THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 1, 1995 TAG: 9507010450
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: MICHELLE MIZAL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
More than 3,000 people are expected to gather at Princess Anne Park to celebrate Filipino American Friendship Day on July 4.
The festivities, which will begin at 11 a.m. and end at sundown, celebrate Philippine independence after World War II - July 4, 1946 - and acknowledge Filipino-U.S. relations throughout history. The event is sponsored by the Philippine community and organizations.
Nony Abrajano, chairman of the Filipino American Action Group, said the celebration also promotes open communication among Filipinos and other races in the community.
``They will get to know who we are, see our dances and taste our food,'' Abrajano said.
He said organizers hope the festival will stimulate young Filipino Americans to take an active part in the Philippine community.
The celebration, now in its second year, is supported by many area organizations. Some of the 21 groups that are expected to participate are Operation Smile, Batangas, Filipiniana and Olongapo, which is a nonprofit fund-raising organization to help those in need.
Although the celebration is free to the public, there is a $60 fee for organization booths. The charge covers insurance and ``general food'' - hamburgers and fries for people not ready to try more exotic fare. by CNB