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INVITATION TO THE GRADUATION OF PAARALAN SA KONSULADO 2005

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL - NEWS RELEASE
13 July 2005

Paaralan Sa Konsulado Class and Faculty 2005

The Philippine Consulate General, together with the Association of Filipino Teachers of America (AFTA), invites all graduates and sponsors of Paaralan sa Konsulado from year 1998 to 2004 to its 7th graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 23, 2005, at 5:00pm at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York City to be followed by a reception.

This year, the theme of the Paaralan sa Konsulado focused on the Filipino immigrant as its theme. Ms. Lee Vargas, AFTA president said, noted students have had six years of Philippine history in the curriculum, there should also be emphasis on present realities such as the Filipino diaspora. The curriculum included developing skills and knowledge in surviving the ever-growing complexity of the western society and climbing up to the level of self-sufficiency and independence. The staff of Paaralan sa Konsulado and the Consulate General developed a balanced program of activities revolving on the development of the child, academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The students watched and discussed the movie Magnifico, a multi-awarded Philippine film. They also learned basket weaving and rosary making under Ms. Vicky Baxa.

On Saturday, Jul 16, classes will be held at the Tatak Pilipino Museum in Palisade, Jersey City.

The graduation ceremony will showcase native dances and songs. They will dance pandanggo sa Ilaw, Sayaw sa Bangko, Bulaklakan and Line Dancing. The students will also sing “Ang Bayan Ko.” The students composed a skit in Filipino entitled “Ang Aming Pamilya.” The winners of the painting and essay writing contest will also be announced as part of the Tuklas Talino program surrounding the them “The Filipino Immigrant in America.”

Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek and Ms. Luz Emralino Garcia will give special messages, PAC president. Luis Pedron, a young Filipino American multi-awarded film-director will be the guest speaker.

AFTA has also started a program called Paaralan sa Konsulado Marching Band. Students will be taught how to play musical instruments and form a group of majorettes. AFTA and PAC are looking for sponsors and donors of musical instruments. For more information, please call Agnes Tuazon, Cultural Officer of the Consulate at (212)764-1330, ext 310 or Lee Vargas at (646)288-2986.

AFTA is also having its yearly Balikturo in August. Through Balikturo Filipino teachers in America go back to the Philippines for some time to teach and share their knowledge to teachers, parents and college students through an organized workshop.