FILIPINO LOLOs AND LOLAs HONORED IN EIGHTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE PH CONSULATE
Consul General Neil Ferrer (center) joins the lolas and lolos in the annual Christmas party for Filipino seniors at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center in San Francisco on 6 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Celebrating Filipino Christmas with music, dance and food, a holiday tradition with the lolas and lolos of the Bay Area returned to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
Co-organized with the Pilipino Senior Resource Center (PSRC), the Consulate welcomed almost 80 Filipino seniors for the annual Christmas party at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 6 December 2024.
In his remarks, Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer paid tribute to Filipino seniors in America: “Our Filipino elders are not just recipients of care, they are also the caretakers. They are the storytellers, the keepers of traditions, the culture bearers, and the role models. Through your sacrifices, your hard work, and your devotion to family, you have created opportunities for many to thrive in this country, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Consul General Ferrer said that the Christmas party is a way to make the Filipino seniors “feel remembered and supported, not only today but every day.”
“Today’s event is a reminder that you are not alone, and that our community stands with you. Whether it is through the services of the PSRC, Canon Kip, Curry Senior Center or BEC, or the assistance offered by your Consulate, we are committed to ensuring that you are seen, heard and cared for,” Consul General Ferrer said.
The Philippine Consul General expressed his gratitude to the PSRC and its benefactors for its year-round assistance to Filipino elders. “Your commitment to our seniors, who have given so much to our families and our community, is deeply appreciated,” he said.
Meanwhile, PSRC Executive Director Gabby Moraleda thanked the Consulate and the event’s donors and supporters “for making our lolos and lolas feel that they are remembered and loved during this time of the year.”
Moraleda also took the opportunity to present the PSRC’s partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the “Bahay Matibay” Program for calamity-stricken communities in the Philippines.
During the event, the Filipino seniors performed Filipino songs and dances, to the delight of the audience. The Consulate also provided entertainment through a piano rendition of Filipino Christmas songs by GP Eleria, co-founder of the newly-formed Filipino American singing group Lalò.
The Christmas party marks the eighth year the Consulate hosted a holiday celebration with Filipino seniors from San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. The event also welcomed elders from Canon Kip Senior Center and Curry Senior Center. END
Consul General Neil Ferrer delivers his remarks during the annual Christmas party for Filipino seniors at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco on 6 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Pilipino Senior Resource Center Executive Director Gabby Moraleda gives his remarks at the annual Christmas party for Filipino seniors at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco on 6 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Filipino seniors from San Francisco and the Bay Area enjoy the familiar joys of Filipino songs, dances and games during the annual Christmas party hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on 6 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photos)