HUNDREDS of community members on Sunday gathered at Marianas Business Plaza for “Pistang Pinoy 2022” to commemorate and celebrate the 124th Philippine Independence Day.
Organized by the United Filipino Organization, the event started at 10 a.m. and ended past 8 p.m.
The highlights of this year’s festivities were the non-stop musical performances, traditional fiesta games, a raffle draw whose grand prize was a round-trip ticket to the Philippines won by Lolly Velasco, and the “Pera o Kahon” or “Cash or Box” contest which was won by Rogelio Bince who took home $600 cash.
The event also featured food vendors and an air-soft shooting booth manned by the Saipan Tactical Airsoft Group or STAG.
Among the performers were Benjie Deniega, Donnel Isip, Ronilo de Belen, Juliana Kai Ortiz, Roanne Palma, Liam Roi & Arianne Therese Buston, the Saipan Ballroom Dance Team, among other entertainers.
RV Caberos served as the master of ceremonies.
During the event, UFO also presented Gov. Ralph DLG Torres with a plaque of appreciation.
In his remarks, the governor acknowledged the many contributions of the Filipino community in the NMI and their shared history.
“Earlier we had a flag raising ceremony, and I said this in the beginning, most of you flew here as contract workers, whether as teachers, architects, nurses, social workers…and now it is your children and grandchildren who are representing the CNMI. You guys have built and the infrastructure of the CNMI, and now it’s your children and our children who are building the future of the CNMI. Thank you, maraming salamat po, for your partnership with the local community. We cannot move forward without our ‘kababayans.’”
For his part, UFO President Marcelo “Mar” Masilungan thanked the “Pistang Pinoy” sponsors and volunteers.
“The celebration would not have been possible without your incredible support and attendance,” he added.
“One of the most amazing traits that we Filipinos possess is the ability to spread joy, love, and support…. This year’s celebration was full of fun, laughter, and good spirits. To all those that gave their time, effort, talents, and money, to make June 12, 2022 a success, ‘Maraming Salamat Po!’”
On Sunday morning, a Philippine flag raising ceremony held at Marianas High School was led by Philippine Consul to Guam Ferdinand Flores, Gov. Torres, Paula Bermudes of the Office of the CNMI Representative to the U.S. Congress, and Emon Masonic Lodge 179 members.
Also attending the ceremony were business community leaders, including Jerry Tan, president and chief executive officer of Tan Holdings, and Shirley Sablan, president and CEO of Pacifica Insurance.
Among the well-wishers were Senate Floor Leader Vinne F. Sablan, House Minority Leader Angel Demapan, Reps. Roy Ada and Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero, and Republican Party Precinct 3 House candidates Grace Sablan and Carl Hocog.
Filipino community members gather at Marianas Business Plaza for “Pistang Pinoy” on Sunday.
From left, United Filipino Organization secretary Birhen K. Martinez, Rogelio Bince, the “Pera o Kahon” or “Cash or Box” contest winner, RV Caberos, event emcee, and UFO president Marcelo “Mar” Masilungan pose for a photo.
From left, Malou Masilungan and husband United Filipino Organization president Marcelo “Mar” Masilungan with Lolly Velasco, winner of the round-trip ticket to the Philippines, and “Pistang Pinoy” emcee RV Caberos.
United Filipino Organization members sell raffle tickets during “Pistang Pinoy 2022” at Marianas Business Plaza.
From left, Rep. Roy Ada, first lady Diann Torres, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Senate Floor Leader Vinne Sablan, Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero, House Minority Leader Angel Demapan, Grace Sablan and Carl Hocog pose for a photo following the NMI-Philippines Friendship Month proclamation signing in the MHS cafeteria on Sunday.
To mark the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, a Philippine flag raising ceremony was held at Marianas High School on Sunday led by Philippine Consul to Guam Ferdinand Flores, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Paula Bermudes of the Office of the CNMI Representative to the U.S. Congress, and Emon Masonic Lodge 179 members.
To mark the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, a Philippine flag raising ceremony was held at Marianas High School on Sunday led by Philippine Consul to Guam Ferdinand Flores, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Paula Bermudes of the Office of the CNMI Representative to the U.S. Congress, and Emon Masonic Lodge 179 members.
