FILIPINO STORIES COME TO LIFE AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL
the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu brought together families and community supporters for a story telling session, music, and cultural activities with its “Kuwentong Pambata with Tita Imé” last May 31
Consul General Arman Talbo (last row, fourth from left), Kumusta Pusa, Imelda Gasmen (“Tita Imé”), Chef Nicole Ponseca of Jeepney NYC, Michael Medina of Ramar Foods, Vice Consul Leizel Caasi and Mia Gaspar of the Cultural Section of the Consulate are joined by the enthusiastic young participants and volunteers of the event.
20 June 2025, Honolulu – As part of its efforts to propagate Philippine culture and engage the next generation of Filipinos, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu brought together families and community supporters for a story telling session, music, and cultural activities with its "Kuwentong Pambata with Tita Imé" last May 31.
Tita Imé captivated her young audience with a lively retelling of Haluhalo Espesyal.
Ms. Imelda Gasmen, a.k.a. Tita Imé, captured the imagination of young children with an engaging reading of "Haluhalo Espesyal," which brought them into a colorful world of Filipino customs and celebrations. The young attendees participated in interactive language and cultural activities, including singing of traditional Filipino songs, playing sungka, trivia games, and other hands-on activities.
Tita Imé is an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who teaches beginner level courses of the Filipino language. She’s also the founder and coordinator of the annual Kabataan: Filipino for Kids Summer Program. Staffed by youth and student volunteers, this cultural enrichment program aims to promote and nurture the rich Philippine culture among elementary-age children.
Chef Nicole guided participants in making halo-halo and encouraged them to put their own twist in their version.
The children also joined the highly-anticipated do-it-yourself (DIY) halo-halo workshop led by Chef Nicole Ponseca of Jeepney NYC. Under her guidance, children delighted in crafting and savoring the beloved Filipino dessert, experiencing first-hand the joy of culinary traditions. Ramar Foods International, generously provided the ingredients for the workshop.
The Philippine Consulate General thanks the University of Hawaii Timpuyog Organization, Kabataan: Filipino for Kids Hawaii, Kumusta Pusa, and Ramar Foods International for making this meaningful initiative. Their shared commitment to inspire and engage young Filipino-Americans to embrace their language, culture, and history underscores the importance of storytelling, traditions, and community engagement.
Stay tuned for the next edition of "Kuwentong Pambata" by following the official channels of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on Facebook and Instagram.
Kumusta Pusa and Tita Imé, champions of Filipino language and literacy programs
