Learning about Filipino culture the fun way

For three consecutive Saturdays, the Chancery Annex of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC served as classrooms where Filipino-American children learned about Filipino values, culture and heritage through the “Silid Aralan sa Embahada 2019” in collaboration with the Maryland and DC chapters of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED).

The three Saturdays gave the children the opportunity to know more about Philippine culture and traditions, with the sessions encompassing a wide range of educational and entertaining experiences—from Philippine languages to games, arts and crafts as well as traditional dances.

With the parents, students, volunteer teachers and members of the Maryland and DC chapters of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) at the conclusion of the 2019 Silid Aralan sa Embahada program.

With us during the commencement exercises were UNIFFIED MD president Malou Cadacio and UNIFFIED DC president Rey Dacul, who awarded certificates of participation to the students and also gave certificates of appreciation to the volunteer teachers.

As I told the audience, we were happy that the parents and children joined us on those three Saturdays as it also allowed us to know their families better. The sessions also became bonding moments even while they immersed themselves in Filipino culture. Hopefully, they will continue to practice what they have learned and will continue to acquire knowledge about the Philippines and its culture and traditions. It’s also opportune that we have the Sentro Rizal Washington DC that spearheads programs and activities all throughout the year to promote Philippine arts and culture.

I was pleased to see the children, parents and the teachers incorporating special messages during the program, and showcasing their terpsichorean talents through folk dances like the Tinikling and Cariñosa, and Muslim dances such as the Kapa Malong. The kids were particularly fun to watch as they deftly and nimbly moved their feet to avoid getting caught in the sliding bamboos during the Tinikling dance. We are also grateful to the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) that extended its support through choreographer Dennis Michael Hona-Hansingerr.

Prior to the program, the book Sandangaw was also launched, which is a Waray tale about a smart but tiny boy.

Delivering a message on behalf of the parents was Vince Cariño, while UNIFFIED DC vice president Liberty Oyzon-Acebo gave a heartfelt rendition of Ako ay Pilipino. Also on hand were UNIFFIED MD vice president Luz Rebecca Sumingwa, with UNIFFIED DC director Stephen Manangan serving as emcee.

Students listen intently as UNIFFIED DC director Stephen Manangan reads the story of Sandangaw, a Waray tale about a smart but tiny boy.

In her message on behalf of the other students, Ellyce Butuyan said, “I truly believe that this is a great program because it teaches young Filipino-Americans like me about our heritage and the country where our parents came from. Silid Aralan has taught me even more about the culture of the Philippines, and the aspects that make the Philippines the country that it is today. We have learned about the various symbols of the Philippines, the history of the Philippines, and multiple native games as well. We even tried playing some, such as luksong tinik, patintero and tumbang preso, the games that my parents played as children. We all had a lot of fun, even the teachers!” *