New book features Filipino success stories in Hawaii

A new book captures stories of Filipino immigrants and their families who have successfully navigated cultural barriers, challenges and difficulties in Hawaii.

Hiyas: Filipino American Treasures features more than 50 stories from community leaders and advocates who fought for immigrant rights, organized relief efforts for disaster victims in the Philippines, cared for Hawaii’s kupuna (ancestors), dedicated their lives to public service, led efforts to open the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu and more.

Published by the FilAm Courier, a longtime twice-monthly Filipino publication in Hawaii, the book is about 200 pages.

“These stories are meant to inspire and encourage our youth to do better,” said TV journalist Emme Tomimbang-Burns.

“These stories are meant to inspire and encourage our youth to do better,” said TV journalist Emme Tomimbang-Burns in a statement. “We need this historical piece of work—a placemark to show how far we’ve come and how grateful we should be for those who have paved the way.”

Along with stories from Tomimbang-Burns, who was married to retired Intermediate Court of Appeals Chief Judge James S. Burns, the book also includes memoirs from former Gov. Ben Cayetano, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara and other Filipino community leaders.

Publisher Mary Cordero said the book is especially important  for Hawaii’s younger generations.

“We need people who are the same color who have sacrificed so the younger generations can have a better future, ” Cordero told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “That’s why we need role models who they can relate to and are real people who they can look up to.”

To pre-order the book, which will not be sold in stores or online, call 342-8090. There will be about 2, 000 copies available to purchase for about $75 each.