WASHINGTON–Mabuhay Inc. is a family-oriented organization aimed at promoting Filipino cultural heritage, as well as engaging in civic work in the Philippines and in the local area. It is celebrating its silver anniversary at the Sheraton Hotel in Calverton, Maryland on August 28.

“It’s not a surprise that Mabuhay, Inc. has endured all these years,” said co-founder Mencie Y. Hairston. “It is very goal-oriented, with a strong core of leaders and members. The work that we undertake touches the lives of our local mainstream communities, the Filipino American community, and communities in the Philippines.”

Ms. Hairston had just finished moderating the group’s panel discussion, about Americans and their adopted Filipino children. Called Talkstory, the discussion was held at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on July 2 in this capital.

Mabuhay is a catch-all greeting like Hawaii’s “Aloha.” Literally, it means “Long live!” The other co-founders are Lulu Alexander, Andrea Guiang, Tina Guiang, Victoria Dubitsky and Ed Atienza. Ms. Alexander served as its first president. Currently, Lita Dialino is its president.

Programs

Since it started, Mabuhay (www.mabuhay.org) has promoted cultural education among its members. Culture School is a weekend program for children as young as 4 and teenagers (up to age 16). Students learn about their Philippine roots, traditions and history, as well as take pride in the contributions of Filipino Americans to this nation.

Camp Mabuhay is an annual summer culture camp that aims to anchor adopted children to their birth culture. Currently, there are three camps: Maryland, Connecticut and Indiana for children adopted from the Philippines.

Mabuhay also supports local communities through projects like “The Neediest Kids.” Its outreach activities include cultural performances by the Mabuhay Dance Group in schools, community centers and nursing homes.

Currently, other officers are Vicky Calizo, vice president; Mely Alcazar treasurer; Rina Concepcion, secretary and Liezl Argente, auditor. Committee chairs: Ways and Means-Alexis Isip; Outreach-John Cabrer; Golden Group–Marissa Wallis; education and culture-Moks Laureles; membership-Manny Lopez, and Youth Group-Philip San Gabriel. Board of Trustees is composed of Ms. Alexander, Jimmy Cardano, Ms. Hairston, Zeny Juanitez and Dr. Esmerando “Bong” Juanitez.