'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

MESSAGES

On behalf of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all. This gathering of specialists on Ilokano language and culture is a historic occasion, not only because it coincides with the centenary of the arrival of the first Filipino workers in Hawai‘i, but because the majority of those workers were from Ilocos. Because my husband is of Ilokano descent, and my children thus “hapa-Ilokano”, I regard myself as part of the larger Ilokano family that has played such an important role in creating a multicultural environment here in Hawai‘i. I know the Nakem conference will provide a stimulating environment for your discussions, and I congratulate the organizers on this important initiative.

Barbara Watson Andaya
Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Nakem Centennial Conference Secretariat
E-mail: nakemconference@yahoo.com or precye@aol.com
Phone:  808-956-8405.  FAX:  808- 956-5978
Website developed and maintained by Raymund Ll. Liongson