LET'S TALK STORY

In Hawai'i, getting to know people through sharing life experiences on the island is known as "Let's talk story." It's our way of connecting and learning about others. We enjoy conversing with everyone!

 

I take pride in being a local girl, born and raised on the Island of O'ahu in Hawai'i. As a first-generation Filipino American, my heritage stems from the Philippines, with both parents hailing from there. My father, a retired US Navy sailor, was recruited from La Union, Ilocos Sur in the 1960s, and my mother, an alumna of the University of the East - Philippines, taught school in her hometown of St. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

 

My education journey took me through Hawai'i public schools (My fondest memories were spent at Ka'imiloa & 'Ilima) in 'Ewa Beach and led to my graduation from Hawai'i Pacific University. Fun fact: I was taught Hawaiian History from Kindergarten to 8th grade and sang the Hawai'i State Anthem called "Hawai'i Pono'i" every morning at school followed by the US Pledge of Allegation.  Then, I dedicated a decade to military service on active duty, donning the uniform to support Operations Iraq Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF), and completed 5-overseas deployment tours with the US Navy. Post-service, I married my love, Christian, a Colorado native who continues to serve in the Navy. Together, we are blessed with 3 beautiful  HAPA  children: Annalise, our preteen Hula dancer, and Landon & Logan, our identical twin boys who love building with Legos. In November 2022, we left the Hawaiian Islands for Ventura County, Southern California, where we live until we can return home.

​

In my childhood, my friends and I had the pleasure of enjoying the "Manapua Truck." It was actually a white 1990s Chevy Van that would drive through our neighborhood, offering a selection of local favorite candies, foods, and even canned juices and sodas like the beloved Diamond Head Strawberry. We would dash out of our houses, shouting "STOP" at the top of our lungs. When the Manapua truck halted in front of a house, I, along with many neighborhood kids, would emerge to make our purchases. The vendor, whom we affectionately addressed as "Aunty" or "Uncle," sold these treats. These memories are cherished even now, as the Manapua Truck remains an iconic symbol of our childhood. This nostalgia inspired the creation of HĀPA MĀMA, born from a desire to recapture those familiar tastes of local Hawaiian candies with a California flair and share them with others.

 

Mahalo for visiting me & your Kōkua (Support)! 

​​

Aloha, 

Hanna-Li

 

 

​