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

October is Filipino Ameican Heritage Month: Maui FilAm Fest on Oct. 12

I will be at the Maui FilAm Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10am – 3pm. The Kit Zulueta Productions booth will have some parol kits and other toys for sale. There were some shirts from last year that I still have too, so I plan to just clean out my storage space at home.

Chef Jake Belmonte of Maui Culinary Academy, spearheading Master P-noy Chef cook-off wearing one of my shirts last year: U can adobo anything for ‘Battle Adobo’

It will be another exciting event! The committee, led by Atty. Fred Evangelista, is working so hard getting all the details together. Many thanks to Phil Sabado of Sabado Studios for always allowing the group to get together at his space.

Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival Committee meeting

I’m happy how the poster turned out this year – great thing our photographer Janno Gonzales of Litratto captured Ms. Becca Godfrey’s beautiful smile – currently the title holder for Miss Filipino Fashionista! Here’s the latest poster project:

The celebration kick-off tomorrow (Oct.1) is at a Philippine flag-raising event by the County building front lawn. I had the honor to emcee last year’s one and it was a great moment – singing Lupang Hinirang and really meaning every word: … aming ligaya ng pag may nang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo. Deep man, deep.

The Timpuyog Cultural Group behind me with Filipino-Americans in uniform who helped raise the Philippine flag. Mahalo to Ryan Piros for the photo. I’m rarely in the pictures, so I treasure every one that I’m in.

Anyway, there will be free filipino food! If that’s not enough reason, I don’t know what else is.

There will be a series of events in October – some already set, some still in the works. I’ll be sure to post updates and any additional information here. In the meantime, I invite you to follow Maui Filipino Chamber on Facebook and check out the website for more Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival updates.

Mabuhay and Aloha!

September 30, 2013 Add Comment

Some tips on how to enjoy the Maui Fair

Everyday I drive by Kaahumanu Ave, the tents are slowly coming to life. Pretty soon, the rides, the food booths and the lights will get some action and you’ll find yourself, once again, at the Maui Fair.

http://mauifair.com/2013/

Just like you, I enjoy my time at the fair. Luckily, I had the opportunity to participate further – rode a fancy convertible and waved to the crowd during the parade (drove the convertible back to the rental place, too), did my shift at the County booth, took advantage of parking passes, and ate my nightssss away.

So here are some tips I learned from past attendance:

1. Wear covered FLAT shoes.

I think I made the description generic enough to fit your style – sneakers, doll shoes, running shoes, whatever you fancy. It will be dusty – even at night, though it’s dark and for others, romantic, there will still be dust. Protect your feet, keep them clean, wear covered shoes. The ‘flat’ part is simple. Maui Fair grounds are mostly on grass, too. Unless you’re expert walking on grass with heels on, then fine. Perhaps wedges are acceptable if you insist on having long legs, but you MAY be walking a lot – depending on your level of curiosity and sense of adventure.

An old aerial image of Maui Fair. At least there will be grass now.

2. BUY those food tickets and support non-profits

It doesn’t matter whether you’ll pick up the plates that you pre-purchased from your office mate or friend who’s been fundraising, the main thing is you purchased. I would strongly recommend buying food from one of the non-profit booths. NOT ONLY do they have the traditional and ono’ selections: flying saucers, POG shakes, shoyu chickens, malasadas, etc, but you’re actually helping and supporting the community.

Sure that deep fried bacon is making you curious, but if you are making the decision where to spend your last few dollars, spend it on one of the non-profit booths. I assure you that someone you know is volunteering a shift in one of those booths and is working really hard to support his/her organization.

So what, stand in line. If you can stand in line at Costco, you’ll be fine standing in line at the Maui Fair.

Here’s a great photo collection I found online from Anu Yagi of Mauivents: http://mauivents.com/maui-events/crazy-88th-annual-maui-county-fair/

3. CARPOOL if you can

Well, this is sort of self-explanatory. Let’s all not be selfish and contribute to everyone’s convenience. If you can save some spots by carpooling with your family and friends to get down at the venue, then do it. Since we’re talking about cars too, make it habit already to put reusable bags in your vehicle – not just during Maui fair season, really. But those food items that you plan to take home? You’ll most likely be given paper bags – which will be a B to carry to your vehicle. B stands for Biceps – because it will be a biceps workout. (hehe)

4. IF you go GAGA with winning all the toys

Consider giving them to the next wide-eyed keiki next to you and I guarantee you will be more than a hero for the night.

Give the toys to someone who would really appreciate them

This happened to me and my boyfriend and we’ve turned it into an annual thing. FOR SOME lucky strike, I won two toys with the basketball free throw game. I got both balls in – imagine that?! =) The cheapy stuffed animals are really cute, but in reality, they’d be dust collectors at home.

Then there was this little girl and her brother looking at the others with those huuuuge toys they carry around – my heart just melted and we gave our toys to them. If you plan to do this, make sure the parents are aware, by the way. This will avoid any miscommunication – you’ll never know.

Have fun testing your accuracy skills and make someone else’s night. =)

5. GO AROUND and appreciate someone’s hard work

I know some people who go just for the food, for the rides. The Maui Fair is actually bigger than that. Visit the exhibits inside War Memorial Stadium – last year, Saigon’s owner Jennifer Nguyen won an award growing this huuuuuge gourd. It was taller than her!

Jennifer and Mayor Alan Arakawa with the award-winning gourd

My point is, there’s so much talent and work put in the displays and the best way you can show appreciation is to just go and check it out! No harm at all! The mini-zoo is also a wonder place, for me. I still couldn’t forget this huge bunny rabbit from last year – it was ridiculous. All the animals on display were beautiful, FAT, amazing. Someone worked really hard.

Just look at this beautiful creature from last year. Just amazing!

If you do have some money to spend, support our local businesses at the commercial centers. Engage a moment of salesmanship from our people. Ask questions. Ask them a lot of questions. Buy something! Tell them they did a good job with their displays. Make suggestions and recommend good stuff to friends.

CAUTION: DO NOT go inside the displays like this girl in the photo. She got scoldings for stepping too close to the displays.

6. TALK to your County officials

Maui Fair is the biggest community event in Maui. Your County officials will be there and present. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to them. Water, Fire, Police, Mayor’s Office – most likely, most of them will be represented. Pick out some brochures, answer their questionnaires, play games and win a freebie, talk to the officials and don’t be intimidated. They are there to listen to you and they will listen to you.

7. WATCH A SHOW

There will be plenty. Aside from the hourly performances at the tent, know that there are talent shows, cook-off competitions, and even robotics and lego competitions (which I thought last year was soooo cool. Almost made me want to switch my course to Engineering. Oh wait, I’m not in college anymore. Darn it)

Kalapana rocked it last year

8. WAVE and SMILE to the parade peoplez

The parade kicks off the weekend. Hey, those folks waving at you from the parade – they all worked hard on that float. They did it because they want to spread the aloha – so give it back by throwing them your sweetest smile, add a wave and share your photos online telling the world how awesome they did.

I had the honor of being aboard Mayor Alan Arakawa's convertible last year. This year, I'm actually going to see the parade - the whole parade! Perhaps one of the first parades I'll ever see as a spectator! I'm excited!

I had the honor of being aboard Mayor Alan Arakawa’s convertible last year, with Mayor’s CoS Herman Andaya. This year, I’m actually going to see the parade – the whole parade! Perhaps one of the first parades I’ll ever see as a spectator! I’m excited!

Are you ready for the Maui Fair? Visit their website for the full info.

I’ll see you there!

September 16, 2013 Add Comment

3rd quarterly meeting with BBB CEO and Hawaii Health Connector

Maui FIlipino Chamber of Commerce 3rd Quarter Membership meeting

This is the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd event that’s going to be held at Tante’s Restaurant at the Seaside Hotel. As far as I know, the last one with State Tax Director Fred Pablo was very sucessful, so I’m looking forward to this one, too!

Flying all the way from Oahu, Mr. Greg Dunn, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau, has agreed to talk story with us on trends, tips and best practices in business. He was just appointed last June. In an effort to cyber-know him before the actual event, I learned that he was affiliated with the Hawaii Nature Center – whose current Executive Director Dyanna Okazaki was a karate mom in JKA Hawaii.

In addition, our 2013 JKA Hawaii Fall Tournament will have an overnight potluck/bonfire/fellowship event at Maui’s Hawaii Nature Center at Iao Valley. I used to work for a non-profit and we do anything to hit targets for fund-raising, so will help as much as possible.

The second speaker is Ms. Rowena Nikki Baysa, Program Specialist of Maui’s Hawaii Health Connector. Ms. Baysa actually spoke at the Maui County Business Resource Center yesterday to educate about health insurance and business so she may be anticipating the same questions from us. I personally don’t have much concerns about health insurance – which is pretty lame and sad – a chunk of my salary is dedicated for it, I know that.

So I continue to receive notifications from Kaiser – “Hey, Maria! Come and see us!” – wow, they are so friendly. And I continue to ignore. I promised myself I will go for at least a physical this YEAR.

Joe Moore of KITV News once said “People on the quest for wealth and disregards health, end up losing both.” So true.

Join us on Wednesday. The $20 is so worth it – just Tante’s hospitality alone. You don’t have to be a member to join us. In fact, bring your friends with you, THEN you can all join the Chamber afterwards.

RSVP: Brianmoto.moto@gmail.com or Call Alvin Santander at 808-856-2605

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August 29, 2013 Add Comment

Feeling like a Top Chef myself at Honu fundraiser with Chef Sheldon Simeon

That’s right, I was fortunate to have devoured an exclusive set course prepared by Top Chef Sheldon Simeon (@chefwonder) and Chef Mark Ellman, owner and executive chef of Honu and Mala Restaurants in Lahaina.

The fundraiser was a benefit for Punana Leo O Maui, a Hawaiian immersion preschool dedicated to family-based programming where the entire ohana, makua and keiki, are immersed in the Hawaiian language and culture; and

for the Lahaina skate park – a project that Chef Mark Ellman is very passionate about.

Well, it appeared that the restaurant was non-stop busy tonight so I’d like to extend my Congratulations to the chefs!!!

So moving on, let’s talk about the food.

The menu was signed by Chef Sheldon – and if I didn’t catch on quickly, it just looked like someone was checking whether a sharpie still had ink!

Cocktails – we had drinks. I mean, we had drinks. It was awesome.

The whole course was Filipino-inspired so the starting with the drinks, we had

Palawan Press – Muddled thai basil, orange and lime juice with agave nectar and Absolut Hibiscus vodka
Manila Smash – watermelon muddled with lime sour and agave nectar, St. Germaine and Sauza Tequila Blanco
Pacquiao’s Punch – Ten cane rum, lemon, guava and pineapple juice with soda H2o, housemade ginger syrup
Lime in the Coconut – (I didn’t get to try this), The real Daiquiri, Old lahaina run, Fresh lime, agave nectar and coconut H2o.

And going over the course really fast –

Starters: rice cracker (kamaboko, soubise, chive), Brie cheese Inari, RADISH. yes, RADISH with toasted rice, shrimp paste – I’ve NEVER had anything like it.

Tasting Menu includes: Kauai prawns, hurricane popcorn, kampachi and roasted-awesome- pork belly. Of course it’s not just what it seems – there were ingredients like kochujang and veloute. Umm… yeah, sumtn’ li’dat.

Our dessert was coconut mousse with calamansi curd with malasada and mango lemon verbena sauce.

Now, if you know me, I eat anything and everything and most of the time don’t really care about the process of food-making, but I give a damn about the presentation. And taste of course, yeah, that would be the whole point – taste.

Honu and Mala Ocean Tavern have world-class food and it’s always a good time dining out that area with the sunset. All the best, Chef Ellman!

August 28, 2013 Add Comment