Parol 2009 Logo

Tala Award - Grand Prize - $500

• Kasamahan - USF •

Parol 2009 Logo

The general purpose of Kasamahan is to promote the unity and solidarity of the Filipino American community by creating a campus wide environment that assertively affirms the richness and uniqueness of the many cultural experiences of members and by actively involving educational and pre-professional programs that aid the group in the assessment, development, and actualization of each member’s human potential and personal talents. Kasamahan strives to share, encourage participation, and educate others of the Pilipino culture. ‘great vibrant enthusiasm!!’

"They came not just in numbers but in focused enthusiasm. They took their participation seriously. They definitely embodied this year's theme of "Light the Way, Be Counted"." - Carlo Ricafort (judge)

"They had a very animated presentation. The colors they used worked well together." - Mercedes Cormier (judge)

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Second Prize $100 and Census Award $75

• Canon Kip Senior Center •

Parol 2009 Logo

Canon Kip Senior Center has had an enduring presence in the South of Market community for decades serving diverse populations and age groups. The links with the Filipino senior community have been particularly strong and remain a central element of the case management, emergency financial aid, recreational activities and food programs that are offered. The Center is open 365 days per year from 8:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.. Please come by and say hello!

"They stood out because each member of the organization made a parol with his/her picture on it and many, if not every one, of the parols were lit. It was consistent with the theme "Be counted". The parol with the backlit photos was really cool and clever." - Mercedes Cormier (judge)

"They incorporated their individual pictures on their main lantern symbolizing the theme, surrounding the lantern were silhouette cutouts of human figures." - Abel Manalo (judge)

Third Prize - $75

• Veterans' Equity Center •

Parol 2009 Logo

Veteran Equity Center is nonprofit in the South of Market that serves Filipino World War II Veterans, their wives, widows, other Filipino Seniors providing direct service and a place where they can find assistance and a place they can call their second home. "The San Francisco Veterans Equity Center honors the valuable contribution of Filipino American WWII Veterans to freedom and democracy; Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services and advocates for JUSTICE and EQUITY." This year’s parol was made with the of the "Mano Po" Interns of VEC.

"VEC was among the top three due to their innovative design on the map of the United States with miniatures Philippine flags and Christmas lights representing the Filipinos populations in different states. Their design really captured the theme of the competition, the use of color and lights." - Abel Manalo (judge)

"My favorite parol I must say. It was innovative and they executed the theme of "Light the Way, Be counted" to the T. I give them credit for breaking the mold and taking the risk of being more symbolic. Their parol left the most lasting impression." - Carlo Ricafort (judge)