As the KALAYAAN 2014 Celebration by MaCCFA has been going on, the current cultural events,, namely, BALAGTASAN, Sungka Tournament and Yoyo Demo, have become successful as the participants have become excited to witness the first poetic debate, and to join the tournament, and they have promised to come and join again by next year.
“Thank you for your Balagtasan, and I do hope that many of our kababayans specially the younger ones to be involved. I enjoyed the exchange of ideas,” said by one of the guests. “This Balagtasan must be promoted among Filipinos, as one of the most important cultural heritage. What is happening today, we are forgetting many cultural activities which identify us as Filipinos.”
Rod E. Cantiveros , MaCCFA president, acted as the “Lakandiwa” while Letty Antonio, OFSAM president and MaCCFA adviser, defended her turf: ” It is better to live in Canada”, while Clarita Nazario, VP, OFSAM and secretary, MaCCFA, had to stand for her side: “It is better to live in the United States.” Both ladies received resounding applause from the audience.
Special participations included Eli Monez, a member of Knight of Rizal, who dramatized Rizal in his poem; while Aida Champagne, president of FSGW and chairman, Manitoba Street Festival, had made the audience cried for her moving “tula” (poem). Eli and Aida had performed with professionalism and with a touch of nationalism.
Arlyn Quitorres was the first champion in the “Sungka Tournament” as she faced Aida Champagne in the final round. Other participants include Julie Javier, Jean Guiang, Normita Cymbalisty, Flora, Lorie Fernandez, Ken McDougal, Melanie Wight, Eli Mones, Clarita Nazario, Letty and Tony Antonio; a friend and family of Quitorres. Cash prizes were awarded and free t-shirt donated by the Filipino Journal; and the sungka and yoyo donated by Clarita Nazario. Food and drinks were donated by Jejomar, Jimel and CV Cuevas Bakeries. Nidz Medina and MaCCFA.
More indigenous games (there are more than 40 games) will be presented in the next year’s Kalayaan 2015 and Balagtasan will be promoted among the younger generation of Filipinos, as another mandate by the Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations Inc.
Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
