Vallejo Pista sa Nayon committee chair Councilman Hermie Sunga, Philippine Cultural Committee Quality Control Director Mike Biddle, and PCC Chair,\ Greg Torres, at the press conference announcing the first-ever Kasaysayan ng Lahi (Story of our Race) historical-cultural parade as a highlight of the Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 1 in Vallejo. (Photo by Richard Ariz Lao)
VALLEJO, California—The Filipino-American community will hold its 27th “Pista Sa Nayon” Philippine Independence Day festival at the Vallejo Waterfront on Saturday, June 1, 2013, featuring a parade sponsored by the Seafood City Supermarket chain.
Organized by The Philippine Cultural Committee (PCC) fiesta is the highlight of a month-long cultural celebration to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of the Philippines’ independence from Spain. Pista Sa Nayon has become known as the largest one day free event on the West Coast.
For the first time, PCC will hold the “Kasaysayan Ng Lahi” (Story of our Race) grand parade, created by Greg Macabenta, depicting the history of the Philippines and the Filipino people.
Sponsored by Seafood City and GMA Pinoy TV, the parade will depict the history of the Philippines from pre-Hispanic times up to the People Power revolution.
It will feature Ati-Atihan and Sinulog street dancing in colorful costumes, with Filipino-Americans students, many of them from the high schools in Vallejo, portraying the roles of Filipino heroes and important historical characters. A casting event will be held on Saturday, May 4, to fill the various roles in the parade.
This historical-cultural parade aims to create a greater awareness and appreciation among Fil-American youth about the significance of the Philippine Independence Day celebration, beyond the food and commercial booths and the hip-hop entertainment onstage.
With the opening of the first Seafood City store in San Diego over 20 years ago, Seafood City has become the premier supermarket chain servicing the needs of Filipino Americans across the United States. Several locations have opened since then in California, Nevada, and Seattle with more stores slated to launch in the future.
In addition to the fiesta, Seafood City Supermarket Concord has exciting in-store events happening all month long in May and June:
Saturday, May 4, 2013 (1:00 – 4:00 PM) Rokaoke – Sing live karaoke with the band
Sunday, May 5, 2013 (1:00 PM) Kariktan Dance Company Performance & Dance Workshop
Saturday, May 11, 2013 (12:00 – 3:00 PM) Mother’s Day Weekend Photo Booth Fun! – Free photo with a $25 purchase at Seafood City.
Sunday, May 19, 2013 (1:00 PM) Swarley Band Performance (from Under the Sun Studios) – “Classic Rock, Motown, and Golden Oldies” music
Sunday, May 26, 2013 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Flores de Mayo Celebration – A parade of beauty, talent and fashion
Sunday, June 2, 2013 (1:00 – 2:00 PM) TFC’s “A Celebration of Philippine Independence” & Singing Competition
Saturday, June 8, 2013 Philippine Heroes Exhibit – In honor of Philippine Independence Day, see life-size photos of national heroes and learn about their role in Philippine history.
Saturday, June 15, 2013 (1:00 – 4:00 PM) Dads and Grads Weekend Photo Booth Fun! – Free photo with a $25 purchase at Seafood City
Sunday, June 23, 2013 Shelby Miguel Performance – “Pop and Soul” music
Sunday, June 30, 2013 Consulate on Wheels – Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco will conduct consular outreach services (i.e. passport renewal, dual citizenship, legalization of documents). To schedule an appointment, email COWconcord@gmail.com. Appointments required.