BYUH alumnus embarks on a mission to preserve and celebrate Filipino culture through his passion and connection in researching indigenous roots
Mark Maslar, an alumnus of BYU–Hawaii from California with a major in interdisciplinary studies, said he is the first person in his family to have served a mission and attend a church-affiliated school. “Being in a community of our own was a new experience for me, in more ways than one. It felt like home, safe, comfortable and full of love and opportunity,” he said.
He said he was curious and wanted to explore different interests and pursuits throughout his academic career. “I switched my major like five times,” he said. He explained he initially pursued medicine but later discovered his true passion was theater and music. “My heart was calling me to perform in music and theater like I always did in high school, but I also wanted to find ways to be self-reliant,” he said.
During a trip home in his junior year, Mark Maslar said he made a discovery about his family’s heritage. “I found out that my family had deeper roots in a Filipino tribe that I had never heard of before and it piqued my interest,” he said. Following his discovery, he said he immersed himself in language, literary and historical study, combining his academic passions into a single goal that is to discover and safeguard his family’s native roots.
Upon completing his studies, Mark Maslar said he made a life-changing decision to join his wife in the Philippines. He said the transition to a new country and the pursuit of employment after college posed challenges, but he said he found solace in the support of his family, the church community, and his unwavering faith. “Family and God are still there to provide me the support I need,” he said.
Johanah Micah Gallano Maslar, Mark Maslar’s wife and a BYUH alumna from the Philippines who majored in TESOL, said she commends his husband’s efforts in embodying the BYUH motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” She said it confirmed her husband’s endeavors were rooted in his profound affection and the knowledge he gained from his time there, drawing on their experiences at BYUH and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Reflecting on their journey, she shared an enjoyable memory of supporting her husband in creating props for his Filipino martial arts materials, which aligned with his pursuit of the Philippine cultural center. She said, “Witnessing his love, passion and unwavering dedication to expressing his admiration for Philippine culture was truly inspiring.”
Inspiration
Mark Maslar acknowledged the influence of mentors like PJ Rogers, Paul Wilson and Spencer Taggart whom his wife introduced him to, as well as the inspiration he received from influential individuals he met while attending BYUH. “They inspired me to think more deeply about the possibilities of business and taught me how to connect with people who could help me make an impact,” he said.
Assistant Professor PJ Rogers of the Faculty of Business and Government spoke about Maslar’s journey at BYUH, saying he has a hard-working personality that shaped his path to entrepreneurship. Rogers said, “Maslar wasn’t a business student. But he had a very go-getter personality. He was someone who would get an idea, and then he would run with it. Even if he thought someone told him the idea wasn’t good, he’d still run with it because that's the entrepreneur’s mind. You can’t tell me no. I’m going to make it happen - and that was Mark.”
“In entrepreneurship, we teach that you can learn and do things bigger than yourself. I think that’s the biggest thing he [Mark Maslar] learned,” said Rogers. “One of the sad things in many societies is that the culture is dissipating, or it’s leaving us....Any way that we can preserve the old traditions, and particularly all the good traditions because most of them are good. I think it’s powerful, and we should do it.”
Mart Maslar said, "Entrepreneurship and literature helped me open up to creative ideas in all forms." During his final semester, Mark Maslar said he had the courage to apply to work at the PCC, which he was accepted into.
“I was teaching about culture, performing and learning about history and language,” he said. He shared how his experience at the PCC ignited a profound realization within him. He said he pondered how he could pursue his passions and make a positive impact on his culture. “If there was no cultural center like the one I experienced. I would create it myself,’ he said. He added how he found the solution in his entrepreneurship and business studies.
Mark Maslar said his vision is to create a project that would combine his various interests and make a meaningful impact on Filipino culture. Inspired by his experiences at the PCC, he said, “I want to build a community of individuals who have a similar passion for preserving and promoting our Filipino heritage.”
Center vision
He said he has been actively conducting research and connecting with various stakeholders during his visits to the Philippines. Maslar said he has been making monthly trips to conduct research and connect with people in governments, educational institutions and organizations. He shared he saw the happiness and excitement that cultural events bring to the communities he had stayed with.
He said he envisioned the cultural centers as both sources of employment and support for those facing financial difficulties. “These centers will not only provide job opportunities but also ignite a passion for Filipino history, culture, and personal growth…the possibilities are endless,” said Mark Maslar. He shared his spear-throwing success in June inspired him to pursue and expand promising ventures.
“Every challenge provides an opportunity to understand the community, the business, and the necessary steps for success,” said Mark Maslar. He shared limited resources, support, and slow government funding present challenges for culture-bearers in his community. He said, “Some are unable to help due to age, demanding jobs or prioritizing studies.” He said he actively seeks financial support through grants, crowdfunding and other avenues.
Expressing his need for assistance, Maslar said he welcomes contributions and collaborations and invites anyone interested to join him in pursuing their visions together. Despite challenges and setbacks, Mark Maslar said he remains committed to making progress each day, supporting himself through side work and actively participating in the community.
During challenging times, Johanah Micah Gallano Maslar said she stood as a witness to her husband’s patience, positivity and commitment as he engaged with individuals who assisted him in his project. “Despite facing various obstacles, his determination to build the cultural center remained undeterred,” she said.
Upon offering advice to him, Rogers emphasized the importance of persistence, urging Mark Maslar to do the “Mark thing” he has always done and to stay with it. “Don’t take no for an answer, just keep on trying until you have created what needs to be created,” said Rogers. Additionally, he advised Mark Maslar to seek out diverse perspectives and discern the course of action that aligns with his vision.
Encouraging words
Mark Maslar said, “Our history is our teacher. Without it, we are lost. We must know the truth about our collective past to distinguish what is true, half-truth and false.” He encouraged people to embrace their heritage and emphasized, “There is no one clearly-defined ‘Filipino.’ We are 182 ethnolinguistic groups strong,” he exclaimed.
Mark Maslar urged individuals to keep learning and growing, saying, "The more you learn, the more you will know. The more you know, the more you can become." He emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and love, encouraging others to make a difference by advocating for their culture and making an impact wherever they are.
“Let us turn our dreams into reality, connect generations and build bridges that celebrate and honor our rich Filipino heritage,” said Mark Maslar. He said his journey is not without its difficulties, but his determination and call for support have helped him in his journey to establish a cultural center and empower the Filipino community.
Mark Maslar said he is grateful for the Tahitian Village, Filipino Club, professors, church leaders, his wife and family for their guidance and support during his journey at BYUH. He also said in the Philippines, support came from his family, his friend Nica, the community, government workers, teachers and indigenous people’s organizations.
“I won’t stop trying. I will keep going, sustained by God through it all….I believe in the importance of preserving our culture, and I am committed to creating a space where our heritage can flourish and be celebrated,” said Mark Maslar. He urged Filipinos worldwide to passionately embrace their identity, culture and communities, inspired by the fervor he witnessed in Hawaii.
Rogers said he encourages students at BYUH to consider business as a vital component of their academic journey. He said, “I think you're crazy to be a BYUH student and not take entrepreneurship….Everyone is going to own a business: It’s called a family. The principles of running the finances of a family and a business are exactly the same. You’ve got to budget, plan and have a strategy for your family's finances."
Rogers emphasized how the skills imparted in entrepreneurship courses are invaluable for navigating life’s financial demands. He shared while not every student may embark on a formal business venture, the knowledge gained in entrepreneurship courses equips them to adeptly manage their personal finances. He urged students to consider at least taking one business class.