July 4th in Washington D.C. was fine and relatively cool summer day for Fil-Ams to represent the Philippines in the US capital’s biggest national parade.Leading the Philippine contingent was the Migrant Heritage Commission, Inc, an organization that honors and serves the migrants.MHC was joined by various representatives of Filipino-American community, a war veteran and a Philippine Embassy military representative as the official RP flag bearer.American friends zealously carried the U.S. flags while Fil-Am beauty queens and other young people made up the rest of the contingentin celebrating America’s birthday, thesignificant 61st Anniversary of Fil-Am Friendship Day and the 101st Year of Filipino Migration to the U.S.Approximately60,000 people watched along the famous Constitution Ave. (where the White House and Washington Monument are) .
Fil-Ams proudly waved at the huge crowd as they paraded during America’s Independence Day Parade. Enthusiastic Filipino members marched in full colorful regalia showing the best of the five Philippine Cultural Suites of Barrio Fiesta/ Rural Festival, Maria Clara/Spanish,Mountain Province, Tribal and Southern Philippines.
Over 150 participants heeded MHC’s limited invitation to Fil-Ams to takepride in their Filipino heritage and to march with them on the 4th of July. Many out-of-towners came to participate such as the Aklan Ati-Atihan of Virginia group and the Mrs. Philippines/CUFOTfrom Norfolk area, individualparticipants from New Yorkand the Maharlikang Pilipino U.S.A., as well asbeauty queen and her family from New Jersey.Among the Metro DC-based organizations represented were MHC,La Salle and University of the Philippines Alumni, Philippine-American Community Partnership Inc.,Ilocano Society of America Foundation, Miss Teenage Philippines Pageant winners,BIMAK DC/ Benguet 13, Ang Bulakenyo Inc., BOGWAS, Ultimate Eskrima Int’l, Fil-Am Ministry of St. Michael in Silver Spring, MD, the Filipino Community of the Blessed Sacrament in Washington D.C., Filipino Community of St. Rose of Lima of Gaithersburg, MD, Ang Bisaya, Inc. Fil-Am Heritage Dance Ensemble, Pinoy Chronicle, Phil.Nurses Ass’n of Metro DC, Pangasinan Ass’n, Tribung Pinoy, San Beda Alumni Ass’n, Ateneo Alumni Ass’n , IPAG and the Mindanao State Univ. (MSU) Alumni/K-Arts.
North Star/Golden Dragon (Merlyn & John Eda), JECI Inc (Nonong & Elvie Igot)., Lani Travis, Conrad & Raquel Martinez, Gwen & BebotFernandez, Rico & Badet Ortanez, Jomar & Rose Examen. Lorina Ansula donated food to the marchers while “Blow it up Balloon Creations” provided the balloons for the parade. Parade vehicles were courtesy of Ben & Zeny Frasier of the Potomac Driving Schooland Mr. Erwin of Norfolk, VA.MHC and the Law Offices of Valera and Associates sponsored over-all participation of the Philippine contingent. Art Campanilla of Crystal Gardens Assisted Living graciously provided the transport services from the parking area to the assembly point.Eastmark International, U.S.A. was the MHC’s Consultant for the parade.
The Philippine Embassy and Alpha Travel lent most of the flags, arches and other paraphernalia while the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) provided the multi-coloredvinta and the yellow sambulayan for the Southern Philippines suite.JR Aquino of Pangasinan Inc. supplied the sound system which played vibrant Filipino marching band music throughout the parade. Members of the Philippine contingent clad in barong tagalog/kimona and different colorful costumes from the North to the South including the Talaandig costume of Bukidnon (courtesy of K-Arts/MSU), were well applauded at every block for their choreographed steps and enthusiastic participation.After the parade, MHC provided lunch amidst JR’s loudmusic of “Todo-todo”which made all Fil-Am participantsdanced on the streets of Washington D.C.Everyone had a great time representing the Philippines atDC’s biggest national parade!
Philippine participation is part of MHC’s Cultural Support Program of participating at high profiled cultural celebration in the U.S., highlighting the positive and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and increasing Philippine visibility to the American mainstream. It is also MHC’s way of encouraging the Fil-Am youth to have a better appreciation of their Filipino roots and heritage. MHC is supported by its partners which include, among others,Lifeline International Foundation, Inc. and the Asia Heritage Foundation.
For more information on MHC services, please visit www.migrantheritage.org or email [email protected] or call 703-273-1196/ 703-675-6334/ 202-631-8856/ 202-247-0117.
