Hope Fest will give hope to many

This is not just another cancer story. This is my cancer story.

I lost both my grandfathers to cancer – lung and colon cancer. They were both engineers. I also know two brave women who beat breast cancer – one of them always had to fill in her left boob with socks. (Gotta be equal-equal, right?)

You see countless Facebook posts of friend’s friends and relatives currently going through the battle. If it’s not another Go Fund Me account, it’s a long post about a funeral.

Cancer does not choose its victim. It could be anyone.

It could be me. I try to imagine losing my hair, as did a young and vibrant college kid who worked in our office. Then again, I cannot imagine.

My grandfather, Avelino Cruz, Lolo Huds we call him, passed away here in Hawaii. My Tita said he was anxious about how the Warriors (yes, Univ. of Hawaii football team) was doing even though he was dying. I remember a photo of him with a rake (or was it a shovel?) under the mango tree in Kaneohe.

Lolo Huds, dean of Baguio Colleges Foundation Engineering and Architecture Department, was a renaissance man. He’s a left brain and right brain genius. He wrote and directed plays, he built buildings that remained erect after the big 1990 earthquake.

They said as a professor, he filled chalk boards with masterpieces – drawings and graphs and equations and who-knows-what. If cameraphones were popular then, he could easily be viral on Instagram as “Lectures from Dean Cruz.”

I didn’t see those chalkboards, but I believe. Because at his house, he had TONS of studies and bound documents we used as drawing sheets and scratch paper (back then, his work was all scribbles to me, but now I think about it, I could be drawing flowers on high-level, advanced quantum physics).

I remember an algebra hurdle I couldn’t get over one time and he sat me down and calmly started his lecture, “let’s start with a+b=c.” He went back to step one and made sure I understood the principles before he continued to help me solve my homework.

It was so genuine. I don’t remember being ashamed or feeling stupid. Some teachers do that – they roll their eyes and let their nonverbals tell you how moronic you are. Lolo Huds wasn’t like that – he’ll turn you into a sponge and he’d make sure he’s smooth and clear as water.

Lolo Huds

Lolo Huds and Lola B with my mom on the left and my late uncle, Tito Ills.

 

Lolo Huds

If I look at this photo long enough, I can see all his children – male and female, in his face.

They joked, because Lolo Huds had a major crush on my grandmother when they were in school, he let her be the valedictorian and he was salutatorian. He was such a funny guy, his jokes were intelligent and I remember his laugh. His laugh makes you laugh.

I remember him singing “Dahil Sa’yo” very well. He sang it to my lola and went “Daaaaahil… sa’yo, Lola B…”

Anyway, they had 6 kids: two architects, a lawyer, an engineer and two doctors.

Here’s a photo of them in one of their world travels. (Yes, he always gave us grandkids money, too!)

 

My Zulueta grandfather, Jose Zulueta, Lolo Peping we call him, was an eye-candy. He was so good-looking I remember my high school and college friends drooling over his photo. (In fact, they did the same with my dad and uncles – it’s the genes!)

Lolo Joe

ANG GWAPO. SHIET.

Lolo Peping was a mechanical engineer bar topnotcher – there was even a news article about him. My gosh, he was so cool. He would tinker up cars and “stuff” in his home shop. He would let us stand on his shoulders on family beach vacations and jump on the water. He would force us to try and eat new things. He was full of energy and full of life. He even insisted he’d drop me off and pick me up on my sophomore ball.

Lolo with Tita Babes and Papakins

Lolo Joe with his first two of NINE kids. The one on the right is my dad.

Lolo Joe

This is how I remember him.

Just one day, out of the blue, he had cancer. He deteriorated dramatically. 

In a blink of an eye, I was at the hospital with the rest of the family. I was present when my doctor uncle entered the room and gave my grandmother the crucifix he was wearing. He was gone. “He’s with us, right now, he’s here right now,” lola broke down in tears.

Family holidays were never the same. The first Christmas without lolo was soooo sad. We miss him. We miss him a lot.

My cousins and I created games to turn off the sadness and 15 years later, it’s become a family tradition – Zuluetalympics, or Zlympics we call it – in honor of lolo.

 

You must have a similar story, too.

Well, you’d agree cancer’s a bitch. Just like that, it would take someone you love. It took two of the most incredible people I know.

 

I write this because I’m healthy now and have the ability to give and help others. Someone else – for sure – will get cancer. Someone perhaps you and I know, will not have another birthday. I don’t even want to imagine another family member going through the horrors again.

I don’t want to regret in the future “not doing anything” for the cause. I want to be part of the solution. I urge you to consider too. Somewhere out there is the cure, and we’re getting close. Let’s not lose hope.

 

The American Cancer Society is holding Hope Fest Maui on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Maui Brewing Company. Proceeds will fund the completion of Hope Lodge Hawaii, a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Here, I give kudos to an all-volunteer committee who put this together led by Tyson Miyake and Aimee. Just look at this awesome logo (and the feature image) by Daryl Fujiwara.

Hope Fest

The event is open to the public, with tickets at $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Children under 13 are free. BUY TICKETS NOW

Some of the entertainment lined up include:

Halau Hula o Keola Ali’I o Ke Kai
Max Baccera
TFlatz and the Highlights
Steve Craig of The Lonely Heart Shakers
Kanakea
Louis and Lewis
Johnny RIngo
Sweet Trinity
Noa-Zeb Offergeld
Kaliko’s Way
Phillip Smith Jazz
Nestor Ugale
High Command
Noa-Zeb

Food? Of course there’s food from these guys:

Dibs on Da Ribs
Donut Dynamite
Habibi
Maui Fresh Streatery
Smoke & Spice
Three’s Bar and Grill

Edible Acts Hope Fest Maui

There’s even the “FORK CANCER” food competition and VIP tasting. Event chefs and food trucks will showdown to prepare simple healthy bites. VIP ticket holders ($55 in advance / $65 at the door) can sample the healthy dishes and vote to award “Best in Fest” for 2015.

Arts, crafts, games and activities:

Fustini’s Olive Oils and Vineagars,  Sol Chiropractic, Diane Brittain, Opihi Maui, Area 808 Designs, JNK Designs facial art, Ballon Art by Rikki, Tattoos, Hope Quilt, Keiki Kettle Corn, Epic Entertainment Photo Booth, Live painting with 9th Wave Gallery, Aloha Chair Massage, Kettlecorn, 50th State of Mind, Sparrow Seas, and more.

For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities please contact event co-chairs Tyson or Aimee at hopefestmaui@gmail.com or phone the ACS main line at 808-244-5554.

I’ll be there so see you!

Here’s the ticket link again:

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

As for both my lolos, they continue to be an inspiration to me. I know they’re always looking after me and my family. But if I could, I would give both a big hug.

#CANCERSUCKS

Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing

Kahanamoku

I was asked to create a graphic for a newspaper ad for the Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing production by Emme Tomimbang. As a filmmaker, working with her is always very inspiring – makes me want to get in the industry again and grab a camera and shoot. There’s so many stories to share out there!

Yet, the body is weak. Maybe the more I make graphics for awesome documentaries like this, the more I get convinced to make movies again. This was the second ad I’ve created for Emme. Below is the press release.

“Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing” A Television Special Produced by Award-Winning Producer Emme Tomimbang in Partnership with Hawaii News Now

Honolulu, Hawaii – July 23, 2015 – In the special “Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing,” veteran Hawaii producer Emme Tomimbang partners up with Hawaii News Now to tell the story of not only inspirational Kahanamoku scholars from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, but also Nadine Kahanamoku, the widow of legendary surfer and Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku.

Upon her death in 1997, Nadine Kahanamoku donated their entire estate to the John A. Burns School of Medicine to be used for scholarships awarded to medical students of Hawaiian ancestry. Since then, there have been over 80 Kahanamoku Scholars, each with his or her own story; each, in his or her own way, perpetuating the Kahanamoku legacy of healing.

“Through the couple’s single act of kindness, there is a single pebble in the pond, causing a ripple effect that changes the communities and the thousands of lives touched by this legacy of healing,” said Emme Tomimbang, president of EMME Inc. “It is a legacy of healing, a legacy of opportunity for medical scholars of Hawaiian ancestry and the communities they come to serve.”

In this special we will see what few know and that is Nadine Kahanamoku’s extraordinary act of philanthropy and her special relationship with her husband Duke, who is regarded as Hawaii’s favorite son.

“We’re once again extraordinarily proud to be honoring the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku and his countless contributions to Hawaii by broadcasting this remarkable special production,” said Rick Blangiardi, General Manager of Hawaii News Now. “Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing” is a one-hour special that will air exclusively on KGMB and is presented by veteran producer Emme Tomimbang and her team who also travels statewide to visit with island physicians in their communities. Dr. Haku Kahoano, also a Kahanamoku Scholar will serve as co-host with Emme.

As John A. Burns celebrates its 50th Anniversary in July and Duke Kahanamoku celebrates the 125th anniversary of his birth on August 24th, Hawaii News Now and EMME Inc. commemorate these milestone moments with an evening paying tribute to the Kahanamoku legacy with a double header on KGMB.

This project is made possible thru the generosity of the late Wayne M. Corn, Kaiser Permanente, The Queens’ Medical Center and Hawaii Pacific Health.

MONDAY, AUG. 24th
8-9pm “Duke Kahanamoku: Hawaii’s Soul” (premiered in 2005)
9-10pm “Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing”

REBROADCAST: SATURDAY, AUG. 29th ON 6-7pm “Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing”

# # #

 

Emme also produced the documentary “Haiyan: After The Storm” last year. See the graphic I created here.

Haiyan

 

Philippine Consulate General to discuss “Doing Business in the Philippines”

Jamoralin

Jamoralin

KAHULUI, Maui – The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce will host Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu Gina Jamoralin at its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 p.m. at Tante’s Island Cuisine restaurant, chamber President Melen Agcolicol announced today.

Jamoralin will speak about “Doing Business in the Philippines.” She previously served as executive director, then assistant secretary for the Office of American Affairs of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and as director for Trade and Economics for the Office United Nations and International Organizations.

“I invite all interested parties – even non-Filipinos, to join us for networking over heavy pupu,” Agcolicol said. “Part of the chamber’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of business and broaden opportunities for businesses.”

The event is open to the public with a $15 fee for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Fee at the door is $25. Heavy pupu will be served.

Attendees are requested to R.S.V.P. by calling (808) 205-7981 or via email at info@mauifilipinochamber.com.

# # #

Start Fresh Maui Aquaponics – grow your own

If you haven’t visited our totally green sustainability business Start Fresh Maui, click here.

Unlike other farm-to-table products, we’re not hardcore farmers. We don’t sell produce. Right now we can’t. We don’t have enough. But we do give them away to friends and family!

Our products are systems. We can be hired to build aquaponics systems for your backyard, for your building’s bare rooftop, or for your school. Deron’s research indicates there is not one single one-stop-shop on Maui that supplies parts for aquaponics systems, so we want to fill that gap.

Visit the website and let me know if you’re interested!

Here’s the starter kit manual we put together:

[gview file=”https://kitzulueta.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/StarterKit-Manual_viewer.pdf”]

And here’s the logo from sketch to sassy. Deron did the sketch, I digitized:

1979688_10152881136714925_3018054182991908539_n

LOGO_350px

 

We even made shirts! =)

11021121_10153174713474925_3742696916263921783_n

 

Chalkboard, swan, pink balloons

Mila turns one

My favorite event organizer on Maui Inbloom Hawaii would often request projects and I love it because owner Christy Taketa is a visionary and a very creative person. She asked I put together an invite for Mila who is turning one.

I enjoy projects where the client would say “can you make it look like this…..?”

This was the photo sent by Mila’s mom:

mila

The image was probably taken by an iphone or similar, and there are lots and lots of beautiful invites out there with the same concept. However, in the interest of time, Photoshop came in handy.

They would like the invite to look like this image by Tracey Spencer photography:

3c7dcb5ebaa4d4eafb69c91f6d598bbc

And here’s the invite:

Mila turns one

March 30 deadline for FYLPro applications

FYLPro

Washington – The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. last March 18 hosted a meet & greet and webinar with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. and former FYLPRO delegates at its headquarters, reminding applicants of the March 30 deadline to apply for the program.

The event was open to interested applicants for the Filipino Young Leaders Program, a week-long leadership immersion program in the Philippines in July. Alumni from the program are expected to share experiences from the trip and share insights on how to land a spot on the prestigious opportunity.

I totally missed the session because it was in the middle of the day for Hawaii. Getting together with the FYLPro folks is always a fun time. I feel very inspired every time I get together with them.

The Embassy said the program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
  1. No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by 02 July 2015;
  2. Ready and capable of travelling to the Philippines to participate in the 4th FYLPro and the 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT)on 02-04 July and 06-09 July 10th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT), respectively;
  3. Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other area of involvement; and,
  4. Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino-American Community, or in issues and/or activities that align with the interest of the Filipino American community or the Philippines.
Interested individuals may download the application form here.
Applications and documentary requirements should be submitted to the foreign service post nearest the applicant’s place of residence—the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Agana — on or before 30 March 2015.
The names of the 10 chosen delegates will be announced on 30 April 2015.
If you fit the bill, please consider applying! I swear, the program is something you will never forget.

Here’s the flyer I made for the last event.

FYLPro

PInay: Culture Bearers of the Filipino Diaspora – Part 2

Pinay

I’m happy the first event was a success! The Filipino Association of University Women scheduled a follow-up session from the first event. So that means, we needed to update the poster.

The organizer also told me the poster really played a big role in drumming up interest for the event. I really believe in what a great graphic can do. =)

Pinay

A K-pop holiday card

Kpop

I’ve discovered the Korean Boys Over Flowers on Netflix. And it’s game over.

Just wanted to wish you all a very merry k-pop inspired Christmas and a happy new year!

Kpop Japan holiday card

PInay: Culture Bearers of the Filipino Diaspora

FAUW

Have you ever heard someone say “That is so Filipino!”? If you’re pinay and have a story to tell, then please consider attending this.

How do Filipino women immigrants express their core values and how is it being understood? Explore with us answers on ways Filipino women believe in, incorporate and practice Filipino characteristics in their life experiences.

FAUW

The Filipino Association of University Women is undertaking a project that would explore how Filipino women immigrants transmit Filipino culture, and looks at what is actually being transmitted.

We are inviting women to share their:

  1. Lived experiences of Filipino culture,
  2. Core values as passed on by their ancestors, and
  3. Their own culture transmission and culture perpetuation behaviors.

FAUW plans to document the stories and conduct outreach presentations to share their findings. The organization intends to publish a book that would investigate, through first person stories contributed by Filipino women of all ages, the extent to which they believe in, incorporate and practice any of the core values in their life experiences.

It will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 at Hamilton Library, Room 301 of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Discussion starts at 1:00 pm and will be led by Professor Emeritus Virgie Chattergy of UHM College of Education.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii, Hamilton Library. For inquiries, contact Rose Churma at rosechurma@mac.com or (808) 358-2868. R.S.V.P. by Friday, Nov. 14.

The painting used in the poster of Filipina women in their electronic devices is by Ben Cab.

Fundraising gala raises more than $200,000 for Filipino Community Center

Bayanihan Gala

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The 12th Annual Bayanihan Gala Dinner and Silent Auction on Oct. 25 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel raised more than $200,000 for the benefit of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, the largest center of its kind outside the Philippines, event Chairperson Rosemarie Mendoza announced today.

The gala honored three outstanding members of the Filipino community with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The honorees were retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice and educator Simeon R. Acoba Jr., retired Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Mario R. Ramil, and philanthropist and community servant Maria A. F. Etrata.

Bayanihan Gala

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

“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 Etrata, Gov. John D. Waihee III who introduced Ramil, and Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano who introduced Acoba.

In his acceptance speech, Ramil acknowledged his fellow awardees –Etrata’s philanthropy via 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.”

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 Sakadasand 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 wanted to acknowledge 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 AJ 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, chairman of FilCom Center’s board of directors.

The FilCom Center offers programs such as the Filipino for Kids Summer Program; social services and economic development courses, which offers U.S. citizenship classes, immigration outreach events, NCLEX nursing review sessions, computer enrichment and workforce training seminars.

FilCom Center offers year-long events that promote Filipino culture and community empowerment such as the Flores De Mayo, FilCom Sundays and Pasko sa FilCom, which is scheduled on Dec. 7 at the center.

For more information and photos from the Bayanihan Gala, visit bayanihangala.com.

# # #

Logo:

Bayanihan Gala

 

Photos in Smugmug: http://kit.smugmug.com/Events/Evening-Gala/BayanihanGala/

Collage1

Also did the photo-wall backdrop at the event, the invite and the website: www.bayanihangala.com

And, the videos. =) It sure was a very busy night!