GIANT SARIMANOK, JEEPNEY AT ROSE PARADE
Manila, Jan. 2, 1998 - A 55-foot Sarimanok and a giant jeepney will represent the Philippines at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses today, with Department of Tourism officials hoping to duplicate last year's phenomenal victory as "Most Beautiful Float from Outside the USA."
The Philippine float, costing a total of $275,000, used only $75,000 of government funds, with the balance shouldered by the Filipino-American community and Forex Cargo in California. Hundreds of Filipino-Americans went to Pasadena to help decorate the float.
The Philippines first participated in the parade last year, at the urging of Filipino-Americans who pointed out to Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor the value of the international exposure it will give our tourism industry.
The first Philippine entry won.
Secretary Gabor, who is in Pasadena for the event, said "the Sarimanok and jeepney will usher in a whole year of revelry on the year of our country's 100th year of independence."
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