Hoping history won't repeat itself

GROWING UP in the Philippines, Loren Karunungan Farmer enjoyed singing and dancing as part of everyday life.

But her first experience with live theater occurred much later, after she met husband-to-be, David Farmer. The two have worked on various plays together over the past 16 years, but this is their first Filipino venture.

'TO U.S. WITH ALOHA & MABUHAY' Presented by The Actors' Group On stage: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 21 Place: Pearl City Cultural Center Admission: $15, to benefit TAG Call: 222-3133

"This my first exposure to the local Filipino community," said Loren. "I am so grateful for the opportunity. I feel like I've found a second family."

This weekend, the Farmers direct The Actors' Group production of "To U.S. with Mabuhay & Aloha" at the Pearl City Cultural Center. The show continues the following week.

Virgilio Menor Felipe, author of the book "Hawaii A Pilipino Dream," wrote the play based on events that began in the Philippines in 1898, when the U.S. Navy entered Manila Bay and ended more than 300 years of Spanish control. The Philippine Revolution for Independence against the United States followed, and lasted until 1902, after the capture of revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo. The American government introduced democracy, but it took about 44 more years to achieve independence.

At age 12, Felipe immigrated with his family to Hawaii and he grew up on Waialua Plantation. His father, the late Nicolas Asuncion Felipe, was one of the 1946 sakadas -- this year marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival of these Filipino contract laborers to Hawaii.

Felipe's play celebrates the achievements of Filipinos in Hawaii, to the present day. Political cartoons of the times are among the backdrops.

THE PLAY equates what happened in the Philippines to what is now happening in Iraq, explained Felipe. "It is the same religious and political mentality. Everyone who doesn't agree is evil. In the Philippines, they called us uncivilized. But God favors nobody. People are people."

Felipe hopes raising awareness will forestall repeated mistakes. "If we don't learn from our mistakes, we are bound to make the same mistakes. It is tragic because it involves people's lives."

Felipe also sought to incorporate a positive image of women. "In the play, the women are really strong -- they are powerful. They show that you don't have to point a gun to become powerful and right."

Serious in tone, the play is uplifted with traditional songs and dances meant to celebrate Hawaii's Filipino culture, he said. "Chorus line and Charleston dance routines were added in to make the material lighter."

A multicultural cast of about 20 -- of Filipino, Iranian, Chinese and Korean backgrounds -- plays roles including President and Mrs. McKinley, David Farmer said. "Filipino actors are playing haoles, with white masks or painted faces."

The intent is not to downgrade American intervention, he said, but to provide mini-history lessons that document the achievements of local Filipinos. "We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the diverse Filipino culture."

Added Loren: "Some people want to forget the past, but I'm always proud of my heritage."