Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Understand, celebrate Filipino independence

A day of fun and fellowship commemorates the day the Philippines won freedom from Spanish rule.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published June 9, 2006

This year's gathering, at 1 p.m. Sunday at Delta Woods Park on Deltona Boulevard, will bring together the country's rich, colorful traditions in a delightful fiesta that includes a potluck pig roast, native dancing and plenty of homegrown fun, says GiGi Gerbolingo-Smith.

Smith, who is co-chairwoman of the event every year, likens it to a family reunion, filled with fellowship and social interaction for which her native country is famous.

"Filipinos are proud people who enjoy sharing their culture with others," Gerbolingo-Smith said. "And every year we invite members of the community to join us."

Philippine Independence Day, which is traditionally celebrated June 12, celebrates the country's 1898 ousting of Spain's 300-year rule. The revolution sparked the Spanish-American War and led to what continues to be a close cultural relationship with the United States.

Gerbolingo-Smith, who moved to Spring Hill three years ago, said she was surprised at first by the number of Filipinos she ran into in her travels through Hernando County. Then she realized how many military retirees had settled in the area.

"Many of the Filipino women I have met married servicemen who were stationed in the Philippines," she said. "Our club was started so that we could all gather together to socialize."

The fiesta, which runs from 1 p.m. to dusk, is free and open to the public and will include music and dance demonstrations and lessons by Philippine dance instructor Clovis, DJ Ernie, plus children's games and cultural exhibits. Samples of Philippine cuisine will be available, and visitors may bring a covered dish of their own if they wish.

For information, call Gerboningo-Smith at 683-9423 or Buri Garcia at 666-0666.

[Last modified June 9, 2006, 07:19:59]