2009 06/17-06/23

After an overwhelming success last year, the stage is set again for the 2^NDAnnual Filipino Fiesta sponsored by the Filipino-American Association of Greater Roseville (FAAGR).

The organization's President Efren Valerio & his Program Directors are working harder to up the ante of this year’s celebration. The occasion will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Placer Couty Fairgrounds in Roseville.

And here’s the good news - Admission & parking are FREE.

The event’s theme will depict on the different cultures of a country w/ more than 7,100 islands, a diverse assemblage of ethnic backgrounds and various religious denomination that include the largest Christian religion in Asia.

The day’s lineup will be full to the brim with exciting activities.

Cultural presentation

Fashion show

Dance exhibition

Dance party (evening)

Martial arts demonstration

Games for young ones & young once

Karaoke/Open mike

First Aid booth (Free Blood pressure/Sugar count screening)

Booth displays

Food (Lumpia, Pansit, Adobo, Halo Halo, etc)

This is a totally fun-filled family activity. So, gear up to the most comfortable summerwear you have on your closet and make sure you got July 11^th blocked for this occasion.

For more information, please contact Cherry Borillo- cherryborillo@yahoo.com (916) 607-7060 or Eva Dela Cruz- edelacruz129@yahoo.com (916) 223-4382

So, we’ll see you there. MABUHAY!!

**** FAAGR is also seeking kid & adult volunteers to participate in showcasing Filipino costumes (fashion show). If interested, please call/email ASAP.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

1^ST FILIPINA MISS SAN MATEO EVER TO COMPETE IN MISS CALIFORNIA JUNE 27th

Bay Area’s Miss Analisa Matias did not expect to win the 2009 Miss San Mateo crown early this year. Yes, she used to be a Fiesta Filipina beauty queen but never in the history of the Miss San Mateo pageant has a Filipina ever won the crown.

Until now. That is why she is overflowing with joy and excitement when this columnist met her at the backstage of the Civic Center stage last weekend as she shared the good news. As the reigning Miss San Mateo, she earned the right to compete to this year’s Miss California (incidentally, this year’s reigning queen was dethroned by the Miss California organizers and Mr. Donald Trump himself, after she expressed her unfavorable views on same-sex marriage (she believes marriage is only for a man and a woman, you know like the dark ages), not only during the pageant’s final Q&A portion, but repeatedly in various occasions outside the pageant) to be held in Fresno, CA on Saturday, June 27^th (it will be televised locally in Fresno and surrounding areas, according to Ms. Matias).

Imagine the possibilities – if she wins Miss California, she will earn further right to compete in Miss USA and then to Miss Universe! I have seen her before and after she won the MissSan Mateo crown and I can say she has her own unique qualities enhanced and improved (she’s firmed up her body muscles, took personality improvement and voice lessons, and during Fiesta, she sang Lea Salonga’s ‘Reflection’ with enough passion eliciting ooomphs and aaahs from the audience), to go for the gold and win the ultimate prize.

PERSONAL NOTES

Congratulations to the organizers of this year’s Fiesta Filipna event, celebrating the Philippine Independence day, held last Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Center grounds in downtown San Francisco. Charlie Green sang several well-applauded numbers, including ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, ‘For Once In My Life’ and her signature version of the Tagalog classic, ‘Dahil Sa ‘Yo’. Richard Gomez and wife Lucy Torres and Heart Evangelista flew in from the Philippines to personally greet our kababayans while our local talents entertained the crowds. Dave Rodriguez and Rey Kilay emceed the events.

On a personal note, I would like to thank San Ramon’s only Filipino Restaurant, PAPAYA GRILL (yes, they’re in the East Bay) and its owner, ED SAN ANTONIO, for sponsoringManila Mail’s lunch last Saturday. We love all the food but we liked the most the Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit and the Pinakbet.

Special thanks also to Daly City’s FILIPINIANA DELIGHTS Restaurant and Sister Marivic Caparas (good luck on your sabbatical!) for the additional combo lunch entrees last Saturday also. We especially appreciated the Cassava Cake!

Do you have any personal or community events you want announced? Just email them to bradford_adkins@yahoo.com