Technicolor Celebrations in June

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Celebrations for the month of June can be described as colorful as in technicolor. Parades and fireworks abound, sometimes dramatized by rallies in some areas of the world.

Starting from our June 12th celebration that honors our mother country, the Philippines, on its 123rd year, saluting our freedom, liberties, and independence, Filipinos all over the world rejoice and celebrate, feast and participate in many varied Filipino functions. Our editorial salutes and speaks briefly but mightily of our independence from the hands of the colonizing Spaniards.

Has anyone ever noticed that Father’s Day is being celebrated with not-so-much impact, excitement and promo, unlike the Mother’s Day celebrated just last month (every 2nd Sunday in May)? Could it be possibly because fathers want to maintain lower profiles and not into buying sprees and latest fashions? Someone says truthfully that it’s because there are more living mothers than fathers to be honored by their children on this special day. Don’t miss Rev. Nancy Abiera’s endearing homage to fathers on page 29. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang Pilipino! Anyhow and anyway, Happy Father’s Day to all fathers out there!

Pride Month is fairly new among our June celebrations as it just started to be recognized just about fifty years ago by some transgender activists in New York City, who were pioneering the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, Queer) rights, paying respects to the struggles that have yet to be overcome. Here, in our town of Chicago, people, gay or non-gay, always look forward every year to come, visit, and party in the most exciting Gay Parade on Halsted Avenue. Happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ, homosexuals, as well as to our homo sapiens friends!

With a sad note, VT staff and her friends are bidding Elsie Sy-Niebar, VT’s Senior Editor, a warm farewell for her retirement move to the Philippines (read her finale article on page 10). Elsie has been one of the original VT staffers and her popular “Notebook” column has been followed by many readers. Elsie was given a salute and despedida party together with my birthday celebration last May 30th (see pictorial on page 31) by our friends. Adios, Paalam, Goodbye, Elsie! We will miss you, for sure.

And, back in the Philippines, the traditional June Santacruzan, a beautiful religious event and tradition, always feeds the kababayan eyes and souls with wonderful displays of fireworks, parades, and processions with pretty young ladies in carriages or floats, celebrated all over the Philippines. Enjoy, as usual, your favorite columnists bringing their varied topics for your reading pleasure, while sipping your coolest lemonades in these warm summer months. ##