The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles and the BANTAY PILIPINAS -USA

INVITE THE PUBLIC TO A TOWN HALL MEETING

A TALAKAYANG BAYAN ON PDAF AND OTHER ISSUES OF THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

What‘s Up with PDAF?

What’s cooking the Pork?

Why: Talakayang Bayan or Community Forum on Filipino/a Issues

When: Thursday, October 3 at 6;30 PM

Where; FACLA Social Hall, 1740 W. Temple St.Los Angeles, CA 90026

Guests; Mike Pryner, Bernardo Bernardo, Arturo P. Garcia and others

Please come on time and discuss the burning issues of our times in the Filipino-American Community.
For more information please call Al [email protected] (213)241-0995 or at (2130484-1527

JFAV UPDATES
September 26, 2013

JFAV DENOUNCES FALSE ANALOGY OF SENATOR TED CRUZ ON BATAAN DEATH MARCH

Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) protests and denounces the false analogy of Senator Ted Cruz of Texas for “comparing his less than 24 hours “Filibustering act” in the halls of Senate to defund Obamacare to the dehumanizing weeks of torture and sufferings of Filipino Veterans in the infamous Bataan Death March to Obama Care”

JFAV’s National Coordinator Arturo Garcia pointed out, “ the heroism of the joint US and Filipino Forces in Bataan cannot be compared to the foolish filibuster of Ted Cruz that is against the interests of the American people including the Filipino-American community, the 2nd largest Asia and minority community in the United States.”

The JFAV also support the call of the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC),in demanding for a public apology from Senator Ted Cruz for false comparison of his less than 24 hours “Filibustering act” in the halls of Senate to defund Obamacare.”

“ Bataan fought despite all odds and delayed the advance of the Japanese fascist hordes in the Pacific for four months and gave the America valuable time to advance to victory in World War.

On the other hand, Cruz is delaying much needed health for all Americans. There is no comparison for vain glory and arrogance of the GOP and the bravery of Filipinos in Bataan that Cruz maligned by his comparison.” Garcia added.

JFAV Supports MHC Calls for Cruz Apology

Garcia further explained, the MHC is right in saying: “What our beloved World War II veterans wanted to hear from Senator Ted Cruz is that he will actively support any pending Senate Bill or initiate one for our heroes for them to have closure of their more than than 66 years of struggle demanding from Congress the same full pension benefits and compensation received by their American counterparts.

Cruz should not to use the historical event of Bataan Death March for his own cheap political gimmickry in his campaign to defund Obamacare, Arnedo S. Valera, Co-Executive , Director Migrant Heritage Commission said.

“His less than 24 hours standing delivering his attack on Obama care is political grandstanding and cheap gimmickry and not torture. Senator Cruz does not have the slightest idea of the torture and sufferings of our World War II veterans in Bataan Death March. It is a grave insult to the national dignity and a degradation of the heroic services of our war veterans”, Valera added.

“Senator Ted Cruz should meet with—and apologize to –Filipino Veterans for his despicable, disingenuous Bataan Death March allusion. He should be seeking justice for Filipino Veterans not cheap political tricks for himself.” the MHC stated in which JFAV concurred.

For more information please call jfav at (213) 241-0995 or email us [email protected]

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September 26, 2013

FACLA FEATURES SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHILDREN ON OCTOBER 18.

Los Angeles—Filipino-American community in Los Angeles marks the Pilipino-American History Month by presenting the “Dance of the Poorest, Dance For the Forest” featuring the children who grew up in Smokey Mountain, Philippinesom Friday, at 6:00 PM at FACLA, 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

The feature presentation is sponsored by the MOTHER Movement and the FACLA.

Every October the Filipino-American community celebrate its particularity called The Plipino American History Month (PAHM) as a community in the United States in unity with the diverse ethic groups that comprised the United States of America.

FACLA. The oldest and the still existing nonprofit organization in California was organized by a group of farm workers in Los Angeles on April 26, 1945.

Its 48 year old building were FACLA is located today at 1740 W. Temple was built way back in1965.

The Dance of the Poorest

By presenting the feature show “Dance of the Poorest, Dance for the Forest” FACLA assumes its role as a cultural center for the Filipino-American community and enhances its role in promoting Filipno culture and the children of Smokey Mountain.

Smokey Mountain referred to the dumpsite in Tondo Manila where the poorest of the poor lived and made a living out of the garbage dump near Manila Bay.

It was called as such because of the mountain of garbage and the smoke that comes out from constant burning of garbage in the area.

The Philippine government decided to get rid of the ragbage dump and eye sore during the administration of Fidel Ramos but the garbage dump was just transferred inland in Payatas, Quezon City. An affordable housing center was built in place of the “Smokey Mountain.”

For more information please call FACLA at (213)484-1527 for more information or email us at [email protected] or visit our website at newfacla.org.

JFAV UPDATES
September 22, 2013

FilAm Vets Oppose NaFFAA’s Statement on Vets Claims

Los Angeles—“It is very hypocritical for an organization to praise the President for an act that continually denied veterans and survivors complete recognition and benefits,” said Arturo Garcia, national coordinator of Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) in reaction to a statement by the National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA).

NaFFAA’s Chairman Ed Navarra thanked President Obama for directing the API Inter-Agency Group to address the issue of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) claims. Navarra also gloated the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) review of claims that have been rejected because of eligibility issues.

NaFFAA Excludes 24,000 Filvets denied claims

“By accepting that only 4,000 Filipino veterans deserve review for their claims, Navarra had toed the DVA anti-Filipino veterans line and consigned the more than 24, 000 Filipino veterans claims to oblivion,’ Garcia said.

Of the 40,000 who applied for benefits when the FVEC was approved in 2009, more than 24,000 were denied by the DVA due to issues in documents.

Garcia furthered criticized NaFFAA when Navarra said, “We are hoping for legislative remedy.” “NaFFA did not lift a finger to support the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011 and 2013 and now they claim to support legislative effort,” Garcia said.

“It is but stomach churning to say that Obama’s visit to the Philippines ‘coincides with the Filipino American history month’ when Obama perpetuates the systemic racism that happens right now.”

Since 1946, the US Congress still does not recognize the US military service of the 250,000 Filipino veterans who fought side by side with Americans to defend an American territory in Asia during WW II.

Out of the Allied 66 nationalities who served, the Filipinos were singled out not to receive full benefits as American veterans.

For more information please contact JFAV at (213)241-0995 or email at [email protected]

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Press Release
Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA0
September 22, 2013

FACLA JOINED 39th UBLA OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA FIESTA, A SUCCESS

Los Angeles – “Viva La Virgen De Penafrancia! Mabuhay ang Mahal na Ina! ”
The 39th United Bicolandia of Los Angeles (UBLA) held its 39th year fiesta in Lincoln Park, Los Angeles. The feast was held in Lincoln Park at the Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles attended by more than 3,000 Bicolanos representing different provinces of the Bicol region.

They came in thousands from all over California. Bicolanos and guests ,venerating the Our Lady of Penafrancia came with flowers and prayers orderly in a procession and watched the fluvial parade of bright red boats as it round up the lake, shouting with adulation; Viva La Virgen De Penafrancia! Mabuhay ang Mahal na Ina!

FACLA Participates in the Penafrancis Fiesta 2013

The Filipino-American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) or the New FACLA Dance Troupe participated in the program and gave two dances.

It was led by FACLA Director Bernie Targa-Ganon and Rey Ganon. Bernie is also a native of Sorsogon also served free food and materials at their booth .

FACLA also participated in the procession that was led by no other than Consul General Hellen B.De La Vega and Deputy Consul Dan Espiritu who hails from Naga City. Auxillary Bishop of LA, and San Pedro Region,Msgr. Oscar Solis and the hosts, UBLA president Nany Enriquez and past president Zeny Zabocor.
Concelebrated Mass

After the early morning novena, procession and the traditional fluvial parade around the lake, Bishop Oscar Solis of the San Pedro Region and Fr. Rodel Balagtas presided the concelebrated a mass for Our Lady of Penafrancia bedecked with gold.

And the then the fun mass eating for all, the traditional practice of the”Caridad” or the Charity followed as every Bicol organizations’ booths served free food and refreshments to the thousands of multi-ethnic devotees.

Ms. Bernie Ganon from Sorsogon said,“ This was the third year that the Fiesta of Penafrancia was held in Lincoln Heights. For almost 39 years, the fiesta was held traditionally in Echo Park.

The UBLA transferred the fiesta festivities in Lincoln Park when Echo Park was closed for repairs two years ago.” Bernie Targa-Ganon of the New FACLA Dance Troupe who also served food and presented during the program explained when she was interviewed by this writer.

Will the Fiesta Be Back in Echo Park?

Meanwhile former UBLA President Zeny Zabocor said, “ We might be back in Echo Park next year. We will see.” When asked by this writer why, Ms Zabocor explained, “Some of our members want it to be here.”

Echo Park, is a tourist attraction is in Historic Pilipinotown. It also where the annual Asian Lotus Festival is held attended by more than 60,000 people. It just opened last July 15 after more than 10 million dollars renovation.

On the other hand, Lincoln Park also boast of a lake is bigger and more rustic than the modern Echo Park with more parking and simplicity that attracts the Bicolanos.

Let us see where the Fiesta De Penefrancia will be held next year, 2014.

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KNA News
September 19, 2013

WELCOME TO THE U.S, THE FILIPINO LAKATAN!

By Arturo P. Garcia

LOS ANGELES—Welcome to the United States, Filipino Banana- The Lakatan!

With this warm greetings and great pride, the Filipino American community welcomed to the US market the highland Cavendish bananas from Bukidnon, also known in Filipino- the Lakatan.

The banana Lakatan with its distinctive orange color will hit selected stores here this weekend.

The Bukidnon bananas, marketed under Dole’s Sweetio brand, will be available at Gelsons stores in Encino, Century City, Tarzana, Newport Beach, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, West Hollywood and Hollywood and in the Walmart stores in Baldwin Park, Corona and City of Industry, according to the Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a subsidiary of Dole Food Co. Inc.

Banana Trade Politics

“For us to successfully penetrate the highly competitive US banana market, we need to show that there is a strong demand for highland Cavendish from the Philippines,” Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. said in a statement.

According to a Philippine newspapers, “ the Philippines became the first Asian country to export bananas to the United States when 7 metric tons of the Bukidnon bananas arrived at the Port of Long Beach on Sept. 9. It was part of the estimated 3,000 metric tons that the US plans to import from the Philippines this year.”

Philippine bananas were rejected and were not allowed by the People’s Republic of China the height of its border problems with the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal last year. A lot banana exports to China was rotten due to China’s restrictions on the Philippine bananas.

In a sign of concessions and to even up the loss of banana trade with China, the United States allowed the Philippine bananas into the country.

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KONSULADANG PANLAHAT NG PILIPINA
LOS ANGELES

IMMEDIATE

06 September 2013

Dear Sir,

This is to acknowledge with appreciation receipt of your letter dated 29 August 2013, which was personally handed to me by Mr. Art Garcia, regarding the decision of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) to donate their US$ 1803.67 share of the proceeds from the Philippine Independence Parade in June this year to the victims of Thypoon Maring that struck the Philippines last month.

I appreciate your thoughtful and considerate gesture of dedicating said money to the calamity victims instead of planned donation for the proposed Centro Rizal at FACLA.

I announced FACLA’s initiative during the commemoration of Buwan ng Wika at the Consulate on 30 August 2013, and was favorably by our guests that evening.

May almighty reward FACLA officers, members and supporters for this wonderful show of compassion and generosity, a faithful and genuine demonstration by FACLA of its concern for the Motherland.

Mabuhay ang FACLA!

Very Truly Yours,

Ma. Hellen B.De La Vega
Consul General

Press Release

Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA)

September 02, 2013

FACLA DONATES SHARES TO “HABAGAT” FLOOD VICTIMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Los Angeles—The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) generously donated its $ 1, 800.00 shares during the First Historic Filipinotown Philippine Independence Day Grand Parade last June8 to the flood victims of the “Habagat” storm in the Philippines during the “Buwan ng Wika” affair at the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles last August 30, 2013

FACLA’s donation to the flood victims worth $ 1, 800 was announced by the Consul General Hellen Dela Vega on an awarding ceremonies at the Consulate during the “Balagtasan” program. Three historic Filipinotown organizations were awarded their shares from the Parade and Kalayaan Fair held last June 8, 2013 at Historic Filipinotown.

FACLA’s Donation to Habagat Victims

FACLA Board Secretary Arturo P. Garcia personally delivered FACLA’s President Austin Baul Jr.’s letter dated August 29, 2013to the Consul General, The August 29 letter said in part:

“On behalf of FACLA, I extend our profound thanks for the help you are giving by means of donation to the proposed Centro Rizal to be constructed in the FACLA Building.

Due to the present building development project in FACLA that we are undertaking , we saw it fit that your donation to the proposed Centro Rizal be channeled to solve a more pressing problem- to the victims of the present calamities in the Philippines.”

With FACLA’s the donated shares, the donations to the flood victims was doubled to $ 3,600. The Philippines was hit by floods caused by the Southwesterly Winds (Habagat) rain storms that caused dislocations to more than 600,000 people last August.

FACLA’s President Baul also said: “ We feel the construction of Centro Rizal can wait but rest assured it will be built as it is included in the overall design of the future community center which the development is being undertaken.”

FACLA’s Project TAWID-BAHA

Since 2009, FACLA is the Consulate partner in its disaster and calamities mitigation relief efforts .FACLA established a disaster relief fund during the Baldonado administration and was coursed to the Ph Consulate during the Thypoon Ondoy.

At present, the new FACLA administration has established its disaster relief fund for the calamities and flood victims in the Philippines called PROJECT TAWID-BAHA. The project coordinator for FACLA is DirectorJerry Esguerra.

FACLA is conducting fundraiser events for PROJECT TAWID-BAHA this September 21, 1013 at FACLA and a benefit dance on November 22. Watch out for new announcements.

Organizations and individuals who are interested to donate to this FACLA’s project can call (213) 484-1527 or contact Director Jerry Esguerra, TAWID –BAHA PROJECT at (818)749-0292 You can also email us at [email protected] or visit our website at newfacla.org.