december 16 2015

• THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 16-31, 2015

pino Sakadas. Limited seating/ first come first served, RSVP to May Mizuno 741-4503, Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033, Sam Acosta 306-1428, Lin-dy Aquino email [email protected]

December 20, 20153rd Annual Jingle Rock Run with Make-A-Wish Hawaii 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Iolani Palace 364 South King Street, Honolu-lu HI. 96813 Register Now at jinglerockrun.com. Come see the Honolulu City Lights through this family-friendly festive holiday walk to spread hope, strength and joy through the power of a wish. All pro-ceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

December 30, 2015The 119th commemoration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s death anni-versary. Brought to you by The Knights of Rizal-Hawaii in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General of Honolu-lu. 5:30 PM at the Philippine Consulate Lanai, 2433 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI. Guest speaker will be Dr. Lindy Aqui-no. Evening refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by December 27, 2015. Contact

December 19, 2015Candonians of Hawaii Christ-mas Celebration & Fundraiser. FilCom Center, Waipahu, Lunch 11:00 AM-3:00 PM; Contact Persons: Grace Go 389-1989, Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090

December 19, 2015Calayab Association Coronation Ball & Christmas Banquet. 6:00 PM FilCom Center, Waipahu, Cost: $55.00. Contact Persons: Gladys Menor 366-2317, Do-lores Baddo 256-3459

December 19, 2015Art+Flea & Mayor Kirk Cald-well’s Office of Economic De-velopment presents HOLIDAZE CHINATOWN MARKET, a unique shopping experience. Nuuanu & Pauahi Street. 12:00 Noon-5:00 PM. Free + All ages welcome! For more info visit ARTANDFLEA .com

December 20, 2015The 1st Sakada Day Celebra-tion, 2:45 PM at the State Capitol Auditorium. Governor David Ige signed the bill desig-nating December 20th of every year honoring the pioneering achievements of the first Fili-

STATEWIDEcommunITy cALEnDAR

compiled by AmELIA cASAmInA cAbATu

Persons: Mario Palma (808) 397-8626, Raymund Liongson (808) 381-4315, Jun Colmena-res (808) 838-9775

2016

January 8-10, 2016Hawaii Jaycees Year End Con-vention. Hosted by the Hawaii Kai Jaycees. Friday January 8, 2016 Casino Social, Kakaako Conference Room at the Ward Warehouse, Saturday January 9, 2016 Professional Training Kakaako Conference Room, Buffet Dinner Manoa Grand Ballroom, Sunday January 10, 2016 Board Meeting Kakaako Conference Room Contact Persons: HKJC 2015 President Lance Kajiyamahkjaycees @gmail.com and Reina Ojiri [email protected] or 769-3330

January 16, 2016Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation in coop-eration with the City & County of Honolulu presents A Taste of Kalihi A Block Party Kalihi Style 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Dillingham Shopping Plaza 1505 Dilling-ham Blvd & Colburn Street. Honolulu, Hi. See what Kalihi has to offer with great enter-tainment, games, food booths, business booths, exhibitions & more. Contact Persons for ven-dor opportunities & more infor-mation. Sam Acosta 306-1428, Zhoydell Magaoay 478-9802

January 23, 2016Annak Ti Batac Internation-al (ATBI) 5th Anniversary & Legacy Awards. Pacific Beach Hotel, Grand Ballroom. 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Simeon Ortal 422-1667, Trina Pascual 834-2970

January 24, 2016Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Installation & Inau-gural of newly elected officers Empress Restaurant 100 N Beretania St. 6:00 PM Cost: $40.00 Contact Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Faye Cudal 783-7552, Maggie Domingo 783-0068, Edith Gudoy 841-2881

January 25, 2016-February 6, 2016Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Trade Mission to the

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often hosting community events and celebrations. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia isthe current Chair of the Philippine Celebration Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. She owns and operates an adult daycare business and is happily married to Arnold Cabatu. They live in Salt Lake and is blessed with one daughter, Armay. Please send your event information [email protected]

Philippines. The delegation will meet with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the business links between Hawaii and the Phil-ippines. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Maria Etrata 392-2962

February 6, 2016Annak Ti Badoc Iti Hawaii Val-entine’s Ball and Scholarship Presentation Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00PM; Contact Person: Marilyn Tolen-tino Villar: 678-1482

February 14, 2016Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii Valentine’s Dance Fund-raiser, Rumours Night Club at the Ala Moana Hotel; 5:00PM-10:00PM. Contact Persons: Ramon Sumibcay 489-7148, Tina Salvador 426-6183

February 20, 2016Vogue Pygmalion Hawaii pres-ents The Lady In Red Gala with Masks, Hawaii Prince Hotel Maunakea Ballroom 7:00 PM; Cost: $70.00 to benefit the special projects of Pygmalion Arts Fund, a 501c3 Company Contact Person: Leo Gozar 630-6268

march 25, 2016Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club 91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa Beach, HI. Tournament proceeds fund the Foundation’s Scholarship pro-gram. Scholarship recipients will be presented during the chambers Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year & Scholarships Awards gala. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Eddie Agas 783-3327

April 30, 2016Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Annual Terno Ball, Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Carlota Ader 688-3215

July 16, 2016Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation An-nual Installation Banquet Hilton Hawaiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ballroom 6:00 PM. Contact Per-sons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam Acosta 306-1428

December 10, 2015Maui Filipino Chamber of Com-merce Christmas party and Installation of 2016 Board of Directors. 5:30 PM. Kahili Golf Course, Nahele Banquet Room. $50.00 dinner. Contact Person Jorge Tirona at 808.741.9758 or email: info@ mauifilipino-chamber.com.

December 20, 2015Sakada Day and Kick off of the 110th Anniversary Celebra-tion. 5:30 PM @ Binhi at Ani. Heavy pupus FREE. Contact Persons: Vince Bagoyo, Jr. at 808.357.3842 or Alfredo G. Evangelista at 808.294.5510.

December 27, 2015Rizal Day Celebration. Spon-sored by Maui Filipino Commu-nity Council. 6:00 PM at Binhi at Ani. Contact Person: Virgilio Agcolicol at 808.283.6943

January 17, 2016Santo Nino Festival. Sponsored by Santo Nino Club of Maui. Mass at 3:00 PM at Christ the King Church. Celebration at 5:30 PM at Wailuku Community Center. Contact Person: Leizl Oandasan at 808.276.5548.

February 13, 2016Mrs. Maui Filipina. Sponsored by Binhi at Ani. 5:30 PM at Bin-hi at Ani. Contact Person: San-dra Tokunaga at 808.357.7796.

oAHu

mAuI

August 27, 2016Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Recognition Night honoring the 2016 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 outstanding achieve-ments of graduating high school valedictorians in public and private schools & presen-tation of the continuing scholar recipients. Empress Restaurant 100 N. Beretania St. 6:00 PM. We are currently searching for the parents/parent of the year who has sacrificed to send their children (3 minimum) to college and/or universities & have at-tained their professional cho-sen careers. Contact Persons: Janice Sevilla 595-8000, Lina Longboy 421-7381, Leo Rojas Gozar 630-6268, Edith Gudoy 841-2881, Maggie Domingo 783-0068

THE FIL-AM COURIER • DECEMBER 16-31, 2015 • PAGE 3

PubLISHERMary Llanos Cordero

mAnAgIng EDIToRBennette Espineli Misalucha

DIREcToR oF DESIgnArmando Dela Cruz Busmente

PRoDucTIon mAnAgERAlice Llanos Busmente

ASSISTAnT EDIToRRadiant Cordero

coPy EDIToRDanielle Evangelista

PHoTogRAPHERS/gRAPHIcSBrandon dela Cruz

Noah FelipeGabe de Liso

Jeff OrigJames Ramos

coLumnISTSEdna Alikpala

Rhoda Yabez Alvarez, Esq.Jesse Bacon IINancy BernalCesar Bonilla

Alice Llanos BusmenteAmelia Casamina CabatuAnabel Gasmen Cabebe

Dr. Rickie CamaraDr. Patricia Halagao

ZenyMuyotAngie Santiago

Perfecto Yasay Jr.

conTRIbuTIng WRITERSConrad Abuel

Ric AgnesPaul Alimbuyao

Ria BaldeviaEriza Bareng

Marnelli Joy BasilioBernie CaalimRandy Cortez

Radiant CorderoMary CruzadaJaime de Jesus

Brandon dela CruzChristian Evangelista

Imelda GasmenVeronika Geronimo

Leo GozarBen GutierrezKathleen Lee

Carmela MinayaGladys Quinto Marrone

Gladys MenorJohn PagaraganPaola Rodelas

Judy RelosimonSandra SagisiNicole Velasco

Jason UbayMichiVillaruz

nEIgHboR ISLAnD buREAumaui

Kit ZuluetaJeremy Zane

big Island Mil AsuncionJane Clement

Dr. Margarita Hopkins

KauaiVirgie CruzadaLiza Trinidad

Marynell Valenzuela

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Lydia KamiyaJoni Redick-Yundt

Rudy BautistaMarynel Valenzuela

cIRcuLATIonFlorence Tan (Oahu)

Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu)David Cordero (Maui)

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LEgAL counSELAlfredo Evangelista, Esq.

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serving The communiTy since 1987serving The communiTy since 1987serving The communiTy since 1987serving The communiTy since 1987

look ahead and keep the goal in sight, the trick is to stay focused on the process rather than the outcome to achieve that goal. One example is my thesis for graduate school. I was so focused on getting a survey out to 500 people that I didn’t even properly plan for my literature review, methodology, and even my certification to research human subjects. My professors had to give me a swift reality check that set me back in my thesis planning and I was gutted, angered, and even blamed my professor, which added to the setback. I learned if you do it the other way around, chances are you will feel demotivated, out of energy and might even soon give up. Fourth one, it’s critical to always remember that you are never alone. Sometimes I felt like I was alone, but, there was the company of others running the race too as well as themany people you don’t know are cheering for you. I am quick to tell my mom that she doesn’t understand what I am going through. So what if she isn’t running the same marathon path I’m on with work, school, internships, and volunteer work? She’s running along with me as a supporter, and that’s just as important, too. So share freely with others the experiences you have, lessons you’ve learned, because you never know who’s in need just as you were. Those people who will push that glass of water into my hand like the Kokua Crew at the Honolulu Marathon, or give me that pat on my back or shout out that word of encouragement is all critical – without them I couldn’t make it. Just as it makes a real difference to me when someone alongside me cheers me on, if I can be that encouragement for someone else, I must. Others have inspired you, and whether you know it or not, you are inspiring others – so just as much as to run an honorable race is a gift, it is also a responsibility. Finally, enjoy the journey! I used to dislike the phrase, “Life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” But, with the lessons I learned above, I have come to see that the

dwell on our challenges and issues or do we move on and figure out a path forward? There is a huge difference between “I can’t” and “I don’t want to.” When my dad tells me to complete a task, such as gathering my old clothes and shoes to get rid of or donate, I seem to always say, “I can’t because I still use them all!” Honestly, though, it is largely because I really do not want to go through the effort of sorting through my things. (Don’t worry, dad, my room will get cleaned before Christmas!) Another great lesson from both my parents, is this: the difference between winners and losers is faith in the self. What seem like challenges are in reality our best teachers. They teach us to be flexible, make us strong, and help us grow to heights we didn’t dream possible. The promise is that we can and we will make it through whatever we are called to endure. If I had a gallon of gas for each time I needed to be reminded of this, I could drive from Honolulu to Toronto. Don’t pass up those aid stations. Marathoners often have this dilemma—should I slow down and help myself to a refreshing drink or should I keep running so I don’t break pace until I absolutely need the aid? I admit, I’m guilty of that. If you only stop when you desperately need aid, it’s already too late—your body has already depleted its glycogen reserves and might not have the stamina to recover fast enough. Worse, it might even cause you to stop. In life too, we find ourselves too busy to take benefit of our aid stations: meditation, spiritual literature and the company of spiritual minded people. We are constantly on a treadmill until we get to the point where we are thrown off out of sheer exhaustion. Let’s pace ourselves and stay replenished with the required nutrition for the soul. The third lesson is staying focused and positive. Milestones help us achieve this. We often make the mistake of looking too far ahead, causing us to feel overwhelmed as if there is no end in sight. Once again, I am guilty of this. While it’s good to

I have to admit, though, I have difficulty reminding myself of this, especially at work and school—I feel like I am always panicked or hurried. My parents are constantly reminding me to slow down and do my work well and carefully, but as some of you may experience, too, advice is sometimes a hard pill to swallow, especially at a young age. As an adult, however, I came to the realization that there are great lessons from my parents’ lectures that I can relate to different parts of my life, particularly my love of running and races. Unl ike a sprint which essentially tests your speed, a marathon requires a lot of mental strength, perseverance (my favorite word), endurance and hours of rigorous training. It tests and tries the body, eventually taking it beyond its breaking point. Unfortunately, a marathon isn’t over until you reach a distance of 26.2 miles 385 yards, so you don’t have the luxury of stopping. Life is like that, too—an endurance test that you cannot stop until you cross the finish line. While there will always be challenges and obstacles in our paths, we must find ways to overcome them and reach our finish lines. Just like a marathon, there are steps we can take to ensure we achieve our goal. For starters, don’t stop running. In l i fe just as with a marathon, we encounter inclines and declines. I am sitting here thinking about the marathon participants who will be trekking up and down Diamond Head and by Kaimuki Middle School and my calves ache already. The trick is to not lose focus of the destination ahead, and avoid being distracted by never looking down, up or to the side. Always stay present in the moment. I too know how difficult that can be as a lesson when the past can be haunting and the future can be daunting. No matter how well we train, there will be times when we fall. What makes a good runner, however, is how soon we get up after we fall. Do we

phrase is true, also. Make the most of it – people and experiences are here to teach us about ourselves, to help us grow and reach our highest potential. All we have to do is remain patient and stay open to learn. I would like to end my last note for the year with another lesson and by saying thanks. One last lesson I wish to share that I have learned from my parents, Mary and David, Grandma Florence, Aunty Bennette, Aunty Alice, Uncle Armand, Aunty Lydia, Uncle Rudy and all those involved with such dedication and perseverance for the paper, is that: your dreams are far too valuable to be wasted. If you’ve got one, start realizing it today. You have no idea how it may change your life for the better. I have such a thankful heart and happy heart, and in this season of merriment and thanksgiving, I lastly, but definitely not least, want to thank you all! I am humbled and grateful for all of you who continue to support my older brother “Fil” for 28 years and for the many years to come! This paper is the community’s and that is what makes the Fil-Am Courier Hawaii’s longest running and number one Filipino publication! M a l i g a y a n g P a s k o at nawa’y magdala ng kasiyahan at tagumpay ang BagongTaon sa inyo!

B y r A D i A n T c o r D e r o

you’ve heard the adage, “Life is a marathon, not a

sprint?”

Radiant Cordero is an Assistant Editor at the Fil-Am Courier. She was awarded by the United Filipi-no Council of Hawaii as an “Out-standing Youth” and by the JCI Filipino Junior Chamber as a “Top Outstanding Young Filipino.” She graduated with honors from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in American Studies in May 2012. She is now a Master’s candidate in the Public Administration Program at UH Manoa. Cordero works as a Senior Advisor at the Honolulu City Council.


our cover....

you received an actual letter via snail mail? But it does not have to be the case. In fact, there is no medium better than a letter to communicate sincere sentiments, no format more conducive in expressing deep emotions, especially when it comes to communicating with family.Letters have the power to change lives for the better. Or touch the spirit so it can heal. Or inspire someone or give them hope. The organizers of the “Letter to my Parents” contest have this in mind when it dared to organize this annual competition, the winners of which were announced last month during its final presentation at the Executive Dining room at the Campus Center at the University of Hawaii. “Each of the letters is a result of deep reflection with an intention to show gratitude but also to show

an intention to improve the family relationship. And that intention is what brings a positive change to our community!!” said Noriko Sotta, Member of the Reiyukai America National Committee. This year, instead of the usual rankings (first, second or third), the organizing committee dec ided to provide three awards using the following categories: Bravery, Reflection and Proposal. Awards were given to Sheena Juliano for Bravery, Abigail badua for Reflect ion and Shirell bell for Proposal. Each of them received a prize of $500 sponsored by Kalamansi Books and Things, Filipino Association of University Women and Re i yuka i America. O t h e r f i n a l i s t s included: Florence Andres, Chimako Anitok, Rosario Joaquin, Headrick Letuli, Angela Lin, Brandon Lorezco,

Janica Pascua, and Stephanie Yasay. Each finalist received gift certificates from Read 2 Succeed Foundation, Z ippy ’s , and Reiyukai America. In addition, each finalist also received a certificate for a “1 Year BenchPrep TestPrep Course Subscription” courtesy of BenchPrep. This year’s judges were Maiana Minahal (Kapi‘olani Community College), Mia Porecca (Read 2gether Foundation), and Dusty Santos (KNDI 1270AM). The 2015 Letter to My Parents ContestTM in Hawai‘i was organized by Kalamansi Books and Things, Sariling Gawa – Youth Council, Read 2 Succeed Foundation, and Reiyukai America with f inancial support from Budget Color Litho., Filipino Association of University Women, BenchPrep, La Raza Unida, and Zippy’s. As we celebrate the Holiday season, the Fil-Am Courier shares these beautiful letters to showcase the gifts of love, joyful hearts and true happiness. Surrounded by our families and loved ones, may we tune in to the messages contained in these letters, may their testament ring loud and clear: from that first Christmas in Bethlehem with the birth of the baby Jesus to whatever our circumstances today may be… christmas is all about Families.

by bEnnETTE ESPInELI mISALucHA

Managing Editor, Fil-am Courier

Our festive cover was designed by Noah Felipe of Orig Media.

It features the winners of this year’s Letter To My Parent’s

contest (LtoR): Sheena Juliano, Abigail Badua and Shirell Bell.

The Letter To My Parents contest is conducted under the auspices of Kalamansi Books and Things, Sariling Gawa,

Read 2 Succeed Foundation and Reiyukai America.

Mahalo to Jeff Orig of Orig Media. Both Jeff and Noah may be reached at www. origmedia.

com or at (808)447 9559.

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas Tree — is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. “

Burton Hillis

With the advent of email, cell phones, social media and other rapid-response forms of communication, some say that letter-writing is fast becoming a dying art. When was the last time


CATEGORY: BRAVERY

Sheena Juliano This 17-year-old senior at Kauai High School says she feels blessed to be Filipino. “My parents have raised me well. I know my priorities. I think I have solid values. I’m grateful for strong family ties that bind us together,” shared Sheena Juliano of Lihue, Kauai. The oldest of four children of Madeline and Ferdinand Juliano, Sheena has been to the Philippines countless times—”We go every other year”, she added. “And when we do, I have such a deep appreciation for our culture. I also come back to Hawaii with gratitude for the life we have here. I do think I have the best of both worlds.” Sheena was born in Lihue where her parents, both from the Philippines, had met. When asked about her future plans, Sheena said she is still exploring her options. She doesn’t

really know whether to go to the Mainland for college yet, although she is inclined to go to the University of Hawaii for one year before transferring to a Mainland school, possibly Northern Arizona University, where she had been already accepted.

What does my family mean to me? My family has always been my main priority. They’ve raised me to always do my best, do remember what’s important, and to always be honest to myself and others. Through all the trials and tribulations I’ve come across, my family has always been my rock. They are what keep me going forward.

What is my christmas wish for my family? M y p a r e n t s a r e hardworking people, and all I want this Christmas is

a chance for them to relax and take a break from their busy schedules to enjoy a well-deserved vacation spent with all of us together.

Juliano


It’s not a surprise Abigail Badua’s favorite subject in her high school. After all, she does excel in it as reflected in her winning this essay contest. But when one considers that English was not her first language, then one has an even greater appreciation for her talent. Born in the Philippines to Godly parents, Linda Badua and Luisito Concepcion, the 16 year old Abigail is currently a junior at Waipahu High School. “I grew up in Baguio City, and I was 5 when I left to come here. I still remember how we had to leave my Dad behind. It took nine years before we could be reunited.” Abigail has visited the Philippines at least two times and she is always grateful for the opportunity. When asked about her future plans, Abigail knows that she will be going to college and will major in business. She’s not certain whether she will attend a local school or go to the Mainland.

CATEGORY: REFLECTIONS

Abigail Badua

What does my family mean to me? My family means the world to me. They are my source of love and comfort. They are my home.

Abigail is a member of the National Honor Society, the Waipahu High School’s Youth For Safety, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America,Vice President in Waipahu HS Board, Treasurer of the Academy of Finance Board, sits on the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and is active in the St. Joseph Youth Ministry

What is my christmas wish for my family? My Christmas wish for my family is to simply be able to spend this joyous season happily together after being apart for so long.

badua


Bennette Espineli Misalucha is the Fil-Am Courier’s Managing Editor. She has been affiliated with the Courier since 1987 as a contributing writer and as Managing Editor since April 2013. She started her career as a journalist, and was a reporter/producer both in Hawaii (at KHON Channel 2 News) and in Cebu, Philippines.

CATEGORY: PROPOSAL

Shirell Bell The three trips to the Philippines may account for it, because Shirell Bell considers herself close to her Filipino roots. “I always enjoy going to my mom’s hometown of Mariveles, Bataan. When I am there, I am always humbled by that experience. They have so little but they are so resourceful and so generous. I learn valuable lessons by the time I leave,” Shirell said. Born on the Big Island but raised on Oahu, she is the daughter of Estrella Aguilar-Bell (deceased) and John Bell. Her mother’s death was a def in ing moment in her life which she has tapped as a source of inspiration. Shirel l was a 2012 graduate of Kapolei High School and is now a student

at UH West Oahu. She is slated to graduate December 2016 with a degree in psychology. “I know I want to get a post-graduate degree after that; maybe even a Ph.D. but not sure on what yet. I am hoping that instead of me looking for it, my future

career will find me”, she laughed as she reiterated this point. In the meantime, the 21-year old Shirell volunteers for a number of non-profits and aspires to “make a difference, an impact on the life of others.”

wish that we continue to grow together in new and different ways. Family is something that is always changing, yet is always the same. We recently added a new addition to the family, my baby niece, and change happens within a family. However, that love that we all have for each other is still the same, if not growing stronger and stronger.

What does my family mean to me? I f ee l t ha t f am i l y is truly everything. It is something that sticks with you throughout the entirety of your life and even after that.

What is my christmas wish for my family? This Christmas, the wish that I have for my family is a simple one. I

Left to right: Howie (older sister), Shirell, Anthony (brother in law), La’niarose (niece), Shannell (little sister), John (Dad), Ziyin (Stepmom)

bell


The one thing that I don’t want to see happen, is a pattern of completely ditching dreams to give the younger generation a chance to dream, only for them to do the same thing afterwards. By the time you read this letter, we will have another beautiful addition to our family, baby Myarose. As a family, I want us to dream together and help one another to achieve those dreams. I want to start a tradition of creating vision pages. These vision pages are similar to vision boards, but it will become a scrapbook. Every year, all of us will basically put our dreams out on paper and share those dreams with one another. It would be great especially for Nia and Mya to see how important their dreams are. One day they will see how their dreams changed over the years. I want them to know that their dreams can become reality and the same thing goes for my dreams. Your daughters and I have an important thing in common, we have you as a loving parent.

Thank you Howie, for all that you have done and will continue to do. Your name, Hirell, basically makes up 90% of my name, all you need is an “S” right in front of it. I think it’s a little funny because it’s a representation of how you much you have impacted my life. I love you.

Your little sister,Shirell

As a family, I want us to dream together and help one another to achieve those dreams. I want to start a tradition of

creating vision pages.

think I could feel. After mom had passed away, I was left numb, but Nia changed that. As expected, almost 4 years later Nia has become an important part of my life. I love sharing a room with her. I love it when she wakes up in the middle of the night and crawls into my bed for comfort. I love sharing my food with her, even if she’s kinda just helping her self most of the time. I love chaperoning her field trips. I love that I can make her feel the way you make me feel, safe and loved.

People question me about how involved I am in Nia’s life. It seems like they think I’m being forced to help out or I’m sacrificing my social life because it’s what you want me to do. They don’t understand that I do these things because I want to do them. My family will always come first. What good is going out with my friends all the time, without a family to come home to.

As you already know, I’m a big dreamer. I constantly remind you of how one day I will give you your own compound and we will build our own houses. How I’m going to be Princess Tiana one day and send the whole family to Disney World. How I’m going to be a flight attendant and we will travel the world. How one day, I’ll be right up there with other strong, powerful, and inspirational women, like Oprah. I know that you also had dreams, dreams that were pushed to the side to allow Shannell and I the opportunity to make dreams for ourselves. I understand that sometimes things do happen and our dreams may change or be put on hold for a while.

the mother daughter relationship we seemed to have going on, slowly shifted to a little sister-big sister type of relationship. I remember confiding in you about my secret boyfriend that I didn’t tell mom or dad about. I could vent to you, cry with you, I could rely on you. On January 12, 2011 I woke up earlier than usual and went to ask Mom if Shannell and I had to go to school or not because of the stormy weather. I never got an answer. After feeling her cold skin when I tried to wake her up, you were the first person I called. And just like that, our relationship had shifted once again.

In the eyes of everyone else around us, you now had this role of being the mother. A role that in my eyes, you had always played. You took Shannell and I in, doing everything and anything necessary to make sure that we would successfully graduate from high school. At times I felt that you were too over protective. As a teenager going through the whole self-centered stage in life, I felt a lot of things. The one feeling I don’t think I took the time to focus on was the feeling of thankfulness. At 15 you had two carseats in your car to chauffeur Shannell and I around in. You used your hard earned money to make sure that we never felt like we had less than the other kids at school. You always kept us in mind. I am thankful that you didn’t leave for the mainland like you had planned. I am truly thankful for your sacrifices.

On November 3rd, 2011, you gave birth to my favorite person in the entire universe, my niece La’Niarose. Nia came into my life during a time where I don’t

Dear Howie,Anyone that comes across this letter may question why it is being addressed to you, my sister, and not our parents instead. It takes more than simply just conceiving or even adopting a child, to receive the title of a “parent”. The way I see it, this title is earned. A parent is someone who plays a role in raising a child and grows with a child, for me, that parent is you.

As an adult looking back on my childhood, I realize that we have always had this weird relationship. You had the official title of older sister, yet I always saw you as more of a mom. If there was something that I wanted, it would be “ask your sister”. If I needed something, “go ask your sister.” If I was getting in trouble for something, “wait till your sister gets here and finds out.” As I got older and started high school,

perseveranceDespite wanting to give up so badly

Because of you two I have never felt painDespite our financial problemsI have never felt poor becauseI knew that deep down I was rich with blessingsBlessings from two wonderful parents that only want the best for their childrenTwo wonderful parents who always knew what struggle wasAnd I am beyond grateful that I became one of the two lucky ones chosen to be yours

Through both of you,I have learned strength, independenceBeauty in the struggle And finally LOVEA four-letter word full of sacrificeHandwork and perseveranceThe kind of love that only a parent can give a child

So I thank God for giving me two wonderful blessingsBecause of you two I have grownGrown with dreams and aspirations that I work hard and go to collegeThat I get the career of my dreamsSo that one day,I’ll be the one making the sacrificesI’ll be the one to give you gifts on Christmas morningsI’ll be the one to give you two the life you never imagined for yourselvesOne day, I’ll be the one to take care of you two.

Despite all our busy schedules, I will make it a must that at the end of the day,We are all together at the dinner table.I promise to understand and see things from your perspectives as parentsTo be aware of our financial situation and work to over come this obstacleTo not get mad so easilyAnd be patient when things don’t come as planned.And finally, something that has helped all of us endure those years apart,I promise to pray to God To guide us as a whole through all our ups and downs.I love you both so much.

Your loving daughter,Abigail Joy

So that we had clothes on our backSo that we never felt like there was something that we lackedMom, you taught me how to be independent

All those sleepless nights you had spent on usFrom staying up till 3 helping me finish a projectTo holding me close on nights where I just couldn’t fall asleepI still remember when you took on 3 jobsThe only times I saw you were in the mornings when you would walk us to schoolTo dinnertimes only to rush out again for your third jobTo only feeling the bed creak beside me As you finally rested your tiny, aching bodyAs a sign to show me that you were finally home

I hated how I never saw you anymore.Why does she always leave us? Does she not love us anymore?

I would ask myself as a child of little understandingHow hard it was to be a single mother

I didn’t know how deep in debt we wereEven when Papa came here to Hawaii,Working everyday was still a mustI didn’t know a lot of things so I was madI am so sorry for the times I was ungratefulMa, the hurt I saw in your eyes when you told me we couldn’t afford a vacuumAnd out of anger that we couldn’t even afford something so simple,I yelled out, “We have nothing!”I didn’t know that my words was like a stab to your heart

I didn’t know that you cried during your lunch breaks Or that you stayed up late with worrying thoughts of all our billsDad I didn’t know that despite the smile on your faceWas an aching heart because you weren’t there to watch us growOr an aching back from painting houses all dayI didn’t know any of these because Those were the things you both never taught me

You never showed me pain or weaknessYou never let me see the tears streaming down your tired facesYou would have a mask of strength and

And finally, no snow.This was definitely not paradise

However, through thisYou both taught me how to be strongA few weeks turned to a few months, A few months turned to a year“When will Papa come here to Hawai’i?” I would ask with agony and anticipation.Until it became nine yearsThrough both of you,I have learned strength, independenceBeauty in the struggle And finally LOVENine long years of not being able to live with my dadNine long years of being a single motherNine long years of being a long distance fatherHowever, those nine years taught me that love has no distance

Pa for those years you spent all aloneWaiting for your petition to the USOnly seeing your family twice a monthThrough a lagging computer screenOnly being able to feel and touch usThrough the clothes we had left behindTo the pictures we left for your remembrance

MaFor those years, you raised us on your own

Working 8 hours a day7 days a weekNo rest, you did itYou did it so that we always had food on the table

Dear Mama and Papa,

I loved growing up in the PhilippinesMama, Papa, Ate and finally me as BunsoWe were a big happy familySoon, I had found out that we were moving to the StatesI was filled with excitement.Dreams of living in a mansionWhite sand, and even snow

However, I soon also found out that Papa couldn’t come with usWhy? I didn’t know and that was out my controlIt was an adult issue

Life in Hawai’i was not what I imaginedWe didn’t live in a mansion.We rented a house in Kalihi where 6 of us shared one bedroomNo friends, no toys, no cable.

Through both of you,I have learned strength, independenceBeauty in the struggle And finally LOVE


Dear Mom and Dad,

For as long as I can remember, you’ve wanted me to be a Straight-A student. Even back in elementary school when the grades were just listed as MEs and MPs, if I had brought anything else home but those kind of grades, I would have to deal with your disappointment. I never wanted to disappoint you both or let you down, so I always pushed myself towards becoming that Straight A student you’ve always asked of me to be. In the beginning it wasn’t that hard, since you’ve raised me to work hard and excel so easily. The both of you always guided me towards greatness.

I didn’t understand it at the time because I was so young and so naive, I didn’t realize that you only wanted me to do well because you wanted me to become successful and accomplish more than what you did.I remember signing up for any drawing contest, any writing contest, every talent show and any activity that would require me to exhibit leadership, involvement, hard work, and most importantly, accomplishment. My favorite part would be looking into the crowd and seeing the both of your smiling faces with your eyes reflecting back how proud you were of me. From then on I told myself I would do anything to keep you guys happy.

But then I grew older, and school got harder. It’s sort of like how when you’re playing a video game and once you finish one level, you go to the next level and you’re being expected to do accomplish more. That was the thing that changed mom and dad; I was being asked to learn more, to know more, to memorize more, to bring more to the table.

Of course, still having the mindset of succeeding, I pushed myself to overcome these new obstacles. I juggled my classes, my papers, my projects, and my life. There were often times when I would get so overwhelmed with trying to keep my grades up that I didn’t think I could do it anymore. I wanted to give myself a break. I didn’t want to carry the burden of having to be a straight A student anymore. It was draining me. I learned what stress was. I learned what it meant to stay up at night trying to finish something that was due the next morning. I never wanted to let you guys down, so that’s why I kept forcing myself to do it. To be the very best I could be. I knew how disappointed you guys would be if I failed. You both expected so much from me.

I was expected to do so much that I would get angry at myself. I would get angry at the two of you. Why were you expecting so much from me? Why were you making me work so hard? Why was it okay for the other kids to get grades other than an A, but not okay with me? I didn’t know why me being a straight A student meant so much to you both. It began to feel like that was the only way for me to prove my self worth to you.

I would be so afraid of dropping my grades because I thought the two of you wouldn’t love me anymore. I would be afraid that you wouldn’t look at me with those same proud eyes. I was constantly fighting a battle within myself: to give myself a break and relieve my stress, or to keep stressing myself out to make the grades for you.

We would argue about keeping my grades up. You would be afraid that my focus was shifting elsewhere. For the longest, maintaining my grades began to feel like an obligation. You didn’t understand how hard it was for me to try to give you what you wanted. Did you not care about me?

But you did mom and dad. You did care about me. You cared about me so much. You cared enough to push me. You cared enough to set high goals for me so I’d always set high goals for myself. Mom and Dad, I didn’t understand it at the time because I was so young and so naive, I didn’t realize that you only wanted me to do well because you wanted me to become successful and accomplish more than what you did. I didn’t see the reason behind your actions.

I didn’t understand it at the time because I was so young and so naive, I didn’t realize that you only wanted me to

do well because you wanted me to become successful and accomplish more than what you did.

I had a complete paradigm shift once I understood. I was able to tolerate the stress and expectations because after all, you both just want what’s best for me. I’m so grateful to have parents like you who push me and expect so much from me because you only want me to achieve great things in the end. And in the end I just want you to know that I love you so much mom and dad.

organizers:Kalamansi Books and Things, Sariling Gawa Youth Council, Inc.,

Read 2 Succeed Founation, and Reiyukai America.

Award Recipients by Different Categories:Category “Bravery”: Sheena JulianoCategory “Reflection”: Abigail Badua

Category “Proposal”: Shirell Bell

Finalists: Andres, ChimakoAnitok, Rosario Joaquin, HeadrickLetuli, Angela Lin,

Brandon Lorezco, Janica Pascua, and Stephanie Yasay.

Judges: MaianaMinahal (Kapi‘olani Community College),

Mia Porecca (Read 2gether Foundation), and Dusty Santos (KNDI 1270AM)

Sponsors: Budget Color Litho., Filipino Association of University Women, BenchPrep,

La Raza Unida, and Zippy’s.Special Thanks to KNDI 1270AM.

email: [email protected]: www.lettertomyparents.com

© Letter to My ParentsTM Contest in Hawai‘i Organizing Committee, 2015

All rights reserved.

NATIONAL ARTIST BEN CABRERA TO ATTEND SEVERAL EVENTS IN HONOLULU

ferred the Order of Na-tional Artist for Visual Arts by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Mala-canan Palace, Manila, Phil-ippines. His works have been the subject of three books, Ben Cabrera: Etchings (1970-1980) by Cid Reyes; BenCab’s Rock Sessions by Eric Caruncho; and BENCAB by Alfred Yuson and Cid Reyes. The artist lives and works in Baguio City and has three (3) children: Elisar (born in 1971), a filmmaker based in Lon-don; Mayumi (born in 1973), a model and ac-tress currently living in Los Angeles; and Jasmine (born in 1977), a fashion stylist working in London.

Philippine National Art-ist Benedicto Reyes Cabre-ra or “BenCab” as he is also popularly known, will be in Honolulu for several appearances. One of his first stops will be the annual fund-raiser and Christmas par-ty for the Candonians of Hawaii, which will be held on Saturday, December 19th at 11:30 am at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Two honored guests have agreed to grace the occassion: Ilocos Sur 2nd District Congress-man Eric Dario Singson and BenCab. Candonians of Hawaii President Helen Grace Go had indicated that her group will be rais-ing funds for the benefit of their Candon scholars. Both Cong. Singson and BenCab are also ex-pected to be amongst the special guests during the first-ever Sakada Day celebration on December 20,2015 at the Capitol Auditorium. Festivities star at 3 pm. It may be recalled that Governor

David Ige had signed a bill this year, designating every December 20th as the Day for Sakadas. BenCab is also expected to present a special painting of sakadas which will be displayed first at the State Capitol, and will later be permanently housed at the Philippine Consulate offices at Pali Highway. BenCab is widely hailed as a master of contempo-rary Philippine art. He was born in Manila on April 10, 1942. BenCab began carv-ing a niche for himself in Manila’s art circles shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines in 1963. A painter and printmak-er, he has exhibited widely in the Philippines and in Asia, Europe, and the United States. He has won several major art awards in a ca-reer spanning four decades. In 1992, he received the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (Cultural Center of the Phil-ippines Award for the Arts). In 2006, he was con-

ben cabrera

c o m m u n I T y nEWS


mary Llanos corderoPublisher

bennette misaluchaManaging Editor

gladys Quinto marone gladys menor

Jane clement Virgie cruzada

Christmas is a time to gather friends and families together. It is a time to show our love and appreciation for one another with gifts and thoughtful sentiments. It is a moment to feel joy as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Courier family wishes you and your Ohana the best of the holiday season. May your hearts be touched with the gifts of love, friendship, and peace.

Armando busmenteDirector of Design

Radiant corderoAssistant Editor

Alice Llanos busmenteProduction Manager

Rhoda yabez Alvarez, Eqr.Edna AlikpalaJeff orig

Dr. Patricia Halagao Zeny muyot Angie Santiago Perfecto yasay, Jr. conrad Abuel

Amelia casamina cabatu

James Ramos

brandon Elefantemarinelli Joy basilio bernie caalim Randy cortez mary cruzada

John Pagaragan Leticia Pagkalinawan Sandra Sagisi

Dr. margarita Hopkins Liza Trinidad marynell Valenzuela

gabe De Liso

noah Felipe


Imelda gasmen

Paul Alimbuyao Ria badevia Ryan Piros

Daniel Eisen Jaco gallarde Debra barayuga Agoo

Christmas is a time to gather friends and families together. It is a time to show our love and appreciation for one another with gifts and thoughtful sentiments. It is a moment to feel joy as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Courier family wishes you and your Ohana the best of the holiday season. May your hearts be touched with the gifts of love, friendship, and peace.

Florence mccollomDavid cordero Danielle EvangelistaCopy Editor

Rudy bautistaAccounting

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christian Evangelista Alfred Sison ben gutierrez cecile yasay carmela Jones

Russel Reis Alredo Evangelista, Esq.

mil AsuncionKit Zuluetamichi VillaruzJason ubaynicole Velasco

Anabel cabebe

not in photo: noah Felipe

Jordan Segundo


Spice Souks (Arab market or marketplace). The itinerary also included a courtesy call on Dubai Philippine consul general Paul cortes. On October 9th, top travel consolidators and agents all over the world gathered at the Century Park Hotel Manila to attend the PAL Awards night. With New Zealand as the latest PAL flight destination, the themewas “Lord of the Rings” thus Hawaii Top Travel Agents were all dressed up with their medieval outfits. The top honorees from Hawaii were mel Danglapin, Assistant manager Pan Tours Hawaii (Gold), Edith gudoy, owner & manager Everlasting Travel & Tours (S i l ver ) , Rose galanto President of Aloha Tours (Silver), and Teresita noble, President & owner, noble Travel (Bronze). PAL CEO and Owner Mr. Lucio Tan and President Mr. Jaime Bautista graced the event and formally presented the awards accompanied by PAL Hawaii Area Manager Sol Solleza and Country Manager – USA Marila Revilla. As the top awardee, Mel stated: “We at Panda Travel take pride and always strive for the best to ensure that we are part of the PAL Award. We motivate our sub-agents to have a chance to participate in the PAL Familiarization Tour to one of their exotic destinations yearly. We thank PAL for

The tour included visits to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah cities, burj Al Arab (world’s only 7 star and the third tallest hotel), marina cruise (on board a unique luxury floating majlis -”a place of sitting”) , burj Khalifa (tallest artificial structure in the world, standing at 2,722 feet), Sheikh Zayed grand mosque (considered to be the key for worship in the country), Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park with over 20 attractions), and Desert Safari Tour where delegates experienced dune bashing, sand ski, BBQ dinner, belly dancing, and camel rides. Dubai is famous for malls thus the group shopped at Dubai mall, gold and

left Honolulu on October 1st bound for Manila then took a flight to Dubai the following day.

Travel headed by Edith Gudoy (Everlasting) together with Letty Saban (Let’s Travel), Lina Mercado (Balikbayan Travel Service) and others. The group

Philippine Airlines (PAL) awards top travel consolidators based on their annual sales production with two incentives, namely the Familiarization Tour which is an all-expense paid trip to a destination where it operates and the Awards Night where travel coordinators and agents worldwide are formally honored and recognized. This year, PAL selected Dubai as its destination, a well-deserved choice considering that it is the most populous city and one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. There were three groups that joined the tour, namely Aloha Tours and Travel, Everlasting and noble Travel and Pan Tours, Hawaii Inc. I joined the second group representing Noble

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES RECOGNIZES LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS

PAL President and coo Jaime J. Bautista flanked by Linda mercado and Letty Saban during the PAL AWARDS Re-ception

Hawaii-based travel agents during the tour in the sand dunes

With Dubai consul general Paul cortez. cortez was a former Honolulu consul.

The delegation as they were about to depart for manila.

by PAuL ALImbuyAo


recognizing our commitment and support.” Silver awardee Edith Gudoy shared her thoughts on the recognition: It was a humbling experience to be a part of most recent PAL award held October 9th, 2015 in Manila. It was even more humbling to be recognized for doing what we love … which is sharing with our Kababayans in Hawaii that it is really “More Fun In The Philippines”. With the many years that Philippine Airlines have served the people of Hawaii, it has been our pleasure to work hand in hand with Philippine’s only airline. We look forward to continuing this relationship and to promote not just our homeland but the many destinations that PAL now flies to. It was also an experience of a lifetime for Everlasting and its sub-agents to participate in PAL’s familiarization tour to Dubai. From wearing their cultural dress, Abaya (women) and Kandura (men) to indulging in Emirati cuisine (falafel, hummus, shawarma). From shopping in the famous souks (gold, spice) to walking in the largest mall in the world (Dubai Mall). From looking at the views from the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa) to visiting UAE’s largest mosque (Sheik Zayed Mosque). From experiencing a sand dune ride to drinking tea in the world’s only 7 star hotel (Burj Al Arab). From meeting with our own Paul Cortez (Philippine Consul General – Dubai) to chatting with the many Filipinos that work and call Dubai home. Our group shared many experiences, laughter, and most of all a sense of gratefulness. It was truly a trip to remember – Maraming Salamat Po Philippine Airlines.” For her part Rose stated: “The PAL Famil iar izat ion tours is always a very good opportunity to explore and

one of three groups representing Hawaii. Another travel group which participated in the tour.

mel Danglapin (Pan Tours), Sol Solleza (Hawaii DSm-Philippine Airlines), Rose galanto (Aloha Tours), genaro Velasquez (Senior AVP-International Passenger Sales), Edith gudoy (Everlasting Travel), Letty Saban, Lina mercado and Paul Alimbuyao

discover the beauty and culture of different cities. It makes me very confident when I sell tickets and tours on places that I personally experienced. I am fortunate to be working with Aloha Tours and Travel for almost 34 years that I am given the chance to join many of these tours. It was truly a heart-warming honor and privilege to be given this bronze award, one of PAL highest recognitions. I was overwhelmed by the whole evening, meeting consolidators from around the world, and everyone creatively dressed in Lord of the Rings costumes.”

“The familiarization tour and awards night is a great gesture on the part of PAL in providing an incentive and recognition to travel coordinators. This surely motivates us to continue to support the Philippines flagship airline. I am so glad that after a hiatus, PAL decided to reinstate this program.” said Teresita Noble who was unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflict planning Noble Travel’s 1st European Tour. Philippine Airlines is the nation’s flag carrier and flies to/from Honolulu to the Philippines four times a week.


by JoRDAn SEgunDo

BUTTERMILK PIEOn a recent trip I tried Buttermilk Pie for the very first time and found myself in foodie heaven. I loved it so much that I recently cooked my first Buttermilk Pie – the result was just as I remembered, a southern dessert that was sweet, smooth, and decedent. If you’re looking for a new recipe this holiday, give this a try; you and your family will surely be feeling the joy.

Ingredients: • ½ cup melted butter • 1 ¾ cup raw sugar • ¼ cup flour • 3 eggs • ½ tsp. vanilla • ½ cup buttermilk • 9 inch unbaked pie shell • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients in mixing bowl. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 50 minutes. Remove pie from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon. Allow to cool, and then refrigerate. Serve cold.

THE PERFECT GIFTGift giving can be a daunting task, especially when you’re at a loss of what to get that special someone. Here are a few simple ways to elevate your gift giving:

• Pick gifts that your loved ones can really put to use – something that fits their lifestyle, ability, or hobby. When they open it, it will be obvious that you had them in mind when you chose their special present.

• Listen, learn and write it down – The best way to identify the perfect gift is by listening to your loved ones. People drop hints unknowingly and will tell you what they want in their own way. When you pick up on those hints, take a mental note, write it down or make a note on your phone.

• Don’t Forget to Wrap – Let your creativity run free when wrapping gifts. Unique wrapping makes the gift more memorable and creates more excitement for the person receiving the present.

• Don’t gift just to gift – Make sure that your gift is something thoughtful and doesn’t just take up space in someone’s house. It can be the easy way out to just give a random gift, but why not go that extra mile and give a gift with meaning or purpose.

MALIGAYANG PASKOThe holidays can be a very hectic time for most people. From holiday events and parties, to cooking, decorating and managing time and money for Christmas shopping. And that’s on top of everyday routines. While the holidays are meant to be joyous, it can also be a season of stress and anxiety. Here are a few ways to beat the holiday blues and minimize the holiday stress and pressure.

• budget your spending – It can be easy to overspend during the holidays. Before checking off the gift list, make a plan for how much money you are willing to spend during the holidays, and stick to it. Staying in budget can help to reduce the stress of overspending and accumulating debt.

• Stay healthy and exercise – Maintain your fitness and eating habits throughout the holiday season to avoid the added stress of extra pounds. Exercise also stimulates endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators.

• build and maintain relationships – The holidays are about relationships. Schedule time to catch up with a friend you’ve lost touch with or the family member you haven’t seen in years. It is good to reach out to others at a time that is very family-focused.

• Embrace the holiday spirit – The spirit of the season is about giving, being thankful and reflecting on a year well-lived. Find little moments that bring you happiness and share that joy with others.


by DR. ALFRED SISon

cannot move forward.” ~ Steve Maraboli “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

8. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. “ Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.” ~ Gerald Jampolsky “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:31-32

9. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better. “We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.” ~ C. JoyBell C.

10. you can’t receive new gifts if your hands are still full of yesterdays junk. “Abundance is a process of letting go; that which is empty can receive.” ~ Bryant H. McGill 11. Let go. Tie no weights to your ankle. “You will find that it is necessary to let things go;

someone anymore. It’s just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.” ~ Deborah Reber “Love liberates. It doesn’t just hold—that’s ego. Love liberates. It doesn’t bind. Love says, ‘I love you. I love you if you’re in China. I love you if you’re across town. I love you if you’re in Harlem. I love you. I would like to be near you. I’d like to have your arms around me. I’d like to hear your voice in my ear. But that’s not possible now, so I love you. Go.’” ~ Dr. Maya Angelou “Relationships are eternal. The ‘separation’ is another chapter in the relationship. Often, letting go of the old form of the re lat ionship becomes a lesson in pure love much deeper than any would have learned had the couple stayed together.” ~ Marianne Williamson

5. you don’t lose the things you let go of, you lose the things you cling on to. “You can only lose what you cling to.” ~ Buddha “Have you ever struggled to find work or love, only to find them after you have given up? This is the paradox of letting go. Let go, in order to achieve. Letting go is God’s law.” ~ Mary Manin Morrissey

6. Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” ~ Havelock Ellis

7. you can’t move forward looking backwards. “The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you

sometimes it is letting go.” ~ Hermann Hesse

4. Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care about someone anymore. “Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care about

belong to us. This frees us from unnecessary stress.” ~ Melody Beattie

3. Letting go is a sign of great strength.“Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but

With the holiday season in full swing, I would like to share my gift to you. Here are 23 powerful lessons in letting go, lessons that will most probably inspire you to let go of anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy so that you can start living the wonderful and meaningful life you deserve to live.

1. by letting it go it all gets done. “By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” ~ Lao Tzu

2. Letting go frees you from unnecessary stress. “Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not


go bankrupt tomorrow. You may be very much attached to your power and position, your presidency, your prime ministership, but they are like soap bubbles. Today they are here, tomorrow not even a trace will be left.” ~ Osho

23. To have life, and to have its pleasure, you must at the same time let go of it. “Pleasure in its fullness, cannot be experienced when one is grasping it. I knew a little girl to whom someone gave a bunny rabbit. She was so delighted with the bunny rabbit and so afraid of losing it, that taking it home in the car, she squeezed it to death with love. And lots of parents do that to their children. And lots of spouses do it to each other. They hold on too hard, and so take the life out of this transient, beautifully fragile thing that life is… To have it, to have life, and to have its pleasure, you must at the same time let go of it.” ~ Alan Watts Why do you think so many people struggle with letting go of ideas, things, relationships and experiences that hold them back in life, causing them to

“When you hold on to your history you do so at the expense of your destiny.” ~ T. D. Jakes

20. There is a time to hold on, and a time to let go. “Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.” ~ Gloria Naylor

21. Letting go is one of the things that matter the most. “In the end these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?”

22. out of a fear of the unknown, most people have a hard time letting go of their suffering. “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” ~ ThichNhatHanh “All of our miseries are nothing but attachment. Our whole ignorance and darkness is a strange combination of a thousand and one attachments. And we are attached to things which will be taken away by the time of death, or even perhaps before. You may be very much attached to money but you can

“The pain of letting go is less than the pain of missing your destiny.” ~ Joel Osteen

16. When you let go of the life you’ve planned, you open ourselves to the life that is waiting for you. “We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ~ Joseph Campbell

17. True mastery can be gained by letting things go their own way. “In pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added. In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped. Less and less do you need to force things, until finally you arrive at non-action. When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. True mastery can be gained by letting things go their own way. It can’t be gained by interfering.” ~ Lao Tzu, Tao TeChing

18. The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday. “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” –Steve Maraboli

19. When you let go of your history, you start to live your destiny.

simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” ~ C. JoyBell C.

12. When you let go of who you are, you become what you might be. “In the process of letting go you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.” ~ Deepak Chopra “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” ~ Lao Tzu

13. Letting go gives you freedom and happiness. “Let t ing go g ives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness.” ~ ThichNhatHanh. “To let go is to release the images and emotions, the grudges and fears, the clingings and dis-appointments of the past that bind our spirit.” ~ Jack Kornfield

14. Letting go is knowing that there’s a future. “Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over.” ~ Guy Finley “Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.” ~ Daphne Rose Kingma

15. The pain of letting go is less than the pain of missing your destiny.

feel a lot of stress, anxiety and unhappiness? Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that we all have a choice to “let go and live life.” Happy Holidays! –Dr Al

Alfred A. Sison, MA, LMFT, PsyD; “Dr. Al” is a licensed clinical psychologist with a subspeciality license in marriage and family therapy. He services individuals, couples, and familes through the therapeutic process, and maintains a private practice in Honolulu, HI. He holds a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology degree from Argosy University, Hawaii Campus and a Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialty from the American School of Professional Psychology, Hawaii Campus. He completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.


Born in the Philippines, Virgie Cruzada has lived on the island of Kauai since 1972. A mother of three adult children, she is a resident of Hanamaula w i t h h e r h u s b a n d , Bobby. She is a retired teacher who devotes a lot of time helping the community, including serving as president of the Kauai Visayan club and Vice President of the Congress for Visayan Organizations.

Eve baring (extreme right) presented our December birthday celebrants with a cake. (Left to Right): benedict Robles, Rodilio baring, Sandee Estenzo, Evelyn basnillo, and John Ampoloquio.

“We are finally engaged!!!” Taylor Campbell and Lynn Jackson, avid members of the Kauai ballroom Dance group and active members of the Kauai Visayan club are happy to an-nounce their engagement after a six-year relationship. Taylor asked for Lynn’s hands in marriage while vacationing canada this past October, 2015. Congratulations!

Virgie cruzada, out-going President of the Kauai Visayan Club, handed out Certificates of Appreciation during their christmas Party held on December 5, 2015, to thank those who faith-fully served the organization. Tessie Estenzo, chairperson of the membership committee is in the foreground.

Visitors from other Filipino organizations came to help us celebrate the blessed event. nancy Apala of the Pangasinan Association (left), and Rose narito (right) were present to help spread joy, love, and peace as seen in their smiles, while Shirley negrillo (in-coming Treasurer) proudly joined them to complete their quality bonding moment.

The Kauai War memorial convention Hall in Lihue where the Annual christmas Party of the Kauai Visay-an club was held was well attended by both members and guests alike. It was a very colorful evening, enhanced by the dancing music furnished by the Island Harmony band. A night to remember, indeed!

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