Jersey City Register

Philippine-American Friendship Day Cut Short

The Philippine-American Friendship Day Festival was cut short yesterday (June 29, 2008) due to the storm that started around 230PM. The lingering thunderstorm also spoiled the most awaited Filipino Idol Grand Finals.

It was actually warm yesterday morning and the sun was shining. The thunderstorm forecast appeared to be inaccurate, as the Filipinos walked from Montgomery Street to Exchange Place.

The parade (Montgomery Street, Jersey City). Photo taken by roddyrick.

Then thick clouds began to cover Exchange Place and the rain poured all of the sudden as people ran for cover.

A lady running for cover.

Strong winds toppled tents and booths. Some were unlucky to get wet, and even the guest singer Mig Ayesa was unable to stay dry. Reports said that there a few people got injured because of the fallen tents.

Two more photos and a video if you read the rest…

Despite the bad weather, some teenagers still found joy by dancing in the rain.

Teenagers dancing in the rain.

The thunderstorm temporarily stopped, and some people opted to go home. When the rain resumed, it was decided that the event will be shut down, therefore, canceling the Grand Finals of Filipino Idol.

Filipino Idol Chairperson Hector Magno said that he and PAFCOM (Philippine-American Friendship Committee) will reschedule the event, and hopefully they will arrive with a decision early this week. On my way home, I got the chance to meet Filipino Idol finalist Andy Bello, who came back to check if the event was still on. (He doesn’t want his photo posted )

Young girl showing off her butterfly painting.

Hopefully, next year, the weather won’t be as bad as yesterday. People want to enjoy the Philippine-American Friendship Day.

BONUS:
Below is the 40-second video of the kids dancing in the rain. Enjoy!

Mig Ayesa didn’t want to disappoint his fans, so performed two songs on top of a table. He’s singing “We Will Rock You” in the video below:

Video credit: momarski.

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