The Baraquios

At the helm of the Baraquio family are Claudio (Claude) and Rigolette Baraquio, who immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines on January 30, 1970, as young high school teachers seeking a better life for themselves and for their children. The couple brought their infants while expecting a fourth to arrive in July. For the first eight months, they all lived in one room in a house shared with Rigolet...

At the helm of the Baraquio family are Claudio (Claude) and Rigolette Baraquio, who immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines on January 30, 1970, as young high school teachers seeking a better life for themselves and for their children. The couple brought their infants while expecting a fourth to arrive in July. For the first eight months, they all lived in one room in a house shared with Rigolette’s mother and other relatives. The Baraquio family would grow to include 10 children. Through the years, Mama and Papa Baraquio stressed the importance of working hard, achieving, and always giving back to God and the community. Their home life was characterized by study, music, prayer, and family activities. They supported each of their children’s unique talents by encouraging participation in church choirs, student body government, athletics, speech competitions, and school plays. The children would find their parents attending every event with vigor, and without fail. Today, all the Baraquio children have earned college degrees, with three completing their Master\'s. Through growing careers and budding families, Mama and Papa Baraquio are now the proud grandparents of fourteen grandchildren. When Angela, the eighth child, made history as the first Asian-American and teacher to be crowned Miss America 2001, it was a joyous moment of gratitude for the entire family. For Claude and Rigolette, it was an ultimate feeling of pride, as they believe their children are their greatest assets. Being first-generation Filipino-Americans, this crowning moment also helped to validate the family’s humble formula to living: that if they focus, work hard, and utilize their God-given talents and skills for a greater good, any dream is possible. Tribute Records, launched in 2007 by the Baraquio family, is an expansion of an entertainment franchise that began with “Living Local,” a cable television show starring five sisters: Angela, Bernadette, Tess, Gloria, and Rose. “Lost and Found,” Tribute Record’s first release, was produced in memory of their late brother Albert, who passed away on November 28, 2006. “We want to send a message of hope,” the Baraquios say of their debut CD, filled with praise, faith, family & love.