Modesty aside, we are part of the history from the start when
the Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (ISAH) was still being organized.
Salute to the individual
leaders who put their time and energy to run this provincial organizational that
exist in the Land of Paradise, known as Melting Pot of the Pacific or Crossroad
of the Pacific.
ISAH first set of officers (1977): Atty. Peter Aduja, president; Pacita Saludes, first vice president; Mel Europa, second vice president; Annie
Lugmao, secretary; Francisco Ugale, treasurer; Mario Albalos, asst. treasurer;
Amado Yoro, auditor; Mike Ulibas, business manager; PRO: Ernie Cardenas, Bert
Ugalino, Francisco Ponce; Sarhento: Elvin Quiocho, Johnny Villanueva, Jun
Abinsay; John Quiocho, adviser.
The first officers were
installed on March 27 1977 at the Holiday Inn Airport. Consul Purisimo de
Peralta, Philippine Consulate General served as guest speaker.
The program. With Ernie
Cardenas as emcee, has Rev. Mariano Caneso with the invocation. Ms. Saludes
delivered the opening remarks followed by a Bukanegan featuring this writer
where I wrote “Maipapan iti Pallot iti Hawaii”. This was followed by “Pro and
Con-Laban da Mariao Albalos ken Francisco Ponce” then by a dance number from members
representing San Esteban, and a daniw by yours truly.
The installation of officers
by Consul De Peralta was followed by an acceptance speech by Atty. Aduja. Mr.
De Peralta then delivered his remarks. The program was closed by Mr. Europa.
Following is the list of
presidents of different towns and barangay organizations: Annak Ti Caoayan-
John Quiocho; Burgos Ass’n- Dan Villa; Cabugueneos of Hawaii- Florentino
Sardenia; Candonians—Miguel Lopez; Lapogeneos of Hawaii—Pol Ragasa; Magsingal
Hawaii Residents Ass’n-Francisco Ugale; Narvaceneos of Hawaii-John Quiocho;
Santaneans-Meliton Battad; San Esteban Circle-Jose Abad; San Estebanians of
Hawaii-Freddie Esperanza; Santa Marians of Hawaii-Arturo Perez; Sinait
Saranay–Agustin Ipalari; Sinaitenians of Oahu-Manuel Cabacungan; Sons of
Candon-Jose Bautista; and Tapao Aid Organization of Hawaii [TAOH]-Paul Guzman.
The affair produced the first
ISAH souvenir book with this writer as chairperson. I was joined in the project
by OFCC Pres. Ilalo Parayno, UFCH Pres. Jake Manegdeg, former Honolulu Mayor Frank
Fasi, Hawaii Governor George Ariyoshi and Atty. Aduja.
The yearbook showcased Ilocos
Sur and its people with the following article:
Illustrious leaders, heroes and heroines
ILOCOS Sur is gifted with
many brilliant, brace, illustrious heroes and heroines, and leaders. They
include but not limited to: Pedro Bucaneg, 1592, father of Iloco Literature;
Diego Silang, 1730, leader of the Ilocos revolt; Gabriela Silang, 1731, first woman
leader of the Philippine Revolution, Joan of Arc of Ilokandia; Ventura delos
Reyes, 1743, signatory of the Cadiz Constitution; Fr. Jose Burgos, 1837, martyr
of 1872 [GomBurZa]; Cosme Abaya, 1840, Military Chaplain of the Revolution;
Isabelo Abaya, 1846, Hero of the Revolution; Leona Florentino, 1849, first
famous Filipina poetess; Fernando Guirnalda, 1860, patriot; Isabelo delos
Reyes, 1864, nationalist labor leader; Elpidio Quirino, 1890, second president
of the Philippines; Benito Soliven, 1898, Assemblyman;
Mena Crisologo, and many more
In Hawaii, there are sons and
daughters of Ilocos Sur [with bloodline and roots] who served and still serving
in state and city government, include but not limited to: State Representative
Romy Cachola, State Senator Willie Espero, Honolulu Councilmembers Brandon
Elefante, Joey Manahan, former State Representative Jun Abinsay, Ben Cabreros,
Rida Cabanilla, Ted Mina, Al Lardizabal and many others
In Hawaii, Filipino community
leaders are so many; they gave their time and services, volunteers, organizers,
advocates, community organizers, family builders and various type of endeavors,
different field of professions and expertise such as media, newspaper, business
and entrepreneurship, immigration, construction industry, agriculture, radio,
television, labor union, caregiving, healthcare, literary and arts, others.
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