Philippine Independence Day Picnic -June 11, 2022

Canalside Shelter, Genesee Valley Park.

It was nice to see many young kids and new faces; plenty of food as always; there were games for the kids and the young at heart including the ever popular "Pabitin".

Dr. Mao Bautista presented a brief history of the events leading to Philippine Independence Day. The History of the Philippines towards the declaration of Independence by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 added educational perspective to all, especially for the youth.

Aileen Tamayo presented Certificates of Achievements to our Itik-Itik Dancers and to our Teen Volunteers. The announcement of the Scholarship Winners and Presentation of the Certificates by Mike Clinton of the Scholarship Committee, along with a check for $500.00 each to Trinity Megan Pasion graduating Victor Central High School and Puree Jay Gatela graduating Gates-Chili High School. This was followed by Cony Mellor announcing the upcoming Filipino Tagalog classes for children. Cony has volunteered to teach these classes on behalf of FAAR and stressed the importance and goals of these classes for our youth.

Matet Varrera and Gwen Bustamante shared a livestream to our FB pages as well as various games competed by the children, teens and even some of the men who were game to compete in Maria Went to Town.

Tikboy and Kristian Ambubuyog provided the nostalgic music for the day by volunteering to set up their sound system along with the help of Ming Varrera . Some of our young adults and teens arrived by bicycle, electric scooter or One Wheels as the shelter was located along the Erie Canal Trail.

Submitted by Belinda Pellegrino