Congressman attempts the ‘tinikling’ at town hall meet
Nothing intimidates an American more than the ‘tinikling,’ or dancing with bare feet before a pair of click-clacking bamboo poles.
Queens Congressman Joseph Crowley was brave enough to try — during a June 25 town hall meeting with his Filipino American constituency — but pragmatic enough to concede he was not going to get his feet swiped and swollen. His Filipino audience was forgiving.
Crowley addressed his audience gathered at the La Guardia Community College in Long Island City, with congeniality and candor. He spoke to them about his support for the WWII Veterans Equity Bill, the proposed Dream Act and SAVE our Industries Act. He remarked that Philippine-American relations “must be strengthened” especially in light of the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.
Crowley, who represents one of New York’s ethnically diverse districts, said he was pleased by how the Filipino population of over 100,000 in New York continues to grow based on the rise of many Filipino-owned businesses in the metropolitan area.
He said he supports the building of a community center for ethnic groups, such as FilAms, in his district, and acknowledged the community’s endorsement of his calls for advancing public education and greater civil patrol engagement.
Also in attendance were Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Consul General Mario de Leon and his deputy, Ma. Theresa Dizon de Vega. The Philippine officials thanked Crowley for promoting closer ties between Filipinos and Americans through his membership in the Philippine-U.S. Friendship Caucus.
The event was coordinated by the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc. led by its president, Aida Bartolome.
He supports the FilAm vets of WW II.