Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Presidio of Monterey celebrated its annual Language Day last May 15, 2009.  Over 1100 students from local areas came and joined the faculty and staff to this remarkable event.

Each department presented their culture through various ways.  Guests were imbued with spectacular songs and dances.  There were classroom demonstrations attended by high school students from different areas.  The cultural displays that were well-arranged gave the guests an ambiance of every country.

The Tagalog department as part of Asian I School did an exceptional job.  Non-Tagalog speakers danced the Tinikling graciously.  This was not an easy dance, as dancers performed between two long poles that are clapped in time to the music and with rotations.  The DLIFLC students had the opportunity to be an instructor, teaching the basic concepts of the Tagalog language.

The cultural display comprised of authentic products like the banig, barong Tagalog, baro at saya, and wooden products such as the bakya, religious items, and miniature things. We showcased our decorations made of wood and seashell.  It feels like home when you see shirts with unique designs and made only in the Philippines.  Guests were also introduced to the Philippines’ public transportation icons -- the jeepney, tricycle, pedicab, and kalesa.  A real money bill was on the display, as well.  Guests had experienced writing their names using the alibata – the ancient alphabet, and tasted the kalaman-C mint and pineapple-mango candies as they walked out of the door.

DFLIFC would like to the cooperation and participation of the faculty members and students.  This event was a success and an epitome of how language day is celebrated. Hopefully, next year more people could come to witness the Language Day celebration.

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