Chain | Cohn | Clark joins annual Filipino festival as Philippine Weekend celebrates 45 years

Each year, thousands of people come together in the northern Kern County city of Delano during the summer to celebrate Filipino history and culture. And this year, on the 45th anniversary of Philippine Weekend, Chain | Cohn | Clark is proud to join in the festivities as the law firm also commemorates a big milestone — 85 years.

Chain | Cohn | Clark will be serving as a supporter, sponsor, and participant in this year’s celebration that include contests, fiestas, parades, and tournaments.

The first Philippine Weekend began in 1974 centered around a basketball tournament and other festivities designed to pass on the rich traditions of Filipino culture. Dr. Jose Rizal, known as the “father of Filipino nationalism,” was the inspiration for the local celebration. In short, the weekend blends the elder traditions that were born in the Philippines with the traditions that are being created in America.

Today, Philippine Weekend encompasses a dozen events that span over the course of the month, but mainly take place over three days, and draws thousands from across the country. The different contests featured throughout the weekend highlight respect, sportsmanship, and growth throughout the Filipino community.

Community volunteering and local business support — like what Chain | Cohn | Clark is providing — are the backbone for the Philippine Weekend, itself a nonprofit organization, that has allowed for the event to reach 45 years. College scholarships are also awarded for graduating high school students.

This year’s theme is “45 years…babalik ka kin…celebrating our Filipino pride.” The festivities are as follows:

• Adobo Cook-Off: A competition highlighting the popular and beloved Filipino dishes will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Cecil Avenue Park. Workers’ compensation* lawyer James Yoro, who is of Filipino descent, will serve as a judge once again this year. Yoro, who has been a lawyer with Chain | Cohn | Clark for nearly 40 years, and became the first president of Filipino descent of the Kern County Bar Association in 2017.
• Grand Parade & Ceremony: A parade of floats, bands, marching groups, and car and bike clubs will celebrate the rich Filipino history throughout downtown Delano at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 27. The 2019 Philippine Weekend Grand Marshals are the San Juan Family. Opening ceremonies will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Cecil Avenue Park.
• Barrio Fiesta: The Barrio Fiesta brings together Filipino values: pageantry, laughter, family, friendship, and drama. It will feature food vendors and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, at Cecil Avenue Park.
• Tournaments: A tennis tournament will take from July 26-28 at Delano High School tennis courts, and the basketball tournament, which was featured in the first Philippine Weekend, will take place from July 27-28 at the Delano High School and Cesar Chavez High School gymnasiums.
• More Activities: For a full list of activities, go to the Philippine Weekend Facebook page.

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