Filipinos hold pageant, parade at Virginia Beach as city celebrates 46th Fil-Am Friendship Day
By Ryan General
Filipino culture took center stage during the celebration of Fil-Am Friendship Day in Virginia Beach over the weekend.
A day of festivities: Dozens of Filipino Americans in Hampton Roads gathered at Mount Trashmore on Saturday and participated in the event. The festivities began with a parade and included a “Flores De Mayo” pageant, cuisine and cultural performances that showcased the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.
This year’s celebration held extra significance as it marked the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day (from Spain), which was celebrated in the Philippines on June 12.
A day of freedom: Virginia Beach has been hosting Fil-Am Friendship Day for over 45 years, symbolizing the historical milestone when the Philippines became independent from the United States on July 4, 1946.
Virginia Beach is home to a significant Filipino population, with approximately 19,000 Filipinos residing in the area, particularly in the Hampton Roads region. Many of them are families and descendants of veterans of the U.S. Navy.
A day of friendship: Rep. Bobby Scott (D, VA-3), who is of Philippine descent, Senator Tim Kaine (D, VA) and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R, VA-2) were among the politicians who addressed the crowd, acknowledging the contributions and cultural heritage of the Filipino American community.
Dr. Cynthia Romero, representing the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater, emphasized that the event is not only a celebration of Filipino-American culture but also a testament to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the U.S.
We are here to enjoy each other, we are here to enjoy life, and we’re here to celebrate that Filipinos are some of the most significant individuals who contributed really to the fabric of our city, our state, and certainly to our country.
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