Press Release

FACLA
October 14,, 2013

AS PAHM 2nd OFFERING, FACLA FEATURES SMOKEY MOUNTAIN CHILDREN ON OCTOBER 18

Los Angeles—As a second offering for the Pilipino American History Month (PAHM), the Filipino-American Community in Los Angeles (FACLA) in collaboration with MOTHER presents the “Dance of the Poorest, Dance For the Forest” featuring the children who grew up in Smokey Mountain, Philippines on Friday, at 6:00 PM at FACLA, 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

The Smokey Mountain Children’s Group have presented in different places in the United States. They just performed in the San Bruno, Skyline College in Northern California.

During the month of October the Filipino-American community celebrate its particularity called The Pilipino American History Month (PAHM) as a community in the United States .This is in unity with the diverse ethic groups that comprised the great nation, 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. The event will be held in its 48 year old building were FACLA is located today at 1740 W. Temple was built way back in1965.

The Dance of the Poorest, Dance for the Forest

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 30,000 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. Now, Smokey Mountain is no more.

The Philippine government decided to get rid of the garbage 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.

FACLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:
2013-2015

President- Austin Baul Jr.
1st Vice President- Manicito “Fender” Santos
2nd Vice President- Dr. Veronico Agatep
3rd Vice President – Leticia Reyes
Treasurer – Rosalinda Nery
Secretary –Arturo Garcia
Auditor – Aleli Abrigo-Neal

DIRECTORS:

Ben Basilio
Sigfred Balatan
Marc Caratao
Jerome Esguerra
Bernie Ganon
Paul Julian
Arthur Teodosio

OFFICE STAFF:

Office Manager- Claire Julian
Asst. Manager- Concordia Dos Pueblos
Receptionist; Avelina Hall
Isabel Duat

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

Oliver Sulit
Kim Cabanig