National Capital Region Chair Bing Branigin of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) based here, said: “I got estimates from authorities that some 25,000 people dropped in at this festival."

Held in tandem with the Centennial of Filipino immigration to this country, the parade featured the three waves of immigrants: farm workers in Hawaii, World War II veterans and their brides and family, and the professionals. Some 30 community organizations took part, wearing colorful attires. *Parade Grand Marshalls were US Rep. Tom Davis (R, VA), Vellie Dietrich-Hall of the White House’s Commission on Asian American Initiatives, and Ollie Cantos, assistant White House domestic policy adviser.

Filipino Americans from the Greater Metro D.C. Area and Washingtonians flocked to the all-day event that showcased a parade at 1 p.m., a show that featured a Singing Idol-type of contest, the popular The Speaks band, and 70 food and product vendors. Jerry Burdick of Arlington, Virginia, said, “For sure, there are more people this year. It doesn’t look it because the crowds are scattered along four blocks. The weather helped, but mostly, it’s because this is fun."

It’s also for a good cause, said Philippine American Foundation for Charities Inc.(PAFC) Chair Mencie Y. Hairston. PAFC president Nick Tongson was out of town, having done a big chunk of the major tasks.

“The proceeds of the Philippine Festival go to charities here and in the Philippines," said Ms. Hairston. “This year, a portion of the proceeds will go to Gawad Kalinga for its building and resettlement efforts in Leyte and to the American Diabetes Association’s public information programs that specifically target Filipino Americans."

Also trying to raise funds for a cause was Pastor Romy Capuli. He was at the booth of the Fil-Am Community Church with wife Kaye to spread the word, and also to honor the memory of their son Ryan, who died at age 2 of a congenital heart defect. “We’re trying to raise $2 million from the Ryan’s Story CD and other sources, with the goal of building a basketball court building in Fairfax, Virginia for the kids," he said. Personally, he has raised $250,000.

The real story behind the Philippine Festival, noted Ms. Hairston, “is how the community comes together no matter what." She credited Tongson, the overall chairs, committee chairs, sponsors and volunteers, and perennial leaders Gloria T. Caoile, Maurese O. Owens, Elvie Melegrito among others.

Doctors Vic and Bambi Lorica of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) are chairs of this year’s street fair. Co-Chair is the Novo Ecijanos, led by Jocy Stichberry. Others are sponsors SunTrust, American Federation of State,  County and Municipal Employees or AFSCME, Verizon, Citigroup, and the Smithsonian, committee chairs and countless volunteers deserve kudos for a successful event with historic firsts.

The Philippine Festival Committee is also composed of: Nina Cunanan and Nina Tamayo, secretaries; Ditas Kaag, treasurer; Lito Constantino and Mitzi Pickard, solicitations; Dr. Mitch and Myrna Lopez, Pat and Becky Pagsibigan, Philippine Fair; Dr. Alex and Annie Fangonil, retired Gen. Delfin and Edith Lorenzana, and Dr. Abe and Aida Bacarra, Parade; Annie Rivera and Shaun Guevarra, cultural show; Dr. Albert Coo, Health Fair; and Dr. Jovy and Jun Eusebio and Presy and Dulce Guevara, Vendors.

First wave of immigrants: Representing Hawaii farm workers were Ilocano Society of America (ISA), Mabuhay, GWU Cultural Group, Ang Bisaya Inc., Rizal Youth Awardees, Couples for Christ, CIMPA, Fil-Am Minsitry of Blessed Sacrament, Feed the Hungry, Filipino Young Professionals-DC.

2nd Wave: representing the Military immigrants were, among others, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5471, Kababayan, Filipino American Association of Bethesda, Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association; War Brides were represented by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Mabuhay, Ang Bisaya Inc, Kababayan and PMA Auxiliary.

3rd Wave: Professionals were represented by the PMA, Philippine Nurses Association, GWU Cultural Group, FYP-DC, Alpha Phi Omega DCAA, BOGWAS,

Philippine Association of Metropolitan Washington Engineers, UMBC FASA, Virginia Tech FASA, FCA of University of Maryland, Weichert Realtors, and Association of Filipino Accountants. WOW Philippines participants: BIMAK, Benguet 13, Ati-Atihan, Marinduquenos, PACAS, Rizal Youth Awardees, Alpha Phi Omega DCAA, PAFAI, and Novo Ecijanos of Washington, DC.