SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
May 24, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 20
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Sigonellans celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Filipino American Association and Sigonella Fire and Emergency Service members perform the Haka as part of NAS Sigonella’s celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. The Haka is a traditional posture dance performed by the Maori people from New Zealand. The dance is performed in a group and includes vigorous movements and stomping of the feet with rhythmically shouted war cries. Although the Haka dates back hundreds of years, the dance has become a cultural phenomenon across the globe over the past century after the New Zealand rugby team, also known as the “All Blacks,” began performing the Haka before their matches. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)
by MC3 CAMERON BRAMHAM NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
S
ervice and community members from every corner of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella packed Knight’s Hall at Sigonella Middle/High School on NAS I for the celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). The celebration, which is part of the month of May’s celebration as APAHM was made possible due to the dedicated efforts of the NAS Sigonella Filipino American (Fil-Am) Association along with Naval Hospital Sigonella Diversity and Heritage Committee and Junior Enlisted Association. “It was amazing,” Lt. Angelita Kisena, APAHM celebration coordinator said. “I’m very proud of all of the adults and kids. Everyone stepped up their game and their hard work is what made the event successful.”
Kisena, who descends from Samoan heritage, said that her past experiences as a dancer is what really helped her coordinate much of the performances displayed during the APAHM celebration. Dances like the Tinikling (Philippines), Sway Hulu (Hawaii), E Togi E (Samoa), Tipi Tipi, Pate Pate (Tahiti), and two famous tribal dances called the Hoki Mai and the Haka from New Zealand. “In order for anything like this to be successful, you have to have people involved who have a background in the cultures,” Kisena said. “It takes a lot of dedication and it takes support.” Other performances included martial arts performances such as Taekwondo (Korea), Karate and Jiu Jitsu (Japan). The APAHM also included a fashion
show displaying many different types of clothing from the various cultures and countries celebrated. “I would like to say thank you to everyone involved,” Kisena said. “It speaks loud volumes for the people we have in these groups and this community. I want to thank them for their dedication, support and just their great attitudes to put the show on together.” After the APAHM celebration ended, those who were involved and attended the show were treated to several different types of Asian and Pacific islandstyle cuisines including homemade sushi, rice, and lumpia. “I want to thank everyone who attended our celebration,” Kisena said. “I hope everybody enjoyed themselves!”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK "You don't need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are!" - John Lennon
Around Sigonella
Sicilian festivals
Helping fight cancer
Find out what is happening around NAS Sigonella.
Find out what is happening around Sicily.
Sigonellans participate in Relay For Life.
PAGE 3
PAGE 6
PAGE 8
Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella