14 July 2015 – The 17th edition of the Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) opened on June 27 with ceremonies at the Philippine Center New York’s Kalayaan Hall. Fifty-six (56) children aged six to 16, most of whom were first-time students of the program, attended the opening ceremonies, together with some parents and about 18 teachers and volunteers of the Association of Filipino-American Teachers in America, Inc. (AFTA).
In his opening remarks, Philippine Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. thanked the teachers, volunteers, and parents who continue preserve and sustain the project.
“Cultivating the understanding of cultural roots and Filipino heritage is important to all Filipino children to bridge the gap between what they know about Philippine customs and traditions and those of the United States.” said the Consul General.
PSK is a flagship project of the Philippine Consulate General, in partnership with AFTA. Its mission is to enhance the cultural awareness of the young Filipino-American generation towards a deeper understanding of their cultural roots and Filipino heritage. It is held every year in the summer for five consecutive Saturdays at the Philippine Center in New York. Its curriculum covers Philippine language, literature, dance, games, music, the arts, food, martial arts, history and culture.
Ms. Mian Catalano, who attended the first batch of PSK in 1999, delivered her remarks. She attended the program for two consecutive summers and eventually became a volunteer. She is currently working as a dietician at Presbyterian Hospital in New York.
In her inspirational message, Mian, who was born of a Filipino mother and an Italian father and currently living in an Italian neighborhood, said her mother was so passionate to inculcate in her and her sister the Filipino values and culture.
“I, with my sister Marikit, joined PSK in 1999 in its first season. Nervous and not knowing what to expect, the teachers and volunteers made the lessons easy and interesting. We learned Tagalog, folk songs and dances, among many other things” shared Mian. She added that she believed that she was invited to join the Folklorico Filipino Dance Company because of her exposure to Philippine folk dancing through PSK.
In his remarks, Dr. Raul Cajigas, President of AFTA, explained that AFTA, who takes charge of the curriculum and runs the classes, is continually innovating the PSK curriculum, and encouraged the parents to be part of the process. This year, with PSK’s theme “Kulturang Pilipino, Ipagdiwang Mo” (“Filipino culture, celebrate it!”), resource speakers who are well-known in their respective fields were invited to handle specific modules such such as National Dress (Pambansang Kasuotan), Philippine Tagalog Love songs (Kundiman), Philippine Dances and Filipino Cuisine.
Renowned Filipino fashion designer Rene Salud opened the first day of PSK with the module on “Pambansang Kasuotan” or National Dress. He described different indigenous fabrics such as piña, abaca, and ianul, and talked about his passion to introduce the Filipiniana fabric and design to many countries including the United States. He also engaged the students by telling them the story of his humble beginnings and on how he was challenged to become an internationally known designer.
Mr. Salud encouraged the children as well as the parents to wear the Filipino dress with pride.
“I want you parents and children to be proud of your own culture by using the Filipiniana style of clothing and wear it not only as costume but through a new trend in fashion called fusion, a combination of both pop and classic designs” he urged.
PSK 2015 is still accepting students who wish to enroll this year. For more information, send an email to Dr. Raul Cajigas, AFTA President (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or to Ms. Dara Valconcha (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). END