Photo Release 17th Annual Filipino Fiesta 2009

Leading the 17^th Annual Filipino Fiesta grand parade along the streets of Waikiki was Mayor Mufi Hannemann of Honolulu (center, in hat) flanked by Mr. Geminiano Arre, President of the Filipino Community Center, and Dr. Serafin Colmenares of the Congress of Visayan Organizations, Event Chairperson, and other Filipino community leaders.

Three “Higantes” depicting a father, son and mother “Higante” towering over 8 feet high each, drew applause and admiration from the tourists and locals along the parade in Waikiki. The “Higantes”, main feature of the “Higantes Festival” in Angono, Rizal held every 23^rd of November, were  paraded for the first time in Hawaii by the Philippine Consulate General Honolulu officers and staff.

Students of the Philippine Studies Department of the Leeward Community College enjoyed being part of the parade along Waikiki.

The float of the Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO) depicted the  centennial anniversary of their arrival in the USA.

The Ati-Atihan colorful team of Filipino-Americans were one of the crowd drawers.