Page 16 - MidWeek - Dec 7, 2022

16 MIDWEEK DECEMBER 7, 2022
MIDWEEK
COVER STORY
W
via her radio show
hether it’s enter- taining listeners
after all these years. Guests cantuneinfrom5to7a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays on KNDI (1270 AM).
the group’s goals and aspi- rations.
In addition to pageant- ry, the Philippine Cultural Foundation also recognizes hard-working high school students and awards Filipino valedictorians with scholar- ships for higher education. Domingo, who was president of the foundation for about 20 years, shares that it makes her heart so full to help others.
Even at age 90, there’s no slowing down radio show host Magdalena Domingo and her influential work within the Filipino community.
STORY BY Tasha Mero
PHOTO BY Anthony Consillio
or perpetuating her heritage, Magdalena Domingo — more affectionately known as “Auntie Maggie” — has become a pillar in the Filipino community.
Domingo’s passion for cultivating her heritage isn’t restricted to the radio waves. It’s also displayed in the form of service. She’s held crucial roles in local organizations including the Philippine Cul- tural Foundation of Hawai‘i, which she joined in the 1970s. She started out as a regular member, became treasurer and eventually worked her way up to president in 2000.
“It’s hard, you know, to become a president of any organization,” says the Kalihi resident. “If you are commit- ted, you have to give all your effort.”
Her radio career began in the late 1950s. At the time, Domingo was the only Fili- pina with a daily radio show that was transmitted through- out the state. Aside from play- ing Filipino music, Domingo also shares both local and in- ternational news. While her show has transitioned into a weekend offering, her radio segment is still going strong
In this role, Domingo la- bored to grow the foundation and recruit younger members so they could help carry on
And Domingo did just that. During her time with the foundation, she made a huge impact in fundraising with its various pageants, which not only showcase local talent, but also helps participants with college tuition. Through the foundation’s pageantry events, a whopping $100,000 was raised and went toward the construction of Waipahu’s Filipino Community Center.
“It is encouraging to see these people getting their de- gree and to see these parents happy and grateful for what we are doing,” Domingo says. “We were able to help them with their dream of at- taining their education.”
Seeing students succeed
Magdalena Domingo, who celebrated her 90th birthday a few months ago, is proof that age is just a number. PHOTO COURTESY GABE DE LISO
SEE PAGE 17