29 June 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General joined the Filipino Community of Guam and the Apalit Association of Guam in celebrating the “Pista sa Nayon” and the “Apalit Fluvial Festival,” two events culminating the month-long celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Guam, that was held on June 25 to 26 at the Center Court of Micronesia Mall and at the Governor Joseph Flores Beach Park (Ypao Beach), respectively.
The highlight of the “Pista sa Nayon” was the raffle draw of a sedan Honda Accord donated by the Triple J Motors and twenty consolation prizes of US$250 each. A portion of the proceeds from the sold tickets by the Filipino Community of Guam will go to the University of the Guam Endowment Foundation.
The performers Dessa and Anak Band entertained the “Pista sa Nayon” visitors. The event featured traditional Filipino games and booths with colorful decorations offering Filipino delicacies and native products. Among those who participated in the event were the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Alumni Association and Capiz Association.
On June 26, the Apalit Association of Guam celebrated the feast of St. Peter, patron saint of Apalit town in Pampanga province. The celebration’s main highlight was a Mass held at the Gov. Joseph E. Flores Memorial Park, also known as Ypao Beach Park in Tumon.
The Mass was officiated by Most Reverend Savio Hon Tai-Fai, S.B.D., Acting Archbishop Administrator of Agana and was attended by Consul General Marciano R. de Borja, Ms. Nita Baldovino, President of the Filipino Community of Guam, officers and members of the Apalit Association of Guam, headed by its President Mr. Paul Bautista and its Adviser Mr. Ignacio Mercado, representatives of other Filipino organizations, local people and tourists.
This was followed by a fluvial procession in Tumon bay featuring a life-size statue of St. Peter, participated in by the devotees of St. Peter and other festival attendees. After the procession, everyone enjoyed the sumptuous lunch prepared by the officers and members of the Apalit association.
The Apalit Town Fiesta celebration in Guam with its first fluvial procession was started by the Apalit Association in 2010 and since then attracted hundreds of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans on Guam.
The Apalit Association of Guam was established as an organization in 2004. END
