Annak Ti Candon First Summer Picnic on Balitang
America
By Justine M. De Peralta
Another
well-attended and successful Annak Ti Candon event worth remembering
highlighted by ABS-CBN Balitang America coverage.
Bananas, apples,
piñatas, “kilawin na kambing”, lechon, and local delicacies make for
the perfect first annual Annak ti Candon picnic. Unlike your
typical park picnic, Annak Ti Candon cannot only bring together
members from other states and cities including Southern California,
Northern California, Nevada, San Diego, and San Francisco, but they
sure know how to set up a lively event and entertain the members and
guests.
Upon arriving at
the Grand Avenue Park in Chino Hills, California, members of Annak
Ti Candon were greeted by their fellow members and the smell of
delicious Filipino food. Seeing that this picnic was one big
pot-luck, there was a plethora of various dishes. From Filipino
spaghetti (pansit), to “kilawin na kambing,” the smell of these
dishes could make anyone want to eat for days because it is just
that good!
Personally, I must have had 3 or 4 plates of just the
“kilawin na kambing.” And of course, the “lechon”, which though
coming in late, was crispy and meaty as ever.
Once everyone
finished eating, they made their way outside to the gazebo to play
some outdoor games. Now I have been to several parties in my
lifetime and have participated in a variety of outdoor games, but I
have never seen anyone tie a banana from their hips and try to hit
an apple with it. Without a doubt, this “banana-apple” game had
several people laughing and wanting to join in on the fun. Next,
everyone walked over to piñata. Swing after swing, members of all
ages took their best shot at the colorful piñata but only one was
successful. At one point, members were screaming and running out of
the way to avoid being hit. Nonetheless, the piñata was eventually
successfully hit and no one was injured! Phew!
Based on a dining
hall that was so crowded that several members had to gather outside,
it is safe to proudly say that Annak ti Candon family continues to
grow. The growth of Annak Ti Candon has become so noticeable and
Annak Ti Candon has become successful in short period of time that
ABS-CBN Balitang America covered the picnic and joined the
festivities. Interviewing several of our members, Balitang America
was able to see what it is like to be Annak Ti Candon member and
what we do as an organization of Candon immigrants in giving back to
the community. They not only gained insight of what Annak Ti Candon
stands for, they were also able to see different communities come
together. Annak ti Candon picnic and interview with Annak officers
were shown on television worldwide on TFC Channel- Balitang America
news on Labor Day.
This is what we do
best—we bond, we laugh, and we unite to serve those closest to us-
our less fortunate brothers and sisters in Candon City for a better
Candon City.
We thank all our
members, guests, and sponsors who in one way or another made the
picnic a successful summer event. See you all next year.
Click here for event's photos.
