Samoa – Sipping Koko

December 10, 2022December 10, 2022

Jarome Luai and the Power of Words

All eyes were on Toa Samoa when they were making moves on the world stage. Parades were formed, tickets bought, and an entire nation scattered across the globe came together to cheer on their team. But just as quick as everyone in the islander community came together to cheer on the guys, they were just as quick to bring one of the team players down.

About two days ago, many tuned in to see star player, Brian To’o marry the love of his life. In what was a sweet ceremony and enjoyable reception, turned very cringe. Jerome Luai, the best man and teammate, stood up to give a memorable speech worthy of the Duckrockers. A day later, Luai did issue an apology via Instagram. See the picture below.

While much of the criticism is warranted, in the opinion of this author, some of it is just absolutely ridiculous. So let’s dive in on a few things that have come from this situation.

March 13, 2022March 13, 2022

Empowered Pasifika Women: Lani Tuitasi

I am SUPER excited to share this amazing woman’s story with you all. I didn’t know I would be getting a best friend last when she DM’d me. Now, I can’t imagine not having her in my life. As an afakasi growing up in Arkansas, I didn’t know I would meet someone who shared the same experiences I had. So, I hope you give her some love and read about the wonderful work she is doing for our community.

Empowered Through Mixed Heritage

I’m an Afakasi girl born and raised in Missouri and living out my dream in Los Angeles. I work in the advertising industry as a cultural strategy director writing strategies that help brands, shows, and films connect to culture. My love for the culture drives everything I do, especially my love for my Pasifika culture and community. It’s a bone deep love that I let guide me and has taken me on this path of diving deep into the Afakasi experience. Being Afakasi is a true gift of being multiple cultures at the same time with skillsets that have uniquely positioned me to be good at what I do in the advertising world as I help my clients navigate culture and find their space – much like what afakasis have to do. Throughout the past couple years, I’ve been inspired to tell Afakasi stories which has turned into a screenplay writing hobby and the release of my podcast Club Kasi with Aynsley where she discusses all things Afakasi and Pasifika culture. Most recently, my writing partner Honestine and I are developing a dramedy series about Nafanua and excited to see where we can take it!

June 9, 2021

Pasifika Pride: Falefia Jr. Brandon Fuamatu

I joined Clubhouse around February of this year. Like any social media app, I was excited to meet different people. One person who made a real impact was Falefia Jr. Brandon Fuamatu. First off, his profile picture was absolute fire (see below). If that didn’t make you want to know who this person was, then it would be the wisdom and amazing grace he has when he speaks. Falefia has such an appreciation and love for our people that you gravitate towards the words flowing through him. I’m blessed to call him my friend and am so excited to help share some of his story with you!

April 6, 2021April 6, 2021

“You live overseas. You don’t have a say in Sāmoa.” – Think Again.

Ua sau le va’a na tiu, ‘ae tali le va’a na tau, o lo’o mamaulago i le va’a na faoafolau.

One boat returns from the catch; the other is tied to the shore; the third is resting in the boat shelter.

This was written in the 50th anniversary history book about Samoa. It speaks about how Samoan are placed all around the world. A note made said this about the quote, “The boat returning from fishing refers to those who have travelled to other countries; the anchored boat refers to the chiefs, orators and young people; the third boat is likened to the old people staying at home. All play their part in maintaining Samoa as a proud independent nation.”

We all have a part to play in keeping Samoa true and strong. I have had a lot of people from the island recently tell me I have no right to say anything on the election that is being held. That since I live overseas, my interest in who wins doesn’t matter. However, I beg to differ. Since the Mau Movement, islanders around the world, Samoans around the world, have played a part in keeping our island safe. I may not have a vote, but I have a voice.

July 23, 2020September 8, 2020

Loud & proud. Hyena laughing. Brown woman.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, history was made in our community. A show that I’ve been extremely psyched to see dropped, and it has made waves across the world. That show is SIS. It was made by mainly by Pasifika women for our community. For those of us who have been searching for media where we can see ourselves, this is a blessing and something to be proud of. While many have been singing its praises, there are those ready to tear it down. Before I go into that, I want to tell you what I saw.

In summary, I saw a show that makes me feel proud of our heritage. It makes me feel like I can be comfortable in who I am. It showcased not just me, but it showcased me and my cousins hanging out. When I watched the show, I wasn’t watching women and men portraying characters. I was watching my family be authentically themselves. I saw my family and ancestors. Sure, some of it was dramatic, but come on it’s comedy and honestly, our families are filled with drama and laughter. It’s the first time I have watched a show and thought, I finally feel seen. That’s the power this show has. That’s the path this show is creating for our people.

SIS has created a space for me and my cousins to be proud of who we are.

Before you read anymore, this is a SPOILER ALERT. There are different aspects of this show that I’m going to dive into, and I hope you watch the show before reading the rest of this blog.

May 29, 2020July 6, 2020

Star Mounds is Not a Hotel Name

Once again, the people have to fight against greedy people who care more about what’s in their pockets rather than preserving our ancestry. This time it’s happening in Samoa, and let me tell you, I’ve had it with Samoa’s elitists. This time it’s O.F. Nelson Properties Limited. They want to sell our sacred land to the highest bidder without thinking about the consequences this will bring about to our heritage.

May 6, 2020July 6, 2020

Say No to the New Lands and Titles Bill

I’m not a lawyer and only took a business law class back in university, but even I can spot the holes in the newly proposed Lands and Titles Act Bill that is meant to repeal the 1981 Bill. There are a lot of opinions out there right now – many who are opposed to this Bill, and rightly so. This Bill will give the government power to slowly remove matais from the process, take declared or customary land, use smoke and mirrors as a way for the Head of State to make whatever rules he/she wants to, and so much more. So, with all this I’m going to break down some of my findings and why you should care and start calling your family on the island to protest this Bill. Also, before I dive in, there’s a petition you can sign opposing this Bill. Sign it here.

February 23, 2020July 6, 2020

PolyX NZ: Experience the Beauty of Polynesia

In just a few short days, the kickoff to New Zealand’s newest show will happen! Showcasing six Polynesian countries. Plus, if you get the dinner and show ticket, you get to have some of the best food in the entire world. So, what am I talking about? It is PolyX NZ! The Polynesian experience that you don’t want to miss out on if you are in New Zealand or visiting the country.

February 5, 2020July 6, 2020

Pasifika Love Matters: Lou and Sal

Love Conquers All

My husband Salekai (Sal) and i first met at church as 18 and 19 year olds. Our families were part of 10 families that got together to form a new branch if our church. I had no interest in Sal as i was busy with my friends. I became friends with his older sister and would often pick her up when we were going out. Many times while i waited in my car for her, Sal would come outside and say hello and asked where we were going etc. I never thought anything if it until about until one night three months later, as i was about to hang the phone up from talking with his sister, she said oh someone wants to say hello. Sal came to the phone and said hello again and asked how my week was? etc Again i only saw him as my friends brother. He asked if was free to grab a bite after work the next day..

December 7, 2019November 1, 2024

History Repeats: Samoan Epidemic 2.0

This post is a hard one for me to write, and I know that many have already talked about this topic, but there needs to be more conversations started about Samoa’s recent epidemic. This is not the first time something this tragic has happened to our country. She has actually been through this before, and it should be said that in the future it should not happen again. When I was in high school my history teacher told us repeatedly that we should be careful not to let history repeat itself. That’s why we learn history. This way it doesn’t happen again. Unfortunately, the history of 1918 hasn’t been taught as a warning, and I think that needs to change. I’m not mad at those that came before us, but there’s something to be said about something that happened just over 100 years ago happening again. So, let’s start with the past, how are here in the present, and what our responsibility is to those of the future.