A Jersey picnic: ‘An occasion to meet more titos and titas’

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Founder Venessa Manzano of The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey makes sure the ‘pabitin’ is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Photos: Nanayschoice.com

Founder Venessa Manzano of The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey makes sure the ‘pabitin’ is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Photos: Nanayschoice.com

By Rozelyn DeSagun

On July 19, 2015, our family attended the Annual Potluck Picnic organized by The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey at Van Saun County Park in Paramus.

As a first-time attendee who has no idea what to expect, I made sure that our family arrived on time. I know what you’re thinking. It’s a Filipino event. But then, I don’t personally know anybody. That’s why I preferred to follow the invite time.

In spite of the one-hour travel, our family got there a few minutes before 11 a.m. Then, I realized that there were several picnic areas in a rather big park. With my luck too, my phone signal was in its all-time low. Since we left quite early, my beloved driver was beginning to feel some hunger pangs. Where’s that Snickers bar when I needed it most?

To reassure him, I said. “How hard can it be? We’re just looking for a bunch of Filipinos.”

After about 15 minutes of back-and forth-driving, we decided to park our van and tackle the mission on foot. Within minutes, a group of three grown-ups approached our gang of six and asked if we are Filipinos. Of course, we’re looking for the same party!

Finally, after what seemed to be another five minutes or so, we found the group. Guess what? We were one of the early ones! Just like a normal Pinoy party, the early ones get to help set up and eat first. But don’t feel sorry for those who are on Filipino time. As more people arrived, more food suddenly appeared.

Hot and humid was an understatement to describe that day. Can you believe the actual temperature reached 107 degrees Fahrenheit? Yup, this was taken just before we left the picnic grounds.

Anyway, despite the Philippine-like weather, everyone, including my two pre-teen girls enjoyed the picnic. The atmosphere was relaxed, unstructured, full of conversations, children playing and of course, an endless buffet of food. It is something what my children refer to as “an event to meet more long-lost Titos and Titas (uncles and aunts).”

I’m so glad to finally meet my Facebook friend Venessa Manzano, who is the founder of The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey. She’s the person behind this get-together. We both couldn’t believe we’ve been exchanging messages for more than five years!

Yes, my kids felt at home with family. Even though most of us just knew one another that very day, there was a bond that held us together.

They say Filipinos innately know the art of making everyone feel welcome. This event really showed that. I can’t wait to see these newfound friends again. Till next year.

Rozelyn DeSagun is the opinionated mom of four behind the blog, Nanayschoice.com. She’s a social media marketing staple who has worked with numerous brands. If she is not cooking, baking or reviewing food, she’ll be researching about natural healthy living or allergies for her other blog TheFrugalistaMom.com.

Author’s son refused to take off his sandals and instead threw her sneakers at the ‘tumbang preso.’

Author’s son refused to take off his sandals and instead threw her sneakers at the ‘tumbang preso.’

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