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Come All Ye Faithful

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Uniting at the beginning of the New Year to pray, around 50 Molokai residents of all faiths turned out last Saturday afternoon for God’s Ohana Day.

This is the seventh year the prayer day has been held statewide in Hawaii.

The day is about “lifting our hearts and honoring the Lord,” said one of the organizers, Colette Machado. After nearly an hour of singing praises with popular faith songs, the group heard from Maui County Council Chair Danny Mateo, and joined in prayers led by several pastors from the island’s churches.

“There are different believers in every island, praying about the same thing,” said participant and the band’s lead vocal, Love Pacheco. “I think there’s power in unity, faith and prayer, and that’s what that day is all about.”

The group prayed for evangelism, policemen, the government, families, business, youth, business and media, education, and all the churches, among other individual prayers.

The next event like this will be National Prayer Day on May 5.

Remembering Rizal

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

Molokai is awash with cultural and ethnic diversity – and one of the largest communities on Molokai celebrated their national hero late last month.

Dr. Jose Rizal is widely celebrated as a martyr in the Philippines. He was executed by the Spanish Army on Dec. 30, 1896 after being allegedly  to a national secret society.

Although Rizal never had connections with secret society, he had published books educating the general public of the Spanish colonial authorities in power at the time. Two books in particular angered the Spanish elite, “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.”

The Molokai Filipino Community Council brought a great sense of remembrance to Home Pumehana on Dec. 26, 2010 – in honor of Jose Rizal Day.

Filipinos who now make Molokai home filled Home Pumehana and participated in traditional dances and performed songs and poems in Rizal’s memory. A special guest speaker was also in attendance – Leoncio Cardenas, the Philippines Consul General.

“I am honored to be on Molokai,” Cardenas said. “This is my first time on the island, and when I was invited, I didn’t hesitate. People are so welcoming and friendly here.” Cardneas, originally from Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, has worked at consulates around the globe.

“We celebrate this day because of Rizal’s efforts,” said Yolanda Reyes, a member of the Molokai Filipino community. “He was a very smart and courageous man. Even when he traveled, he didn’t forget where he came from. He had a lot of Filipino pride.”

Reyes was inaugurated as the new president of the Molokai Filipino Community Council and sworn in by Cardenas at the event.

Rizal was executed by the Spanish Army on Dec. 30, 1896 by gunfire after being accused of conspiring with a national secret society.

These writings were targeted at the core of Filipino liberalism and individuality and ultimately led to his prosecution. But his legacy lives on; in Manila parks, statues and streets adorn his image. He spoke 22 languages, practiced medicine, and was an architect, a farmer, an educator, and a linguist. He wrote a famous poem titled, “Mi Ultimo Adios,” on the eve of his execution.

“We become strong when we go abroad to places like America,” Cardneas said. “As the second largest ethic group in Hawaii, Filipinos have made a lot of contributions to this state. I encourage your kids to take pride in what they are doing.”

Home Runs for a Good Cause

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

Christmas was in the air, as well as softballs. Alumni, old friends and family gathered Christmas weekend for the annual Molokai Softball Tournament. Along with happy reunions and ono barbeques, the event also benefited local athletics.

All of the entry fees paid by the 23 teams that participated will be donated to the alumni association and the Molokai High School athletics fund. The $300 tournament entry fee per participating team will help high school sports teams pay for travel off-island games.

“This is a great way for family and friends to see each other, said Melveena Starkey., one of the event’s organizers.“We always plan it around the holidays. And it’s a great way to benefit the high school,”.

Seven women’s teams and sixteen men’s teams participated.

Bragging rights were at stake, but more importantly, having fun was the primary concern at the 3rd annual event. The veterans prevailed and held their ground on the home turf, as the ‘90-‘93 women’s team won their bracket on Christmas Day, with a score of 15-1. The game was called early due to darkness.

The men’s class of ’89 proved they still had softball in their blood, as they beat the class of ’01 in a close battle. They won 16-14 on Dec. 26.

Honda Paleka, class of ’89, was proud of his team as they were crowned the champions of the men’s bracket. They battled it out with the class of ’01 on Dec. 26 for the championship. The younger guys beat them in their first game on the hot Sunday afternoon with a blowout of 32-16. But ’89 came out in round two with a vengeance and beat ’01 with a score of 16-14.

“This is a great way for the community to get together. My favorite part about this is just seeing old friends and having a good time,” Paleka said.

Acts of generosity could also be seen on the field. Noel Motas, a Molokai native, picked up cans and other litter during the games. He’ll donate some profits from the recyclables to the high school athletics fund.

“This isn’t about me. This is about helping the community. I want to set a good example for the younger guys here. And to me, it doesn’t matter who wins these games. It’s about having fun,” he said.

Starkey wants to especially give credit to Kapua Balas, Melani Rawlins and Salina Victorino for their efforts in putting the event together.