Month: October 2013

35 reasons why Maui is voted best island in the world

This article was published in the FilAm Courier, Oct. 16 issue.

Maui did it again. I couldn’t be more proud to call Maui my home.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Magazine has rated Maui best island in the world – the top pick of its correspondents – now on its 20th consecutive winning year.

Sure, there are tons of reasons that make Maui no ka oi. It is a collaboration among entities that preserve the island’s beauty and charm. It is the local government and organizations that have kept up with the demands of time. With 35,000 visitors coming in daily, imagine how much impact that will have on infrastructure, local businesses and environmental management.

Visitors on Maui leave with priceless memories and come back wanting more. The reason is not Haleakala nor the almost-perfect beaches that we have. Our visitors come back, stay at one of our signature hotel accommodations, and instantly become hanai to the Maui family. That is the reason. It is our friendly, unsung heroes of the hospitality department that has made us no. 1 again and again.

I recently emceed at the 2013 Outstanding Housekeepers Awards Banquet and Recognition Ball, sponsored by the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Association. One by one the awardees went on stage and accepted recognition framed certificates. Their fellow employees cheered every time their hotel name was called out.

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Mayor Alan Arakawa thanked the honorees for their hard work. Photo by Ryan Piros, County of Maui.

These manangs and manongs make sure that after a rough day out and about Maui, visitors come back to their hotel rooms with their beds made, trash emptied, towels washed and supplies refilled. They make sure laundry is done. They make sure every dirty work is done. And they’re happy to do it for you.

I have not traveled extensively around the world to compare services and justify my claim. But I hear it from other people who have, and claimed that nothing compares to when your housekeeping person is a Filipino.

Do you know that feeling when you come home and the house is spic and span, dinner is ready, your used clothes washed, dried and folded, and your bed welcomes you with open arms for another episode of slumber? I happen to have been blessed and experienced that most of my life growing up in the Philippines. But I promise you, I wasn’t a spoiled brat.

We had a yaya – a house help. It is typical and common for Filipino middle class families to have a helper. Our yaya, we call her Ninang, has been with us since my parents were married and practically raised me and my brothers.

I reminisce the conveniences I had when I still lived with Ninang in my best place in the world – home in the Philippines.

But remember that feeling – that feeling when a deep sigh of relief really meant like a relaxing embrace. That’s the same feeling every visitor who has voted for Maui in that survey felt during their stay in the island. That was it. They had a Ninang during their stay. Because of that, Maui became their best place in the world.

Every awardee that night beamed with so much pride. Maui’s luxurious hotels and recognitions would be nothing without their hard work and love for the job. They truly are heroes.

Please stop a moment, greet, and throw a shaka the next time you meet one. And if you recognize any of these names, then you have an award-winning Ninang in your family, too.

Here are the 35 reasons why Maui is voted Best Island in the World – the 2013

Housekeeping Awardees:
Andro Lacaden
Henry Oandasan
Perigrino Yadao
Jerry Santiago
Laurence Castillo
Rowel Bautista
Amado Vallesteros
Andres Arcala
Adriano Mercado
Jun Peredo
Joven Antolin
Jayson De La Cruz
Oscar Soriano
Elenita Ildefonso
Marife Ilar
Elsa Piano
Rosario Versola
Marilou Blando
Jackie Puno
Nenita Corpuz
Maribel Ibe
Cristina Bollante
Magdalena Magaoay
Erlilnda Parilla
Erlilna Pagaduan
Leinie Acoba
Ermelita Torrente
Nellie Huliganga
Rudy Melchor
Rose Sijalbo
Cecilia Yagin
Blasilda Yapit
Nenita Alcantara
Mehelle Felipe
Giji Turner

Tweet your best hotel housekeeping moments with me at @keeet.

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131017-2Mahalo to the Binhi At Ani Board members for putting the event together! Especially to Manong Manny Baltazar, Event Chair and former awardee himself. Talk about giving back =)

 

Maui Filipinos who made a difference #Mauifilam

In case you missed it, the historical display at the Maui FilAm Heritage Festival Oct. 12, 2013 featured 20 Maui Filipinos who made a difference. This year, the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation decided to give a preview of the Maui FilAm history by telling the stories of these outstanding people.

There were a lot more names to be considered, but nobody said the Chamber is stopping at 20. Feel free to comment and leave names below on who you think should be in the next round.

These images were displayed on 20×30 boards last festival. They were put together by Senator Gil Keith-Agaran (who is also included in the display), Melen Agcolicol of Copy Services, Alvin Santander and myself. Special thanks to Manong Leo Agcolicol (another featured individual), Atty. Ben Acob and my hapun assistant Deron Furukawa for helping put them up.

Here are the images – in no particular order. Please enjoy!

OK Suguitan

REVIEW Leo Agcolicol

OK-Luna

OK-Cabebe

OK Vince Bagoyo

OK Simeon

OK sevilla

OK Capili

OK domingo

OK KeithAgaran

OK Menor

OK Ragasa

OK Romero

OK Rosario

OK Cabanilla

OK Baloaloa

OK Balangitao

OK Acoba

OK - Caldito

Judge Baxa

 

 

UPAAH Ilang-Ilang tree planting

CALLING ALL ISKOs and ISKAs in Maui! We are looking for you! Step forward and make yourselves known!

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii will have a tree planting event at the Bahay Kubo of Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Garden in Iao Valley, Wailuku on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. The group will plant an Ilang-Ilang tree, which is a common plant in the Philippines famous for its strong fragrance.

Tree Planting

Poster credits: Photos from Dennis Bondocoy, UP oblation image by Ray Liongson, and layout by Kit Zulueta.

The event coincides with a month-long celebration of the Filipino community in Hawaii to commemorate the Filipino-American History Month. UPAAH was last spotted on Maui in 2009 where its members, together with the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, planted a Narra tree – the Philippine national tree, which is now thriving at the same place.

Photos are available from the Narra Tree planting event from UPAAH member Dennis Bondocoy here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbondocoy/sets/72157619775814921/with/3638181410/

UPAAH President Carolyn Weygan intends to invite alumni of the distinguished university and consider forming a Maui chapter of the organization. The current Board of UPAAH includes PRO Kit Zulueta and Board Member CJ Ancheta, both Maui residents.

Distinguished members of the community and proud UP Alumni include Consul General Julius Torres of the Philippine Consulate of Honolulu, 2012 Lifetime Achievement Awardees Dr. Belinda ‘Lyndy’ Aquino and former President of the Filipino Community Center Geminiano ‘Toy’ Arre Jr.

The 2013 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings proved that the University of the Philippines maintained its top place among other universities in the Philippines.

Members from Oahu look forward to joining fellow ‘iskolars ng bayan’ in the Valley Isle. An organizational meeting will follow the tree planting at the same venue.

All University of the Philippines alumni residing on Maui are encouraged to attend the event. For information, contact CJ Ancheta at 280-1616.

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AD on UP Alumni Book

Maui to go red against heart disease

Here’s another upcoming project! There are so many things going on this October and these little projects actually keep me sane. Well, I love working with super passionate people – especially the ladies of MauiGoRed.

On another note, I did lose a loved one – my precious Tito Ilz, from heart failure. It makes me feel so much better spreading awareness on how to have a healthier lifestyle. I would hate to lose another loved one. Health first!

Here’s the release and some images I put together for the Executive Committee:

PRESS RELEASE by:

American Heart Association, Maui Region

Kauwela Bisquera, Regional Director

(808) 244-7185

kauwela.a.bisquera@heart.org

Maui to Go Red against heart disease

WAILUKU, Hawaii – The Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team invites the public to join in the quest to fight heart disease at the 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon and Health Expo on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.

maui news ad

The event features a wide array of activities designed to raise awareness and generate funds such as health screenings, live demonstrations and a silent auction.  And, back by popular demand, ‘Swag Bags’, filled with giveaway goodies and great educational material, will be given to the first 100 guests.

The centerpiece of the event is a three-course ‘heart-healthy’ lunch prepared by Chef Tylun Pang and a fashion show dubbed ‘Surviving,’ featuring women survivors of heart disease. One in three American women suffers from some form of heart disease making it the number 1 killer of women.

JoAn Gascon, who suffered from supraventricular tachycardia, a form of heart disease, ‘worked’ the cat walk at last year’s event as one of the models of the fashion show. “Since doing the surgery, I have not experienced any more episodes,” Gascon said. “I have taken steps to be healthier so I can watch my granddaughter grow up!”

As the Go Red for Women campaign’s national sponsor, Macy’s is committed to raising awareness of heart disease, and helping women to live longer, healthier lives. The Luncheon and Expo is locally sponsored by Maui Electric Company, and serving as Chairwoman of the 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon & Health Expo is president Sharon Suzuki.

“We all have a loved one or know someone affected by a cardiovascular disease or stroke,” said Suzuki. “Preventative education and awareness is so very important and this event is an opportunity for all of us to come together as a community and be a part of the solution.”

The Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA) and Wailea Golf, LLC are other top level local sponsors.

To join the Luncheon and take advantage of the exciting offers at the Expo, registration is accepted online at www.mauigoredforwomen.org. Table sponsorships of 10 seats are still accepted and individual tickets at $100 donation per person may be reserved. Registration closes on October 28, 2013.

All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement research, education, community service and health advocacy programs for women.

The 2013 Go Red for Women Luncheon and Health Expo is also locally sponsored by Araki-Regan & Associates, Munekiyo & Hiraga, Employer’s Options, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc./Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar, Inc., Kawahara & Co.,  CPAs, Inc., Monsanto Hawaii, Island Honda, American Savings Bank, United Auto Parts (NAPA), Aloha Eye Clinic, Maui Petroleum, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Sae Design.

The American Heart Association, Maui is always looking for passionate women to join the Go Red for Women Ambassadors who are willing to help “spread the red” of these important messages in our community. The ambassadors are volunteer leaders committed to raising awareness and saving lives from heart disease.

For more information on Go Red for Women visit www.goredforwomen.org, or call (808) 244-7185.

For more information on the Maui Go Red for Women Ambassadors, visit www.mauigoredforwomen.org, or find us on Facebook.com/MauiGoRed or follow us on Twitter @mauigored.

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