For thousands of Filipinos and their families in the CNMI, the Civic Center in Susupe was ground zero last Sunday, with the annual Pistang Pinoy in celebration of this year’s 109th Philippine Independence.
The annual tradition, prefaced by the raising of the Philippine flag at the grounds of the Marianas Business Plaza (the erstwhile Nauru Building), was held two days ahead of schedule to ensure the participation of hundreds in the all-day affair.
Headed by Philippine Consul General Wilfredo DL Maximo and other consulate and labor officials, dozens of Filipinos representing different organizations and groups gathered at the back of Marianas Business Plaza on Sunday for the Independence Day ceremony at 7am.
The Pistang Pinoy immediately followed at 9:30am with the theme “Kalayaan 2007: Sama-sama Tayo Tungo sa Pag-asenso” (Independence 2007: Unity toward progress and development).
The United Filipino Organization took the lead in organizing this year's activities that showcased Filipino culture and tradition, food, goods, entertainment and other activities.
This year's festivities included a new feature, a cockfighting event dubbed “Pintakasi”, held at the Cockfighting Arena located along Middle Road in Garapan.
Besides the whole-day program and non-stop entertainment featuring talented Filipino bands, singers, dancers and bands, there were also numerous booths selling food and drinks, clothes, toys and novelty items.
Major sponsors in this year's event were Pacific Telecom Inc., Western Union, Tan Holdings Corp., Coca Cola, and Budweiser.
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