Celebrating Filipino Cultural Heritage

Even in the U.S., the richness of the Filipino culture is evident all around us – in works of art, folk dance, music and cultural festivals. Some events are tied to Philippine holidays such as Philippine Independence Day (June), while others showcase the artistic talents of Filipino Americans.

The warm summer days bring people out so it is a popular time for Filipino cultural celebrations. Below are just a sampling of the types of cultural activities and community events that are happening across the U.S. Be sure to check in your local area for events near you.

San Francisco, CA | Rotunda Dance Seres – Parangal Dance Company
August 5 | 12noon | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall, Van Ness Street, San Francisco, CA

August’s event will feature Parangal Dance Company, a Filipino folk dance group based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in May 2008 under the leadership of Eric Espartinez Solano, Parangal’s mission is to give tribute to Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic dance, music, and attire through research with experts in the Philippines, free folk dance workshops for the community, and private and civic performances. Parangal aims to inspire pride and connect Filipino Americans to their cultural identity, while educating diverse communities to foster awareness and appreciation of Philippine culture.

San Francisco, CA | Filipino Cultural Festival & Parade
August 13-14 | 11am | FREE | Yerba Buena Gardens, 4th & Mission Streets, San Francisco, CA

The largest celebration of Filipino Americans in San Francisco is back and bigger than ever featuring the return of the popular Adobo Cook-off and balut eating contests along with samples of Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits and a parade.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, from Beale & Markets Streets and marches down Market Street to the Pistahan Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens, a two-day affair filled with seven educational pavilions showcasing everything from martial arts to food and dance. So sample some sisig, play traditional games and learn traditional folklore at this family-friendly festival of all things Filipino.

www.pistahan.net

Los Angeles, CA | 20^th Annual Festival of Filipino Arts and Culture
Sept 10-11 | Point Fermin Park, 807 Paseo Del Mark, San Pedro, CA 90731

2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC), a tradition that brings together Filipinos from across California to celebrate community and heritage. The event features up to 500 multidisciplinary artists in traditional and contemporary art exhibits, literary readings, performances, and film screenings, that all culminate in a two-day festival weekend.

This year’s Festival honors Filipino artist Faustino Caigoy, who has been involved with FPAC since its start in 1992. In addition to creating the Festival logo, Faustino has illustrated children’s books, published his own book of poetry, and teaches classes in baybayin and other traditional arts.

www.filamarts.org

Henrico, VA | Filipino Festival
Aug 12-13 | Our Lady of Lourdees Church, 8200 Woodman, Henrico, VA

Now in its sixth year, the Filipino Festival is a community event which showcases the richness of the Filipino culture and promotes a respect for and appreciation of the Filipino heritage. Featuring a delectable cuisine, folk dances and music, the Filipino Festival has attracted thousands of attendees from Richmond and surrounding cities and counties who want to experience the best of the Philippine islands without leaving Virginia.

www.filipinofestival.org

Secaucus, NJ | Philippine Fiesta in America
Aug 20-21 | Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ

The PHILIPPINE FIESTA is a blend of trade and cultural exposition, featuring the best of Filipino culture.

www.philippinefiesta.com

Chicago, IL | Filipino Festival – A Cultural Presentation
Aug 22 | 12noon-1pm | Daley Plaza – Under the Picasso, 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL

The PACF preserves and celebrates the Filipino Cultural Heritage to Filipino-American families and neighbors in the midwest. From language and art, they seek to expand public awareness about the richness of the Filipino heritage for generations to come.

www.paccgc.org/pacf/

San Diego, CA | Filipino American Arts & Culture Festival (FilAmFest)
Oct 1 | 11am-6pm | Paradise Valley Road between Woodman St. & Gilmartin Ave., San Diego, CA

FilAmFest is a Filipino-American Arts and Culture Festival. It is the largest intergenerational arts and culture event in the County of San Diego “Celebrating the Bayanihan Spirit“, a day of art, food, culture, and fun.

www.filamfest.org

 Ask remithome: Converting U.S. Dollars to Philippine Pesos

Question: I often schedule my transfers months in advance so that I don’t forget to send money to my family. However, sometimes the exchange rate is lower at the time the money is sent, so my family gets fewer pesos. Is there something I can do about this?

Answer: The U.S. Dollar/Philippine Peso exchange rate fluctuates (see Exchange Rates: Why They Change). So when you schedule a transfer in advance, you will know the Dollar amount to be sent on that future date, but you will NOT know how many Pesos that will be. The number of Pesos sent will be determined by the exchange rate on the processing date.

Here are some ways to control the number of Philippine Pesos sent:

• Option #1: Schedule your transfer between 9 AM and 2 PM (Pacific Time) for same-day processing – The exchange rate will be fixed during this time period, so your recipient will receive the exact number of Pesos shown at the time of scheduling.
• Option #2: Schedule your transfer within 24 hours of our 2 PM (Pacific Time) processing time – remithome commits an exchange rate 24 hours in advance and then increases it if possible, so your recipient will receive at least the number of Pesos shown at the time of scheduling and may receive more (see Setting Exchange Rates).
• Option #3: Schedule your transfer days, weeks, or even months in advance just to be sure that you don’t forget to send money; then cancel the transfer before the 2 PM (Pacific Time) processing time and schedule a new transfer (using Option #1 or Option #2 above) to adjust the number of Pesos sent – Because remithome lets you cancel a transfer up until the 2 PM processing time on the date it is scheduled to be sent (see Scheduling and Canceling Transfers), you can continue to schedule transfers in advance just to make sure you don’t forget. But then you can cancel and reschedule the transfer at any time before the transfer is processed if you want to adjust the number of Pesos to be sent.

If you have any questions about how you can schedule transfers to best meet your needs, please contact remithome Customer Service at 1-800-919-0787, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to
5 PM, Pacific Time (California), or email us at customerservice@remithome.com.