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| The Camba Filipino Dance Troupe performed a variety of ethnic numbers. Joan Obra was the Emcee at Sakada Day in Pāhala on Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal |
FILIPINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO KA‘Ū were on full display as Sakada Day 2017
landed in Pāhala on Sunday. Filipino families and many others fascinated by the
culture witnessed dances embellished by twirling candles, the clicking of bamboo
sticks, the flashing of red scarves and the variety of traditional dress.
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| Tinikling, the bamboo dance, requires careful hopping. Photo by Julia Neal |
Mercado, now 90 years of age, sailed
from Salomague Port in Cabugao, Illocos Sur, Philippines. He worked with pineapple on Lana‘i
before transferring to Ka‘ū where he started in the fire room, became a fuel
driver and later a cane drier. Retired, he “can be seen driving around Pāhala, frequenting
cock fights, hunting, and growing vegetables, which he generously shares with
his neighbors,” notes the event program.
Tayamen, now 95 years of age,
came from Laoag, Illocos Norte, Philippines. He worked at Halakalu Plantation north of Hilo and
moved to O‘ahu to become a stevedore. In Ka‘ū he was a seedcutter at Hutchinson
and Ka‘ū Sugar until he retired. He has four sons, four daughters, 24
grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
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| Filipino fashion styles through history were on full display. Photo by Julia Neal |
During Sakada Day, an outpouring of emotion came through a song,
“Okradek ti pakasaritaa. Daguiti Pilipino iti Haai‘i, Tapno maamuan tay it
gapwanan. Daguiti ammatay a namauangayan.” The Pāhala Filipino Club sang
in the Ilocano dialect, “Let me present the story of the Fiipinos in Hawai‘i so we
shall know the sacrifices and accomplishments of our fathers who came to Hawai‘i
before us.”
The Sakada song urges all Filipinos to
understand their history and asks, “Do you recognize and appreciate your
roots? If your life is better and
more prosperous now, you have to realize that you owe this to the Sakadas!”
County Council member Maile Medeiros
David, herself of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage, presented
certificates and co-sponsored the event.
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| Amy Peralta and Gloria Camba present a formal Filipino Dance with fans and scarves, called Carinosa. Photo by Julia Neal |
Gov. David Ige noted that during the
1930’s, Filipinos were 70 percent of the plantation labor force. By 1946,
100,000 Sakadas had reached Hawai‘i's shores.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz pointed to the “vibrant
Filipino community.” A Mabuhay message from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said
Filipino Americans “are pillars in communities across our state.” She quoted
Sir Isaac Newton, who said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the
shoulders of giants.” Hirono called Newton’s quote “an accurate description of
the Sakadas and their impact on generations of Filipinos in Hawai‘i. We owe much gratitude to all Sakadas.”
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| Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with Sakada Prudencio Tayamen. Photo by Al Sebastian |
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| Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry Jasmine Navarro presents a Noel hula. Photo by Julia Neal |
Mayor Harry Kim urged “all citizens to learn
more about the vibrant culture of the Philippines and our Filipino neighbors
and friends, and its unique place in our Hawai‘i Island Community.”
Council member Dru Kanuha noted the “backbreaking work under very strenuous conditions
for meager pay” endured by the Sakadas.
Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry danced a Noel hula with
the Ali‘i Hawaiian Hula Hands Dance Troupe. Camba’s Filipino Dance Troupe performed with candles and presented the bamboo stick dance as well as a classical routine. Kūpuna O Pāhala danced hula. The Visayan Club of Hilo Dance Troupe performed.
The Pāhala Karate Dojo presented a demonstration. The Hands of Time Band and
Chase Cabudol Band backed up the entertainment. Everyone dined on traditional
Filipino food.
Major sponsors included Ka‘ū Andrade
Contracting and County Council members Dru Kanuha and Maile David.
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| Twirling a candle in a glass in traditional Filipino folk dress. The dance is called Pandango Sa Ilaw. Photo by Julia Neal |
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM which begins Saturday, Jan. 23, and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.
MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 18, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HOLIDAY FAVORITES IS PERFORMED BY THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.
VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
