It’s Summer Time in Seattle

Tag-init na naman! Sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng America, gaya ng California, marami ang umaangal sa tindi ng init ng panahon. But not in Seattle. Kung sabagay, kapag umabot na ng 70’s ang temperatura sa Seattle, naguumpisa ng magreklamo sa init ang mga tao. Tumira kaya sila sa Pinas para malaman nila ang tunay na kahulugan ng “Tag-init na naman.”

It’s summer time again in Seattle. Keeping children occupied when they are off from school is the main goal of many parents. It’s time for picnics, camping, banquets and balls. Seattle residents are notorious outdoors enthusiasts. They enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, sailing, boating and much more. Being an ocean-front city, Seattle offers numerous world class recreation activities.

Pista sa Nayon

Summer in Seattle also means that “Pista sa Nayon” can’t be that far away. In the previous issue of One Philippines, I invited you to visit our booth to pick up your current issue of One Philippines as well as place your order for Direct TV (TFC & GMA Pinoy TV) or Clearwire. Pista sa Nayon, a Filipino American Fiesta, has been a part of Seattle’s Seafair events. This will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2008 at the Seaward Park.

Pista sa Nayon is celebrating its 19^th year of bringing the community together and honoring the cultural heritage of Filipino Americans, preserving traditions and artistry for future generations. The festival features music, dance, live entertainment, Filipino cuisine, food booths, arts and crafts, community based cultural booths and contemporary and traditional repertoire by singers, dancers and musicians.

FAANPS Camping at Jim Creek

The Filipino American Association of North Puget Sound (FAANPS) held its annual 3-day camping last weekend at Jim Creek in Arlington, Washington. I was there during the “eating time.” I could not resist the invitation because I was told they would have the traditional cooking of lechon --- meaning hours of cooking. It was worth waiting for the lechon to be cooked. The “balat” was crispy and the meat was juicy.

Camping is a time for family bonding. The kids were fun to watch as they participated in the different parlor games. There were raffle prizes and I was one of the winners. I was told there would be line dancing but I had to leave for another party. By the way, Binibining Pilipinas -Universe 1996, Aileen, graced the occasion. She came with her mother and two kids. I had the pleasure of meeting her but I did not have much time to talk to her.

FAANPS president, Alan Viray, invited me to the association’s annual grand ball on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The grand ball is in celebration of FAANPS’ 22^nd year anniversary as well as to recognize the 2008 high school graduates and award scholarships to the outstanding graduates. This year’s theme is “Salute to the Graduate.”

Filipino-American Friendship Day

During my growing years, the Philippines celebrated Independence Day on July 4^th. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day, July 4^th, is a day in the Philippines designated by President Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.

In Washington, D.C., the Filipino-American Friendship Day was celebrated with a parade. Migrant Heritage Commission Executive Directors Grace Valera-Jaramillo and Jesse Gatchalian led the celebration. One of the favorites during the parade was the participation of the officers and members of BIMAAK DC and Benguet 13 led by their respective Presidents Connie Alfrido and Elvis Cagas.