"Sumangbaykayo, Apo!"

 

There is no simple English translation of this warm and sincere gesture of an Ilocano welcoming a guest. "My home is open for you. Please come in and feel at home as I receive you with open arms and a humble but gracious soul." And perhaps more than that. It is really hard to verbally describe. It is for the soul to express. 

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This year, APO Hawaii featured the Filipino bahay kubo and traditional Ilocano home artifacts. And, yes, this booth won the "Most Creative and Artistic Cultural Booth" award. Congratulations -- again, APO Hawaii!