Town Fiesta Celebration at HS Lordships, Berkeley

We were at HS Lordships Restaurant in Berkeley last Saturday, June 27 with the Apalitenos of Northern California for the celebration of the annual Apung Iru Festival. 

The Apung Iru Festival is a celebration during the last days of the month of June held in Apalit, Pampanga, a province in the Luzon Island of the Philippines. It is also the feast day of the town's Patron, St. Peter. The local term “Apung Iru” refers to the image of St. Peter. Every year, devotees in the town of Apalit hold a colorful river boat procession or Apung Iru Fluvial Parade (scroll down to see the photo). Devotees and locals celebrate the event as an offering of gratitude. It has been a part of the town's culture and tradition.

For the Apalitenos of Northern California, this day was honored with dinner, dancing, live music, and the photo booth. Ryan, the president of the organization previously secured our service for 4 hours. As we approached the end of the service, he came by the booth to request for an extension of another hour, and explained that the folks enjoyed it so much that they wanted more time. How can we refuse? 

The last portion of the night, and for me personally the highlight of the event, was marked by the procession of guests waving flowers, wearing gold and green tops, dancing in line led by the person carrying the image of St Peter, or Apung Iru. It was truly a site to see! 

Apung Iru river procession. Photo taken in the town of Apalit in the province of Pampanga, Philippines honoring the feast of the town's patron, St. Peter. Photo by: Dexter Bolasoc

The Apalitenos of Northern California celebrating the town fiesta and feast of St. Peter at HS Lordships, Berkeley