Rebekah’s Studio

Waking up the morning after and recalling so many moments of yesterday, challenged to name the best of them, I settled on the cliché “A good time was had by all.” The occasion was a reunion of about 45 Chong cousins, including partners, from my mother’s side of the family. My mother was the youngest of 13 who lived to adulthood. We descend from Chong How Kong and Pan Siu Chin who met in an orphanage in China.

Aunty Rosa, widow of Kim Kiu was the sole representative of the 2nd generation (who came to Hawai‘i from China) and the only one still living because Kim Kiu married her when she was comparatively younger. And it was fun to see the youth of the 5th generation.

The photos I’m sharing here were made by Jerome Osurman. Thank you, Jerome! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Cousins gather for a lunch at the Kalihi Union Church Welcome Center in Honolulu.

On-screen interviews with small groups will be edited into a new video to come.

Hula maidens Meilin and Kiri. Hula dancer Verdine is on the screen. A video of past family reunions played throughout the day.

Unique table centerpieces composed of a ti-leaf-and-pink-ginger table wreath around a goodie bag of peanut sesame candy and colorful shrimp chips. Note individual favors.

Ashley, Kiri, and Larry peruse the table of door prizes.

Kiri draws the family tree of her grandparents’ clan.

Titus and Rebekah tell viewers it’s time for the younger generation to embrace the “torch.”

5G members Jayson and Aaron

Cousin Laurie, our chief planner extraordinaire

Rebekah (that’s me) offers grace.

A good time was had by all!