April 2023

"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."

— Nelson Mandela

To all the graduating high school Key Clubbers, congratulations on embodying the values of service and leadership. As you move on to the next phase of your life, I encourage you to continue to embrace these values and put them into practice wherever you go. Whether you volunteer in your community, take on leadership roles in your workplace, or pursue further education, always remember the importance of serving others and leading with compassion and integrity. With the skills and values you have learned in Key Club, you are equipped to make a positive impact on the world and inspire others to do the same. So, continue to be the change you want to see in the world and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Congratulations again, and best of luck on your future endeavors!

~ Aladdin Roque-Dangaran

President of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor

March 2023

"Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings"

As we close out Women's Month in March, it is important to remember that nothing in life is predetermined. Women have faced numerous obstacles in the past, including societal prejudices and gender-based discrimination. However, these challenges can serve as gateways to new beginnings. Through perseverance, determination, and a refusal to give up, women have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. By embracing the values of Women's Month, including empowerment, equality, and leadership, women can continue to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for themselves and others. So let us remember that the obstacles of the past do not define our future, and that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

~ Aladdin Roque-Dangaran

President of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor

January 2023

Happy Lunar New Year! This is the year of the rabbit. The rabbit is known as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and longevity. 2023 is predicted to be a year of Hope. Oftentimes the rabbit (foot) is associated with good luck. But if you really think about it, believing in good luck means you hope something will happen. But we all know that we cannot just wait for something good to happen. Stephen Hawking once said, “However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. While there's life, there's hope.” While it’s good to have dreams and ambitions, they mean nothing if you’re not willing to put in the effort to make it happen. And no matter what challenges and failures you encounter, as long as you continue to persevere, there will always be moving closer to your goals.

~ Aladdin Roque-Dangaran

President of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor

December 2022

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

--Admiral William McRaven

On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! As most of us traditionally do, we all probably already made our New Year’s Resolutions. I’m sure that when we were all younger, we made large and ambitious resolutions. But I can honestly say, I don’t remember fulfilling those resolutions. Throughout 2022, the recurring theme in both my professional, personal, and Kiwanis life has been goal setting. From attending professional development training as a teacher, to Kiwanis Education Academy, and also just talking with family and friends, this topic has always come up. And if there’s any take away from these lessons, it’s to start small. Even completing the smallest of tasks can give you the motivation you need to energize you throughout your day. It can be something as simple as keeping your work desk clean and organized, or to quote Michael Scott: “I made a resolution to floss, and I did it. 12:01, January first, BAM! Blood everywhere.” And for the teachers: not to have any unread emails by the end of the day.

As we start off this year, yes we should start strong, but we also need to stay strong throughout the entire year. And the best way to do this is to continue moving forward little by little, step by step, all while keeping in mind our purpose.

Happy New Year from the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor.

~ Aladdin Roque-Dangaran

President of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor

October 2022

... I went on a family trip to North Carolina for my cousin’s wedding. And while it was a very short trip (only 4 days), it was one of the best experiences I have had. Not just being on the east coast, but to be with my cousin and family who don't live in Hawaii. Our "Dangaran Cousin's" were always a close knit group. A lot of us grew up in the same house and were practically siblings. A couple of the cousins lived on an outer island or on the mainland, but when they came to visit it was like they were always there. When our grandma passed away last year, this bond seemed to strengthen even more. It was like we all made an internal vow to always be there for each other. And even though my cousins knew we were coming to their wedding, you could see them light up when they saw us there.

This is what it’s like to be a part of the K-Family. We have this internal vow and drive to be there when help is needed. And especially here in Hawaii, the Kiwanians really do take care of each other, no matter what club they are from.

Again, thank you for coming (to our installation)! Looking forward to a great year! And especially to our Key Clubbers! We always enjoy having you at our events. We really wouldn’t be a club without you.

~ Aladdin Roque-Dangaran

President of the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Harbor