2015

ANNUAL REPORT

The Filipino Community Center, Inc.

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Contents Center’s History ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Center Location ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Sobering Historical Facts ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Donors ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Rental Facilities ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Executive Director Message ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Board of Directors Chairman Message .................................................................................................................................. 5

Financial Summary ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Programs and Events .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Aloha For Philippines ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Bayanihan Gala 2014 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Bayanihan Gala 2015 “Remembering Our Plantation Legacy” .............................................................................................................. 9

Special Events Management and Production Training (SEMPT) .......................................................................................................... 12

Mother’s Day Luncheon ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Filipino For Kids Summer Program ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

Nursing Review Classes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13

U.S. Citizenship Classes and Immigration Outreach Program .............................................................................................................. 13

Computer Enrichment and Workforce Training Program .................................................................................................................... 14

Banda Kawayan .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Ballroom Dance Classes ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Dance, Music and Art Workshops ........................................................................................................................................................ 14

Philippine Art and History Exhibits ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Zumbathon .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

FilCom Sundays .................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Pasko sa FilCom ................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Filipino Fiesta and Parade (Flores De Mayo) ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Government Grants .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Board of Directors ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Board of Governors .............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Contact Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Company Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 19

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Center’s History CENTER LOCATION By J.P. Orias

Sprawling over two acres by the old Oahu Sugar Mill in suburban Waipahu, the three-story Filipino Community Center covers 50,000 square feet.

It is the biggest Filipino Community Center outside of the Philippines and is architecturally designed to imitate the Filipino’s penchant for Spanish inspired buildings. Although it is in every aspect Filipino, it is also multi-cultural in that the renters, guests, caterers and community members belong to different ethnic origins. It is a building built on Filipino pride and the bayanihan spirit yet still retains enough spirit of aloha to everyone who wants to work, rent, learn and enjoy the daily activities without regard to ethnicity.

The FilCom Center was formally inaugurated in June 2002, almost a century after the first 15 Filipino farmers sailed for Hawai’i on board the SS Doric in 1906, which legitimized the Filipino migration to the western hemisphere. By the turn of the century, there were 200,000 Americans of Filipino ancestry in Hawai’i making up more than 15% of the state’s population, enough to gain a powerful identity in the community through culture, entertainment, education, business and politics. The need for a place to showcase its culture and traditions became apparent. This became the symbol of the Filipinos’ achievements, the elegant structure that now stands on the corner of Mokuola and Waipahu Streets.

SOBERING HISTORICAL FACTS By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D.

The dream started back in the 1960s when the late Soledad Arre Alconcel, spouse of then Philippine Consul Trinidad Alconcel, ran the Philippine Handcrafts shop at Ala Moana. It was the meeting place for Filipinos at the time, including newly arrived Filipino grantees of the East-West Center who were eager to catch up on news from home. Mrs. Alconcel always dreamed about someday having a true gathering place for Filipinos in Hawaii, something like a “home away from home.” But the vision and energy to push the dream forward came many years later as a younger group of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans came of age. Roland Casamina, President of House of Finance, always spoke about visiting a Filipino center, where he believed to be in Canada, and had been inspired by it. The idea stuck in his head for a similar venture in Hawaii. Soon after, Casamina convinced Eddie Flores Jr. to help out with the potential building project. Flores, owner of L&L Drive Inn and a well-known real state entrepreneur in Hawaii initiated a project in 1992 that would soon evolve into the annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade in May. An essential component of the Fiesta is the traditional Flores de Mayo festival which is very close to Flores’ heart. At this time, Anacleto “Lito” Alcantra, President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH) and Group Builders Inc., a local construction firm, became interested in the proposed FilCom building project. A planning committee was formed with Casamina as chair and Alcantra and Flores as members. In 1993, the Filipino Community Center, Inc. was given a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status intended to “develop, own, and operate a community center,” which would be self-sustaining. This meant undertaking and recruiting volunteers for the ambitious project. The programs envisioned for the future Center included a computer technology center, business and non-profit incubation areas, retail spaces, a thrift shop and a commercial kitchen. All available rooms would be rented out to generate revenue for the center. Flores delivered a speech at the Philippine American Chambers of Commerce convention in Anaheim, California in 1998 and said, “To build the Filipino Community Center (in Honolulu), my decision was to be active in the political arena because this is the only way we could get the funding and the land.”

It was realistic assessment and in time, things got rolling. American Factors (AMFAC) in 1998 donated a two-acre lot in Waipahu to the FilCom Inc., which holds the title to this day. Nestor Garcia initiated the meeting with Tim Johns who was then the VP of AMFAC. The appraised cost of the donated land was $2.8 million as of August 2000. Then Honolulu mayor Jeremy Harris supported the project and the City and County of Honolulu made an initial grant of $500,000 which was used in part to hire architectural firm Wimberley Allison Tong and Goo to complete the bid

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documents for the future center. The State of Hawaii under then-Governor Ben Cayetano also appropriated $1.5 million, which was released in June 2000. Private foundations also contributed generously to the burgeoning project. The individual dream of Mrs. Alconcel had become “collective vision” for the FilCom’s early leaders. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation donated $3 million, one of the largest grants given by the Foundation to a non-profit at that point. The Consuelo Alger Foundation donated $500,000 to build the courtyard with airy and open spaces for cultural programs and community meetings. It is appropriately called The Consuelo courtyard with a mosaic portrait of benefactor Consuelo Zobel de Ayala Alger gracing the entrance. Patti Lyons, then Consuelo Foundation president, said she always had faith “that it would happen this time,” when her Board informed her that there were several previous attempts to build a Filipino Community Center. Most importantly, a compelling demonstration of support came from countless individuals in the community who donated whatever they could for their future second home. The Filipino community pledges during the decade totaled $1.3 million. Dedicated volunteers Edith and Roland Pascua, walked door-to-door soliciting contributions from Filipino families. Various in-kind donations and services from the grassroots and elsewhere began trickling in. A statue of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was donated from the Philippines. Murals for the alcoves of the now finished FilCom became the part of the attraction, depicting early plantation life of the Filipino pioneers in Hawaii. The Center became the main avenue for various activities related to the Hawaii Filipino Centennial Celebration in 2006. To date some 200 volunteers assisting with the Center’s various programs and operational functions continue to make it a lively place for an array of activities related to FilCom’s original mission of promoting Filipino history and culture and projecting the Filipino image internationally. It would be impossible to detail all of FilCom’s achievements and activities because so much has been accomplished.

DONORS A tax-exempt, non-profit organization as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the

FilCom Center was built through the generous donations of foundations, trusts, private corporations and government entities. AMFAC donated the land. Heading its list of donors are the Harry & Jeannette Weinberg, the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Commerce, the State of Hawai’i, the VA Housing and Urban Development, the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation and a great number of business establishments. Credit however, goes to the community for working so hard in soliciting pledges from almost everyone.

RENTAL FACILITIES

Located on the 2nd floor above the tenant

spaces, guests can rent space for functions, meetings, and to celebrate special events. Ballroom, Courtyard and Conference Rooms are available every day of the year.

These private areas feature customizable services for the exclusive use of groups, such as wedding ceremonies/receptions, birthday and graduation parties, anniversary celebrations, funeral services, fundraiser events, concerts, recreational activity space, workshop and seminars, and other special events. Catering services include coffee service, continental or full breakfast, buffet lunches, sandwiches, bentos, pupus, buffet dinner or hand-served dinners and a full bar including wine and champagne services. All of these can be provided by Creations in Catering.

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The facility rentals include the Casamina-Flores Ballroom with a 6,000-square-foot area having a seating capacity of 380, the Consuelo Courtyard with a 3,500-square-foot area having a seating capacity of 100, and a Technology Center Conference Room having a seating capacity of up to 30-60.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE

The Center has undergone several changes since the helm was passed onto me by my predecessor, Geminiano “Toy” Arre, Jr. and Rose Churma in August 2014. Operational, financial, management, staffing, facility, and community program changes have occurred in the last year. Each focused on the development of new initiatives focused on sustainability.

The photovoltaic system has been put into work and is saving the Center money each day. Our custodian, Eric Victoria celebrated his 13th anniversary as an employee of the Center and Arceli Rebollido celebrated her 10th year milestone. A third-party exclusive caterer and event manager, Creations in Catering, has been contracted to bolster the event revenue for the Center and Avalon Development has taken on the role of our

commercial property manager. The Board of Directors brought on three (3) new Directors to help lead the Center’s direction: Maria Borje-Bonkowski, J.D., Jesse K. Souki, Esq., and Vincent Baldemor. These individuals, organizations, and new Directors, along with the other volunteer Board of Directors, are committed to driving the success, shape, and prosperity of the Center. Committees have been reenergized with the various Committee Chairs leading the way. Each Committee retains a Board of Director and is comprised of community leaders and volunteers and are responsible for various functions of the activities, programs, direction, and policies of the Center. I encourage you to approach these Committee Chairs to volunteer on the committee to assist in providing recommendations to the Board of Directors for ultimate decision-making. The various committees include the following: Budget & Finance, Fundraising, Flores de Mayo, Bayanihan Gala, Facilities, Public Relations & Marketing, and Programs.

The State of Hawaii’s Grants in Aid program has financially helped the Center through the dedicated support of our legislators over the last several years. In 2013, a photovoltaic system was put in place and now services the Center helping to offset the high costs of electricity. In 2014, grant funds are in place to provide a retractable roof for the Center’s courtyard and for a full retrofitting of the Center’s 13-year-old air conditioning system. In 2015, the Center received additional grant funds to update our Technology Center’s aged computer equipment allowing the Center to obtain the newest hardware and software technology to be used by our patrons. Our legislators continue to see the impact and importance that the Center provides to Waipahu and to the State of Hawaii.

The newest challenges that have been placed before the Center’s leadership are 1) development and implementation of a definitive plan for the full extinguishment of the long-term debt which continues to burden the financial operations of the Center, 2) address the thirteen (13) years of wear and tear upon the facility and the development of a maintenance and capital reserve account, and 3) development of community programs to foster growth in the State by means of social, economic, and educational services. Each of these challenges require continued involvement by our community, businesses, patrons, and our leaders. The development and transparency of the activities and plans are an essential tool in overcoming these challenges.

As with many not-for-profit entities, the request is simple: Time, Talent, or Treasure. Each are equally important with neither being more important than the other. My first request is to provide at least one for the upcoming year. My second request to each of you is also simple, let us continue to work together for the benefit of the Center. Leading up to the June 2002 groundbreaking, the entire community rallied together behind a common goal and collectively accomplished a marvel, the creation of the largest community center outside of the Philippines, The Filipino Community Center, Inc. So let us move forward together, with the common premise of ensuring the continued success of this unique gem before us. Mabuhay and Aloha, Donnie Juan

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN MESSAGE

In this year’s report, we are pleased to share with you some recent stories about The Filipino Community Center, Inc. (“Center”). 2014 and 2015 were good years for the Center, full of change and progress. We welcomed new Board members, formed additional committees to take care of specific functions, had relief efforts for the Philippines, created a plan to benchmark specific dates and goals, and have been building partnerships that will have a lasting and positive impact on the community.

We’re proud to be working with a wide group of dedicated, caring individuals and organizations. The Center continues to make great progress while undergoing much transition. We want to recognize our Board of Directors for their continued volunteerism and commitment.

Our success is the community’s success. With the ongoing support of our donors, partners, Board and volunteers, The Filipino Community Center, Inc. is ready for the challenges and achievements ahead in the next years to come.

Financial Summary

TENANT REVENUE CIC EVENTS/COMMISSION BAYANIHAN GALA NET FLORES DE MAYO NET OTHER TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING EXPENSES OPERATING INCOME DEBT SERVICE INCOME AFTER DEBT SERVICE DEPRECIATION INCOME(LOSS) AFTER DEBT AND DEPR CURRENT AND OTHER ASSETS L/T ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES L/T LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES

12/31/2015

429,298 273,501 130,984

10,753 57,311

901,847

798,867 203,553 185,028

18,525 (304,389) (285,864)

460,035

8,392,065 8,852,100

112,748

2,920,562 3,033,310

12/31/2014

421,168 344,027 142,771

14,708 159,389

1,082,063

805,095 276,968 159,743 117,225

(302,431) (185,206)

494,935

8,696,453 9,191,388

113,617

2,973,218 3,086,835

12/31/2013

402,089 393,531 131,739

14,188 626,724

1,568,271

839,640 728,631 159,572 569,059

(289,042) 280,017

1,001,203 8,979,349 9,980,552

929,962

2,760,731 3,690,693

EDMUND C. ACZON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Programs and Events

ALOHA FOR PHILIPPINES Maraming salamat to all those who

volunteered and donated during the statewide Aloha for Philippines relief effort to support disaster victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Through collections from banks across Hawaii as well as donations from local companies, community organizations, schools, universities, churches and countless individuals, the FilCom Center collected more than $700,000 towards relief efforts.

The FilCom Center contributed its donations to the Consuelo Foundation, who has generously agreed to match every dollar, up to $2 million.

With another $700,000 coming from other sources, the Consuelo Foundation, has committed an astounding $3.3 million to the relief effort. Consuelo has launched Project H.O.P.E. (Haiyan Operations for Protection & Empowerment). As reported by Jon Matsuoka, Consuelo’s president & CEO, the goal of Project H.O.P.E. is to ensure the safety and protection of children and help their families regain their stability by promoting economic adequacy and assistance in the creation of safe, healthy, protective and resilient communities for all.

The Consuelo Foundation’s objectives include: (1) recovering the survivors’ psycho-social stability and renewing their hopes; (2) restoring their ability to sustain their livelihood and economic sufficiency; and (3) protecting their children from abuse, neglect and exploitation while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment, so as to assure a better future for themselves, their children and their communities.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Donations Received $ 751,131

Administrative Fees Paid ($ 22,534)

Bank/Service Fees/NSF Fees Incurred and Paid ($ 919)

Aloha Concert Event Costs Incurred and Paid ($ 14,565)

Aloha Philippines T-Shirt Costs Incurred and Paid ($ 410)

Net Proceeds Remitted to Consuelo Foundation $ 712,703

L-R: Connie Lau of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Edmund Aczon, Robin Campaniano, Rich Wacker of American Savings Bank and Dick Rosenblum of Hawaii Electric Company

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A special Mahalo to our corporate sponsors, concert patrons, banking partners, community organizations and other institutions for their generous gifts:

Alexander & Baldwin, American Savings Bank, Armstrong Foundation, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of the Orient, Central Pacific Bank, DuPont Pioneer, Finance Factors, First Hawaiian Bank, Free Vietnam, Halekulani Hotel, Hawaii Bankers Association, Hawaii National Bank, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI), Hawaiian Properties, Hawaiian Telcom, HMSA, Home Street Bank, Honolulu Disposal Service, Honpa Hongwanji Mission Hawaii, House of Finance, Island Holdings, Island Insurance, Kaiser Permanente, Kleenco, KNDI, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Honolulu Friends Meeting, Leeward Community College, Marshall Realty Foundation, Mitsunaga & Associates, Monsanto, Ohana Pacific Bank, Pacific Resource Partnership, Pacific Rim Bank (nka First Foundation Bank), Referentia Systems, Seven-Eleven Hawaii, Stanford Carr Development, Territorial Savings Bank, University of Hawaii at Manoa, UH Center for Philippine Studies, UH Student Equity Excellence Diversity (SEED) Program, and WSP.

FilCom Board of Directors Chair Edmund Aczon (left) and Board of Governors Chair Robin Campaniano (right) thank our sponsors and patrons, alongside Mahalo Concert Executive Producer, AJ Halagao (center).

Island Insurance Foundation (L-R: Rosemarie Locquiao, Macrina Ponce, Rupert Visoria, Cristina Bulda, Emely Cabico, Lori Butay, Colbert Matsumoto – Island Insurance Chairman and CEO, A.J. Halagao – FilCom Board of Directors, Edmund Aczon – FilCom Center Board Chairman, Tyler Tokioka – Island Insurance Foundation President, Roland Eugenio, Nova Kim, Wayne Hikida, Norma Ulep, Lorna Kidd.)

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BAYANIHAN GALA 2014 A gala dinner timed for Filipino American History Month was hosted by the Filipino Community Center (FilCom

Center) on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The center’s 12th annual “Bayanihan Gala Dinner”, chaired by Rosemarie Mendoza, benefitted its educational,

cultural and social programs as well as a celebration of over a century of contributions of Filipino-Americans to Hawai’i and the United States.

In keeping with the bayanihan spirit, the FilCom Center paid tribute to the following luminaries for their lifetime achievements:

Justice Mario R. Ramil, former Hawaii Supreme Court Justice and community advocate. Maria A. F. Etrata, philanthropist and community servant. Justice Simeon Acoba, Jr. former Hawaii Supreme Court Justice and educator.

“It was fitting to celebrate our honorees’ achievements during October as the Filipino-American History Month, and also remembering to celebrate over a century of Filipino-American presence in Hawaii,” Mendoza said. “Our honorees are wonderful examples of how Filipinos have contributed to our state and to our country, and I want to thank our dignitaries, sponsors and all who attended to help us recognize their achievements.”

Mendoza reported more than 500 people attended the gala. Special guests at the gala were Mayor Kirk W. Caldwell who introduced Mrs. Etrata, Gov. John D. Waihee III who introduced Justice Ramil, and Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano who introduced Justice Acoba.

In his acceptance speech, Ramil acknowledged his fellow awardees, Etrata’s philanthropy via the Renato and Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation, which has supported numerous community events that has promoted the Filipino culture, and Acoba’s continued support for the educational system in his new role as a regent for University of Hawaii.

“I have always encouraged my staff to participate and volunteer in community events,” Ramil said. “There’s a wealth of knowledge and experience outside the office setting that is worth learning.”

12th Annual Bayanihan Gala Dinner Honorees Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr., Maria A. F. Etrata and Justice Mario R. Ramil

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Ramil was appointed by Gov. Waihee in 1987 to his cabinet as the director of Labor and Industrial Relations, and in 1993 was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Etrata during her speech recalled her younger days in the Philippines when she had to walk to go to school in a rural community where she grew up. “It was hard and my family was poor, but I’ve always held on to my dream of a better life and I never let go of that dream, which led me to the United States,” Etrata said. Etrata now owns and manages Home & Community Services of Hawaii, Inc., Preferred Home & Community Based Services, Inc., and The Primary Care Providers of Hawaii, successful agencies that offer health care services to the community.

During Acoba’s speech, he thanked the FilCom Center for its efforts in “keeping the Filipino cultural legacy alive.” “Occasions like this allow us to reflect on our history and remember the courage of the Sakadas and the

accomplishments of their children,” Acoba said. “We celebrate the industriousness of immigrants, their contributions to modern society, and the pride of those who endured tribulations but left us a legacy of virtues to aspire to.”

Acoba served as a Supreme Court justice until his mandatory retirement in 2014, and last year received the Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence from the American Judicature Society, which Gov. Cayetano described as the top award for justices across the United States.

The gala featured live entertainment from local Filipino artists, including Noly Paa, Kristian Lei and Charles Degala, traditional Filipino folk dances by the Teknqlingz Crew and Maria Clara by Evelyn Cabradilla and Troy Mendoza, and reception music by Banda Kawayan and Coro Filipino’s “Harana.” Banduria band Pintig Himig by Marie Jocelyn Marfil and Fred Abejon performed live during the awardees’ video presentations as Mistress of Ceremonies Sonia Lugmao Aranza read each biography. Mendoza also acknowledges Kumu Kaleo Trinidad who performed a special Hawaiian oli, Julian Maeva for a fireknife dance, Aureanna Tseu for an elegant hula performance, and event Co-Chairs Avelino “A.J.” Halagao and Sherry Menor-McNamara.

“A portion of the proceeds will go to community programs for the elderly and youth in not only the Filipino community, but also the community at large,” said Edmund Aczon, Chair of FilCom Center’s Board of Directors.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Sponsorships, Attendees, Donations Received $ 188,045 Silent Auction Bids Received $ 11,013 Event Expenses Incurred and Paid ($ 52,028) Bank/Merchant Fees Incurred and Paid ($ 1,304) Net Proceeds $ 145,726

BAYANIHAN GALA 2015 REMEMBERS OUR PLANTATION LEGACY By Bennette Misalucha

It was a night filled with warm hearts, poignant memories and some sentimental tears, as the Filipino Community Center honored outstanding individuals and institutions linked to Hawaii’s veritable plantation past. The 13th annual Bayanihan Gala fundraiser was held last October 31, 2015 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel with more than 500 guests, community leaders and political stakeholders in attendance. The fundraiser was held in October to commemorate Filipino-American Heritage month which is traditionally celebrated throughout the United States with various events and festivities.

Centered on the theme, “Remembering our Plantation Legacy,” the fundraiser is anchored on the Filipino value of honoring the past and the memory of our ancestors who have left the Philippines to labor in Hawaii’s plantation fields as they sought a better life for their families. Chair of the Center’s Board of Directors Edmund Aczon said the theme speaks to the heart and soul of FilCom: “It is appropriate for us to celebrate our plantation heritage. After all, the Center stands on land donated by Amfac, we are located next to the old Waipahu sugar mill smokestack, and we continue to be proud of the contributions of our sakadas, the plantation workers who paved the way for many to immigrate to Hawai`i.”

The honorary chairs for this event were U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono and Filipino philanthropist Maria A.F. Etrata.

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The Bayanihan Gala honorees this year were: ILWU Local 142

The International Longshoremen and Warehouseman’s Union changed the labor movement in Hawaii, and in a way, changed the course of Hawaii’s history. Today, they count nearly 18,000 members in every major industry including general trades, longshore, tourism and agriculture.

Hawaii Sugar Planters Association (now HARC)

HSPA was the trade association for the sugar industry in Hawaii which promoted its development, conducted scientific/economic studies and gathered accurate information on the industry. It now operates as Hawaii Agriculture Research Center or HARC.

Alexander and Baldwin

The only remaining institution amongst the Big Five companies that operated Hawaii’s sugar plantations, Alexander and Baldwin has been in existence for more than 145 years. Although it has diversified its business model, A&B’s roots in the community and community-building have remained deep and strong. (Note that in January 2016, A & B has since announced that its subsidiary, HC & S will close its plantation operations by the end of the year).

Angel M. Ramos

Angel Ramos came to Hawaii from the Philippines in 1946 as part of the last wave of migrant labor who worked in the sugar cane plantation. He worked at Kahuku Sugar Mill from 1949 until it closed down, in 1971. What sets Angel apart is his passion to preserve and document the plantation heritage. His incredible photographs, which had been exhibited many times, reflect everyday scenes from the by-gone days. A self-

L to R: Stan Kuriyama (A&B), Gala Chair Bennette Misalucha, William Balfour, Guy Fujimura (ILWU),Meredith Ching (A&B), Stephanie Whalen (HARC), William Paty, Donna Domingo (ILWU), Angel Ramos and FilCom Chair Edmund Aczon

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confessed “pack rat”, he built one of the largest private collections of plantation memorabilia, most of which are now on permanent public display at Hawaii Plantation Village.

William Balfour

William “Bill” Balfour spent four decades in the sugar industry, primarily as President and Manager for Pioneer Mill Company, Oahu Sugar Company, Lihue Plantation Company and McBryde Sugar Company. Today, he continues to work actively as a consultant on a number of initiatives and still spends time volunteering on boards and other non-profits.

William Paty

As President of Waialua Sugar Company, William “Bill” Paty retired in 1984 after almost forty years as a plantation manager. He went on to serve in government (notably as Chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources) and has a strong legacy as an active community volunteer.

Amongst the comments heard that memorable evening: “Truly commendable and proud of the Filipinos and what they have done for Hawaii,” "One of the best events ever attended"; "Centerpieces, decorations, food, silent auction classy & well-coordinated"; "True honorees who contributed to our well-being, community, culture & love of aina.”

Many of those who attended praised the well-paced program which captured the essence of the plantation legacy. Each of the honorees were introduced by a video clip produced by Jeff Orig and the team from Orig Media in collaboration with Marvin Buencosejo (Communications Director at Senator Hirono’s office) who also emceed the event. The innovative and creative stage design was an original work by artist Randy Abian Leano who brought in sugar cane from the Big Island to create an authentic feel to the ambiance. There was also a full complement of silent auction items which drew spirited bidding from interested parties. Chair of the Silent Auction committee Kathy Mills credits her hard working committee for the beautiful display and positive outcome. The lynchpin, of course, to a great event is teamwork. And that value was certainly in full force with the leadership of FilCom Executive Director Donnie Juan, the passionate energy of Event Vice Chair Agnes Reyes and the full support of FilCom Programs Director Arceli Rebollido. A big mahalo to our corporate sponsors and other organizations that contributed to the fundraiser’s success. The monies raised during the fundraiser will be used for FilCom operations and for the various programs and projects that seek to perpetuate the Filipino American heritage in the Islands.

In summing up why a celebration like the 13th Bayanihan Gala is important, Dinner Event Chair Bennette Misalucha noted that the Center has evolved into more than just a gathering place: “The Center stands as a symbol of our connection to simpler times, when the values of aloha bounded the cultures and created a tightly-knitted fabric that is Our Community. Yet, the Center also represents a vision of hope for the next generations, whose future is secured because of the sacrifices that have been made by our ancestors.”

NOTE: Please support the 14th Bayanihan Gala event which is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Sponsorships, Attendees, Donations Received $186,600 Silent Auction Bids Received * $ 1,500 Event Expenses Incurred and Paid ($ 56,460) Bank/Merchant Fees Incurred and Paid ($ 656) Net Proceeds $130,984

* Additional silent auction bids of $11,635 were received and recorded in 2016.

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SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTION TRAINING (SEMPT)

SEMPT is an entrepreneurship program, which aims to create more jobs and job training opportunities for the surrounding communities that support the State’s visitor industry. The program intends to spur business development and encourage small business start-ups and develop an educational pipeline to meaningful, living-wage jobs, as well as develop programs and initiatives that distinguish Waipahu and its surrounding areas and make it more desirable place to do business and develop jobs.

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON

The FilCom Center held its first Mother’s Day Luncheon on Sunday, May 10, 2015, just the next day of the 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade. The event was a joint project of the FilCom Center and Creations in Catering which is under Special Events Management and Production Training (SEMPT) to educate, train, and provide hands on mentoring activities to those interested in pursuing a career in Special Events Management. Co-chaired by Agnes Reyes, FilCom Board of Directors and Programs Committee Chair, Sarah Suzuki, FilCom Board of Directors and SEMPT Chair, and Sam Acosta, FCCH President and CIC Consultant. Attendees were being entertained by the Coro Filipino Haranistas and special guest performer Melveen Leed, while enjoying the ono food

prepared by Creations in Catering. Students who participated on this event were Edmund Shin, Marina Hijikata and Victor Mengge Liu, all from Hawaii Pacific University.

The event was successful because of the help of hardworking individuals who put this together and with the support of our sponsors. Sponsors were House of Finance, Inc., Kathy Mills, Safe Harbor Homecare, Inc., Edward Alquero, MD Inc., EC Home Aid Supply, LLC, Case Management Professionals Inc., and Ashley’s Chair Covers.

Tickets were sold for $50 for adults and $27 for 10 years old and under. More than 150 people attended the special occasion. Raised $9,209 with expenses of $5,880, netted $3,329.

KaBATAaN: FILIPINO FOR KIDS SUMMER PROGRAM 2015 By Imelda Gasmen

KaBATAaN: Filipino for Kids Summer Program celebrated its 10th year anniversary in 2015 with the theme: Kultura (Culture). The program is the only summer program in the state of Hawaii for young children which focuses on providing exposure and experiencing the rich Philippine culture and heritage. In 2015, the program drew a record number of participants: from originally 20 students and 4 volunteers when it first started to 40 participants and about 40 volunteers.

The summer program in 2015 was conducted for five sessions over a course of three weekends: Saturdays, June 20 & 27, & Sundays, June 21 & 28 at the Filipino Community Center. The last day called Munting Palabas (Mini-show) on Saturday, July 4th was the mini-graduation. It was held for the first time outside of the FilCom Center. This culminating event was held at the Seafood City, who became a new partner/host with the program and was attended by over 100 people from families, friends and supporters of the program.

Popularly called Fil4Kids, the summer fun program is designed to provide elementary school-age children of all ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the Philippines, its history, culture, and languages. The program includes language and culture components and interactive activities such as games, dances, songs, storytelling and a summer reading program.

Centerpieces and Stage were beautifully designed by Amie Guillermo.

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HISTORY: This program started through a mini-diversity grant from the UH SEED office in 2005. Filipino for Kids Summer Program has now become an annual summer collaborative project of the Filipino Community Center with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hawaii Chapter, UH Filipino and Philippine Literature program, the UH Katipunan Club, Alumni and Friends, and community organizations and volunteers.

PROGRAM CONTENT: The four sessions covered basic information about Philippine history, culture, language and traditions. This enrichment program included reading, storytelling with language and culture components, and interactive activities such as songs, games, and dances. Students learned about Tinikling; the Philippines’ most popular folk dance; Escrima, Philippine martial arts; Cariñosa, the Philippine national dance; Sipa, formerly known as the Philippine national sport and Baybayin, the Philippine ancient script; and Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. Students also enjoyed other activities including folding, coloring jeepney, and dancing the malong dance from southern Philippines in Mindanao. In addition to the cultural aspect of the program, it also offered a summer reading program where bilingual books are provided for the students to read on a weekly basis.

PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS, AND PARTNERS: The 40 participants range from 5 to 12 year-olds coming from various areas on Oahu with about eight who were repeat participants from previous years. The participants are usually assisted by the program’s traditional core of volunteers which include youth and young adult volunteers (high school to young professionals). However, a group of older women from the Filipino Women’s League offered their service and support as part of the volunteer crew for the first time this year. The program’s learning environment is more of a family style as all the volunteers are either called Kuya or Ate, Tito or Tita, and Manong or Manang. Volunteers who shared their expertise in Philippine culture included professors from the University of Hawaii and Chaminade University, students from the Ilokano Language Program and UH Timpuyog and the Filipino Language Program and the UH Katipunan Club, Tekniqlingz, Banda Kawayan, Bandalan Doce Pares, and BIBAK. Business partners who donated for the Munting Palabas mini-graduation included Magnolia Ice Cream & Treats Shop, Jollibee and Seafood City Hawaii.

FUNDING (Budget and expenses): This year’s funding came from seed money donation from Hawaiian Electric Industries of $600. The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hawaii chapter donates annually at least $250 since the inception of the summer program. Registration fees totaled $2,040. Total revenue was $2,890. Expenses which included school and art materials, photocopying, program T-shirts and honorarium amounted to $2,389. Total net balance is $536 from 2015 plus $428 (from Fil4Kids 2014 balance) for a total of $984 which is earmarked as seed money for the 2016 summer program.

RECOGNITION: The Filipino for Kids Summer Program also received a certificate of recognition from the City and County of Honolulu in September which recognized 10 years of providing a cultural enrichment program about the Philippines for young children and youth on Oahu.

NCLEX NURSING REVIEW CLASSES

Held by the Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc. (NAMI), to prepare Philippine-educated nurses for licensing exams. Classes are being held every Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The FilCom received $4,400 from the registration fees and had 44 attendees.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP CLASSES AND IMMIGRATION OUTREACH PROGRAM

Staff from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assisted immigrants, who had poor English proficiency, prepare for their naturalization interviews. The program also included citizenship and immigration outreach sessions. There were 16 attendees. FilCom raised $450, with expenses of $423.

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COMPUTER ENRICHMENT AND WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM

The program is held regularly and is taught by community volunteers. The classes include Computer Basics, Internet Use, Word and Excel. FilCom raised $1,025 with expenses of $845 and 41 attendees.

BANDA KAWAYAN

A musical group based at the FilCom Center of Hawaii and the only band in the United States using ethnic bamboo instruments like marimba, kalagong, tungatong, kiskis, kalatok, and angklung. Membership consists of an intergenerational group of volunteers of all ages devoted to the perpetuation of Filipino culture through performing arts through the direction of Maestro Rafael “Pike” Velasco. Rehearsals are held every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at the FilCom Music Room. FilCom received a grant from the Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts (MOCA) in 2014, in the amount of $5,000, with expenses of $3,223 and 45 registered members. For 2015, FilCom applied for the MOCA grant again but it was not awarded.

BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES

Dance workshops for all ages are held every Tuesday night from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Consuelo Courtyard conducted by the Himig at Indak group. FilCom raised $1,680 with a total of 168 attendees in 2014.

DANCE, MUSIC AND ART WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF ALL AGES

These workshops include “Banda Kawayan” the only band in the United States using predominantly bamboo instruments whose membership is intergenerational (ages 6 to 60+) and an affiliated choral and dance group called “Himig at Indak” and choral group “Coro Filipino.”

The FilCom is also used for rehearsals and training sessions for Kali Escrima, martial arts form indigenous to the Philippines, ballroom dancing, and other community related activities.

PHILIPPINE ART AND HISTORY EXHIBITS

The exhibits are permanent and temporary panels showcasing the history of the Filipinos in Hawai‘i, as well as sculptures and murals that illustrate the culture and arts of the Philippines. Currently, a costume exhibit dominates the walls of the Tech Center Rooms.

ZUMBATHON 2014

Zumbathon is a fundraising project of Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii in partnership with Pinoy Crew 808. FilCom raised $1,935 with 193 attendees.

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FILCOM SUNDAYS

Perpetuating Filipino culture and customs, this program features cultural celebrations every last Sunday of each month. The host organization is rotated among various community groups that are FilCom’s community partners. Each FilCom Sunday has a theme—from showcasing cultural regions in the Philippines, or the Filipinos’ contemporary history in Hawaii. FilCom raised $150 in 2014 with more than 700 attendees total.

PASKO! SA FILCOM 2015 By Clement Bautista

On Sunday, December 6, 2015, FilCom celebrated the 9th annual Pasko! sa FilCom. This was the second consecutive year the FilCom programs committee took the lead in planning, coordinating and implementing the event. The theme for this year's Pasko! was “Tara na! Pasko na! Tayo'y Magsaya!” (Come on! It's Christmas! Let's have fun!).

True to this theme, Pasko! sa FilCom brought together individuals and community groups – Filipinos and non-Filipinos – for an afternoon and evening full of fun, games, singing, dance, Christmas food demonstrations, arts and crafts, and community-participation contests (parol, tabletop Christmas tree and choral). Also on hand were public service exhibits by Kokua Kalihi Valley (voter registration), Aloha DREAM Team (undocumented immigrant youth), the Philippine Consulate General of Hawaii, and the UHM Office of Multicultural Student Services (UH college fair).

With the public service exhibits already in full swing, the afternoon program began in the Consuelo Courtyard with Christmas greetings and prayers by Reverend Efren Tomas (St. Joseph Church) and Pastor Lawrence Roller (Waipahu United Church of Christ) followed by a spirited Krismas Karaoke Contest. As the evening approached, events moved to the Casamina-Flores Ballroom, starting with FilCom's Banda Kawayan playing their own arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, followed by performances by Filipino for Kids and Filipino101 Early College Credit Program, Raymond Sebastian, Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc, Mililani Baptist Choir and Filipino UCC, Dominique P. Ragmat, Himig at Indak, Stephen John Cu and Pike Velasco, Bandalan Doce Pares and Coro Filipino. The evening wrapped up with a very colorful choral competition.

A celebration, such as Pasko!, that is open to the community, could not be carried out without the support and generosity of individuals, community groups, and businesses. Contest winners received cash prizes, food demonstrations provided free samples and crafts activities and labor were conducted by volunteers. Major financial support came from the Renato & Maria AF Etrata Foundation (title sponsor), Matson, Inc. and Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Individual donations were made by Ben Sanchez and Cora Nelson, Edmund Aczon, Thomas Kamioka, Ainalani Realty, LLC, and Brandon Dela Cruz.

In-kind contributions came from Jollibee, Seafood City, McDonald's, Magnolia Ice Cream and Treats, and Mang Gorio's Lechon. Participating organizations included the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce, Sariling Gawa, Knights of Rizal, San Nicolas Goodwill Foundation of Hawaii, United Filipino Council of Hawaii, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii, Waipahu Intermediate School National Junior Honor Society, Waipahu High School Fil-Am Club, Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii, UH Leeward Community College KASAMA, UHM Timpuyog Organization, Ilokano: The Movement, UHM Filipino 101 Classes, UHM Katipunan Club and the UHM Office of Multicultural Student Services. Emcees for Pasko! were Ramon Sumibcay and Novie Hartwell.

The Pasko! coordinating committee included Rafael Velasco, Arceli Rebollido, Imelda Gasmen and Clement Bautista. Their goal was to build on last year's successful event by making adjustments in logistics, improving contest participation and seeking ways to reduce expenses. Unfortunately, the close scheduling of FilCom's main fundraising

The San Nicolas Goodwill Foundation of Hawaii demonstrated how to make “lubi-lubi”

at the Pasko sa FilCom.

pg. 16

event, the Bayanihan Gala Dinner on October 31, made securing sponsorships for Pasko! challenging. Nonetheless, compared to last year's event, over 600 people attended Pasko!, parol and tabletop contest entries surpassed expectations, contest prizes were increased, and community participation was larger.

Expenses for 2015 Pasko! amounted to $3,121.43, which exceeded revenues of $2,955.00 by $166.43. This shortfall was covered by last year’s revenue balance of $2,781.87.

FILIPINO FIESTA AND PARADE (FLORES DE MAYO) 2014

The Flores de Mayo Festival was a week-long cultural celebration from May 3 through May 10, 2014 on multiple locations including the annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade.

The theme was, “Isang Puso, Isang Diwa” (One Heart, One Spirit). The 2014 Flores de Mayo festival was composed of two events, the Fil-Am Young Leaders Summit and the 22nd Annual Filipino Fiesta and Santacruzan.

Fil-Am Young Leaders Summit (FYLS) was held on May 3, 2014 from 8 am to 4 pm at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. The Summit brought young leaders together to discuss how to advance Filipino-American advocacies in similar communities across the nation. Special guests were Mr. Tony Olaes, a successful Filipino entrepreneur based in San Diego and U.S. Gawad Kalinga Chair and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

The 22nd Annual Filipino Fiesta and Santacruzan was held on May 10, 2014 from 9am to 6pm at the Honolulu Municipal Grounds. Due to renovations at the Kapiolani Park, the Filipino Fiesta was moved to Honolulu Municipal Grounds. The fiesta provided a multi-faceted Filipino cultural experience that included traditional Filipino food, games, cultural exhibits and live entertainment. The event was free and open to the public.

The annual Filipino Fiesta began 22 years ago when L & L Drive-Inn founder Eddie Flores initiated the celebration as part of the awareness campaign to garner support for the building of the FilCom Center.

It has since become Hawaii’s largest showcase of Filipino culture with an annual attendance of more than 10,000 people. Last year was the first time the annual celebration of Filipino culture was expanded to a multi-event festival. The event was supported by the City & County of Honolulu and Title Sponsor L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.

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Government Grants The State of Hawaii and the City & County of Honolulu have been supportive of the Center since its conceptual

development and through the years of our groundbreaking in 2002 through today. From 2013 through 2015, the State of Hawaii and its legislative members have been able to generously award the Center with $1.3 million in capital improvements for the Center. These necessary improvements to the Center included a photovoltaic system, the retrofit of the existing air condition system, and a retractable roof for the Consuelo Courtyard at the Center.

Our cultural arts and programs continue to thrive with the support from the Mayor’s Office and the City and County of Honolulu. The Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts has contributed almost $10,000 for the same period which supported the Center’s Banda Kawayan program. The Hawaii Tourism Authority County Product Enrichment Program has further supported the exhibition of the Filipino culture and arts with almost $30,000 for the same period.

This support of our legislative members continues to represent the desires of their constituents on the benefits and contributions of the Center. We thank them tremendously for their public service and contributions to the Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and to the State of Hawaii.

Board of Directors

Edmund C. Aczon, Chair Avelino “AJ” Halagao, Jr., Vice Chair Manuel S. Lanuevo, P.E., Vice Chair

Lorna Kidd, CPA, Secretary Luis P. Salaveria, Treasurer

Paul G. Alimbuyao

Bryan P. Andaya, Esq. Vincent Baldemor Clement Bautista

Maria Borje-Bonkowski, Esq. Kellan C. Briones

Leslie P. Chinn, Esq.

Imelda Gasmen Sherry Menor-McNamara

Bennette E. Misalucha Agnes Reyes, RN

Jesse K. Souki, Esq. Dane K. Wicker

Sarah M. Suzuki, RN

Ex-Officio Maria A.F. Etrata, UFCH May B. Mizuno, COVO

Rev. Alex Vergara, OFCC

Roland C. Casamina President Emeritus

Eddie Flores, Jr. Chair Emeritus

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Board of Governors

Contact Information (Staff)

DONNIE JUAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ARCELI G. REBOLLIDO PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

ERIC P. VICTORIA CUSTODIAN

Tel (808)680-0451

Fax (808) 680-7510

donnie@filcom.org

Tel (808)680-0451

Fax (808)680-7510

arceli@filcom.org

Tel (808)520-1448

Fax (808)680-0451

Daniel K. Inouye (In Memoriam) Hon. Chair Robin Campaniano, Chair

Steven Ai

Daniel K. Akaka Anacleto Alcantra

Vic Angoco George K. Ariyoshi

John C. Brogan Betty Brow

David P. W. Carey Vicky Cayetano

Richard Dahl Mark Dunkerley

Maria A. F. Etrata Terri Fujii

Blenn Fujimoto Mark Fukunaga

Russell Hata Robert Harrison

David Heenan Tim Johns

Charles Kelley Daniel Lau Gabriel Lee

Warren Luke Jon K. Matsuoka

Michael May Nick Ng Pack

Richard Pecson Kelly Sanders

Steve Sombrero Dr. Ramon Sy

Walter Tagawa Barry K. Taniguchi

Eric Tema Emme Tomimbang

Art Ushijima Gulab Watumull Perfecto Yasay Gary Yoshioka

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Company Information The Filipino Community Center, Inc.

94-428 Mokuola Street, Suite 302, Waipahu, HI 96797

Tel (808) 680-0451

Fax (808) 680-7510

Email filcom@filcom.org

www.filcom.org