The 10th year celebration of the Filipino Cultural Day was a bang! The event started on time under a very cool but sunny weather. Thousands of people came all day long. It was such an enjoyable and successful affair to remember!

This momentous occasion was welcomed with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem "Lupang Hinirang" led by the FIL-AM Officers and Board of Directors.

The American National Anthem "Star Spangled Banner" was led with the electrifying voice of Michelle Lababit.

Opening prayer was led by Dir. Pete Cruz.

The welcome remarks were delivered conjugally by the two perpetual partners of this event - FIL-AM Association represented by Pres. Mely Sivage and OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY represented by Library Director Deborah Polich. The warm relationship can be seen on how these two interacted with each other. The Association also donated $500 to the Oceanside Public Library.

In conjunction with the event's theme of A DECADE OF PARTNERSHIP, the history of the Filipino Cultural Day was discussed in a very lively form - a dialogue between the FIL-AM Past President Marilou Hruby who initiated the idea of having a cultural day for Filipino community in 2001 and Oceanside Library Dir. Deborah Polich. These two made the Filipino Cultural Day a reality and an annual event.

The Friends of Oceanside Library is also one of the partners of the association being the one of the main financial providers of the event. FIL-AM President Mely Sivage recognized the Friends of the Oceanside Library's contribution represented by its President Suzanne Williams.

The celebration will not be complete without the inspirational talk of Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood who supports the organization immensely.

There will never be a dull moment because of the versatility of our outstanding emcee TED LINTAN.

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood (3rd from left) posed with FIL-AM officers and members and Deborah Polich, Head of Oceanside Library.