This featured Sakada Offspring is very vivacious and friendly, a loving wife, a caring mother and a down to earth young woman. She is none other than Maria Domingo Thomas. She was born in Santa Rosa Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Her parents are Mariano and Florentina Domingo, both retired. Mariano retired from HC&S and Florentina retired from the Hyatt Regency Maui Hotel. They are both currently living in Kahului.
Maria is married to Jeffrey Thomas, a dentist at Family Dental Center in Kīhei. They have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth (age 11, 6th grade at Maui Waena) and Faith, (age 7, 1st grade at Pomaikai Elementary School.
Maria’s uncle, Juan Domingo (deceased), and her Aunty Rosalina Domingo were instrumental in bringing her whole family to Hawai‘i. In appreciation to her uncle and aunty, Maria had this to say about them: “I feel much obliged for their kindness, love, support and all that they have provided for our family and future generations.”
Photo courtesy Maui Thomas
Maria lived in Santa Rosa, Laoag City for 12 years. She attended Balacad Elementary School and moved to Maui in 1982. She attended Kahului Elementary School (7th – 8th grade) and Maui High School. At Maui High School, she was a member of the Keywanettes Club, Science, Aquarium/Terrarium Club and Leo Club. While attending the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, she was a member of the Fil-Am Club and Philippine Languages & Cultural Club. She graduated from Argosy University with a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling.
For her community involvement, Maria dances with Dance International under the direction of Madelyne Pascua. She also belongs to Christ The King Church and serves as a Lector. In addition, she also belongs to Alpha Delta Kappa (Professional Growth Development Chairperson).
Maria worked in the Hawai‘i Job Corps. She is presently employed by the Department of Education as their Behavioral Health Specialist/Counselor. She also worked at Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena School, King Kamehameha III School, Kahului School and is currently at Pōmaika‘i School
At the first Annual Mrs. Ambassador of Culture Pageant, Maria represented the Filipino Culture as Mrs. Ambassador of Faith. Her favorite quote that she shared at the pageant was, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” It was a quotation by Helen Keller. She modeled Filipino outfits during the pageant and other events like the Little Miss Barrio Fiesta Pageant, Maui Mall, and at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center for cultural events.
In 1998, Maria participated in the Miss Maui Filipina pageant and became the 2nd runner up. In the past, she performed at the Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival with Dance International Production.
Maria’s self reflection, hopes and dreams for a better Maui and better world is: “Finding peace and joy in each other (love, love, love)-Maui and the world would be a better place if we can only love and accept one another as we are.”
Maria truly and beautifully represents the new generation of Filipinas of the Sakada Offsprings.