June 28 PAFCOM parade a family, community celebration of PHL-U.S. friendship

-Kirby Asunto, Geo Ed Rebucas
-Gail Banawis, Angel Ram

The Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM) is inviting Filipino Americans across the Tri-State to its 25th Philippine American Friendship Grand Parade to be held on June 28 in Jersey City.

Jersey City has one of the biggest Filipino populations on the East Coast. PAFCOM wants to make the parade a family and community event celebrating the deep and historic friendship between the U.S. and the Philippines.

This year’s parade will be led by former Judge Victor Sison and Grand Marshal Dr. Zorayda De Leon. The Jersey City government under Mayor Steven Fulop, Council President-at-Large Rolando Lavarro Jr, and the council members have offered their full support. The office of the Hudson County of New Jersey also provides its full assistance. Their attendance as well that the presence of government officials in neighboring cities are expected.

The parade will feature a variety of ethnic groups, representing the provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, performing in their colorful costumes. There will be beautifully decorated floats carrying the PAFCOM’s muses and the the 2015 Ambassadors of Goodwill. Groups of marching bands and other organizations will also be joining the parade. Awards will be given to the mostly unique, artistically and impressively choreographed group presentations.

As done in previous years, celebrities from Manila, Philippines will entertain the public with songs, dances and anecdotes. The Filipino Channel is expected to fly in two of its popular stars, singer Geneva Cruz and teleserye heartthrob Jason Abalos coming from his latest hit “Two Wives.” They will join the parade and will be part of the entertainment during the Festival in Lincoln Park.

The local talents who will be performing include Gail Banawis, Kirby Asunto, Geo Ed Rebucas , and Angel Ram.

Please take note of the event schedule:

– 9 a.m. assembly time at Claremont Avenue and West Side Avenue
– 10 a.m. Sunday Mass at our Lady of Victories, 2217 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City
– 11:30 a.m. Parade starts at Claremont and West Side avenues to Lincoln Park

Vendors booths are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stage entertainment starts at 1 p.m.