FOR most Filipinos who have been away from home, the season brings loneliness, wanting to be with their families and friends, and missing the traditional Pinoy Pasko – the masses at dawn, the bibingka and puto bumbong, the festive Noche Buena and the constant echoes of songs by the carolers.

This year, the Asian Journal Foundation and the first-ever Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) are bringing back sweet memories of the perfect Filipino Christmas with Handog ng FASO sa Pasko on Sunday, December 6 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. With Maestro Robert “Bob” Shroder conducting, the event promises an evening of great music from its special guests Charice and Joey Albert; and other performances from Kit Navarro and musical choirs.

True to its ideals, the Asian Journal Foundation brings harmony to the community by supporting FASO, after the success of their first performance last May. This event will also mark the initial Holiday concert of FASO. Handog ng FASO sa Pasko is also an opportunity to bring the Fil-Am community together tocelebrate the Christmas season — the perfect way to rejoice the birth of Christ.

So let us set aside the trials and tragedies of the year and be thankful for the gifts and blessings the Lord has given us. Christmas is the season of love, hope and sharing. It is a time to expand our giving, doing a little something extra for someone. This gift of songs may sound too simple, but for us, it is a way for us to reconnect with our roots and reminisce our traditions. This event is our Christmas offering to the community. May it wrap its magic about our hearts and weave a spell of nostalgia. We may not be able to send you back home for Christmas, but let us at least bring a Paskong Pinoy through Handog. (AJPress)

( www.asianjournal.com )
( Published December 12, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A12 )