Tigi Asuega Mataalii
"Be the best at anything and everything you do"
One with very little to say, but such a big heart. He was born in Pago, Pago American, Samoa on February 24, 1938. As a young boy, he learned to fix the umu, which is a traditional Samoan style of cooking, for the family to survive. Learning to fish was a requirement as well, sometimes, he would have to go fishing in the middle of he night!
In 1952, he and his siblings, along with his parents, left Samoa to Laie, Hawaii for a better opportunity. Adjusting to life in Hawaii was something very different for them, but they were able to manage and get through it! Living in Hawaii, they grew their own taro plantation, where BYU of Hawaii is now located at.
One with very little to say, but such a big heart. He was born in Pago, Pago American, Samoa on February 24, 1938. As a young boy, he learned to fix the umu, which is a traditional Samoan style of cooking, for the family to survive. Learning to fish was a requirement as well, sometimes, he would have to go fishing in the middle of he night!
In 1952, he and his siblings, along with his parents, left Samoa to Laie, Hawaii for a better opportunity. Adjusting to life in Hawaii was something very different for them, but they were able to manage and get through it! Living in Hawaii, they grew their own taro plantation, where BYU of Hawaii is now located at.
During this time, he picked up interest in martial arts. He enjoyed it so much he became a policeman in Laie. After all the training, he prepared his self to join the military.He joined he Marines and served for 4 years.
He was so into his martial arts, his talent expand. He trained from breaking bricks with newspaper, glass and his bare hands! When he mastered the ability to break bricks, he moved on to ice! He would break 150lbs. of blocks of ice with his bare hands. He was later knows as the iceman! His talent brought him to air on television, the tv show, The Incredibles! He also performed for the Los Angeles Raiders half-time show when they went to the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 1977.
He was so into his martial arts, his talent expand. He trained from breaking bricks with newspaper, glass and his bare hands! When he mastered the ability to break bricks, he moved on to ice! He would break 150lbs. of blocks of ice with his bare hands. He was later knows as the iceman! His talent brought him to air on television, the tv show, The Incredibles! He also performed for the Los Angeles Raiders half-time show when they went to the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 1977.
"Behind every man is a strong woman"
Lupe McMullen, a good friend of Faasalalau Filoialii, introduced me to her. We were at the Office of Samoan Affairs in Torrance, I was in the process of starting a Samoan News production. From then on, we starting doing the Samoan News together as reporters. She then starting doing the reporting and I was the cameraman! I married her in American Samoa on August 17, 1985.
Lupe McMullen, a good friend of Faasalalau Filoialii, introduced me to her. We were at the Office of Samoan Affairs in Torrance, I was in the process of starting a Samoan News production. From then on, we starting doing the Samoan News together as reporters. She then starting doing the reporting and I was the cameraman! I married her in American Samoa on August 17, 1985.
This photo was taken on the day of the initiation of the title "TUIATUA" on me by the consensus of my entire Asuega family in the village of Pago Pago, American Samoa
in 1986.
Photo: High Chief Tuiatua Tigi Asuega Mataalii, my Mother Siniva Simole Moananu Mataalii, my oldest sister Lucy Mataalii Wallwork Kiel, and my sister Ida Mataalii Wilson. My Mother and Sisters traveled to American Samoa for this special occasion (Tuiatua Title Initiation) representing all our families, relatives/aigas from the United States.
in 1986.
Photo: High Chief Tuiatua Tigi Asuega Mataalii, my Mother Siniva Simole Moananu Mataalii, my oldest sister Lucy Mataalii Wallwork Kiel, and my sister Ida Mataalii Wilson. My Mother and Sisters traveled to American Samoa for this special occasion (Tuiatua Title Initiation) representing all our families, relatives/aigas from the United States.
Past Missionary Service from Tigi Sr family branch:
Missionaries from our family: Nicky Mataalii, served in the Indianapolis Indiana mission 77 thru 79, Tigi Mataalii Jr., served in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission from 1982 thru 1984, Nicks sons Brandon served in McAllen, Texas, Jason Mataalii served in Argentina, Jordan is currently serving in Lyon France.
Missionaries from our family: Nicky Mataalii, served in the Indianapolis Indiana mission 77 thru 79, Tigi Mataalii Jr., served in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission from 1982 thru 1984, Nicks sons Brandon served in McAllen, Texas, Jason Mataalii served in Argentina, Jordan is currently serving in Lyon France.
