Thousands gathered at the 2008 U.S.-Philippines Expo

Since 1993, Ruben S. Panopio Jr.’s vision to unite Filipino-Americans in one grand event has become a reality year after year. He sought to unite them through food, entertainment, media, and most of all, culture. Sponsorships from companies such as Weekend Balita and ABS CBN has brought this event under one large roof in the Pomona Fairplex. On August 9 and 10 of 2008, the Fil-Am extravaganza known as the annual U.S.-Philippines Expo attracted Filipino-Americans from all over Southern California.

The expo offered hundreds of commercial product booths, hours of entertainment, and most importantly, thousands of proud Filipino-Americans. Fashion was one of the most popular products being presented in the booths. From handbags to jewelry, any Pinay with a thick wallet (or high credit line) would have been in heaven! Yet, a staple in Filipino fashion is the barong. Nostalgia: The Barong and Tagalog Shoppe offered specialty clothing for both men and women. Asides from traditional white, the shoppe exhibited barongs of vibrant colors and darker tones. While the men tried those on, women were able to browse through the traditional Filipina dresses.

While many of the displays tried to preserve the Filipino culture, some showed that they have assimilated to the American ways. Amongst the sea of barongs, lumpia, and Pacquiao DVD’s, a portion of the floor was dedicated to a group of motorcycle riders and their American made Harley Davidsons. This group known as Pinoy Harley took the time to sport their leather jackets, shine their hogs, and show off their two wheeled life style to the expo. One group member known as Diesel showed off his 2006 Soft Tail Deluxe with chrome mounting. Ed Sy accompanied that cycle with his jet black Night Rain. Motorcycle specs aside, all you have to know is these bikes are impressive. These two wheeled beauties exemplified a life of adventure and freedom. It is through this display of American lifestyle that these Filipinos have truly become Filipino-Americans. The fact that these Pinoys own these American made vehicles, created a faction of riders, and ride their bikes just as any other American does is further proof that Filipinos have been accepted by the United States.

If expo-goers became tired of walking from one booth to another, they were able to sit and enjoy entertainment from two stages: The cultural stage, and main stage. As indicated, the cultural stage reminds us of the Fil in Fil-Am. It did so through traditional Filipino dance and song. One of the culture stage’s attraction was the Singkil dance. This dance featured the always amazing tinikling bamboo sticks. A warrior dancer sporting a radiant silk costume and holding a sword and shield maneuvered his feet as tappers synchronized bamboo sticks to a pacing rhythm. A woman then accompanied him as she flaunted her stylish fans. This Singkil dance was just one of the many heritage enriching shows the cultural stage had to offer.

The also appropriately named main stage presented the expo’s main draw: Filipino singer stars, Sitti Navarro, Randy Santiago, and Charice Pempengco! Though these names may not ring a bell to Americanized Filipinos, these celebrities filled every seat for the main stage. All performing approximately 20 minute sets each, these singers resonated their vocals in both English and Tagalog songs. Both the fans and press members rushed to the front of the stage to catch a more intimate glimpse of these Pinoy and Pinay singing sensations. The youngest of the musicians, 16 year old Charice, has been creating quite a stir in both Filipino and American media. She has shown off her vocal talents on such shows as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Oprah. Although she is short in stature, this starlet’s giant singing voice boomed through the expo center! Upon ending her set, Charice broke down into tears, showing the audience that she sings her songs with sincerity. Filipinos love to sing, and these talented artists are showing the world just how gifted the Filipino people are.

Just as Ruben S. Panapio Jr, envisioned over a decade ago, the Filipino Americans of Southern California came together. Through the graces of sponsorships, vendors, and Filipino celebrities, the 2008 U.S.-Philippines Expo reminded Filipinos of their heritage. It is important that our people maintain culture in this melting pot nation. America’s variety in culture is indeed a luxury, but that luxury is only possible through the perseverance of ones’ own national heritage. As it has year after year, the expo proved to be a fun filled way for Filipino-Americans to gather, enjoy, and enrich their understanding of Filipino tradition.

For more info about the 2008 U.S. Philippines Expo, visit www.r-page.com/expo

Written, photographs, and video by: Mark Lacson (justinvotesforpedro@Hotmail.com)