The dynamic spirit of Filipino culture and camaraderie came alive as some 250 participants joined the much-awaited 2024 Filipino American Sports Festival in Bahrain on November 15, 2024.
Held at Bahrain Club in Muharraq, the day boozed with excitement and fun hosted by Filipino-American Association of Bahrain in a truly energetic showcase of athleticism, community unity, and richness of Filipino heritage ended high and loud with the Green Team taking the championship title.
As each team paraded in full energy, all were smartly dressed in their bright uniforms marched confidently fostering unity from different backgrounds.
After an invigorating session of warming up and a few energizing exercises, Fil Am treasurer, Romeo Tagulao was called on to deliver the invocation.
In his welcome speech, Orlando Fontanilla, Fil Am president, highlighted the significance of the event, which was dedicated to honouring the past presidents, the current president, and the commissioner.
“Our gathering today transcends mere sports; it is an opportunity to enhance the friendships and camaraderie within our community, I am proud to see how our group come together, not only for sports but for a greater cause,” Fontanilla stated.
“This sports meet being held annually reflects the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved, and I take pride in witnessing such a strong turnout.”
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Captain Marc Bumatay, COMUSNAVCENT N6 ACOS and Dr. Padric Hall, the Chief Analyst for COMUSNAVCENT.
The event was also attended by Commander Jimmy Harmon, the Executive Officer of Naval Support Activity and Captain Marco Spivey, N1 Assistant Chief of Staff and Executive Officer for COMUSNAVCENT.
Their attendance, alongside with Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Her Excellency Anne Jalando-on Louis highlighted the significance of cultural exchange and mutual respect between nations. It celebrated not just the excellence in the athletic achievements of members of the group but an affirmation of the shared values and aspirations that unite the Filipino-American community in Bahrain.
Ambassador Louis was truly proud to extend her sincere congratulations to the President, officers, membership and supporters of the Fil-Am community for their extraordinary effort in organizing the sports festival.
In her address, she affirmed the Embassy’s continued support for the Fil-Am organization, emphasizing the strong and profound partnership between the two. She also expressed gratitude for the Fil-Am community’s continuous contributions to the Embassy’s initiatives, especially those aimed at aiding distressed members of the Filipino community.
As Ambassador Louis conveyed her best wishes to all participating teams she also mentioned that sportsmanship are essential throughout the competition.
The presence of Ms. Jiemarie Mortel-Ladrica, the Cultural Attaché of the Philippine Embassy added a significant layer of cultural appreciation to the function.
During the opening ceremony, Sports Commissioner Alain Buensuceso skilfully delivered the Oath of Sportsmanship in front of the assembled athletes underscoring the importance of good sportsmanship, integrity, and honour.
His inspiring message established a positive atmosphere for the day, showing that the Filipino-American Sports Festival celebrates not only athletic prowess but also the values of character.
Meanwhile the Green Team, under the leadership of team captain Grace Estacio, executed the same skill, teamwork, and determination they had shown last year, shining in almost all events. The Green Team emerged at the top in the very respective and highly contested cheering competition and won the early bird title.
From the exciting tug of war to the basketball matches, sack race and ball in between at the back, Green Team continued winning against opponents on various levels.
The Red Team, which showed tremendous persistence amidst all setbacks that they got throughout the competition, trailed in second place, followed by the Blue and Yellow teams for third and fourth places, respectively.
Celebrating the significant achievements of former leaders, special accolades were presented to the distinguished past presidents of the organization namely: Lito Sarmiento, Romeo Tagulao, Alex Lamis, Julius Teopaco, and Bong Guanlao.
Each one of them played a role at different times in steering the organization to its success and leaving behind legacies that still propel current and future members to service and volunteerism.
It is through leadership, vision and dedication to the mission at hand that this organization has been able to develop and instill within its members a strong sense of community and purpose.
The Fil-Am Outstanding Leadership Award was awarded to exemplary individuals in the Filipino-American community who showed commendable leadership and service. This year, it was given to OPS Director Rey Giron and Commissioner Alain Buensuceso.
During the program, several individuals were also recognized for their contributions. These included Archie Bordeous, president of the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain; Rene Ramos, an entrepreneur; and Cecil Ancheta, a freelance journalist and president of the Filipino Writers’ Circle.
The recognition they received not only highlights their significant contributions to the Filipino-American community in Bahrain but also serves as an encouragement for others to take an active role in community-building efforts through volunteerism.
The committee who was responsible for the success of the 2024 Filipino American Sports Festival was also given the special recognition for their unwavering dedication in organizing the event. Their commitment in uniting the community and the smooth running of the program were recognized, and all of its members were praised for their diligent work and commitment.
Meanwhile, fantastic prizes generously donated by the kind-hearted sponsors were distributed during the raffle draws as part of fundraising. Every ticket purchased directly supported the cause, allowing attendees to feel a deeper sense of involvement and community purpose.
Attendees of the gathering had the pleasure of savoring an array of traditional Filipino foods that showcased the rich culinary styles such as the delighted tapsilog, pancit, barbecue, bopis where each dish spoke of the complex flavors that our own cuisine is known for. This was sponsored by Lolo’s Kitchen.
Filipino American Association of Bahrain is a voluntary, non-profit organization celebrating cultural diversity, civic participation and individual responsibilities.
The organization endeavours to promote the cultural, civic, and professional interests of the Filipino American community in Bahrain. through the different activities and programs organized, espouses the richness of Filipino culture with traditional festivals to be a venue for cross-cultural experience and pride.
By organizing various initiatives, Fil Am Bahrain promotes the rich heritage of Filipino culture and traditional festivals providing a space for cultural exchange and pride.
Fil-am Bahrain extended its gratitude to all their sponsors; RLC Robinsons Land Corporation, Evershine and Gulf Coral Real estate.
