Hawaii maika'i

Hawaii is America’s 50th state and populated by the friendliest, most gracious people of diverse ethnicities who are extremely proud of the local traditions and culture.  Its natural beauty is evident wherever one goes — surrounded by pristine beaches, majestic mountains, powerful waterfalls and scenic sights.  It truly can be called maika’i or paradise.

Even if homes are located in the most exclusive areas, the beaches in front of these properties are accessible to the public as they were bequeathed in perpetuity to the people by the royal Hawaiian kings and queens.  No one can own the beaches that front the houses no matter how expensive one’s home is. 

While on a recent holiday visit, I discovered that a long-time friend, Maite Brias, had migrated to Hawaii and her son, Joey Manahan, is a well-respected Fil-Hawaiian politician.  A grandson of the legendary Elvira Manahan and well-loved Dr. Constantino Manahan, this former La Salle Greenhills student moved to the US when he was 10 years old and graduated with honors at the University of Hawaii with a communications degree.  With the American campaign season in full swing, hundreds of supporters showed up for a reception that included a special guest appearance of Joey’s good friend Piolo Pascual who was in town for the  ABS-CBN  Star Magic Show.  Both candidate and matinee idol graciously posed for pictures to the delight of the attendees.  I must say that Joey can easily pass as a movie star when he decides that he wants to shift from politics to showbiz.  He is currently running for a seat in the City Council and it looks like he is a shoo-in with his charming, intelligent character as well as the strong Filipino presence there, comprising 35 percent of the voting population.