ISAH simple beginning: Organized for a noble purpose

February 27, 2015 marks the 38th anniversary of the great umbrella organization of the sons and daughters of Ilocos Sur who are residing in the great state of aloha nei.

Glimpse and flashback

Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii in 38 Years in serving the community.

It was three long years from 1974 until February 27, 1977 when ISAH was officially organized. Organizers believe on the ecclesiastical passage that: “everything has a season “Organizing is persistency, courage, right attitude in the right direction and right a diplomatic approach. It is a task, a challenge, and an opportunity to exercise our freedom to assemble, hence here they are the planters, sewers, organizers, trailblazers and/or Founding and Charter members: The club was simply called:  “Ilocos Surians”. It was far beyond the thoughts of the founders to make the club an umbrella organization. On February 27, 1977, these organizers or charter members met at 1358 Wanaka St.,  the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Pacita Saludes,  are: Felipe P. Abinsay, Jr. - Vigan; Atty. Peter Aduja + - Vigan; Mario A. Albalos+ - Vigan; Manuel Cabacungan+ - Sinait; Ernie Cardenas - Santa; Ismael (Mel) Europa+  - San Esteban; Leon Flores - Sta. Catalina; Annie Lugmao -San Esteban; Sonia Lugmao - San Esteban; Macario Manzano+  - Narvacan; Arturo Perez – Sta. Maria; Francisco Ponce - Bantay-Magsingal; Elvin  Quiocho - Caoayan; John Quiocho+  - Caoayan; Julio Quiocho, Jr. - Caoayan; Fred Saludes +-Sinait; Pacita C. Saludes - Sinait; Francisco Ugale  - Magsingal; Bert Ugalino - Magsingal; Mike P. Ulibas+  - Magsingal; Johnny Villanueva+  -Candon; Amado I. Yoro – Sinait (+deceased)

Living organizers: Abinsay, Jr., Felipe P. –Vigan; Cardenas, Ernie “Estong Totong” – Santa – California; Flores. Leon – Sta Catalina – Las Vegas; Lugmao, Annie – San Esteban [first secretary] ; Lugmao, Sonia [now Arranza]- San  Esteban; Perez, Art – Santa Maria; Ponce, Francisco – Magsingal-Bantay; Quiocho, Elvin – Caoayan; Quiocho, Jr..  Julio – Caoayan; Saludes, Pacita – Sinait [first 2vp]; Ugale, Francisco – Magsingal [first treasurer]; Ugalino, Bert – Magsingal; Yoro, Amado – Sinait [Historian][first auditor]

Past presidents: Peter Aduja +, John Quiocho+, Mario Albalos+, Sid Villafuerte+, Peping Villena+, Rey Custodio, Ben Cabreros, Julio Quiocho.

As they paved the way both the organizers and co-builders and co-pioneers are persistently looking for the best, as the stepping stone after the first installation banquet and ball that was held at the Holiday Inn Airport on March 27, 1977 continuously seeking ways for improvement in partnership efforts. In 1984, ISAH became an umbrella organization.  And in 1985, ISAH formally member of OFCC.  Joint installations: Vigan/ISAH Feb. 1984 - Hickam, Chavit Singson, Guest Speaker; Vigan/ISAH; Dec 2005- Loulens-Romy Cachola, Guest Speaker; Santanians Assn of Hawaii-USA/ISAH June 6, 2008-Honolulu Country Club-Judge Rey Graulty-Guest Speaker

As days and years go by, people and individual members are recognized and acknowledged by the role they played as so vital in the movement. 

Past Miss Ilocos Surians: Debbie Obrero - 1985; Carol Cortes-1986; Alma Alonzo - 1987; Florence Cabrera - 1989; Ann Cabreros – 1994.

Current and Past Queens for Mrs. Ilocos Surians: Marilou Natividad, 2013 to present, Mrs. Davelyn Ancheta Quijano, 2008-2013, Mrs. Nancy Clemente Luat, 2003-2006; Mrs. Elena Puesta 2006-2008.

Activities: Four Medical Mission and Cultural Homecoming 2005. 2007. 2009, 2011, 2013.... Ilocos Surian Homecoming & Medical Mission, Ilocos Sur Idol; GILAS, hosting dinner party for dignitaries from the Philippines include but not limited to Senator Jinggoy Estrada and SPM Zuriel Zaragoza May 22, 2008 – Empress, Congressman Eric Singson, Governor Ryan Singson and entourage, Mayor Eva Medina and entourage.

Include also the typhoon Feria fundraiser, the hospital beds, the wheelchairs, the Ilocos Sur idols, the educational extravaganza, spelling bee contests, sports, etc. Our scholarship program, the GILAS recipients. Typhoon Ondoy, Frank, Yolanda/Haiyan, OFCC/AARP Walk for Fun, Feeding the Homeless, Adopt a hwy/Park, many others.

As ISAH an action oriented organization with action oriented officers and members, ISAH Medical and Homecoming Mission are successfully implemented. For a quick summary, the mission served in ISAH’s 4 Ilocos Homecoming Mission started in December 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 we helped approximately 45,000 indigent’s patients.  The December, 2009 and 2011 ISAH’s 4th Homecoming Mission, which was in cooperation with Titans USA Foundation, The Etrata Sr. & Maria Etrata Foundation, the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls, the Friends of the Filipino Community and other sponsors; to all the more than 50 strong homecoming medical team and volunteers headed by ISAH Advisers Dr. Charlie Sonido, and Former Rep. Jun Abinsay. This mission included programs such as free medical consultation, minor surgery promotion of education or the Educational Olympiad, arts, and culture. We also held the 4th Ilocos Sur Idol singing competition. The timing of this mission was very satisfying, since it coincided with the Christmas season.  The true spirit of sharing and giving to our kababayans came at a time when they most needed the help of medical attention, but also in gift giving and monetary giving for the less fortunate.  The estimated cost of this mission was approximately $200,000 to $300,000. To all the volunteers for this successful mission, from the bottom of my heart my sincere appreciation for your sacrifices and I salute each and every one of you for a job well done, Danny Villaruz said. 

Other projects include but not limited to Green Revolution Contest, Best Decorated house in Christmas holidays

ISAH is one of the most active organization under OFCC/UFCH, and in the community in general. Theme: Working Together To Rebuild Our Communities Our Homeland

Participations

Participated in the Filipino Centennial Celebration 2006; Filipino Fiesta Parade May 10, 2008; Float Committee depicting the First 15 Filipino Sakada : Elias Yoro - Sinait; Philip Alcain - Vigan; Ruben Gutierrez - Magsingal; Louie Funtanilla - Narvacan; Mel Calpito - Cabugao; Al Sabangan - Cabugao; Danilo Basconcillo - Santa; Dr. Perfecto Vera Cruz - San Juan Lapog; Elpidio Antolin -San Juan Lapog; Amado Yoro- Sinait; Art Abinsay - Vigan

ISAH is also directly and/or indirectly involved and participated in fundraising drive to help providing assistance to victims from natural disasters and calamities. Typhoon Feria donation, Typhoon Ondoy and others, the Filipino Community Center    OFCC/UFCH participations in Community Forum, Minority Organ Tissue Transplant & Education Program [MOTTEP], others.

ISAH had recently supported and participated in the 100^th anniversary celebration of the Filipinos in Hawaii through the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission 2006, and also some members spent their time at the Institute of Human Services [IHS] in feeding the homeless.

ISAH is a member of the Oahu Filipino Community Council, and duly registered as a non-profit organization at the Hawaii State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

ISAH is in good hand since Danny Villaruz was installed president on February 22, 2002, and its various projects are commendable. ISAH is one of the active members of the OFCC as some of its officers and members play for its undisputable role in leadership to advance to realization in achieving goals and objective, as the theme suggest: Working Together to Rebuild our Communities Here and Our Homeland”

In 2011, another vital and meaningful project the President Elpidio Quirino Award was launched as a tribute to our leaders, first recipients are Dr. Charlie Sonido and former Rep. Jun Abinsay, one of the prime leaders of the Medical and Homecoming Mission each two year in an odd years.

ISAH is one of the most active members of the Oahu Filipino Community Council [OFCC] with more than forty unit organizations affiliated in terms of participation, projects and programs, leadership roles as evidence by the fact that the current OFCC administration leaders rooted from Ilocos Sur the Reverend DM Alex Vergara, president has acknowledged his root from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur; Loida Alimboyoguen, secretary is from Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Davelyn Quijano, assistant secretary is from Sinait, Julius Soria, director from Santa, others.

Those who served as past president of OFCC from Ilocos Sur in previous years include but not limited to: Apolonio Ragasa [1970-1971] from San Juan Lapog;  Ismael Mel Europa [1974-1975] San Esteban; Ilalo Parayno* [1976-1977] Cabugao; Mario Albalos [1980-1981], Vigan; Amado Yoro [1981-1982], Sinait; Herman Gerry Rojo [1984-1986], San Vicente; Don Alvarez, 1986-1990 Magsingal; Romualdo Agustin* [1990-1992] Bantay; Marlene Manzano, [1992-1994] Narvacan;  Felipe Abinsay, Jr. [1994-1996] Vigan;  Ben Cabreros, [1887-1999] Narvacan; Edith Pascua,[1999-2001] Narvacan; Eddie Agas, Sr*.[2001-2003]; Jenny Quezon, [2003-2004] Caoayan; Lynne Gutierrez, [2005-2007] Magsingal; Danny Villaruz, [2009-2010] Santa;  Maria Etrata [2010-2012] Santiago/Santa.

OFCC Council of past presidents officers: Danny Villaruz, chairman; Amado Yoro, Vice Chairman, Jun Abinsay, Ilalo Parayno, Ben Cabreros, Romualdo Agustin Lynne Gutierrez, Gerry Rojo, Edith Pascua, Eddie Agas, Sr.; Jenny Quezon, members. (*denotes married to an Ilocos Surian)

Served as United Filipino Council of Hawaii [UFCH] past presidents: Don Alvarez, Eddie Agas, Sr; Lynne Gutierrez, Jenny Quezon.

In the political scene: [past and present]:  Atty Peter Aduja, first Filipino Hawaii Representative , Vigan [1954], Ted Mina, Nagbukel;  Felipe P. Abinsay, Vigan;  Ben Cabreros, Narvacan; Rida Cabanilla, Santa Maria;  Wil Espero, Santiago;  Romy Cachola, Narvacan/Vigan;  Joey Manahan, Tagudin; Brandon Elefante, Santiago, etc. 

Ilocos Sur is a province in the Northern Luzon bounded in the north by Ilocos Norte, east by the Mountain Province, west by the south China Sea. And south by the La Union and Benguet. Ilocos Sur’s history can be traced back in the 16^th century during the early years of the Spanish colonization era. Its capital city, Vigan, is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in that is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines –cobble-stone streets with centuries old Hispanic architecture houses. And last December 7, 2014 Vigan City just won as the 7NewWonder Cities in the World among the 1200 cities in the world and 220 countries. Their rich cultural heritage makes the Ilocos Surian of Hawaii very proud of their home province, their identity and their people.

Ilocos Sur as a province is very rich in culture and historical background. With its heroes a prominent leaders like Pedro Bucaneg-Santa/Bantay – Father of Iloco Literature- 1592; Diego Silang  - Leader of the Ilocos Revolt 1730; married to Gabriela Silang- - Santa; Gabriela Silang -1^st woman leader of the Philippine Revolution -1731; Elpidio  Quirino , Jose Burgos, Isabelo delos Reyes, Abaya, Guirnalda, Leona Florentino, Benito Soliven, Leon Pichay, Fr. Jose Burgos, Mena Crisologo and many others that made Ilocos Sur great and noble cradle of respected and highly regarded figures local and international scene.

Those who lead and steering the way:

Officers and advisers: Danny Villaruz, president; Estrella Taong, first vice president; Lety Dalit, second vice president; Loida Alimboyoguen Yamamoto, recording secretary; Davelyn Ancheta Quijano, corresponding secretary; Rose Sabangan, treasurer; Lina Mercado, assistant treasurer; Alice Castaneda auditor; Emmie Villaruz,  assistant auditor;  Romulo Basuel, PRO, Antonio Ipalari, PRO

Sergeants-at-arms: Art Abinsay, Jimmy Dalit, Nemesio Dar, Al Sabangan, Paul Taong

Board of Advisers: Felipe P. Abinsay, Jr., Ben Cabreros, Romy Cachola, Maria Etrata, Louie Funtanilla, Al Sabangan, Charlie Y. Sonido, MD, Carlito Soria, Ignacio Torres, MD, Amado I. Yoro.

Unit organizations and respective president:  Annak ti Sinait Iti Hawaii [Augusto Gus Concepcion];  Sinait National High School Alumni Association of Hawaii [Davelyn Ancheta Quijano]; Cabugao Sons & Daughters Association of Hawaii [Veronica Esteban]; San Juan Lapog Assn of Hawaii [Alice Castaneda]; Magsingal Assn of Hawaii [Armi O. Farinas]; Vigan Association of Hawaii {Tessie Fallet Aganon]; Santanians of Hawaii [Julius Soria]; Santiaguenians of Hawaii [Maria Cristina White]; Candonians of Hawaii [Helen Grace Villanueva Go]; Annak Ti Caoayan 2002 [Jenny Alconcel Quezon]; Narvacaneos of Hawaii [Louie Cachola Funtanilla]; Sta. Marians of Hawaii [Lety Dar Dalit]; Hawaii-Tagudinians Association [Edgar Fernandez]; Santo Domingo Assn-Hawaii Chapter-Rexie Tuzon.

From the start of the ISAH Scholarship program academically achievers: Joe Dar, Emeline Bacani, Kristen Butac, Ashton Queja, Marie Pineda, Gerald Rojo II, Nathan Serdenia, Yvette Butac, John Carl Ipalari, Jake Sumibcay, Ryan Sumibcay, Michael Paeste, .Raquel Rich, Rodjhane Navarrete, Margaret Jeanne Mangrubang, Kendrick Go, Kriezl Mae Urban, Michael Alexander Sonson.

The following projects and programs in the ISAH agenda and calendar of events:

2^nd President Elpidio Quirino Leadership and Humanitarian Award, May 2, 2015, Hawaii Prince Hotel, Award and program Chairs: Danny Villaruz, Jun Abinsay, Al Sabangan, Amado Yoro, Leo Gozar.

Construction of Abra/Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Marker, March/April 2015 completion with the assistance of the Narvacan Municipal Development/Engineering Department and the Information Department Engr. Ines and Eliseo Contillo

Mrs. ISAH 2015 October 24, 2015 Ala Moana Hotel Chair Loida Yamamoto, Davelyn Quijano, Letty Dalit

December 7-22, 2015 Medical and Homecoming Educational, Sports Mission to any of the participating unit organization came from and/or selected municipalities in Ilocos Sur and outside Ilocos Sur.