On October 16, 2021, Fil-Am of SCV held their biggest event of the year, the annual cultural festival, and it was a huge success. People from all over Santa Clarita and beyond came to celebrate Philippines culture and heritage!
In conjunction with the proclamation of the Filipino American history month, Fil-Am of SCV showcased Philippines heritage through food, music, dance and fashion.
The evening started with a short video of history of the Proclamation of the Filipino American History month followed by a welcome remarks from Fil-Am of SCV President, Myra Miranda stating "Tonight's event is honoring the Filipinos who came before us, the Filipino's who sacrificed and paved the way for who and where we are now". Myra also expressed her deep gratitude for the 2021 Board of Officers and the Cultural Festival Committee, and the City of Santa Clarita's Sister Cities Program, for their commitment in making the event a huge success.
President Myra Miranda delivering a welcome speech.
Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda delivered an inspirational speech stating that Filipinos are a big part of the city and have always been a positive force for the community and welcomes the Filipinos to continue to engage and be a strong voice for the city! City Council Members Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean were recognized for their presence.
Los Angeles Philippine Consul Maynard Maleon expressed the importance of honoring our heritage and grateful for Fil-Am of SCV for the honor. He encouraged everyone to continue to hold cultural events because this is one way of keeping our heritage alive.
Premier fashion designer Carl Andrada, also the Ambassador for the Philippine Musa fabric, showcased his Musa collection. Musa is a fabric made from banana fibre, also known as musa fibre, one of the world's strongest natural fibres. Biodegradable, the natural fibre is made from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly durable. Mr. Andrada also showcased his amazing Philippine inspired national costumes modeled by Philippine beauty queens along with our own Santa Clarita beauties.
Local singers Elisha Soronio, Kyle Dizon, Julia Camia, Jennifer Martinez, Marco Soronio, Mnason Abrot, Joseph Barcega, Joseph Sese and Elenor Tieng engaged us with their unbelievable vocal talents.
Rock Star Malou Toler
Pop Singer Elisha Soronio
Our adorable Fil-Am of SCV Dance Troupe danced Subli while professional cultural dance group Kayamanan ng Lahi delivered an unforgettable dance which brought back our audience to their motherland.
Outside, our food vendors served authentic Filipino food and delicacies which was reminiscent of a typical Filipino festival. Other vendors sold unique merchandise and services which well served our guests. Melanie kept our guest busy by teaching them the Tinikling dance and Gavin Espinosa from Victory Martial Arts energized the crowd with his Taekwondo martial arts move.
Overall, the event was a huge success! Filipino guests were brought back to their Filipino roots and tradition, the crowd learned more about our history and heritage, they were entertained, they enjoyed the food, and more importantly, they enjoyed each others company. "We should do this every year, this is so much fun and entertaining, everyone felt they were in our traditional barrio fiesta", says President Zeny Justiniano. And I wouldn't be surprised if they do.