“100 Years of Filipinos in Philadelphia” Opened with Multicultural Show

First organized in 1912, the Filipino-American Association of Philadelphia, Inc. (FAAPI) now commemorates “100 Years of Filipinos in Philadelphia” through a series of events organized by FAAPI and partner organizations. Building on the City of Philadelphia’s significant contributions to American history, FAAPI’s special centennial programs in 2012 promote the culture and achievements of Filipinos in Philadelphia.

To kick off “100 Years of Filipinos in Philadelphia,” the Philippine Folk Arts Society, Inc., (PFASI) sponsored a Multicultural Show that drew representatives from Filipino/Asian and other communities to a successful luncheon, dance, performances and fashion show on March 17, 2012. In her remarks, PFASI President Dr. Aida Navidad Rivera highlighted PFASI’s 12-year history of promoting Philippine culture through dance, crafts, education and its signature Rondalla string ensemble. Featured speaker Deputy Consul General Ma.Theresa B. DizonDeVega of New York then linked the history of Filipino Americans to the experiences of diverse immigrant communities of the United States. During PFASI’s colorful multicultural fashion show, spirited models represented cultures and nations from throughout the globe. Earning the highest points awarded by the fashion show’s three judges, Lauren Ouano Yeremian won PFASI’s special judges’ award. Other awards included: elegance – Kim Barroso; enthusiasm – Masuma Ahmed; overall appearance – Virgie Schillingford; stage presence – Luisa Arocena. Guests also enjoyed performances by the Filipino Intercultural Society of Drexel University (FISDU), Pure “Ener J” Line Dancers of the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey (PCSNJ), and a special performance of the PFASI Rondalla string ensemble with FAAPI Maria Clara Madeline Sapiandante.

FAAPI historian and past president Dr. Raymond Soriano clarified how FAAPI’s centennial celebration in 2012 honors Filipino immigrant pioneers such as Agripino Jaucian who began organizing FAAPI in 1912, a time when some 200 Filipinos in the U.S. Navy settled in Philadelphia and paved the way for a vibrant ethnic community to make significant contributions to the region. Dr. Soriano also announced that in light of FAAPI’s ongoing commitment to education, there will be a “FAAPI Centennial Scholarship Award” included in the Asian American Women’s Coalition’s (AAWC) 2012 scholarship program. AAWC co-founder Judge Ida Chen as well as AAWC board members Mary Faustino, Grace Kong and Marife Domingo were recognized at the March 17 event. [All AAWC scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 30, 2012 and may be found on AAWC’s website.

The next FAAPI centennial program will be its “Mother of the Year” event that will honor Mrs. Mela Chatto as 2012 Centennial Mother of the Year on May 20. For sponsorship information and updates on future centennial events, contact rrivera@faapi.org.