Memorial Day Weekend kicked off with the Grand View Parade in Columbus, Ohio. I stayed over my roommate's parents house and was extremely welcome with amazing food and great smiles. Saturday, we sat on the curb and watched the parade. The only march that was worth seeing is the patriotic President Abe on a uni motor bike impressed me. 

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Asian Festival. I am working on a documentary on Asian Americans living on campus and got a chance to experience a festival with different variations of Asian cultures in one park. I met Kristel who is a host at one of the stages at the festival. The Indian costumes will full face paint was surprising. I was actually scared at one point, because of the performer was in character. 

Kristel later invited me to a Filipino Dinner meal. Something I haven't had in a long time. I tried to maintain my professional photojournalism ethics in not taking food, but I can't say no to a Filipino Mother. It doesn't happy that way. The culture is about sharing food no matter the staus of a person. It is not good to piss of an Asian Mom. 

Kristel,right, and her mother, center, live with her aunt and family at a one story house. Kristel is in transition in moving back to the Philippines. "I come back home to Columbus, Ohio to check on my mother," said Kristel.

Almost done! Worked on Project C United Campus Ministry video all day with Ryan Young, sports photographer extraordinaire. We have a few tweaks to change and its ready to go live for voting. Check back May 28 to vote on your favorite non-profit organization on Clicking Create Change. 

Trailer | Project C 2012 from Project C on Vimeo.

Join us the week of Monday, May 28 to learn about four Athens, Ohio nonprofits: the Gathering Place, Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action, Rural Action: Watershed Restoration, and United Campus Ministry.

Vote twice a day for the organization of your choice and our funds will be distributed to each organization accordingly.

Learn - Vote - Share - Volunteer. It's All for Change. It's All for Athens.

www.clickingcreateschange.com

Hot, sticky, harsh, and food. A few words to describe the event on Court Street Saturday, May 19, 2012. These words do not explain the full celebration in Athens, Ohio.  

The 30th International Street Festival was greeted by President McDavis of Ohio University. He expressed his love for the university in uniting the campus with many International associations around the area. He loves the full of exchanging of stories and sharing cultural cuisines. "Lets celebrate, celebrate, celebrate," shouted by President McDavis. 

 Not all the students were there for the street festival. Many of these students were getting ready for 9Fest, another festival off campus that included music and alcohol.  Some of the students are scene purchasing alcohol and dressing for the occasion in a patriotic clothing. The University is avoiding another house burning by increasing police officials around these events. 

 

I stayed majority of my time on court street making sure I covered the street. My favorite part of the festival was the parade itself. It was lovely to see people so proud of their country, waving it proudly in the air. Some people also had their face painted of their nations flag. 

That day, I also met the Filipino American Association. I was happy to see a group of Filipino Americans on the street. I found a little girl dressed in the traditional Maria Clara with her friends. They didn't see all to happy standing around in the hot sun.