MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Iwakuni's Filipino-American Association held its 7th annual Pista Sa Nayon in honor of Philippine Independence Day Saturday in the Club Iwakuni Ballroom. Philippine Independence Day was June 12.
The evening featured a changing of the guard, as outgoing Fil-Am president Joey Casten handed over the leadership reins to new president Gilberto Ramos. The event also included a plethora of traditional Filipino food, dress, music and dance.
"We celebrate Pista Sa Nayon every year in the Philippines," said Gloria Villaroman, Fil-Am member and a native of Bagio City, Philippines. "Even though we are in Japan, it is still important to keep our traditions alive, especially for the children so they won't forget their past or heritage."
According to Pista Sa Nayon Master of Ceremonies Sean Mahan, Fil-Am public affairs officer, that is the whole point of Fil-Am, and events such as Pista Sa Nayon.
"The biggest focus for us is to allow people to learn many of the Filipino cultures and traditions," said Mahan, "and to teach people the value of diversity in our society."
According to Mahan, Pista Sa Nayon is usually translated as "town feast," though that translation is slightly incorrect.
"The actual translation would be 'feast of a town that is in a small, rural area,'" said Mahan. "But just saying 'town feast' is a little more convenient."
No matter what the translation, one thing seemed certain during Iwakuni's Pista Sa Nayon celebration, and that was that everyone was having fun.
"It's hard to pick a highlight from the evening," said Ramos, a native of Manila. "The dancers, singers, speakers and food were all terrific. We couldn't have asked for a better evening."
Ramos went on to say that he hopes to continue the success of Iwakuni's Fil-Am chapter during his tenure as president.
"My main goal as the new Fil-Am president will be to continue the tradition of excellence and dedication that my predecessors have established," said Ramos. "It's the people who make Fil-Am, and the Pista Sa Nayon celebration, so special."