Paskong Pinoy 2011 premieres at the Paseo

The Filipino community on Saipan enjoyed a meaningful, albeit sparse, Christmas celebration when the United Filipino Organization hosted Paskong Pinoy 2011 at the Paseo de Marianas on Dec. 17.

Filipinos young and old managed to take part in the annual festivities meant to bring together those away from home in hopes to lessen their longing and melancholy this holiday season.

In his remarks, UFO president Bong Malasarte said Christmas is an occasion that Filipinos celebrate with families, friends, even neighbors dropping by to wish them “life’s very best.”

Malasarte acknowledged the uncertainties and challenges faced not just by Filipinos but the island community in general.

“Let me assure you, the future seems more certain and brighter as we approach it with hope, prayers, and perseverance,” he said.

Malasarte expressed hope that the UFO will rise up to the challenges ahead, with members sharing goodwill and respect for one another as it remains focused on its goals as an organization.

Last Saturday’s crowd was entertained by various presentations of both individual and group performers. An array of vendors provided culinary treats and other merchandise.

Different competitions also provided amusement. For the individual singing contest for children, Leonard Manuel Alla won first place, Lizelle Salanga bagged second place, while Lawrence Tubiera was third place. Donnel Isip and the Umang Glee Club were hailed winners for the individual singing contest for adults and the choral singing, respectively.

For the lantern making contest, the winners were Mercy Rollon, third place; Roselyn Bastareche, second place; and the Saipan Building and Fixing Computer Users Group won first place for the second consecutive year.

Group founder Mar Masilungan said it took them about five nights to create their winning lantern made of old tarpaulin, window blinds, and CDs glued together using rugby.

“It was a group effort. It wasn’t just the contributions of one individual but all those who were involved. That’s the important thing,” Masilungan told Saipan Tribune, adding that the lantern was once again donated to the Kristo Rai Church.

Judges and tabulator for the various competitions were Andrea Sablan, Dr. Esther Kanayjorn, Lucy Palacios, Mario Mayuga, and Hazel Mendoza. Annamae Adaza and Ulysses Sabuco served as program hosts.

Event committee co-chair Olive Yana said the success of this year’s Paskong Pinoy was made possible not just by UFO officers and members but also the many volunteers and all Filipinos who participated in the celebration.