The Pagdiriwang Festival

Pagdiriwang (the Filipino word for festival) is FCHSW’s annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of Philippine Independence. Held on the first or second week of June at the Seattle Center since 1987, the event has grown into the biggest festival of Filipino arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest.

This celebration, which is now part of Seattle Center Festál, a series of cultural programs sponsored by the City of Seattle, provides a venue for Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike to learn about the culture. It is an ideal setting for presenting art, craft, song, dance, music, history, literature, and culture to promote better understanding of the Filipino cultural heritage. READ MORE

Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington

The Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington (FCHSW) is committed to nurturing and proudly expressing the finest and all that is beautiful and enduring in the Filipino. Its primary objective is to perpetuate, educate and share the Filipino culture and heritage with the people of Washington through music, dance, arts, history, literature, and crafts.

The Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington is a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers. Since its inception, FCHSW has been guided by co-founder and President Flori Montante. READ MORE

About the Sarimanok Logo

The Sarimanok is considered one of the greatest mythical symbols in Philippine folk culture. In the southern Philippines, only the royalty uses it in their banners or family emblems. The Sarimanok symbolizes prestige, wealth and honor.

The Pearl of the Orient

The Festival is held in commemoration of Philippine Independence. It was over a century ago when the forefathers of the Philippine revolution staged a plan to gain liberty from the Spanish government. Pagdiriwang is dedicated in the memory of the brave men and women who fought and dreamed of a better life for future generations of the Filipino race. READ MORE