Accents
South Carolinians celebrate People Power Day
South Carolina, USA -- Kababayans from three South Carolina counties--Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper--gathered to commemorate the 21st anniversary of People Power Day, Feb. 25. We recalled our country's "proudest moment" when the world was amazed how Filipinos toppled a dictator through a nonviolent mass demonstration--the day when rosary beads, candies, cigarettes, and flowers were pitted against tanks and battalions of soldiers, and rose in triumphant glory.
The spacious home of Angel and Brian Flewelling, setting of the potluck party, was ideal for a large gathering of the Filipino-American Association of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties of South Carolina (truly cumbersome thus shortened to FAABHJCSC). The sprawling parking space beside the house extends up to yonder riverside. From the corner intersection, no Pinoy could miss the Flewelling residence that had the huge Philippine flag proudly unfurled in welcome to Association members.
Recollections of how it was in Bayan Ko during the pro- and post-Marcos era were laid aside as we breathed in whiffs coming from platters of dishes concocted Pinoy style. However, three o'clock in the afternoon was still early for "stomach development." Even then drinks began flowing freely (mostly the soft kind, mind you) as the audience waited for the participants to get ready with their dance number.
Tinikling, our country's signature folk dance, performed with skill highlighted the affair. We held our breaths as young Caitlin and Ian Buckalew dodged in rhythmic steps the strike of the bamboo poles. In Binasu-an (the baso or glass precariously perched atop the head and balanced with every sway of the arms and legs), Eileen Roque-Buckalew, Linda Liares-Patron, Mayette Chua, and Jean Sulc demonstrated the beauty and grace of the dalagang Filipina (Filipino maiden). Their colorful costumes conjured images of Philippine rural scenes as painted by the national artist Fernando Amorsolo. Orchids are in order for dance instructor Welma Horn who has been teaching the art of traditional Philippine folk dancing for over 40 years now, most of these in the homeland and now in nearby Sun City. We couldn't help feeling nostalgic when Welma explained aspects of the Philippine way of life reflected in the two folk dances. Commented Angel Flewelling, "I think it's important to learn about our culture and pass on traditions to our young people." What more could I add but, Touche!
Chow time meant sampling the different dishes so dear to the Pinoy palate--the perennial lechon, adobo of course, banana turon, and some with Chinese and Spanish modifica.tions. Because Rudy and I thought a Pinoy meal table is incomplete without the smell of bago-ong (shrimp paste), we brought binago-ongang pork cutlets with okra. (Yummy, yummy!) How the Stateside counterparts, Association members by affinity, savored the bago-ong taste, we could only surmise.
Conversation was rich with getting-to-know-more-about-you because several members met for the first time. Association members we met only once, we met again a year later. As it had always been in previous gatherings, new acquaintances were made, brotherhood and sisterhood fostered -- all contributing toward a bigger, stronger, more vibrant Fil-Am organization in this part of the United States.
Holding the banner high for FAABHJCSC are the present set of officers: Co-Presidents: Greg Patron and Ike de Mesa; Vice-President: Richard Cuanang; Treasurer: Serge Chua; Secretary: Eileen Roque-Buckalew -- she, our efficient keeper of the records, the epicenter on whom the activities of the Association spring and revolve.
The FAABHJCSC objectives as set forth in its Constitution reflect the heartbeat of the Pinoy abroad and his undying ties to country and people: (a) To promote and protect the interests of Filipinos/Filipino-Americans and their families in this locality; (b) To cultivate unity and cooperation among all Filipinos/Filipino-Americans; (c) To foster and establish better relations and understanding between Filipinos and non-Filipinos; (d) To foster and instill civic spirit and cultural pride among Filipinos/Filipino-Americans; and (e) To coordinate with the city, county, state and national officials in all matters affecting the welfare of all Filipinos/Filipino-Americans.
How far the Association has gone toward realizing these objectives are subjects for a later column. We need all good wishes as we continue to translate these objectives into action.
(Comments to lagoc@hargray.com)