Just on the side…. The Making of the Chicagoland’s Philippine Independence Month Festivities

By: Nirmla Johnson

 

June is here, and with it comes the vibrant celebration of Philippine Independence Month in Chicagoland! It’s a time when our community truly comes alive, showcasing the rich tapestry of our culture, from parades to pageants, and of course, the grand Philippine Independence Week Gala. Ah, the Gala! More than just an event; it’s practically a year-long saga brought to life by dedicated chairpersons and committees. And as anyone who’s been around knows, these festivities are rarely short on “Samu’t Saring Ganap sa Lipunan” – various happenings that add a certain… spice to the proceedings.
Now, before we delve into the delightful dramatics, a little disclaimer: no names will be mentioned. But if the shoe fits, wear it, as they say! Consider these whispers from the grapevine, meant to be chuckled at, not fretted over.
The Stages of Gala Greatness (and Gaffes):
1. The “Pinilit Kasi Nila Ako” (I was forced to participate) Performer: Picture this: a keen member, perhaps feeling a tad overlooked during committee selections, sets their sights on the coveted Cottillion dance.
Not just any spot, mind you, but an “Honor” role. Calls are made, boards members are contacted, and suddenly, at practice, this self-same individual,
upon being recognized, declares with a flourish, “Oh, they forced me to participate!” Excuse me, po? History tells a slightly different tale. More like a valiant, self-orchestrated campaign to join the ranks. We admire the tenacity, but next time, own the ambition! No need for a dramatic pretense; your enthusiasm is clear.
2. The “Projected vs. On Hand” Puzzler: Every grand event requires funds, and discussions about the coffers are inevitable. But oh, the delightful arguments that can arise from a simple misunderstanding! The recent kerfuffle over “PROJECTED COLLECTION” versus “MONEY ON HAND” was a masterpiece of misdirection. It’s truly a feat when words are put into others’ mouths, and basic financial terminology becomes a philosophical debate. One might think these are simple concepts, but in the heat of a committee meeting, they can transform into an epic clash of wills.
3. The “Marites” (Rumor Monger) Extraordinaire: Ah, the lifeblood of any community gathering!
This individual specializes in circulating unverified snippets of information, often with a generous dash of sensationalism. Their goal? To subtly shift
attention, steer narratives, and generally keep everyone on their toes. An innocent target might find themselves unwittingly caught in a web of whispers, unsure how they became the unwitting star of the latest “chismis.” It’s an art form, really, this ability to magnify a molehill into a mountain of intrigue.
4. The “Partnership and Collaboration” or “Mega Intervention” Conundrum: Wives, husbands, partners – they’re often the silent backbone of any project of this scale. But how much support is “support,” and how much is “intervention”? One might recall a certain former first lady known for her steadfast- and at times,
robust- involvement. The question that hangs in the air: are we witnessing harmonious “partnership and collaboration,”or a full-blown “Mega Intervention” where the significant other takes the reins with gusto? Frankly, if it makes the organization function better and brings the cause forward, then perhaps a little “Mega
Intervention” is precisely what’s needed!
5. The Unhinged Leadership Boundaries (or Lack Thereof):
In a truly functional committee, leadership guides, directs, and empowers. But sometimes, what we observe feels less like leadership and more like a theatrical production of insecu- rities. Instead of clear directives, there’s an air of “respect me” demands, or worse, a constant declamation of “I AM THE BOSS” through veiled remarks and subtle power plays. True leaders uplift; insecure ones often seek validation in the echo chamber of their own pronouncements.
It’s a reminder that a title doesn’t always equate to true leadership.
6. The “Pataasan ng Ihi” Meeting Marathon: What should be a productive session for reporting progress often devolves into a veritable circus. Instead of constructive updates, these meetings become a battleground for petty arguments, where points are scored not by achievements, but by who can out-talk, out-maneuver, or simply
out-shout the rest. It’s the ultimate “Pataasan ng Ihi” – a marathon of who can assert their perceived superiority over trivial matters. One leaves these meetings not with a renewed sense of purpose, but with a slight headache and a wistful glance at the clock.
7. The Raffle Ticket Saga: Raffle tickets have been around longer than some of our favorite potluck recipes! It is part of the fund raising but the big question is, why question the legality just NOW? Second question: What did we do in the past? Did we suddenly discover a new chapter in the PIWC history book? Third question: What triggered the change? Was there a special “Aha!” moment, or did someone distribute unaccounted ticket?
Celebrating Our Uniquely Filipino Spirit
Despite these delightful (and sometimes draining) dramatics, there’s an undeniable charm to it all. It’s a uniquely Filipino attitude, born from a vibrant culture where community, family, and a touch of spirited debate are all part of the package. These “Samu’t Saring Ganap” are not meant to detract from the beauty of our heritage, but rather to highlight the colorful, sometimes chaotic, human element that makes our celebrations so memorable.
At the end of the day, Philippine Independence Month is about coming together, celebrating our rich history, and passing on our traditions. It’s about bayanihan, even when bayanihan comes with a side of hilarious interpersonal dynamics. So, let’s laugh, let’s learn, and let’s continue to celebrate our culture with all its wonderful quirks. And remember, if the grapevine sounds familiar and the shoe fits, wear it with a smile!