Philippine Studies department celebrates Filipino heritage

August 24, 2016February 25, 2020 The Guardsman

By Cassie Ordonio

In celebration of Filipino and Filipino-American culture, the Philippine Studies department and City College’s Outreach program participated in the 23rd annual Pistahan parade from San Francisco Civic Center to Yerba Buena Gardens.

Pistahan is the largest celebration of Filipino culture in the U.S. The two-day event displayed colorful floats and traditional dancing, followed by a festival highlighting contemporary and traditional music, art, crafts, cuisine and artifacts.

The Philippine Studies department has participated in the parade every year. The department aims to provide awareness and education of the Philippines and Filipino-American history.

dancerselfie — A spectator snaps a selfie with one of the dancers in traditional Filipino attire during the Pistahan Parade (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman)

PIflag — The flag of the Philippine Islands waves during the pistahan Parade on Aug. 14, 2016. (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman)

PIstudies1 — Lily Ann Villaraza, chair of City College’s Phillipine Studies department, tosses candy to the crowd along the parade route in front of the chancellor and other school representatives. (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman)

ramcityhall — City College’s ram mascot takes in the scene at City Hall following the Pistahan Parade. (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman)

A group of young women and men dance together in the Pistahan Parade down San Francisco's Market Street (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman) — A group of young women and men dance together in the Pistahan Parade down San Francisco’s Market Street (Photo by Cassie Ordonio/The Guardsman)

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the name of the department as Interdisciplinary Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies is a separate department.