Sponsored by the Offices of Multicultural Students services and student life, “Island Breezes,” featured Kahala Halau and the Filipinas Performing Arts of Washington in an afternoon of Filipino, Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance at the McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon.

Kahala Halau has been sharing the grace and beauty of Polynesian dance throughout the northwest since 1977. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Freda “Wala” Ewing and Karen “Ka’olu” Flickner, the group strives to share and perpetuate Polynesian culture through the art of dance. The afternoon show took the audience on a tour of Polynesia, presenting a collection of ancient and modern hula from Hawaii, Haka and Poi Ball from the Maori tribes of New Zealand, a fun slap dance and exhilarating fire knife exhibition from the island of Samoa and the vibrant Tahitian Ote’a.

Founded in September 2001, the Filipinas Performing Arts of Washington State (FPAWS) is a non-profit group that nurtures awareness and appreciation of various Filipino cultures and traditions in the community, sustained by committed and professional cultural workers. It was formed by a dance enthusiast who enjoys the uniqueness and beauty of Filipino folk dances, costumes, music and songs.

The program featured dances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. While watching the program, I was proud to be a Filipino. The program opened with dances from the Mountain province and concluded with the Singkil from Mindanao.

To put up a show like “Island Breeze” was a work of love. Juliet Cheatle, choreographer/ director of FPAWS, said, “What really made it happen is the cooperation and help I get from the people around me – the parents, and those who support this kind of project.” I told Cheattle that in this kind of a big project, I am sure hindi maiiwasan ang samaan ng loob. Cheattle quickly added, “Walang inggitan, awayan at asungot sa grupo ko.” What can I say?

NaFFAA 8th National Empowerment Conference

This year’s 8th National Empowerment Conference will be held in Seattle on September 26 to 28, 2008 with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Region 7 as the host. The venue will be at the Westin Hotel in Seattle.

This year’s conference theme is “Forging a New Filipino American Agenda for the 21st Century.” The conference aims to bring together Filipino and Filipino American community leaders, advocates, and innovators of all ages to assess the current status of the Filipino community.

Mariela Fletcher, conference chair, is busy coordinating the event. The preconference schedule on September 25, 2008 includes seminars on “Grant Writing,” “Building a Website Design,” “How to Put Together a Successful Fund Raising Event,” “Beauty 101” and “Giving and How It Can Affect Your Taxes.” There will be also be a sightseeing activity, a golf tournament and exhibits. During the hospitality night, sponsored by NaFFAA National and Region 7, hors d’oeuvres will be served.

During the opening ceremony on September 26, 2008 invited guests include WA State Governor Christine Gregoire, King County executive Ron Sims and Mayor Greg Nickels. The conference will conclude with a Gala Night (Dinner Dance).

The Conference Executive Committee headed by NaFFAA National Chair, Alma Kern, together with Ludy Corrales, NaFFAA Treasurer, Doy Heredia, NaFFAA Executive Director, Tessie Atayde, NaFAA Region 7 Chair, and Overall Conference Chair, Mariela Fletcher, are working on every detail of the program to ensure the success of the conference. Please visit www.naffaar7.org or call Fletcher at 206.892.0075 for additional information.