Filipino-Americans in Northern California gathered at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA for the 1st Annual Filipino Heritage Game sponsored by the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, October 19.
It was all fun and excitement for the Fil-Ams who attended the game as the Raiders won in overtime, 16-13, against the Brett Favre-led New York Jets courtesy of a Sebastian Janikowski field goal. The Raiders led at halftime, 10-3.
Most of the Fil-Am ticket buyers were located at Sections 331 and 332 of the coliseum. Some had come in as early as 8 am to have their own grilling party and join the many Raiders fans who barbecued away at the coliseum’s parking lot.
For the Fernandez Family of Salinas, CA, coming to the game meant an early drive. The clan got to the coliseum at 9 am and tailgated (football fan term for a barbecue party) in the parking lot prior to the game. The youngest member of the family at the game was 1-year-old Amara, while the oldest was 54-year-old Alex.
“We got the information during a Filipino festival in San Francisco,” said a family member. “We’re very excited to be here.”
The Fernandez clan’s favorite players are Sebastian Janikowski are JaMarcus Russell.
Meanwhile, the tickets purchased online by Wally Ramos, Marie Matienzo and Marvin Ramos were in celebration of Marie’s upcoming birthday on Oct. 29. Their favorite player is rookie running back Darren McFadden who ran for 39 yards and had 3 receptions totaling 50 yards.
“We’ve been here since 8 a.m. We’ve seen a lot of Filipinos [around the coliseum],” Wally told the Asian Journal. “We’re enjoying the game so far.”
At the lower level walkway, Robert Marasigan and Rachelle Pillazar were watching the game while mingling with other Raiders fans near the concession stands.
“We arrived at 10:30 am,” said Robert. “We’ve seen a couple of flags around. I think most of the Pinoys are on the east side of the coliseum,”
The Filipino Heritage Game event featured performances by the Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble at the Bart Plaza, and an awards presentation to Pinay boxer Anna “The Hurricane” Julaton from Consul General Marciano Paynor of the Philippine Consulate General and Filipino American Arts Exposition president Al Perez.
The halftime entertainment featured cheerleading squads from different schools in the area. (www.asianjournal.com)
(Published October 24, 2008 p.A1 NC)
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