HiFi Parol Parade and Holiday Traditions at SIPA

2023 is the first holiday season at the new SIPA HQ in HiFi Collective. The festivities kicked off with the 16th annual Historic Filipinotown Parol Parade.

Executive Director of SIPA, Kimmy Maniquis, was interviewed on TFC News about her first time involved in the parade.

“For a sweet 16th year, the streets of Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown was closed to bring in the Christmas Spirit in Filipino style with the annual Parol or lantern parade.

"It's time for us to shine," said Cecil Ramos, a member of the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council. "We are in America we also can close the street."

Dozens of cars decked out in parols and bright lights, and blared out holiday music as they made their way through the town.

Participants and revelers also shared that they felt the holiday cheer.

Those who joined the festivities admired Filipino landmarks along the way, including Historic Filipinotown’s archway.

"This is the first time I’m doing it," said Kimmy Maniquis, executive director of the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans.

She added: "It’s really fun. We get to visit our old spots also go by the new SIPA for the first time which is really exciting so it's a big celebration for all of us."

And no matter what kind of vehicle or what kind of decor they sported, Filipinos in this community were united in ushering in the Christmas season.”

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The SIPA toy drive was a great success this year serving 89 families and 143 people from across Los Angeles!

The annual toy giveaway benefits a wide range of communities. This year we highlighted the wish lists of teens in the community, who are often overlooked when it comes to holiday resource drives. In addition to toy distribution, the event included grocery distribution, family holiday photos by MarKing, hot meal service from HiFi Kitchen, community organization resource booths from our community partners, and Christmas singalongs, DJs, magician, and other entertainment.