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BALITA
ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor
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Saturday-Friday | March 27 - April 2, 2021
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"FIESTA FILIPINAS," A celebration of Philippine Festivals
M
abuhay! As we all know, our country, the Philippines has a tradition of celebrating unique and distinct "fiestas": or festivals in numerous towns, cities and provinces all year round. These festivals are mostly celebrated "in honor of Catholic churches' patron saints or historic town events which brings its community together." Thus, to showcase our Philippine festivals, culture and traditions, the "FIESTA FILIPINAS" project was established. This project is a six-part, multi-format online event series organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). It aims to "simulate the experience of a Philippine festival, through live streamed formats of "FIESTA FILIPINAS." Its previous episodes can be watched through the following links: https.//www.youtube,com/dfaphl https.//www.facebook,com/dfaphl https.//www.facebook.com/PHLmLA The first event was the GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL, livestreamed via zoom on Dec. 19, 2020. Subsequently, it was followed by the SINULOG, ATI-ATIHAN and DINAGYANG FESTIVAL livestreamed on FB and YouTube on February 20, 2021. The third event was the PINAGBENGA FESTIVAL which was also livestreamed on FB and YouTube on February 27, 2021. Both livestreamed festivals were hosted by Paolo Abrera and Chai Lontoc-Del Rosario. Currently, as we Filipinos celebrate the Lenten season this
month of March, where we have "deep roots in the religious life" back home, "FIESTA FILIPINAS" will be featuring the four baroque churches in Iloilo on their "VISITA IGLESIA," Festival and its lives-
treamed date will be Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 4:00 pm on FB and YouTube. For further information, please call the office of: The Philippine Consulate General, 213/639-0980.
BISHoP ACLAN... from PAgE 1 a prelude to the mass was performed by the Vessels of Mary Liturgical Dance Group, led by Jo Solomonson. She carried the image of Santo Nino De Cebu during the dance number while the Cross was carried by Bernadette Blackshaw. The members who carried Philippine flags were Loretta Neag, Mercy Macarina and Tess Domingo.
Christianity was brought to the Philippines in 1521 by Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan who claimed the land for King Philip of Spain. As Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines (CBCP) said in a recent address: “We realize and appreciate that we are GIFTED – gifted in faith from the Lord.”
The song’s lyrics brings message of hope and love and urges the faithfuls “to continue to persevere and bring gospel to all, to evangelize and carry on with the mission of bringing Christ to others.” This year’s monthly masses in Tagalog (3rd Sundays) will observe 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines with a devotion to the Blessed Mother
before each Mass. Next Mass will be on April 18th with Our Lady of Manaoag as lead image. She is the Patroness of Pangasinan. All are welcome to attend. Wearing mask and social distancing are observed. For more information, please call : Ben Aranda (818) 437-1406, May Mallari (323) 401-0886 or IC office (818) 242-2579.
Rally and vigil on anti-Asian hate on March 28 in Carson
Tess Domingo, President of Federation of Filipino Groups, Nini Maldonado and May Mallari of Filipino American Business Association of Glendale and Greater Los Angeles pose with the image of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, also known as the “Patroness of Cavite.”
The Alliance Against Asian Hate (AAAH) will hold a rally and a vigil on Sunday (March 28) at 12 noon in front of the Carson City Hall to protest the violence being directed at Asian Americans. Richard Bis, organizer of Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP) said that the alliance composed mainly of Filipino Americans invites Asian political and community leaders in the South Bay and outlying communities to make people aware about the issues against Asian Hate. LAUSD board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin will speak about the importance of education in stopping hate acts against Asian. Also expected to speak in the event are Carson Mayor Lula Davis Homes, Mayor pro tempore Jim Dear, Fred Docdocil, president of the Philippine Independence Day Foundation and Captain DamonJones of the Carson Sheriff ”s Station. Filipina singer Shekinah Austria will perform. For more information, call 310.987.8886 or email fepkoons3@ gmail.com
