Chain | Cohn | Clark joins the 42nd celebration of Delano’s Philippine Weekend

For the 42nd year, thousands of people from Kern County and visitors from around the world will come together in Delano to celebrate the rich art and history of the Philippines during the annual Philippine Weekend.

And the Bakersfield-based law firm Chain | Cohn | Clark is thrilled to support as a sponsor the array of cultural events and family-friendly entertainment lined up for attendees.

WEEKEND OF CULTURE 

Although most Philippine Weekend events take place the last weekend of July — July 29 to July 31 — many events begin early in the month. Among the popular annual events include:

• Pageants: Delano hosts Mr. and Miss Philippine pageants, as well as a “Tiny Tots” pageant.
• Street Fair: Vendors, food and entertainment will be showcased from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 28 on Main Street in Delano. It is organized by the Delano Chamber of Commerce.
• Adobo Cook-Off: The popular competition featuring the staple Filipino dish takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29. Chain | Cohn | Clark workers’ compensation* attorney James Yoro — who is of Filipino descent — regularly serves as a judge each year.
• Opening Ceremonies: This parade kicks off festivities that continue through the weekend.
• Barrio Fiesta: The annual fiesta at Cecil Park brings together thousands of celebrators to enjoy food, vendors and entertainment.
• Basketball Tournament: This event kicked off the first Philippine Weekend observation in 1974. The tournament, which draws players from around the state, continues today.
• Much More: For a full schedule, click here or go to philippineweekend.org.

SPONSORSHIP

Philippine Weekend has served Kern County since 1974. It has grown from a basketball tournament started by local high school and college students to more than 10 cultural events, including a Barrio Fiesta that attracts up 7,000 people every year.

Philippine Weekend, which serves as a nonprofit organization, is dependent entirely on the voluntary work of local members of the community and sponsorships of local businesses.

Sponsorships, like that from Chain | Cohn | Clark, help fund the annual Miss, Mister and Tiny Tots pageants, the popular Adobo cook-off, singing and dance contests, the grand parade, statewide invitational basketball tournament, Barrio Fiesta and other cultural entertainment. Sponsorships also help provide scholarships to graduating high school students.

“Monetary assistance will help sustain our celebration and cultural festival, which not only provides enrichment to our youth, but also allows us to share our culture with other cultures,” according to Philippine Weekend organizers.

Look for Chain | Cohn | Clark in Philippine Weekend print media, website, in the pageant’s program book and weekend souvenir book, and acknowledgement throughout the week.

DID YOU KNOW?

A very important part of the Filipino history observed and celebrated during the Philippine Weekend is Jose Rizal, who would publish novels and essays that would affect the course of Philippine history. He was born on June 19, 1861 and was executed on December 30, 1896.

Jose Rizal’s novels and essays were critical of Spanish friars and the power of the Catholic Church. He wrote about equality and rights for Filipinos. His writings lead to him being prosecuted for inciting rebellion in Spain, which lead to his exile to Hong Kong.

In 1892, Rizal formed a group called La Liga Filipina that went about trying to gain rights and equality for Filipinos through the law; however, it was stopped by the Spanish government since he was considered an enemy to the state. Then in 1896, Rizal was arrested on his way to Cuba for being involved in a rebellion, charges that were not true. But in court, he was found guilty of these crimes and was sentenced to death.

But the death of Jose Rizal only gave strength to the Filipino cause as he was “a man whose beliefs in the Filipino cause were so strong that his death gave life to the hopes and dreams of Filipinos everywhere,” Philippine Weekend organizers said on the event website.

“He continues to be revered as a national hero and has had greater influence on our people than any other man,” according to event organizers.

— By Marisol Earnest for Chain | Cohn | Clark

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If you or someone you know if hurt in an accident or at work, call the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark, or visit the website chainlaw.com

*NOTICE: Making a false or fraudulent Workers’ Compensation claim is a felony subject to up to 5 years in a prison or a fine of up to $150,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.