©2007
Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce
All rights reserved.
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CHERYL R. CUDIAMAT
President
Cheryl Ramos Cudiamat is the first generation of her family born in the United States, in Honolulu,
Hawaii. She is married to Jeoffrey Cudiamat and they have two children: Carson who is two years old, and
Tyson, who is 1 year old. Her mother, Erlinda, is from Ilocos Norte, and is a care home administrator, and
her father, Danilo, from Pateros, Manila and is retired from the US Navy, and assists with the care home
business. Cheryl is half Tagalog, and a quarter each Ilocano and Visayan. She currently works for the City
and County of Honolulu, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, but is also president of her
husband’s firm, Structural Hawaii, Inc. She enjoys cooking on her spare time and loves to entertain
guests at their home in Aiea. Community service has always been an integral part of her life, since she
believes that in order to live a fulfilling life, one needs to help others. A motto that she lives by, is to always think positively. She has a
strong faith and belief in God, and that everything in life happens for a good reason. She graduated with her BA in Business
Administration in 1999, as well as her MBA, with an emphasis in Marketing in 2001, from Chaminade University. She attended Aiea
High School, and played the trombone all the way throughout college with the University of Hawaii concert and marching bands.
Cheryl is definitely proud to be Filipino, but remembers while growing up in Hawaii when she could not say the same. Having been
raised in Aiea, she was normally one of very few, sometimes the only Filipino in her classes. She was fortunate to be in all advanced
or AP classes, so she always felt different from everyone else, but being Filipino, always made her work harder, to prove to everyone
that Filipinos are hardworking, successful, and smart, as any other ethnicity. She obtained numerous awards and key leadership
positions throughout high school. Cheryl joined the HFJCC to bond with others of similar interests, but more importantly, to be able
to give back to the community, especially the Filipino community. She believes that there is truly strength in numbers, and joining
together with others who share the same vision and hope for the future, means greater success of attaining that goal. She dreams
that one day in Hawaii, Filipinos will be looked solely upon as a group that is successful in everything, politics, medicine, law,
business, entertainment, etc. Filipinos are really blessed in being good-looking, looking younger than we really are, being well-
rounded in all that we do, as well as having strong family and religious values. We all need to make the most of what God has
blessed us with, and all work together, to raise our community, our culture, our people, to where we belong...at the top. We all need
to be proud to be Filipino, and show everyone what a great people we truly are.
DARWIN ARELLANO
Executive Vice President
Darwin is one of the most active members of the Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce. Since
joining, he immediately showed everyone his caliber of leadership, dedication and integrity. While as a
new member, he chaired numerous projects, and so it was not a surprise that in less than a year during
the upcoming elections, he was elected as the Community Development Vice-President, one of the main
positions on the Board, since after all, the organization strongly focuses on helping the community. One
of the largest projects that he chaired was the 14th Annual Filipino Parade, where he obtained notable
guests as the Parade Marshalls, Jasmin Trias of American Idol and Elias Beniga, the Chairman of the
Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission. The event was a huge success with Darwin at the helm.
Darwin has such a positive personality, and if ever a problem arises, he can always formulate “Plan B”, if
he doesn’t already have a Plan B, and keeps the project moving forward. Nothing seems to get him down, and thus, everything that
he partakes in, is a surefire success. Community service, or just simply helping others for the good of all, must be in his blood.
Darwin is the incoming Executive Vice President. He is truly an asset to the HFJCC!
BOBBY AGPAOA
Chairman of the Board
Bobby Agpaoa served as the 2006 HFJCC President. He was born in Madamba, Dingras, Ilocos Norte,
Philippines. Bobby came to Honolulu, Hawaii when he was 5 years old. Bobby has 5 brothers and 2
sisters. Bobby is the youngest child. He is married to Elisa “Leeza” Queja Ritua Agpaoa. His mother was
born in Hilo, Hawaii and raised in Mandaloque, Philippines. His father was born in Dingras, Ilocos Norte,
Philippines. Through history, Agpaoas are known to be originally from Kamangaan. Bobby graduated
from Farrington High School in 1989. Bobby freelances in graphic design and web development. He took
some college courses and enlisted with the United States Army Reserve. Graduated in the Military School
of Engineering. He is currently in the position of Information Systems Operator Analyst with the Army
Reserve. Bobby recently served our country in the Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Besides the Filipino
Jaycees, He is also a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Farrington Alumni Community Foundation. When Bobby
finds free time in his busy schedule, he loves to draw, design, play PC games, surf the net, write poetry, talk to people, and dancing.
Bobby is proud of being a Filipino because it is a part of him. He was born a Filipino and he does not want to be or pretend to be
someone that he is not. Bobby believes of being himself. Filipino is a part of his root, his history. Bobby is proud of the Filipinos
because they work hard without any excuses in bettering their life, their families here and back home in the Philippines. Bobby
learned more about his roots during the Filipino Centennial. Through the Centennial events, he met many people that may be able
to help him. Bobby believes that Filipinos will even accomplish more to better the lives of future generations.
CLAIRE BELLO
Community Development Director
Claire Orodio Bello was born and raised in Hawaii by her family who came from Ilocos Sur and La Union,
Philippines. She graduated from Waipahu High School with Magna Cum Laude (high honors.) She
received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance, from the
University of Hawaii at Manoa. Claire is currently working at Central Pacific Bank as a Personal Banking
Officer. In addition, Claire is very active in the community. Claire is also an active member of the Loyalty
Toastmasters Club. Joining the HFJCC and attending Filipino Centennial Celebration sponsored events
has brought Claire closer and more appreciative of her Filipino culture and heritage.
LAURENCE CABANTING
Website Director
Laurence is a tremendous asset to HFJCC. In 2006, he was the “voice” for the organization, having
served the dual role of Public Relations Director, as well as its Webmaster. The HFJCC website is such
a great example of the many talents that the Jaycees, and Filipinos hold. From the get-go, Laurence was
a very active member of the HFJCC. He is always willing to take part in committees for all projects the
organization coordinates. The largest event that he chaired was The Future of Filipinos in Hawaii: Art &
Essay Competition. He enjoyed being an integral part of this project since he can forever know in his
heart that he helped the Filipino children of Hawaii learn about their roots, and especially about the
sakadas. He has made a large impact in these children because he has helped them appreciate their
Filipino heritage and culture more. Some of the essays that he read, wrote about the children speaking to
their grandparents for the first time about when they came to Hawaii. It is priceless, knowing that he took
part in creating that memory for these families.
SILAYAN CASIÑO
Public Relations Director
Silayan Casino was born in Mandaluyong, Philippines and came to Hawaii when she was almost 4 years
old. Her father is from Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. Her interests and hobbies include photography,
international travel, meeting new people, and community service. Being a Filipino to her means having
pride in her heritage, her culture, her people. She feels proud to be Filipino. She also feels proud of her
European heritage. She knows that Filipinos have a rich and colorful history. The events last year were
many, too many, in her opinion. She was extremely selective about which events she attended. It was a
year many community members were looking forward to at the end of last year, including herself. One of
the highlights for her was her time working with Emme Tomimbang on her documentary. She really
enjoyed the background work she was assigned to do as a volunteer, and feel her involvement in the
project helped her learn about the real significance of this historical year. She knows the work is just beginning now. “Our job is to
leave our legacy with the younger generation, and she believes the Filipino Jaycees accomplished that, to an extent this year, and
she is proud to have been part of the awesome process.” Silayan hopes to continue to develop her own personal understanding of
what it means to be Filipino, to be strong in her identity as a mestiza, and to ensure that the next generations of Filipino children in
Hawaii grow up to be proud of their heritage. She hopes that they start inquiring now, while they are young, and seek to establish
their identity as being Filipino Americans in Hawaii, during a time when the Filipino population is quickly becoming a larger
representation of the ethnic make-up of Hawaii.
ADDISON CHEN
Treasurer
Addison was born in Tainan, Taiwan. He attended Nashua High School in New Hampshire, and then
went on to attend UC-Berkeley. At Berkeley, he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical
Engineering Computer Science. Addison came to Hawaii in 2001 as a career move. He is currently
working as an Engineer at Spirent Communications. He joined the HFJCC to socialize with others and
to help those in need.
MARLENE BALDUEZA
Membership Vice President
Marlene Baldueza is proud of her Filipino heritage and to represent her Filipino community. She was born
to Bernard and Carmelita Baldueza at the Subic Naval Hospital in the Philippines and moved Hawaii
when she was one year old. She graduated from Punahou School in 1994 and received a BBA in
Marketing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1999. She was also a member of the prestigious
Marketing Honor Society, Mu Kappa Tau. For the people of Hawaii, Marlene is better known as a member
of the popular all-female singing group, Forte. She is still a full-time entertainer and performs regularly at
the Magic of Polynesia and at the Alii Kai Dinner Cruise. She can also be seen performing with Kit
Samson and the Sound Advice as well as the Motor City Angels. In the recent years, Marlene has become
more active with the following Filipino organizations. She is also a member of the Filipino Chamber of
Commerce, serving as a Co-Chair for the Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament as well as being the Chairperson for the Christmas
Celebration of 2006. She was also named 2005 Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s Centennial events have made a special impact on Marlene. It educated her on the history of the Sakadas and the
contributions of Filipinos to Hawaii. She was honored to be interviewed by Emme Tomimbang for her TV Documentary “Mabuhay
With Aloha: The Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006” and share her thoughts. She encourages the Filipino youth of Hawaii to
learn more about their culture and history. She also hopes to inspire the youth to achieve greatness in whatever they do, join
organizations and give back to the community.
JEOFFREY S. CUDIAMAT
Individual/Sports Development Director
Jeoffrey S. Cudiamat was born in Honolulu and attended Pearl City High School where he graduated at
the top of his class as valedictorian. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering
(Building Science) from the University of Southern California and graduated with High Honors. While at
USC, Jeoffrey was an active officer in USC’s Filipino Club, Troy Philippines, and he was one of the
Founding Fathers at USC of the only Filipino Fraternity in the United States, Zeta Phi Rho. Jeoffrey was
accepted in Chi Epsilon National Honor Society (Secretary), Tau Beta Phi National Honor Society, and
Golden Key National Honor Society. After earning a bachelor’s degree, he continued studying for a
master’s degree in structural engineering at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Jeoffrey Cudiamat is a
licensed structural engineer and civil engineer; and he is the Chief Executive Officer of Structural Hawaii,
Inc., an architectural and structural engineering design and consultation firm. As a Board member of the Leeward YMCA, Jeoffrey
finds time to give back to the community. Professionally, Jeoffrey has recently been elected as secretary to the Structural Engineers
Association of Hawaii (SEAOH); and he is a member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Filipino-American League of
Engineers & Architects (FALEA). He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce
of Hawaii. In his spare time, he plays guitar for a local live band. His father is from Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and his mother is from
Bulacan. Growing up in Hawaii, Jeoffrey though of himself as a local Hawaiian and/or an American. He did not think of himself as a
Filipino. There seemed to be a negative stereotype with being Filipino, such as the teasing of the Filipino accent and references to
low-class, service jobs. Not until attending college in the mainland did he realize the uniqueness of the Filipino culture. Being a part
of a Filipino club at USC opened Jeoffrey’s eyes not only to cultural awareness, but also to the fact that there are many very bright,
successful Filipinos that are in complete contrast to the negative stereotypical image perceived by Jeoffrey. He realized that being
Filipino was not about the accent or other negative stereotype, but rather about such noteworthy characteristics exemplified by most
Filipinos such as being hard-working and having family-oriented values. The Filipino Centennial year was a major milestone for
Filipino-Americans. Through the various activities, Filipinos had the opportunity to reflect on how far Filipinos in America have
advanced and contributed in America (and Hawaii’s) society; but most importantly, it enforced a sense of cultural pride.
LEONARD DE GUZMAN
Individual Development Vice President
Born and raised in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines, Leonard moved to Hawaii with his parents, Larry
and Susan, on November 2002. He has an older brother, Larisan, and an older sister, Suzette, who both
live in the Philippines. Leonard attended San Beda College in Mendiola, Manila, with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Graduated on
March 2002, he belonged to the class Dean’s Honor List. He ranked third Best Business Management
Thesis with his study entitled: “Appraising Employees with Physical Disabilities at Jollibee Foods
Corporation”. He was the Managing Editor of Business Perspective, San Beda’s Official Publication of the
Department of Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He also held the position of Vice President
for Liturgy and Theatre Arts of the San Beda Theological Circle. Currently, Leonard resides in the heart of
Honolulu. He currently works for Mayor Mufi Hannemann and goes to Hawaii Pacific University to pursue a degree in Master of
Business Administration with concentration on Human Resources Management. Leonard enjoys swimming, traveling, shopping,
dining out, dancing and singing. He was a member of the HPU International Chorale! Leonard is a proud Filipino. He exemplifies
the genuine Filipino values: Makatao (personhood), Makabayan (nationalism), and Makadiyos (faith in God).
DONNIE JUAN
Legal Counsel
Donnie Juan was born to Ernesto T. Juan and Leilani J. Juan, who both were born in the Philippines.
He is an Attorney at Law and a Certified Public Accountant. He received both his Bachelor of Science
degree in Accounting, and an Associate of Science degree, from Johnson & Wales University in
Providence, Rhode Island. He then received his Juris Doctorate degree from Indiana University School
of Law. Donnie operates his own law firm, the Law Offices of Franz Dominic Juan, LLC, as well as his
own CPA firm, Juan & Associates, LLC.
JAY KNIGHT
International Development Vice President
Jay Knight was born and raised on Oahu. His grandfather had immigrated to Hawaii from Ilocos Norte;
his grandmother is from Isabella. Jay grew up in Waipahu, attending Waipahu Elementary and Waipahu
Intermediate. In high school he transferred to Maryknoll Schools, thanks to an academic scholarship. In
college, Jay studied computer information systems at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, PA. After
receiving his Bachelor’s, he remained at Carnegie Mellon to pursue a Master’s degree in Information
Systems Management. Then Jay decided that Pennsylvania snowed too much, and he moved closer to
home. Upon graduation from college, Jay relocated to California, where he worked as a software
engineer, first in Silicon Valley, then later in Los Angeles. But after years of longing for his family, his
friends, and good Ilocano food, he moved back home to Hawaii. He currently develops computer applications for Referentia
Systems, Inc., in Honolulu. This past February, Jay took his first trip to the Philippines. He had an amazing experience, traveling
around the country. He had the opportunity to meet with his family there for the first time. Along his journey, Jay met real igorots. He
learned to peel shrimp with a fork and spoon, and he rode a carabao. It means eating balut with no shame, as you crack open the
shell, sip on the soup, and tell your friends how it tastes like chicken! He appreciates that now we have the option to use toilet paper
instead of tabo. From talking with sakadas like Angel Ramos, to seeing Goro Arakawa’s photo collection, to meeting the host of
Wowowee....it taught him that our people will work hard, will play hard, and will have great stories to tell afterwards.
ANGELICA LEWIS
Business Development Vice President
Angelica Lewis was born and raised in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She graduated from Centro Escolar
University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications, with a focus in Broadcasting.
Currently, she works at Central Pacific Bank and was awarded the Top Performer in 2006 in the Service
Specialist category. She has always been active in community service since college. Her passion in life
is to make everyone happy, especially children. She finds it so fulfilling to see the smile on their faces.
She’s proud of being Filipino because of all the traditions. Filipinos are also hardworking and very
hospitable. We also have amazing talents who are known globally like, Manny Pacquiao, Jasmin Trias,
Camille Velasco, and the likes. Filipinos are known for our beauty as well as competitiveness. The
Centennial year events helped us to learn and appreciate our Filipino culture by bringing up the past,
especially what the sakadas have done. The events really helped especially the Filipinos born and raised
here in the US known more about their culture. “I’ve also learned that my great-grandfather, Valentin Tacbian, Sr., was even a part of
the plantation workers in the early 1940’s,” said Angel. “I am so proud of him being a sakada.” She has only been in Hawaii for
three years now, so learning about culture is not something new for her. Being in the HFJCC helped make her less homesick,
since they are all really nice people and very helpful, which reminds her of her friends in the Philippines. Our organization has the
same goal, which is to give back to the community, especially our fellow Filipinos. Angel would like to perpetuate the Filipino culture
by committing herself to the HFJCC. She considers this group as the best influence she has ever experienced in terms of reaching
out and helping the community. Her hope and aspirations of the future is to be able to see more Filipinos on the top of everything,
especially public service.
DORIS QUISAGAN
Business Development Director
Doris Villarante Quisagan was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but raised in Iligan City of the Philippines. She
returned to Honolulu in 2001 and attended James Campbell High School, where she graduated with the
Cum laude distinction in 2003. In high school Doris joined the Filipino Club where she was a dancer.
Onward she attended Remington College and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in
International Business, with high honors. In college she joined SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise).
Currently she is employed at Central Pacific Bank. Doris loves to join any type of organization that helps
her to go outside and meet different people. However, she loves to join a Filipino club to know more
about her culture. She is so proud of being a Filipino, and believes that Filipinos are known as talented,
smart and friendly. Doris wants to help organize a Filipino event, so she will learn more about the history
and culture. This is the reason why she is a part of the Filipino Jaycees.
LESLIE PATACSIL
Secretary
Leslie received her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Political Science from
California State University , Long Beach. While at Cal State Long Beach, she served on the Board for the
Pilipino-American Coalition (PAC). Leslie relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii and received her Juris Doctor
from the William S. Richardson School of Law, UH Manoa. She was admitted to the Hawai‘i State Bar in
November 2005 and served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Greg K. Nakamura of the Third Circuit Court
in Hilo. Leslie was an officer of the Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (2001), committee
chairperson for the 10th Annual Oahu Mabuhay Festival, President of the Filipino Law Student
Association at UH Law, and is a member of the Hawaii Filipino Lawyer’s Association. Leslie is currently
an associate attorney at the law offices of Park Park Yu & Remillard.
JAY RAYMUNDO
Management Development Vice President
Jay was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii in September 1979 just a few days after his mother arrived in Honolulu
from the Philippines. His father, Apolinario Raymundo, is originally from Urdaneta, Pangasinan, and his
mother, Ely Raymundo, is originally from Rosales, Pangasinan in the northern part of Luzon. In his spare
time, he likes to travel, mountain bike, go hiking, and just recently took up surfing. Jay grew up on the north
shore of Oahu, where he graduated from Waialua High & Intermediate School, and continued his
education in Boston, Massachusetts where he earned his B.A. in Biology and French Language and
Literature. Today, he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Connections, and also the Chief
Operating Officer of Aloha Habilitation Services, both of which are human services organizations working
with people with developmental disabilities and mental retardation.
