“The Ilokano Program at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa has been one which changed my entire perspective of how I view myself and identity. Although, I have only taken a placement exam that determines what level I am in terms of my proficiency, it helped me to realize how much I still have so much to learned about my own self and history. Indeed, I truly have gained so much and that is not only through education but the many friendships, connection and values that i will keep with me as I continue my journey.”
“Studying Ilokano at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was an enriching experience that not only deepened my understanding of the language but also connected me to a vibrant community. The program’s dedicated faculty, immersive curriculum, and supportive environment fostered my linguistic growth and cultural appreciation. Thanks to UH Mānoa’s Ilokano program, I now carry a profound sense of pride in my heritage and the skills to engage meaningfully with the Ilokano language and its diverse cultural nuances.”
“The Ilokano Program has shaped the way I live my life and work in the community. Before entering the Ilokano program I did not know what it meant to be Ilokano nor what it meant to draw from the richness and power of our language. Today, I am grateful that I am able to teach my daughter who she is and what she can become by studying our Ilokano history and language. I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili and Dr. Julius B. Soria. They taught with a deeps sense of nakem and responsibility to the next generation. I am excited for the new leadership of Prof. Dean Domingo and his staff and the many ways he will continue to grow the Ilokano Program.”
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"Being a part of the Ilokano Program helped me strengthen my identity as an Ilokano. As former President of the Timpuyog Organization, I was able to build my leadership skills, help my fellow officers grow as leaders, and network with other Filipino organizations. With my Master's Degree in Educational Administration (Higher Education) my goal is to work with Ilokano students in a leadership capacity."
"I entered ILLP looking to fulfill graduation requirements but left with a better sense of ethnic identity, family, and community. The program has added perspectives of heterogeneity and multiplicity countering the meta-narrative of the homogenous Filipino-American. To that extent, this program has allowed me to further my studies focused on the experiences of the plural Filipino American students in the classroom and the communities and how relevant education may impact their experiences."
" This program changed my life and transcended me to a greater purpose–– unlocking an understanding of my culture beyond the confines of what was taught by my family. I am blessed to have this program be part of my life and hope for the continuation of valuable heritage and language learning. I am committed to representing the value of learning Ilokano language in the workforce so that it is more appreciated and accepted by families. I am committed to the Ilokano community and am hopeful to see the flower that bloomed in historical adversity. Agbiag dagiti Ilokano!"
"When I transferred to UH Mānoa during my second year of college, I never imagined myself joining the Ilokano program nor did I consider obtaining a minor in Ilokano. But taking IP and ILO courses for the first time during Spring 2018 changed my mind. I believe that everything happens for a reason so I am very thankful that the choices I’ve made in my academic career led me to ILLP and the Timpuyog Organization. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for my culture but also gained life-long friendships. I became surrounded by like-minded individuals who took pride in their heritage and were passionate about supporting our local communities. I too, wanted to gain cultural competency and join Timpuyog’s mission of promoting the Ilokano language and Philippine culture and serve as a role model for the Filipino youth. While I aspire to become a physician and eventually practice here in Hawai'i, I believe that the Ilokano program empowered me to grow as a leader. It also allowed me to develop my skills in the language so that I can one day use them in my practice when communicating with Ilokano patients. Agyamanak unay to Manong Dean and Manang Clem who were great mentors/advisors and continue to support me on my journey. Their passion and dedication to this program has fostered my personal goals of preserving the language while pursuing a career in medicine. Agbiag ti Ilokano!"
"I initially had no idea about the Ilokano program until my second year at UH Manoa. I was glad to have found it in time to declare it as one of my majors. The Ilokano Language and Literature Program was a blessing in disguise. It has instilled in me the desire to remain close to the language and the people who speak it while also allowing me to research into my own family history. What I enjoyed most, however, was that the program gave me the courage and opportunity to have conversed with my late grandfather, asking him the questions I may never have had the chance to ask. In the same way as I was able to communicate with my grandfather, I plan to use the Ilokano language as a tool to communicate with others. As an aspiring physician, it will not only improve the experience of my Ilokano patients, but also improve the health of our aging Ilokano population here in Hawai'i."
“The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Ilokano Language and Literature Program and Timpuyog Organization prepared me in being a leader in the Hotel Industry. My previous management experience began in Housekeeping, where I was the Supervisor. Knowing Ilokano allowed me to give instructions on the duties that my Housekeeping team (Room Attendants, House Attendants, Public Area Attendants) needed to complete at a high speed and thoroughly. Now, being one of the Front Office Managers, also known as the Manager on Duty (MOD) has allowed me to make the calls on how duties and projects need to be done and how to make a guest's stay important. I make sure issues are solved and overcome. When the Housekeepers aren't too sure with what there project is, I'm there to instruct the associates in Ilokano. I'm glad I have expanded my knowledge on Ilokano compared to what I have known before joining the Ilokano program.”
“I never imagined an academic space dedicated to a language that I had only ever used around my family. However, the Ilokano program gave me a home at UH Mānoa where I was able to challenge what I had previously thought to be the ‘appropriate’ domains of the Ilokano language. It was empowering to be part of a community where I could participate in helping Ilokano language, culture, research, and overall scholarship thrive. My involvement in the Timpuyog Organization also provided me with numerous opportunities to work with the Ilokano and Filipino communities while improving my leadership skills. These made my undergraduate years fulfilling, especially being surrounded by peers turned close friends. In my future as a physician, the Ilokano program has better equipped me with cultural humility and sparked my passion for helping my patients overcome language barriers to healthcare. Agyamanak unay kada Manong Dean, Manang Clem, Manong Aurelio, ken Manang Nadezna for your mentorship and guidance in such formative years.”
" Going through the Ilokano program has helped me find, understand, love and respect the language of my ancestors. Ultimately instilling the knowledge of language, culture, and pride within me. Being involved with the Timpuyog Organization has also helped me with leadership and networking skills. I'd like to shoutout Manong Julius, Manang Clem, Manong Ariel, Manang Lilia, and Manang Krystel for being such good role models for me, as they were the ones that helped guide me during my time in the program. Everything that I've experienced during my time in the program has prepared me to where I am today, as I am now part of the instructional faculty. I look forward to inspire incoming students to embrace their language and culture.”
"Being in the Ilokano program at UH Mānoa, helped me get through nursing school. The program provided me with the tools to communicate with my clients in the community as well as in the hospital and it broadened my sense of self identity which allowed me to empathize with clients that have different cultural backgrounds. The program also opens up other opportunities for me to make a difference in the community with medical and legal interpretation, writing literature for children, and being able to teach different medical and nursing theories and processes easily to the Ilokano community."
"Being in the Ilokano program at UH Mānoa, helped me get through nursing school. The program provided me with the tools to communicate with my clients in the community as well as in the hospital and it broadened my sense of self identity which allowed me to empathize with clients that have different cultural backgrounds. The program also opens up other opportunities for me to make a difference in the community with medical and legal interpretation, writing literature for children, and being able to teach different medical and nursing theories and processes easily to the Ilokano community."
"My B.A. degree in Ilokano was extremely helpful when I went to do my social work practicum in the Philippines as part of my Master's degree requirements. I was placed in Baguio City and the language and cultural components really helped in the work that I did there with the Filipino youth."
"I initially entered the ILLP program with the goal of enriching my Ilokano speaking skills so I can better communicate with my elderly relatives and relatives in the Philippines. However, upon graduation and entrance into the field of social work, I realized that being in tuned with my culture and knowing how to speak the language can maximize my impact in the community."
"I would highly recommend to those who are harboring feelings of despondency towards their Filipino heritage, to seek out the Ilokano Language and Literature (ILL) Program, as well as its supporting Organization, Timpuyog. Both have played a significant developmental role in my academic and professional journey. The ILL program has allowed me the insight to effectively aide different student populations to achieve high academic success, as well as equip me with the necessary critical thinking abilities to see and navigate the world through culturally and politically sensitive lenses. In my personal life, the ILL program has been essential in enriching my understanding of my Filipino culture, language, and history. The education I received from the ILL program continues to be an positive and ubiquitous presence in all aspects of my life and without it, I would not be the woman who I am today."
"The Ilokano program has helped me get to where I am now because I am an Ilokano teacher. This program has helped me reconnect with my family. At one point I found out I was related to one of my students through my mom's side. My mom has no family on this side when she immigrated here. We later found out she wasn't the first to arrive. Now we have a larger family. This program has helped me help my mom in various ways with family, translating, and communication."
"The Ilokano Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was a deeply enriching experience that elevated my cultural connection to new heights. Beyond fostering a profound appreciation for the traditions of my people, it provided a sense of belonging within a larger community that shared a commitment to a cultural renaissance. The program became a gateway to a broader understanding of societal dynamics, cultivating in me a critical perspective on the need for ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and just society. As an alum, I carry not only linguistic knowledge but also a heightened cultural awareness and a sense of responsibility to contribute to positive societal change."
"In hindsight, being a part of the Ilokano program has been a gift that keeps on giving. Beyond reconnecting me to the values and traditions and language of my culture, it has fostered many longterm friendships by establishing common, relatable ground for both the students and educators. This program felt like home to me when I moved to O'ahu for college and again in graduate school. As an ading, I developed a strong support system with my manongs and manangs. As an alumnus of the program, I am also now a manang to the students that came after me."
"Participating in the Ilokano program significantly impacted my life. Not only was I educated about my ancestral language and culture, but was inspired and encouraged to follow my ambitions and strive for success. This was not taught through pure lecture and class attendance, rather it was a message that was fostered in the application and experience of the curriculum as a whole."
"Participating in the Ilokano program significantly impacted my life. Not only was I educated about my ancestral language and culture, but was inspired and encouraged to follow my ambitions and strive for success. This was not taught through pure lecture and class attendance, rather it was a message that was fostered in the application and experience of the curriculum as a whole."
"The Ilokano Program has not only strengthened my relationship with my family and community but my own self as well. I use what I have learned from my instructors and peers every day, whether it be the language, culture, or the numerous other aspects shared with me. Agyamanak la unay kada Manong Dean ken Manang Clem. The knowledge and support you have given me are truly appreciated and treasured."
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