EDITORIAL – Filipino imprint on Hawaiian life

This year, 2006, marks the 100th year since the first wave of Filipino migrants reached the distant shores of Hawaii in 2006. That first migratory wave of Filipinos marked the beginning of what was to become, over the years, a significant socio, economic and political phenomenon.

The search for work, and with it the opportunity for a better life, has always been one of the sparks that fire up great human mass movements. These movements, in turn, fire up great demographic changes that affect the makeup of countries in all aspects of their national lives.

When the first Filipinos made the giant leap outward to Hawaii, they were lured largely by prospects of work and decent pay in the vast farmlands and plantations there. They had no inkling that such a simple and honest initiative would change the makeup of Hawaii forever.

The infusion of Filipino labor helped boost the economy of Hawaii, enriched its racial stock, diversified it culture, and broadened its horizon. All things considered, it became very attractive for American statehood, which it did eventually attain to its eternal benefit.

Later too, as more and more of the Filipinos came and got assimilated into Hawaiian life, they began to make an impact and create an indelible impression that was to become part of the hardworking yet carefree atmosphere that was to embody the Hawaii that everybody knows.

While Filipino participation in the moulding of what Hawaii has become today is far from being the stone of the fruit, it is nevertheless very difficult to imagine what those balmy isles would be without the infusion of a distinct Filipino flavor.

In short, we helped spice up the islands. And from there, the next big leap was easier, if not inevitable. America the beautiful beckoned and the Filipino obliged. If big dreams needed big sacrifices, the Filipino was ever willing to pay the price.

But it was the Hawaiian experience that became the wellspring of inspiration. It was in the Hawaiian islands, there under the baking sun, that the true measure of Filipino can-do spirit was put to the test and emerged triumphant.

Move over New York. If you can make it in Hawaii, you can make it anywhere. The Filipino, if given a fair shake, will always be willing to go more than the distance, shake things up, and shape destinies that help make better communities.