 I want to welcome you to another edition of Pinoy Power Hawaii. I am your host, Emmy Ortega Anderson, here with you every Tuesday, 12 noon live on Think Tech Hawaii. Today, we're going to have a conversation with a great leader of Hawaii, not only in our Filipino community, but all throughout the world, and it's a pleasure to introduce to you Carlota Hofana-Adder, the current president of Hawaii Filipino Women's Club and Associates. Welcome to Pinoy Power Hawaii. Well, aloha and welcome too, and thank you for having me here today, Emmy. We are excited to let our listening audience know of the success we have just had with the 45th Turno Ball. Yes. So you're here to tell us of the success and how did our club get all started? Well actually, it was in 1954 when one of the 10 Filipino women here in Hawaii who came far away from the Locust province of the Philippines on the northern side, that was actually civiliana, and she decided that they have to form some kind of association, and they decided to form the Filipino Women's Club, and then from there it escalated to, in order to emulate the three attire of the Filipinos that was worn only for exclusive occasions in the Philippines during the Spanish time, which is the Turno, the Maria Clara, and the Kimona. Okay, so those are the three garments that are specially prepared for Filipinas to wear on special occasions? Yes, used to be. Actually during the time it was mostly the royalties in the mid, yes. The elites. Yes, but now, I mean, you know, it's worn almost every occasion, special occasions though, formal for Filipinos, and that way it's one way of bringing back the Philippine culture, and to emulate our youth about it, that that's part of our cultural heritage. So this tradition goes back from our Spanish, ties us back to the Spanish era when we were governed by Spain. Yes. I must say that I enjoy wearing them. It's elaborate and also very classy, elegant, and it's made with the most, the finest fibers, especially, the top one actually is pinia, pinia for the pineapple, yes. Yeah, coconut is also used, right, so it's all from natural sources, and we women probably wear it. We just celebrated our 45th turn of ball, the Saturday, yes, but it's also the 65th anniversary of the club. Of the organization, yes. So can you elaborate and tell us a little bit more about what we do and our purpose? Yeah, actually at the beginning part there were a lot of charitable organizations that the club were involved with. One of them is the food bank, Aloha United Way, and they also go to the schools to prepare and help the students for their things when they have some conventions, it's just like actually a community service, volunteer work, and then they decided to also include the scholarship just so to entice the students to study well and get good grades of course, you know, because that's the Filipino pride and everybody's parents, right, and lately we followed that. The only thing what we're not doing now is the food bank, only because we don't have that much members, but we still do the feeding of the homeless. Actually last year we did go to the INF, I mean the men's headquarters and also the women's headquarters, so we did that. And I brought one of our officers and the reigning Grandma Hawaii International, which is also an officer of this Hawaii Filipino club. So it goes on, and until today we maintain the scholarship, and that's a good incentive for the young generation to encourage them to have good grades so that they will qualify for the scholarship that is being given. And this year's recipient, do you want to go ahead and mention? This is Ashley Joy Salaco, the daughter of our Vice President at VAC of the organization, and she will be graduating from St. Francis with a 4.0, yeah. Well congratulations Ashley. Yes. We also want to congratulate the winners for both. Yes, and by the way, you were one of the winners of the Queen of Queens, yeah, talking about the Queen of Queens, this is the first time that we have it. We thought about it because inasmuch that it's the 45th year, it's a gala for the terminal, we decided that why don't we put up the Queen of Queens, where we also invited the past Queens 44 years ago. I know that most of them already is gone, but for the rest, they did participate. We did, yeah. And that's why I was able to participate as a past UFCH, Mrs. Hawaii Filipino. Mrs. Hawaii Filipino, and the organizations that have the title, the reigning title, you know, today. The title holders, yeah. And of course the incentive there, and the funniest part, but it's actually became, the talk of the town is, if you had to wear your terminal on the year that you won the title, 10 points added to your post. And that's how you won. That's probably why. Because you were using the terminal that you won, that you used when you won. My winning turn in 2007. See, 2007. I'm glad I did. You're wondering why I was on there, and I said, well, once upon a time, I did win my title officially 2007 as Mrs. Hawaii Filipino. Yeah. And that's the gown that you used. I was so happy to be able to fit in it. In fact, it kind of fitted, kind of loose, but I was happy that I was able to slip into it. Yeah. Actually, the three of you, the winner, Queen of Queens with the score of a click, used the same one that was way how many years ago. And so you and even Dr. Nancy Waltz, she used the same outfit that she, you know, so that's all plus 10. Yeah. We probably wore it and we got extra points for wearing our old, our terminal. Yeah. That's what I told everybody, the audience, try to watch those contestants with a rose on their hand. That's how you can distinguish that they are using, or they were using their terminals. Yes. And I'm proud I participated. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. And the other half was the terminal queen. Ms. Turner. Yes. This is the 45th one. And do you know that the winner, Mrs. Sarah, she won this kimono. Maria Clara. Yeah. The Maria Clara. I think she won it all already. Yeah. She's a triple crown winner. Yes. We call them triple crown. Yeah. As well as Korra Buckleig. Korra Buckleig is also a triple crown winner. Yes. Triple crown winner. Wow. That's a horse. Not that they are. Yeah. That's right. Yeah. When you win all the race horse, you are considered a triple crown in those horse derby. Yeah. And that's the most exciting part. And do you know that right after that, actually, physically, we have, the one that seated was 302, but that's the one standing for most of the officers stood up because we cannot put any more table. It was 318. Yeah. So it was a sold out event. Yes. And we want to thank all those generous sponsors that have donated generously. Yeah. I would like to congratulate also our winners. And you remember March 8th, that Friday, the whole world celebrated Women's Day in all kinds of occasions. And that's also to commemorate that not only men can hold a title, there are women also holding high title in government. Women who are very successful in running their own businesses. And so it coincided on Friday and then the following weekend, yeah, we celebrated Women's Hour. Yes. Women's. To mention that my daughter was happy to participate for the first time. Yes. Yes. And she got beginner's luck. Yeah. And she won. Yes. And she was also a winner. So I'm very proud of her. She was so happy. Yeah. I hope she will come back. Oh, that's my daughter. She just is happy, go lucky. Yeah. And she wears her emotions on her sleeve. And she didn't mind being in a tunnel. Actually, you know that morning, I'm glad that I had a talk a little bit with KPRP. I called in. That morning, people were still calling if we can still take people, we cannot because the hotel can no longer, yes, they can no longer make table because then we don't have no place to walk. Right. That's the thing. Yeah. Yeah. It's a successful event and I want to commend you for your leadership. It's not easy when you're trying to get powerful Filipino women all together because we all have our own opinion, let me tell you. Yeah. I have my co-chairs also. We have Adela Salacup. We have my sister, baby Hupana Bland. Yeah, we have Kora Baklig. And we have... Sherry. Sherry Reganit. Pat Tengonan. Annabel Kabebe. So all those really, you know, efforts, team effort, that's why we call it, yes. Many hands make light work. So we all synergize and put all of ideas, our ability to get things done and just to get together for a common cause makes it a very worthy event and a very successful one. Yeah. And some people that attended that night already asked me, they want to sign. They want to be a member. They want to come back next year. Yes. And when they get ready, they have their own terminal and stuff like that. Yes. And not to mention, we also have the baron. Yes. Let's not forget the man because the man is the other side of the equation. And we want to congratulate the winners too. And it's also a big time, you know, for Joel Tolentino, he's one of our awardees. What a first time. Yes. We get the entertainment and producer, and he got it. And he also won Mr. Baron. He wore his baron well, as well as Mr. Lim. Yes. And of course, Sara Suzuki has been, you know, with ... Osaka. Yes. No. Sara Suzuki. Oh. Blue Waters. Yeah. Oh, okay. All right. Yes. She's been a caregiver and administrator at the same time, and she has lots of caregivers actually that was under her. And she managed it well. So sometimes like these said, well, no more time to make kids, that's why she doesn't have kids. But she's been married for 27 years happily with a husband, you know. Yes. Really, you know. We want to congratulate the ones that were honored. Yes. And she was one of them. Yes. Yes. All those hard-working Filipinas that want to preserve our culture, our tradition, and of course, serving our community. Not only in our Filipino community, but our Hawaii community in general. Yes. And they do such a wonderful job. Yes. So if they want to be a part of next year's event, do they contact you or do they go to our website? Yeah. We are planning to put on the website this time because people are asking, actually the governor also asked, you know, Mrs. First Lady, and I said, well, this time we will do it. And I hope, you did a good job too, you know. I hope that you will still be in the board, yes, until 2020. Mm-hmm. Yes. Yeah. I have a special position, cousin, because I have to audit. I know. To make sure that all the numbers... Tallys and, you know. Yes. They all add up. That's what a good organization is supposed to do, is to be accountable, transparent, and make sure that our budget is there. Yes. Mm-hmm. We're going to come back. Thank you again for joining us. We are having a conversation with Carlota Hofana-Ater, the president of Hawaii Filipino Women's Club and Associates, as well as many other organizations that she has and also recipient of many, many awards. We're having our conversation on how to continue our legacy and tradition in preserving our culture and our heritage. If you're listening to Pinoy Power Hawaii, I am your host, Emi or Tega Anderson. We will be right back. Aloha. I'm Wendy Lo, and I'm coming to you every other Tuesday at 2 o'clock live from Think Tech Hawaii. And on our show, we talk about taking your health back. And what does that mean? It means mind, body, and soul. Everything you can do that makes your body healthier and happier is what we're going to be talking about. Whether it's spiritual health, mental health, fascia health, beautiful smile health, whatever it means, let's take healthy back. Aloha. Aloha. I'm Dave Stevens, host of the Cyber Underground. This is where we discuss everything that relates to computers that's just going to scare you out of your mind. So come join us every week here on ThinkTechHawaii.com, 1 p.m. on Friday afternoons, and then you can go see all our episodes on YouTube. Just look up the Cyber Underground on YouTube. All our shows will show up, and please follow us. We're always giving you current, relevant information to protect you. Keep the news safe. Aloha. We want to welcome you back to Pinot Power Hawaii. I am your host, Emi or Tega Anderson. Again, we want to thank the wonderful staff of ThinkTech Hawaii for giving us this opportunity of empowerment to come into your home life every Tuesday at 12 noon. Today we're having a conversation with Carlota Hufana-Ater, also a relative who helps from Launion, pride of Launion, and we are talking about the Filipino Women's Club and Associates. The 45th annual Turnip Wall had just happened last weekend, and it was a very, very successful event. We want to thank all of the sponsors, the organizers, the leaders, and members of this wonderful organization for all their help and for making it a success. Let's get back to our conversation. Again, congratulate you and your leadership. I know that you are well looked up to as a leader, not only in our Filipino community, but also globally. I want to congratulate you for your hard work and wanting to make a difference being such a great women leader. Let's talk about Carlota-Ater on our second half of our program. Tell us a little bit about you and what you've done. I know you've done so many. Well, actually, Emi, it's a vision, a mission actually. When my dad was still alive, we started with a fishing industry in the Philippines to begin with. There were a lot of people that fished for us, and along the shores, there's actually the property that we're selling now, and then when my dad, grandfather passed away, my dad gave them whatever they had, if they had the boat, the nest, they had that as a remembrance to us. My dad was the barrio captain then of San Augustine San Fernando City, which actually will be having their fiesta in May 5, and I'm coming. I'm going to the Philippines for that. You're going back. Take care of these. Yes. Yeah, why not? Before my dad passed, I was here in Hawaii and we were conversing in the hospital. I was on duty that night. I remember very well. He mentioned that when we're up there, don't forget the people below you. Take care of brothers and sisters. Take care of people that helped us, and take care of those unfortunate, which I'm really continuing until today. I wish my dad was alive today. He'd be very proud of you. Yes. Yeah. It's just like a legacy. So his legacy continues. Yes. Right. We're doing just that because when we had the chance to travel together, as you were honored to be one of 100 most powerful Filipinas globally, congratulations again. We were in Cebu, and we had a chance to look at what's happening in our motherland. Yes. And both you and I had a chance to share our blessings, paying it forward and also paying it back. What's your thought on that? I know we are very blessed. You know, I got goosebumps. Remember when we opened the gate of St. Joseph? The orphanage? Yes. I got goosebumps, and I cried a little bit. Those five little kids just came to us and hugged us. Hanging in. Oh, my God. I said, I mean, this is what it is. I mean, for me and for others, think for a while if you are in their shoes. Yeah. We were there. Yeah. I said, it's unfortunate that they were in that situation, but that's the reason why we need to share whatever we have. Yes. So people like you and us give them hope because we were there to help them, give our donations, and to give them a chance to also live their dreams. Yeah. And they sang that nice thank you song at the end with another goosebumps. So it really, you know, urged you to help more. Yes. Yes. And then we move on to the North Provincial High School. Actually, my brother-in-law graduated there, Mito Ablan, and so with Adela Salacu. So we turned in the donations. Adela Salacu also donated part of it. And we saw the students again, you know, they were so happy and thankful that we did, uh, adopted their school. Yes. Yes. So this is the scholarship part, uh, gift of education. The gift that gives on giving. And that's why, uh, we had our national coverage because we had the presence there, remember? Yes. That was a little bit about that. Yeah. Well. ABS-CBN. Yes. ABS-CBN. And, uh, well, way back, actually, ABS-CBN is already having that, uh, together with the Bantai Bata, they already have that program. And it so happened that, you know, I was introduced with them in the Philippines and continued here when they came to Hawaii. So when they called me our shop and I knew about the program, so I said, I'll see what I can do. And it happened. We did. Made it happen. Yeah. So that was the second school because the first school that actually that I did was the, um, Bac-Notan La Union High School. We did that. And the first, the very, very first one was the, um, uh, school of the mute in-depth of San Fernando, um, got that barrio in there. But you did a, a feeding and a medical mission there in Bac-Notan? Yes. And, uh, in San Fernando, we actually adopted that, uh, school through the help of Mrs. Lolita. Um, Manang Lolita now, Tongwai Pao, who was the first Kramahawa International. Yeah. She donated part of that and, uh, we move on. Actually, I'm looking forward to the fourth one if we continue on, and, you know, if we have, uh, more funds, yes. And then we also had a slight medical mission. It's not a big one, uh, with, uh, Dr., um, Pudufredo Urasa, who is the nephew of Tita Lindy. Yes. Until Lindy Aquino. Yes. Yes. Dr. Lindy Aquino. And, uh, we had a medical mission there where we saw, like, about four hundred and ten indigents. So I think the legacy is moving on, and it's been continued. And of course, to the help of some, not only, um, our family in French, but to the people of Hawaii. So when you come and attend our function, you know, or event, yeah, or event, you actually sharing and helping in our mission and vision. This is our way of reassuring, uh, the donors and, uh, those with generous heart to share their, uh, wealth and their blessings that we do bring their donations to, uh, directly to those, uh, benefactors and, uh, they benefit from it. Yeah. That's true. Yeah. I think it's better rather than sending it and stuff like that. And I want to mention also, um, we also helped. I personally, with my dad's foundation, um, the Sarat Association in the Philippines, yeah, where we, I gave, uh, field health insurance to over two hundred, um, families and also the, the new uniforms of their DSW. Yeah. We donated two hundred brand new uniforms for the DSW. So the uniforms and the medical, uh, insurance or medical insurance for one year. Yeah. Uh, to the indigent, uh, families. Yes. Wonderful. Well, uh, you know, the scripture tells us that, uh, for those that are, uh, uh, too much whom is, uh, much is given, much is expected. Yeah. So actually one of the mission this May is they're asking us to donate 20 computers for the children. Okay. So those are like, uh, technical support. Yes. So this is this coming May. Yeah. Okay. Well, uh, I know that, uh, there is, there's a will, there's a way and, uh, we will, uh, continue to, uh, do our part in getting everyone together so that they can be, um, educated, they can be, uh, aware of the needs that are, uh, happening in, uh, the Philippines. And we are the tools, uh, the tools of creation to help, uh, get those donations, uh, to the people. And believe me on my birthday cousin, I go there too. Uh, rather than having a big birthday celebration, I go there and feed the people and also donate to the schools, uh, in celebration for my birthday. So it's a good way. It's a good way to give back, a good way to share your blessings and, uh, you, you did that too when we went, we did the feeding and, uh, I don't know. I don't know how to describe it, but it's priceless to be able to see the children, uh, come to you, give you a hug, uh, tug on your skirt, sing to you and, uh, it becomes very, very emotional because I myself can relate to that type of feeling when I was a little girl, uh, I, I know our Nipahat, our shack was open to the sky, you know, we were that poor when it rained, it just poured and we got, we got wet. But how we live is a miracle and it's certainly a blessing. So I'm, I'm grateful for that. Um, as a little girl, grateful for people like you with, uh, such a generous heart and giving heart that, uh, we continue to share. Yeah, actually probably, um, next year my daughter will be joining us and, uh, she donated, actually she gave us a lot of those, um, samples and because, uh, one of our cousins owned a pharmacy in the Philippines. So we took some, you know, from their pharmacy and my daughter paid for it. That's wonderful. So I challenged you to bring your daughter because I brought my two daughters, uh, last, uh, February, uh, I got them to participate in giving. So they too, in their little ways, uh, was able to give to the less fortunate by visiting the schools and the orphanage. So, uh, I, uh, challenged you and your daughter to do just that so you can join us for a nice mission. Well, that wraps up our conversation. I want to, uh, congratulate you once again for carrying on the, uh, Hufana legacy in memory of your grandfather and also your father. And that's what I was telling my kid, my siblings, I hope you will continue when I'm gone, but I'm happy because image, you know, my, uh, you know, how I work, sometimes I'm 24 hours, sometimes 16 hours. If nobody goes to work, I have to go to work. That's how it is when you're a supervisor. Right. But amidst those things, there is always a way to do something, to share your time. It's not really money sometimes, you know, to be with the less fortunate, like the homeless and be with them. Even a share of McDonald, they're really happy. I've done that with Jack in the Box here in Kali. Okay. We're going to invite you back because we are out of time. Uh, thank you for the empowerment here on Pinoy Power Hawaii. We aim to enrich, enlighten, educate, entertain, and we hope to empower. And today we did just that with our guest Carlota Jopana-Adder. Thank you again. Maraming salamat po and mabuhay.