'Sharing', Little Schoolhouse at annual FACC Christmas party

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Next month's Christmas party to be hosted by the Filipino American Association of the Carolinas (FACC) at the Reedy Creek Elementary School at 10801 Plaza Road Extension, Charlotte North Carolina 28215 will adopt the theme of “joyful sharing.”

FACC president Floramae Cuardero Lao-Lee told Straight from the Carolinas that the party's theme is in line gains meaning in light of the aftermath of the Nov. 8 devastation suffered by Filipinos at the hands of supertyphoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Yolanda). 

She said FACC members are encouraged to donate clothes, blankets and easy to open canned goods to typhoon victims. Included in the party is a presentation to be given by Fil-American students of the Eskuwelahang Munti of Charlotte, North Carolina.

They will perform the classic Filipino song “Paru-Parung Bukid” or “Butterfly Hill” that was made into a musical of the same name by Sampaguita Pictures in 1938 and top-billed by renowned “kundiman” actor Rudy Concepcion and his favorite on-screen love interest, Rosario Moreno.

Unbeknownst to many, “Paru-Parung Bukid” was loosely adapted from the classic Spanish song entitled “Mariposa Bella”, a song that exalts and compares the beauty and love of a Filipina and compares to a butterfly. 

The song was composed near the end of the Spanish-era Philippines in 1890’s. 
Eskuwelahang Munti or Little School House of Charlotte is now on its third month teaching Fil-American kids the culture, heritage, literature and history of the Philippines using the Filipino language.

The presentation is expected to draw interest from the community. The “Paru-Parung Bukid” performance is directed by Dr. Nini Bautista with assistance from Glo Grifengahen and Dell Fallar.

There would also be a caroling done by children that will be led by FACC secretary Rose Hughes. The event's program is posted at its Facebook page and on its website.

Lee and FACC 1st Vice-President Joannes Ave is inviting all Fil-Americans and non-members to attend the party and register at the FACC. Lechon and other traditional Filipino fare will be served. Next up will be a report on the annual election of FACC officers (photos taken by Boging Mata).