Fiesta time at Balboa Park? Here comes the Philippine Cultural Arts Festival
Colors, rhythms, and flavors galore as Philippine Cultural Arts Festival comes to Balboa Park | Photo from samahanarts.org
Back home in the Philippines, it’s not just the colorful banderitas and unlimited lumpia that we’re looking forward to every fiesta but also the Pinoy spirit of camaraderie. This time, the 36th Philippine Cultural Arts Festival is bringing the celebration to you.
Set your alarms for a fun Saturday, as this Aug. 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center has put together a day of cultural fun and Filipino flair at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way at Balboa Park.
Philippine Cultural Arts Festival highlights
From energetic performances to flavors that have your taste buds dancing the tinikling, the Philippine Cultural Arts Festival will also be a Filipino food paradise. Plus, admission is free.
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Jhenice Villanueva, a representative of the arts and education center, said in an interview that it is expected to be “a fun-filled day—lots of food, lots of desserts, lots of entertainment.” Here’s what to expect:
Rhythmic revelry — Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center’s dancers will dazzle you with grace and poise in their performances, showcasing folk dances such as the “binasuan.” “The dance is not only danced with the glasses in their hands, but they also balance them on their head. So the goal is—don’t spill.” Villanueva explained. Junior New System, an all-male Filipino dance group, will also amaze with their electrifying and modern moves.
Energy-pumping musical acts — Prepare to groove to the hypnotic vibes of the Kulintang (gong) Music Ensembles and the rhythm of Innerlude and Samahan’s Rondalla. In addition, the talented trio H3Rizon from Australia will also be performing.
Kickin’ it with martial arts — Be blown away by the dynamic moves of martial arts exhibitions.
Filipino culinary experiences — From mouthwatering pancit and adobo to the delectable halo-halo, the finest Filipino delicacies will be available. For the Filipinx and milk tea lovers, there will also be boba drinks and fruity mixes like “The One,” a delightful blend of banana, strawberry, pineapple, peach, and almond milk.
Fil-Am action comedy film “Lumpia with a Vengeance” will also have their own booth and sell their merchandise at the event.
You may also like: Taco meets adobo? You can experience it all at LA’s Mexipino Food Fest this September
Heart and soles unite
A heartwarming twist to this Filipino celebration? A shoe drive fundraiser. If you’ve got extra shoes just lying around, you can bring and donate them at the event. Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center is collecting shoes for charity to support underprivileged communities in Haiti and Honduras. The shoe drive will earn funds depending on the weight of the collected shoes.
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As the Philippine Cultural Arts festival promises a day of joy and traditional Pinoy fun, there’s only one thing left to say: “Tara na!”
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