On October 1st, 2011, the Southeast was home to an amazing celebration of culture, arts, and entertainment as Filipino Pride Day took over Jacksonville, Florida. The event sought out to not only display the unique culture of the Philippines, but to also raise funds for four charities that work tirelessly to provide services to the Pilipino community locally, nationally, and globally. People poured in from everywhere along the south to take part in the event and I, myself, made the four and half hour trek in my very old yet very reliable green Chevy truck. It was definitely worth the drive.
The event is set up along one continuous street perpendicular to an adjoining street where all the Pilipino cuisine booths were located, along with a side stage for entertainment. The main stage is at the heart of the event, where audiences gathered to support their favorite entertainers throughout the day. Vendors and tents lined the stretch of the event including everything from Pilipino inspired clothing, to various Pilipino organizations and networking forces.
Within the building, many took advantage of the free health screenings, where numerous medical teams worked to provide a service that many do not have the opportunity to receive. As I walked by, you could see the overjoyed faces of those taking part in the health screenings. I could overhear a conversation as I passed by the tables that, although very short in words, had a huge impact in meaning. As a man stepped on the scale he told his attendant, "Thank you. That is all I really can say," as she replied, "That is more than enough." Children ID kits were also available inside as kids, some more reluctant than others, had their pictures taken. Around the walkway of the semi-circle building, various art pieces were displayed as part of a silent auction as well.
Various talent stepped to the stage in front of thousands. Each hour was separated into a group of performances, starting at 11am and going well on until 10pm. Everything from singing, to dancing, and comedy hours were implemented to show a dynamic array of entertainment. Newcomers to the stage, such as Aly Rose, who started off the 12pm hour, were very nervous to combat the crowds for the first time. In addition, returning entertainers came back to remind audiences of their talent such as Aaron Caras, Kimberly Millare, Ian Bautista, Dancell, A-Vibe, Kathryne Lopez, the Philippine Performing Arts Company of Tampa and many others. The crowds really started to enlarge as the 5pm hour came around, where international star, Karylle Padilla would be hosting a TFC segment along with Michi. As soon as she took the stage fans cheered and celebrated their way to make it on stage for a chance to appear on TFC. The TFC segment included an adobo tasting contest, in which, Tita Miles' Kitchen and Bakery came out as the winner. Karylle even took part in a dating game, where young men hoped to win her over with their suave sayings and their "unique" dancing. Following Karylle, comedian Orlando Sadsarin took the stage to provide some laughs, followed by Ryan Bandong's band Mitchell Grey, putting on a intense performance as they continue to win over fans on their crazy nationwide adventure. As day turned to night, hip hop acts took the stage along with Filipino Pride Day 2010 Champ Systematic.
Personally, this is an event I have looked forward to each year since its beginning in 2009. I love watching how the event grows every year to provide even better entertainment and service to the community. Living in the Southeast, I'm not accustomed to seeing such a massive gathering of Pilipino culture. It is good to know that the south/southeast can represent the beautiful history of Pilipinos just as well as the West Coast can, if not better! (West Coast vs Dirty South?) Either way, only in its third year, this event is just starting out. I'm ready to see what the future holds for Filipino Pride Day.
*Photo provided by ALoy Photography
