Fun for All at the Filipino Cultural Celebration

When asked why not lying is important, one of the contestants in the Little Miss Filipino-American Pageant responded quite confidently, “I don’t lie because God might get upset.” Her sweet response was met with a collective “Awww” from the audience, and, of course, a lot of smiles.

Smiles, however, were not hard to come by at the 1oth annual Filipino Cultural Celebration on Saturday at the and Plaza. It seemed as though everyone was having a good time.

The event, which began at 10 a.m. and finished at 4:30 p.m., featured a traditional costume show, a talent showcase, and beauty pageants in three categories: Mrs. Fil-Am, Pre-Teen Miss, and the hit of the festival, Little Miss Fil-Am.

Deborah Polich, Oceanside Public Library director has worked with the Filipino-American organization since partnering up with event organizers in 2001.

“The whole idea was to educate the community about Filipino Culture,” said Polich. “Every year it’s gotten bigger and better. It’s just been a wonderful event. There’s a lot of community pride, and now it’s become regional. I was just speaking with a family who drove here from Fullerton. It attracts people from all over the area.”

First-timer Joyce from San Marcos heard about the event in the North County Times and decided to check it out. She bought an autographed CD from Filipino singer Joel Mendoza, who had a booth. She also took a photo with the well-known musician.

“He’s such a wonderful young man, and has a lovely voice,” Joyce said.  “I will definitely be back next year.”

There were many booths to browse, including a stand that sold customary sequined gowns for $75 and kimonos for $25. Traditional Asian and Hawaiian food was served, while one young man took his business on the road, walking around selling spam musubi for $2.

Wil Cruz, who owns Chula Vista-based clothing company Island Blue, manned a booth featuring spoof shirts aimed towards the Filipino community.

“No one does these kinds of shirts in the States," said Cruz. "You see them a lot in the Philippines, but the quality is not that good. A lot of people will buy them and send them home to family in the Philippines.”

Cruz spends a lot of time traveling up and down the state attending Filipino Festivals, he said.

Not to be outdone by the extensive variety of booths, the talent show featured talented Filipinos engaging in their various gifts: baton twirling, singing and hip hop dancing, to name a few.

“Emphasis On Energy” performed a hip-hop dance, and had the crowd pumped and laughing. The group is made up of four dancers from Rancho Buena Vista High School. Senior Isaac San Nicolas is president of the Hip-Hop club and hopes to someday choreograph dances for famous singers.

“Or maybe someday dance behind Justin Bieber,” said Nicolas, garnishing laughter from his peers. “But seriously, I want to be on America’s Best Dance Crew.”

The day ended with the crowning of the pageant winners. Avalynn DolaRosa, 11, from Vista, was excited to hand over the crown in the Pre-Teen Miss Pageant, which she won last year.

As the excited contestants—some even in makeup and heels—waited nervously for their names to be called, the audience bustled with excitement.