News24th Annual Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2008The most awaited weekend has finally arrived for Filipinos in the UK and Europe. The Philippine Barrio Fiesta was held on 13-14 September 2008 at Lampton Park, Hounslow. DG Doce Pares was there to celebrate the occassion and showcase the Filipino martial art of Eskrima (or Arnis).
It was a great day as the weather suddenly shifted to its sunny mood. DG Doce Pares would have been there anyway rain or shine, along with tens of thousands of Filipinos and friends. We greeted Hounslow Mayor Dr. Genevieve Hibbs who was interested to see our weaponry and displays. Ermar Alexander explained to her how the group started and its reasons and visions for promoting the Filipino arts. Mayor Hibbs was quite pleased that we were upholding the culture like nobody has ever done before. We also made our 'beso-beso' with the beautiful ladies of the Lahing Kayumanggi dance troup who were there to represent the Philippine cultural dances in their colourful dresses. We also joined the community parade which was attended by other organisations such as the Igorot community, the Philippine Centre Basketball Youth association, Philippine Generations, and the gorgeous beauty queens in their Flores de Mayo gowns and attires. Doce Pares was also able to do some demonstrations of techniques, sparring and forms. The spectators loved the sparring the most and about 100 people of all ages were able to have a go at bashing their friends in our safety armours. It was a very good day as we also saw some of the DGDP members who have gone awol for a while. Such as Mario Nagac, Nigel Bye, Jean Krohn, Romy Gumayagay, Ajay and Sherwin Padlan. Those in support of the team and did demos were Ermar Alexander, Diana Fauner, Norman Charles, Roel Caneja, Cielito Caneja, Justin Dacanay, Cherrie Dacanay, Andrew Wan and Kuok. We're looking forward to next year's Barrio Fiesta as we want to showcase more of what Filipino martial arts has to offer. Special thank you to Spiros Politis (www.spirospolitis.com) for the amazing photographs which we've displayed for everyone to see. Thank you to the Philippine Centre and PNA UK's Mike Duque for your unending support!
15 September 2008, Monday |
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