LIHU‘E — Rizal Day is a day of mourning for Jose Rizal, considered a national hero in the Philippines, as well as victims of the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines. Rizal’s death by execution is observed on Dec. 30 by Filipinos
Rose Batangan of Rose’s Pinoy Favorites at the Kukui Grove Center coordinated a nearly day-long celebration with historical anecdotes on Rizal, and a variety of song, dance, and prize giveaways at the Kukui Grove food court.
“Rizal Day is a cultural celebration in honor of the Kukui Grove Center’s tenant, Rose’s Pinoy Favorites,” said Melissa McFerrin Warrack, the Kukui Grove specialty leasing and event manager. “More importantly, the Rizal Day celebration marks the end of a year where we were able to successfully celebrate the many cultures of this island despite the COVID-19.”
McFerrin-Warrack’s comments were made relevant as the Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced 142 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday.
“We were able to do this because of the cooperation, understanding, and adjustments by our event presenters, and the community,” McFerrin-Warrack said. “Rizal Day is part of our year-end finale with the final light show taking place. Kukui Grove will close early (by 5 p.m.), Dec. 31, and the shopping center will be closed on Jan. 1 with the exception of several restaurants and businesses.”
Adding to the festivities of song and dance, Rizal Day brought along about 10 businesses and service organizations that offer services to the Filipino people as well as the general public.
“These vendors allow us to do prize giveaways,” Batangan said. “The vendors provide items that we can share with the public.”
Among the vendor lineup, the Department of Health/Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i offered information and information packets on controlling the spread of COVID-19 and its Omicron variant along with a variety of other subjects, including smoking cessation and family and individual well-being.
Rousing cheers stirred the food court as Chanel Josiah of Hawaiian Community Assets asked, “Are you proud to be Filipino?”
Hawaiian Community Assets is waiting on final arrangements before opening its doors at the Kukui Grove Center a kiddie corner inside of Kaua‘i Bakery who were among the vendors offering prize giveaways. Hawaiian Community Assets also introduced themselves to the community by maintaining a much-asked-for gift wrapping station outside its new location during the holiday shopping season.
