They are the sons and daughters of dramatic journeys and fantastic tales, their stories carried like treasures as they lay down a shadow of stunning proportions, shaped both by the drama of the past and the sparkle of the moment.
They are a phenomenon all on their own — from our ancestors who came to America amid colonial romance, famine despair and political misfortune. Through them, generations of immigrants lift their heads high.
Proud of their Filipino heritage, they left their villages, towns, cities, from which their people came, the sign posts and headlands of their Filipino past.
These are the writers, diplomats and journalists from whom the saga of the Filipino in America expresses itself, with bold and fresh aplomb.
Despite generations of separations from the Philippines, the soft talk and imaginative tale, the English language eloquence is close to their hearts and tongues.
We remember the lyrical words of a grandmother who can quote Shelly, Yeats, Byron and Wordsworth in poetic splendor, or the pipe smoke of a rapscallion grandfather that makes the sea sky of the old country — a reality in the new.
They are the children of Filipino patriots and minute men: manongs, train drivers, farmers, brick layers, carpenters, camineros.
A poignant history unfolds in their stories. Beneath the success of achievements of individual careers, a long invisible thread holds to the ancient land of family origins and tribal lore.
Here, Consul General Hellen Barber-De La Vega represents President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Her work has many facets. More than just helping kababayans who have lost their passports, she sorts out their problems with local bureaucracy, stitches together paradoxical alliances in the Fil-Am community, assists businesswomen wishing to visit and invest in our country, and promotes Philippine interests.
At one level this is easy. Our needs will always include a need for peace and security and the creation of economic and commercial prosperity, through beneficial international trade.
Our interests are eternal and perpetual and those interests are our duty to follow. It is hard work, even for a special person. She is perceived by the community as efficient, erudite, hospitable and a great problem-solver. Compared to her Wonder Woman becomes a flavorless character.
In cooperation and partnership with the Philippine Institute of Language, Arts and Culture (PILAC), Isang Gabi ng Balagtasan at Harana sa Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, showcased the unique combination of age old charm and appeal of “Harana” or love songs for the Beloved and “Balagtasan,” which is a delivery of opposing views in pure Filipino poetic and lyrical intonation.
There was rousing acceptance, if not appreciation, among the guests for that evening.
“This is truly a great cooperation between the Philippine Consulate General and PILAC, a well-guided organization espousing the promotion and development of Philippine Language, Arts and Cultures. It truly deserves our thrust and support in leading this less travelled advocacy. We will support the PILAC, all the way,” said the ConGen in her keynote, while acknowledging the dedication of Deputy ConGen Dan Espiritu and Wilma Bautista of the Cultural Office, at the same time.
Among the starliners, who performed timeless classic love songs were standout Gelo Francisco, Ms. Joanne Feliciano, Willie Manacsa and Robert Alba, Jocelyn Youngyven. Ms. Lily Tabacunda led the singing of the US and Philippine National Anthems. Ms. Yolly Clavo and Silverlake ladies provided the Filipino dances.
Ms. Maria Amor enthused that the real stars of the evening were the Balagtasan participants, with Ms. Jovey Alejandrino as Lakandiwa; the teams of Ms. Bernie Ganon and Atty. Roman Mosqueda versus that of Art Garcia and your Moonlighter.
Artist Absoluto Bernardo Bernardo and Dean of Journalist Romy P. Borje were the very stressed judges.
In her closing remark, PILAC President Em Roberts said: “This is our way in PILAC to support the laudable efforts of the Philippine Consulate General, in uniting the Filipinos here in LA, by presenting relevant programs that provide the use and understanding of Philippine Language, arts and culture, not only for the Filipinos but also for the entire Fil-Am community as well.”
PILAC acknowledged with deep gratitude our major sponsor, Asian Journal and the AJPress tandem of Andy Tecson and Mico Letargo, Ms. Lydia V. Solis of Philippine News and PILAC’s media partners: Philippine Press Photographers (PPP-USA) Irwin Jazmines, Reggie Cantuba, Oscar and Mar Arcena, Vilma Hernandez and the Fil-Am community.
Maraming Salamat po.
