Town Fiesta with a Purpose

The colors and humanitarianism of the Philippines were vibrant at Cardoza Park on Saturday, as members of the Lemerian of Bay Area, friends and families celebrated the organization's 20th Town Fiesta.

Green and yellow balloons and streamers adorned a canopy that provided much needed shade to guest as they enjoyed a traditional lunch featuring Filipino delicacies such as lechon, afritada and ube cake. 

What may have seemed like a party was actually a way the organization raises funds for its scholarships for students in the Philippines. 

"Within the 20 year time frame, we've been supporting students," said President Buddy Alva. "We try to do as much as we can to support talented kids that need to go to school and we do whatever we can to support that. This is one way to do it by having Town Fiesta celebrations."

Currently the organization will give scholarship money to five students.

The non-profit organization is made up of Filipino Americans from Lemery, Batangas and the Philippines and was established in Milpitas in 1991. Its main objective is to support education. Members include teens, adults and senior citizens

"Every since we've had scholarships in the Philippines, we've taken care of the tuition fees, uniforms, allowances, travel expenses, books — everything that they need to achieve their goals," said founder Henry Garcia.

Students who have received Lemerian scholarships have graduated from both high school and college, Garcia said.

Garica also said he hopes the organization can shape Filipino youth to continue maintaining the Filipino culture. 

"We are giving a good example to the kids — for the future of this organization and the people who come from the Philippines — they can maintain the culture that we have from back home." 

Cria-May Matanguihan, 21, said she got involved in Lemerian because her grandparents were one of the co-founders of the organization.

"Every year I help out with charity events, fundraising and this is one of our very big events," she said. "I get to meet new people and there's definitely great food and I get to help other people out in the Philippines."

Matanguihan has been helping out since 2001 and said she will continue to be involved as she gets older. 

The daylong fiesta started with holy mass to honor Patron Saint San Roque, which was celebrated by Father Chady Segovia. Music, live entertainment and a raffle were highlights of the event. Prizes included cash that was donated by the officers and benefactors of the organization.