Page 17 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June
2017 17

Philippine Heritage and Identity Nurtured at Iskwelahang Pilipino of Boston

As part of efforts to promote greater awareness of Philippine culture,
heritage, and identity during Philippine Heritage Month and Asian-American
Heritage Month, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega conducted the first-
ever Consulate Visit to the Iskwelahang Pilipino of Boston, Massachusetts (IP).

Founded in 1976, the Iskwelahang Pilipino is the oldest continuing
Philippine heritage education program in the United States. Spanning over forty
one years, IP is a non-profit organization run by volunteer members of the
Filipino-American Community of Greater Boston. The officers, teachers, and
volunteers are mostly parents who have come together to create a platform for
their children to learn about Philippine history, heritage, and culture.

Consul General De Vega conducts story-telling for the IP holds Filipino language classes, cooking lessons as well as dance,
younger students of Iskewelahang Pilipino with Dr. Jose P. music, and performance sessions for 100 students ranging in age from 3 to 19
Rizal’s “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing” (Photo courtesy of Dr. years old. Its signature program is the Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla Music
Margarita Castro-Zarraga)
Program, which has produce the IP Rondalla. The IP Rondalla has performed to
great acclaim not only in North America but also in Europe and the Philippines. The IP Rondalla is currently in the process of
planning its Canadian Tour this year.

As Philippine Ambassadors of goodwill, the students of IP actively participate in folk and other cultural festivals in
different parts of New England

During her visit to IP, Consul General Dizon-De Vega had a meeting with the officers
and teachers to discuss collaborative ways to further strengthen IP’s programs and thrusts.
The meeting was moderated by IP Executive Director Bebs Sipin

Consul General Dizon-De Vega likewise held a story-telling session for two combined
classes. She narrated Philippine National hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s “Ang Pagong at Ang
Matsing” (The Monkey and the Turtle) to second and third generation young Filipino-
Americans. The Consul General likewise addressed the IP General Assembly before the
start of the sessions.

Consul General De Vega likewise presented several bilingual Filipino-English books
as well as a Filipino language teaching manual Adarna Publishing House’s pioneering Students learn the Malong Dance at
Iskwelahang Pilipino
“Wikahon” series for the use of the IP.
(Continued from page 16..75th Anniversary of Bataan)
Filipino Restaurant Week Launches
st
The men of the 31 Infantry Regiment and at the Philippine Center New York
the Philippine Scouts were recognized for their
critical roles in the Battle of Bataan. While popular
Afro-Filipino-American singer Joe Bataan, named for
the famous battle rendered special musical numbers.

The program ended with the unveiling of a
new memorial plaque on Bataan Road in historic
Camp Shanks, Orangeburg. Camp Shanks
functioned as a training ground and embarkation
point for troops to be sent to Europe during WWII. As Camp Shanks was
being built in 1942, the streets inside the camp were given nondescript
names except for Bataan Road.

The Filipino-American Triathlon Team likewise invited the public to
take part in their Run for Veterans causes which will take place this year in
four major US cities including New York.

A symposium on the Battle of Bataaan and the Death March The 2017 Filipino Restaurant Week
featuring West Point Historian Sherman Fleek, Jerome Kleinman, Jerry launch took place at the Lobby-Gallery of the
Donnellan, and Dr. Scott White, of the Dominican College Department of Philippine Center in New York on May 3, 2017.
History took place after the program. Other panelists included Donald The restaurant week proper ran from 15 to 22
Plata, Victor Verano, and Jay Chabot who discussed the Philippine Scouts May 2017 at 18 participating restaurants in New
and the film “Forgotten Soldiers” directed and produced by Mr. Plata. York and New Jersey. (Continue to page 18)