About the Book
A kingdom on the brink. A city in turmoil. A battle for the soul of Hawai‘i.
Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Honolulu, Hotel Street is a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and resilience in the face of a kingdom’s collapse. As colonial powers close in and political factions clash, the once-thriving Hawaiian monarchy teeters on the edge of extinction.
From the smoky parlors of Chinatown to the halls of ‘Iolani Palace, spies and revolutionaries, royalists, and opportunists maneuver through a treacherous web of ambition and deception. Secret societies conspire in the shadows, American business interests tighten their grip, and those loyal to the kingdom risk everything to turn the tide of history.
In a world where loyalty is tested, love is dangerous, and power is fleeting, Hotel Street brings to life a forgotten chapter of Hawaiian history with unflinching drama and heart-pounding action. As the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, the choices made in the streets and behind closed doors will determine whether Hawai‘i’s legacy is one of sovereignty—or subjugation.
About the Author
Teodoro “Ted” Visaya is an accomplished storyteller, historian, and creative visionary based in Hawai‘i. With a background spanning Silicon Valley’s tech-driven landscape to the vibrant arts scene of Honolulu, he brings a unique fusion of analytical precision and artistic expression to his writing.
Ted’s work explores the intricate intersections of history, culture, and speculative fiction, crafting narratives that challenge convention while honoring deep-rooted traditions. His passion for Talk-Story—the rich oral tradition of storytelling—infuses his work with authenticity, depth, and a profound connection to the past.
From reimagining pivotal moments in history to envisioning the frontiers of tomorrow, Ted’s fiction transports readers across time and space, blending meticulous research with gripping, immersive storytelling. As he continues his creative journey, he remains dedicated to uncovering hidden narratives, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring a new generation of storytellers.
About the Book
A Fil-Am Journey
Talk Story With Uncle Ted:
Ever been mugged by history? No? Then you’ve never read Ted Visaya’s A Fil-Am Journey.
Equal parts cultural scrapbook, ancestral time machine, and laugh-out-loud kitchen table storytelling, this book takes you on a wild ride through 100,000 years of Filipino migration, the rice fields of California, the sugar plantations of Hawai‘i, and the sacred mysteries of Mama’s Calrose rice sack collection. Buckle up.
With wit sharp as a bolo knife and compassion deep as the Pacific, Ted unpacks the Filipino-American experience one talk story at a time—from ancient Austronesian seafarers and tattooed warriors of the Visayas to confused second-gen kids armed with clothespins and chocolate meat trauma. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a soul lesson, a love letter to identity, resilience, and the chaotic magic of family.
Whether you're a Filipino curious about your roots, or just someone who’s ever looked at a lumpia and thought, I need to know more, this book is your joyful gateway into a world of stories too good to be left in the attic.
So go ahead—turn the page. Your Manong is waiting to talk story.
About the Author
Meet Teodoro “Ted” Visaya—Filipino-American storyteller, backyard historian, accidental anthropologist, and full-time uncle energy. After years working in the high-tech chaos of Silicon Valley, Ted traded circuit boards for surfboards and settled in Honolulu’s Arts District, where he now crafts Talk-Story experiences like a barefoot Bohemian on a mission.
Armed with his dad’s bolo, his mom’s footlocker, and a questionable obsession with rice sacks, Ted writes with humor, heart, and a healthy disregard for the rules of polite conversation. Whether he’s unpacking Austronesian migration or explaining why balut might make you irresistible (depending on your audience), Ted delivers cultural history the way it should be told—warm, funny, and just a little bit spicy.
He’s navigating his mid-life crisis like a true islander, with aloha, creativity, and zero apologies.