BRIDGE GENERATION HONORED BY FILIPINO FIESTA

The 2012 celebration by the Filipino Fiesta of Sacramento was impressive. It was held at the Jose Rizal Center and Park (named after the Philippine patriot), covering more than two city blocks in the Sacramento suburb of Florin, about fifteen miles away. During the early years of the last century, Florin was the site of many small Filipino truck farms. Florin was also home to the Filipino Farm Center where Filipinos of yesteryear Sacramento met. Today, Florin is a massive shopping center and fittingly, the site of the Jose Rizal Center and Park.

Fiesta festivities began with a parade led by none other than yours truly who was named as Grand Marshal by Fiesta organizers. I marched by myself, directly in front of the BG group, which in turn was followed by various community, musical, and flag-carrying groups. I must admit to being a bit self-conscious — marching alone — but managed to walk the length of the parade route without incident. It helped that I had my own rooting section to support me – local residents, my daughter Jeanine Silverio, her husband Michael, and their four boys, Michael, Matthew, Bonifacio, and Ceferino.

The parade procession dispersed at an outdoor stage behind the Jose Rizal Center for the opening ceremonies where the vivacious Stephanie Cruz, Channel 40 TV personality, served as emcee. The ensuing program featured appearances by a number of dignitaries including the mayor of West Sacramento, Filipino American Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, and speeches by BG members Anita Bautista, Connie Pasquil, and me. Bridge Generation parade participants were also presented with recognition awards from California Assemblyman Roger Dickenson. Following the opening ceremonies, parade participants were treated to a delicious lunch inside the Center — a most welcome repast after their march under the warm June sunshine.

Over the years, the Filipino Fiesta has drawn an average crowd of 6,000 persons; this year’s attendance was at least the same number. The crowd enjoyed continuous entertainment on several stages, purchased goods and services from the many vendors, savored offerings of the food booths at the park, and formed a never-ending line of hungry diners inside the Jose Rizal Center — eager to eat Filipino food.
Finally, my book — Vanishing Filipino Americans: The Bridge Generation — sold out. All in all, it was a good day for celebrating Philippine Independence Day and for honoring Bridge Generation Filipino Americans.