I was born and raised on Lana`i. I am now fortunate to have returned to the island where I was born. My wife and I are now back in the home that I grew up in. My parents raised seven children here. Six girls, and one boy --- me!.

Papa worked in the Dole Company's power plant and Mama owned and operated a bakery. We may not have been rich in material things - but we were content. Lana`i does not have Shopping Centers --- we have great mom and pop country stores. We still have one Movie Theatre --- one Gas Station. We may not have things that many people take for granted, but we have always had family and friends. We found ways to entertain ourselves.

Papa played the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, and Mama accompanied him with her Ukelele. Together the whole family sang Filipino and Hawaiian songs. You can see from this baby picture that I had an ear for music from the beginning!

We also had Scouts and Little League. I played center field, and Papa coached. As I matured, it became obvious that I was not going to be a professional baseball player! My love for music that was born and nutured in my family inspired me to continue in a most enjoyable music career.

When I graduated from high school in 1970, I decided to attend college in Honolulu, majoring in music with an emphasis in voice and a minor in piano. Ultimately, I wanted to teach at the secondary level somewhere that was culturally very different than Hawaii. When I finished college, there was a surplus of teachers. The tourist industry was flourishing, so I changed my plans. I returned to my home island and worked for Hawaiian Airlines.