(Minghui.org) The Falun Gong group's Divine Land Marching Band performed in the Pistahan Parade in San Francisco on August 13.

The 23^rd Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival, a Filipino cultural festival, was held on August 13 and 14^th and organized by Filipino Arts and Events organization.

The Divine Land Marching Band performs in the 23^rd annual Pistahan Parade.

The Divine Land Marching Band, composed entirely of Falun Gong practitioners, was invited to the event after the Chinese Chamber of Commerce denied the band's application to participate in the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown.

“The Chinese Chamber of Commerce is controlled by the Chinese Communist regime. It's an extension of the persecution of Falun Gong to San Francisco,” said Abraham, the band's director.

One of the event organizers, Mr. Diano Mulimbayan said they had read about Falun Gong and decided to invite the band to perform at the festival.

He was not disappointed. “Falun Gong's performance is great! They are very impressive,” Mulimbayan said. “The music is loud and beautiful, and their uniforms are also very beautiful.”

The Divine Land Marching Band received a certification of appreciation.

Chairwoman of the Filipino Media Club, Esther Chavez thanked the practitioners for their outstanding performance.

Parade spectator Mr. Aldoma Idris said he liked the band's performance. “A melody to my ears. They are very professional. I like [the band] very much!” he said.

Mr. Idris also took a Falun Gong flier and read through it. “I like the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. A very beautiful concept,” he added.

Mr. Chen, a Chinese resident of San Francisco, also had high praise for the band. “I support Falun Gong! They are persecuted in China. We must oppose the Chinese Communist Party's persecution,” he said.