I’m writing this journal as a gift to my children and grandchildren and as a launching point for our sharingfamilytime.com. I have set three goals to achieve for our venture. The first would be to establish a strong sense of Community & Pride in my former home town of Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii utilitizing young people, retired people, and other willing participants in street beautification, anti Litter, caring for and integrating the homeless, similar projects. Secondly, I would establish a college scholarship fund for students in Baccarra, Illocos Norte, Philippines to be able to study in the United States of America. Thirdly, I would establish a trust fund for my grandchildren for their education and endeavers. My hope is that people with find some points of interest, connections, and challenges that will bring joy, peace, inspiration and even humor to their daily lives and peruse sharingfamilytime.com.

My name is Napoleon Delos Reyes Acidera. I was born in Bacarra Illocos Norte, Philippines on November 1, 1943. Victorianio Ramiscal Acidera and Maria Delos Reyes Acidera were my parents. The Philippines was in the midst of WWII and under partial occupation and continuing attacks by the Japanese Forces. Families in our province escaped into the mountainous areas and hid in caves. We were constantly on the move, dictated by the monitored Japanese troop movements. The men returned to water the fields when possible Japanese Troop movements. Not all the families in the province were able to escape and were captured and tortured. Many of the men volunteered to help with the limited American Forces that were present. My dad, Victor, was a front observer for the American Troops armed only with a machete knife.

There were many details about the WWII which were related to me later in life by relatives and others which I choose not to relate or mention. As my dad wisely told me, “War is gruesome, unjustifiable, chaos in all aspects…. that’s why it’s called WAR!“

When WWII was over, families in our area of the Philippines were offered employment in the Sugar and Pineapple Industry in the Hawaiian Islands. I don’t know what, if any, were in the screening requirements except for major health issues such as tuberculosis, ambulatory handicaps, etc. Basically, the agreement was free passage to Hawaii and employment in either the Sugar or Pineapple Industry. If for any reason things did not work out, free passage back to the Philippines was available. Our immediate family, grandparents’ family, close relatives qualified and immigrated to Hawaii. In June of 1946. Wives and Children were placed on one ship to Hawaii. Husbands followed on a separate ship to Hawaii.

Our family of three and my grandparents family of six were placed in Oahu Sugar Plantation Camp #39 in central Oahu. It was a group of Ten Homes with a central community bathhouse and community outhouses covering about 4 acres. This was the beginning location of our life in Hawaii. It was a beautiful place with sugar fields all around us and lush forested valleys surrounding our camp.

This marks the humble beginnings of our life in Hawaii and the wonderful opportunities on the horizon for our family! I hope my beginning will provide a spark, idea, to enhance your family life or bring together a special sharing together with your blessed families!