Things that Entertained Us: Frank De Lima

With such a diverse mix of peoples living here in Hawaii, our Aloha State is known across the globe as a “melting pot” of cultures. This notion is perhaps most hilariously celebrated on Frank De Lima’s comedy stage. Born Frank Wilcox Napuakekaulike De Lima, Jr. on July 8, 1949, he is best known for his singing, creating hilarious spoofs on popular tunes and of course, his ethnic jokes which pokes fun at everybody. Being of Portuguese, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Scottish descent, De Lima’s ethnic make-up is microcosm of Hawaii’s melting pot; thus, he has “built in permission” to make fun of others since in essence, he is laughing at himself. From the “Filipino Christmas”  song to the “Portagee Fight Song”  to “Glenn Miyashiro”, we laugh because we see ourselves, our friends and our families in his parodies.

Some of Frank De Lima’s past work includes 14 albums (including “Don’t Sneeze When You Eat Saimin, 1981), six TV specials and appearances along with a slew of other awards and accomplishments including Governor Ben Caetano’s Kihohana Award for Volunteer of the Year in 2000. De Lima is also known for The Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program with the basic message: The significance of reading, studying, laughing, and family (3 Bs = Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful).

What are your favorite Frank De Lima moments? Is there any one song or skit that best encapsulates the way we laugh at ourselves? Share it here!