tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77638176522570847952024-03-04T23:42:14.597-07:00FROM A TONGAN DAUGHTERThe world as I see it...'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-58824392502253684212012-01-25T20:50:00.003-07:002012-01-25T20:53:53.698-07:00Get Involved - Enter the Conversation - Change the WorldClick on the image below and get involved! <br /><br /><a href="http://pasifikapolitics.blogspot.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXde4fS_OtZeTpKdUUSlFpVz9E7mjoVEz2VpG_eae4c4OQbgiZPeuGsE-Ts6vi_DrRpvLF0CWif6yaX7xhMaRs7p70bNw0L9D6OPH-dw4C67xfHNyFoByy9dkrBJg67Wf3DWNDbf7ZcLT/s400/pasifika2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701783453778659090" border="0" /></a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-68212497804552182392009-11-05T09:51:00.002-07:002009-11-05T09:53:47.401-07:00“I am in no way optimistic but I remain a prisoner of hope”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUczQzthbdxz-lOvx5FJnhhQ1s8T6_AeR4jjQE-iZTBc-Zow0sgDfjrNLA4JKFxJGEocSI1c5OOmLGyLgdWcyE_xvEO_qZSki2__uF2EvPqMZ-sEXkY0QCznd8zxzH4vb_dGH-56uvga/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUczQzthbdxz-lOvx5FJnhhQ1s8T6_AeR4jjQE-iZTBc-Zow0sgDfjrNLA4JKFxJGEocSI1c5OOmLGyLgdWcyE_xvEO_qZSki2__uF2EvPqMZ-sEXkY0QCznd8zxzH4vb_dGH-56uvga/s400/kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400663503758160546" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“I am in no way optimistic but I remain a prisoner of hope”</span><br />~ Cornel West<br /><br />Today I received an email from one of our Pacific Islander youth, the email is simple only a couple of lines, but piercing to the heart. She writes “I know you don’t know me and I understand if you don’t reply, but I have heard you speak a couple of times here in California and I have always wanted to ask you how you remain hopeful in this cruel world. I am only 16 years old and I feel like I was born into a world that was not made for people who look like me. I am half Samoan and half black and in my world that equals not fully human. My parents tell me that my life has just begun but why do I feel like its ending?” <br /><br />What does one say to a young person who fully recognizes the injustices that are targeting her very existence in this world? How does one begin to make sense of the harsh realities that she was born into simply by being brown, black, female and living in America, yet yearning for her to remain hopeful enough to continue living and to actualize her grandparent’s legacy, her parent’s sacrifices and her own desires and dreams? The paradoxes and contradictions that our young people face on a daily basis are daunting. On a good day they are referred to as the “chosen generation” on the very same day they are often called the “lost/destructive generation” but regardless of how we choose to define them, one thing is for sure, they are undoubtedly the “next generation”!<br /><br />I have no idea who this young woman is, but somehow her pain is familiar, so familiar that I can name it and feel it. We have become so desensitized in many ways to the pain that young people have to go through on a daily basis, that we have become blinded to it, insomuch that we have accepted it as the norm for young Pacific Islanders. We often place all the blame on them not realizing the ways in which we have contributed and created the situations they now find themselves in. <br /><br />We have criticized them for not knowing their language and culture, yet we don’t take the time to teach it. I have been in numerous meetings where administrators and teachers clearly do not see a need for multiple histories or epistemologies or anything that is not in par with mainstream culture and values. Yet, the minute our young people show any sign of resistance in this mainstream classroom they are labeled as having a behavior disorder, tracked into ESL and special education courses and their Pacific cultures blamed for their so-called failures. The same culture that they are not allowed to practice or even emulate. The same culture that they hardly even know! <br /><br />We have accused our young people of being caught up in the “bling bling” world, yet they are being targeted by every corporate marketing campaign who promises immediate acceptance with the stroke of a lip gloss, overpriced t-shirt/pants, shoes that can make you fly, and jewelry that demands envy. They enter into classrooms where capitalistic ideals are the norm, they become consumers before they become students, and still we wonder why they gravitate toward the bling? Why they think that success only needs to be reheated in the microwave…5…4….3…2…1… done! <br /><br />We get annoyed by their constant need for attention, their low self-esteem moments and we demand that they should be proud of who they are, yet they look around their environment and everything tells them that to be a beautiful young woman one must be skinny, white, tall, blonde, straight hair, etc., etc., basically everything that they are not. Then they come home and the minute their hair looks unruly, we are the first to plug in the iron. When they are out in the sun for longer than a second, we throw a lavalava around their head, make them wear long pants and long sleeves while yelling “don’t get dark”! We spend hours massaging the noses of young babies so that it doesn’t look like a “Polynesian nose”… all of this while telling our youth “be proud of who you are”! <br /><br />We promise them that they can have it all…the “American dream” yet the moment they walk out of the house they are hit with the realities of racial profiling, tracking, lowered expectations, racism, sexism, classism, and the list goes on and on. They turn to us (parents, educators, community leaders, church leaders, anyone) seeking answers and the most common response whether spoken or unspoken is “something is inherently wrong with you, it must be your culture”! Again, the blame placed on the young person and his/her native culture that he/she has never learned nor even understands. We continue to wonder why this generation, who should have been the “chosen” one appears to be the “lost” one!<br /><br />When do we finally say “enough is enough” and that we will no longer allow this next generation to move through this world ashamed of their native cultures? When are we going to engage in deconstructing this popularly damaging theory that our young people are a deficit simply because they are of Pacific Islander descent? When do we demand that our children learn their native culture and values from a lens other than that of whiteness/capitalism/colonialism? When are we going to stand up to those who have always been in power, who have passed legislations/laws/policies that have been aimed to limit the dreams and potential of our young people? When do we hold ourselves and those in power responsible for the conditions that we have helped to create that have been extremely damaging to our young people? I hope the answer is NOW!<br /><br />I have never been an optimistic person, I am too much of a realist to be optimistic, but I would be in denial if I was to disregard the resiliency of our Pacific Island people. We have been through so much, if our history has taught us anything, it is that we will always survive, and for that I will always remain hopeful! <br /> <br />It is this next generation that will lead our pilgrimage as Pacific Islanders, I hope we will stand by them, guide them, support them and love them and in the end, I hope they will never have to question why we were full of hope, even in this cruel world, I hope they would understand that we never gave up, and when it became a choice between living or dying, we chose to live even in the midst of death…and likewise I hope they will do the same!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-59535040121773653132009-10-24T13:30:00.002-06:002009-10-24T13:52:08.844-06:00Reflections on the Pacific Islander Leadership Summit on Criminal Justice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWlKDuBmOoHxzmiYAO9wj8cxx8WHJeJtu41e2j1QOKWCL9nmZI-wctfoO8sev2ZE5F0DRCYWKpK8Px1jw5FPobe5vdZTel35KUiQJzpXpGt9LvH6kX33KS68TDifsJpNaKSgOeU-hLmqm/s1600-h/PI_summit.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWlKDuBmOoHxzmiYAO9wj8cxx8WHJeJtu41e2j1QOKWCL9nmZI-wctfoO8sev2ZE5F0DRCYWKpK8Px1jw5FPobe5vdZTel35KUiQJzpXpGt9LvH6kX33KS68TDifsJpNaKSgOeU-hLmqm/s400/PI_summit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396251486778602386" /></a><br />I spent about 3 hours today at the Pacific Islander Leadership Summit on Criminal Justice and I wanted to share some of my reflections about what I observed tonight. I guess we should start with what I felt was very productive about the summit…<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Great Food</span><br />The food was catered by Lanikai Grill and I loved it! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Great Turnout</span><br />It was wonderful to see so many Pacific Islander church leaders, community based leaders, educators, politicians, law enforcement officers, etc. there tonight. It was a strong statement about the fact that people recognize the gang issue as a problem and are looking for ways to collaborate and work together to make a difference. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Keynote presentation</span><br />The keynote speaker was an elder from the Maori community who has done extensive work on indigenous cultural interventions in NZ among the Maori population and specifically with prisoners and those in the criminal justice system. It was great to acknowledge the wisdom that elders in our community hold while also deconstructing the popular myth that assimilation to mainstream America is the only avenue for success. <br /><br />okay now on to what I found extremely problematic about the summit. I begin by recognizing the hard work that was put into this summit. As someone who has worked on a variety of different events, I appreciate and understand the time and hard work it takes to put on an event like this and so my critique is not going to focus on the logistical side of organizing an event, but rather on the idea and insight (or lack of insight) that guides an event such as this. <br /><br />First of all, whenever those who are organizing the event get up and say “we don’t want you to be offended” or” we are not here to say you are bad people or bad parents BUT…” (I am paraphrasing some of what was said tonight) means that you are going to be offended and they are going to indirectly allude to the ideas that are associated with what they just said they weren’t going to talk about. Lets be real, the only reason why we say things like that in the beginning is to absolve ourselves from being held accountable for the things that we say because we want those who are listening to forgive us by acknowledging that our comments were well intentioned. I understand well intentions, I work with well intentioned people everyday who tell me that the Pacific Islander culture does not value education… yeah, it was well intentioned, but the impact of your well intentioned comment, does not justify the fact that your comment is false, racists, and full of prejudice. <br /><br />I give that example only to point out, that the summit was filled with many good intentioned presentations, but it doesn’t change the fact that their presentations were extremely problematic. The presentation from law enforcement focused on how to identify gangsters, gang signs, how they dress, their tattoos, how they look, how to identify them in pictures and in real life, etc, etc. In their defense, they were doing exactly what is expected of law enforcement; I mean they aren’t really the people I look to when I think about rehabilitation, intervention or prevention. We all know that law enforcement as an institution is not interested in rehabilitation, they are all about surveillance, their solution to everything is lock them up! This is why it was so problematic for me to watch this presentation, not because I was shocked by the pictures, but rather because, here we are in a room with Pacific Islander leaders (who probably have more insight about what’s happening on the ground), and instead of discussing rehabilitation we want them to take on the role of law enforcement officers and racially profile their own children and community members. Now, I know that wasn’t the intention, but when there is no context fully given for this presentation, and all we see is pictures and the looming idea that “every brown person is potentially a gangster” one leaves thinking that surveillance and imprisonment is the only answer to this issue.<br /><br />In my opinion, it was a great disservice to Mr. Jones’s presentation on cultural intervention, prevention and rehabilitation to have it followed up with a presentation that focuses on surveillance and imprisonment…and then not allow anytime for further discussion of the issue. I say this to make the point that even at a Pacific Islander leadership summit, we see how our indigenous knowledge is continually pushed into the peripheries while centering and valuing western thought and epistemologies. The truth is that the majority of Pacific Islander kids who are involved in gangs were born and/or raised in the United States, they are products of the American environment, when are we going to discuss the impact that has on their behavior, their choices and the way they view themselves and the world? We talk about how culturally based knowledge and models are the solutions, yet we have a Pacific Islander summit and give the majority of the time to law enforcement and politicians. It makes no sense!!!!! <br /><br />I am grateful that our communities were able to come together but deeply saddened that we missed an amazing opportunity to share critical ideas with those who work in our communities day in and day out-- about what their different organizations are doing and how we can work toward creating some kind of culturally relevant model that would fit a Utah context. <br /><br />I know that it was mentioned over and over again that this is only the first meeting, but come on now, how many first meetings are we going to have before we actually move to meeting #2? Having said that, if there is a master strategy and plan behind this that I am totally missing… then please enlighten me and accept my apologies.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Disclaimer: When I say “law enforcement” I am referring to the institution, not the individuals. I know that our Pacific Islander law enforcement officers do the best they can and I am deeply grateful, but there are so few of them, that it would be completely unfair and impossible to make them shoulder all the responsibilities in addressing these issues just because they work for that institution. </span>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-19483795147060157942009-07-18T15:57:00.011-06:002010-03-28T16:41:13.988-06:00Abigail Langi-- Spoken Word Artist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibShHgIxjQG3EwmX-q7olLIt3UN8Nz-77zAPWWkybZk793iZfsKqy4YN0_0a0wy___05PZY6mdFoqwigYS729SWkz6vuMl9kqzE9XHO4Wx1V5KfvoN2cEyW1SyUqmU4lAPChHFoSyLpaLx/s1600-h/neti_abby.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibShHgIxjQG3EwmX-q7olLIt3UN8Nz-77zAPWWkybZk793iZfsKqy4YN0_0a0wy___05PZY6mdFoqwigYS729SWkz6vuMl9kqzE9XHO4Wx1V5KfvoN2cEyW1SyUqmU4lAPChHFoSyLpaLx/s400/neti_abby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359925251196428786" /></a><br />[Abigail Langi performing her spoken word piece and being backed up by her aunty Neti Taumoepeau (676) and her mom Lavinia Taumoepeau. Special thanks to Maikolo Ika for the awesome picture!]<br /><br />In the past few weeks I have been working with my niece Abigail Langi on a spoken word piece that she composed to perform at the Island Groove Concert! I wasn't able to get a video recording of her performance but it was absolutely amazing!!! <br /><br />I am posting below her poem and her introduction of the H.Y.P.E. Movement which was infused with Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" with a little twist in the lyrics to fit her experiences and her poetry. She is only 12 years old, but she can hold it down with some of the very best poets out there! Much love to the PALE Foundation for creating the platform for her to perform!<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Introduction of the H.Y.P.E. Movement</span><br />Pacific Islanders in school districts all over the United States represent one of the smallest student populations but are among the highest dropout rates. Since the year 2000 the incarceration rates of Pacific Islander young men have tripled, our suicide rates have doubled, drug use has become common place and the death rates due to gang violence have increased by 110%. The HYPE Movement, which stands for Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation is our way of breaking free from these negative trends and uniting our youth and raising our voices to make a positive change! I dedicate this poem to every young Pacific Islander in the struggle! <br /> <br />[singing]<br />I’m gonna make a change<br />For once in my life<br />It's gonna feel real good<br />It’s gonna make a difference<br />Gonna make it right<br /><br />As I look at my fathers’s eyes <br />My mother’s fateful cries<br />Their pain is blowin’ my mind<br />I see my friends in the street<br />Without a heart to beat <br />Who am I to be blind<br />Pretending not to see their needs<br /><br />A fatherless Tongan child <br />Alone and suffering trials<br />With broken hearts and dreams <br />There’s more to life than <br />This I know <br />And so it’s time to let it go <br />That's why I want you to know<br /><br />[Abby's spoken word]<br />I want you to know about the<br />Screams of my mother crying<br />Voices of my father yelling<br />Me sitting in a corner<br />Being put through this torture<br />Many nights I cried<br />Waking-up with blood shot eyes<br />Thoughts would race through my head<br />As I lay silently in bed<br />I love them both so much<br />That it hurts to even think<br />Or imagine<br />The sadness of separation<br />Caused by acts and thoughts of desperation<br />I want to make things better for me and you<br />But I am just a child—what am I to do?<br /><br />My friends tell me “not to worry… it’s all good”<br />As they continue to skip school and do drugs <br />To prove they are “down for their hood”<br />But I can’t help but see how there is no gain<br />In their choices that only bring more and more pain<br />I want to stand up and make a change<br />But another day goes by <br />I suffer alone in silence<br />As I wonder why<br />It’s so hard for us to try<br />To break free <br />from all the negativity <br /><br />Just because the color of our skin<br />Doesn't mean that we shouldn't win<br />Just because our cousins are locked up<br />Doesn’t mean that we have to give up<br />Just because we might have doubts<br />Doesn’t mean we aren’t brown and proud <br />Just because we were born and raised on the Westside<br />Doesn’t mean that we don’t have dreams inside<br />I know it’s hard sometimes,<br />Without a doubt<br />But we are strong and fierce <br />We know what we’re about<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Mou'i manatu ki ho tupu'anga</span><br />Means our past is our legacy<br />But we, we create our own destiny<br />If you dream it <br />You can achieve it<br />If you believe it<br />You can be it<br />Life is full of the good and bad<br />The happy and sad<br />We don’t win by counting smiles and frowns<br />We win because we stand up <br />Every time we fall down<br />If you hear my voice <br />Then you know you have to make a choice<br />Live the H.Y.P.E.<br />Let go of the fear and pain<br />Live the H.Y.P.E.<br />We have so much more to gain<br />Live the H.Y.P.E.<br />Only we can make this change<br />I’m getting up<br />I’m taking a stand<br />For once in my life<br />I’m livin’ the H.Y.P.E.!<br /><br />[Singing]<br />As I look at my fathers’s eyes <br />My mother’s fateful cries<br />Their pain is blowin’ my mind<br />I see my friends in the street<br />Without a heart to beat <br />Who am I to be blind<br />Pretending not to see their needs<br /><br />A fatherless Tongan child <br />Alone and suffering trials<br />With broken hearts and dreams <br />There’s more to life than <br />This I know <br />And so it’s time to let it go <br />That's why I want you to know<br /><br />I'm starting with the man in the mirror<br />I'm asking him to change his ways<br />And no message could have been any clearer<br />If you wanna make the world a better place<br />Take a look at yourself and then make that change<br /><br />I'm starting with the man in the mirror<br />I'm asking him to change his ways<br />And no message could have been any clearer<br />If you wanna make the world a better place<br />Take a look at yourself and then make that change</blockquote>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-82141162838083678692009-04-27T20:17:00.003-06:002009-04-28T13:11:42.460-06:00Create Your Own Destiny! Live the H.Y.P.E.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRzIVDi_NZW0yIb4CuE1bB9LiJHd9ZPfQ1uxjxzngsDj1Xsx8W30ICTMiX-Hr7PMqeTNUNjrZ2dajd5omogQGTwnxt1-uqlV4kLTdiRdqw_C0ouNrhyWBewkocStQM_us88eFrlk7StwO/s1600-h/group7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRzIVDi_NZW0yIb4CuE1bB9LiJHd9ZPfQ1uxjxzngsDj1Xsx8W30ICTMiX-Hr7PMqeTNUNjrZ2dajd5omogQGTwnxt1-uqlV4kLTdiRdqw_C0ouNrhyWBewkocStQM_us88eFrlk7StwO/s400/group7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329821788491187746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMy1CalgS6ccwBU5LBOucMK5oR1303NmP9QrpVyCESvfnDFS1QX4M8jkZ40_zqqAI0NigqFp7uZEHdhL8HWqw1RauetalcZv10aH_eTVWHVlWsZAd3g4_sEZgpM5MBsxj8P6WPv4Rfgd/s1600-h/group5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMy1CalgS6ccwBU5LBOucMK5oR1303NmP9QrpVyCESvfnDFS1QX4M8jkZ40_zqqAI0NigqFp7uZEHdhL8HWqw1RauetalcZv10aH_eTVWHVlWsZAd3g4_sEZgpM5MBsxj8P6WPv4Rfgd/s400/group5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329821789166324338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYMNbvlVQV9lk8q1CDhqNcZMEBBEGwpd171z9PS_U5yj9VLaYXK8n6td8RLIqFOKw1HqQNZSPraTZ0iOadxQjfkNNGrbx0qHacjvbFphyphenhyphentr8OrcmQ8iiHmkuqrWgIzIx9qxQQj9vjDT31/s1600-h/group6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYMNbvlVQV9lk8q1CDhqNcZMEBBEGwpd171z9PS_U5yj9VLaYXK8n6td8RLIqFOKw1HqQNZSPraTZ0iOadxQjfkNNGrbx0qHacjvbFphyphenhyphentr8OrcmQ8iiHmkuqrWgIzIx9qxQQj9vjDT31/s400/group6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329821786807623938" /></a><br />The H.Y.P.E Movement presents 4 extraordinary Tongan dancers who are living the H.Y.P.E!<br /><br />(in order of appearance)<br />Hefa Tuita of Nickelodeon's "Dance on Sunset"<br />Tessi Toluta'u - Miss South Pacific 2007<br />Tony Pututau - from Dancing with the Stars on Tour<br />CJ Tonga Bair - from Center Stage Dance Studio<br /><br />Music: Ote'a Tivuri by Nonosina<br /><br />Directed and Edited by Richard Wolfgramm<br />Filmed by Richard Wolfgramm, Tanelle Lindquist and Daela Tipton<br /><br />There should be no limit to what we can achieve!!! <br /><br />Create your own destiny!!! <br /><br />Live your Dreams!!!<br /><br />Get On The H.Y.P.E.<br /><br /><object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AFNlOEFOVr0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AFNlOEFOVr0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-7429268833685490062009-04-21T12:33:00.016-06:002014-04-15T22:45:03.372-06:00Really Missing My Grandparents Today...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeYTbCGw2hil4aIeaCjXaTNqgb5hmCuQZo0FMSO6gvJ9ojzDF9pQ4yYcKKHStyWf405m3i5VViuo6wSb_qVFp93Rj213EylbZPZeINY2qOkmS6YKO46I6mejg8pPRW_5az5CuPAW6ANl7/s1600-h/Pics+of+Tonga+1a_resized.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeYTbCGw2hil4aIeaCjXaTNqgb5hmCuQZo0FMSO6gvJ9ojzDF9pQ4yYcKKHStyWf405m3i5VViuo6wSb_qVFp93Rj213EylbZPZeINY2qOkmS6YKO46I6mejg8pPRW_5az5CuPAW6ANl7/s400/Pics+of+Tonga+1a_resized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327307519698106930" /></a><br /><br />[Miss them so much!!!]<br /><br />I am really, really missing my grandparents today!!! <br /><br />It has been a year since my grandpa passed away and almost 10 years since my grandma passed away, and there isn't a day that goes by that I haven't thought about them or wondered how they would have advised me on certain situations or decisions I have made or just what the overall conversation would be like about different world events that have taken place. <br /><br />Today is their birthday. They were born on the same day just different years and although they shared so much in common their personalities were very different. My grandmother was very outspoken and assertive and my grandfather was much more quiet and reserved, but they both shared a deep love for the Lord, their family, the Tongan culture and especially for Education!<br /><br />I truly have been blessed to have them in my life. It is only now, when I reflect back on my life, that I realize the importance of what they have taught me. I realize more than ever before how keenly aware they were of the world and how focused they were on their goal to raise a next generation of young people who would be rooted in our native Tongan culture but learn to carve out our own space in this new society. <br /><br />They valued indigenous Tongan knowledge and even when it seemed that assimilation was the only way to be successful in this society, they refused to conform-- but instead engaged in personal acts of self-determination by making the Tongan language mandatory in our home, by telling us stories of their upbringing, by teaching us traditional Tongan proverbs and history, and by teaching us respect, love, and kindness, from a Tongan perspective. <br /><br />I have spent most of my life in the classroom, both as a student and as a teacher, but the lessons I have learned while sitting across from my grandparents, working along side them, observing them, and emulating them have influenced me the most! The lessons my grandparents have instilled in my mind have carried me through many exams and final papers. The love they have instilled in my heart has sustained me through the most challenging times. The cultural values they have instilled in my life has humbled me in so many ways. I cannot deny how much they have shaped my consciousness, influenced my choices and have guided the work that I do. When you are raised around that kind of environment, you cannot help but to innately know that you must give back some how. <br /><br />on this special day...I dedicate this blog entry to my maternal grandparents; Tonga and ‘Ana Malohifo’ou, who embraced me when I was alone, who loved me when it was difficult, who taught me everything good they knew, who instilled within me a love for my Tongan heritage, who taught me to love fiercely and to speak gently, who humbled me with their very presence, who encouraged me to dream dreams that surpasses the status quo, who believed that there was a place in America for a young Tongan girl who dared to dream, and who infused a love of God into my psyche, to both of you I will forever be indebted! <br /><br />I know that they are rejoicing together today and I hope that they both know how much I love, respect, and honor their memory, everything they stood for, and all that they have taught me.<br /><br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA & GRANDPA!!!!<br /><br />'OFA LAHI ATU Xoxox <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFLowCzPvTjGEpB0ChQ830sLEXlxOTEv23gwY4gkXNYlfnhr71wLJmhYN3IlYUTaQu5JRBttL0CngGo5JwLsJl5T5K8t-8SJCwDkjfBm7eW3rcCy-XjjXiYZVSESiSFnpVkt5fKRqRX3a/s1600-h/Grandpa1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFLowCzPvTjGEpB0ChQ830sLEXlxOTEv23gwY4gkXNYlfnhr71wLJmhYN3IlYUTaQu5JRBttL0CngGo5JwLsJl5T5K8t-8SJCwDkjfBm7eW3rcCy-XjjXiYZVSESiSFnpVkt5fKRqRX3a/s400/Grandpa1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327287521257381330" /></a><br />[back in the day kickin' it with Grams and Gramps.]<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EpFGkPuKypRyoObNnT4NBSsBDZ3B59v9rgNQevSjeJt7IhgLORnQLL2Mds-RSDftIv-uiQCzT7NWu8fepvGwABJzPKhyphenhyphen3LMFnnEwQHCMWB67V9lJroTsT8CVW-AV07MDLZEucX68xCJk/s1600-h/may+5+2005+031.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EpFGkPuKypRyoObNnT4NBSsBDZ3B59v9rgNQevSjeJt7IhgLORnQLL2Mds-RSDftIv-uiQCzT7NWu8fepvGwABJzPKhyphenhyphen3LMFnnEwQHCMWB67V9lJroTsT8CVW-AV07MDLZEucX68xCJk/s400/may+5+2005+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327304086940154146" /></a><br />[another generation of kids kickin' it with Gramps]'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-20352574572625256582009-04-13T14:54:00.011-06:002009-04-13T15:49:31.401-06:00Updates for this week...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIjtEOCqngjdGs4rCZmQ99__-ZUCkS59Ay9M_TcrtUcBEmJ2vb1Yz16NZvZ9zHWANc5AAQ7xb90e7Htbiz_IVIHBvX07TKNJNu0GKkpkDG9I1zWouLhUyiH9DdWUemBbGb-We_nqRgjAL/s1600-h/New+Tune+In.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIjtEOCqngjdGs4rCZmQ99__-ZUCkS59Ay9M_TcrtUcBEmJ2vb1Yz16NZvZ9zHWANc5AAQ7xb90e7Htbiz_IVIHBvX07TKNJNu0GKkpkDG9I1zWouLhUyiH9DdWUemBbGb-We_nqRgjAL/s400/New+Tune+In.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324288329385763954" /></a><br /><br />Just wanted to share some cool things going on this week...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J7BQFzhnv2PkeNeG1CL0v3OAHna3ModzPKz24HwNmiZkLQ1IHmUe_PwtwuRyOSueoZD7fNb3Z-dXD06BW32P4rApzAc3cMHtodVZxXG176XZaYDtuy0xaJTI1cXAWHQS9FWO1Jnkygqc/s1600-h/studio5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 77px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J7BQFzhnv2PkeNeG1CL0v3OAHna3ModzPKz24HwNmiZkLQ1IHmUe_PwtwuRyOSueoZD7fNb3Z-dXD06BW32P4rApzAc3cMHtodVZxXG176XZaYDtuy0xaJTI1cXAWHQS9FWO1Jnkygqc/s400/studio5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324290153252946114" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday (04/14/09</span>)... I will be on a panel discussion at 11am aired live on Studio 5 KSL TV discussing "Recognizing Ethnic Diversity" ... I really don't like being involved in these discussions because I feel that people never really want to dig deep into the heart of diversity and what it means. However, I have agreed to be involved in this one since the producer (Stephanie Bryson) sent me a really compelling email explaining that this will be a different sort of discussion. This discussion is suppose to move beyond the surface discussions of diversity...so we will see how it all turns out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG870HD2JUMQaV98Y4dCjvPEkE036YgDXPJmhA1WGf8ubfV3MitZAvNvsZHDFXbQFMj19blX-SuzuiGBZxYwTtGEEB_VIIZYnkfo5Mx0K-whscmcdL_LO12GxlPLs-JdLM_BvB0K9h6Lt/s1600-h/SLCC.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG870HD2JUMQaV98Y4dCjvPEkE036YgDXPJmhA1WGf8ubfV3MitZAvNvsZHDFXbQFMj19blX-SuzuiGBZxYwTtGEEB_VIIZYnkfo5Mx0K-whscmcdL_LO12GxlPLs-JdLM_BvB0K9h6Lt/s400/SLCC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324293024748502562" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday (04/16/09</span>)...I will be part of a panel for the Pacific Islander Course at SLCC discussing the H.Y.P.E. Movement.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXMPHl9JYkAIf6qeCCVAAYQdo2v8AgDCT88oKWHbxoU-x74IjG8me5rQnqHXdQA72BXFDf43UOj_h8roQHf23IKIg0tR_I4Jsh2kZlODHI37WL98KBnoRtOVTtDdfY-IqYTiHc2OLnpiF/s1600-h/sltrib.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXMPHl9JYkAIf6qeCCVAAYQdo2v8AgDCT88oKWHbxoU-x74IjG8me5rQnqHXdQA72BXFDf43UOj_h8roQHf23IKIg0tR_I4Jsh2kZlODHI37WL98KBnoRtOVTtDdfY-IqYTiHc2OLnpiF/s400/sltrib.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324290365832457826" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday (04/17/09</span>)... A couple of us will meet with Melinda Rogers (reporter from the Salt Lake City Tribune) and her editors to discuss some pressing issues about the ways in which they have continued to misrepresent our Pacific Islander communities in the media, but especially in their reporting in the Salt Lake Tribune! <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCOkqcjDvRE7sf1O_obijBjEgT19s3vM56kpdM731fEn8GcI_hdJ_LvXnPfRHofDsQ0ueAZEyD6o3_D53vkOW3yfpNRd9FjHpcSKpARpEENIkETFwmsDxMWTaguhAKhLlK6_M_4wKoUIX/s1600-h/Island_Vibe.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCOkqcjDvRE7sf1O_obijBjEgT19s3vM56kpdM731fEn8GcI_hdJ_LvXnPfRHofDsQ0ueAZEyD6o3_D53vkOW3yfpNRd9FjHpcSKpARpEENIkETFwmsDxMWTaguhAKhLlK6_M_4wKoUIX/s400/Island_Vibe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324290581204352322" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday (04/18/09</span>)... Asaeli Matelau and I will be interviewed on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/islandviberadio"target='_blank'>Island Vibe</a> radio from 4-5pm on AM 630...we will be discussing the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thehypemovement"target='_blank'>H.Y.P.E. Movement</a> and also the <a href="http://www.facethestruggle.blogspot.com/"target='_blank'>FACE Movement</a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-45326055197276876072009-03-27T13:38:00.007-06:002010-11-21T13:48:15.468-07:00New Zealand H.Y.P.E. Action<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCpuXubs4Sg8LpaGQTgwDg1um2NZ-v97-BdroHIHGN9UUtiTrrU8bwLts1jw4rS3duvaKjjDoDMPiv5xPvu2V9WjANpGZdV53TiPCDdC67sZjMst4kAseS6IbSMg_OsQCvnK_deoEo3qM/s1600-h/HYPE+-+Loleine+Finau,+%27Amelia+Misinale,+Naite+Tameifuna+%26+Maryanne+Pale.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCpuXubs4Sg8LpaGQTgwDg1um2NZ-v97-BdroHIHGN9UUtiTrrU8bwLts1jw4rS3duvaKjjDoDMPiv5xPvu2V9WjANpGZdV53TiPCDdC67sZjMst4kAseS6IbSMg_OsQCvnK_deoEo3qM/s400/HYPE+-+Loleine+Finau,+%27Amelia+Misinale,+Naite+Tameifuna+%26+Maryanne+Pale.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317954586923991522" /></a><br /><br />It has truly been a blessing to know that so many people share the vision of the H.Y.P.E. Movement! A couple of months ago I had asked Maryanne Pale, a colleague of mine from New Zealand if she would be willing to compose a poem for the H.Y.P.E. Movement! Despite her crazy schedule as a Phd student at the University of Auckland and among her many responsibilities, she kindly obliged and produced what is seen on the video below. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBGCbc-TRbHkLIlhJmwadSTUGOcswBfnDYin3npOuWy9-yNWPjXt8zph-oWP606kvB8kLATfb7dDz5MBRip-jOe89UYpNYTuw6ibEQtZDl8omiDSBmDV81wuyqWFyPwCLS0-NydEi73xq/s1600-h/HYPE+-+Maryanne+Pale.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBGCbc-TRbHkLIlhJmwadSTUGOcswBfnDYin3npOuWy9-yNWPjXt8zph-oWP606kvB8kLATfb7dDz5MBRip-jOe89UYpNYTuw6ibEQtZDl8omiDSBmDV81wuyqWFyPwCLS0-NydEi73xq/s400/HYPE+-+Maryanne+Pale.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317957130439277042" /></a><br />[Maryanne Pale Reppin' H.Y.P.E.]<br /><br />Please check it out and be inspired!!! <br />[Special Thanks to Solkrush, Bologna Fungi, & PASS for making this possible]<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w9_YV2owi33UwegOdjMHMdMcc-BNNhVZJPLN6MvklUclyzPCWtkClb0PNwdf4MaO3FWtInVpUOLfr1n8e2NGkiC0r61lyTg6C4OxNtUFFOqy-DMdvs92G-_FUhmYm67hNbH-_4MyrDLm/s1600-h/HYPE+-+Tala%27ofa+Finau,+Tovo+Tuione+%26+Ben+Tameifuna+-+(b%26w)1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w9_YV2owi33UwegOdjMHMdMcc-BNNhVZJPLN6MvklUclyzPCWtkClb0PNwdf4MaO3FWtInVpUOLfr1n8e2NGkiC0r61lyTg6C4OxNtUFFOqy-DMdvs92G-_FUhmYm67hNbH-_4MyrDLm/s400/HYPE+-+Tala%27ofa+Finau,+Tovo+Tuione+%26+Ben+Tameifuna+-+(b%26w)1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317957139435562210" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8AkEYBNO38fC972TmPdfmvt74ebhqNkbCMAhlLu6nrCjTpJN_SF9L628wqRs8I3p3lanyHGCWwe964r_1po1njKnOzYMLwTSPUFxsy-4DAOYuznWSSvG-DFw8Cv3Qx5-94kmPxS-kJg1/s1600-h/HYPE+-+Tovo+Tuione,+Tala%27ofa+Finau+%26+Ben+Tameifuna.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8AkEYBNO38fC972TmPdfmvt74ebhqNkbCMAhlLu6nrCjTpJN_SF9L628wqRs8I3p3lanyHGCWwe964r_1po1njKnOzYMLwTSPUFxsy-4DAOYuznWSSvG-DFw8Cv3Qx5-94kmPxS-kJg1/s400/HYPE+-+Tovo+Tuione,+Tala%27ofa+Finau+%26+Ben+Tameifuna.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317956942789685378" /></a><br />Check out more H.Y.P.E. Action photos <a href="http://photos.planet-tonga.com"target='_blank'>HERE</a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-31846171793645649052009-03-23T13:30:00.004-06:002009-03-23T13:46:08.458-06:00Awesome Kids!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl94RT8E9E6loGJpibif5UlzOENr1tsWUNMIVGH-fNSODHKV6qGTur_o2zJXrSv_IB8dCSyqVOBd6rYKHNBVGTBWgloSSTrpbyaq4FibOiMHpkyREaJNKy0dFQKtnSrnODYJHUrpIJrHZ7/s1600-h/Slide9.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl94RT8E9E6loGJpibif5UlzOENr1tsWUNMIVGH-fNSODHKV6qGTur_o2zJXrSv_IB8dCSyqVOBd6rYKHNBVGTBWgloSSTrpbyaq4FibOiMHpkyREaJNKy0dFQKtnSrnODYJHUrpIJrHZ7/s400/Slide9.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316471112837796690" /></a><br /><br />This past week we were invited to present on the H.Y.P.E. Movement at Salt Lake Community College's Pacific Islander College Day! <br /><br />I invited Abigail Langi, Daela Tipton and Sulia Matagi to be the main presenters that day. They were awesome!!! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kmnLpqU486HQacILFeXxn1eeb8q-ivkefg6m5kg5sRwyJD464yUc4ji1wvATNRlRfRBuSAd6h1SvvwuOmfl7WU6AE5ZSN9j8dkDFlELIFALQ1Z48UtM4fDu2ghzU8xHsdGViH03HZI4c/s1600-h/girls_neti.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kmnLpqU486HQacILFeXxn1eeb8q-ivkefg6m5kg5sRwyJD464yUc4ji1wvATNRlRfRBuSAd6h1SvvwuOmfl7WU6AE5ZSN9j8dkDFlELIFALQ1Z48UtM4fDu2ghzU8xHsdGViH03HZI4c/s400/girls_neti.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316470172378614882" /></a><br />[Abigail Langi, Daela Tipton, Sulia Matagi & their aunty Neti Taumoepeau (676)<br /><br />We initially met to go over what we would cover during the presentation and then exchanged emails throughout the week about the overall structure of the presentation and they came up with all the pictures for the powerpoint, wrote their own script, and also composed their own poetry. They were so amazing that I often forgot that they are only 12 years old!!!!!<br /><br />It just goes to prove how extremely talented our young people are when we raise our expectations of them and offer them love, support and the right kind of mentorship! Anything is possible! <br /><br />Check out the clips from their presentation and LIVE THE H.Y.P.E.!!!<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNQCkwcX2W4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oNQCkwcX2W4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />The girls also showed Andrew Vai's spoken word piece <span style="font-style:italic;">Go To School</span> and introduced him as their H.Y.P.E. Brother from the Bay area... very powerful! Check out the video and GET ON THE H.Y.P.E.!!!<br /><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RYRnZNBklFM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RYRnZNBklFM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-7439527463718537352009-03-10T03:24:00.004-06:002009-03-10T03:40:02.079-06:00Annoying Tourist!!!The Rock's skit on Saturday Night Live about annoying tourist who visit Hawaii! LOL! <br /><br />It's hilarious!!! <br /><br />You must watch it!!!<br /><br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/kx8e5N4ZbaCNsV3bnRbLMQ"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/kx8e5N4ZbaCNsV3bnRbLMQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" width="512" height="296"></embed></object><br /><br />"Aloha Hard" to the millions of annoying tourist who visit Hawaii every year!!! LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-43240751285541485092009-02-22T00:59:00.003-07:002009-02-22T03:48:49.696-07:00New Zealand Educators Supporting the H.Y.P.E. Movement<a href="http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/?action=view¤t=NZPASIFIKACOLLAG-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/NZPASIFIKACOLLAG-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Pasifika Academic Success Services (PASS) located on the Faculty of Education campus (Epsom), University of Auckland. Dr Meaola Amituanai-Toloa, Jane Schwalger & Mo'ale 'Otunuku - supporters of the H.Y.P.E movement. [Photographer: Ralph Misa]'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-27379689856493361412009-02-17T00:39:00.008-07:002009-04-07T15:12:57.907-06:00H.Y.P.E. Movement Logo & Mission Statement<a href="http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/?action=view¤t=HYPE_Logo_final.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/HYPE_Logo_final.png" border="0" alt="H.Y.P.E. Movement Logo"></a><br />[H.Y.P.E. MOVEMENT Logo]<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">H.Y.P.E. (Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation) Movement Mission Statement </span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><blockquote>The H.Y.P.E. Movement’s primary mission is to encourage young people to live their dreams by emancipating their minds from all barriers that hold them back from pursuing their greatest potential. We seek to work collectively to deconstruct structural oppression, oppose inequity and to break free from all destructive negativity as we move toward a future of endless possibilities for all young people regardless of race, class and gender. We further challenge all who are committed to the H.Y.P.E. Movement to become creators of social change and advocates for social justice. </blockquote> </span><br /><a href="http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/?action=view¤t=HYPEflyer2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss163/thehypemovement/HYPEflyer2.png" border="0" alt="HYPE MOVEMENT FLYER2"></a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-90574415255891237062009-02-05T09:06:00.004-07:002009-02-05T09:53:45.012-07:00Break Free From Negative StereotypesOur first official H.Y.P.E. Movement flyer! Please follow the link below to download your own copy and share it with your family and friends!<br /><br /><a title="View HYPE Flyer on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/11722973/HYPE-Flyer" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">HYPE Flyer</a> <object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" id="doc_110241999501003" name="doc_110241999501003" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" align="middle"height="500" width="100%"><param name="movie"value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf? ocument_id=11722973&access_key=key keysylt1q6eyytxl8qj&page=1&version=1&viewMode="> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="play" value="true"><param name="loop" value="true"> <param name="scale" value="showall"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="devicefont" value="false"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="menu" value="true"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="salign" value=""><embed src="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=11722973&access_key=key-keysylt1q6eyytxl8qj&page=1&version=1&viewMode=" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_110241999501003_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="500" width="100%"></embed></object><div style="margin: 6px auto 3px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> </div> <br /><br />Download your FREE copy of the H.Y.P.E. Movement Flyer <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/11722973/HYPE-Flyer"target='_blank'>HERE</a> and share it with your friends!!!<br /><br />Many thanks to <a href="http://thefutureisbrown.blogspot.com/"target='_blank'>Richard Wolfgramm</a> for designing the flyer!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-44166545772426805612009-02-04T16:57:00.011-07:002009-02-05T12:05:04.345-07:00"I'm strong and fierce, I know what I'm about"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QuviPM3LHdqn6ijrJsnH6llR4rpzNXYP5Vwc4MwfhdOYR3Tss-Dh93y-zVgFNPJS2MvKHDhSd0HgZmYxiDdlsmtO-BfhYbTfTfKPXPqytLvhJvOdAEdVmNgmdQYfwF_7-zUJVkjVYot5/s1600-h/hsblog3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QuviPM3LHdqn6ijrJsnH6llR4rpzNXYP5Vwc4MwfhdOYR3Tss-Dh93y-zVgFNPJS2MvKHDhSd0HgZmYxiDdlsmtO-BfhYbTfTfKPXPqytLvhJvOdAEdVmNgmdQYfwF_7-zUJVkjVYot5/s400/hsblog3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299100506619594770" /></a><br />[Abigail Langi & Sulia Matagi cousins and best friends forever]<br /><br />A couple of months ago I had asked my beautiful and talented niece <a href="http://feelingpoetry.blogspot.com/"target='_blank'>Abigail Langi</a> if she would be willing to write a poem about the <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/search/label/HYPE"target='_blank'>H.Y.P.E. Movement</a> and what it represents for her! She loves to write poetry, short stories, and expression pieces! I was so impressed with the poem she wrote, which she entitled "Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation"! <br /><br />She is only 12 years old, but already understands the potential of the movement and the possibilities it holds for her and other young people like herself. <br /><br />This past weekend she was able to recite her poem at the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/manyislands"target='_blank'> Many Islands Open Mic</a>! <br /><br />Check it out on the video below!<br /><br />Awesome job Abby, I am so proud of you!!! <br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o3h2JYf0Qa4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o3h2JYf0Qa4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Abby also sang a song that night after reciting her poem!<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4MtVGxxmhuA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4MtVGxxmhuA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation</span><br />By: Abigail Mohelata Langi<br /><br />Can you hear me out there?<br />No, can you really hear me out there?<br />Do see me standing in front of you?<br />Cause I see you<br />Do you see the things that are happening in this world?<br />It doesn't matter if your a boy or a girl<br />If your hair is straight or you have curls<br /><br />Is it just me?<br />Don't you see it.........<br />The kids that die, the ones that suffer<br />The people making bad decisions<br />And hurting one another<br />Based on things they see everday.....<br />Based on the lives that have gone a stray<br />Whether it's right or if it's wrong<br />Such a sad tune; an endless song.<br /><br />Just because the color of my skin<br />Doesn't mean that I shouldn't win<br />I have a dream<br />That I'm gonna be somebody<br />I have the potential<br />That lies in EVERYBODY,<br />The freedom to think<br />And speak my mind<br />I'm letting go,<br />One step at a time....<br /><br />It's hard sometimes,<br />Without a doubt<br />But I'm strong and I'm fierce<br />I know what I'm about<br />My pride,<br />My glory<br />Pushes me right through it<br />Gives me the right<br />And the power to do it<br /><br />What are we waiting for?<br />Lets make a difference, it starts today<br />Emancipate our mind, our thoughts<br />It's time to make a change!<br /><br />"GET ON THE H.Y.P.E"<br /></blockquote>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-34405340258208199782009-01-22T21:24:00.000-07:002009-01-23T00:51:32.329-07:00Get on the H.Y.P.E.-- Cubworld<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjud1w3RB6OqK9z7OiCfDuudinHhl_oSBtdIZbsLD-8NpQQAVtQQcQ2oYNMBgXI8Ae7pGuoZColldHreIJRFRdzgiwxuOiNz_9mCvdb50McwmxuAI9pRn0r_xcoQUaKlhfnQdD3Ibysxf/s1600-h/jake2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjud1w3RB6OqK9z7OiCfDuudinHhl_oSBtdIZbsLD-8NpQQAVtQQcQ2oYNMBgXI8Ae7pGuoZColldHreIJRFRdzgiwxuOiNz_9mCvdb50McwmxuAI9pRn0r_xcoQUaKlhfnQdD3Ibysxf/s400/jake2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294297657566761442" /></a><br />[Jake Kongaika/Cubworld]<br /><br />A couple of months ago I came across <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax09EHiGi4o"target='_blank'>this</a> video clip of Cubworld singing in Amsterdam. I was so moved by the whole performance that I immediately became a Cubworld fan! There are many talented musicians out there but very few are talented and humble! Cubworld is definitely among those few and we are honored to have him represent for the H.Y.P.E Movement! <br /><br />Check out his HYPE video profile below and share it with your friends!<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/idVm6YMaW4s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idVm6YMaW4s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Click on the picture below to check out Cubworld's music!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cubworldepk.com/"target='_blank'><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEr38FpLF39OhEwcub7SAnYskus6nDsPcvWfsRzZXxuySYefo3l3a4yN1K2rpdOLkaPg2h3_axsvcTyFOVWdAt1oWvh84jyK8V2wX2ahJcz2XaU_bb0gGY7f5-7BeWYbH2yZgmQFC14Oo/s400/cubworld.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294342644176532834" /></a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-45513331384783360472009-01-22T20:59:00.000-07:002009-01-23T00:48:08.780-07:00H.Y.P.E Movement Clarifications...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkd0tQsHdOPvImgQb3jOJ4jNcCXOsh9z3aK6m2I6q6WLnmbTxJ_s54bV60BHhbCg-wuFppmKloZndFa-4Iu5Lqx6n1w6HSvXLWfiEmgl0QeJWxwfHyqgAlOrb8KrOdc7aY2iBI5O9OJ9/s1600-h/attention.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkd0tQsHdOPvImgQb3jOJ4jNcCXOsh9z3aK6m2I6q6WLnmbTxJ_s54bV60BHhbCg-wuFppmKloZndFa-4Iu5Lqx6n1w6HSvXLWfiEmgl0QeJWxwfHyqgAlOrb8KrOdc7aY2iBI5O9OJ9/s400/attention.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294338461593292130" /></a><br /><br />It has been brought to my attention by some young people and parents that there are some rumors circulating around our community about the purpose of the H.Y.P.E. Movement and what it stands for...so let me clear it up real quick...<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">Q: Is the H.Y.P.E. Movement's purpose to get young people to emancipate themselves from their parents?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A: NO. Parents are central to this movement without their love and support this movement would not be possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Q: Does the H.Y.P.E. Movement encourage young people to rebel against their religious beliefs, spirituality, gospel doctrines?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A: Of course NOT.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Q: Does the word "emancipation" only refer to drugged out Bob Marley fans who like to smoke weed and do drugs?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A: That's ridiculous but if you really need an answer--- it's NO.</span><br /></blockquote><br />To find out more about what the H.Y.P.E. Movement stands for...click on the link on the right hand corner of my blog where it says "H.Y.P.E. Movement Info".<br /><br />If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me at anapesi@gmail.com'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-27689748063917963742009-01-13T21:06:00.001-07:002009-01-13T21:54:33.220-07:00Words from the Wise--Farewell Dr. 'Epeli Hau'ofa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xv3dg5euNazXd-6QQNNo35XDNzCJCxmhuhfDJgF7PVhw6tfnoufV1K-ctuCJPnXiZWfObDrIfae6scbPKTDPjeexJAh6-U_VpFc969bnTnRw8jRif_6f3ggoTqb_nNdjENuZd3uc_fr7/s1600-h/epeli_hauofa.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xv3dg5euNazXd-6QQNNo35XDNzCJCxmhuhfDJgF7PVhw6tfnoufV1K-ctuCJPnXiZWfObDrIfae6scbPKTDPjeexJAh6-U_VpFc969bnTnRw8jRif_6f3ggoTqb_nNdjENuZd3uc_fr7/s400/epeli_hauofa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290996194473234386" /></a><br />[Picture borrowed from <a href="http://colourmefiji.wordpress.com/2009/01/12/rip-epeli-hauofa/#comment-2632"target='_blank'>Color Me Fiji's</a> Blog.<br /><br />I discovered 'Epeli's writings at a very critical time in my academic career when I was trying to make sense of writings by non-Tongan scholars about Tongans. At the time I couldn't fully articulate why their writings never really spoke to me and I had a hard time identifying with their analysis of the experiences of my Tongan people. <br /><br />Then I came across 'Epeli's words which boldly spoke to me that <span style="font-style:italic;">"human reality is human creation, if we fail to create our own reality someone else will do it for us"</span>...I decided then that I was going to work in constructing my own reality and in creating a platform for us to retell our own stories and reclaim our legacy as Pacific people!<br /><br />It was 'Epeli who put forth the idea that the <span style="font-style:italic;">Ocean is in Us</span> that we are not just Islands in the Sea but rather that we are a <span style="font-style:italic;">Sea of Islands</span> and that the Ocean doesn't divide us as Pacific people but rather it connects us! <br /><br />He stressed that the terms Pacific Islander/Polynesian were all terms made up arbitrarily during the time of colonization to conquer and divide the Pacific. Before those terms were invented by outsiders to describe us, we were always the <span style="font-style:italic;">Moana</span> people--the people of the ocean!<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">"there are no more suitable people on earth to be the custodians of the oceans than those for whom the sea is home...we seem to have forgotten that we are such a people...our roots...our origins are embedded in the sea...our ancestors were brought here by the sea...the sea is our pathway to each other and to everyone else, the sea is our endless saga, the sea is our most powerful metaphor...the Ocean is in Us..." </span><br />--Epeli Ha'uofa </blockquote><br />Farewell Dr. Ha'uofa! Thank you for inspiring even those of us who have lived away from the Ocean for so long...that even we could carry on the legacy of the<span style="font-style:italic;"> Moana</span> people!!! 'Ofa lahi atu!!!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-6436304132877946252009-01-13T16:46:00.000-07:002009-01-13T16:59:54.232-07:00Planet Tonga Website Credentialed to Cover Presidential Inaugural Events...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfiB3mc96Q5bCJ4idS0zhtH-DNEd_AXqLJ5_ZqXQqNuYfwVoWbrqt6_02cG_Ed0Rm2QwP2Qx_YJ2-15iVv95YsU_D37qrIWC5sFY9CGg_XLP1e7OiN9r5jvHlmh0kM6gWU3VOWuFdiXA_/s1600-h/n512360649_4780835_6113.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfiB3mc96Q5bCJ4idS0zhtH-DNEd_AXqLJ5_ZqXQqNuYfwVoWbrqt6_02cG_Ed0Rm2QwP2Qx_YJ2-15iVv95YsU_D37qrIWC5sFY9CGg_XLP1e7OiN9r5jvHlmh0kM6gWU3VOWuFdiXA_/s400/n512360649_4780835_6113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290930084914613010" /></a><br /><br />I am a huge OBAMA supporter and so you can imagine my excitement when I received this in my Planet Tonga email...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMboDmeah398j-QlwL0pespR_M4iESIKaB-NBN2EZ52jpNg4u_8vsDjv-Vt1BH-6L-z-BuEJOcd0vhG0UDEuascJ5QTkNL1Zcp8uNMOXExoQ_OSxwxbUEeUFi8_t722HnsOAad35Oys9u/s1600-h/PIC.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMboDmeah398j-QlwL0pespR_M4iESIKaB-NBN2EZ52jpNg4u_8vsDjv-Vt1BH-6L-z-BuEJOcd0vhG0UDEuascJ5QTkNL1Zcp8uNMOXExoQ_OSxwxbUEeUFi8_t722HnsOAad35Oys9u/s400/PIC.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290931140347695314" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>To Anapesi Kaili, Planet Tonga Website:<br /><br />Thank you for your request for press credentials to cover the official events sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009 (PIC). This letter is your official notification that the Planet Tonga Website has been selected by the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Committee to cover events at the upcoming Presidential Inaugural events.<br /><br />Please find all the necessary information attached.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing you!<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Media Credentialing Department<br />Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009</blockquote><br /><br />What an amazing opportunity!!!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-8509059600104884742009-01-13T00:15:00.001-07:002009-01-13T02:18:15.203-07:00"The Promise" (HYPE Song) 676 Featuring the HYPE Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZKEBJYoUjhahMDBXado_T8-8TdrNVkePxZhQrmW1UI8qkKKe9Vo4u-y5LBBJeyCFOb0u1ridT-OTq9klOQOE4OI9_nleFcF5y9wHzzcEWAxbXEeCOIcDA7gAMuY6iLEn_y4xfqXX-kyC/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZKEBJYoUjhahMDBXado_T8-8TdrNVkePxZhQrmW1UI8qkKKe9Vo4u-y5LBBJeyCFOb0u1ridT-OTq9klOQOE4OI9_nleFcF5y9wHzzcEWAxbXEeCOIcDA7gAMuY6iLEn_y4xfqXX-kyC/s400/4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290693791704131506" /></a><br />[Reppin' H.Y.P.E. at recording studio]<br /><br />Check out "The Promise" (HYPE Song) 676 Featuring the HYPE Kids<br /><br /><left><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/swf/mp3/mff-pill.swf" height="110" width="265" style="width:265px;height:110px"><param name="movie" value="http://assets.myflashfetish.com/swf/mp3/mff-pill.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="TL" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="flashvars" value="myid=17252626&path=2009/01/13&mycolor=C4B39B&mycolor2=A30808&mycolor3=75644C&autoplay=false&rand=0&f=4&vol=100&pat=0&grad=false&ow=265&oh=110"/></object><left><br /><br />You can download your FREE copy of "The Promise" on the <a href="http://www.planet-tonga.com" target="_blank">Planet Tonga Website</a><br /><br />"The Promise" was written specifically for the Hype Movement. Different issues in our community were embedded in the back of the mind of 676, however to make sure the right audience was targetted, the youth was the main focus. The first verse starts off with 676 - Neti Taumoepeau, and is symbolic of a parent or elder speaking to a child. The second verse of the song was recorded by her niece Abby Langi, (12 years old) and symbolizes the child's response, or the "promise" about to take place. In composing this song 676 wanted the lyrics to be something empowering for our young people. The chorus and the last bridge were all sung by the HYPE KIDS ranging in age from 5 - 13 years old which was a perfect touch and ending to the Hype song, "The Promise". <br /> <br />CHORUS:<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This time I promise to<br />Give it my everything<br />My heart my strength <br />I'll give it all let nothing <br />Stand in my way</span><br /> <br />Special thanks to the H.Y.P.E. Kids: Kaufo'ou Motu'apuaka, 'Ilaise Matagi, Silia Ka'ili, Saione Matagi, Fine Langi, Zac Tipton, 'Amoni Ka'ili, Daela Tipton, Kyala Brown, Abby Langi, Sulia Matagi, Vaofua Ka'ili, Marisela Medina, Sariah Brown & 'Anapesi Ka'ili Jr. <br /><br />Read more about the making of the HYPE song <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2008/12/promise-hype-song-recording.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2009/01/making-of-hype-song-video.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-76539797544304527322009-01-08T09:08:00.003-07:002010-04-03T14:35:27.201-06:00H.Y.P.E. Movement Commercial-- It's Our Time to Make a Difference!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YtxQopiLOpzMy2g4WQn_u8DSIXZ-jAjkNumGMOmYONz2ZSlouxZvxkvhavDTCYBxY7sCudmdsfJnlZJoHgl6ga_IhNJp8M5LeAe54jKmsqbolVUV4cL3TBQbmT9reJ1BTen17XFZ0hcg/s1600-h/group1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YtxQopiLOpzMy2g4WQn_u8DSIXZ-jAjkNumGMOmYONz2ZSlouxZvxkvhavDTCYBxY7sCudmdsfJnlZJoHgl6ga_IhNJp8M5LeAe54jKmsqbolVUV4cL3TBQbmT9reJ1BTen17XFZ0hcg/s400/group1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289575339622688258" /></a><br />[Reppin' HYPE with Bologna Fungi Film Crew after filming the commercial]<br /><br />I had so many mixed feelings about the making of this commercial--perhaps I wasn't sure if I wanted to put it out there so bluntly, but after much thought I knew there was no other way around the truth!<br /><br />I had initially conceptualized the idea for the script with my cousin <a href="http://myplock.posterous.com/" target="_blank">Richard Wolfgramm</a> after a conversation I had with the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bolognafungi"target='_blank'>Bologna Fungi Film Crew</a> about a commercial that would discuss the current statistics in our Pacific Islander community. <br /><br />It is always difficult for me to see the statistics of what is happening with our young people, to others it may just be numbers, but to me, those numbers represent a face, a name, a relative--it's never just some random number!<br /><br />I kept writing and rewriting the script literally until the morning of the commercial shoot. My intention was to help our community understand that the current trends of where we are heading is dreadful and unacceptable and that if we don't take a stand TODAY our Pacific Islander young people will continue to suffer! <br /><br />It was difficult even in the filming of the commercial to hear our young ones say their lines because it made things so real, so concrete, so immediate! One of the hardest and saddest things for me as an educator is to come across young people who have accepted this craziness as their destiny and see no hope and no kind of future for themselves! <br /><br />This commercial is representative of what is happening to the majority of our young people ages 15-17! I wish I could say that this commercial was just a random script I wrote to get an emotional response from people, but unfortunately this commercial is reflective of the lived reality of many young people.<br /><br />Many have asked me why do I spend so much time engaged in this type of work-- and my response has always been the same "how can I not?" How can we not use whatever talents and resources we have to ensure a brighter future for our young people and our communities? <br /><br />It starts with MAKING A CHOICE!!! <span style="font-weight:bold;">I HOPE TODAY, YOU CHOOSE TO <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thehypemovement" target="_blank">LIVE THE H.Y.P.E.!!!</a></span><br /><br />LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!<br /><br />GET ON THE HYPE!!!<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/36mtG35_uSg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/36mtG35_uSg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Much love and gratitude to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bolognafungi"target='_blank'>Bologna Fungi Film Crew</a> for bringing this script to life in a way that only they could!!!'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-52227479088029342962009-01-06T13:15:00.000-07:002009-01-08T21:52:32.478-07:00Take Action...End the Occupation...Take Action: End Israel's Attacks on Gaza<br /><br /><blockquote>Since December 27, Israel’s brutal attacks on the occupied Gaza Strip have killed more than an estimated 640 people and injured more than 3,000. Today Israeli artillery shells landed on a UN school in the Jebaliya refugee camp, killing at least 34 people and injuring at least 55.<br /><br />Israel's attacks come on top of a brutal siege of the Gaza Strip, which has created a humanitarian catastrophe of dire proportions for Gaza's 1.5 million Palestinian residents by restricting the provision of food, fuel, medicine, electricity, and other necessities of life.<br /><br />Make no mistake about it-Israel's war and siege on the Gaza Strip would not be possible without the jets, helicopters, ships, missiles, and fuel provided by the United States.</blockquote> Read more <a href="http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1775"target='_blank'>HERE</a> and Take Action!!!<br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K5wrwZlwAq8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K5wrwZlwAq8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How many do we have to kill before the killing is through???</span>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-35425747235310597272009-01-01T15:48:00.000-07:002009-01-02T04:20:09.374-07:00The Making of the HYPE Song Video<p><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Mlh4DqtIOo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Mlh4DqtIOo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></p><p><br /><br />Check out the making of the HYPE Movement Song... "The Promise" written and composed by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/six7six"target='_blank'>676 (Neti Taumoepeau)</a> featuring our Pacific Islander youth and filmed by the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bolognafungi"target='_blank'>Bologna Fungi Film Crew</a>!!!<br /><br />Read <a href="http://www.bebo.com/BlogView.jsp?MemberId=4539142559&BlogId=8392497129"target='_blank'>HERE</a> about the whole idea behind the song "The Promise"!<br /><br />Add it to your page and share with your friends and spread the word about the <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2008/12/get-on-hype.html"target='_blank'>HYPE MOVEMENT</a>!!!<br /><br />It's our time...Rise up Pacific People.... GET ON THE HYPE!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos.planet-tonga.com/"target='_blank'>HYPE PHOTOS</a><br /><a href="http://www.bebo.com/hypemovement"target='_blank'>HYPE MOVEMENT BEBO</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/anapesi"target='_blank'>MY MYSPACE</a><br /><a href="http://www.bebo.com/anapesik"target='_blank'>MY BEBO</a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-4486143235861932282008-12-31T09:08:00.000-07:002009-01-08T22:40:49.639-07:00"The Promise"... HYPE song recording...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6EMOC_QkewHyd_kt98yPPVidO9avIpnhBGdEJeTFXGSFD3iY5DsoNCp2JfPekK7R4ekduEPbkI9nUFIl10oBAcbOdM0n1oj5IZ2oyqLGdHB__5EuQR8wKL5YDb2Vrb7K1xEXvSbTWcsi/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286093937539916466" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6EMOC_QkewHyd_kt98yPPVidO9avIpnhBGdEJeTFXGSFD3iY5DsoNCp2JfPekK7R4ekduEPbkI9nUFIl10oBAcbOdM0n1oj5IZ2oyqLGdHB__5EuQR8wKL5YDb2Vrb7K1xEXvSbTWcsi/s400/7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/six7six" target="_blank">676 (Neti Taumoepeau</a> wrote and composed a song for the <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2008/12/get-on-hype.html"target='_blank'>HYPE MOVEMENT</a> called <em><strong>The Promise</strong> </em> which she plans to release as her first single of her upcoming album to be released in 2009. <em><strong>The Promise</strong></em> incorporates the voices of our young people as they promise to live their dreams and reach their greatest potential<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBct5chPqaZcbwQZbZE86NLDSzb43lCQMFZOL3N77vPU_lCqyyStohKT_Up7PRyAnF4qtnuDnfYS0hFNvPMe8n4f7r5b5HE9MwgenABiavkmly7VIz5dQLNt24af2UkkiqoJckz5ER0D15/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286095231594042018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBct5chPqaZcbwQZbZE86NLDSzb43lCQMFZOL3N77vPU_lCqyyStohKT_Up7PRyAnF4qtnuDnfYS0hFNvPMe8n4f7r5b5HE9MwgenABiavkmly7VIz5dQLNt24af2UkkiqoJckz5ER0D15/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZZPVxpvZvru-pJI8Sf0IbdrgT1A0X6duJNtNH3lhyphenhyphenV9rq5gbFqL4Dvx1ikm43TLZyQ6fe22ynIAgMa3mF5JL2eunE-aBmYJxWNVgi8VnIp_qa77NfNt1UaFYOwWbNPpd25dSCh6uNaV5/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286095231625529954" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 373px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZZPVxpvZvru-pJI8Sf0IbdrgT1A0X6duJNtNH3lhyphenhyphenV9rq5gbFqL4Dvx1ikm43TLZyQ6fe22ynIAgMa3mF5JL2eunE-aBmYJxWNVgi8VnIp_qa77NfNt1UaFYOwWbNPpd25dSCh6uNaV5/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx-_zQ-rKJJdI6d014hOJar8aVcVilC0Nsca2JVQOl2eeywdujVqc8o2Nl_EqPNdx4BVm-XQU8fEsjSwtjyBz9PIrqYi57vsM7IphwALMlsN2Ixr-nG41qcSV7dreqefxC829dKMZRImT/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286095227245078258" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx-_zQ-rKJJdI6d014hOJar8aVcVilC0Nsca2JVQOl2eeywdujVqc8o2Nl_EqPNdx4BVm-XQU8fEsjSwtjyBz9PIrqYi57vsM7IphwALMlsN2Ixr-nG41qcSV7dreqefxC829dKMZRImT/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a wonderful experience for all those who were involved. The young ones loved being able to go into the studio and record their parts and also get to listen to themselves afterwards. It was truly an empowering experience for them and for us!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t_sVMVLB2VyjPyhCOnuj5P-OuNB0Z6-Hoib1DXDU7v2BD_AUTSwB2A0CxQh29mWZA-aR-Zr7tccRSI7XTJ9LjfBGRxRF-ev2wiMuVzSSKKLcB_PG015gUzjmUSz-fvegLf6RUmUne106/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286094796482976674" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t_sVMVLB2VyjPyhCOnuj5P-OuNB0Z6-Hoib1DXDU7v2BD_AUTSwB2A0CxQh29mWZA-aR-Zr7tccRSI7XTJ9LjfBGRxRF-ev2wiMuVzSSKKLcB_PG015gUzjmUSz-fvegLf6RUmUne106/s400/8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bolognafungi" target="_blank">Bolonga Fungi</a> film crew was also their to film the whole experience and also to conduct some interviews with the parents and children involved.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the video...coming soon...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEHf3eSRwqXAhAz2relGgAsr4TA8hxK6r1nGRq_P9f2aqhssIdRIJViWBBC5tdEDZx7FnEV_p8xCAuxxlOT_bLODZ-ImqH_7VjNL66BM2f04WmtUZcxizXKNKu_sG4chTCSMyPgpeZzBA/s1600-h/19.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286094793479990802" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEHf3eSRwqXAhAz2relGgAsr4TA8hxK6r1nGRq_P9f2aqhssIdRIJViWBBC5tdEDZx7FnEV_p8xCAuxxlOT_bLODZ-ImqH_7VjNL66BM2f04WmtUZcxizXKNKu_sG4chTCSMyPgpeZzBA/s400/19.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Many thanks to all who were part of making this possible! I am honored to share this journey with all of you!<br /><br />'Ofa lahi atu!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Czr48V_YHA6eABuSEdsAR3W3LJoInFbjgJJmZlVmInhgfbXXQ-MTQZhhuM0NdQwHait3brfSYIKNlnE3ohruYPYQ2DkW1dk2hRsVq18yYX6CoVwdA-Ygnc8y22MV5iVc-G91bQhaesLq/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286096448845438290" style="WIDTH: 351px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Czr48V_YHA6eABuSEdsAR3W3LJoInFbjgJJmZlVmInhgfbXXQ-MTQZhhuM0NdQwHait3brfSYIKNlnE3ohruYPYQ2DkW1dk2hRsVq18yYX6CoVwdA-Ygnc8y22MV5iVc-G91bQhaesLq/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a>'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-17291577170730779942008-12-29T21:46:00.001-07:002009-11-22T16:27:23.451-07:00Hefa Tuita-- HYPE in Action...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziakbQrNlcIQDO5lJH-9DIcy3pCS1ZSKlar2UR0W5gAdnBiLpYYFbFiLhaYyx4ZqeK0bclOvKbm9WZjaETRSSS-a4tnXMKgcd_KVKHTYGEhnkXDQXQ8VxI7v089yUR3xH7fDPNw6FqcN_/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziakbQrNlcIQDO5lJH-9DIcy3pCS1ZSKlar2UR0W5gAdnBiLpYYFbFiLhaYyx4ZqeK0bclOvKbm9WZjaETRSSS-a4tnXMKgcd_KVKHTYGEhnkXDQXQ8VxI7v089yUR3xH7fDPNw6FqcN_/s400/hefa1HYPE10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285506235479746834" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr. Reppin' HYPE]<br /><br /><br />I have received many emails inquiring about my process in choosing who would be part of the HYPE Photoshoot.<br /><br />There was really only 3 simple criterias:<br /><br />1) They needed to be from here in Utah (mainly for logistical reasons)<br />2) They had to be Pacific Islander<br />3) Their lives had to fully reflect the meaning behind the HYPE Movement<br /><br />Many of these young people I had previously known and had worked with on various projects; some had been my students, others I have written about or have worked with in some type of capacity.<br /><br />However, there was only one, who I actually never really formally met (well only once, but it was just in passing), but it was a conversation that I had with his father about a year ago, that fully convinced me that his son had to be part of this photoshoot.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoAgpL9hGORhmQv2QdK2YtSmWj8vNNp2IFyprrzxD_Aqxgld2_WbHR1yDjczRZPSIDi3aa3dLEnD3nvFSHIk2d6JmLEolcF0DeIdWYFR-MAKaENlpeeonGtPntnZiPjPYK70_j7wl4Rw8/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285463482956861026" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoAgpL9hGORhmQv2QdK2YtSmWj8vNNp2IFyprrzxD_Aqxgld2_WbHR1yDjczRZPSIDi3aa3dLEnD3nvFSHIk2d6JmLEolcF0DeIdWYFR-MAKaENlpeeonGtPntnZiPjPYK70_j7wl4Rw8/s400/hefa1HYPE6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr.]<br /><br />I am of course talking about <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2980207/bio" target="_blank">Hefa Tuita Jr.</a> the star dancer on Nickelodeon's new dance show, <a href="http://www.nick.com/shows/dos/index.jhtml" target="_blank"><em>Dance On Sunset</em></a>. He was also in <em>High School Musical 2</em> and <em>Unaccompanied Minors </em>and has shared the stage with many amazing dance choreograpahers and superstars; singer Rihanna being one of them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIkSowlk8ijJV760U5DKPt364nwXEfgsKV8uWv7O36cUPwJUz8AKX45BdzTYxhNCgbgrzHOwFe7ZKkNxMSTcYnzDRDT8y_zkOE1G3EulDtJz8y3pyRzqRlnroQVlaLQON9QaDSycTgn5p/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285453663507213602" style="WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIkSowlk8ijJV760U5DKPt364nwXEfgsKV8uWv7O36cUPwJUz8AKX45BdzTYxhNCgbgrzHOwFe7ZKkNxMSTcYnzDRDT8y_zkOE1G3EulDtJz8y3pyRzqRlnroQVlaLQON9QaDSycTgn5p/s400/hefa1HYPE4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr.]<br /><br />However, it wasn't just his great resume of success that made me track him down for this photoshoot (I was almost borderline stalking by the time I finally was able to secure a date/time/location for the photoshoot... we literally confirmed everything between the hours of midnight to 3am...hahaha...yes, that's how much I wanted him to be part of this photoshoot)!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXgOsPrqcJ1PV5IGmcqVFY5Udku6DzYfyiyk8XxIwpdh9BgD9zp6YNf4P9QPQc5jOtxmo1Cny2Y4dBxiJURdE7mWVpMrG1LaoSCXU0U-Fyop1ZHyyZS0p87K8sdd_9ql5v295jWtuCx6/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285453284131971234" style="WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXgOsPrqcJ1PV5IGmcqVFY5Udku6DzYfyiyk8XxIwpdh9BgD9zp6YNf4P9QPQc5jOtxmo1Cny2Y4dBxiJURdE7mWVpMrG1LaoSCXU0U-Fyop1ZHyyZS0p87K8sdd_9ql5v295jWtuCx6/s400/hefa1HYPE5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr.]<br /><br />In December 2007, I was organizing a <a href="http://planet-tonga.com/anapesi/2008/01/04/reflections-and-new-beginnings/" target="_blank"><em>Bone Marrow Registry Drive</em></a> in our Pacific Islander Community, which was connected to a concert that featured various Pacific Islander music artists.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN96G1vp3mas9VgxqeYRLIynEMCRRvgeYi9Fq6IlJvghtBXc48eGIezsaXOshvOTyBffVx1xzm58Z0SCdvu1Lmms475KSMKuh-0w6FnZm30eGr9NU4PcFhStfS2G3MOztLuG7DZlKNXFM/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285455844230205922" style="WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN96G1vp3mas9VgxqeYRLIynEMCRRvgeYi9Fq6IlJvghtBXc48eGIezsaXOshvOTyBffVx1xzm58Z0SCdvu1Lmms475KSMKuh-0w6FnZm30eGr9NU4PcFhStfS2G3MOztLuG7DZlKNXFM/s400/hefa1HYPE3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr.]<br /><br />At an informal dress rehearsal held a couple of days before the concert, Hefa Sr. (Hefa's father) had brought his sons to the University of Utah for a quick rehearsal. I had never heard of the Tuita boys, but was assured by everyone present that they were the real deal--talented, handsome, and most of all humble-- and they proved to be exactly that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4501fWGKVcjHjFswdVEyEt_PEbesDF232cYMxy3xHlJwDA3G2cdJKKwQOLMF54DxwpygZmYhwpFpqcrZG851DgjQW6hcQzb4p83XbedfOoY1xk8O9HW4TCQpbngU9RgUpxxcj1lZyJBO/s1600-h/hefa1HYPE11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285454136820152386" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4501fWGKVcjHjFswdVEyEt_PEbesDF232cYMxy3xHlJwDA3G2cdJKKwQOLMF54DxwpygZmYhwpFpqcrZG851DgjQW6hcQzb4p83XbedfOoY1xk8O9HW4TCQpbngU9RgUpxxcj1lZyJBO/s400/hefa1HYPE11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr.]<br /><br />Immediately after the dress rehearsal I met their father and we talked for a short while about our Tongan community and some of the things I was hoping to do in the community. I specifically remember him talking about how proud he was of his sons and how he had raised them with the two most important values in the Tongan culture--Respect and Service!!! He then said to me "<em>my boys are very proud to be Tongan and I hope they do good things for our Tongan community"! </em>Our conversation lasted for probably only ten minutes, but I knew then that this father had instilled in his sons not only a fierce love for their Tongan culture but also a sense of responsibilty in regards to the power of service!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLANCUFTZi24Sod4g6tV3fdzvhgq17Fm0KtEs8RmNaPdQr1xVgspVIUrLjh2GR9IKZ7osjpP-EadZVdSaMnT9IDLwi2G-9NsDaQAZtDWjvxWWmS205GFlzBGEliAujmiT3vhByaMQMHMdE/s1600-h/hefa12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285454781858391650" style="WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLANCUFTZi24Sod4g6tV3fdzvhgq17Fm0KtEs8RmNaPdQr1xVgspVIUrLjh2GR9IKZ7osjpP-EadZVdSaMnT9IDLwi2G-9NsDaQAZtDWjvxWWmS205GFlzBGEliAujmiT3vhByaMQMHMdE/s400/hefa12.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr. Reppin' his father's Firefighter Uniform]<br /><br />When I decided that we would do a professional HYPE photoshoot, Hefa Jr.'s name was one of the first on the list because I knew he represented everything that the <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2008/12/get-on-hype.html" target="_blank">HYPE MOVEMENT</a> is about, but mostly because of my brief conversation with his father about a year ago.<br /><br />Unfortunately, his father passed away before we could actually do this photoshoot, but I hope that through the HYPE Movement, a new generation of Pacific Islanders will be able to actualize the yearnings of many of our grandparents and parents, who had always envisioned a future of endless possibilities for us!<br /><br />Rest in Love Hefa Tuita Sr., even in your absence, you still continue to inspire us!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PHdXkFLhkrBVJUjLoiDcbHQ0vWcQZZtc5qxds7lZFQhNDpjqrS1KuAuJnS1FT1BW5WpunfDb4buUNKqw037WuhWOLauY972O_W5B35zIrxL6WMwNolpGxQOs3E5p-ht5GUFIwn4GWb2l/s1600-h/hefa10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285454774158948226" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PHdXkFLhkrBVJUjLoiDcbHQ0vWcQZZtc5qxds7lZFQhNDpjqrS1KuAuJnS1FT1BW5WpunfDb4buUNKqw037WuhWOLauY972O_W5B35zIrxL6WMwNolpGxQOs3E5p-ht5GUFIwn4GWb2l/s400/hefa10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />[Hefa Tuita Jr. in his father's Firefighter Uniform-- and the Legacy Lives On...]<br /><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HetmeXtyi6g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HetmeXtyi6g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />[Tuita Boys Tribute to their father the late Hefa Tuita Sr.]<br /><br />**Many thanks to Karley Tuita, Teresa Tuimaseve, Lavinia Taumoepeau, Abby Langi, our amazing photographer <a href="http://naomimasinaphotography.blogspot.com/"target='_blank'>Naomi Masina</a> --and of course Hefa Jr. and all others who were there for making this photoshoot possible...***'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763817652257084795.post-87055546260819869162008-12-29T18:45:00.000-07:002008-12-29T23:40:04.272-07:00More HYPE All-Stars...Here are some more pictures of our <a href="http://anapesi.blogspot.com/2008/12/get-on-hype.html"target='_blank'>HYPE MOVEMENT</a> all-stars photoshoot part 3!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeqJFL1N4CM44uiaaS-g90q6XrSODack4Oi49CvQfmM1FYgtKsbtfPZXcp5zYaiWgWZHBvwyblmjLEAERjpJ45Equrfhh8vwSUpw5zDPk1OuHkAy6q3rPsKNvh7lPsCH4aJvRLSqmTJ_9/s1600-h/esetaHYPE4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeqJFL1N4CM44uiaaS-g90q6XrSODack4Oi49CvQfmM1FYgtKsbtfPZXcp5zYaiWgWZHBvwyblmjLEAERjpJ45Equrfhh8vwSUpw5zDPk1OuHkAy6q3rPsKNvh7lPsCH4aJvRLSqmTJ_9/s400/esetaHYPE4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285395547446520562" /></a><br />['Eseta Schaaf]<br /><br /><br /><em>"Education is Powerful but Learning is Revolutionary!" </em><br />--'Eseta Schaaf<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkRcvI66h86Gl8A-TB6QGU88Zy_bKfY-Z2jO7M7rCXWv4rCc1KjlRl-HDbU3jd43lEMVM0GmTh9rOLh9DiWxADR9O389caEn3LtpeT-9RAoJ1Yx9mTb5B-m38BnOZErrFKJL-DeUIytkM/s1600-h/esetaHYPE5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkRcvI66h86Gl8A-TB6QGU88Zy_bKfY-Z2jO7M7rCXWv4rCc1KjlRl-HDbU3jd43lEMVM0GmTh9rOLh9DiWxADR9O389caEn3LtpeT-9RAoJ1Yx9mTb5B-m38BnOZErrFKJL-DeUIytkM/s400/esetaHYPE5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285395553772387730" /></a><br />['Eseta Schaaf]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD32xBOf1lc8O0_qRPA2-rz_dEupB9z_NrR7qcotw6dzRTZQe7stEoN5HeuJZQEoq9SZkzzqr44vf8YN0WYm2zMHmr2r9O8Aqe0CWJ5OyplUV1yqQcfd6jre38Y9MISeB6r67q3vxAuVTo/s1600-h/moanaHYPE4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD32xBOf1lc8O0_qRPA2-rz_dEupB9z_NrR7qcotw6dzRTZQe7stEoN5HeuJZQEoq9SZkzzqr44vf8YN0WYm2zMHmr2r9O8Aqe0CWJ5OyplUV1yqQcfd6jre38Y9MISeB6r67q3vxAuVTo/s400/moanaHYPE4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285468215744090498" /></a><br />[Moana 'Uluave]<br /><br /><br /><em>"Intelligence is Powerful but Gratitude is Revolutionary!"</em><br />--Moana 'Uluave<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fGQ79vRWaQh_RSpW_qUTkXpDrDNKAxDororFhcry5pUrAD7BIRXM9pBSkWbxo9XpVGCXn9baQxaFGHOwVAB6yfz-DvqQLFeENzxPJ4lsnduFL9z438UbtC85zjihU_fC1uRcMVET6O1D/s1600-h/moanaHYPE1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fGQ79vRWaQh_RSpW_qUTkXpDrDNKAxDororFhcry5pUrAD7BIRXM9pBSkWbxo9XpVGCXn9baQxaFGHOwVAB6yfz-DvqQLFeENzxPJ4lsnduFL9z438UbtC85zjihU_fC1uRcMVET6O1D/s400/moanaHYPE1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285468214687686082" /></a><br />[Moana 'Uluave]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrdsS69qk512hzq-a3zfcxCMc-lU3twoLtWaqYcWG1WSIqmQ3uVSj_W38aMHh1s-ByX0c7I-mBuLICDQJqZgbDO8nk78_Z2fCl9mHisJUe-qlm2yt0ioGbtA2JP0dpRtZHyrx_NpdFVzz/s1600-h/selaHYPE2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrdsS69qk512hzq-a3zfcxCMc-lU3twoLtWaqYcWG1WSIqmQ3uVSj_W38aMHh1s-ByX0c7I-mBuLICDQJqZgbDO8nk78_Z2fCl9mHisJUe-qlm2yt0ioGbtA2JP0dpRtZHyrx_NpdFVzz/s400/selaHYPE2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285395557033855314" /></a><br />[Selaafu Tauteoli]<br /><br /><br /><em>"The Mind is Powerful but Attitude is Revolutionary!" </em><br />--Selaafu Tauteoli<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDo2Otfb9taR8gztk3IeoiFBE341Ze1tBxZicC0laQqGEFs-qHB5LqbXXdxnXhrU3l83a12NQd9YI84HdNg41TtJN3zJxuemfGaCDrnNgpplEqifGYJphL5LZZmp9XR_0EwHCx2pJ1SUdW/s1600-h/selaHYPE.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDo2Otfb9taR8gztk3IeoiFBE341Ze1tBxZicC0laQqGEFs-qHB5LqbXXdxnXhrU3l83a12NQd9YI84HdNg41TtJN3zJxuemfGaCDrnNgpplEqifGYJphL5LZZmp9XR_0EwHCx2pJ1SUdW/s400/selaHYPE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285395563828711330" /></a><br />[Selaafu Tauteoli]'Anapesi Ka'ilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992698596746562220noreply@blogger.com0