This
year Pista sa Nayon is proud to be joined by Jim and Alma Kern as Hermano and
Hermana Mayor for the annual Filipino American community festival. Lending their
time and talents as members and supporters of countless Filipino American
organizations since moving to Washington State in 1988, Jim and Alma Kern embody
the true spirit of Pista and community.Alma's current community involvement includes vice-president of Tahanan, co-chair of the Family Domestic Violence Education Center, president of the Washington-Pangasinan Sister State Association, PRO of the Pangasinan Association of the Pacific Northwest, steering committee member for Sound Transit's Community Development Fund, choir member at her church, commissioner for Asian Pacific American Affairs, boardmember of the Pacific American Empowerment Program (PAEP), and publisher of the Filipino American Herald. This list offers a mere glimpse of the extent of their involvement in the community. It is from recognizing the value of service and giving back that they share their time, talents and energy.
"Giving back and sharing our resources with those who are not as fortunate is important. In the end, we all benefit," Alma said.
Jim and Alma met in Manila, Philippines while Alma was finishing her baccalaureate degree at the University of the Philippines and Jim was serving in the Peace Corps. After a two-year courtship they were married in 1972. They remained in the Philippines until 1974 when they returned to the U.S. to continue their graduate studies and then went on to live in Indonesia. With a desire to return to the U.S. to raise their family and explore opportunities, Jim and Alma soon discovered the natural beauty of Washington State and made it their home. They eventually became entrepreneurs and founded Jade King, Wholesaler and Distributor of Asian/Filipino Foods that serves Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In addition to their community involvement, it is also this business that has allowed them to get to know the community and its members.
"I am amazed at the talent of the professionals that exist among Filipinos in Seattle," said Alma. "I bump into many in every sector, both public and private. I am proud of how driven they are. They simply amaze me."
Like so many in the community, Jim and Alma also recognize the importance of preserving the Filipino cultural heritage for future generations here in the Pacific Northwest.
"We as a community cannot forget our roots, our past," said Alma. "The younger generations, second, third, fourth generations, see themselves more as Americans. It's a natural evolution of being here in the States but they cannot forget where they came from. We must keep reminding them, teaching them through the media, through Pista and other cultural events, about the richness of their history."
"That is why Pista sa Nayon is so important," said Alma. "It is the equalizing force for all generations of Filipinos here. It is a time to enjoy and appreciate our culture in the same venue. I really appreciate the dedication of those behind Pista," Alma continued. "We are so happy and honored to celebrate with everyone.
Jim and Alma Kern are the Hermano and Hermana Mayor for the 13th annual Pista sa Nayon. We salute them for their support and commitment to the success of this year's festival and for their continued leadership in the community.
Written by Cindy Cawaling