SFA-AGR-510-08

PISTA SA PARIS 2008

07 August 2008 - Over three thousand Filipinos and Friends of the Philippines packed this year's Pista sa Paris 2008 at the open air Stade de la Muette in Paris last 06 July.

Now on its 28^th year, the Pista sa Paris is an annual event that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. It aims to foster camaraderie and unity amongst Filipinos in Paris, in particular, and in France in general. The leaders of the Filipino community with Embassy officers as advisers took turns in hosting the annual event.  This year's Core Group Organizers were Mr. Sharif Jessie Umali (Filipino Muslim Community in Paris), Mrs. Gloria Tanada (Kawanggawa), Mrs. Yolanda Nitural (Mindoreno), Mrs. Esperancella Matugas (Angcop-GK) and Mrs. Nenette Brosas (Las Damas de Rizal).

Matinee idol, Piolo Pascual who is in Paris for the Paris Cinema Festival, made a special appearance at the Pista, thrilling the Filipino audience.

The Core Group Organizers decided that proceeds from the Pista sa Paris 2008 will be donated to the victims of typhoon Frank in the Philippines. Last year's proceeds went to the Adopt-a-School Program of Education Secretary Jeslie Lapus.

The theme of this year's Pista sa Paris was Katutubong Pilipino.

A festive parade with Filipinos in colorful Filipinana attire, atl-atihan, or ethnic garb kicked off from Place Trocddero. Ambassador Jose Abeto Zaide and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Paris led the 45-minute walk from Place Trocadero to Stade de la Muette. They were joined by representatives of Filipino community organizations in Paris. The revelry of the ati-atihan and other street dancers spiced up the parade. Adding glitter to the festivity were the contestants of the Ms. Floral Parade 2008.

The event commenced with the singing of the Philippine and French national anthems. The Ambassador and leaders of the Filipino community delivered their remarks. The Independence Day messages of Secretary Alberto G. Romulo and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo were read by Consul Igor Bailen and Consul Maria Josefina Ceballos, respectively. A cultural program entertained the audience the whole afternoon.   The community presentations included traditional Filipino songs and dances.

Artistically decorated booths encircled the Stade grounds, offering mouth watering Filipino dishes and an array of quality handicrafts and services. The Philippine Embassy booth provided information on its consular services, tourist destinations in the Philippines, and Filipino films being screened at the ongoing Paris Cinema Festival.

Parlor games and Filipino favorite sports like basketball, chess, and volleyball were also played in the Stade grounds. END

wingret