16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival

(U.S. ASIAN WIRE SAN FRANCISCO) The Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) presents the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in northern California as the 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival and 2nd Annual Filipino American Jazz Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday August 8-9 at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

FAAE selected Marily Mondejar as Hermana Mayor to lead the 2009 Pistahan celebration and this year the festival is dedicated to the memory of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino.

The Pistahan opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday August 8 on Beale Street followed by the parade at 11 a.m. featuring beautifully themed floats and nearly 100 contingents.

Over 50,000 attendees are expected and will experience and discover the best of Filipino culture and entertainment as this two-day event showcases exhibits, workshops and demonstrations in art, dance, music and food in various pavilions throughout Yerba Buena Gardens.

Special featured entertainment include Dancing with the Stars and Bay Area native Cheryl Burke, actor and film star Paolo Montalban selected as People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People and Stephanie Reese, singer, actress and recording artist. Plus many more...

FIL-AM TALENT SHOWCASE
Abe Lagrimas Jr.. Aftermath, Al Manalo, Angela Joanne Sipper, Ann Marie Santos with the Art Khu Trio, Aris Garcia, Aristedes Santos Candelaria, Bayanihan Crew, Bwan aka RTQLIT, Deeandroid & Crew, Denizen Kane and MrRey, DJ Delrokz, Emil Guillermo, Eye-a-Sage, Filipino Education Center Galing Bata, Franco Finn, Gabe Bondoc, Giselle Sanchez, Honey Circuit, International Eskrima Serrada Association, Jayson Gainza, Jo.ill, Juno "Roc" Maranan, Kapakahi, Kasamas, Leejay Abucayan, Leslie Guevarra, Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble, Lori Abucayan, Lumaya, Mabuhay Folkloric Society, Mark Augustin, Michelle Kain, Oakland Raiderettes, Odette Keeley, Parangal Dance Company, Patricia Javier and the Asian Dolls , Philippine Martial Arts Academy, Raquel, Socorro "Kit" De Castro, Steps, Styles, & Spotlight, Te Orama, Tradicion Rondalla, Viddy V, VJ Amber, Westlake School for the Performing Arts

What: 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug 8-9, 2009 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets
Information: (415) 321-5894, http://pistahan.net/
This year's sponsors include ABS-CBN Global Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, MJM Management Group, AsianWeek, Grants for the Arts, Comcast, Wells Fargo, Farmers Insurance, Biscocho Insurance Agent, Mama Sita's, PG&E, US Bank, Spintronix, CharlesSchwab, Philippine Airlines, US Census 2010, Allied Barton, Arceo Graphix, Heavenly Ice Cream, Intramuros, Mercury Lounge, Moneygram, SF Giants, Oakland Raiders, Golden Sstate Warriors, Sacramento Kings, San Jose Earthquakes, XOOM, Mosser Hotel, Bauer's Transportation, Hotel Nikko, SFMTA, BART, Asian Journal, Filipinas Magazine, Inquirer Inc.net, KTSF TV 26, LBC / Manila Bulletin, Manila Mail, Philippine Fiesta News, Philippine Headlines, Philippine News, Philippines Today, 106 KMEL, WILD 94.9, FilAm Nation and U.S. Asian Wire.

About the Pistahan Parade and Festival
The Pistahan Parade and Festival was founded in 1994 and has been consistently held in the oval gardens of the Yerba Buena Center. The Filipino American Arts Exposition, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that contributes to the artistic and cultural pride of the Filipino community, organizes the annual event.

For More Information: 415-321-5894 or visit http://pistahan.net/