By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE United Filipino Organization has announced that this year’s “Pistang Pinoy” —traditionally held in conjunction with Philippine Independence Day on June 12 — has been canceled as the community continues to recover from the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
“This is due to the shortages and other challenges our community continues to face in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. UFO has determined that it is not feasible to conduct the annual festivities at this time,” said Carlito Marquez, the organization’s president.
Instead of the usual daylong cultural program, UFO will hold a simple flag-raising ceremony at the UFO pavilion on Beach Road in Garapan on June 12 at 7 a.m. There will be no formal program, performances, or other ceremonial activities.
“We sincerely apologize to our ‘kababayans’ for the cancellation of this year’s Pistang Pinoy celebration and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time,” Marquez said.
The festival has long been one of the largest Filipino cultural events in the CNMI.
Organized by the United Filipino Organization, the event typically features cultural performances such as traditional dances, choral numbers, and youth showcases; food booths offering Filipino dishes and regional specialties; community awards and recognitions; parades, games, and family activities; and serves as a gathering space for thousands of Filipino residents across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
