Celebrating Filipino culture in Arizona: Second Anniversary of Buhay Buhay sa Amerika

Editor’s Note: Buhay Buhay sa Amerika is an online radio show started by Rhia Luz, chairwoman of WFWP Arizona, that gives a unifying voice to the Filipino community in the United States and promotes Filipino culture. Inspired by WFWP’s vision and philosophy of “Living By the Logic of Love”, she initiated this radio show to spread this vision as a possible solution to many societal ills of our time. BBSA is also the first organization to become part of the new global friend initiative of WFWP USA (find out more here).

More than 340 guests came to celebrate the second anniversary of the only Filipino radio show in Arizona, Buhay Buhay sa Amerika, at the O’Connor Hall of St. Paul Roman Catholic Parish in central Phoenix on Saturday, August 24th, 2019. 

It was exciting to see so many Filipinos from throughout the valley (the greater metropolitan area of Phoenix) dressed in traditional Filipiniana clothes, with participants ranging from two years old to 90!

The guests were greeted with Filipino traditional folk music and phenomenal performances from younger Filipino-Americans. From acoustic songs to violin duets to professional singers, all performances captivated the audience and their cameras, especially when the traditional Singkil and Tinikling dances were performed. Even the children in attendance were dancing in their seats along with the beat!

There was also a recognition for outstanding achievements in the community. Ricardo and Elena Perez were recognized for being an exemplary married couple, Dr. Pamela Sandico Zapanta was recognized for her outstanding leadership and community service, and Tess Baylon was recognized for her work as chairperson of the BBSA Committee.

The crowd enjoyed the music prepared by DJ Alvin Silva and danced until the program ended. The event was a fun way to bring the community together and also raise funds to continue the show for another year.

Rhia Luz is very grateful that the community supported this initiative and hopes to keep serving the community in promoting who we are as Filipinos in America. 

Here’s what some of the attendees said:

My family really enjoyed the Buhay Buhay sa Amerika 2nd year Anniversary. The moment I entered the hall, I heard the beautiful Filipino folk music playing. It made me feel right away the Philippine’s atmosphere, which I truly love. Great decorations, very good hosts, amazing entertainment, yummy food, a very heartfelt speech and everyone was smiling. Very talented people were there and I loved looking at Filipino costumes too. May God continue to empower you more and more. Kudos to you and to your wonderful team! - Rakel Bierman 

I feel so blessed to be a niece of wonderful women who work faithfully, tirelessly, selflessly and passionately in order to build foundations and pillars of a loving, peaceful and harmonious community in America. It’s so nice to learn about your amazing love story, Tito (uncle) Noel and Tita (aunt) Rhia, no doubt it is made in heaven. May God continue to bless you and may we be a part of your heavenly works you are doing to create a path of love for future generations. We are so proud of you. More power to your show Buhay Buhay sa Amerika, Tita Rhia Luz. And we are looking forward to more inspiring success stories of our kababayan (countrymen) in America. Thank you for showing us that dreams do come true no matter how big or small as long as it is offered to God and there is a desire to serve others! - Maria Fe Rosene Alarma  (Saudi Arabia)

Mabuhay! It was a great honor to attend and work with Arnell, videographer, as an on-call Red Carpet interviewer… thank you for entrusting me. As well, good job to all who contributed during our collaboration, mingling with a variety from all walks [of life] sharing their culture and experience with Rhia! - Uzzel

Thanks and congratulations to the entire BBSA Committee for putting together such a wonderful, successful event. It was a packed house. Rhia Luz, I know you will continue to flourish and touch many more lives. - Lonnie Rillamas Patubo