By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
San Francisco, CA. – Tens of thousands flocked to San Francisco this weekend to watch the biggest Filipino parade in the West Coast and to celebrate the 17th Annual Pistahan, the biggest Filipino fiesta in this part of the United States.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was a special guest during the event said, “The Filipino community is special to me. It’s the right thing to do, to celebrate their culture.”
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Marciano Paynor, who was the Hermano Mayor for the celebration said, “when you’ve been away from your homeland for a long time, there is a tendency to forget your culture. So we really encourage fiestas like these.”
During the two-day event at the Yerba Buena Gardens, kababayans were treated to traditional Filipino music and dances, delectable Filipino cuisine and Filipino-made products.
Reality show star, Filipino designer Jay Sario, who showcased his Spring Collection during the event, was named Pistahan Grand Marshal. Sario said, “I’m really happy to show how proud we are as Filipinos by doing such celebrations like this.”
Celebrity sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga serenaded kababayans during the much-awaited The Filipino Channel hour. Even people out-of-state came to the Pistahan to join the celebration.
Lulu Clemente drove 12 hours to San Francisco with her family from Las Vegas. She said, “We don’t have any fiesta this big in Las Vegas. I’m enjoying it.”
Steve Manor, who was in San Francisco to attend his son’s wedding to a Filipina, is from Michigan. He said, “It’s wonderful! I appreciate everyone who wants to celebrate their heritage.”
Young Fil-Ams said they come out of the Pistahan prouder Filipinos…who know their roots. 9-year old RJ Dadivas said, “You have to learn it for you to become a better Filipino.” With an event like this, one thing’s for sure —- Filipinos know how to fiesta…celebrating the traditions that make one truly Filipino and appreciating the roots that bind kababayans together.
I meant our citizenship not our right. All I’m saying is learn to assimilate and not try to change the laws in this country to make it look like ours. Like Some Mexicans want to do. If you like our laws then why Become a US citizen.
I disagree with Alex of TN. Once a Filipino always a Filipino! When we (Filipinos here in US) took oath to become American Citizens it’s not giving up our rights as Filipinos!
There is nothing wrong with celebrating our heritage and traditions. But i hope we don’t turn out to be like some Mexicans who wants to transform this country, my beloved USA into Mexico. When we become a US citizen, we gave up our rights as Filipinos and we assimilate to be a better Americans. This is what this country also provide. A chance to celebrate ones heritage without question.
Mabuhay ang mga pinoy sa US!