The Philippine Chamber of Commerce on Maui announced that five outstanding Filipino community leaders will receive the prestigious Gintong Pamana Leadership Award this year, and fourteen students who receive chamber foundation scholarships.
Since 1995, the Chamber has honored Filipino leaders in our community with outstanding achievement and a track record of community service in various fields. Winners will be recognized at the official evening banquet Gintong Pamana on Wednesday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel.
The evening will include dinner, entertainment and inspiring remarks from the winners. Tickets are $75 and sponsorship tables are available at mauifilipinochamber.com.
Gintong Pamana Leadership Award Winners:
Most recently, Takushi spearheaded efforts as president of the fiftieth anniversary (500 years) celebration of Christianity in the Philippines held in Maui, which was attended by hundreds of religious practitioners across the state. She held various leadership positions during many years of service for the Filipino Catholic Club, where she received the highest recognition for her dedication and volunteerism. She is also a member of Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina, where another list of a long list of activities adds to her busy schedule.
During the pandemic, Nora was instrumental in the Bayanihan food drive by the Filipino community center Binhi At Ani, where she served as president. His team distributed food aid to the community, providing sustenance and hope during the most difficult times of the pandemic. Nora encouraged collaboration with several agencies, suppliers and other volunteers. The Center also organized vaccination campaigns, in addition to its scholarship and cultural programs, such as the annual Barrio Fiesta.
But the most notable aspect of Nora’s leadership, according to her peers, is her dependability. “She takes on tasks with a beaming smile and her passion for giving back to the community shines through in her work. Plus, she’ll do the electric slide with you, if you need a dance partner,” the ad said.
Collins is an attorney in private practice on Maui with a focus on good government law, land rights and appellate practice. He is also a per diem district judge and a family court judge.
He got his doctorate. in Philippine Studies from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and previously taught in the Ilokano Language and Literature program there. He also taught the Legal Clerk Certificate Course at the College of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui.
His research on the legal history of the Philippines and Hawaii has been published as both book chapters and journal articles. He has also presented his research on Filipino popular culture at numerous academic conferences.
He compiled and indexed the 17-volume Proceedings of the Maui Charter Commission, 1964 – 2012 and edited Tourism Impacts West Maui, Social Change in West Maui, Civil Society in West Maui and Thinking about Traffic in West Maui.
He previously served on the Maui County Liquor Control Adjudication Board and as Chairman of the Maui County Charter Commission 2021-2022.
He has produced several musical albums including, most recently, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award finalist Kāwili – an album of Filipino folk songs reinterpreted in Hawaiian mele.
Although he has family all over the Philippines today, his ancestors were historically from Batangas and Masbate.
Dr. Hokoana is the current Chancellor of the University of Hawaiiʻi Maui College. He provided leadership and direction throughout the ongoing accreditation process of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a world-renowned accreditation association.
“In doing so, he has ensured that the college remains deeply rooted in the community, ensuring that students do not give up on their dreams, especially for future generations of Native Hawaiians and Filipinos who seek the higher education,” according to the announcement.
During the pandemic, Dr. Hokoana ensured that UH Maui College was involved in the county’s recovery and healing efforts. He worked with Maui County, the Hawaii National Guard and the Department of Health to ensure the success of operations and missions at a high level by providing the necessary resources, manpower and technical support. for testing, contact tracing and vaccinations. “Tactical operations important to the safety and well-being of the community have been made possible through the involvement of Him,” the organizers said.
Lui began his academic career as an advisor, writing, and managing grants such as the Kuʻina Fellowship, Po’okela, and Liko a’e. He served as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UH West Oʻahu and held various positions within the UH system, helping to secure millions of dollars in county, state, federal, and private funds.
- Arnold and Marjorie Magbual
This Magbual couple work behind the scenes at the Four Sisters bakery in Wailuku. They are famous for their buttery buns among other delicious baked goods, their Thanksgiving pumpkin pie tower, and community support through numerous fundraising partners.
They took over bakery operations from the quaint yellow shop on Vineyard Street when Arnold’s parents retired in 2004. “Today the bakery is an iconic landmark and has become an integral part of the fabric of the community, which continues to bring joy to residents and visitors. “, according to the announcement.
Arnold recalls his memories of working in the kitchen since he was 11 years old. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a master baker at Pan De Manila and opened the bakery in 1983, Arnold graduated from Maui Community College with a culinary degree. He worked as a baker at the Maui Intercontinental Hotel and as a cook at the Grand Wailea Hotel.
Marjorie was a staff nurse who previously held various positions in the Philippines, Chicago and is now a registered nurse at Kula Hospital for 26 years. She does this while helping to manage the kitchen and front desk operations at Four Sisters Bakery, and with other aspects of the business.
The power couple raised two children – Noah, who is a Stanford master’s graduate, and Athen who will attend New York University. Both are Maui Filipino Chamber Foundation Fellows.
- Christina ‘Lucy’ Porte, RN, BSN
Christine ‘Lucy’ Porte has been a registered nurse for approximately 40 years and a clinical teacher for CNA Hawaiʻi Institute, LLC. She is the founding President of the Maui Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association, where she currently serves as Executive and Parliamentary Director.
“Lucy feels most accomplished when imparting knowledge about nursing to her students,” according to the announcement.
Over the years, Lucy has led and volunteered in numerous community building efforts, particularly in health care promotion, such as the distribution of COVID test kits and other educational materials – targeting underserved communities. .
Lucy is also passionate about correcting COVID misinformation, especially in the Filipino community, and has been a guest on radio shows. She has written legislative testimonials to help build capacity in our communities, such as more dialysis chairs.
Finally, as an advocate for good nutrition, Lucy also volunteers in many food programs to support the homeless and hungry.
She received her nursing education and earned her associate degree in nursing from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College; and pursued and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.
As an alumnus of St. Anthony’s High School, she continues her faith formation through involvement with Christ the King Church. Lucy is the mother of Phillip Campos and the grandmother of Eliana and Elliot, “the love of his life”.
The 2022 scholarship recipients:
- Jansen Chase Aceret – Jansen graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Lito and Lilia Aceret. He will attend the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to continue his studies in nursing.
- Athena Mercedes Agcolicol Magbual – Athena graduated from Baldwin High School and is the daughter of Arnold and Marjorie Magbual. She will be attending New York University to pursue a pre-law program.
- Marlon Basilio – Marlon graduated from Baldwin High School and is the son of Lamerto and Maricel Basilio. He will attend the College of the University of Hawai’i Maui to obtain a degree in natural sciences.
- Kristine Bonilla – Kristine graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Julio and Josephine Bonilla. She will attend the University of Hawaii at Mānoa to pursue nursing studies.
- Jessica Mae Castillo – Jessica graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Ken and Mia Castillo. She will attend the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to earn a degree in Applied Business/Information Technology.
- Raymond Marko Galiza Tamayo – Raymond graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Raymond and Karen Tamayo. He will attend the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to continue his studies in nursing.
- Renzo James Garo Gaoiran – Renzo graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Richard and Lurlina Gaoiran. He will attend the University of Nevada in Las Vegas to obtain a degree in civil engineering.
- Camille Haluber – Camille graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Ferdinand and Merly Haluber. She will attend the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to continue her studies in nursing.
- Almarie Idnay – Almarie graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Al and Maricon Idnay. She will attend the University of Hawaii at Mānoa to pursue a degree in biology.
- Dustin Metzler Jr. – Dustin graduated from King Kekaulike High School and is the son of Aris and Sharon Zalsos Banaag. He will attend the College of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui to pursue his business activities.
- Kyra Cabanilla Ong – Kyra graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Rolando and Vilma Ong. She will attend Bates College in Maine to earn a degree in biology and medicine.
- D’Marco Rabang – D’Marco graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Chris and Celeste Rabang. He will attend the University of Nevada in Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management.
- Lennel Joy Felix Alvarez – Lennel is currently a student at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in nursing. She plans to transfer to the University of Hawaii at Mānoa to advance her degree.
- Remy Romo-Valdez – Remy is currently a student at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Science Management.
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