HALLOWEEN 2013

Undas, Araw ng mga Patay, Day of the Dead, All Saints Day, Todos Los Santos, all means the same thing no matter how it is called, is a highly celebrated holiday in the Philippines. The Filipinos visit graveyards and pay respect to their dearly departed by means of praying and offerings at he grave site of their love ones. After the solemnity of Todos Los Santos, comes the festive atmosphere of the thousands of people conglomerating on cemeteries all over the Philippines. The entrepreneurs take advantage of the opportunity by setting up small services to all of the families that visits their deceased love ones. A small fair (peria) with ferris wheel, rat racing (karera ng daga), and other games that is meant to encourage you into spending, naturally. Fish ball push carts and ballot vendors (egg with a duckling inside), would litter the area and they will be open for business for as long as there are prospective customers. This was the scene, the ambiance, the festive feeling that I remembered from growing up in the Philippines and became one of the many, that experienced the celebration of Todos Los Santos.... boy! how I've miss that.

Today, it is the Halloween, though celebrated differently, still has the same direction, meaning, purpose, which is honoring and respecting the love ones who had passed on. I was fortunate to have been invited at the Jacinto residence and joined the family and friends in celebrating Halloween. This are a group of young Filipinos who gets together for a Halloween costume party and celebrating Todos Los Santos, America style. Below are pictures of participants in costumes, which by the way the best attire gets a price. To motivate the participants in dawning a variety of expensive outfit a price money is collected amongst themselves, then divided for the first, second, and third prize winners, not to mention food, food, food.

Though the disparity of the way Halloween / Todos Los Santos is celebrated, it still carries with it the same intentions and respect for our deceased love ones who are still missed, remembered and forever loved. Happy Halloween 2013....... Photos by: Bobet Torres

Most popular little devil of HALLOWEEN 2013
"WHAT CUTE DEVIL'

The best costume of the evening

Second best for the night

Third best of the night

The three best costume for the Halloween 2013

LAS VEGAS PHIL-AM LIONS CLUB 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

August 24, 2013, was the 10th year anniversary of the Philippine American Lions Club - Las Vegas. I was fortunate to have been part of this Lions club ten years ago when I became a charter member of this club under the leadership of Kate Recto, and the club had numerous projects and events, benefitting the community. The officers and members have change over the years and the club progressed and they also had their own agenda promoting programs that are beneficial to the community. A couple of weeks before the 10th anniversary Marlynn Ante called Kate and told her that the main people of the club, meaning the officers, have transferred to another lions club, and abandoned the Philippine American Lions Club. Kate Recto reacted and went into action by calling all of the charter members and past Presidents of the club. They put together an induction ball for the new officers with the blessings of the district and the event turned out to be a big success, with the blessings of major community leaders and organizations. The new Philippine American Lions Club Team all work together and in unity which was the main reason why the event was a success and the club is fully functioning and going forward and growing. Congratulations to the Philippine American Lions Club of Las Vegas.

TIAGON - The International Artist Group Of Nevada, conducted an exhibit to add a touch of class to the nights festivities. The exhibit prove to be a great contribution as there where people who appreciated what the artist presented, resulting to, sales.