June 8-9, 2013
Armory / Center House Main Floor, Mural Amphitheatre
http://www.festalpagdiriwang.com/
Pagdiriwang is the Filipino word for “celebration.” The festival (June 8-9, 2013) celebrates important aspects of Philippine culture, arts and history with the theme: “Philippines: One People, Diverse Cultures.” The theme describes the country of more than 7,100 islands. It was already a commercial hub during the pre-Spanish period when China, India, and other seafarers made port calls. The islands were then governed locally in small villages called balangay. It was colonized by Spain for 333 years, followed by 50 years of American occupation after the Spanish-American War. The people speak different languages aside from Tagalog.
A diverse culture resulted from influences brought by trade, as well as by Spanish colonization and American occupation. Other factors were public education introduced by the USA, present-day globalization and technology, as well as the country’s strategic location as gateway to mainland Asia.
The diversity of Filipino culture will be celebrated through food, artifacts exhibits, visual and performing arts, music and dances of the various indigenous groups of the Cordillera region and of the southern islands. Also offered are Filipino martial arts, literary-musical contests, health fair, children’s activities, youth performances and exhibits by the Summer H.Y.P.E., Fil-Am Jam bands, the FYA Drill team, film showings, workshops, culinary arts and other exhibits.
Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival is presented in partnership with the Greater Washington Alpha Phi Omega, The Alpha Phi Omega Eta Alumni Association of North America, and the Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington.