Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz giving remarks and sharing information on dual citizenship.
Glendale, CA – “Bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of civic unity and cooperation, truly works—as evidenced by our successful collaboration and celebration,” said Edith M. Fuentes, president of the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC).
In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), three Filipino American organizations—FABAG-GLAC, MoTH
“I am impressed. This is a wonderful event, and it brings back a lot of my childhood memories when we used to make parols before September at school and at home in the Philippines,” said Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz, who attended the event and enjoyed crafting his own star-shaped parol. Cruz also visited the historical Fil-Am Friendship Monument nearby.
Participants were provided with materials such as bamboo sticks, rubber bands, glue, colored paper, and scissors. With attendance exceeding expectations, almost 40 parols were completed during the workshop. A parol-making contestfollowed, with FABAG board members Fuentes, Olivia Lopez, Rose Lim, and Tutor Aura Puno guiding participants.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed a folk dance session led by past FABAG president Jo Solomonson.
UAPSoCal board member Leilanie Panyawai served as emcee and opened the program, expressing gratitude to everyone who joined. Among the dignitaries present were Consul General Adelio Cruz, Glendale Councilmember Elen Asatryan, field representatives from the offices of Congressmember Laura Friedman and Senator Maria Elena Perez, as well as board members, members, families, and friends of the three collaborating organizations.
Attendees having fun crafting parol stars and decorating them with colored paper.
Perla Bermudez Santos, founder of the MoTHER Movement, gave a brief history of the parol in the Philippines, explaining its symbolism and role in Filipino Christmas traditions. Her group came in full support of the event and joined in the festivities.
Attendees proudly showing off their finished parols.
“This workshop was the best way to showcase Filipino arts and culture, history, and heritage—and to provide education,” added Fuentes.
Consul General Cruz later offered to display the winning parols at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Participants learning basic steps of Philippine folk dances.
