDS [Major Awards]
The Golden Sakada Award for Lifetime Achievement is a well deserved recognition to distinguish a Nominee who by his.her exemplary efforts and achievements, have given honor and prestige to our community, to our state and the world. The recipient has proven that the spirit of bayanihan continues to flourish, inspiring others to help uflift the lives of Filipinos

The Juan Dionisio, Sr. Lifetime Service Award shall be presented to an individual who has committed his/her service the UFCH and the pursuit of unity among Filipinos in Hawaii. The recipient must have been involved in various UFCH projects and activities, posses good moral character and community ethics, embody the ideals of a good community leader in line with the mission and visions of the UFCH, and have been consistently active with the programs of the UFCH for many years.

The ATING KAIBIGAN [Our Friend] Award shall be presented to an individual who is NOT a filipino but who has supported and assisted significantly in the advancement of Filipinos in Hawaii,

PRESENTATION OF AWARDEES FOLLOWED:

GLADYS M. MENOR - Arts & Culture. Foster Care Provider.
Glimpse:
Education: Business Management Diploma, Hawaii Business College, Interior Design Diploma,
Highlight: President Gumil Oahu; former Board of Governor, UFCH


Her Excellence:
Gladys Menor has exhibited exceptional leadership and incessant mentorhip. As a result, Gumil Oahu was able to present numerous stage plyas in Oahu and on Maui. It enabled them to reais funds for the scholarship project at the University of Hawaii's Ilokano Program and for the Schools in the barrios. It revived cultural presentations such as bucanegan and sarsuela aamong others. Thru her radio program, kannawidan ken Kultura ni Ilokano, Menor read published articles and short stories that are educational and featured Ilokano cultures and traditions. She was also responsible for editing and directing a noontime radio drama.

Gladys has published essays and poems in Bannawag Magazine, wrote a weekly column in the now defunct California journal Weekly Inquirer. The International Conference of Ilokano Writers held in Hawaii in 2002 and 2009 under her administration as president of Gumil Oahu is a manifestation of her strong leadership worldwide. Her performance and commitment in the preservation and advancement of Ilokano culture and arts has been recognized in Hawaii and the Philippines.

MICHAEL SANA - Education - Waipahu High School Science Teacher/Department Head
Glimpse
Education Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa [1999], Post Baccalaureate in Secondary Science Education, UH Manoa.
Highlight: 2010 Chevron Hawaii Science Teacher of the Year, 2010 Bishop Museum Science Teacher Award Recipient

His Excellence
Michael Sana is an example of our few educators who combine instruction with play and fun. It is in this productive combination that we see in him the rigor of preparing the young with the discipline in the sciences and the discipline needed in sports. Trained to be scientist himself, he went on to teach high school biology and got involved with the school's athletic program. Cognizant of the need to expose young people to the realities of the community, Michael is involved with Sariling Gawa Youth Council and with Key Club, the latter as advisor. In sports, he serves as assistant coach of the junior varsity and the varsity boy's basketball team of Waipahu High School.

Aware of the need to equip himself with more professional and intellectual skills, he continues to study and is currently finishing his master's degree in education. At Waipahu High School he handles courses in biology, AP biology and biotechnology.

In all these, his school and community recognized him for having been a role model for young people. He is a teacher that exemplifies exceptional classroom practice and inspirational presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.


VIOLETA ARNOBIT - Entrepreneurship - CEO, ACE Medical, Inc.
Glimpse
Family: Violeta is happily married to husband and business partner Terry and have four daughetersL Krisha, Judy Lei, Jamie and Kerrie Ann,
Highlight:
2010 Nurse of the Year Excellence in Leadership Winner
200 Regional winner, Home based business Advocate of the Year, US Small Business Administration
1999 Ernst & Young KKP Hawaii State Entrepreneur of the Year Wholesale Division Awardee

Her Excellence
Violeta Arnobit is a Filipino nurse who always strives for excellence in all her business and professional ventures. Being chosen as one of the five 2010 TWCA Leader Awardees supports that statement. Always proud of her heritage, she is a leader in the field of business representing not only Filipino women but all women entrepreneurs in Hawaii and the world. From humble beginnings she became a role model, mentor and resource person who always shares her inspiring story to her colleagues and other businesswomen. Building ACE Medical, Inc, a multi-million JACHI accredited durable medical equipment company from scrath, Arnobit continues to advocate for the changing needs of the community thru the Center for Healthcare Education and Certified Nurse Aide Training Program, both providing comprehensive and learning tools for nurse aides and caregivers to care for frail, elderly and disabled.

"Giving will always come back tenfold" is Violeta Arnobit guiding mantra.
ERNESTO G.PASION - Government Service -First Filipino County Auditor, Kauai
Glimpse
Education: M.B.A. General Management, Roosevelt University Chicago, Illinois; General Studies, Nortwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, BS in Commerce, Banking & Finance, St, William College, laoag City

Highlight: First County Auditor, County of Kauai
First Filipino Deputy County Clerk of Kauai. Position has always been occupied by non-Filipino, thus, an ice breaker for Filipinos. Lobbied for a successful replacement to keep the position by another Filipino, Eddie Topneio.

His Excellence
Ernie G. Pasion, true to his name, is passionate in championing small businesss , providing pro bono consultation to numerous small business owners amd individuals. He serves as an intermediary between these individuals and service providers. For example, a Filipino owned printing company was thinking of expanding. Ernie connected them with an architect to discuss their building needs. In another situation, a restaurant owner was having problems with their landlord and he referred him to an expert in that field.

Ernie holds a fulltime position as Kauai First County Auditor and is involve with Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Kauai Filipino Community Council. With his position in government and community, he is able to facilitate collaborative solutions affecting minority owned businesses. As such he can use these resources to further assit them in areas as financing, legislative, insurance, permits [public works, planning, DOH] and tacation.

Ernie's compassion translates into his personal contributions to the progress of his organization, community, county and the world.


MARIANO TORRES, MD - Medicine - Medical Director, Kauai Care Center
Glimpse
Education: Doctor of Medicine, UH John Burns School of Medicine
UH Integrated Residency Program, Primary Care Track
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, University of Hawaii

Highlights
Best 50 Doctors [Internal Medicine] 2009-2010
Recipient, Kauai Chamber of Commerce 2010 Distinguished Service Award.

His Excellence
Dr. Mariano Torres is very much involved in our community, school, in our youth programs and his field of profession. He is a gem to our west side community most especially to the Filipinos and older folks. As a physician, he has volunteered his time in th Philippines and in many health fairs. He takes time to make sure that his patients are assessed and treated very well regardless of their ability to pay.

He and his wife of 32 years, Antonette Abrahano who is the Director of Public Health Nursing for Kauai District Health Office, volunteer their time to many functions and do them in an unassuming way. Their three sons, michaael, Marlo and Noel are raised the same beneficent environment.

Dr. Torres has received many accolades and recognitions in which the UFCH Progress Awards for Medicine will serve as a validation of his outstanding contributions to his community and the world.

FELIPE A. ALCAIN - Community Service & Volunteerism - Retired Accounting Clerk/Bookkeeper
Glimpse
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Far Eastern University, Manila
Highlight: Married to the former Josefina Salamt and blessed with two children: Annaliz and August

His community
A son of a 1946 Sakada, Philip was nurtured in a hardworking and altruistic environment, always ready to share and serve. His volunteerism started in Molokai thru the Molokai Filipino Community Council. he extended his horizons when he moved to Oahu where be became one of the ever-present volunteer militia.

Philip has been involved in all of the projects and served in various capacities of the following:
Molokai Filipino Community Council
Oahu Filipino Community Council
United Filipino Council of Hawaii
Lapogueneous of Hawaii
Vigan Association of Hawaii
Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii
San Estebanians of Hawaii
Sons & Daughters of San Esteban
Fil-am Sports USA

His Excellence
The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Philip has a heart of a volunteer. He is a man of community endeavor with a spirit that has always shown in his readiness, willingness and availablity to serve in many projects and in various capacities. His almost perfect attendance in activities that enhance community life is defimnitely a trait worthy of recognition in his quest to contribute to the progress of his organization, community, State and the world.
FRANKLIN 'DON' PACARRO, JR - Law - Acting First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Glimpse
Education: Born and raised in Honolulu, Franklin Jr graduated from St. Louis High School, the Universtiy of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law.

Highlight: Pacarro has successfully prosecuted over 40 homicide cases securing twenty-one life sentences among others. Although he is now a supervisor, he continues to personally handle cases because he believes a leader should do the same work as the people he leads

His works
Giving back to his community and getting involved in community activities has been a mainstay in Don's life. For over twenty years, Don has given unselfishly of his time and energy to support worthy organizations as a coach, volunteer or participant, including but not limited to PAL Basketball KYAC, Kainalu Little league Baseball, Kailua Girls AYSO Soccer, Windward Tigers Basketball, Pop Wagner Football, Moanalua Lions, Windward Youth Athletic Club [Board] Great Aloha Run, Bobby Benson Run, Cancer Walk for Life, Hotel Charity Walk, Kids Day, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization, Troy Barboza Torch Run and the Polar Plunge that benefits Special Olympics in Hawaii.

His Excellence
franklin Pacarro, Jr, is the Acting First Deputy prosecuting Attoney for the City and County of Honolulu and has been serving in the office since 1986. He has made a career out of prosecution, with an unbroken record of service under three different elected Prosecuting Attorneys.

As a Prosecuting Attorney, he worked up the ranks, becoming a felony prosecution supervisor, and was then appointed Chief of the Trials Division by Parosecuting Attorney Peter Carlisle. As a chief of the largest division in the office,Pacarri supervises 27 of the attorneys in the deparment. Attorneys under his watch habdle over half of the felony cases that are prosecuted in Honolulu.

After serving the people of the City and County of Honolulu for 24 years, Don Pacarro will be entering the private sector by joining the law firm of Clay Chapman Iwamura Pulice & Nerville that concentrates in commercial litigation, construction litigation and real estate.
ISAAC FIESTA - Labor - President ILWU, local 142
Glimpse
Isaac Fiesta graduated from Hilo High School in 1968 and started working for Pepeekeo Sugar Company on September 8, 1968 as a knap sack sprayer. He worked his way up through various jobs such as equipment operator, senior truck driver, tire repair and warehouse clerk. As a rank-in-file member, he became active in the unit leadership in the ILWU Local 142 where he bacame a Business agent, then, president.

His works
In 1991, Isaac was elected as a union Busisness Agent for ILWU Local 142, and served as a BA until his election as President in Novemeber 2009. As a BA, he negotiated and enforced the Collective Bargaining Agreements, recrutied membders and organized new company and training new leaders at the Hawaii [Big Island] division. Today as President of ILWU, Local 142, Isaac Fiesta serves as the Chief Executive officer and is in general charge of the staff and administration of the affairs of the Union.

His Commitment
Isaac Fiesta served on the Honolulu community Board, on the Rural South Hilo Organization Board and also on the Hamakua Coast Task Force at the demise on the Hawaii County Planning Commission for eight years.
REY & CECILLE PIROS - Media & Communication -- Founders/Owners of KPMW FM Radio
Glimpse
Rey & Cecille Piros are best known for their work as a founder/owner of radio station KPMW. Along with their son, Ryan, they also control and operate many family businesses.

Their work
The Piros are an independent business couple of more than 30 years. They own Reycel Enterprises and operate KPMW radio and a travel agncy. They used to have a thriving business importing Philippine products for distribution and sale in Maui, which they discounted when they decided to devote more time running their radio station.

Their Excellence
Rey and Cecille are the first Filipinos to own a radio station on Maui. It is through the rdio that they provide public service announcement to the community. These announcements range from information relating to education, immigration, and other community related events and functions. News from the Philippines, local and national including world news are aired throught the radio station both in English and Ilokano. Both Rey and Cecille Piros dedicated and committed themselves in educating peopl in the community about exercising their rights to vote and have been encouraging people to be actively involved in the affairs of the community.

The Piroses coordinated a radiothon "Operation Tulong" through their radio and raised funds for the Typhoon Ondoy victims in the Philippines. They also raised funds for the scholarship program for Ilocos Surian Assn of Maui,Maui Filipino Community Council and Binhi at Ani.

DAWN MARIE BICOY -Science & Technology- Community Affairs Manager, Monsanto Company
Glimpse
Monsanto Company provides farmers the latest traits and technologies to help them be more profitable on every acre. As its company Affairs Manager, Dawn Bicoy was able to bring clarity to prominent overseas news source reagrding Hawaii water issues. she founded and implemented the first Monsanto community donations program in Hawaii, and have successfully lead the Monsanto Molokai facility through an internal Environmental, Safety and Health audit, resulting in the site being classified as ;exemplary' status and ranked in the top 5% nationally.

Her Excellence
My commitment to the Filipino community has long been an integral part of who I am. and part of my Filipino heritage, as with many, finds its roots in agriculture.

Hawaii has become the world's leading producer of seed corn, accounting for 96% of the state's $1.76 million Ag bioteck industry. This translates to $200 million in direct spending, occurring on less than 5% of Hawaii's available arable land. The days of working for pineapple and sugarcane plantations have long passed. Tey seed crop industry is the new leader providing almost a quarter of all agricultue jobs, bringing new opprtunities to Filipinos whith higher wages and increased benefits.

Biotechnology goes far beyond Hawaii's shores, reaching the Philippines where Bt corn was the first genetically modified feed/food crop approved for commercial planting in Asia, Recognizing the world's increasing population and finite croplands nourished by stressed water resources to feed a growing world demand, the responsibility of biotechnology is an importannt part of the equation, We need to ask ourselves what role will Hawaii plqy in furthering the efforts of feeding the world.

Bicoy says: i will continue advocacy for the Ag biotechnology industry in Hawaii and ppromote my cultural values of responsibility, respect and honor in all that I do, to open doors and create opportunity for generations of Filipinos to come.

WADE S. GESTEUYALA - Travel & Hospitality-Hotel Manager, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club
Glimpse
Education: University of Hawaii at Manoa- Business Administration, Damien Memorial High School
Highlights: Manager of the Year, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki
Outdoor Circle, Outstanding Landscape in the Community Award

His activities
--Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Housekeeping Chairperson
--Host Pacific Hospitality Magazine, Contributing Editor
--Choices [Career Guidance] Instructor, Waialua High School
--Hawaii Chapter of National Executive Housekeeper Assn Board of Director, Vice President, Program & Education Director
--Advance Stratefic Planning Analysis, Hilton International Bangkok
--Hawaii International Hotel Institute Rooms Director Training
--Westin Hotels Interactive Management Training Program
-- Westin Hotels Corporate Director of Restaurant Training Program
--Boys Scout of America, AYSO Soccer

His Excellence
Wade served as judge in the United Filipino Council of hawaii Miss Hawaii Filipina Scholarship pageant in 2009. He also coordinated with the Filipino Chamber of Commerce on special discounts package with the Hawaii Prince Hotel for FCCH as part of the member's benefits. He also provided donations to the 16th annual Scholarship Golf Tournament hekd earlier this year. Wade currently serves on the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council. this coucil serves as an independent, civilian source of advice and counsel on community issues to the Commander Pacific Air Forces [Commander], Some of the duties include acting as a catalyst for community support of Air Force activities in Hawaii and strengthen cooperation, dialogue and understanding between the community and PACAF.


ALYSSA MIA REYES--Outstanding Youth- Miss Teen Hawaii - World & Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina
Glimpse
Education: James Campbell High School; University of Hawaii at Manoa, student
Highlights: Miss Teen Hawaii Filipina 2009; Represented Hawaii in the Miss Teeen USA-World as Miss Teen Hawaii-World.

Her works
- Iwalani School of Dance "Outstanding International Contemporary Hula Performance for 2009
- Ambassadress of Goodwill for Kalayaan International organization 2009

US SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE- Ating Kaibigan -
His Legacy
Daniel K. Inouye, President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee, is known for his distinguish record as a legislative leader, and as a WWII combat veteran with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, who earned the nation's highest award for military valor, the Medal of Honor.

Senator Inouye has championed the interest of hawaii's people throughout his career. With his support, Hawaii's intrastructure has been strenthened, its economy diversified, and its natural resources protected and restored. Senator Inouye has increased job training and employment opportunities, provided more community healthcare, and provided support services and research to help small businesses and diverse sectors, from agricutlture to high technology.

Senator Inouye's relationship with the Filipino community is one of admiration and respect. It stems back 50 years when he traveled to the Philippines soon after his election as Hawaii's first Congressman. One of the measures he is most proud of is the recognition of service for the Filipino WWII veterans. Over the years, he has worked to right the injustices committed against the Filipino WWII veterans. The road to recognition has been long and difficult, and while no amount of money could ever fully compensate for the loss, for Senator Inouye, it is a matter of honor.

ATTY BERNALDO D. BICOY - Juan Dionisio Award for Lifetime Service -
Glimpse
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Missouri School of Law
Judge Advocate General's School, University of Virginia
University of Hawaii [undergraduate]

Highlight
Most Outstanding Filipino Overseas in the Field of Law for 1975, a presitigious national award bestowed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines in Malacanang Palace. In 1956 at the personal request of the late Ambassador Juan C. Dionisio, Sr, Atty Bicoy drafted the first set of By-laws for UFCH. he then served as convention parliiamentarian for 28 years.

His works
MILITARY DECORATIONS
- Silver Star Medal, the Korean War
- Bronze Star with 'V' Device Medal, the Korean War
- Purple Heart Medal, the Korean War
CIVILIAN HONORS
-Meritorious Award, Caballeros de Dimasalang
-Outstanding Citizen Award, Waianae Filipino Community Assn
-President & one of the founders, Congress of Visayan Organizations
-President & one of the founders, Filipino Chamber of Commerce
-Admitted to practice law in Missouri and Hawaii
GOVERNMENT
-Two-termed State Representative foe Leeward Oahu, 1968-1970
-Commissioner, Honolulu Planning Commission, 1990-94
JUDGE ARTEMIO BAXA [Ret]- Lifetime Achievement Award
Glimpse
Juris Doctor, University of Hawaii William S, Richardson School of Law
Master's Degree in Corporate law, University ofChicago
LL.B, University of santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University

Highlights
First immigrant Circuit Court Judge in Hawaii
Deputy Director of the Dept of Housing & Human Concern, County of Maui
Commissioner, Hawaii Filipino Centennial Celebrations Commission

His works
Judge Baxa has been awarded a number of honors including the County of maui First Empoyee of the Year. In 2002, he was selected as one of the twenty Outstanding Filipino-Americans in the US and Canada by the Filipino Image Magazine in Washington, DC. The County of Maui has chosen him A tOP 100 Outstanding Citizens of Maui for the last 100 years.
He is member of the Board of Regents, UH.

Event Committee Member of the Progress Award Committee

Lynne Gutierrez, president; Donnie Juan, legal adviser, Eddie Agas, Sr., Event chairperson; Maggie Domingo, Co-Chairperson;

Corporate Sponsor Solicitation: Bryan Andaya, Eddie Agas, Sr.
Adverstisement Solicitation: Bernadette Fajardo, Chair; Lynne Gutierrez, all island council presidents, all officers and board of governors

Ticket Distribution:
Ben Pulido, all island council presidents, all officers and board of governors

Progress Awards [Nomination]
Amado Yoro, Chair, Maggie Domingo, Arnold Villafuerte
all island council presidents, all officers and board of governors

Plaques and Certificates
Aurea Garcia Agas, chair

Leis
Lucy Pascual, Chair
all island council presidents, all officers and board of governors

Registration
Carmen Cabreros, Chair, Faye Cudal, Angie Borromeo, Aurea Agas, Bernadette Fajardo, Cleo Bala Casino

Reception:
Kanani Dias, Margaret Pascual, Crisselle Aquino

Production
Leo Gozar, Chair; Ruben Gutierrez, Ben Cabreros, William Cudal

Souvenir Book
Maggie Domingo



UFCH Officers that were re-affirmed:
Lynne Gutierrez, president; Norma Barroga, vice president; Doris Saribay, secretary; Ben Pulido, treasurer; Domie Bucasas, auditor.

Board of Governors: Edwin Ranan, Big Island; Jean Sumagit, Lanai; Moses Luczon, Molokai; Ryan Piros, Maui; Abe Iloreta, Angel Acorda, Kauai; Arnold Villafuerte, Ben Cabreros, Amado Yoro, Oahu.

Island Council President: Christina Ranan, Big Island; Juaghn Degamo, Lanai; Benny Piros, Molokai; Herman Andaya, Maui, Liza Trinidad, Kauai, Maria Etrata, Oahu.

Immediate past president - Eddie Agas, Sr.
Legal Counsel - Atty Doniie Juan.



Amado I. Yoro
Board of Governor and Executive Committee Member
United Filipino Council of Hawaii
Chairman: Membership, Media and Golden Book
Chairman: Social Action Committee and Mission Day Service
email: amenkesuska09@yahoo.com
blog: Amado I. Yoro Online www.Iluko.com
blog: www.juntagobernador.blogspot.com
www.dwcl90hawaii.com
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