PAMANA
By Ed Escall

The creation of PAMANA in Madison, Wisconsin started from a small gathering of young Filipino men and women newcomers during the early 1980s. To break the monotony of working and studying, they gathered together to learn traditional Philippine dances. In 1984, the dancers, known then as the ‘Sampaguita Dance Troupe’, decided to convert their group into a more organized association of Filipinos. It became what is known today as PAMANA which stands for the “Philippine American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas.”

Throughout the years, PAMANA’s goals have remained steady: to reach out to all Filipinos and their families; to be recognized among the different ethnic groups living in Wisconsin; to participate and volunteer in other community events; to contribute to charitable organizations and provide humanitarian contributions to local and overseas organizations; and to conduct various social gatherings to promote Filipino culture to our future generations.

Since its existence, PAMANA has conducted many community focused projects which include: joining volunteer groups to help the needy; participating in cultural events and celebrations sponsored by the city of Madison; contributing to medical missions in the Philippines; donating to humanitarian efforts to help victims of natural disasters back home; hosting visiting Philippine government officials and dignitaries, including entertainers; conducting educational workshops for Filipino-American children; hosting a Dual Citizenship informative program; conducting periodic social events for fundraising; maintaining a dance troupe to promote Filipino traditions; and last, but not least, exchanging visits and attending Filipino functions in Milwaukee.

PAMANA’s numbers may be as high as 600 in Madison and the surrounding area. Our organization’s primary goal is to continue to hold educational events and social gatherings where we can come together in unity to celebrate our food, dance, and other traditions which keep our heritage alive.

Ed Escall is the President-Elect for 2007-08. Please visit their website,  www.pamana-madison.org to know more about PAMANA.