The public is invited to celebrate Filipino-American Heritage Month at the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a series of events during October.
The public is invited to celebrate Filipino-American Heritage Month at the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a series of events during October.
The nationwide event is in honor of Filipino-Americans and their historical advancement and contributions to the nation. UH-Hilo’s celebration kicks off with “Barrio Fiesta” from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. today on the Campus Center Plaza. The event captures the mood of a traditional Filipino fiesta celebration in a festive gathering of special guests, administration, politicians, community members, students, faculty and staff who will begin the opening ceremonies with a parade of colorful Filipino costumes. The event also will feature food and entertainment.
Other events during the month-long celebration include:
• Oct. 16: Academic Forum with Dr. Patricia Brown; 12:30-1:45 p.m., “Discovering the Hidden Stories of the Plantation Era Filipinas,” Student Services Center Room 201; 6-7:30 p.m.; “FILIPINAS! Voices from Daughters and Descendants of Hawaii’s Plantation Era,” UCB Room 100.
• Oct. 23: 5 p.m., “Documented” film viewing with Jose Antonio Vargas, UCB Room 100.
• Oct. 26: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hilo Filipino Fiesta (subject to change), Mooheau Park Bandstand and grounds, sponsored by County of Hawaii, Downtown Improvement Association and Connections Charter School.
• Oct. 29: 6:30 p.m., “Drizzle,” a showcase of traditional dances with a modern twist by UH-Hilo and Hawaii Community College students, Hale Kehau turnaround.
All events are free and organized by the Filipino Advisory Committee together with the Filipino Certificate Studies Group, Bayanihan Club and the Filipino community.
For more information, contact Norman Arancon at 932-7030 or normanq@hawaii.edu, or Rodney Jubilado at rodneycj@hawaii.edu.