LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i, last but not least, is the final island celebrating the year-long observance of the centennial of the arrival of Visayan-speaking immigrants from the Philippines. And, since the celebration is Dec. 13 at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i, last but not least, is the final island celebrating the year-long observance of the centennial of the arrival of Visayan-speaking immigrants from the Philippines.
And, since the celebration is Dec. 13 at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort near Hanama‘ulu, it naturally is taking on a holiday theme, Pasko sa Nayon (Christmas in the Village).
According to a press release and brief history on the Visayans written by Virgie Cruzada of Hanama‘ulu, the first 45 Visayan Sakadas, recruited by the Hawai’i Sugar Planters’ Association, arrived in Honolulu on July 20, 1909, aboard the S.S. Korea.
Most of them were from the province of Cebu and Siquijor Island.
Later that same year, 600 more Visayan Sakadas from the provinces of Cebu, Negros, Panay, Leyte, Bohol and the island of Mindanao came to Hawai‘i to work the sugar plantations.
To celebrate the history of the Visayan-speaking Filipinos in Hawai‘i, the event at the Hilton begins at 10:30 a.m. for viewing of exhibits, photographs and artifacts showcasing the history of the Visayan migration to Hawai‘i.
The Kaua‘i Visayan Club is inviting the public to join its members in recognizing Visayans living and deceased who were pioneers and community leaders, and those who founded the club in 1985.
Entertainment will include sinulog and Visayan folk dancing, singing of Christmas carols, and more. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children (ages 5 to 11).
Admission includes a buffet lunch and dancing to live music.
For tickets, call Aurea Laymon at 822-7322 or Evelyn Basnillo at 652-7249. For further information about the centennial event, call Gerald (Larry) Estenzo at 651-3964 or Rhoda Libre at 645-1210.
