Purposeful picnic
Arkansas Philippine Association celebrates history, traditions at annual get-together
A goodly number of people — including several who are running for office — turned out for Pistang Pilipino (aka Pistang Pinoy), the daylong annual picnic hosted by the Arkansas Philippine Association. The event took place June 23 in Pavilion No. 2 at west Little Rock’s Maumelle Park.
The picnic kicked off with its traditional Santacruzan parade — a religious, historical pageant traditionally held in the Philippines during May — that featured angelic little girls in Communion dresses; dancers who would perform later; and the 2018 Miss APA herself: Joann “JoJo” Sims, celebrated Little Rock restaurant server/“mixologist,” who brought up the rear following the promenade of the ladies in her court.
Then came time to eat. From lechon (roast pig) to leche flan (caramel custard), food — Filipino and American — at the potluck event was plentiful. Not only was there enough for everyone to feast; lingering guests were offered take-home packages at picnic’s end.
Primo Novero, along with Sims, served as announcer for the day; board chairman Cris Balleza also shared remarks. Entertainment included a number of games with cash prizes for winners; and several folk dance performances including the tinikling dance, featuring young women who deftly stepped over and between two bamboo poles being beaten together and tapped on the ground by a pair of handlers.
Concluding the event was a chance for picnickers to work off the calories via a little line dancing.
In addition to food items, guests brought nonperishable goods as charitable donations.