Festival keeps Filipino youth in touch with their culture

VIRGINIA BEACH

Venus Tomaneng wants to make sure the traditions of her homeland are passed down to her granddaughters.

That's why she takes them to the School of Creative and Performing Arts at The Philippine Cultural Center.

"I do it because I want them to learn about our culture," said Tomaneng, of Kempsville. "I want them to know the Filipino ways."

Tomaneng drives the girls there every Friday evening for performance practice and every Saturday morning for the school.

The mission of the school - whose faculty is made up entirely of volunteers - is to promote the Philippine culture to Filipino-American youth through structured activities. Children ages 5 and older take classes in language arts, singing, dance, folklore, legends, theater and heritage workshops.

Tomaneng's granddaughters, Lauren Mesina, 10, and her sister, Madeline, 8, have been attending the youth program for the past year.

They are just two of the 60 students currently enrolled at the school, which is celebrating its 10th year.

In recognition of that landmark, they will present their annual showcase, Flores de Mayo, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at The Philippine Cultural Center, 4857 Baxter Road.

The showcase is partially funded by the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission and the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater.

Flores de Mayo is a traditional Catholic festival held in the Philippines during May in honor of the Virgin Mary. The showcase will allow the students to perform what they've learned through singing and dancing.

They will also depict the different flowers in bloom that month through their costumes, which are all hand-made by parent volunteers who learn proper beading and painting techniques at workshops.

Lita Sison, cultural coordinator for the school, said one number will introduce the use of the angklung - a musical instrument made from bamboo.

She anticipates an afternoon to delight the eyes and ears with music, dance and colorful attire. "It's a festive occasion," Sison said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net