Most of our events are part of an ongoing fundraising effort to support the school's programs and activities.

Our big events of the year are Christmas Caroling and the Lowell International Folk Festival. Check out all the activities that are going on.

Iskwelahang Pilipino holds classes from 1:30-4:30pm at Bedford Center, Bedford, Massachusetts.

• "Be all you can be"
  (Celebrity Artists at Iskwelahang Pilipino)

  Ever since Jose Aruego, famed illustrator of American children's literature ("Leo, the Late Bloomer", "Rock-a-bye Crocodile", "Gregory, the Terrible Eater") visited in 1999 from New York City, the children at IP have been honored by more Pilipino artists inspiring them to go wild with imagination and encouraging them to "be all you can be". Philip Badon from the Philippines stopped by en route from Manila in 2004 and drew us the 2-minute canvas in pastel with a local simbahan/palengke setting. The latest artist to have honored IP came all the way from the Republic of Cambridge (Massachusetts): Bren Bataclan. We now know why Bren's infectious "Smile Boston!" project has gone global. The children as well as the adults enjoyed an afternoon learning how to draw Bren's whimsical no-name characters.

  While most people go to galleries and museums to view art, the artists come to IP to fill our very own little gallery. Glimpse of these "originals" on our IP photo blog. or come visit IP and see our maliit na wall o' fame!

  Aruego

  Badon

  Bataclan

  
  
  
• Tiangge
  Shop for your holiday gifts at a Holiday bazaar called, "Tiangge". For Filipiniana gifts, food, books, clothes, crafts, Parols, jewelry, stationery and fashion accessories.
  

  Tiangge is hosted by Iskwelahang Pilipino and participated by local Filipino entrepreneurs. Shop with us and give a gift with a touch of the Philippines!

  Pasko at Tiangge

  Clay Parol for sale at Tiangge 2008

• IP Christmas Caroling
  In December, IP families get invited to carol Pilipino Christmas songs at homes and other venues to help raise money for the school. They spread holiday cheer and Filipino "Pasko" tradition in the community.
  
  

  IP parents carol Pasko cheer

  Pasko Na Naman

  
  
• Annual Tea Musicale
  IP students showcase their performing talents in the presence of their peers. This opportunity gives them a chance to exercise their stage presence, poise and self-confidence.
  
  

  Mia Gominho jazzes it up!

  Smith Sisters class act

  
  
• Palaro Olympics
  IP children play traditional Pilipino games such as "tumbang preso", "sipa", "luksong baka", "siyato", "habulan". While learning how to play Pilipino indigenous games, they get to work out their sportsmanship, camaraderie and competitiveness. Everyone wins with "Pabitin".
  
  
  IP children reaching for Pabitin goods!
  
  
• NEFFA: New England Folk Festival Association
  Every April, IP students participate with other folk dance groups to perform their ethnic dances. IP gets to show off their repertoire ranging from tribal dances and the western productions.
  
  

  Tinikling dancers at NEFFA (New England Folk Festival) April 2007. Photo taken by Maura Clark. Dancers: front row: L-R Ceci Villasenor, Parker Fisher, Lucas Veloria back row: Beverly Brion, Charlie Clark, Josh O'Brien

  Kalinga Girls at NEFFA

  
  
• Celebrity Series
  Every year Iskwelahang Pilipino invite Filipinos who excel in their fields of expertise. These personalities inspire our children to take pride in their Philippine heritage. Some of the celebrities who have come to visit include Jose Aruego, children's book illustrator; Manoling Francisco, SJ, composer; Francis Rivera, TV newscaster; and most recently book authors/chefs Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan of Cendrillon, NYC. Read the Boston Globe article.
  
  

  Frances Rivera, TV newscaster at IP's Celebrity Series, with Nolen Dube	Fr. Manoling composes a song with children
  Steve Shey's kundiman rendition of "Bayan Ko"

• Lowell International Folk Festival
  Every summer, IP participates in the festival to help raise money for the school while enjoying the food and entertainment. The Philippine Food booth has held the reputation(s) of having the "longest line" and "worth the wait!"
  
  
  Washing woks in preparation for the Lowell Festival
  
  

  Endless long lines at the IP food booth	Hardworking servers at IP booth

• IP Graduation and Santa Cruzan
  In May, to celebrate "Flores de Mayo", the children parade and fiesta to end the school season. We also congratulate our graduating class.
  
  

To add an upcoming event, please send in your information to Cynthia Endriga, Class of 1988.