When you’re so iconic that even the government has to stan. That’s Bretman Rock for you.
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Bretman Rock has been many things in his 25 (and counting) fabulous years on this earth. He’s a singer, songwriter, actor, actress, athlete, activist, scientist on the motherf*cking side, the star of the crystal of the dayayayyayaayy, a coconut water connoisseur, author, and ambassador for Beyonce’s hair care line. But no matter what Bretman is up to or how far he goes, he will always be Filipino and proudly represent his Pinoy roots and home of Hawaii. His unapologetic embrace of his heritage and culture is one of the many reasons why people love the social media superstar. And it is this love that got Bretman official recognition from the local government of Hawaii.
BRETMAN GOES TO DC HAWAII
Recently, the Hawaii House of Representatives held a special session to recognize Bretman for his many, many achievements. But more importantly, the state representatives and the legislature’s Filipino Caucus, which basically is the Filipino members of the legislature, honored Bretman for his promoting, highlighting, and bringing positive attention to Hawaii and Filipino Americans.
INSTAGRAM/BRETMANROCK
“Bretman, your journey is a testament to the power of dreams and resilience, and the human spirit. You have overcome obstacles and defied expectations, blazing a trail for others to follow. Your influence reaches far beyond our shorelines and have touched the lives of countless individuals across Hawaii and beyond, inspiring to embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our individuality,” said Rep Darius Kila during the session.
For the honor, Bretman, who migrated to Hawaii from the Philippines with his family when he was seven, received a lei and a certificate from the legislature’s Filipino caucus. To make Bretman’s latest achievement event more special, Hawaii’s Governor and Lieutenant Governor were also in the building and congratulated him for the recognition.
INSTAGRAM/BRETMANROCK
“Mahalo for all you do to inspire people from around the world and especially Hawaii’s keiki to not only be proud of their cultural heritage but to be their true authentic self,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green. “Not only are you able to use social media as a tool for good, but you’re able to inspire people who don’t often get the spotlight. Your breaking of barriers and success are truly commendable and I’m so proud that you’re an ambassador of aloha and from Hawaii for the world.”
UNAPOLOGETIC FILIPINO ENERGY
Of course, this being Bretman Rock, he wouldn’t show up to the function without turning a look. Fittingly, Bretman wore a Filipino designer as he served in a stunning piece from Jude Macasinag. It was extra and the most in the best way possible and brought some much-needed Filipino baddie energy to the government.
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Reflecting on the achievement, Bretman looked back on his past and marveled at how far he’s come from his humble beginnings. “Thank you so much for the opportunity, I never thought this would ever happen, I was just an Ewa Beach boy twerking behind the manupua truck, giving MTV crib tours of my highschool and singing my boba song everywhere,” he wrote on Instagram.
Filipino pride and culture took center stage that day as Bretman spent time with Filipino lawmakers, who even presented him with a gavel. “I also got to spend it with the Filipino Caucus and it was so fun and so brown I loved every moment of it and spending it with my people! And girl they had a whole lechon for me for lunch!!! I really felt like a queen,” he adds.
INSTAGRAM/BRETMANROCK
It feels correct to see Bretman be recognized for something that is so second nature to him and hasn’t changed ever since he started going viral on social media. Despite what the haters may say, Bretman deserves the honor. He has never been shy to rep his morena energy as well as use his platform to speak up for what’s right. This achievement is another reminder that using your platform for the good will always be the right choice.
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