X’mas in Hawaii center seeks to boost Fil-Am unity

HONOLULU — The spirit of unity is the theme of this year’s Christmas celebration at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Sunday, December 7 at 3 to 7 p.m., an event that attracts 500 to 1,000 visitors.

Pasko sa FilCom is a family-oriented event, and activities for children are being planned. There will also be contests for creating parols (traditional and recycled materials), choral performances, tabletop Christmas tree decorations and sungka (a traditional Philippine board game).

The University of Hawaii will feature a college fair and a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)/Dream Act workshop to help families plan for college.

Filipino and non-Filipino community groups, organizations and individuals will come together to share their knowledge and talents in a day filled with singing, dancing, crafts and cultural and public service exhibits.

Pagkakaisa sa Diwa ng Pasko or “Unity in the Spirit of Christmas” highlights FilCom Center’s eight years of bringing Filipinos and non-Filipinos together to celebrate and learn about the cultures and traditions of the Philippines and the experiences of Filipino-Americans.

The center provided not only a meeting place for Filipino organizations, functions and event, but it has also proviced much needed social, economic and educational services, including NCLEX nursing licensure review classes, computer enrichment and workforce training workshops, financial literacy seminars and US citizenship classes.

The FilCom Center has also partnered with the Domestic Violence Prevention Program and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to improve the lives of many vulnerable individuals/.

These activities are being planned and conducted by volunteers. Financial contributions are encouraged, to defray expenses. Call FilCom Center at (808) 680-0451 or email [email protected] for more details.