Ampalayas, passion fruits, and tomatoes were some of the homegrown fruits and vegetables sold at the Seniors’ Village during the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) in San Pedro, CA.
Seniors’ Village is in charge of the vegetable competition, started 12 years ago by Antonio Ringor, a.k.a. Manong Tony. But a big part of the organization’s mission is to raise awareness among others about Pilipino culture through gardening.
Right outside the tent, against their tables, were posters of vegetable information including talong, kalabasa, patola, and more. Mrs. Ringor created all of these posters.
She says her husband, who studied gardening at UCLA Extension, is very passionate about this way of life. They strive to uplift the Pilipino community’s younger generation, and even created a “bahay kubo” to educate them more on Pilipino culture. Manong Tony is also the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called Diversified Services For Youth And Seniors, Inc.
“We hope to be recognized by our heritage,” Mrs. Ringor said.
The vegetables and fruits sold at Seniors’ Village were locally grown by seniors. Instead of having gardeners sell their own food, Manong Tony and Mrs. Ringor buy the growers’ vegetables first to make it easier for them. Seniors and young volunteers assist the couple in selling the food. The couple then donates their earnings to FilAm Arts after the festival.
A senior volunteer said that the vegetables are grown from a community garden, who pay for just the water. Mrs. Ringor said that they have started teaching younger people to garden also, hoping to sell their vegetables at next year’s FPAC.
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