LIHU‘E — Jayna Shaffer’s hands did the talking as the dancer from Halau ka lei Mokihana O leina‘ala was crowned the 2010 Miss Kaua‘i Filipina before a sold-out crowd Saturday night at the War Memorial Convention Hall.
“The rainbow is a symbol of promise,” Shaffer said during the Terno interview phase which she won en route to the crown. “The rainbow is a bridge to the beginning.”
Those statements were echoed by the 10 contestants at the 52nd annual Miss Kaua‘i Filipina scholarship pageant.
“Bridging our cultural heritage brings to mind several different thoughts,” said Charlmaine Suero Bulosan, the pageant chairperson. “First of all, when our ancestors came from the Philippines, they instilled their traditions and values in their children so that they may not forget the ways of their homeland. Secondly, when they migrated to Hawai‘i, they had many hardships to endure, but with courage and determination, they overcame major obstacles.”
Stephanie Acoba, the daughter of Cesar Acoba and Estrellita Fernando, said she was blessed to live in a multi-cultural state such as Hawai‘i.
“I am the bridge,” said Stephanie, the recipient of the Spirit award for most tickets sold and the Congeniality award. “What I have learned of the Filipino heritage, I will share.”
Being a Filipina in Hawai‘i is similar to being a bridge between the cultural heritage of the Philippines and the Aloha State, said Kiersten Beltrame who was named third runner-up.
“If we all live the aloha spirit and if we all contribute, we end up with a rainbow and not just a palette of colors,” Beltrame said.
The connection between Hawai‘i and the Philippines was eloquently put by Ashlee Miyashiro, named second runner-up, in her description of how the pikake, known as the sampaquita in the Philippines, has importance in both cultures.
“If we understand this, the flower that is the national flower of the Philippines and a significant flower in hula and Hawai‘i, we become one people,” said Miyashiro, the daughter of Cy and Brenda Alayvilla Miyashiro.
The importance of the pikake was enhanced by the presentation from Michelle West, whose love for the hula and the Jr. ROTC program melded into a stirring talent presentation where a rifle drill transformed into a cultural hula.
Cassandra Bunao, who entered the pageant to learn more about her Filipino heritage, said the respect she learned about from the contestants inspired her. She thanked the Filipino Community Council for keeping the pageant alive so others could learn what she learned and experienced.
Courtney Cagdan, recipient of the Most Photogenic award, expressed similar sentiments.
Brittney Pascua, growing up in a single-parent home and the recipient of the Spirit award for most ads sold, said in addition to the respect, she discovered the hardships parents endure in the name of love for their children.
“The family sacrifices because of love,” she said, adding that love is to be given and shared.
Kiana Pascua said she, too, has had the advantage of growing up in Hawai‘i where people can appreciate the differences in cultures. She earlier reinforced these words by rendering a hula representing hope and peace in “The Power of Dream.”
Sarah Manuel, recipient of the Most Beautiful Terno award, did not have to say anything, the peacock feathers garnishing her formal gown delivering the message of unity.
“The feathers are made up of many different strands that come together to form its beauty,” she said.
Shaffer, en route to the crown which earns her a trip to the state Miss Hawai‘i Filipina pageant later in July on Maui, was also awarded the Best in Swimsuit, the Best in Terno Speech and the Best in Talent for her interpretative hula which she dedicated to her mother and father.
“This Miss Kaua‘i Filipina 2010 is a tribute to everything these girls are and everything they’ve accomplished,” said Liza Trinidad, president of the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council. “They are bridging our cultural heritage.”
