RP Christmas presentations in Chicago grab limelight

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Christmas tree and cultural presentation turned out to be among the main attractions in a Christmas holiday celebration in Chicago, Philippine officials said. The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago said the Philippines was featured at the "Christmas around the world and Holidays of light" at the Museum of Science and Industry there. "The Philippine presentations were among the most popular and well-attended events by the public, Filipino-American community, and the officers and staff of the consulate," it said in an article posted Tuesday afternoon on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website (www.dfa.gov.ph). The yearly festival, which runs from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4, is a multicultural celebration that highlights observance of the holidays around the globe. In honor of the Museum of Science and Industry's 75th Anniversary, Chicago's "most beloved" annual holiday celebration this year was themed "Celebrating 75 Years of Museum Memories." More than 50 Christmas trees representing participating countries were on display at the event, each tree adorned according to the countries' holiday customs. "The Philippine Christmas tree was decorated by volunteers with miniature salakot and colorful parol," the DFA said. Also, the Philippines held a cultural presentation last Nov. 29, where the Samahang Kapatid and Sama-Sama Project presented a Filipino-inspired Christmas show that incorporated Filipino Christmas carols and folk dances. "Highlights of the presentation were the Lanceros de Tayabas, Polkabal, Jota Pangasina, Estudiantina, Katzuduratan, Gaway-Gaway and Tinikling," the DFA said. The Chicago Anklung and Rondalla Ensemble, Filipiniana Dance Group and Sampaguita Singers of Chicago also performed on the same day. The Philippine cultural groups rendered folk dances and Christmas carols in Filipino and English depicting Christmas in the Philippines, the DFA added. Vice Consul Roberto Bernardo and Cultural Officer Berth Salvador attended the opening day reception. "Bernardo commended all the performers and the volunteers for their spirit of sharing and caring. He also praised their efforts to showcase Filipino culture and traditions in celebration of the Christmas season," the DFA said. It added the Filipino-American community in Chicago "came in droves to show their support to the Filipino performers." - GMANews.TV