DANCERS HEED CALL OF THE ISLANDS

Tony Overman/The Olympian
Members of the Call of the Islands dance group wait backstage for their performance at the Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound's annual party Saturday at The Olympia Center. From left are Rhoshanda Fernandus, Nicole Forrester, B.J. Lazaro, Reyvonnie Fernandus, Sophia Nicolas and Rochelle Fernandus.

Tony Overman/The Olympian
Lourdes Catly (center) and Alejandra Cabiao (left) applaud for a model in the senior fashion show at the Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound's annual party.

Filipino-Americans celebrate heritage, pay honor to elders

Ruth Longoria The Olympian

Originally published February 24, 2002

OLYMPIA -- It was a time of singing, dancing, dining and merriment as about 200 Filipino-Americans gathered Saturday night at The Olympia Center.

The event, an annual activity of the Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound, celebrates heritage and provides an opportunity to honor elders.

"This is our modest way of expressing respect and admiration for our seniors, for their love and wisdom," said Rufino Ignacio, 59, the group's president.

The 65,373 Filipinos living in Washington comprise 1.1 percent of the state's population, according to 2000 Census figures.

The number of Filipino-Americans in South Sound is growing.

Since 1982

The Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound began in the Olympia area in 1982 and, during the past 20 years, has grown to about 350 families.

The organization offers programs for seniors, environmental retreats and sports activities, and it is active in promoting education through scholarships, art and essay contests, drama and dance.

In Saturday's program, Ignacio performed a tinikiling dance in which he and partner Sally Roque demonstrated their agility and nimble footwork by dancing between clicking and clanking bamboo poles held by other dancers.

Ignacio said the dance -- which emulates the movement of long-legged, heron-type birds -- is one he learned as a child in Manila.

In elementary school in the Philippines, children are required to learn 12 dances by the time they complete sixth grade, he said.

In addition to Filipino and Polynesian dances, those at the celebration performed several American and international dances, including the tango, a country line dance, and a spoof of the movie "Sister Act."

Instill heritage

"This is our way to instill the beautiful heritage of the Philippines into the American young people, our children," Ignacio said.

"It is a way to integrate so they can identify and say, 'Hey, this is our country now,' " he said. "Eventually we can break the ethnic barrier and the children can see a Norwegian dance and see it as part of their American culture."

Francine Gregorios, 12, a student at Saint Michael Catholic School, and Christine Delvalle, 16, a student at Timberline High School, watched and laughed as their parents performed in a few of the comedic dances.

Francine was born in Renton, and her parents were born in the Philippines. The family moved to Olympia about seven years ago.

"I am proud of my heritage, and I think it is important to have activities like this," Francine said. "It's fun, and it helps you keep in touch with people you have something in common with."

Ruth Longoria writes for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5435.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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