The Fil-Am Society Choir at the 2012 Pagdiriwang Festival (Photo by George Liu/NWAW)
The Filipino Cultural Heritage Society (FCHSW) presented its 26th Pagdiriwang festival commemorating the anniversary of Philippine Independence. The event featured a cultural program rich with song, music, and dance, including a performance by the Fil-Am Society Choir and the Bayanihan Dance company, which performed in the same location during the World’s Fair in 1962. Willie and Cely Garcia presided as Hermano and Hermana Mayor of the festival. Mayor Mike McGinn, Governor Chris Gregoire, and President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III read proclamations and messages of goodwill, and U.S. Representative Jim McDermott gave a special greeting in the awarding of recognition to World War II veterans. FCHSW President Flori Montante was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. (end)