May 2009

Tennis, Anyone?

Tennis enthusiasts from Millington, Collierville, Midtown Memphis, and Cordova gathered together for a one-day tennis tournament, Saturday, May 30, 2009. The tennis court at the St. Benedict High school in Cordova was the venue for the first tennis tournament sponsored by FILAMemphis. Jun Arandia and Alex Kintanar coordinated the day long activities which include exhibition games and tournament scheduled from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. To view the photo album of the FILAMemphis Tennis Tournament, visit the Photo Gallery or click here.

The Sports Committee of FILAMemphis helps young adults get involved in the sports activities of the organization by raising money to support upcoming events and at the same time spend valuable time and resources for some humanitarian and community help activities. Although it is at its infant stage, the committee plans to include other sports in the future.

FILAMemphis Santacruzan in May

On May 10, 2003, Keith McDonald, the mayor of the city Bartlett, TN, issued a proclamation designating that day as Filipino-American Heritage Day. Since that proclamation, the Fil-Am community of Memphis had joined together one day inmay to celebrate the Fil-Am Heritage Day. This year, the traditional Santacruzan and a Pista Sa Nayon was once again the talk of the community after the event happened on Saturday, May 16.

This year's Reyna Elena was Elyza Montefalcon. Hermana Mayor was Bebs Hord while Linda Welling was the Reyna Emperatriz. Other participants of the Santacruzan procession include: Danielle Geronimo, Danissa Juan, Haley Pallera, Michaih Bayani, Megan Bayani, Tia Clorina, Erin Remorque, Issa Basco, Zoe Armada, Alexa Kintanar, Arian Untal, Marissa Gregor, Armaine de la Cruz, Vian Formantes, Sophia Guinocor, and Michael Gayoso.

The threatening rain did not dampen the spirits of the participants, the parents and the crowd that gathered either to witness or be a part the big clebration. The small space at the Church of the Nativity was overflowing, standing room only as they watched the song and dance presentations. The food was great, the fellowship was excellent and the entertainment was simply world-class.

Under the artistic and creative choreography of Lilibeth Carlota, the FILAMemphis Youth dancers wowed the audience with their interpretations of Philippine folk dances that include Itik-Itik, Bulaklak, Binaylan, Palayok and the signature dance Tinikling. And to show the audience that this group can also be in tune with the times, a special number from the hit movie "High School Musical" changed the tempo of the evening and showcased the modern dance talent of the FilAm Youth Dancers. Vocal renditions by Issa Basco and Jay Ruaro once again left the audience in awe after the duo performed Filipino love songs. The presentation concluded with the group singing of "Pinoy Ako." To view the photo album of the night's event, go to our website Photo Gallery or click here.

Parents from the audience were heard commenting the need for a bigger space when producing a show as big and as colorful as this. The place at the Church of the Nativity did not do justice to the quality of the show that night. One can't help but foresee the need for a bigger and more appropriate place as the community membership expands and gets bigger through the years. One of the many reasons why the FilAm Center project should go for the sake of the future generation in the making.

Germantown International Festival was a Rainy Day

Tents were set up the night before. Representatives from different sountries were starting to set up for a cook-out to sell some of the best tasting food. Grills and other cooking utensils and equipments were being unloaded from the trucks. Then came the downpour and strong wind that early morning. What now?

The organizing committee huddled together and decided the show must and can go on... inside. And so be it. The Germantown International Festival was held indoors at the gym/family life center of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Memphis. Quick and decisive thinking of the planning committe reworked the logistics and it turned out as if it was originally planned that way. From the parade of nations to the last country presentation, the festival turned out to be a big success.

Philippines was very well-represented with a display of crafts, historical and geographical information, and selling of our ever-famous pansit and bar-b-que. Folk dance presentations of the "Itk-Itik" dancers and the masterful "Tinikling" hoppers introduced part of the Philippine culture to the community. The FILAMemphis Social and Cultural Committee wearing authentic Filipina attire worked hard to put together a Philippine booth that will always be remembered for its creativity and team spirit. Kudos to Bebs Hord, Dr. Ching Paig, Mariles Santos, Rexie Conopio, Esper Montefalcon, Lilibeth Carlota, Marnie Basco, Dr. Olive Cabigao, Dr. Mely Bostre-Teeter, Lorie Hardin, Alex Kintanar and Harry Guinocor for the hard work and dedication that made this event another memorable and successful FILAMemphis project.

The International Festival was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Germantown and the 18-POD at Germantown High School.

To view the photo album of the afternoon's event, go to our website Photo Gallery or click here.