As we continue to celebrate the Filipino Centennial in Hawaii we bring you a special edition of “Emme’s Island Moments” with “EMME’S MABUHAY MOMENTS.” Join us on Thursday, August 24, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on KHON2 with a rebroadcast on Sunday, August 27, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Earlier this year in January, we accompanied members of the Hawaii Filipino Centennial Commission on a special journey to the Philippines. During the tour, our camera crew caught glimpses of our two week stay and is the subject of our next television special. Here are some highlights:
In Manila, we go to Malacanang to visit with President Macapagal-Arroyo and see the unveiling of a commemorative stamp issued on behalf of the Hawaii Filipino Centennial.
Mayor Lito Atienza gives the delegation a rousing welcome with a dinner and sponsors a Hawaii concert featuring the Tihati Dancers and Jasmine Trias.
It was pandemonium and madness when our delegation went behind the scenes to the most popular television in the Philippines: “WOWOWEE.” We talk with host Willie Revillame backstage and find out the recipe of the show’s international success.
In Ilocos Norte, we go to a Barrio Fiesta in Laoag and visit with Governor Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. Marcos shares with us his afterthoughts of his life of exile in Hawaii.
In Cebu, we talk with Mayor Tommy Osmena and Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu’s first female Governor, and watch the early preparations of Cebu’s famous Sinulog festivities. Here we also learn of Hawaii tour members who rediscover their roots in this part of the country. Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions and Vivian Aiona, wife of Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, just to name a few.
People have asked where my family comes from. My dad came to Hawaii as a plantation laborer in 1931 from an island 300 miles south of Manila. Siquijor is about the size of Molokai and a recent documentary short film titled “SHAMANS OF SIQUIJOR” by filmmaker Rosanna Brillantes shows us the ways of its shamans, healers and sorcerers.
Surprisingly we find many talented Hawaii Filipinos with ties to the island. Comedian, Augie Tulba, Krush lead singer Anna Marie Love, Tony Ruivivar of the Society of Seven, Pauline Abong Wilson formerly of Seawind just to name a few. Finally, we look behind the scenes of the making of “Mabuhay With Aloha; The Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006.” It had a two night airing in late June. Meet some of the people who worked for over a year to bring the two hour documentary to life.
Brought to you by First Hawaiian Bank and AIG Hawaii. Co sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, Alexander and Baldwin Foundation, Stanford Carr Development, Laulima Council, City Mill, Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii and your Toyota Hawaii Dealers. Closed Captioning is provided by The Caption Company with support from Maui Land and Pineapple Company, Inc.
