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.