Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
“Folks,” emcee Jon Melegrito quipped when storm suddenly broke out, barely an hour after the annual Philippine Community Picnic and Sports Competition kicked off, “mud wrestling has just been added to our sports competition — any takers?”
There were no takers, of course, at the Tucker Road Recreation Park in Fort Washington, Maryland. But a new act was born: The Rain Dancers.
A group of friends rushed towards the wet grass and, smiling and waving, broke into an impromptu version of the Line Dance as DJ Cham Z. Estrada played a medley of tunes blared onstage. The spontaneous, joyful reaction set the tone at the day-long event. Someone gleefully shouted, “Showtime!”
Those who had scooted to the safety of tents of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities Inc. PAFC), the event organizer, and the food and product booths laughed and clapped applauded quite cheerfully, being on dry land. Some, parents most likely, concerned that the dancers might catch cold, were seen shaking their heads.
After a while, the sun peeked through at 11 a.m. “So maybe, who knows?” joked community figure Jun Pedery, “maybe the rain dance worked.”
The picnic and sports festival on June 30 was organized by the PAFC, with Mya Talavera as Overall Chair. It was part of a series of annual events, including the Gala Ball chaired by Nanette Suyat and “Brown Strokes on White Canvas” exhibit led by Julian Oteyza, to celebrate the anniversary of Philippine independence and the Filipino cultural heritage in Mainstream America.
Fundraising
By the way, for those who believe that “Hope springs eternal,” there is still a chance to buy raffle tickets and win a roundtrip ticket anywhere in Asia, courtesy of ANA Company, formerly All Nippon Airlines. Contact person is perennial PAFC Raffle volunteer Nancy Ceniza, 571-277-4978. Tickets are $2 each, or three tickets for $5 or six for $10.
The raffle drawing will take place at the annual Summer Asian Festival and Tennis Tournament at a date and venue that will be announced by its organizers. Second prize is roundtrip ticket anywhere in Continental US and third prize is $500. There are also several consolation prizes.
PAFC Chair Ador Carreon, anxious to raise as much funds for its yearly grants to Philippine-based and US charity organizations, egged on the volunteers “to move around and peddle raffle tickets.”
Last year, the not-for profit organization released $5,000 in grants. The funds came from the proceeds of the 2012 Philippine Festival Committee (PFC) raffles, the Gala Ball and the sports tournaments.
The PAFC has given out more than $60,000 in grants over the years. Recipients come from the US and the Philippines. In the past, among the local grantees were the Brother/Sister group and SOS Children’s Villages USA. Grants usually range from $500 to $1,000.
The sports event featured volleyball and tennis. The picnic drew several contestants to the popular “Parada ng Lechon” (parade of pork suckling), the idea of Event Chair Talavera. Former Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), MacArthur Post Commander Reme Cabacar won first prize for the second straight year, claiming the $300 cash prize.
Program Co-emcee Beth Wong, stylish in cream raincoat, suggested as others nodded in agreement, “Next year, we should include Taste among the criteria for winning.” Later, Manila Mail columnist Angelyn Marzan shared her plate with slices of Cabacar’s lechon, saying, “It’s yummy, try a bite.” Others agreed it was “crispy and delicious.”
Other highlights of the day were the parlor games and a history quiz presided by Gigi Bueno Gopiao, a mini concert by a rock band and the popular Tutubi (Dragonfly) band led by Julian Oteyza, and other entertainment numbers. The program started with the reading of a Proclamation of County Executive Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker.
The PAFC Board of Directors, led by Chair Carreon, is composed of Bing Cardenas Branigin, Elvi G. Bangit, Sonny Busa, Oscar Bunoan, Ms. Ceniza, Ludy Cabanas and Ms. Talavera.
Executive Officers are Aylene Mafnas, president; Vic de Leon, vice president for internal affairs; Grace Villanueva, VP for external affairs; David Pagsibigan, treasurer; Malu Araque, recording secretary; Maurese Oteyza Owens, PR, and Rodney Garcia, legal counsel.
PAFC Chair Carreon thanked the event’s major sponsors PNC Bank, Prince George’s County of Maryland, the Philippine National Bank (PNB), DC Alpha Phi Omega and Southern Trust Mortgage “for their support in promoting our rich heritage, in celebration of the nation’s cultural diversity.”
Photos by JLI unless otherwise indicated.
