July 17 wasn’t just any old day at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif. It was the largest Filipino gathering on the West Coast, otherwise known as Kababayan Fest.
The so-called largest gathering of Filipinos on the West Coast -- Kababayan Fest at Knotts Berry Farm. Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/Pacific Rim Photo Press.
Roughly translating to “countryman” or “fellow townsman,” “Kababayan” is more loosely used to demonstrate respect for a unity defined by a shared heritage, culture and ethnic background. And unify they did — an estimated 20,000 Filipino Americans gathered to celebrate that day.
Traditional performances at Kababayan Fest.
In addition to the rides and good eats, there was plenty of Filipino culture and talented headliners. Dance crews We Are Heroes and Poreotix, America’s Best Dance Crew Season 4 and 5 winners respectively, were guest performers, as well as local talent Passion, AJ Rafael, and Kultura Philippine Folk Art. The event was hosted by Joey Guila and Giselle Tongi.
Quest Crew performing at last year's Kababayan Fest. Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/Pacific Rim Photo Press.
If you missed out on that Filipino gathering, then don’t miss out on another. Make the most of these last few days of summer by checking out Kayamanan Ng Lahi’s dance and music event, presented by Big!World!Fun!, this Saturday, August 14 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, Calif.
Dance and music is alive in the deeply-rooted musical culture of the Philippine islands, and for the Philippine company, Kayamanan Ng Lahi, dance is all about family. Folk dances are passed down to the next generation like stories or heirlooms, and some of Kayamanan’s youngest members will be making their stage debuts at the family performance. The audience will be participating as well, as company members demonstrate Philippine martial art movements you can do in your seat. (Come early with the kids and make figure puppets and ribbon streamers for the show!)
Kayamanan, under the leadership of Joel Jacinto, Barbara Ele and Ave Jacinto, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Based on anthropological research, the company’s dance and music aims to stay true to its traditional Filipino roots, with an extensive dance repertoire, costumes and music ensembles.
DETAILS
When: August 14, 10 am
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, CA 90068
Admission: Free for children, $5 for adults
Parking is $1 per vehicle
For tickets: 323-461-3673, www.FordTheatres.org
– with reporting by Han Cho
