For Immediate Release
The show’s title “Halong” means “safe journey” in the Illonggo language and “home” in Bicol. The performance will feature stories from members of local Filipino American organizations Anakbayan Seattle, Alay ng Kultura and Pinay sa Seattle and local group the Coalition of Anti- Racist Whites. The group traveled to the Philippines to bring back lessons learned about the growing social movement and how it can be applied in the U.S. They will be sharing their work with the different communities they learned from, including women, indigenous people, youth and students, peasants and workers. This multi-media event is their opportunity to share with the Seattle what they learned and experienced.
One notable community in the Philippines they had an opportunity to learn from is the B’laan indigenous tribe in Mindanao facing environmental problems from nearby mining operations. The community members will also outline the connections between the economic problems in the Philippines and the growing economic-based protests here. “The economic crisis and Occupy Wall Street protests indicate the growing need for social movement building,” said Katrina Pestano, one of the exposurists. “Filipino activists have a long history of struggling for social justice and now our stories are more relevant than ever.”
The event will be a multi-media show featuring live performances, poetry, music, video and more. Doors open at 1:00 pm with a suggested donation of $5-20. Light refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase. Please email halong.rsvp@gmail.com to RSVP.
