17 'former Pinoys' reacquire PHL citizenship in Virginia

The Philippine Embassy in Richmond, Virginia in the United States said 17 "former Filipinos" recently reacquired their Filipino citizenship during an outreach consular service. The Philippine Embassy in Washington said the consular service on August 12 and 13 coincided with the "Filipino Festival" organized by the Our Lady of Lourdes Church. "A total of 71 applications for ePassport were processed and 17 former Filipinos took their oath as dual citizens," the embassy said in a news release. "Consul General Domingo Nolasco administer(ed) the oath of 17 former Filipinos who reacquired their Filipino citizenship on August 13, 2011 during the Filipino Festival held in Richmond, Virginia," the embassy added. Philippine festival Meanwhile, the Our Lady of Lourdes Church started organizing a Philippine festival six years ago for a community of around 1,200 families. Of these, 50 families are Filipinos. During the festival, Filipino dishes like lechon and adobo, and the famous Filipino dessert halo-halo were served. Traditional and popular dance and song numbers were performed at the event. Aside from the annual festival, the church hosts the Richmond Pilipino Class, a free Philippine language and arts class held year-round. - VVP, GMA News