29 December 2014 - The Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW) and the Bank of Hawaii hosted a Filipino Christmas Family Day called, “Pasko! Sa Honolulu Museum of Art” on December 21 to highlight the festive and colorful Filipino-style Christmas season.

The halls of the Honolulu Museum of Art were decked with Christmas lanterns or parols of various shapes, sizes, colors and materials. At the event’s art activity stations, visitors made parols, rice cakes, desserts, Christmas ornaments, and learned to wrap gifts in coconut leaves and filigreed paper. Children were able to play traditional Filipino games such as sungka and sipa, try on Filipino costumes from different regions, and receive candies while learning how to do the “mano po” and respectfully greet elders like their “ninongs” and “ninangs” (godparents) who give presents during the holidays

The event also had display tables set for noche buena, a family feast held after midnight mass which were adorned with decorative shells, brass and hand-woven materials from the Philippines. A fashion show by Hilo-based Filipino designer Iris Viacrusis of traditional Filipiniana wear including ternos, María Clara dresses, Igorot and Muslim-inspired attires, was one of the highlights of the Pasko! event.

Cultural presentations included folk dances and song numbers from the Filipino community, and performances from youth orchestra Banda Kawayan and the Tekniqlingz Dance Crew, which combine traditional and hip-hop styles in their unique rendition of the tinikling bamboo dance provided entertainment for the audience.

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu was represented at the event by Vice Consul Joyleen E. Santos. END