Giving Back – Kit Zulueta Productions LLC

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

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!)

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

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.

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

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

September 15, 2015 Add Comment

March 30 deadline for FYLPro applications

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:

No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by 02 July 2015;
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;
Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other area of involvement; and,
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.

March 22, 2015 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

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: