Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard on Sunday, August 30

“Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard” of Philippine American Heritage Council to be co-sponsored with Halbrendt Vineyard and Winery in Adams County

Example of “Let’s Go Country” outfits we suggest for this “Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard,” as modeled by members of KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble (photo by Liberten Parks)

Amidst the cancellation of virtually every type of public event and all Filipino summer picnics organized by various groups due to the Pandemic (Covid-19), the Philippine American Heritage Council is holding a “Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard” to be co-sponsored this year with – and at – Halbrendt Vineyard and Winery at Orrtanna, PA, near Gettysburg in Adams County.

All Americans interested in celebrating their heritage are invited to attend and bring a dish to share.

Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard
August 30, 2020, from 11 am to 5 pm|
Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery
1150 Evergreen Way
Orrtanna, PA 17353
Co-Sponsors:
Philippine American Heritage Council &
Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery

Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery welcomes you! (photo by Naomi Halbrendt)

Because of the pandemic and concern for safety of attendees of our annual Heritage Fiesta, previously held at a larger park to accommodate growing number of attendees each of the past 8 years, the Philippine American Heritage Council in collaboration with Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery owner, Dr. Noemi Halbrendt, are proud to announce a smaller and limited attendance summer “Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard” at the vineyard viewing area.  There are strict requirements for attendance, such as advance registration and more.

View from the Picnic Area (reminder: bring your own table & chairs) (photo by Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery)

Bring your own folding chairs, table (if you prefer) or blanket for seating, and your own dish to share with others.  Because of the Pandemic, we will have volunteers (wearing masks) serve the food once you place it on the common serving table.  Bottled water will also be served by our volunteers.

There will be dancing with a “Let’s Go Country” theme this year and a limited performance by KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble.  Guests are encouraged to wear country-western outfits.

Filipino-American owned “Rollz on Wheelz” to serve you (photo by Rolly Alegre)

Rollz On Wheelz, a Filipino-American owned food truck specializing in Filipino Cuisine (the first in Central PA), will be at the picnic to sell the popular Filipino refreshment called Halo-Halo and all regular meals in the menu like Pancit & Palabok (2 rice noodle dishes distinctly prepared in different way and different set of ingredients), Fried Spring Rolls and Deep Friend Cassava.

Picnic attendees and winery visitors can buy foods from the food truck, to either bring home or to consume at the picnic. And a portion of the sales will be donated to PAHC, to help pay for picnic supplies.

The Vineyard provides nice backdrop for photography (photo by Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery)

CDC and state of PA guidelines require guests to wear masks on their way in to the picnic and when they are in close proximity with other guests, either talking or moving around the picnic area (but not once seated and getting ready to eat).

At the registration table, someone will be taking the temperature of new arrivals with a use of contactless sensor thermometer.  No one with a fever or without a facemask will be admitted.

Attendees are required to pre-register in advance in order to assure that we have the correct amount of supplies (ice, paper plates, paper cups, etc.

Hand sanitizers in touchless, sensor activated dispensers will be available at the registration table and at the food table. Each arriving guests will be required to sanitize their hands before they settle in and mingle with friends and periodically during the picnic.

Food and water with utensils (disposable plate, cup, knife, fork, spoon, napkin) will be served only by designated volunteers at the food table section area.

Some surprise entertainment will be presented before and after lunch and social dancing is encouraged/ required to ensure that safety guidelines for outdoor gathering is strictly followed.

Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery is offering 10% discount for each bottle of wine purchased by registered guests.

They also announced at their Facebook Fan page that the seating area near the tasting room of the winery will be open to visitors and they can purchase foods from the food truck and local cheese plate meals will also be available for them in the winery.

Links of interest:

Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/halbrendtwine/
Website: www.halbrendtwinery.com

Rollz On Wheelz
Facebook fan pahttps://www.facebook.com/rollzonwheelz/
Website: http://rollzonwheelz.com

Heritage Picnic at the Vineyard
https://www.facebook.com/events/298888984774777

6 Dance Troupes & Sen. Doug Mastriano this Sat.

Eighth Annual Event features Heritage Music and Dance Performances by local entertainers and dance troupes, Heritage Dishes & old fashioned burgers & hot dogs

Combat Veteran Colonel Doug Mastriano, US Army (Ret.), recently elected to State Senate for the western part of York County and Gettysburg, to deliver keynote address at Heritage Fiesta 7/6

The 8th Annual Heritage Fiesta, a potluck picnic event, featuring a series of dance and musical performances by local south central PA entertainers will take place this Saturday, July 6, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Cousler Park, (Pavilions C & D) at 1060 Church Road, York, PA 17404, with remarks by keynote speaker, recently elected PA State Senator Doug Mastriano (PhD., Colonel, Combat Vet, retired U.S. Army) and all candidates on the November, 2019 election ballot and all incumbent officeholders invited to make brief remarks and to mingle with the picnic attendees.  State Representative Mike Jones has also confirmed to attend and speak.

State Representative Mike Jones with Bonga KaDay at last year’s Heritage Fiesta. Both will be back this Saturday, 7/6.

This is the fourth year in which Philippine American Heritage Council (PAHC), the original organizer of this event, has renamed the annual picnic as “Heritage Fiesta” to celebrate the heritage, origins and culture of Americans.

Flyer for Heritage Fiesta, Sat. 7/6/19

PAHC is joined for the fourth year by co-sponsors York County Action and New Americans by Choice.  And for the third year Conservative Christian Center is a co-sponsor of the Heritage Fiesta.

Attendees to this family-oriented, “Fiesta” event are asked to Bring-A-Dish, especially one celebrating your own heritage, to share with at least 10 to 15 people.  Because past events have had an overflow crowd, an RSVP is suggested to RSVP@PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org.  A nominal admission is asked, $2 per person, $3 for couple & $5 for family, and bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating in case the limited picnic-bench seating is all filled up.  And you can also set up your tent if you are bringing a crowd or want company (we don’t ask entertainers or speakers to bring a dish or pay any entrance fee).

KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble USA members, L-R: Mila Thomas, Eve Grey, Emy Delgaudio, Elomar Seinnick, Valerie Shutt, Aalyah Haya. Inset, (lower left) Heidi Vaught, (lower right) Dandy Diaz.

Highlights of the event include: wide variety of Heritage dishes, Cultural & Contemporary Performances, short program, cultural exhibits & sponsors’ literature/information tables, sound system, “meet and greet” by candidates and officeholders, Salute to Veterans, and fun activities for all ages, to include: group dancing, games for kids, etc.

Some of the most superlative and accomplished dance troupes of south-central Pennsylvania are featured at this year’s Heritage Fiesta.

The talented ladies of Bongga Ka Day dance team of Harrisburg will be putting in their third performance at the Heritage Fiesta.  Some of our members have attended their events and it is well worth the ride – this is one of the most welcoming and friendly of any Filipino Heritage group we have encountered.

We are excited to announce a first-time appearance will be put in by the Dancing Divas of Cumberland.

The popular Halo-Halo Youth Dancers of Harrisburg and Hershey are putting in their second appearance at Heritage Fiesta.  They have also done several joint appearances with the KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble.

First time appearances to entertain attendees at Heritage Fiesta will be Richel West (Singer from Cumberland), Musician Parker James Hooker(York, PA), Ukelele Uprising (orchestra of Lancaster).

Last but most certainly not least is the dance troupe of the founding organizer of this Heritage Fiesta, the KalayaanUSA (Freedom-USA) Cultural Ensemble featuring cultural & contemporary dance performers of South Central PA, sponsored by the Philippine American Heritage Council, making their sixth summer picnic appearance to celebrate what is best about Philippines and American culture, history, faith and beliefs..

This annual Heritage Fiesta begins at 11 AM with the buffet table opening at 12 noon, and a short program that will start at 12:30 PM, with PA Senator Doug Mastriano as the guest of honor and Keynote Speaker, addressing the crowd at 1:00 PM.  A retired U.S. Army combat veteran, Mastriano will speak on the subject of American exceptionalism.

As we always like to remind our fellow Americans, who knows better than first generation new Americans, what is great about America?  Who gave up more, to leave behind their country, family, friends and relatives, to come to America?   

Originally organized and operated by the Philippine-American Heritage Council since 2012 as a “Heritage Picnic,” the organizers of the event rebranded this festive summer event in 2016 as a “Heritage Fiesta” and have been reaching out to other heritage communities and those interested in American heritage to join in the fun and sharing.  We celebrate unity with diversity –differences make life interesting and fun.

Legislators and Candidates for office always find this event a more relaxed venue to meet and greet people, especially those within the immigrant community, who are not usually involved and engaged in the public policy arena, but might have concerns and questions to ask their legislators and candidates who want their vote.

In more recent years with Conservative Christian Center joining as a co-sponsor of the annual Heritage Fiesta there has been more attendance by church-going, conservative minded York County residents.

Refreshments, burgers, hotdogs, condiments, ice, plates, cups, napkins and utensils are provided by the sponsoring organizations.

The organizing committee seeks Donors and Sponsors, who support their mission: “To work together to embrace and appreciate the cultural diversity in our community.  As well as to be dedicated to preserve and share the best of the Christian, freedom heritage and culture of our adopted country America, and of our countries of origin.”

Heritage Fiesta Sponsors – such as Giant Food and in the past two years several Democratic Party candidates for office – help underwrite this event and are also given the option to have a literature table, as are all incumbent officeholders.  Even if you bring your check with you to the event your sponsorship or other donation is very welcome or you may write to Chairman@PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org to support the Heritage Fiesta this year or next year.

Heritage Fiesta also welcome volunteers to assist during the main event, to work with any of the following committees: Cultural and Informational Display/Set-up, Food Set-up, Guests Registrations, Student who need volunteer hours are welcome to assist in any of the committees to get community service credit.

The November 2019 candidates of the Republican and Democratic Party are all invited to speak, as are the Republican and Democratic Party York County Chairmen. As of this date, candidates who have pledged to attend include: Sandra Thompson (Democrat, Court of Common Pleas Judge), Julie Wheeler ((Republican, York County Commissioner), Stacey Duckworth (Democrat, Clerk of Court), Sandra Harrison (Democrat, Prothonotary) and Shane Becker (Republican candidate during the primary, now running as Democrat, for Sheriff)

PA State Representative Mike Jones (93rd District, PA State House of Representatives), will introduce Senator Mastriano and will give his own brief remarks after.

For more information, readers may visit PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org. To RSVP, email RSVP@PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org OR RSVP@ConservativeChristianCenter.org or call 717-827-7330.

**

LINKS:

Heritage Fiesta Facebook event page:
https://bit.ly/2WE9Ldl

Flyer: HERE.

State Senator Doug Mastriano

Senator Mastriano Facebook Page

LINKS/CONTACT INFO OF PERFORMERS:

Bongga Ka Day Facebook account: http://bit.ly/2twtsSR

KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble Facebook Fan Page: https://bit.ly/2KUbSU6 OR contact: Chairman@KalayaanUSA.org

Halo-Halo Youth Dancers

Dancing Divas, contact by email: dancingdvs@gmail.com

Richel West (Singer), contact by email: richaelbuhano@yahoo.com

Parker James Hooker (Artist & Musician): email: hookerparkerjames@gmail.com

Ukelele Uprising: contact by email to Dana or Dave at uke.rise@gmail.com

Philippine American Heritage Council at York Fair

 

The Philippine American Heritage Council is participating in the York County Fair.

KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble and Halo-Halo Youth Dancers to perform Under Auspices of Philippine American Heritage Council at “Welcoming Week” event for new Americans at the Oldest County Fair in USA on Saturday, September 15

The Philippine American Heritage Council is pleased to announce its participation at America’s first and oldest County Fair at the York County Fairgrounds in the National Welcoming Week, to welcome new Americans to the United States, starting this Saturday with a dance performance by its KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble and it’s associated junior group, the Halo-Halo Youth Dancers.

Performance of KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble (the Filipino word for “Freedom”) and the Halo-Halo youth dancers is from 4 to 4:30 PM at the Cultural Pavilion of the York County Fair.  Don’t Miss it!!

This year, the “Welcoming Week” event started on Friday, Sept. 14, and concludes Thursday, Sept. 20.  In the City of York, Central Pennsylvania, featuring various free family-friendly activities, with the purpose of strengthening the community composed of diverse heritage groups.

The Cultural Pavilion at 2018 York Fair where dance 2 dance groups provided by Philippine American Heritage Council to perform Sat. 9/15/18.

Today, September 15, the second day of the Welcoming Week intercultural celebration to be held at the York Fairgrounds, with live music and dance entertainers, at the York Fair’s Community Pavilion.  The huge Community Pavilion is one of the new features of the 2018 fair.  There are free daily activities and entertainment under the big tent.  This Saturday will be the second to the last day of the annual York Fair.

“Welcoming Week” is an annual event celebrated in different parts of the United States including this week overlapping with part of the York County Fair at the York Fairgrounds.

Activities all week.  Welcome week flyer HERE.

Activities all week. Welcome week flyer HERE.

The objective is to bring together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents to build common ground, stronger communities and unity..  Our goal is to help foster an appreciation of heritage and culture by showcasing colorful traditional costumes, song and dance performances, various heritage foods and other activities that will attract both residents of York City and County as well as visitors both young and old who visit this annual Fair.

Another new features of the York Fair introduced this year is the intercultural presentation which the Philippine American Heritage Council is a founding participant.

Everyday from the opening day on Friday, Sept.7, until the closing day on Sept. 16, Sunday, there are different heritage group entertainment and activities.

“Cultural diversity enriches America.  Together with unity – splendidly summarized in the de-facto national motto of the United States, E Pluribus Unum (out of the many, one) these values enable America to continue as the land of opportunity and the beacon of hope which attracts so many newcomers every year.  We join in welcoming them during this special week,” said Emy Delgaudio, Chairman of the Philippine American Heritage Council.

Line up of event at the Cultural Pavilion (Photo credit: Emy Delgaudio)

Emy Delgaudio also praised the Welcoming Week Advisory Committee Chair and Director of the New American Welcome Center, Jose Santiago, who presided over a series of planning and advisory meetings which she participated in during the months before the event.  “His leadership and good work will result in the best “welcoming week” ever, only to be exceeded by next year’s event which will be even bigger and better, she said.

In behalf of the Advisory Committee, Emy invited both the KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble (where she is a performer) and the Halo-Halo Youth Dancers to participate in this year’s “welcoming week” festivities for the first time.

The whole day event at the York Fair’s Cultural pavilion on Saturday, will feature mostly Latin and Hispanic performers as well as performances by other dance groups, including Philippine-American and Haitian-American dance groups, then the crowning of the Miss Latina 2018, in honor and celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to October 15).

Filipinos are very comfortable associating with the Hispanic segment of the “welcome week” event because the Philippines is a blend of American, Hispanic and Asian cultures.

The Kalayaan USA Cultural Ensemble dancing the Subli at the 2018 Annual Cultural Fest in Dauphin County at Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, 8/3/2018. Front L to R: Emy Delgaudio & Elomar “Jan” Siennick. Back, L to R: Mila Thomas, Lauryn Parcon, Valerie Shutt, Aaliyah Haya. (Photo credit: Louis McKinney Sr.)

The “Welcoming Week” event is supported with enthusiasm because it helps achieve the mission of the Philippine American Heritage Council and its Kalayaan Cultural Ensemble – to share what is best about Filipino culture, history and beliefs while at the same time, sharing with our fellow “new Americans by choice,” what is great about America.

The dance troupe “KalayaanUSA” (the Filipino word for “freedom”) is one major part of our outreach to achieve our mission as a non-profit organization.

Philippines-American Heritage Museum

Another major part of our outreach is the mobile “Heritage Museum” of the Philippine-American Heritage Council, a cultural display which will be setup as its own Pavilion at the York Fairgrounds, sharing culture, history, beliefs and basic information about the Philippines and the United States (look for the white tent near the Cultural Pavilion with the PAHC banner).

Halo-Halo Youth Dancers, with choreography by Valerie Shutt, dancing the world famous Philippine folkdance, Tinikling, at the 2018 Annual Cultural Fest, 8/3/2018. (Photo credit: Louis McKinney Sr.)

Halo-Halo Youth Dancers

The Philippine American Heritage Council is pleased to announce through its recommendation and endorsement, that the Halo-Halo Youth Dancers will also perform at this annual “Welcome Week” celebration at the York Fairgrounds this week.

Kalayaan USA Cultural Ensemble and Halo-Halo Youth Dancers will perform for 30 minutes, from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The Filipino folkdances they will perform will be Subli , Pandanggo Sa Ilaw (Pandanggo with Light), Sinisinta Kita, Princess Dance (mixed of the traditional Pag-Apir and Kzadoratan dances), Tinikling (Bamboo Dance), and Paypay de Manila (Fan Dance).

Bongga Ka Day

These two (2) Phil-Am dance groups also performed at the recently concluded 2018 Annual Cultural Fest in Dauphin County (Harrisburg, PA), on Aug. 3, 2018.  They were joined by another Phil-Am dance team called Bongga Ka Day (based in Harrisburg), which is also endorsed and embraced by the Philippine American Heritage Council.  The popular all ladies dance team performed at the past two consecutive, annual summer-time Heritage Fiesta’s (next year will be annual event #8).  The most recent event, despite the rain, matched last year’s 100+ attendance once again.

Group picture of 3 Phil-Am dance groups: Kalayaan USA Cultural Dance Ensemble (sponsored and a project of the Philippine American Heritage Council), Bongga Ka Day (of Harrisburg), Halo-Halo Youth Dancers, taken before their performance at the Dauphin County Cultural Fest, Aug. 3, in Harrisburg, PA. (Photo credit: Bongga Ka Day/Lovelita Jacoby)

We invite family and friends of our Phil-Am community as well as Americans who want to support our work to watch and show support  to our dance volunteers who have been spending time and resources in coming up with beautiful choreographies of the different Filipino cultural dances to be able to share them with different audiences in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.

We would be grateful if you could help spread the word about these activities by circulating the “url” address of this article via your email and on your Facebook page.

To obtain a free subscription to the periodic e-newsletter (for Philippine American Heritage Council and its KalayaanUSA cultural ensemble) write (provide your name and zip code) Chairman@PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org or Chairman@KalayaanUSA.org.

You may also visit our Facebook page, HERE.

For more details of the Welcoming Week weeklong activities please go HERE.

Heritage Fiesta This Saturday July 21 Makes Local News

Community Courier Newspaper runs major story on page 2, continues coverage for 7th year of Annual Picnic of Philippine American Heritage Council

The Heritage Fiesta this coming Saturday has once again made the local news, with all editions of the Community courier weekly newspaper running the story about the upcoming 7th annual “pot luck” picnic on the highly coveted page 2 (above the fold).   Don’t miss it!

Here’s the story (news clip above).  Don’t miss what is shaping up as the very best of the 7 annual Heritage Fiesta’s this Saturday – doors open for setup at 11 AM, food starts 12 noon, program starts 12:30 PM with keynote remarks by State Senator Mike Folmer, plus remarks of State Rep. Kristin Phillips Hill, and congressional candidate and Platinum Sponsor George Scott, County Commissioner Chris Reilly and other candidates on the November ballot (all invited).  And the most popular part of every year’s event, the Dance groups which will provide entertainment along with the music provided by a DJ.  Photos carried by the Community courier are of last year’s performances by Bongga Ka Day dance group of Harrisburg, KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble of both Harrisburg and York, PA, the new Halo-Halo Youth Dancers and more.

Organized once again by Philippine American Heritage Council and co-Sponsored with New Americans by Choice, Conservative Christian Center and York County Action.   Info: Chairman@PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org.  Visit PhilippineAmericanHeritage.org.

Sixth Annual Heritage Fiesta Tomorrow Earns Major News Media Coverage

The Philippine American Heritage Council is in the news again with this page 3 Community Courier article (click on image to read it).

Last call for you to bring a dish and join us tomorrow at what promises to be the biggest and the best “Heritage Fiesta” annual picnic, organized for the sixth year by the Philippine American Heritage Council and New Americans by Choice, co-sponsored for the second year by York County Action, for the first year by the Conservative Christian Center.

Heritage Fiesta Flyer
RSVP Form to Reserve a spot at the Fiesta
Donate to Help Meet Heritage Fiesta Expenses

Please note the “second front page” article (as page 3 is commonly called in the newspaper business) about the Heritage Fiesta in the Community Courier this week (click on the image to read the entire article if you missed it).

And, we are making progress with the Democrats, who we have been asking to attend and speak for all six  years but only once had one of their candidates stop by and speak and mingle (Linda Small, who lost her race for State Senate but made friends with many at our picnic).

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Fifth Annual Heritage Fiesta this Saturday at Cousler Park

Dance Troupe of Philippine American Heritage Council performing at last year’s 4th annual Heritage Picnic (this year renamed KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble); the mobile Philippine American Heritage Museum at last year’s picnic; this year’s DJ Terrell “Nakuu” Bryant is also an accomplished singer; Manila Menz Band of BFF (Barangay Friends ‘N Family – which is also providing a Dance Troupe again this year as they did last year), Buffet of what this year we call the “Parade of Heritage Dishes” at last year’s 4th annual event.

Dance Troupe of Philippine American Heritage Council performing at last year’s 4th annual Heritage Picnic (this year renamed KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble); the mobile Philippine American Heritage Museum at last year’s picnic; this year’s DJ Terrell “Nakuu” Bryant is also an accomplished singer; Manila Menz Band of BFF (Barangay Friends ‘N Family – which is also providing a Dance Troupe again this year as they did last year), Buffet of what this year we call the “Parade of Heritage Dishes” at last year’s 4th annual event.

Rep. Mike Regan, Rep. Kevin Schreiber, candidate Joel Sears, to speak;
A celebration of American Exceptionalism with culture, faith, music, dance and song,
a “Parade of Heritage Dishes” at this annual “bring a dish” event

PA State Rep. Mike Regan, GOP nominee for State Senate in York County, is keynote speaker of this year's Heritage Fiesta

PA State Rep. Mike Regan, GOP nominee for State Senate in York County, is keynote speaker of this year’s Heritage Fiesta

(York PA) The Fifth Annual Heritage Fiesta of New Americans by Choice will be held this Saturday, July 30 at Cousler Park, 1060 Church Rd., York PA, 12 noon to 5 PM with a 1 PM program which includes two different Philippine Dance Troupes, and other cultural and contemporary dances performed by various heritage groups, a professional DJ with a variety of music including authentic heritage music from a variety of countries, a “Parade of Heritage” dishes from the Philippines and other countries including the famous “Lumpia” spring roll of the Philippines, a charcoal barbecue grill with hot dogs, chicken and burgers, and speeches by state legislators and candidates for office.

Speakers include State Rep. Mike Regan (Keynote Speaker, State Senate candidate), Rep. Kevin Schreiber, State Rep. candidate Joel Sears, GOP County Chairman Alex Shorb, York ACTION of PA President Jay McKiernan, Chief Deputy Prosecutor for York County District Attorney Tim Barker for PA Attorney General Candidate John Rafferty.

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Fox TV Channel 43 to Feature Evelyn Miller segment tonight Sunday 10 PM

Emy Delgaudio being interviewed by Fox 43 TV by Leah Kirstein about the role of Evelyn Miller as a founder of Philippine American Heritage Council and her role as a volunteer and helper for charitable and civic causes in her community.

Emy Delgaudio being interviewed by Fox 43 TV by Leah Kirstein about the role of Evelyn Miller as a founder of Philippine American Heritage Council and her role as a volunteer and helper for charitable and civic causes in her community.

Fox TV Channel 43 will feature tonight (Sunday 2/21) at 10 PM a segment about Evelyn Miller including interviews with several Filipino-Americans who knew Evelyn, her Pastor Father Keith Carroll, her Church’s Knights of Columbus “Grand Knight” (leader) Robert Cosgrove and Emy Delgaudio, Chairman of the Philippine American Heritage Council which she helped form four years ago.  The segment will repeat five times tomorrow, Monday, 2/22 starting with the early morning news edition.

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Evelyn Miller of York, PA Mourned by Friends, RIP 2/17/16

Evelyn Miller, a founding member of Philippine American Heritage Council, shown here at the first cultural display and food booth wearing native Philippine costume in 2012, RIP 2/17/16

Evelyn Miller, a founding member of Philippine American Heritage Council, shown here at the first cultural display and food booth wearing native Philippine costume in 2012, RIP 2/17/16

Philippine American Heritage Council Founding Member, St. Patrick Catholic Church parishioner

(KalayaanNews Dispatch) Evelyn Miller, the 70 year old pedestrian struck and killed by a bus in York, PA, on Wednesday, February 17, was a founding member of the Philippine American Heritage Council which now has members across the United States and in the Philippines.  With other members of the new Council, Evelyn wore an original Filipino costume and served authentic Filipino food to the nearly 400 people who attended the new group’s first event at the annual Heritage Festival of St. Patrick Catholic Church in 2012 where she was an active parishioner who attended daily mass and volunteered for church charitable projects regularly.

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Sinulog Festival in Silver Spring MD this Sunday to showcase Philippine Culture

Philippine American Heritage Council Chairman Emy Delgaudio with the Queen of one of the participating groups, holding the image of the Santo Nino – and with her Dance Troupe who participated in the festive and massive parade of Sinulog in Cebu City, Philippines, 2005.

Philippine American Heritage Council Chairman Emy Delgaudio with the Queen of one of the participating groups, holding the image of the Santo Nino – and with her Dance Troupe who participated in the festive and massive parade of Sinulog in Cebu City, Philippines, 2005.

Dinner Dance and Festival Honoring Santo Nino Holy Infant Jesus to Feature Performance by KalayaanUSA Cultural Ensemble

The biggest festival and celebration in the Philippines is once again coming to America this coming Sunday, 1/17/16 at St. Michael Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland with the public invited to participate.  The “Sinulog” celebration, equivalent to the U.S. “Mardi Gras” celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an annual cultural and Catholic religion festival centered in Cebu City, Philippines, to honor the Santo Nino de Cebu, the Holy Infant Jesus.  The statue of the Holy Infant Jesus at a Church in Cebu is an icon of the Philippines known to Filipinos throughout the world including the United States.  As many as 5 million Filipinos – Catholic as well as other Christians – have been known to converge on Cebu City during the final, massive and colorful parade of the nine days long festival each year in January.    Continue reading

Philippine American Heritage Council Members to watch Star Wars, the Force Awakens, Here’s one reason why

160102StarWars2(KalayaanNEWS Dispatch, Opinion) Why is Star Wars once again at the top of the movie charts – in fact topping $1 billion in sales in its first 12 days?  Why does the franchise have such Iconic status in American and indeed in worldwide culture?  I believe it goes beyond just a good story, good quality, and good special effects – all truly present and accounted for.  It goes to something basic, something primordial in human nature: the wish, hope and prayer that what John, Chapter 1, Verse 5 says is really true – “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.   Continue reading