Diverse crowd shows up at Paskong Pinoy

Hundreds stand in respect sing the National Anthems of the United States and the Philippines during the annual Paskong Pinoy hosted by the United Filipino Organization yesterday. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

The United Filipino Organization hosted its annual Paskong Pinoy festival yesterday and gained the participation of a diverse crowd.

Paskong Pinoy is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Filipino community on Saipan and is also the organization’s way of closing the year off with a bang.

This year, hundreds of individuals of different ethnic groups gathered at the Marianas Business Plaza parking area to celebrate the holidays with the UFO.

According to guest speaker Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, he has always been a part of the event and is always excited to be a part of the festivities.

During his opening remarks, Apatang said he is excited to celebrate Christmas with such a warm and joyous crowd.

“Here I am, having another great opportunity to celebrate this Christmas event with all of you. It is always joyous to see a lively crowd like this with smiles on,” he said.

Apatang also emphasized the importance of recognizing the blessings of Christmas, and the importance of giving back during his remarks.

“How to celebrate Christmas may vary for each individual but what we should not forget is to find time to give thanks for the good things that have come to us and share the gift of giving,” he said.

According to UFO president Marlon Regaton, Christmas is a universal holiday that brings friends and families together after one whole year.

“That’s why we were gathered here today with a lot of blessings to be thankful for,” he said.

During Regaton’s remarks, he said that the festivities, although it was organized by the UFO, would not be successful and as joyous without the participation of the community.

The morning half of the festivities started off with a live performance from the Emperador band followed by performances from a number of performing individuals, school groups, and performing groups.

The groups that took the stage yesterday were the Marianas High School Glee Club, Green Meadow School, Studio M performers, Golden Harvest International School, Cornerstone Youth performers, San Vicente School Glee Club, Olei Elementary School choral, Northern Marianas International. School, Uncle Ben’s Studio, Koblerville Elementary School, Studio 29:11, Kristo Rai children’s choir, Karate Club, Batang Pinoy performers, Saipan Music and Dance Studio, and the Saipan Ballroom Dancers.

There were also special performances by Patrick and Nhemie, Erica Tubera, Miguel Aninon, Jowel Estrellanes, Tammy Torres, and Juliet Inocencio.

Throughout the day, UFO staff sold raffle tickets and hosted a raffle drawing. The festivities also highlighted the popular Filipino game “Kwarta o Kahon” or “money or box.”