6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Gala Opening for the Pagdiriwang Art Exhibit / Harrison Street Gallery
The opening reception of an exhibit showcasing the works by the FourART Group, comprised of notable Filipino artists Grandier Gil C. Bella, Jose C. Evangelista, Norlito P. Meimban, and Raul M. Roco, Jr. Also featured are works by Indipino artists, including Lawney Reyes, Fermin “Cubby” Martin, and Arty Martin. The works of digital artist and photojournalist Melissa Noledo will also be on display. The reception, which will also feature a performance of Filipino ethnic music by Eghai Roxas, is open to the public.
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Grand Opening Ceremonies / Center House Stage
The festivities begin with Ati-Atihan drumbeats and street dances, and a performance by Crazy Raven, an Indipino ensemble. Filipino World War II veterans will then post their colors. Ellen Abellera, executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, will deliver the opening remarks and Deacon Fred Cordova will recite the invocation, followed by the traditional ringing of the symbolic Bell of Independence by the Filipino veterans.
Gov. Christine Gregoire, the keynote speaker, will say the Toast to Friendship, and The Hon. Willy Gaa, the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., has been invited to present the Toast to Freedom.
This year, Pagdiriwang will highlight the long and intertwined history of the Filipino and Native American communities in the Northwest, and as part of the opening ceremonies, the accomplishments and contributions of notable local Indipinos, people of both Filipino and Native American heritage, will be recognized and celebrated. Among those who will be honored is Bob Santos, longtime community leader, and unofficial mayor of the International District.
The ceremonies conclude with the introduction of the 2008 Hermano and Hermana Mayor Col. Roger and Nolette Serra, and closing remarks by Flori Montante, head of the Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington, which has organized Pagdiriwang for 21 years.
12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Opening of the Exhibits
This year’s exhibits:
12:00 to 6 p.m.
Health Fair / Center House Floor
The Filipino-American Physicians of Washington and the Filipino Nurses and Health Care Professionals will hold their popular health fair, offering free consultations and health screenings.
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fil-Am Jam / Mural Amphitheater
A talent showcase of hip-hop performances. The final line-up is yet to be announced.
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Words Expressed / Center House Theater
Pagdiriwang’s literary celebration, Words Expressed, is focused this year on Filipina writers. This year’s featured artists include several notable writers from the West Coast and the Seattle area including poet and spoken word artist Angela Martinez Dy, poet and fiction writer Donna Miscolta, poet and playwright Toni Bajado, acclaimed novelist Tess Uriza Holthe, poet and photojournalist Melissa Noledo, actor and playwright Nancy Calos-Nakano, poet and short-story writer Rebecca Mabaglos-Mayor and short story writer Marianne Villaneuva. Their readings explore Filipino traditions and the contributions of Filipino women in poetry, drama, novels and short stories.
Now in its third year, Words Expressed seeks to provide non-Filipinos and Filipino Americans with exposure to Filipino culture and published and emerging literary works, and instills young Filipinos and Filipino Americans with a sense of their literary history and fosters interest in writing and literature. The event is funded through the City of Seattle’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
“Filipinos feel deeply -- with words, with music as the vehicle for our souls. You will find our expressions at several levels of action, feeling, fancy, fantasy and soul. I’m so proud that we are presenting our City with a rare opportunity to experience our women writers” says Maria Batayola, Words Expressed co-producer with Bob Flor.
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Palaro / Rooftop of the Fisher Building
Children will have an opportunity to learn and play traditional outdoor games from the Philippines, under the guidance of Roland Santos, longtime coordinator of Pagdiriwang’s children’s activities. The lineup of games, is different every year but is always enjoyed by the young participants, and sparks memories of childhood in the Philippines among their elders.
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
FAEW - Literary/Musical Contest / Center House, Room H
A competition coordinated by the Filipino American Educators of Washington. This year’s contest is open to students from Kindergarten to 5th grade, and they compete in a vocal solo singing contest in a native Philippine language, or in dramatic interpretation (declamation) in either English or a Philippine language.
Winners participate in the Variety Show at the Center House Stage following the contests. If you have a singing idol waiting to be discovered, or a strong dramatic student that delivers oral pieces with emotion and fluency, please send in their names to divinaseattle@comcast.net so we can invite them to participate in these contests.
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Filipino Martial Arts Exhibition
Myrlino Hufana, an expert in Arnis, Kali and Eskrima, will demonstrate martial arts that are indigenous to the Philippines. Once a dying art, in recent years they have been revived. Filipino martial arts are the most effective, highly practical and realistic combative and self-defense system in the world. Its classical techniques and movements are based on the philosophy, principles, concepts and methods of survival and preservation.
Its ability to adapt, endure and succeed in today’s world of fighting, combat and self-defense make it one of the most sought after martial art system. Despite of its long history, most Filipinos are not yet aware of its existence. In fact, the majority of its practitioners are non-Filipinos, with the largest groups in Europe. This workshop is a unique opportunity for Filipinos, young and old, to rediscover and rekindle the fighting arts of our forefathers.
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Variety Show / Center House Stage
A wide range of performers will grace the stage to showcase the depth of talent in the local Filipino American community. Details on the final line-up will be coming soon.
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
FAEW - Excellence in Education / Center House, Room H
The Filipino American Educators of Washington will honor the members of the graduating class of 2008 (high schools-public and private in the Greater Seattle Area) and their families. FAEW will also honor an Outstanding Filipino American Educator for 2008, and award four book scholarships among the graduates. An outstanding graduate will also deliver a speech, and a member of the community will also offer inspiration. A simple reception follows the program.
If you have a member of your family who's graduating from high school this year, please send the name of your graduate, the school and parents' contact info to divinaseattle@comcast.net so we can invite them to this annual event! OPEN to all members of the Class of 2008!
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Ballroom Dancing
The Center House converts into a ballroom dance floor for the final hours of Pagdiriwang’s first day. Everyone is welcome to show off their moves or to pick up some pointers from a dance instructor.
9:00 to 10:15 a.m.
Pagdiriwang Mass / Immaculate Conception Church
10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
Pagdiriwang Festival Brunch / Immaculate Conception Church Hall
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Exhibits, Booths and Fil-am Jam continue throughout Sunday
See Saturday for more detail.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Filipino Martial Arts Exhibition and Workshop / Center House Stage
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Filipino Martial Arts Workshop / Fisher Rooftop)
Myrlino Hufana, Arnis, Kali and Eskrima expert will offer another demonstration of re-emergent Filipino martial arts. (See Saturday’s listing for more detail.) After his performance, he will conduct a workshop at the Fisher Pavillion Rooftop.
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Film Festival / Center House, Room H
“Sandaan”, a documentary that chronicles the struggles and achievements of Filipinos in the Unites States over the past century, is this year’s featured film. Among the prominent Filipino Americans in the film are businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis, U.S. Army Major General Antonio Taguba, and former Clinton assistant Maria Mabilangan. Director Noel Izon will attend and take questions after the screening.
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Traditional Folk Songs and Dances / Center House Stage
A wide selection of musical talent will be featured at Center Stage. The lineup is still unconfirmed, but past participants include the Baranggay Chorale Group, Young Once (IDIC), Auburn Dance Troupe, Pilipino American Youth Organization (PAYO) of Tacoma, Simbang Gabi Choral Group St. Elizabeth Seton in Mill Creek.
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Filipino Youth Activities (FYA) Drill Team / Center House Stage and Floor
Precision marches combined with elegant moves drawn from traditional Philippine dances are the trademark of the acclaimed FYA Drill Team, and every year they bring Pagdiriwang to a rousing close.