by Sandra Sagisi Moser
A warm greeting between world leaders from the Land of the Golden Sun and the Aloha State has set the stage for a promising collaboration in tourism.
President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. expressed his affinity for Hawaii during a recent meeting with former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, now the Board Chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
“It is always a pleasure for me to welcome our friends from Hawaii, especially when the purpose of your visit is to continue to find ways to interact even more closely with the Philippines, considering, of course, that the Filipino population in Hawaii is a significant one,” said President Marcos Hannemann and the delegation from the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) returned to Hawaii from that meeting with a deeper appreciation for the land that has fostered the fastest-growing segment of Hawaii’s population.
According to Hawaii Business Magazine, “367,525 people in Hawaii have Filipino ancestry, in part or entirely. That’s 1 in every 4 residents.”
The PCF’s visit to Malacañang Palace on November 13, 2024, was monumental, as the delegation met with President Marcos, affectionately known as “Bongbong” among the Filipino community.
“In our meeting with President Marcos, we forged a connection that promises to illuminate the path for deeper cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Hawaii,” said Hannemann, who spearheaded the trip.
The PCF comprises a diverse mix of seasoned and emerging leaders from the 50th State, including notable figures of Filipino ancestry such as State Senator Henry Aquino, Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, State Representative Trish La Chica, emerging business leaders Ben Ancheta, Clarice Casamina, Lincoln Jacobe, and Grelyn Rosario, along with many other community leaders.
This initiative was launched by Hannemann, who founded the PCF and currently serves as the president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.
“It was truly remarkable to observe the two exceptional leaders brainstorming and engaging in such open and candid discussions. Their shared vision for the future of tourism and economic and cultural exchange serves as a testament to the strength of collaboration,” said Mike Rompel, a third-generation Filipino and owner of Domino’s Pizza franchises and PCF board member.
Recognized as the world’s tallest honorary former Filipino mayor, both in Hawaii and the Philippines, Hannemann, who is not of Filipino heritage, has traveled there over a dozen times. He has cultivated a close relationship with the community in the islands and their motherland.
Marcos expressed gratitude to Hannemann for the visit and acknowledged that Hannemann supports numerous projects promoting Filipino leaders and has appointed many individuals to his mayoral cabinet and various boards.
During his tenure as Honolulu Mayor, Hannemann was also embraced and adopted by over a dozen provinces in the Philippines.
At Malacañang, President Marcos recalled that Hannemann made a lasting impression during their first meeting on one of Hannemann’s many trips to the Philippines, where he discussed the Pedro and Inez Resurrection family’s impact on his life.
Hannemann said, “Erwin Resurrection was one of my closest friends during my childhood at church, and the many new experiences I had with Filipino lifestyle and culture in Kalihi, which have remained with me throughout my life, stemmed from this friendship.”
Upon hearing this, President Marcos indicated that it was at that moment he recognized the former Mayor’s sincerity and true commitment to the Filipino people.
This historic meeting between Marcos and the PCF marked a significant turning point in enhancing the relationship between the Philippines and Hawaii, particularly within the tourism sector, which serves as a vital economic engine for both regions.
President Marcos expressed his enthusiasm for cultivating deeper connections with Hawaii, acknowledging the substantial Filipino population that calls the islands home.
“So, thank you for making time to visit with me. And I hope we will have a fruitful discussion where we can explore what we can do to further what already are close relations between not just the United States but specifically Hawaii and the Philippines,” said Marcos.
The Philippine president’s appreciation for Hawaii dates back to his time residing here during his late father Ferdinand Marcos’s exile, and he remains grateful to the Hawaii Filipino community for its support during his family’s darkest moments.
The PCF delegation had an opportunity to engage the President and others they met throughout the trip in discussions that ranged from climate change, renewable energy, and sea level rise to sustainable agriculture, military security, humanitarian aid, trade, investment opportunities, and a deep dive into the history of the Philippines.
Daphne Okunaga, an educator and current member of the PCF, said, “This was my first international trip and my very first stamp in my passport. I couldn’t have asked for a more enlightening educational adventure that vividly highlighted the unique bond between this vibrant part of the Pacific Rim and Hawaii!”
In an economic session sponsored by Michael Marcos Manotoc, the Governor of Ilocos Norte, Hannemann and Honolulu Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam expressed their willingness to collaborate on establishing direct air service from Honolulu to Ilocos and Manila.
Manotoc had previously invited Hannemann to bring the Fellows to his province. Joining the discussion were PCF business supporter Vanessa Tam, State Senator Aquino, and PCF alum Leonard Tanaka.
Senator Aquino emphasized the importance of heritage, stating, “Given that a large majority of Filipinos trace their heritage to the Philippines, it’s a natural relationship that we should build upon and grow in the years to come.”
In support of this, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam added, “What I gathered from all of our meetings is that the concept of cultural, educational, and government exchange programs will benefit and highlight the unique heritage and attractions for both the Filipino people and the residents of Hawaii.”
Another highlight of the trip was a special meeting that included the Philippine Secretary of Tourism, one of two cabinet members who sat in on the discussion with President Marcos.
Malia Sanders, executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, and PCF alumni Mahina Paishon, HTA Vice Chair, found the experience particularly impactful due to their backgrounds in tourism.
Paishon expressed their aspiration, “We are eager to explore how we can collaborate with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco to establish an educational exchange program between the UH Travel Industry Management School and the Philippines.”
A.J. Halagao, president of the Hawaii Leadership Forum and PCF delegate who helped organize the trip, expressed his enthusiasm, “Visiting with many institutions, including the U.S. Embassy, Asian Development Bank, and Consuelo Foundation, as well as cultural and historic sites, made this a well-rounded and unforgettable experience for the Fellows.”
The delegation also enjoyed a wide range of activities, from indulging in delicious Filipino cuisine and touring museums to attending a Dua Lipa concert, exploring the Suba, Paoay Sand Dunes, and, of course, shopping!
With a renewed commitment to work together, both President Marcos, Hannemann, and the PCF leaders aim to maximize their unique strengths to create impactful initiatives and drive positive change in the future.
In a world where travel and cultural exchange can bridge even the widest divides, it seems both Hawaii and the Philippines are ready to elevate their relationship to new heights—after all, when it comes to tourism, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey and the partnerships forged along the way.
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