november 16 2015 issue

• THE FIL-AM COURIER • NOVEMBER 16-30, 2015

april@ alohadreamteam.org

November 21, 2015Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc (NAMI); 14th Anniversary Gala, Appreciation of Volunteer Lecturers and Recognition of new RNS and Review Graduates; Hale Koa Hotel, Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00 pm; Contact Persons: Bea Ramos-Razon 778- 6291, Jun Obaldo 277 -7495 and Bong Curameng 383-0135

November 22, 20154th Caregivers Recognition Day Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom 6:00 PM. Presented by the United Group of Home Operators (UGHO), The Primary Care Providers of Ha-waii (TPCPH), United Caregivers of Hawaii (UCOP), Caregivers of Hawaii (COH), Adult Foster Home of Hawaii (AFHOP) Contact Persons: Maria Etrata 392-2962, Esther Pascual email her at [email protected]

November 29, 2015Fil-Com Sunday-Pasasalamat! At the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu 3:30 PM-7:30 PM Contact Person: Arceli Rebollido at the Fil-Com Center 808-680-0451

November 29, 2015Alliance of Residential Care Admin-istrators (ARCA) Annual Christmas Celebration Hale Koa Hotel Banyan Tree Showroom 6:00 PM Contact Person: Lilia Fajotina 291-1706

December 4, 2015 8:00 PMDecember 5, 2015 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Honolulu Broadway Babies Presents A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THIS SHOW…A Broadway Musical Christmas Revue. New Life Church Theatre 1190 Nuuanu Avenue. Contact Person for Info

November 12-22, 2015 Hawaii International Film Festival, the premier international film event in the pacific, showcases features and documentaries from Asia, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. It has more than one dozen screening sites on six Hawaiian Islands. For more info log onto www.hiff.org

November 16- 22, 2015A Sakada Story, a short documen-tary featuring the story of Filipino plantation laborers. The story written, directed and produced by filmmaker Maribel Apuya, has been chosen to screen at this year’s Hawaii International Film Festival. Please visit the HIFF website for dates and times of screening for the above story at http://www.hiff.org/filmsevent/box-office-tickets.

November 18, 2015Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the Filipino Junior Chamber hosts Handshakes & Hors d’oeuvers (Etiquette, Everyday, Everybody) A short presentation by Kathryn Chung & Yvette Lee The Mandalay 1055 Alakea Street. 6:30 PM. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Michi Villaluz 386-0740 or visit website at www.fjchamber.org.

November 20, 2015 A Brown Bag Lunch hosted by the Aloha Dream Team, a mixed-sta-tus, multicultural, immigrant-led group dedicated to empowering our immigrant community, with a focus on youth. Hawaii State Capitol 12 noon- 1:00 PM; Pupus provided; RSVP required by November 16. Contact Person April Bautista (714) 657-6152 or visit website at email

STATEWIDEcoMMuNITy cALENDAR

compiled by AMELIA cASAMINA cAbATu

call 808 783-2296 or go to hbb-christmas revue. eventbrite.com ; $25.00 Balcony $35.00, Orchestra $50.00 VIP Seating

December 5, 2015La Union National High School Alumni USA-Hawaii Fundraising Dance and Gala Night Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 5:30PM-12 Midnight, Dinner @7:15 PM. Cost: $65.00. Contact Persons: Baybee Hufana Ablan 753-5616, Elvie Revira 228-2965, Pia Santos Moon 220-2164, Ben Pulido 421-9747

December 5, 2015Santanians Association of Ha-waii-USA Annual Christmas Party and Election of Officers, St. John the Baptist Parish Hall (Kalihi), 6:00 PM-10:00PM Contact Persons: Julius Soria 722-9958 or Aurora Garcia @ 722-3150 or email [email protected]

December 6, 2015Pasko sa Fil-Com At the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu 3:00 PM-7:00 PM Free & Open to the Public Contact Person: Arceli Rebollido at the FilCom Center 808-680-045/www.filcom .org

December 9, 2015 Filipino Women’s Civic Club (FWCC) Christmas Celebration Ala Moana Hotel, Carnation Room 6:00 PM Cost: $55.00 Contact Persons: Ber-nadette Fajardo 342-8090, Cecilia Villafuerte 780-4985

December 9, 2015Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Board of Directors and General Membership Meeting, & Christmas Holiday Celebration. Location TBD Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Zhoydell Magaoay 478-9802

December 9, 2015Filipino Junior Chamber Ugly Sweater Holiday Social & Canned Goods Drive 6:00 PM-8:30 PM. The Social Honolulu Eatery & Bar 1018 McCully Street. Contact Person: Michi Villaluz 386-0740

December 11, 2015 Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Christmas Celebration Ala Moana Hotel Garden Lanai 6:00 PM; Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Chulet Paco 343-2527

December 12, 2015Adult Foster Homecare Associa-tion of Hawaii (AFHA), Christmas Celebration and Coronation of the new Mrs. AFHA. Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom 6:00 PM Contact Persons: Norma Tan 358-4985, Maribel Tan 384-0494

December 12, 2015Cebuano Association of Hawaii Christmas Party Sunset Lanai Restaurant, Camp HM Smith Grounds 5:00 PM-10:30 PM Con-tact Persons: Firmo S. Dayao 339-6626

oAHu

Amelia Casamina Cabatu is a familiar face in the community, often emceeing communi-ty events and parties. She is a veteran radio announcer and guests-hosts on 1270 KNDI Radio. In addition to other affiliations, Amelia is the 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 to [email protected].

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

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

December 20, 2015The 1st Sakada Day Celebration, 3 PM at the State Capitol grounds. Governor David Ige signed the bill designating December 20th of every year honoring the pioneering achievements of the first Filipino sakadas. Limited seating, RSVP to May Mizuno 741-4503, Amelia Casamina Cabatu 282-2033, Sam Acosta 306-1428, Lindy Aquino email: [email protected]

2016 cALENDAR yEAR

January 16, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation in cooperation with the City & County of Honolulu presents A Taste of Kalihi Street Festival. 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Dill-ingham Shopping Plaza 1505 Dill-ingham Blvd. See what Kalihi has to offer. Great entertainment, games, food booths, business booths, ex-hibitions & more. Contact Persons for vendor opportunities & more information. Sam Acosta 306-1428, Zhoydell Magaoay 478-9802

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

January 24, 2016Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Installation & Inaugural 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 Philippines. The delegation will meet with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the business links between Hawaii and the Philippines. Contact Persons: Sam Acosta 306-1428, Maria Etrata 392-2962

February 6, 2016Annak Ti Badoc Iti Hawaii Valen-tine’s Ball and Scholarship Presen-tation Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom, 6:00PM. Contact Person:

Marilyn Tolentino Villar: 678-1482

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

February 20, 2016 Vogue Pygmalion Hawaii 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 Con-tact Person: Leo Gozar 630-6268

March 19, 2016 Hawaii Filipino Women’s Club (HFWC) Annual Terno Ball, Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ball 6:00 PM. Contact Persons: Nelly Pongco Liu 228-7808, Carlota Ader 688-3215

March 25, 2016Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation Annual Schol-arship Golf Tournament. Ewa Beach Golf Club 91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd. Ewa Beach, HI. Tournament proceeds fund the Foundation’s Scholarship program. 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

July 16, 2016 Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Foundation Annual Installation Banquet Hilton Ha-waiian Village Resorts, Tapa Ball-room 6:00 PM. Contact Persons Bernadette Fajardo 342-8090, Sam Acosta 306-1428

August 27, 2016 Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Recognition Night. Hon-oring the 2016 Parents/parent of the year, recognizing the 2016 outstanding achievements of grad-uating high school valedictorians in publicand private schools & pre-sentation 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 uni-versities & have attained their pro-fessional chosen 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 • NOVEMBER 16-30, 2015 • PAGE 3

Power of PerspectivePubLISHER

Mary 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

ADVERTISINg SALESMarivicAldayaMary Cordero

Annabel CabebeFlorence Tan McCollom

Lydia KamiyaJoni Redick-Yundt

Rudy BautistaMarynel Valenzuela

cIRcuLATIoNFlorence Tan (Oahu)

Ron Oshiro(Leeward Oahu)David Cordero (Maui)

Marynel Valenzuela (Kauai)Milli Asuncion (Big Island)

LEgAL couNSELAlfredo Evangelista, Esq.

Atty. Ernesto Urbano (Phils.)

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

prominent in my life without a doubt. Life, it would appear, was not designed to be easy, no matter who you are. True happiness, the one thing we all strive for, seems like an occasional sprinkle of magic dust that is just intended to keep you focused on the treadmill. You reach out to keep hold of it and it disappears in your hand. And then I ask myself, what is it all about. I believe the world is far too complex for us to have made it. For me there has to be something greater. Now I have my doubts if we are even capable of running the world as it is. Great advancements in certain areas, but no progress since the dark ages in others. And if something greater did make the world we must

One of the advantages of a near-death or life-changing experience is that it gives you a better view of life. It allows you to see through the fog. Frequently, I just stop the world spinning for an instant and look at everything I see. And in 2015 I am seeing a world like I have never seen it before. I am seeing one man beheading another and entire populations fleeing for their lives. And in the civilized world I can see huge corporations whose only motive, and only expected motive is to generate bigger profits at the expense of individual humanity and personal quality of life. I see people in every direction and the most prominent common ingredient in all of their lives is stress. Stress is certainly

I would like to take the opportunity to let a few things off my mind and share it, be it you think or have the same opinions or not. Please keep in mind that these reflect my own thoughts, as Radiant, and no one else’s thoughts. Sometimes a single image can capture the attention of the entire world. For most of us the emotions generated by the pictures of a dead 3 year old boy, Aylan Kurdi, washed up on a Turkish beach, were impossible to ignore. How does this happen in 2015? Many will have thought of their own children, or children they know and momentar i ly swapped places with his father. How would you feel if you were standing on that beach and that was your child? Is that the way you think the world should be? Let’s remember, people, of the power of perspective. Everybody in the room will have their own bag of troubles, a difficult boss, a noisy neighbor, a failed investment, a son who never calls. Without the benefit of peripheral vision they can become the greatest problems in the world. So I ask you all, when you get home, to put on the news. Only this time to watch it properly. I ask them to put themselves in the shoes of the man in Syria whose wife and four children have been blown up, or the woman in the Philippines whose entire village has been washed away by a tsunami, or the parents who lost their child who attended a concert at the Bataclan during the Paris attacks, and then look into their bag of troubles again. Suddenly the leaking roof at my house, the seemingly billion of pages I need to write for school every week, and the struggle I am going through to juggle my capstone thesis, internships, and jobs all don’t seem so big.

all be here for a purpose. We are here to be the best people we can be. We don’t need any religion to tell us that. So sometimes all that makes sense is that a day of reckoning will come. We will all be asked in the end to give an account of the lives we have lived. There will be no short cuts then. The beheader will be asked why he did what he did. The company that made millions by deceit will not be asked about the millions, but the deceit. In the end, we must be open to understand our own truths and perspectives we take in as we remain keen to what is going on around the world. But, stay aware, stay true to your perspective and respectful of others’.


our cover....

continued to be a part of the care home industry despite the many challenges that had plagued the industry. A native of Claveria, Cagayan, Esther is one of hundreds of caregivers in Hawaii who are providing much-needed support for many of Hawaii’s elderly or mentally challenged population. There are at least 1,700 long term care facilities in the State. A high percentage of these caregivers are of Filipino ancestry, which many attribute to the inherent Filipino value of taking care of our community. These caregivers give up so much of themselves and their families, their selfless gestures of kindness are often unheralded as they quietly do more than the requirement to make their patients’ life more comfortable. In recognition of these everyday heroes, the caregivers in Hawaii will be recognized during an event on November 22 at the Ala Moana Hotel. Four associations are uniting together to sponsor the event: The United Group of Home Operators, the

Primary Care Providers of Hawai i , the United Caregivers of Hawaii and the Adult Foster Home of Hawaii. Esther Pascual is the over-all chair of the event and is a past president of the United Group of Home Operators, an association w h i c h wa s t h e f i r s t organization to organize the care home operators. Es the r sha red he r story on how she started in the industry: “I arrived in Hawaii in May of 1972 and my neighbor had a care home. My husband encouraged me to start one so I can raise the children while having a means of livelihood. I actually went to school to take care home education for six months, and when the requirement to get licensed was passed at the Legislature, I got my license right away in 1985. I currently have four patients, one of whom has been with me for a very long time.”

EARLy yEARS IN THE cARE HoME INDuSTRy M i l a M e d a l l o n Kaahanui remembers why the United Group of Home Operators was formed: “I

became part of the industry in 1977 when I opened my own care home business. I experienced first-hand how the caregivers were being treated. I was totally offended by how we did not get respect from the inspectors. I actually felt like I was a criminal, when in fact, here I was, actually doing a service for the community. When I asked around, the other Filipino care home operators were intimidated. They just wanted to go with the system. They told me that if we fight, then all the more, we would be harassed. But I was an activist during my student days at the University of the Philippines, and I knew that something had to be done. So, I was able to organize twelve of us to be the nucleus of the United Group of Home Operators, and the rest is history.” Meda l l on -Kaahanu i added: “I knew that by organizing, we can be empowered and have a voice at the Legislature. The group, indeed has been a catalyst in changing some of the state laws to make the industry more professional and able to

“It’s not an easy job. But at the end of the day, your pat ients become your family, and you are committed to make sure they get the best care. Because you care.” Esther Pascual, a care home operator since 1972, sums up her sentiments when asked why she has

by bENNETTE ESPINELI MISALucHA

Managing Editor, Fil-am Courier

This month’s cover photo was shot by talented photographer

Gabe de Liso at a Filipino restaurant in Iwilei.

Pictured left to right are the key leaders of the caregivers

industry in Hawaii: Lilia Paredes Fajotina, Elma Velasco Tierra, Constante Domingo, Esther

Pascual and Maria A.F. Etrata.

Photograpger Gabe de Liso owns Contemporary Photos and

may be reached at 808 681-5588.

Cover design by Noah Felipe of Orig Media. A big mahalo to Jeff Orig. Both Noah and Jeff can be reached at www.origmedia.com

or at (808) 447-9559.


adapt to changing times.” For example, Medallon-Kaahanui recalls how in the 1980s, she worked with then legislators Mitch Ito, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie in drafting landmark legislation that reformed the system. “That bill lifted the industry to become more professional. It required mandatory licensing and training for caregivers, but in exchange, we received the largest increase in our fees, which was commensurate to our labors.” Although she has since sold her care home business and is now enjoying a life of retirement, Medallon-Kaahanui still monitors the industry. When asked about the future of the industry, she shares that “community-based care will continue to be an important resource for Hawaii’s vulnerable popu l a t i on and the i r families. Caregivers play an important role by providing a viable residential care options for people in need of care in a home-like setting. The challenge, however, is the future prospect of institutional standards being imposed on the turning their homes into min-institutions at a third of the cost charged by nursing homes.” She c on t i nue s , “ I suggest that caregivers who belong to different organizations focus on this and other broader issues affecting the industry. Instead of competition, they need to foster cooperation, collaboration and higher

competence. I am very confident that in the end, this will become their shared goal in the days ahead.”

uNITy WITHIN THE INDuSTRy The call for unity was echoed by the President of the Caregivers Association of Hawai i , constante Domingo. The association was established in 2011 with Domingo as President and he said their association appeals to those who want a smaller and more one-on-one approach. He said he has more than 100 care home operators in his association and more than likely, he will not seek another term because he wants fresh perspective to keep the association moving in the right direction. “We have to fight for what is due to us, and in order to achieve that, the industry has to be united. We hear about good examples of care home operators in Oregon and California, who were able to have their own bargaining units to fight for the rights of the industry. We need to do the same.” Domingo came to Hawaii in the 70s, and armed with a degree in AB English and History from Divine Word College in Laoag, wanted to aspire to something greater. But reality hit when the only job he could find was as a janitor. He pursued further studies to improve his lot, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a masters in Political Science, both from

the University of Hawaii. Domingo and his wife establ ished their care home business in 1980 in Moanalua. His wife, who was a nurse, was tired of working shifts at St. Francis Hospital and wanted to be around to raise their three children. The care home business provided that stability. After more than thirty

years in the business, Domingo had no regrets. “My wife and I abide by the Golden Rule: do unto others. We treat our patients like family. And that is why our patients stay.” Domingo was optimistic about the outlook of the industry: “Hawaii has the longest life expectancy so there will always be room for those patients wanting

the home atmosphere and we will be around to support that need. I am happy when I see young(er) nurses who are entering the industry. The future is theirs.”

gRoWINg PAINS “We are fighting for that future,” said Lilia Paredes Fajotina, the past president of the Alliance of Residential Care Home Administrators (ARCHA), who is one of the most active advocates in the industry these days. Fajotina honed in on two current issues that can potentially impact the industry: One is the proposal by the Department of Health to impose a fee of $3,300 per year as licensing fees for all long term care facilities. The Department of Health had indicated that the fees will help the Department to pay for a system that would help collect and analyze data, thus allowing better oversight of the State’s care home industry.

Esther Pascual Mila Medallon Kaahanui Lilia Paredes Fajotina


Fa jot ina was qu i te adamant that imposing those fees will trigger a mass exodus of care providers. “Many of the care home operators have already told me they will shut their doors if that fee is set. When you take into account what we receive, there is no parity, no fairness.” The other issue that is on the minds of the care home industry is the online reporting of deficiencies. Fajotina admitted that she had nothing against reporting deficiencies but there has to be a context. She said that many deficiencies are minor – and correctable—infractions, and she would rather those be kept off the online reporting. “If I was a family member of a potential client, I can see why I would like to get information. But

let’s keep the focus on the major infractions. That’s reasonable.” “I admit that there have been some care home operators who have been neglectful. The news is often on those bad apples. They have been prosecuted and

received the punishment. BUT, the truth is the majority of us are good people. We take good care of our patients. We should not be held accountable for the sins of others.” Fajotina has been a part of the industry for the past

fourteen years. Upon her arrival from the Philippines in 1982, she first worked as a nurse at Kuakini Hospital and the Convalescent Center of Honolulu. In 1999, she established her own care home, primarily so she could stay home to watch her growing family. “In the beginning, I had such a tough time. I started with one patient. But in due time, I went to get further training, and so I learned. My care home now has five adult clients. And my first client? She is like our grandma, because she has been with us ever since we started fourteen years ago.” “I am committed to this industry,” Fajotina explained, “because of the experiences I gathered, I have gained a better insight on elderly patients, and so I adapted my practice to make sure they are happy and comfortable.”

R E c o g N I Z I N g T H E VALuE oF coMMuNITy-bASED cARE HoMES The re a r e seve ra l champions for the industry but none as vocal as House Vice Speaker John Mizuno, who said, “I completely support Hawaii’s caregiving industry. About 90% of the communi ty-based care home operators and caregivers are of Filipino descent.” “The industry is vast. You have adult foster homes, some cover those w i t h d e v e l o p m e n t a l disabilities, others for the elderly and disabled, with one segment focused on Medicaid recipients. They provide an essential service in quality and affordable long term health care in Hawaii and they save the State millions of dollars, because if these clients were not in community-based care homes, they may be placed in state institutions or in private long term nursing wards, which costs double the price of community care homes.” “Consumer protection is always a top priority for our caregivers and case managers. This is a robust industry and hopefully, it will get more support from the legislature because Hawaii is aging faster than any state in the nation. Our community based careg ivers and case managers represent compassion, love, sacrifice and support.” Mizuno is aware of the challenges that many of the

From left to right are the key leaders of the caregivers industry in Hawaii: Lilia Paredes Fajotina, Elma Velasco Tierra, constante Domingo, Esther Pascual and Maria A.F. Etrata.


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.

The 4th Caregivers Recognition Night

will be held on November 22, 2016

at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Hibiscus Ballroom,

starting at 6 pm.

For more in formation, please contact Maria Etrata at 392-2962 or

Esther Pascual at email pascual006@

hawaii.rr.com.

caregivers experience. He is conversant with the issues and has networked with the various stakeholders. He believes that there is a need to set certain parameters again since the old rules may no longer apply. “I plan to introduce an omnibus bill on caregiving this coming session which would incorporate win-win solutions for all the parties concerned. I am working on the details and I hope to enlist my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make it happen.” Note: We actively sought out the Primary care Providers of Hawaii (TPcPH), one of the largest associations in this industry for a part of this story but unfortunately, circums-tances were not in our favor and due to printing deadlines, we had to proceed without their viewpoint. Suffice it to say, the President of TPcPH, Maria A.F. Etrata, a community leader, is a very strong voice in its advocacy efforts at the capitol and in carrying out the united message.

Congratulations on your 28th Anniversary, Fil-Am Courier!

Annalynn MacabantadData ManagerChild Welfare Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration ProjectCenter on the FamilyUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa

PAGE 8 • THE FIL-AM COURIER • NOVEMBER 16-30, 2015

I would like to congratulate the Fil-Am Courier and its wonderful staff on their 28th anniversary! Thank you for your dedication in serving the Filipino community as well as the State of Hawaii! Wishing you many more years of continued success! Mabuhay!

Agaton S. Pasion, Jr. Lecturer, Philippine Language and Literature ProgramUniversity of Hawai’i at Manoa

Congratulations to the Fil Am Courier for their 28th anniversary! It has been a great source of advertisements and news about our Filipino Community. Best wishes in the coming years!

Precious AraoB.A. Filipino, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

Congratulations, Fil-Am Courier, for all your achievements and for providing quality articles. For many more years of great work, happy 28th anniversary!

Leischene CalinganganArchaeologistKealaPono Archaeological Consulting, LLC

Congratulations to Fil-Am Courier and their hardworking staff on their 28th year anniversary of incredible service. Thank you for your dedication and public service in creating a difference to the Filipino and Filipino American communities of Hawaii. May your success and blessings continue for many years to come. Aloha and Mabuhay!

Kimberly D. AgonoyCustomer Service RepresentativeTC Kokua, LLC

Congratulations to all the staff of Fil-Am Courier on your 28th Anniversary. Thank you guys for your awesome dedication to the Filipino communities of Hawaii. More blessings and con-tinuedsuccess for many years to follow.

Ian LaguaGraduate Student & Research AssistantUniversity of Hawai‘i at Manoa

Dear Friends, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Fil-Am Courier on the occasion of its 28th Anniversary. Throughout its 28 years of existence, the Fil-Am Courier has been one of the most widely read and recognized publications for Filipinos in Hawaii. The impact that the Fil-Am Courier has had on the Filipino community through its many contributions cannot be emphasized enough. Again, my warmest congratulations. I wish the publishers and staff of the Fil-Am Courier all the best for much success as you continue to serve the people of Hawaii.

Aloha, Mabuhay and Maraming salamat po!

Councilmember Ron MenorHonolulu City Council, District 9

A huge congratulations to the Fil-Am Courier on their 28 year anniversary! To me, the Fil-Am Courier is a publication that is helping bridge the gap of older and younger, and past and future Filipino generations to come. I wish the whole staff and writers continued success for the work that they do for the Filipino community.

Stephany MakizuruSpecial Educator/English TeacherWaianae High School

Congratulations on 28 years of ensuring Filipino voices are heard! The community greatly appreciates the Fil-Am Couri-er’s commitment to providing a platform for our stories to be told. May the spirit of truth and community lead you always.

Marie Antonette Anamong RamosOutreach & Training CoordinatorAsian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project

Aloha and Mabuhay Fil-Am Courier! Congratulations on 28 years of amazing stories and insights about our Filipino, Pil-ipino, and most of all Filipino-American community! May the Fil-Am Courier team continue to radiate many more awesome news to come! Cheers to 2016!

Gabe TornoFounder and Director of Tekniqlingz Crew.

Happy 28 Years of Service to the Filipino Community

On this special and important celebration, best wishes for your continued success toward your next milestones. May your independent and responsible reporting will continue to serve the Filipino community well for many years to come. Congratulations!

Eric Caceres Barsatan Owner, Hawaii CPR Training Services


by DR. ALFRED SISoN

Try several of these ideas:

• Attend a support group. Support groups are a great way to make new friends. It could be a group for people who have similar health issues or life challenges, or a group for people of the same age or sex.

• Go t o commun i ty activities like sporting events , thea t r i ca l productions, concerts, ar t shows, poetry readings, book signings, civic groups, special interest groups, and political meetings.

• Take a course or join a church. Let yourself be seen and known in the community. If money is a problem, consider going to your local library and looking in the newspaper for listings of free events. Spend time in places that are free, like a local bookstore with couches where you can sit and read for a while. You will have a feeling of connection even without any dialogue with others.

• Vo lun tee r. S t rong connections often are formed when people work toge the r on projects of mutual c o n c e r n . W h e n volunteering, you are already with a group of people with a common interest. You could help out at a soup kitchen, read to children in day care, visit people in nursing homes,deliver flowers in the hospital, or serve on a political or social action committee. You could bring snacks for the other volunteers and arrange a time to get together and eat with them for more social contact.

your fee l ings and emo t i on s w i t hou t judging, teasing, or criticizing

• Gives you good advice when you want and ask for it, assists you in taking action that will help youfeel better, and works with you in difficult situations to figure out what to do next

• Accepts your se l f-defined limitations and helps you to remove them

• Lets you help them when they need it

• You want to be with, but you aren’t obsessed about being with

• Doesn ’ t ever take advantage of you

“Don’t walk in front of

me… I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me … I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend.”

- Anonymous

oN MAKINg FRIENDS Making new friends

can be excit ing or intimidating, depending on your personality and your circumstances, but ultimately it is rewarding. To meet new people who might become your friends, you have to go to places where others are gathered.

The hardest th ing about going out and doing anything in the community is doing it for the first time. It’s hard for everyone. Push through those hard feelings and go. Most of the time, you will be glad you did. Don’t limit yourself to one idea or strategy for meeting people. The broader your effort, the greater your likelihood of success.

With the holiday season approaching our emotional, physical, and mental health can become a rollercoaster ride of emotions. What can temper this? What can help us find balance in these highly emotional times? The answer is blowing with a friend. Our social support network is essential to balancing the highs and lows of the holiday season. A lot of us are blessed with several layers of social supports as well as self-empowerment, others have but a solid few. And still others unfortunately due to circumstance or the challenges of life have none. Today’s column is all about the importance of friendship and some tips on making friends…. Friends increase your enjoyment of life and relieve feelings of loneliness. They even can help reduce stress and improve your health. Having good friends is especially helpful when you are going through any kind of hard time: experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, depression, phobias or delusional thinking, living with a serious illness or disability, having major surgery, having a loss in your life, or just being under a lot of stress. At times like these, good friends and supporters can make all the difference. When you are with good friends you feel good about yourself, and you are glad to be with them. A friend is someone whom —

• You like, respect, and trust, and who likes, respects and trusts you

• D o e s n ’ t a l w a y s understand you, but accepts and likes you as you are, even as you grow and change

• Allows you the space to change, grow, make decisions, and even make mistakes

• Listens to you and shares with you, both the good times and the bad times

• Respects your need for confidentiality so you can tell them anything

• Lets you freely express

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM A FRIEND

Happy Holidays, your friend, Dr Al; www.alspsy. com.

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.


by ANgIE DyTIoco SANTIA-go

licensed elect-rician, Melvin, a Senior Project Associate Architect, and Roland, an Emergency Department Charge Nurse at Sutter Hospital and a supervisor at

PCFH Honors Parents of the Year and High School

Valedictorians

The Philippine Cultural Foundat ion o f Hawa i i (PCFH), headed by Maggie Domingo, recently held its annual Parents of the Year Awards Program. Ten exemplary parents were recognized for their sacrifice and perseverance in building strong family units and encouraging their children to pursue higher education,and be involved in community service. Bonifacio and Lorena Guieb were selected as the 2015 Parents of the Year. The couple arrived on Maui in 1970 from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, before moving to Honolulu.

Bonifacio worked for the Honolulu Shipyard and American Electric, Inc. while Lorena was tasked as the “Money Manager.” The couple have three sons: Eduard, a

Kaiser Permanente. Nineteen high school v a l e d i c t o r i a n s w e r e also recognized as well three continuing college scholarship awardees.

Anacleto “Lito” Alcantra, President and owner of group build-ers, Inc., was the first recipient of the Trailblazer Award for his accomplishments and contributions to the community.

2015 Parents of the year bonifacio & Lorena guieb, surround-ed by the PcFH committee headed by Maggie Domingo, and Parents of the year 2014 Dr. Nicanor and Imelda Joaquin.

The event was chaired by Janice Sevilla and co-chaired by Faye Cudal and Cirvalina Longboy.

Parents of the year Nom-inees Jorge and blandina Retuta.

Parents of the year Nom-inees Arthur and Trina Pascual.


2015 LIST oF VALEDIcToRIANS (PcFH ScHoLARSHIP REcIPIENTS)

VALEDIcToRIAN HIgH ScHooL PARENTS

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5. Dean Barlan Mililani Rudy & Catherine Barlan

6. Jozette Cortez Kapolei Joet & Suzette Cortez

7. Leilani Luis Pearl City Eduardo & Elsie Luis

8. Angelica Wong James Campbell Nelson & Grace Wong

9. Laica Mae Arcibal Waianae Rudy & Catherine Barlan

10. Stephen John Cu Pearl City Steward & John Cu

11. Kasey Yap Waianae Dale & Verdeza Yap

12. Deandre Sylva Nanakuli Fred & Rachel Sylva

13. Anthony Menor Mililani Ron & Pat Menor

14. Trisha Baltazar Waipahu M/M Enrique Pasalo

15. Terrence Pascua Moanalua Joel & Trilyn Pascua

16. Camile Agtina Waialua Oscar & Helen Agtina

17. Rhea Erice Leilehua Winnifred & Lourdes Erice

18. Miguel Flores James Campbell Marie & Mike Flores

19. Sharmaine Dulig James Campbell Francis & Janeth Dulig

2015 coNTINuINg PcFH $1,000 ScHoLARSHIP AWARDEES

1. Charlene Rocimo Chaminade Medardo & Carmen Rocimo2. Jamiel Ishaque UH – Manoa Ashar & Joan Ishaque3. Ritchel Joy Erice UH – Manoa Winniefred & Lourdes Erice

2015 High School Valedictorians (PcFH Scholarship Recipients)

Parents of the year Nomi-nees Teofilo and Orpinia De Aquino.

Parents of the year Nominees Alex and Marienne Vergara.

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Here are a few ways to helpdevelop the art of gratitude:• Start a gratitude journal - Each day, list three to five things you are grateful for. This practice can help you find more meaning and joy in your life, and shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance that is already present.

• Write a thank you letter - Writing a letter of appreciation can have a profound impact on the recipient. A letter can also be re-read and treasured, allowing love and joy to radiate long after it’s given.

• Take a gratitude walk - If you’re stressed or feeling down, go for a quick walk or take a quiet moment to ponder the things you are grateful for. This is a great way to elevate your mood and help you create a sense of abundance and gratitude.

Thanksgiving is a holiday about giving thanks and celebrating your blessings and good fortune. In other words, it’s all about gratitude. Gratitude means thankfulness, noticing the simple things in life and appreciating all that you have and receive. Gratitude puts everything in a fresh perspective, instills humility and encourages you to value the gifts all around you. Research even shows that giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, improves health and reduces stress. When you express gratitude for something, you attract more of it into your life. So go ahead and celebrate what you have, for it will surely lead to a path of continued happiness. Giving thanks takes practice, however, and we get better at it over time. So long after the holiday is done, continue to practice Thanksgiving everyday.

by JoRDAN SEguNDo

Jordan Segundo is most noted as the first contestant from Hawaii and the first Fil-ipino-American selected as a Top 32 finalist on Season Two of American Idol. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of Hawaii’s top entertainers. He currently presents “808 Update”, an events and entertainment segment every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. on KHON2’s Living808. In addition to singing, he has branched out into acting and television hosting. Aside from performing, Segundo is also very active in the community. He generously volunteers his time and talents to worthy causes and non-profit organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the D.A.R.E. Program and the Oahu SCPA.

Pumpkin CruchI always aspire to be a better cook, because great food is an important element in all happy celebrations. Every holiday season my friends and family always request my Pumpkin Crunch dessert. It is a sweet and satisfying dish that is sure to become one of your favorites. I’d like to share this easy recipe in hopes of bringing a bit of extra joy to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy!

1 13 oz. can pumpkin puree (not pie mix)1 12 oz. can evaporated milk1 cup sugar3 eggs1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 box yellow cake mix2 cups walnuts, chopped1 1/2 cups melted butter

Mix first six ingredients and pour into greased, parchment lined cake pan 9x13 or 8x8. Evenly spread half of cake mix (dry) over batter. Next, sprinkle with nuts and then remaining cake mix. Pour melted butter over top. Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 mins. When cool, loosen pumpkin crunch from side of pan with a knife. Invert pan onto platter (the top becomes the crust). Top with sweetened cream cheese or whipped cream.


Ateneo de Manila University Law School, Amparita Sta. Maria, Ateneo Graduate Programs Director, and Ramon Ereneta, Professor a n d C o n s t i t u t i o n a l Commissioner. As part of their visit, the Ateneo delegation met with faculty and students to learn more about the WSRSL, their various programs, A t eneo Law Schoo l ’s graduate programs, their respective study abroad opportunities, and potential research exchanges. According to Garrett Halydier, external fellow at the ASEAN Law and Integration Center (ALIC): “For students, this was a fantastic opportunity to not only represent the William S. Richardson School of Law in the creation of a long-lasting and prestigious partnership, but also a unique opportunity to learn about educational opportunities, g r a d u a t e p r o g r a m s , summer and semester exchange programs, and other possibilities in the Phi l ippines and across ASEAN.” The following programs and student organizations participated in the reception: The Environ-mental Law Program, Energy Justice Project, KaHuliAo Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, Filipino Law Students Association, Pacific-Asian Legal Studies Program, Institute for Pacific-Asian Business Law, ASEAN Law & Integration Center, Hawaii Innocence Project, Culture & Jury Project, Health Law and Policy Institute, Family Court Projects, Jon Van Dyke Institute, Law & Film Institute, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Hawaii Procurement Institute, among many others.

Ateneo de Manila university Law School Signs Mou with the uH Manoa William

S. Richardson School of Law

of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) solidifying future cooperation between the two academic institutions particularly in the area of Cross-Border Education, Research, and Exchanges. Distinguished guests from the Ateneo de Manila Law Schoo l inc luded: Sedfrey Candelaria, Dean,

On Thursday, October 29, 2015, the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law (“WSRSL”), led by Denise E. Antolini, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, graciously hosted distinguished guests from the Ateneo de Manila University Law School. The two law schools convened with the purpose

From left, standing: Spencer Kimura ’96, Professor Ramon Ereneta, Diane Desierto, Alison conner, Director Amparita Sta. Maria, and David Forman ’93; seated: Denise Antolini and Dean Sedfrey candelaria; Photo credit: uH Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law

by RANDy coRTEZ

Sources“Ke Kula Kanawai,” UH-Manoa WSRSL Weekly Newsletter, Nov. 6, 2015Garrett Halydier, External Fellow - ASEAN Law and Integration Center (ALIC)


description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Premiums may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Benef i ts may change on January 1 of each year. H3832_4002_1011_4301 Accepted

HMSA Akamai Advantage is a smart choice.

care and coverage for life. HMSA has been part of Hawaii’s communities since 1938 and has been offering Medicare plans to Hawaii’s seniors for the past 48 years. If you have any questions, connect with HMSA at the numbers or locations above. Knowledgeable, experienced health plan experts will answer your questions. HMSA Akamai Advantage is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HMSA Akamai Advantage depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete

1. Call 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

• Oahu: 948-6235 • Neighbor Islands: 1 (800) 693-4672

(toll-free)

2. Visit an HMSA Center in Honolulu, Pearl City, or Hilo or an office in Kailua-Kona, Kahului, or Lihue. For locations and hours of operations, visit hmsa.com/contact.

3. V i s i t h m s a . c o m /a d v a n t a g e . N e e d interpreter services? Call 1 (800) 660-4672 to request for someone who speaks Tagalog or another language at no cost.

I already have HMSA Akamai Advantage and want to keep my plan. Do I need to do anything? If you like your health plan and want to keep it, you don’t have to do anything. Your health plan will be automatically renewed in 2016. You should, however, review your health plan benefits every year. Your health needs may have changed and you may want to switch to another plan. You can make changes to your health plan from October 15 through December 7.

• Eye care benefits. Your plan helps you pay for routine eye exams and eyeglasses or contact lenses every two years.

• Quick access to care. No time to make a doctor’s appointment? Speak to doctors online or by phone with HMSA’s Online Care. See a nurse at your nearest walk-in Minute Clinic® at Longs Drugs.

If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for HMSA Akamai Advantage Dual care, which coordinates your Medicare and Medicaid benefits. There are no monthly premiums and you won’t be charged when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or get other medical services. You’ll also be assigned to a care coordinator who’ll be part of your health care team.

When can I enroll? You can enroll in a Medicare plan or switch to a different Medicare plan during open enrollment from october 15 through December 7.

How can I enroll in HMSA Akamai Advantage? For more information about the health plans, to compare benefits, or to fill out an application:

Someth ing wonderfu l happens when you turn 65. You become eligible for Medicare, a federal program that helps you pay for your health care. Without health insurance, you’d pay for the entire cost of your expenses when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or buy prescription drugs. But Medicare pays for only a portion of your health care costs. For added financial protection, you can get a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan from a private health insurer, such as HMSA Akamai Advantage. HMSA Akamai Advantage provides you opportunities for better well-being, such as health education classes, health coaching, an online well-being assessment, a subscription to Island Scene magazine, and more at no extra cost. Want to quit smoking? HMSA will point you in the right direction. Need a flu shot? Your health plan will cover it. Do you take a lot of different medications? Pharmacists will review your prescriptions and make sure you’re taking them correctly to avoid side effects and interactions. There are many MAPD plans available for you to choose from. So it’s important that you do your homework by reviewing each plan, asking questions, and choosing a plan that best suits your health needs and finances.

What do I get with HMSA Akamai Advantage?

• choice of plans. Choose a health plan that meets your health and financial needs.

• choice of doctors. Access to more than 2,900 top doctors in Hawaii who put your health and well-being first. Choose from primary care providers, specialists, nurse practitioners, and more.

• Prescription drugs. HMSA Akamai Advantage plans come with prescription drug benefits. You can pick up your medications at a pharmacy or have maintenance medications mailed to your home for convenience and added savings.

• Financial protection. There’s a limit to how much you’d have to pay out-of-pocket every year.

• Travel benefits. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you have medical benefits while traveling.

Need a Medicare Plan?


by DR. cHRISToPHER ToRToRA, M.D.Medical Director of

Hawaiian Eye Center

have diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the light-sensitive retina located at the back of the eye. It can cause blood vessels in the eye to swell and leak fluid or cause abnormal growth of blood vessels on the surface of the retina. Leaking fluid can lead to macular edema—swelling of the macular area of the retina that is responsible for

sharp central vision. I f you suf fer f rom diabetes, make sure to manage your condition and get regular checkups t o p r e v e n t s e r i o u s hea l t h c omp l i c a t i on s that can adversely affect your eyes ight . Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam from your eye care professional at least once a year because diabetic eye diseases often go unnoticed until serious damage has already occurred. If you’ve been diagnosed with a

November is American Diabetes Month, and with nearly 600,000 people in Hawaii suffering from prediabetes or diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, it’s more important than ever to raise local awareness of the disease. Diabetes can create serious health issues such as diabetic eye diseases, which include cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy—the leading cause of new cases of blindness in U.S. adults. Type 1 and 2 diabetes can cause major problems for the eyes by increasing the risk and severity of eye diseases. Most people are aware of cataracts and glaucoma, but diabetic retinopathy is less known despite how common and dangerous it can be. It is estimated that between 40 and 45 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes

diabetic eye disease, you may need more frequent eye exams. Cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be treated with a variety of methods and surgical procedures, but early detection is key to protecting your vision. Proper treatment can be administered by an eye care professional to help control the effects of diabetic eye diseases and prevent blindness.

Dr. Christopher Tortora, a board certified ophthalmolo-gist, is host of “The Hawaiian Eye Show,” a weekly infor-mational radio program about healthy vision broadcast live every Saturday at 8 a.m. on KHVH 830 AM/rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on KHBZ 990 AM. He and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Eye Center are committed to educating the public about the importance of preventative eye care. To learn more about a variety of eye health issues, please call the Hawaiian Eye Center at 621-8448 or visit www.HawaiianEye.com and www.Facebook.com/Hawai-ianEyeCenter, where “life has never looked better.”

Diabetes & your Eyes

In Focus:

If you have diabetes, protect your eyes by:

• Monitoring your blood sugar levels

• Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check

• Taking insulin and other medications prescribed by your doctor

• Maintaining a healthy diet

• Exercising regularly• Getting regular eye

exams at least once a year


airport officials. The scandal seems to be only a piece of the corruption story, which is systemic in the Philippines. It is rooted in the perception that a public servant is able, ready and willing to help solve problems of the citizenry, where if no problem exists, one is promptly created. This is compounded with the distorted view that corruption only takes place when money is directly stolen from the government coffers, but not when it is bilked out of the private sector or causes harm and injury through the misuse of power and authority. In the case of the “tanim bala rip-off”, the popular theory is that a single live bullet is planted in the unsuspecting person’s hand carry luggage, which is readily discovered by x-ray machines. Thereafter, the victim is questioned and offered immediate assistance by predatory government personnel for a price (called “lagay” or bribe money) to go scot free without any record of the incident. Should the traveler refuse, he or she is coerced or coaxed into signing a document admitting fault and thereafter detained to answer criminal charges. This trickery or deceit is essentially not different from the honest taxpayer intending to pay the proper taxes, who is routinely told by the dreaded BIR examiner that he committed a mistake in his returns and that he should be paying a much higher amount. The revenue agent then offers help in “fixing” the problem to justify a much lower tax with a proposal to split the “savings” with the taxpayer. Th i s reprehens ib le practice is true with many government offices where licenses, permits, orders, decisions or favors are obtained on the premise that the applicant has a

The furor over the so-called “tanim bala” scam, which literally means to “plant a bullet” has not diminished even as various Phi l ippine government officials have vigorously tried to downplay the incident that has discriminately victimized lowly, powerless and even elderly travelers. While Investigations are still ongoing the official position is that news reports are vastly exaggerated and sensationalized and that most of those apprehended admit carrying the bullet e i ther as amu le ts o r souvenirs. However, the public is not convinced. Some of the helpless victims are Filipino contract workers, who through the years have endured so much hardship and exploitation that ironically saved the country from economic collapse with the billions of U.S. dollars they have steadily remitted through menial jobs performed overseas. Others are mostly common probinsyanos eager to visit relatives abroad The common bel ief is that those caught are subjects of a frame-up who readily succumb to pay-off demands by corrupt airport personnel to avoid being arrested and embarrassed. And yet the unsettling question is why would such docile individuals be engaged in the senseless smuggling of only one live bullet that have no compelling purpose or benefit and risk being caught for a serious crime or losing their jobs, unless they are terrorists, or willing couriers of contraband items? The Customs Bureau is believed to be one of the most corrupt agencies o f gove rnmen t . Th i s reputation only helps fuel the impression that “laglag bala” as it is also called, is the handiwork of a criminal syndicate in connivance with

THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE OF TANIM BALA

serious problem, which can be solved or remedied for a fee. This deception is also standard among some gove r nmen t o f f i c i a l s claiming that the country is doing well in addressing the economic hardships of the people. Data that would otherwise reflect a lackluster performance are window dressed to conceal rising poverty where the gap between the rich and poor continue to widen. Sometimes, this cover-up is laughably exposed when countless street dwellers and hopeless vagrants in Metro Manila are temporarily rounded up to make them

invisible during significant international conferences. The usual justification is that we have an opportunity to showcase the nation and that Filipinos should not expose their dirty linens to potential foreign investors. The complete and final report o f government investigators is still being awaited and many already expect a whitewash. But as one preacher succinctly put it, “Tanim bala is another wicked scheme of corrupt public servants to ensure that the harvest will be plenty”.

by PERFEcTo R. yASAy, Jr.

After successfully practicing law in the Philippines and the United States, “Jun” served as Chairman of the Philippine Securit ies and Exchange Commission under President Fidel V. Ramos. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Christian University in Manila, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Filipino Community Center. Yasay, along with his wife Cecile and daughter Stephanie, is a resident of Honolulu.


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