The Sarimanok Soars!

A Look Back at Pagdiriwang through the Years
by Ferdinand De Leon

1987
The newly established Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington presented its first summer festival at the Seattle Center. It was a showcase of Filipino culture timed to coincide with the celebration of Philippine Independence. The program that first year was largely focused on traditional songs and dances, with performances by Filipiniana Dance Co., Barangay Folk Arts, Folklorico Filipino of Seattle and Renton, and Barangay Folk Arts. Although spread over three days, the festival was much shorter than its current incarnation: opening ceremonies on Friday night, a talent show on Saturday afternoon, and a mass and a musical show on Sunday afternoon.

1988
Little Royalty makes its debut at Pagdiriwang. Money raised by the pageant participants and their families, is a major source of Pagdiriwang's funding. 1988 program additions include a fashion show of Philippine costumes, and a rock concert. The Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team, now a fixture of the festival, closed out the festivities.

1989
A message from Philippine President Corazon Aquino is included in Pagdiriwang's official program. Pagdiriwang also has its first art exhibit, featuring the works of Philippine artist/painter Fredinel Banaag. A ceremony is held at Rizal Park in Beacon Hill, followed by a motorcade through downtown to the Filipino Community Center, where part of the programming is held. Filipino American Educators of Washington hold their first Literary Musical as part of Pagdiriwang.

1991
Programming expands into a full Saturday. Karate exhibitions, craft activities, dance lessons, and cultural games are added to the lineup of songs and dances. Exhibits include historical pictures of Filipinos in Washington State (1889-1989).

1992
Pagdiriwang grows to five days, with various events held during the week, including a program featuring writer Peter Bacho, who had just received an American Book award. The Health Service Booth makes its first appearance on the program. It's staffed by nurses who offer blood pressure readings. Pilipino American Youth Organization (PAYO), a regular Pagdiriwang participant, is started by Gussie Jagod, director and choreographer.

1993
Fil-Am Jam, a showcase for musicians of contemporary music, makes its official debut at Pagdiriwang. Also, there's a photo exhibit of Mt. Pinatubo before, during and after its eruption.

1995
Pagdiriwang events now spread out over six days, starting on a Tuesday with a prelude concert by the Filipiniana Dance Co and the Mindanao Kulintang Ensemble at the old Nippon Kan Theater in the International District. By this year, most of the regular features of Pagdiriwang are in place, including Little Royalty, Palaro, Vendor and Food Booths, Fil Am Jam, Sunday Mass, Variety Shows, the Literary Musical Contest, and the FYA Drill Team. Marfelita Felix, a long-time supporter of Pagdiriwang, starts Mabuhay Performers, serving as its director and choreographer.

1996
Former Philippine Vice President Salvador Laurel, the chairman of the National Philippine Centennial Commission, speaks at Pagdiriwang about the festivities planned around the 100th anniversary of the Philippines' Declaration of Independence from Spain.

1997
Pagdiriwang becomes one of the five ethnic festivals to become part of Seattle Center's Festál, a series of events celebrating the city's various cultures. In 2007, Festal has grown to 22 cultural community events scheduled throughout the year.

1998
Big year for Pagdiriwang and Filipinos worldwide: the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. Pagdiriwang, spread out over the first two weekends in June, includes a Film festival, an adobo cooking contest, and the Pagdiriwang '98 Centerpiece Historical Exhibit "The Philippines Through The Ages." There is also a Centennial Grand Banquet and Ball at the Westin Hotel, with former Seattle Mayor Paul Schell as the guest speaker. The year's official program book includes greetings from President Bill Clinton and Gov. Gary Locke.

2001
Pagdiriwang is back on a shorter schedule, with all events and activities taking place over three jam-packed days. Flori Montante, who has led Pagdiriwang from the beginning, remains the driving force behind the festival, supported by a growing cast of constantly changing participants and organizations.

2009
A recreation of an Igorot village featured in the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition was the centerpiece of an ambitious exhibit at the 2009 festival.

2011
Pagdiriwang, which now draws thousands to Seattle Center every year, marks its Silver (25th) Anniversary.

In the 1998 Centennial program, historian Fred Cordova summed it all up: "The significant contribution of Pagdiriwang is that this ethnic civic endeavor has sprung from the grassroots—its people from the community—Filipino Americans—without benefit of any largess from either the Philippine government or Philippine corporations. It has been a Filipino-American show, to show Philippine pride of history, culture and legacy.