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By ER Cruz Welcome to Philfest! Tampa Bay's Philippine Festival, popularly known by Philfest, its trade marked name, the largest three-day outdoor festival of its kind held on its own 10-acre grounds in Florida, crowned by its magni cent cultural arts center, the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. Described by some, like then Florida Governor Jeb Bush, as a new US landmark, it has been spoken of as a cultural icon -- a branding that no Filipino, or anyone for that matter, will dispute. Set in typical Philippine barrio surroundings, visitors often see it as a minature representation of the Philippines with the abundance of Philippine products, food, entertainment, cultural exhibits, and presentations -- and specially the colorful traditional Philippine attires and costumes worn by the hosts and performers.

Festival goers, old and young alike who've spent time in the Philippines will be reminded of that experience right
here. those who miss tastylicious Filipino cuisine can get it from "turo-turo" type of food vendors. Younger
visitors will find Philfest has everything for everyone as they enjoy Revolution 2010 -- a hip hop dance competition
organized by the youth (and enjoyed by the "young once" if we may say so).

For first-timers, the three-day Philfest is a great way to get introduced to Philippine arts, culture, and heritage
-- aside from meeting Filipinos from all walks of life around Florida, and yes, from around and out of the
country too! Wasn't it just a few seasons ago when four Philippine Senators visited Philfest.

By the way, aside from fun and entertainment you could be at Philfest for other needs -- such as consular services.
Those coming for the Consulate-on-Wheels program of the Philippine Embassy, will find consular stationed
at the Cimafranca Library of the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. One could save traveling time when
their papers are processed onsite. Make sure all your paperwork are proper and you're good to go!

The Bayanihan Arts and Events Center probably sums up Filipino culture and heritage in its entirety.
Complete with a Filipiniana library, exhibits of cultural artifacts, furniture, costumes, and architecture, one will
walk away more knowledgeable of the unique history of the "the Pearl of the Orient" -- the Philippines.

Reaching the festival site has certainly changed for those who've been there on its early years -- about 15 years
ago. From the main thoroughfare, the secondary roads have widened and commercial structures have sprung
up in every direction. Not that it was much easier going then, as at present, directional flags and signs lead the
way, courtesy of the local government which considers Philfest as a major area event.

Yes, like everyone else, you need to purchase a ticket to get past the gates. Parking is also available for a small
fee. Remember, anything you spend here goes towards the benefit of the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex,
a project of the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

This year the event is managed by Philfest Chairman Rudy Bautista, with David Sweet, Roger Caculitan and Roy
Covarrubias as vice-chairs, with members of its committees assisting in any way they can.

Within its humble beginnings just over a decade, Philfest has become sort of a national event to Filipino
Americans. Obviously the organizers and members have been pretty good for coming this far. It is an event they
look forward to, not only for the great food or entertainment, but rather for preserving their culture and
heritage and most importantly in passing on a cultural legacy to their children.