Christmas is not always about buying presents. And on Sunday, two Cal State Long Beach organizations, the Pilipino American Coalition and Kappa Psi Epsilon, intend to remind the Long Beach community of the holiday season's true meaningÑtogetherness and community.
The first Christmas festival will be held in the University Student Union on the South Plaza from noon to 5 p.m., "We want to bring back the experience of Christmas back home (the Philippines) to here, Filipino Americans, and all other ethnic groups," Ellain Baul, Kappa Psi Epsilon vice president, said.
The event is titled, "Pasko Sa Aming Bayan," which means, "Christmas in our Land," in Filipino language, Tagalog.
"The 'Our' in the event's title signifies the Philippines and 'Land' represents country.
In essence, we are saying Christmas in the Philippines country, and that's what it's all about," Baul said.
The event will include community choir performances, a children's corner with crafts, Philippine Christmas story telling, carnival type games, and cultural dancing.
The festivities will end in a tree lighting ceremony.
"We've always heard Christmas back home was more meaningful and sharing rather than here, it's all about gift-giving," Baul said. "For example, in the Philippines, the entire community is involved. People who donÕt know each other are like family. Barriers are broken."
This is the spirit that PAC and Kappa Psi Epsilon want to bring to the Long Beach community. The event is free and open to all ages. Free parking will be available in Lot 11.
The organizations are also collecting unwrapped toys, jackets, and blankets.
The toys will be donated to a local hospital and the jackets and blankets will go to Filipino American World War II veterans.
Donations are strongly encouraged, Bryan Gaba, PAC secretary, said.
Besides the holiday fun, the event is also organized to educate the community about serious social issues that deal with Filipino Americans.
"There's going to be a booth to educate about the situation of the Filipino American World War II veterans. They're trying to pass a bill so that the veterans can get the benefits that they were promised," Baul said.
Everyone is invited to "Pasko Aming Sa Bayan," Baul said. Families and children are strongly encouraged to attend.
For more information, one may call PAC at (310) 669-4786 or Kappa Psi Epsilon at (310) 669-4846.