PAMANA celebrates "Pista ng Kalayaan"
By Heidi M. Pascual
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After the welcome remarks by outgoing PAMANA President Carmel Capati, the attendees
sang "Lupang Hinirang," the Philippine National Anthem, part of which follows:
"Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay
Lupang hinirang
Duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig
Di ka pasisiil ..."
Basically, it says "Beloved land, you are the pearl of the Orient, the fervor of our heart is in
your chest. You are the cradle of the brave; to colonizers, we won't be subjugated."
The essence of the celebration was captured by this patriotic song. Most fitting, though, was
the singing of "Star Spangled Banner" to signify the loyalty to the American flag and symbol of
the Filipino-Americans' new homeland.
Incoming PAMANA President Ed Escall said he will serve the association the best he could,
and asked everyone to help him do just that. He thanked the board for its hardwork and
commitment to the mission of PAMANA.
The salu-salo (eating together) started with a prayer for blessings led by Ray Holloway.
Ethnic Filipino food, including the favorite "sinigang na hipon" (shrimp in tamarind broth) and
"lechon" plus desserts were shared by all. Cora Holloway expertly handled the food corner
that day. Entertainment numbers were a delight to the senses. The PAMANA Dance Troupe
showed it can dance Philippine favorites like Subli, Itik-Itik, Polkabal, and of course, Tinikling
(the national dance of the Philippines) with the grace and emotions expressing love of culture.
A salute to Lynelle Harrison is in order for a job well done in mentoring the dancers for this
event.
Liberty Manabat, this writer's sister based in Chicago, sang two of her own compositions,
accompanied on the piano by brother Ed, an accomplished jazz pianist.
After fun games for children, attendees enjoyed playing Bingo, while others just enjoyed
updating each other about their families and happenings back home in the Philippines.
Everyone is hoping that every year, the "Pista ng Kalayaan" will be celebrated by Filipinos
everywhere.
"Pista ng Kalayaan" translates to "Feast of Independence," a celebration
of freedom, by a group of people who had endured centuries of
oppression in the hands of foreign rulers or local despots. Wherever
decendants of these people are, events like this are not only a way to
remember the moment but also to pay tribute to men and women who
lost their lives to earn liberty for their people.
On July 7, Filipino Americans of Madison and their families, through
PAMANA (Philippine American Association of Madison and Neighboring
Areas) gathered at the Warner Park Shelter for this purpose. The group
celebrated two independence days, in fact: first, June 12, 1898, when the
Filipinos were freed
from the more than 300 years of Spanish rule; and second, July 4, 1946, when the Filipinos
were granted independence by the United States of America. It should be noted that the
Philippines became a U.S. Commonwealth after the Spaniards left until the end of World War
II. Filipinos and Americans fought the Japanese Imperial Army during that war.
(From top left) Lib and Ed
Manabat; PAMANA dancers;
Carmel Capati & Andrew
Gonzales