TO GIVE more meaning and significance to the citywide celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day on July 4th, Rossalyn Ann Johnson, American nursing student from the University of the Cordilleras, and Stephen Loman, reigning Brave Combat Federation world bantamweight champion, are the special historical events Binibining Lakambini and escort Ginoong Lakan.
The honorees will be presented and crowned during the Kultura-O-Rama presentation of our Fil-Am Day part three calendar of activities to be held at the FBR Sports Center set at 1:30 p.m. The Baguio Elderly Assembly (BEA), City Social Welfare and Development Office and the National Correspondents Cub of Baguio (NCCB) are the sponsors of the afternoon “palabas” in partnership with the City’s Fil-Am Friendship Day Committee.
The selection of the “putungan stars” this year is to give more importance and prominence to the youth as inspiration to the rank and file to aspire and achieve in whatever undertaking they are presently doing. Last year, the honorees were middle-aged couple, Filipina Teresa Morgan and her American Rev. Pastor William Morgan. It is a tradition we intend to pursue, as highlight feature of the Fil-Am Day episode in the City.
The Kultura-O-Rama supporters and participants are from BEA’s member organizations namely, The Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Association, BARP Foundation, Philippine Government Retirees Association, Baguio Chapter and CSWDO staffers and Day Care Center teachers.
Madam Soloedad Go and Rebecca Domogan, City Concilor Lilian Fariñas, CSWDO Head Betty Fangtasan and City Administrator Atty. Carlos Canilao are in the coronation entourage. Congressman Mark Go is the Guest of Honor and speaker during the program.
To add joy and prestige to the occasion, the famed University of the Cordilleras “SAENG YA KASAY” or Torch and Shield Cultural Troupe who recently performed at the Chonbuk University at South Korea will present a repertoire of Igorot highland tribal songs and dances.
Thank you to Sir Ray Dean Salvosa, UC President for the much needed support and cooperation. Another main feature of the afternoon offering is the harana of Fil-Am golden love songs courtesy of popular concert soloist Conrad Marzan from California, USA, who is in town for a brief visit.
Boy Scout and Girl Scout from the BSP and GSP City Councils will showcase several parlor games with prizes at stake. A raffle for attendance to the afternoon “palabas” will also take the center stage.
Free and handsome prizes are up for the grabs, coming from concerned friends and the City Tourism Office led by City Acting Tourism Director Joma Rivera. Personal presence of the winners of the raffle draw is very necessary.
Actually, part one of the day’s Fil-Am Day 2018 starts with a mass floral offering ceremony. Here is the program, starting at 8 a.m., at the Col. Lyman Kennon Monument at Zigzag Road, with the Arascar, Veterans Federation of the Philippines and USAFIP Northern Luzon Chapter on the fore.
At 9 a.m., the CSWDO, Baguio Elderly Assembly (BEA), FBASECA, BARP Foundation, PGRA, Baguio Chapter and Boy Scout for the local Council will do its share at the Architect Daniel H. Burnham Monument at Burnham Park. Scouter Jamie Caster and yours truly will serve as activity coordinators.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars US Navy Fleet Rese4rve Association and the Girl Scout Troops are in the core of the activity at the site of the first Philippine Commission beside the Baden Powell Hotel, Gov. Pack Road.
Finally, Part three is scheduled at 9:30 a.m., all the floral offering participants will converge, together with other personalities and organizations, at the Justice George Malcolm Monument Park. A brief set of program will be held with the City Mayor Mauricio Domogan as the keynote speaker. Flag rites and entertainment numbers will be performed by the Baguio City National High School Special Program in the Art.
Again, let us all celebrate the international event with the nation with loyalty, patriotism, anchored on mutual respect of shared culture, religion, beliefs, brotherhood and co-existence under the principle of democracy. The youth should or much better “must” be given the distinct opportunity and latitude of comfort and convenience to celebrate the once in a blue moon historical endeavour.