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2006 FILIPINO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS Centennials are great defining moments of truth. They commemorate events that change the course of history, and give birth to a nation, for instance. Every society, guided by natural and human-induced rhythms, goes through periods of upheavals and stability, and finally moments of glory. The State of Hawaii, which we all now call home, was once a nation, a proud nation. But the course of world events at the turn of the 20th century turned it into an American territory marking the entry of diverse peoples from various parts of the world to participate in the crafting of a new world in the middle of the Pacific. Into this brave new world came the first Filipinos at the end of the year 1906, and in 2006, Hawaii will celebrate this great moment of history. This is not just another anniversary with the usual fanfare. It is one of those once- in- a -lifetime events that have profound significance for the state as a whole. The 2006 Filipino Centennial Commissioners The Filipino Centennial Celebrations Commission was established by the previous Hawaii state administration to spearhead this occasion in ways that are not only celebratory, but also productive and reflective of the vibrant society Hawaii has become in a hundred years since the first Filipinos sakadas arrived . This occasion will not only be the Filipinos' pride alone. It will be the whole state's opportunity to highlight its diversity and dynamism over the years due in large measure to the contributions of its ethnic populations to its overall development. From this perspective alone, the Bill before this Committee of the Senate requesting funding for the Centennial observance, deserves the unqualified support of everybody. From the perspective of tourism, the Commission has much to contribute over the yearlong period starting in December 2005. This testimony will mention only one of many, and this is the proposal to hold a unique Hawaii Filipino Centennial International Conference (HFCIC) which is expected to attract participants from all over the world. It will be complemented by a Trade Exposition, which will showcase achievements in culture and the arts and other endeavors by Filipino communities overseas but especially by Filipinos in Hawaii. The conference cum Trade Expo will be held on December 13-17, 2006, making the end of the centennial year.   The conference will address the theme of the centennial, which revolves around immigration history and the struggles of the early Filipinos to find their place in their new home. We envision a conference featuring speakers and panels focused on this theme, with a keynote speaker of international renown. The best minds internationally on this topic will be invited to speak on various issues related to the great theme of the conference. The local community will be invited to participate in various ways and a number of internationally known Filipinos in various fields will be chosen and recognized during the Awards ceremony.   Call for Papers Hawaii stands to benefit as a whole from the 2006 Filipino celebrations, especially because the Filipino and part-Filipino component of the state population is now roughly 23 percent. We have come a long way from 2006. More and more, Filipinos and Americans of Filipino ancestry are assuming positions of power and responsibility in the state and in the private sector. Filipinos have made their mark on island life since they started arriving a hundred years ago, and the momentum continues to make that mark even greater in the years to come. Inquiries may be sent to: Center for Philippine Studies University of Hawai'i at Manoa 1890 East-West Road, Moore Hall 415 Honoulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-2686/ 956-6086 //Fax: (808) 956-2682 Belinda A. Aquino