When Seattle First Flew the Philippine Flag

One of the most spectacular gatherings of Filipinos in the Pacific Northwest will mark the fifth general biennial convention of the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, Inc. of America, to be held in Seattle under the auspices of Burgos Lodge No. 10 from December 23 to December 28. The New Manila Hotel will be the general headquarters for visiting delegates from the different cities. Delegates from the Philippines and Alaska, as well as from other states in the Union, are expected.

Nothing is being spared to make this convention as imposing as it is important. The magnificent auditorium of the Million-Dollar Eagles Building has been engaged for the 24th for the grand reception and ball, and the famous Spanish Ball Room of the Olympic Hotel has been secured for a program and formal ball on the evening of the 27th.

Seattle Mayor Frank Edwards, Chinese Consul Goon Dip, Ex-Judge Jacob J. Kalina, and Mr. Frank [surname illegible], Secretary of the Mutual Business Club of Seattle, will be guests of honor at the Spanish Ball Room program.

The chronological events of the convention are as follows: December 21—Delegates from the different lodges begin to arrive in Seattle. Registration takes place immediately upon arrival at the office of the secretary of the local lodge. Credentials will be required.

December 23—Formal opening of the business session at 9:00 a.m. in Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave. All delegates are strictly asked to be present with all formalities required. The Filipino Navy Band from Bremerton Navy Yard will furnish the musical program for the day; during the noon intermission it will entertain with a concert.

December 24—Meetings during the morning and afternoon. In the evening the following program will be held at the Eagles Auditorium, corner Union and Seventh Avenue: grand reception; grand lodge officers; delegates of lodges; supreme delegates; installation of the newly elected officers of Burgos Lodge No. 10; message from Grand Master Bro. Nazario N. Daza, 31st degree; message from Grand Secretary Bro. Eulogio A. Simon, 32nd degree; informal ball; refreshments.

December 25—Sight-seeing or theatrical party. The delegates will spend most of the day taking in the sights of Seattle and its vicinity.

December 26—Memorial night. Ritualistic services will be held in memory of Bro. Emilio Riego, 3rd degree, who was initiated into the brotherhood on December 12, 1923, and died March 28, 1928.

December 27—Meeting during the forenoon and afternoon. In the evening the following program will be held at the Spanish Ball Room of the Olympic Hotel: banquet and speeches; toast by Bro. Valeriano N. Serusal; piano solo by Miss Hazel Schneider; speech by Hon. Frank Edwards, Mayor; response by Bro. Padre A. Borga; grand formal ball; grand march of delegates and visitors.

December 28—Meeting and general election of the grand lodge officers for the term 1928-1929. December 29—Intermission. December 30—Delegates will attend the [illegible] Day exercises at Bremerton, Wash. December 31—Rizal Day program in Seattle sponsored by the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, Inc., under the auspices of Burgos Lodge No. 10, with the cooperation of all Filipinos.

For the first time in Seattle the Philippine flag will be displayed across Seventh Avenue during the days of the convention. The New Manila Hotel, which is to be used as headquarters for the delegates, has been put into finest shape. The social room and reading room for the delegates have been decorated with portraits of Filipino patriots. The paintings were done by Jose Yumol, a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines.

The convention also announced the officers of Burgos Lodge No. 10 for 1928-1929, headed by Worshipful Chief Bro. V. Sarusal.