Publisher's Note:

       The inauguration of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino as the 15th President of the Philippines brings a new ray of hope to all the Filipinos. If Aquino will  fulfill his promises  as clearly expounded in his speech, there’s no doubt  that corruption  will be crushed. He said, “We shall defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?”

        President Aquino’s message of bringing change for the best parallel’s that of President Barack Obama. After Aquino took his oath of office, representatives from different sectors of the public recited in unison the “Panata Sa Pagbabago” (Pledge for Change). The public pledge of support is symbolic of the people’s active participation in the democratic process of governing the country.

         Excerpts of the pledge penned by  Sonny Coloma and Marian Pastor Roces are as follows:

          “Pilipino ako/ Namamanata/Na tutulong ako sa ating pamunuan/
Sa pagtataguyod ng marangal na pamamahala/ Sa pagpapalakas ng isang lipunang makatarungan/ At sa pagpapatingkad ng ating demokrasya”

          “Makikipag-kapit-isig ako sa aking kapwa Pilipino/ Sama-sama nating babaguhin/Ang takbo ng kasaysayan upang umiral ang kagandahang-loob.”
           

           More power to you,  Mr. President!
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           The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce recently recognized ten notable Filipinos for their exemplary leadership in their chosen field of endeavor and awarded ten scholarships to outstanding high school graduates during its 13th Leadership/Achievement and Awards Banquet. To the honorees; you are setting a good example to the younger generation. And to the scholarship recipients; this is just the beginning of a new adventure of your chosen career. Congratulations to all!

           On behalf of the chamber, thank you to everybody who made the event an affair to remember.

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           There’s another important event coming up this month; it’s the 51st annual convention of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii. This will be held in Lahaina at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on July 23-25. The Maui Filipino Community Council is spearheading this event. Filipino leaders from all the different island councils are encouraged to participate at this annual convention to exchange ideas on how to further improve the plight of Filipinos in the state as we embark into the 3r, 4th, or even 5th generation of Filipinos living in Hawaii.

            Let it not be said that this is just another social event nor playing of politics since the new set of officers will be elected.  Differing  of opinions is healthy; debating of ideas is healthier; but at the end of the day, if we agree to a single idea, that’s the healthiest.

            For once, let’s see eye to eye, and be united!

            Aloha and Mabuhay!