Filipinos get a good taste of home

Not even a heavy downpour that came abruptly in the midst of the grilling heat of the afternoon sun dampened the mood at the American Memorial Park yesterday as Filipinos on Saipan gather for the celebration of the Philippines’ 102nd year of independence.

Rekindling the spirit of nationalism and love of country, hundreds of Filipinos stood proud as they danced and sang the afternoon away with Consul Julia C. Heidemann and Labor Attaché Araceli Maraya along with ranking CNMI government officials led by Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and House Speaker Ben R. Fitial.

Philippine Consul Julia Heidemann called for diplomacy as she urged Filipinos in the Northern Marianas to hold true to the aspiration of the country’s 102 years of independence from foreign dominion.

Visiting Philippines Senator Raul Roco, who arrived yesterday morning to join the Filipino community in the Northern Marianas in their celebration of the country’s independence, urged expatriates here to continue making their people proud through hardwork and perseverance.

Mr. Roco reminded Filipino expatriates here of the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes in exchange for a free and independent Philippines, which has since then became Asia’s first republic.

Yesterday’s celebration at the American Memorial Park showcased the immeasurable talents of Filipinos in the fields of music and dancing through a program that features such talents as the Singing Cooks and Waiters Atbp., the Guess What band, among others.

Filipinos here, some of whom have not been home for several years, braved the scorching heat of the sun and stayed on even when heavy rains poured in the late afternoon for what seems to be a rare chance to get a good taste of home in a foreign land.

Philippine Consulate officials anticipate hundreds of Filipinos, who are encouraged to wear the native clad of Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog, to troop down in front of the Nauru Building in Susupe for the traditional raising of the country’s flag today.

In the past, Saipan have had a glimpse of the rich Philippine history through the display of the country’s several national emblems, from the Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan flag to the present ensign which was sewn in Hong Kong.

And no Philippine program will be complete without the poignant rendition of Bayan Ko, the second, unofficial national anthem of the country immortalized during the height of the people power revolution against the dictatorship of former President Marcos that catapulted Cory Aquino to Philippine presidency.

In the afternoon today, the atmosphere at the Vin D’ Honneur at the Aqua Resort Club is expected to be a lot more festive with officials from the Philippine, CNMI and federal governments gathering together in one room, temporarily leaving their contentions behind to pave way for an ambiance of camaraderie and goodwill.

Those who are expected to attend today’s Vin D’ Honneur are Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and First Lady Sophie Tenorio, along with other CNMI and federal government officials and business sector leaders, for a taste of Filipino culinary specialties.