Oceanside CA— The Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO) and the Oceanside Public Library celebrated Filipino Cultural and 120 years of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 9, 2018 ( Independence Day is celebrated each year in the Philippines on June 12). This was the 17th year for the event which took place at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza and Library and was sponsored in part by Tri-City Medical Center. “We are pleased to have been a part of each celebration for the past 17 years,” said Sherri Cosby, Director of the Oceanside Public Library.

The theme for this year’s event was “Celebrate Culture, Inspire Harmony,” with attendees treated to a variety of Filipino folk and modern dance, cultural exhibitions, traditional cuisine, pageantry and a talent show.
The Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO) event celebrates tradition but also supports the future by awarding scholarships to local Filipino-American students. The first place recipient for 2018 is Rancho Buena Vista High School student, Robert Belshaw. Robert has a 4.73 GPA and received a check for $1,500 to help support him when he attends UCLA to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Second place and a $1,200 scholarship went to El Camino High School student. Troy J. Toquero. Troy was in the top 4% of his class at ECHS and plans to attend UC San Diego.
Other recipients:

• 3rd place ($1,000.00): Aleksander Bejarano- Sage Creek High School
• 4th place ($800.00): Taylor Reese DeGuzman- Del Norte High School
• 5th place ($500.00): Jonathan Vitug- El Camino High School

The Filipino-American Cultural Organization also presented donations to the Oceanside Library, the Oceanside Senior Citizens Assoc. and $3,100 to support students in the Philippines.

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