Filipino culture celebrated in Oceanside

By ANDREA MAAS MURRAY ­ For the North County Times
June 10, 2007

OCEANSIDE -- The sights and smells of the Philippines filled the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza at Saturday's celebration of Filipino culture hosted by the Fil-Am Cultural Association of North San Diego County, the Oceanside Public Library and the Friends of the Library.

"Our goal is to educate people about our culture," said Pat Dela Rosa, assistant secretary of the Fil-Am association. "We also want to teach kids who are born here, Filipino-Americans, about their culture so they don't forget."

Organizers estimated that at least 1,000 people would visit the plaza throughout the day for the sixth annual Filipino Cultural Celebration. Held in conjunction with the June 12 Philippine Independence Day, the celebration draws people from as far as Hemet and Moreno Valley.

New this year is the Fil-Am Idol singing competition. The winner will receive a $200 cash prize, a trophy and bragging rights. Other activities included a fashion show of traditional costumes, a cooking demonstration by Chef Larry Banares and a dance performance by Samahan, a San Diego-based dance company that performs nationally.

Alex Pura said he brings his family out to support the organization as much as possible.

"I want to teach them the history of our culture," Pura said. "There' s no better way to teach them than immersing them in events like this with other Filipinos."

Seven-year-old Sean Pura said his favorite thing about the event is that "I'm going to be on TV for modeling in the fashion show."

Girls ages 5 through 14 competed in talent, gown and oral interview categories in Little Miss and Pre-Teen FilAm Pageants. A Mrs. Fil-Am was also crowned.

Organizers sought to highlight health and honor health care professionals at this year's event. Several booths offered health information. Screening for glucose, blood pressure, diabetes and other health issues was available to visitors.

Arminda Ruiz participated in the celebration for the first timethis year modeling in the fashion show and educating visitors aboutbreast cancer prevention at the Vista Community Clinic booth.

"It's a good opportunity for me to get back to my roots and be a part of the Filipino experience," said Ruiz, who has both Filipino and Mexican heritage.

Also on hand were Chad Mowrey and Kimo Tuyay, the Philippine Olympic Beach Volleyball Team. The duo is the first-ever beach volleyball team from the Philippines.

Wearing traditional dress, the Samahan troupe's dances represented the history of the three regions of the Philippines -- Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Chef Larry, who danced with Samahan in high school, prepared okoy (shrimp and sweet potato cakes) and a salad with fresh wasabi vinaigrette dressing.

The audience was filled with many families with small children as well as some older members. The event projected a family atmosphere, as old friends were greeted with hugs and kisses on the cheek.