NEVADA DAY PARADE 2007

Once again the Filipino-American Association of Carson City showcased its culture in this years Nevada Day parade held October 27th. They showed the citizens of Nevada what Filipino culture is about. This project was a tremendous undertaking by the association, not only in terms of manpower, but also in the planning, preparation, financing and presentation of the entry. The bayanihan spirit of the association was rewarded with its hard work by being awarded with Third place for the ETHNIC/CULTURAL COMMUNITY category. All of this was possible because of the pride of Association members and the leadership of its President, Jaimarie Dagdagan.

There was a lot of effort put into this project with a lot of time volunteered to make it possible. Some special recognition is needed for the big projects and donations: Eric Basa, who provided the truck, trailer, generator and storage area, which was used for the float. Teri Basa provided the plants that were used on the float. The sound system used for the parade was provided by Ken Allen. The Kabayan Store opening their parking lot for practices and Father Don Don/St Theresa Church providing a place for final rehearsals. Adi Vergara who donated the hand made Philippine Maria Clara Dresses.
The Float was designed by Ephraim Vergara who helped to construct it with Olan Gantan, Rey Hernandez, Ruben Lupena, Don Franke, Homer Dagdagan and Ray Mager who also provided the coconut trees. Decorations were applied by Rebecca Oxoby, Lily Bumenlag, Norris Dagdagan, Danny Corpuz, Marissa Morse, Minda Scholl and Father Don. Choreography for the various dance groups was provided by Gingie Franke, Beth Lincicome and Delia Lupena. After the parade lunch was provided for the participants and their families by the association and by the hard work and donations of Marlene Hernandez, Mely Gantan, Lucy Lupena and Josie McIntosh.

With the help of Oscar Canonigo and Jaimarie a Souvenir Program was produced to help cover the expenses of the parade. We would like to thank the following for their donations/advertisements: Lily & Ponce Bumenlag of the "Kabayan"; Oscar Canonigo of "GMAC" & "Time Mortgage"; Vee Watkins; Gerard & Katherine Cornejo of "GKC Enterprise"; Romey Guerrero, Gigi Swezey, "Filipino-American Alliance of Nevada"; "VCM Collision Centre"; "FILAM Inc"; "Amplified Entertainment"; Daisy Lopuz of "Eagle Valley Care Center" and "Philippine Dept of Tourism".

The Filipino American Association of Carson City presented the different Cultures of the Philippines, geographically by the three island groups of LUZON, VISAYAS, and MINDANAO. The LUZON region was represented by wearing the traditional clothing called the BARONG TAGALOG for men and MESTIZA dress for women. Participants for this region were: Jaimarie Dagdagan, Tristan Woslum, Cassey Gantan, Ellis Lincicome, Elena Brady, Gigi Swezey, Lily Bumenlag, Thelma Frias, Vee Watkins, Rebecca Oxoby, and Lisa Horn.
Following them was the SUBLI dance performed by Kleine Hernandez, Jessica Lupena and Chris Ballesteros. Women dressed in a MARIA CLARA also represented this region depicting the Spanish era and was represented by: Adi Vergara, Delia Lupena, Stephanie Scholl, Marie De Leon, and Vivian.
The National dance of the Philippines, TINIKLING, which originated in the VISAYAS region, was performed by: Katherine Canonigo, Danny Corpuz, Norris Dagdagan, Father Don De Leon, Sheena Ferrer, Bingo Lupena, Jesse Pascual and Ephraim Vergara.
The Mindanao Region was represented by the PAGAPER or fan Dance and Muslim dance. The ladies who gracefully performed this dance included: Mary Ann Ong, Mary Analisa Ong, Leilani Soriano, Mary Anne Soriano, Maggie, Jackie Kindred, Joy Amaranto, Betty Canonigo, Fely Mager, Grace Furlong and Minda Scholl. This region was also represented by the SINGKIL dance performed by: Maricon, Kathy Lupena, JP and Jem.
The people on the float represented the Igorots at the BANAUE rice terraces. They were: Cynthia, Trisha Ballesteros, Mhervin Dagdagan, Rossnel Dagdagan, Abbie Lupena, Jerome Lupena, and Eden Vergara. Kim Empeno represented the Philippines by wearing a dress resembling the Philippine Flag.
Help during the parade included Oscar Canonigo, Warly Pizarro, Don Franke, Anne Gantan, and Garrick Most as spotters, and Gerard Cornejo (Videographer).

NEVADA DAY PARADE 2004