Barrio Fiesta!
Photo story by Alexi Jimeno
The Filipino community of Hilo organized and celebrated the barrio fiesta for all to enjoy on Saturday, Oct. 14th at Campus Center Plaza. The event was a tribute to Filipino-American History Month, which is observed in October. Groups such as the Hilo Visayan Club, Fil-Am Community of East Hawaiʻi, Samahang Bayanihan Club of Keaʻau High School, and the Tony Ramos Kajukenbo Martial Arts students demonstrated a variety of traditional Philippine dances and performances. There was also a display of indigenous Filipino clothing and artifacts designed by Iris Gil Viacrusis, as well as a historical exhibit about Filipino labor and the sakadas of Hawaiʻi by Romel and Kurt Dela Cruz. To top it off, Bali’z Food Wagon served authentic Filipino food such as pancit and pork adobo. Overall, it was a bright and lively way to bring the Filipino-American community together in Hilo.
The Hilo Vasayan Club kicking the fiesta off with dramatic performaces to Filipino songs.
Students from Tony Ramos Kajukenbo Martial Arts demonstrating Filipino stick fighting.
A barot saya which is worn by most Filipinas being showcased in Iris Gil Viacrusis exhibit.
A student modeling Iris Gil Viacrusis design of janggay a set of extended brass or silver fingernails.
Student models exhibiting Iris Gil Viacrusis designs of indigenous Filipino clothing.
Dr. Francisco P. Dumanig receiving the Filipino American history month community recognition award.
Student models exhibiting Iris Gil Viacrusis designs of indigenous Filipino clothing.
A dancer from the Hilo Vasayan Club performing binasuan a Filipino dance that consists of balancing cups full of wine on their head or hands.
Members-of-the-Hilo-Visayan-Club-performing-the-traditional-Philippine-folk-dance-tinikling.