The richness and diversity of Filipino culture and traditions were once again highlighted at the 24th Filipino Fiesta and Parade on 14 May 2016 at the Queen Kapiolani Regional Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. Starting with a Grand Parade of about fifty (50) participants comprised of bands, floats, motorcades and marching bands from different sectors of the Filipino American community and Fiesta sponsors, the day-long activity featured a whole gamut of the colorful and vibrant Filipino culture with Filipino food booths, cultural exhibits and live entertainment featuring Hawaii-based talents and visiting celebrities such as Honolulu-born Concert King Martin Nievera, 2012 Miss Universe 1st Runner-Up Janine Tugonon, Acoustic Heartthrob Sam Milby, and Ms. Giselle Tongi of Kababayan Today.
Organized by the Filipino Community (Filcom) Center, the Fiesta is the oldest running and most popular event celebrating Filipino culture. For 2016, it adopted the theme “Sama-Sama sa Saya! Happy Together!”
Sponsor, business and community booths complemented the lively atmosphere of the Fiesta with games, surprises, raffle prizes and giveaways. Philippine Airlines raffled two (2) roundtrip tickets to the Philippines to the delight of the audience.
In her remarks, Consul General Jamoralin took the opportunity to thank the Filipino community for voting at the recently-concluded Philippine overseas voting on 9 May 2016, where 30% of total registered voters in Hawaii and American Samoa cast their votes. She also encouraged them to participate in the series of activities being planned in celebration of the 118th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in June. Consul General Jamoralin also invited the audience to attend the PAG-IBIG Fund Filipino Forum on 15 May 2016 at the Philippine Consulate General.
The Philippine Consulate General participated in the Grand Parade and also set up a booth where it handed out consular forms, tourism and trade materials to interested individuals. (END).
