30 July 2013 – The Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) organized yearly by the Association of Fil-Am Teachers in America (AFTA), with the support of the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Center in New York, marked another milestone with the holding of its 15th Culminating Activity on July 27 at the Kalayaan Hall.
Forty-six (46) students, ranging in age from 5 to 13 years old, took courses for five weekends from the end of June to end of July. For the first time, adult classes on Filipino were also offered to six Filipino-Americans.
The Culminating Activity was marked by colorful and lively Philippine folk dances, culminating in a rendition of the Bacolod “Masskara” Festival’s famous street dance.
The young students also showed off their newly-acquired Filipino language skills with a Bugtungan, Short Play and a Sabayang Bigkas. The adult class also took to the stage with a performance of the “La Jota Moncadeña.”
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of PSK Alumni from as far back as 2000, the second year of what is now a regular summer activity at the Philippine Center New York. The alumni were introduced by AFTA President Lumen Castañeda.
In his inspirational message, Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. expressed hope that in the coming years, the community would be able to harness the enthusiasm, talent and potential of alumni of the PSK to further promote an awareness of and pride among young Filipino-Americans of their cultural heritage. Consul General de Leon was introduced to the audience by Marietta Geraldino, a new PSK Team member who was recently awarded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as one of the outstanding Teachers in New York.
Past AFTA President Ricky Mendoza who saw the PSK during its infancy noted how far the program has gone and the potential for even greater things emerging from this labor of love and commitment.
The closing remarks for the program were delivered by Loriel Crowder, President of the Parents Auxiliary Council.
Aside from Consul General de Leon, Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, Deputy Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega, Cultural Officer Marivic Dimaculangan, and Assistance-to-Nationals Assistant Charlie Nabo were likewise present at the program. END