What I miss about US life

Some of the things that I truly miss about living in America are the events that happen every year that bring together people from different Filipino-American communities. It’s a sense of camaraderie that forms throughout the year, where artists and staff all volunteer their time and effort to cater to and entertain our kababayan abroad. In the spirit of community, these events really showcase what being a Filipino living in a foreign land is.

Southern California’s largest community tradition of Filipino arts and culture, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) marks its 22nd annual celebration with the theme Pag-Ugnay, Paglago at Pagbabago (Interconnectedness, Abundance and Renewal). At FPAC, Filipino artists perform for an audience that comes from near and far to participate in the activities. One time, there was even an Adobo cookfest. I have had the honor of hosting the occasion for several years now and can’t begin to tell you how it is a weekend I look forward to spending with my friends and family.

Once again this year, on Sept. 7 to 8 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at the Point Fermin Park in 807 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, California, there will be lots of activities in store such as live entertainment on two stages featuring Rex Navarrete and the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO). Other highlights include the 14th Annual Vegetable Competition and the traditional Filipino dance and martial arts exhibitions. Filipino and Asian cuisine will be sold at the food stalls. There’s shopping at the marketplace by the sea and more!

For more details on the event, visit www.filamarts.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to define your Filipino culture abroad.