The Rev. Catalino and Josefina Cortezan on their 50th wedding anniversary, 1971

Filipino Americans website and other information.

is a tribute to the visionary spirit of the Filipino American community in Hawaii

Created Feb 2006     Kauai Filipino Centennial    Copyright 2006 ã

Filipino Centennial Celebration - Filipinos in Hawaii

      In August, 1970, members of the Bailes de Jose Troupe raised funds to attend a Conference in Seattle, Washington.  As founder-director-choreographer of that group, I brought a contingent of students from the island of Kauai to perform and to observe and experience “things Filipino” from a mainland perspective.

      Thirty six years later, I attended this Conference on my own…

Impressions…and then some!

     I arrived early, a little after 7 am on Thursday, June 29, at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel with great curiosity.  From the opening session…to the various topics, workshops, presentations, resource persons, energy levels, and thought-provoking ideas that were presented, dealt and wrestled with, the Conference unfolded as a masterpiece of creativity and impact as well as an  expression of commitment and dedication so readily obvious by those who planned and implemented and those who attended and experienced this event.  What synergy!

      “The Retention and Evolution of Philippine Culture in the United States, a topic within my personal scope of experience, was the first session I attended.  It validated the struggles and challenges that come with the triumphs and accomplishments of those who have taken on this task.  Flori Montane’s vivid and impassioned presentation was both riveting and dynamic.  Joel Jacinto followed, demonstrating with such clarity, how he has become focused to reach into the essence and the roots of the heritage (s) of the Philippines.  Here was clear evidence of the “integrity” of what is being taught and learned and how we have “transitioned” the quality, the depth, and the breadth of how we retain…and how we evolve as exponents of Philippine Culture.

    I chose to sit with my colleagues in the next session that focused on “The Leadership of Educational Leadership:  Honoring Filipino School Administrators in Hawaii.”  What a joy it was for me to be among the “shakers and movers” in the field of education.  From those who pioneered (i.e. Domingo Los Banos and Libby Viduya) to those who are now in the forefront in their respective fields (beyond the administrative level) there was  proof positive of the special qualities these individuals have brought to their domains that have nurtured, inspired, and created opportunities for others to become effective contributors in their respective communities.

      The day concluded with a review and a discussion of the film, “Sangang Daan” which gave rise to expressions of nostalgia among those present.

      Truly, diversity at hand!

      The Author’s Reception, augmented by the jazz stylings of Gabe Baltazar, Renee and Michael Paulo, was truly phenomenal.

      “The Art and Craft of Filipino/Filipino American Histories” was deftly handled by those who are now in the forefront of research and who have become appropriately credentialed in their areas of expertise.  Erwin Legaspi spoke of his research and his theories on Filipino martial arts; Wayland Quintero held his audience fascinated with his first-hand experience with documenting the presumed claims of authenticity; Cynthia Liu rivaled Sherlock Holmes in detective work research about the yo-yo; and James Sobredo mapped the realm of possibilities of sea-faring Filipinos at the crossroads of the “world-as-it-was”.

      I then delved into “Sariling Gawa Youth Council, Inc:  26 Years of Helping to Build a Strong Filipino Community in Hawaii.” Some patterns had begun to evolve.  There was strong and clear evidence of work of the pioneers reaching out to encourage, to enlighten, and to pass on the torch to others.  Domingo Los Banos was now joined by Erica Balbag-Gerard, William Domingo, Mia Luluquisen, and Alma Trinidad.  Erwin Legaspi and Wayland Quintero were there also as testaments to the “beginnings” that brought them to their current pivotal moments at present.  How wonderful it was to see that the seeds had been planted.  The seeds had sprouted.  The plants are now flourishing.  It was, is, and will continue to be “a work in progress.”

      Saturday morning’s choice to conclude the pot pourri of sessions was “Living History in Music:Filipino American Jazz Greats of Hawaii.”  One cannot begin to imagine the magic of the moment.  One cannot begin to describe the presence of genius surpassed only by the genuine humility of the Paulos and Gabe Baltazar.  One cannot forget the wizardry of father and son at the keyboard and the saxophone that brought the audience to the heights of ecstasy with their musical presentations that dazzled with such brilliance!

      Ah Quon McElrath was spellbinding with her keynote address.  The entertainment presentations were brisk and talent-laden.  The Filipino Youth Drill Team has gained every accolade of magnificence it has received for its impact, precision, and style.

      Along the way, I had opportunities to “talk story” with extremely interesting people who were there in attendance.

      Although I am not a member of any chapter, it is clearly evident to me that those who have chosen to be a part of the Filipino American National Historical Society are front and center among those who have paved the way for Filipinos to seek their past, to understand their identity, and to assure themselves of meaningful ways in which they can determine their roles in the future.

     Congratulations for an exceptionally outstanding Convention held here in Hawaii as we celebrate our Centennial theme:  “Filipinos in Hawaii:  One Hundred Years and Beyond.”

Respectfully submitted,