Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
Photos by JLI
The sun and cool fall weather were the bonus attractions at the 10th Annual Asian Festival, held on September 28-29 in Maryland, enticing thousands to linger leisurely on opening day and to come back the following day.
The crowds enjoyed the world famous “Bamboo Orchestra” from Beijing, China, the concert featuring international star Stephanie Reese, the programs showcasing traditional and modern songs and dances, the boxing matches, the games, the annual raffle–and the food, product and exhibit booths from participating embassies and organizations.
The festival at the new venue, the Rosecroft Raceway in Ft. Washington, Maryland, was so successful that organizers are considering a three-year agreement with the county.
“This is exciting!” said festival co-founder and co-organizer George Duangmanee. “We look forward to working on a three-year agreement at this venue.”
Remarked Delegate Kris Valderrama of the 21st district: “I absolutely am thrilled at this prospect. Not only is the venue this great state of Maryland, it is in my wonderful district as well! It will be great for showcasing our state, as well as celebrating diversity.”
“A partnership with the county will be good, because it means saving for organizers, as for example, at our Philippine Festival in D.C. in the 90s, you needed $30,000 for licenses and permits, and that amount was just for starters,” said Ador Carreon, chair of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc.
He added: “Maryland will also benefit from the outreach to community, and also to the business sector. Besides, this new venue is very accessible and near I-491, and there’s ample parking.”
Program
The event started promptly at 10 a.m. on opening day, with emcee John Reed noting the time. Speakers at the program congratulated the organizers on the festival milestone and applauded the celebration of Asian heritage. They acknowledged the organizers, sponsors, participating organizations, performers and the volunteers.
“We have been the festival’s major sponsor since it started, and we consider it a great honor,” said Singha Regional Director Paul Tatiyachaitaweesuk. He also noted later, “This celebration reminds me of the motto of our CEO, Santi Birompandi, which is, ‘The greatest challenge is endless sharing.’”
Counselor and Consul General Ping Ruan of China invited everyone to visit the China Village and the other festival attractions as well.
Emil Fernandez of the Philippine embassy, representing Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., urged everyone to drop in at the Philippine Village, and also extended an invitation to visit the Philippines.
Others who lauded the event for celebrating diversity were: Ishani Chaudbury of the Governor’s Commissioner on South Asian American Affairs, and State Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
Fun for all ages
The festival offered something for everyone: games, contests, a boxing match, and all-day performances, with the concert on the main stage featuring Stephanie Reese, international star of “Miss Saigon” and noted philanthropist, and the popular Annual Raffle.
Families trooped to the booths selling arts and crafts, clothes and jewelry, and food, food, food.
The crowds applauded heartily at familiar songs and dances from participating embassies and organizations, including fashion shows, such as the traditional Vietnamese Fashion Show by designer Thiêu Vy.
It also featured the Asian villages–Incredible India, China Village, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Incredible India Festival is an award-winning festival celebrating the country’s culture and cuisines.
It is managed by Kerela Association of Greater Washington (KAGW), the organization for Malayalees (Malayalan-speaking people or the people from the South Indian state of Kerala) the metro area.
People took souvenir photos with the Philippine nipa hut in the background at the Philippine Village. Other attractions were the informative spinning wheel of the Philippine embassy booth, native games by Mabuhay Inc., the handcarving demonstration, and Angklung performance, later repeated on the main stage.
The Migrant Heritage Commission tent featured interactive activities such as Asian Cooking demos, bamboo dancing, and Asian Martial Arts.
Music teacher Kim Oanhh Nguyen delighted in explaining the mandolin with its miniature Vietnamese instruments and other ornaments at the Vietnam Literacy and Artistic Club (VLAC) booth. She also joined Chilan Vu, Long Nguyen and Billy Khaong for a souvenir photo at the Vietnam Village entrance.
It rained last year at the festival. People who enjoyed the weather suggested holding it in autumn, instead of summer as in years past.
Vendors, particularly, were rejoicing. “Wow, the weather is so nice,” said Laotian American Toy Hansana, who drove all the way from North Carolina. Her booth with its varied fruits and vegetables and plants attracted customers almost non-stop during the two-day festivities. “Definitely, I will be back next year,” she said.
