PH Consulate shares a Glimpse of Philippine Culture and Heritage to Young Fil-Am Summer Campers
UPAASF Summer campers enjoying the interactive activities during their study visit at the Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – As part of its continuing efforts to preserve, promote, and foster a deeper appreciation of Philippine culture and heritage, particularly among the youth, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco once again partnered with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF) in welcoming nineteen (19) young summer campers to the Philippine Center on 8 July 2026.
The cultural visit formed part of UPAASF’s 13th Annual Filipino Cultural Immersion Camp for its South San Francisco campus, which aims to provide young participants with meaningful opportunities to learn about and engage with Filipino traditions, history, and cultural heritage.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon welcomed the summer campers during their visit to the Philippine Center and encouraged them to enjoy the experience while learning more about Philippine culture through the various activities, games, and food prepared by the Consulate. He also took the opportunity to thank UPAASF for being a valued partner of the Consulate in promoting Filipino values, traditions, and cultural heritage among the youth, particularly through the annual summer camps it organizes.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon warmly welcomes the young FilAms to the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)
Prior to the activities, each camper was provided with a “Philippine passport,” which was stamped upon completion of each station visit. The stamps represented their “cultural journey” and allowed them to proceed to the next station.
Five (5) thematic stations were facilitated by the Consulate, the Philippine Department of Tourism in San Francisco, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley, and the Philippine Center Management Board.
Station 1 – Sentro Rizal (by Cultural Section of the Consulate) At this station, campers were introduced to trivia about Filipiniana attire, including both traditional and modern styles. They were also given the opportunity to wear Filipiniana garments and use traditional Philippine items before having a group photo taken against the backdrop of a miniature bahay kubo.
A group of summer campers listens to trivia about Philippine attire. They try on the traditional attire and pose in front of the bahay-kubo (San Francisco PCG photos)
Station 2 – Philippine Tourism Destinations The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) prepared a fun and educational activity introducing Philippine tourism attractions and locating them in the map with colorful stickers.
Station 3 – Traditional Games The PTIC-SV served as game masters for the station, facilitating traditional Filipino children’s games such as Tumbang Preso, Limbo Rock, and Holen with a Twist. This station emerged as the crowd favorite, as it allowed the children to actively experience traditional Filipino games and enjoy friendly interaction with their fellow campers while learning about Filipino culture.
(Clockwise)Campers playing limbo rock, tumbang preso, and holen with a twist (San Francisco PCG photos)
Station 4 – Paa-Tuhod-Balikat-Ulo- Interactive Contest in Filipino; Familiarization of Filipino Words The Philippine Center Management Board, through Building Manager Genevieve Ferrer, conducted an interactive and memory game using the Filipino children’s song. The activity tested the participants’ knowledge of Filipino terms for various body parts while also challenging their attentiveness and memory skills. Through this engaging exercise, the campers were able to expand their Filipino vocabulary and gain greater familiarity with the language in a fun and participatory learning environment.
The campers stay attentive as they play the game, “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo-game” (San Francisco PCG photos)
Station 5- Palabunutan of Filipino Food Snacks
At the “Aling Conching Sari-Sari Store,” the PTIC-SV hosted a palabunutan activity where participants drew lots to win guaranteed prizes of popular Philippine snacks. As an added treat, mango-flavored iced candies were also distributed to participants.
Campers line up to try their luck getting a favorite Philippine snack at Aling Conching’s Sari-sari store (San Francisco PCG photos)
Ms. Letty Quizon, President of UPAASF and co-founder of the summer camp, expressed her appreciation to the Consulate for its continued support and partnership with UPAASF in its various projects, particularly in organizing activities that promote and preserve Filipino culture in the diaspora.
To conclude the event, a “pabitin” game was organized by the Cultural Section, providing added excitement to the summer camp. END