Kit Zulueta Productions LLC

I Value… photo exhibit

On Oct. 25, my college alumni association had a ribbon cutting and reception for a photo exhibit at the 3rd floor of the FilCom Center in Waipahu, which featured select photographs from our members on the theme “I Value…”

All photos on exhibit were taken by our members, some are also for sale. Here’s photo of the artists, jurors and our president, Melody Calisay on far right.

Because Dennis was running late, here’s me and event Chair Tim Llena with the boards that we put together.

This was the postcard we sent out. Thanks to Copy Services (Manang Melen!) for doing the rush job for me.

Finally, here’s one of the boards explaining what the exhibit was about.

October 30, 2014 Add Comment

Pacific Cancer Foundation Aloha Kalikimaka fundraiser

The annual benefit gala for the Pacific Cancer Foundation Aloha Kalikimaka is on Nov. 22 at the Yokouchi Estate in Wailuku.

Call the number to get your tickets if you haven’t already done so.

October 13, 2014 Add Comment

Doing the #ALSIceBucketChallenge in Hawaii?

Donate local.

I had the pleasure of working with dedicated and passionate caregivers of the ALS Ohana of Hawaii, and the ice bucket challenge is great – raised millions for the cause, BUT, if there’s one thing I learned from them – it’s that help is needed NOW and your help matters NOW.

The national ALS organization use monies to find a cure for the disease. Meanwhile in Hawaii, caregivers need your help to build a network of support for those affected by the ALS. Please check them out and help.

Please visit their website noW: www.alsohana.org

Here is a poster board for one of the organization’s community outreach events –

My client, Ms. Debs sent me this photo later on –

So happy to be a part of ALS Ohana of Hawaii!

August 25, 2014 Add Comment

Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awardees 2014

I chaired the last Chamber fundraiser and wanted to share the stories of these awesome leaders –

The Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation will award scholarships to nine graduating high school seniors and one Maui Culinary Academy student. “We are pleased to announce the 2014 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship Recipients”, said Melen Agcolicol, president of the Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation. “Each of the scholars excelled academically, received numerous awards, and are very active in the community. They are a shining example of Maui’s future. We congratulate them and look forward to their continued success.”

Bryson Josh Galapon. Parents: Bobby Cadiz Galapon and Bernadette Agodon Galapon. Maui HS. Plans to major in Physics/Mathematics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. GPA of 4.224 with a class rank of 1. As the top ranked scholar, Galapon will receive the $2,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation/Renato & Maria A.F. Etrata Foundation Scholarship.

Aileen Ballesteros. Parents: Alex Ballesteros and Elene Ballesteros. King Kekaulike HS. Plans to major in Business at University of Hawaii Maui College. GPA of 4.087 with a class rank of 4. Will receive the $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation/Megan, Meredith & Mallory Bagoyo Scholarship in Business.

Rochelle Coloma. Parents: Erick Coloma and Rosemarie Coloma. Maui HS. Plans to major in Psychology at University of Hawaii at Manoa. GPA of 4.0 with a class rank of 1. Will receive the $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation/Antonio Fartan Ayson Family Scholarship.

Kelcie Malia Molina. Parents: Michael J. Molina and Cielo E. Molina. Kamehameha Schools Maui. Plans to major in Environmental Science and Studies at Carleton College. GPA of 3.865. Will receive a $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship.

Alexandra Jeanel C. Pardico. Parents: Elmer A. Pardico and Jean C. Pardico. Maui HS. Plans to major in Biology at Gonzaga University. GPA of 4.060 with a class rank of 1. Will receive a $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship.

Alyssa Jane R. Rosaro. Parents: Samson Rosaro and Josephine Rosaro. Maui HS. Plans to major in Biology at Willamette University. GPA of 4.020 with a class rank of 1. Will receive a $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship.

Lorilei Visitacion. Parents: Jon Visitacion and the late Arlyn Visitacion. Lahainaluna HS. Plans to major in Chemistry or Biology at the University of Washington. GPA of 4.018 with a class rank of 1. Will receive a $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship.

Dayna Yoshimura. Parents: Gary Yoshimura and Michele Yoshimura. Maui HS. Plans to major in Engineering at University of Portland. GPA of 4.035 with a class rank of 1. Will receive a $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Scholarship.

Brian Tolentino Zamora. Parents: Afriquito Degracia Zamora Jr. and Annabel Tolentino Zamora. Maui HS. Plans to major in Political Science at University of San Francisco. GPA of 3.98 with a class rank of 23. Will receive the $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation/Richard Caldito Sr. Scholarship.

Bernadette R. Bautista. Bautista has a 4.0 grade point average at the University of Hawaii-Maui College where she is enrolled in the Maui Culinary Academy after graduating in 2013 from Maui HS. Will receive the $1,000.00 Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation/Maui Culinary Academy Scholarship.

June 19, 2014 Add Comment

Filipinos are beautiful people

Read report: Filipinos are beautiful people

www.fylsummit.com

May 15, 2014 Add Comment

Squaring up in 2014: Round is out, square is in

Published in the FilAm Courier, Jan. 16, 2014 Issue

Growing up, I was raised to have all things round every New Year. It’s a universal shape for good luck. It should bring prosperity and good karma for a fresh beginning. Or so I thought.

I forgot if it was 6, 9 or 12 varieties of round fruits, but they have to be on the dining table before midnight. Fruit vendors in Manila would hike the prices every end of December even though families would buy just 1 piece for the sake of the tradition.

Polka dots. Wear something with dots. Better too if you wear something red, it attracts more good luck. Also, don’t forget to have coins in your pocket as you welcome the New Year. Jump, jump and jump and let the coins make music to usher in cash and prosperity. Jumping will also make you taller, so jump away!

My vertically challenged friends often blame their non-participatory jumping every New Year. An excuse was that their precious wine would spill, together with anti-gravity based reasons like high heels. It could just be me.

Kagami mochi displays are also round, including the orange on top. Fireworks paint the night’s dark canvass in bright round circles, too.

I have nothing against superstitions, in fact, I enjoy them. I’m all for traditions and keeping them alive. But you know what else is round every New Year? That’s right, my cheeks.

There are several other body parts that turn round too, but we know that already.

I was told many times that there is nothing wrong with being round. When I reply that I wanted to get in shape, that witty response – ‘but round is a shape,’ should die already in 2013.

Body talk discussion aside, I do want to be square this year. I like the pointed corners and 90-degree angles of the thought of being square. Having a square attitude may be attributed to being too nerdy, but isn’t nerdy the new sexy?

I’d like to be square in 2014. Let me explain why.

It’s an election year in Maui County. I’m quite anxious if our voter registration and participation would improve this year. I do know it will improve by one name – myself. It will be my first time to vote in the U.S. after receiving citizenship last April.

Maybe it’s time that you square up and quit going in circles too. For my fellow immigrants, if you’re qualified to fill out that N400 Citizenship application, do it. I promise you won’t miss your permanent resident card a bit. If you have been renewing your alien card, I think you’re missing the point.

For fellow unregistered citizens, it’s time to square up.

Speaking of elections, 2014 may introduce new candidates to the political arena. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get to know your elected officials – they work for you. Getting to know them will allow you to identify those who are beating AROUND the bush and those who are squared up to take positions and decisions.

With advocacy and community projects, squaring up means working within the limits of a schedule.

Take your index finger, point it on your head and draw circles. Let that image be your 2013 outdated version.

A squared up mindset respects a reasonable schedule (especially with volunteer work). Information within a square of your calendar precisely tells you what you need to accomplish within its four corners.

My generation has been trained to ‘think outside the (square) box’ and there is absolutely nothing wrong with going AROUND it. With my resolution to square up, I invite you to consider problem solving within the square box. No need to bend backwards and waste efforts. See what limitations you have and deal with it.

Creativity is what I breathe, but solutions are usually present in best practices and traditions.

Among all things square that I intend to adopt this year, square shoulders (and collar bones) would be nice too. Because everything that we intend to do this year becomes more fulfilling if health is prioritized.

SAVE THE DATES:
Resolve to get involved in local government: Jan. 15 marks the opening of 2014 State Legislative Session, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov and know what’s cooking with our lawmakers.

Resolve to give back to the community: Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce will have its Foundation’s Golf Tournament on March 15. The Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awards Banquet is set June 18.

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January 21, 2014 Add Comment

Kapit lang.

Some de-lata goods donated to victims of the typhoon had notes like “Kapit lang” (hold on), “Wag mawalan ng pag-asa” (don’t lose hope) and “Wag susuko” (don’t give up).

My first set of tears following Aling Yolanda’s aftermath in Central Philippines was when a dear friend pleaded for help on Facebook Nov. 11. He had been desperately trying to get information from all sources possible about his family in Dulag, Leyte. He writes, “I saw in the news how the typhoon destroyed the Palo Cathedral, a humongous structure. I wept. There is no way that our house can stand a chance.”

Even with open lines of communication, I pray every day for the safety of my family 5,000 miles away. I couldn’t even begin to imagine putting myself in Arjay’s shoes.

Maui had several fundraisers for the American Red Cross. The Kain Na! Kokua for the Philippines was a sold-out event Nov. 17. The event was originally intended for the victims of the earthquake that shook Bohol. A month in the planning, the organizers were compelled to extend the outreach to typhoon Yolanda victims.

Eighteen amazing chefs from all over Maui, led by Chef Jojo Vasquez of the Plantation House, got together and presented plates of modern and traditional Filipino dishes. It was a feast like no other.

I urge readers that the next time you have a chance to express mahalo to any of these chefs, please do:
· Anton Haines of Pacific O
· Christopher Galiciano of Four Seasons Resort
· Elizabeth McDonald of Mala Lahaina
· Evelyn of Ilocandia Grocery
· Gevin Utrillo of Japengo
· Jake Belmonte of Maui Culinary Academy
· James Simpliciano of Simplifresh
· Joey Macadangdang of Roy’s Kaanapali,
· Jojo Vasquez of The Plantation House
· Larry Badua of Badua’s Catering
· Mark Ellman of Mala and Honu Restaurants
· Mike Burman of the Ritz-Carlton
· Randy Cruz of Randy’s Catering
· Riko Bartolome of Asia-Vous
· Roger Setler of Four Seasons
· Sheldon Simeon of Mala Wailea
· Tante Urban of Tante’s Island Cuisine, and
· Tylun Pang of Fairmont Kea Lani

Their masterpieces include renditions of binagoongan salmon, pusit guisado, made-to-order prawn crepes, pato (duck) sisig with fiery chili/adobo duck sonota, and kare-kare meatballs.

While flavors were competing on taste buds, the other notable aspect of the fundraiser was that the chefs were there not to outdo each other as expected from culinary cook-offs. All the chefs were there to serve food to guests who have donated for a great cause. They were there for unified mission and carried out a vision to lend out help.

The chefs and their staff – all volunteered their time and resources, to raise funds for our kababayans. A thank you is not enough.

Earlier that Sunday, the Binhi At Ani Community Center became a ‘drop off’ point for the public. Some volunteers were counting pennies. I heard reports that kids gave up their allowance and wait staff donated their collected tips.

Multiple vehicles drove in and out, and a local radio station was broadcasting the event live. A community does come together in time of need. It was heartwarming to say the least.

As for my friend Arjay, he later found out that his entire family survived. Material things have been destroyed and lost, but lives were spared. For many other families, that obviously wasn’t the case.

At press time, Arjay and a crew would have fed about 1,000 plus families on Leyte from donations he collected from his personal network. Personally, he was a sure way that I know my pennies would be converted in tummies. I admire his strength and perseverance to come face to face with the wrath that destroyed his hometown.

The rebuilding begins, and on Maui, we’ll hold on with the rest.

I have nothing else to say but kapit lang. We will all get through this.

To view some of the sample dishes and for more photos from the Kain Na! event, log on to kitzulueta.com.

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View photos from the sold-out Kain Na! Event:
Click on image

November 19, 2013 Add Comment

11 Chefs, 1 night: Kain na! Kokua for the Philippines

If you’re not going to this event, one thing’s for sure: you’ll miss out.

The Oct. 15 earthquake that struck Central Philippines left over 200 casualties and 340,000 displaced. Maui’s community of devoted chefs and friends gather for one night to raise funds for the American Red Cross-Philippine Earthquake fund.

Seats are limited so reserve your tickets now! Call Sharon Zalsos at 808.359.1616 or e-mail sharonzm@yahoo.com for your minimum donation of $50.

In the words of awesome Chef Jake Belmonte of Maui Culinary Academy on how this came about:

It was a hot and muggy Lahaina afternoon during the opening night of Plantation Days 2013, one week after the successful Maui Filipino Heritage Festival that gathered 6,000+ attendees.

A Philippine Flag was being dropped off as a booth decor commemorating the Filipinos that worked during the Plantation era. This was when Chef Jojo Vasquez approached me with his vision…..and all I said was “Sure!

Eliza Escano Vasquez, Chef Vasquez’s beautiful wife heard about the sad news and convinced him to ask is peers to come together and consider a benefit for the victims of the earthquake.

It didn’t take much convincing and soon, everyone was gathered at their home and plans were made.

The Chefs intend to showcase the Filipino bayanihan spirit – an image of the community carrying a house, an image of a community helping each other in time of need.

The event will showcase all-Filipino Chefs from distinguished establishments. Food prepared will all be Filipino-inspired and will surely showcase the Chef’s interpretations and creativity.

Lucky you reading this – some ‘plans’ were shared with me: binagoongan salmon, pusit guisado, made-to-order prawn crepes, pato (duck) sisig with fiery chili/adobo duck sonota, and kare-kare meatballs.

(salivate salivate)

I learned that there will also be a halo-halo bar with various dessert choices like white chocolate banana crêpe with ice cream and cassava cake.

While we all plan how hungry we will be for that evening, please remember that families displaced from the earthquake need a helping hand to get themselves back on their feet.

Here are some photos online:

The organizers partnered with American Red Cross to deliver funds raised.

The star for this event is you. Donate what you can and let me tell you, there is nothing else you can compare with the satisfaction of giving back.

Give back and everything else will be feel much better.

Besides, aren’t you curious what kare-kare meatballs would taste like?!

Here’s a flyer version of the poster I made:

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November 5, 2013 Add Comment

Healthy pets run to raise funds for food bank

Members of Pooch Fit Club – yes, our cute pet doggies – will have a benefit run to raise funds for the Maui Food Bank. The dogs won’t even know it, but this campaign will help the community fight hunger while the canines take control of their health. What a great way to kick-off the Thanksgiving season!

On Nov. 16 and 17, the pooch members will follow a strict workout timeline and aim to cover a total of 26 miles combined – a marathon distance. The community is invited to donate $1 per mile covered by sending checks payable to the Maui Food Bank to Pooch Fit, P.O. Box 880858, Pukalani, HI 96788.

Some dog owners in the Pooch Fit Facebook page have already pledged amounts – $26, $52, etc – showing total confidence in their best friends.

Pack leader and owner Dustin Metzler, started Pooch Fit Aug. 2012, fulfilling a dream of combing two things that he loves – fitness and pets. He would come to pick up his clients and take them on a whole new different level of “walking the dog.”

Here’s a video from Pooch Fit’s Facebook page – this client just can’t wait to go!

Post by Pooch Fit – Maui Dog Running.

There are professional dog-walkers in hustle-bustle cities where owners just don’t have the luxury of time to let their dogs BE dogs. To me, dogs should be outdoors running around, slobbering, getting dirty and they should be making use of their natural animal instincts. Yes, some dogs probably prefer to be indoors or in purses, but MOST breeds deserve to know the difference between grass, sand, mud, concrete and wood. Caged dogs and dogs constricted of movement are just… sad.

Love your dog but got no time to walk with your dog? That’s where Dustin comes in.

Dustin is a marathon runner and fitness buff. His wife Stephanie is also a runner, a swimmer and a colleague 2nd dan black belt in Maui Karate Association.

From the Pooch Fit website, Dustin shares where the inspiration came from:

The inspiration came to me on an early August morning in 2012. I was training for the Maui Marathon, and would often run by upcountry homes with dogs in their backyard. I knew many of them wanted to break free and enjoy some time exercising and exploring.

I’ve always liked dogs, and wanted to figure out a way to give them their freedom, and at the same time create a business from it. Out of nowhere, the name “Pooch Fit” came to mind. As soon as the inspiration hit me, I knew without a doubt that it would work.

Brilliant. Just brilliant.

Here’s a screenshot of some members of the Pooch Fit Club from their website – just adorable!!! Dogs that interact with other dogs are healthier and happier dogs!

And yes folks – these pups are raising funds to fight hunger! Please donate $26, $52… or any amount to cheer them on! Besides, HOW can you resist?

All funds raised will be donated! Woof woof!

Lastly, let me share one of my favorite photos from Pooch Fit’s Facebook Page.

If I can be paid to ‘play with cats’ and feed their ego, I think Meow Fit would work!!

Umm… NO.

November 4, 2013 Add Comment

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.

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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Mahalo 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 =)

October 17, 2013 Add Comment