Los Angeles District 13 Councilor Mitch O’Farrell gave FACLA, through its President, Austin “Jun” Baul, a Letter of Commendation, signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and himself.

NEW FACLA NEWS
April 28, 2014

FACLA CELEBRATES 69th YEAR ANNIVERSARY, CROWNS MS. AND MS TEEN FACLA

Los Angeles—FACLA’s 69th Anniversary celebration was a smashing success!

Hundreds of Filipino-American community leaders, residents, dignitaries and guests celebrated the sixty ninth anniversary of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) last Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles with a dinner and dance party.

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. said, “ who will think that 69 years ago, the organization that was formed by three farm worker men and a woman Petra Hernandez will grow like what is today, a resilient, growing and steadfast community organization representing the Filipino-American interests.”

Media observers and guests that the crowd in the 69th year dinner and dance party was the biggest attendance so far for FACLA’s anniversary celebrations.

Guests Lauds FACLA Achievements

Pastor Benny Aranas of the Lord of Harvest gave the invocation that opened the program.

Council District member for CD 13 Mitch O’Farrell who made a surprise visit at FACLA paid tribute to FACLA. He said, “ FACLA remained firm and grew despite all its problems and maintained its integrity and dignity as the oldest Filipino-American organization. I wish you all the success.”

He presented a certificate of recogntion signed by himself and Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti. He read the certificate and gave it to FACLA president Austin Baul Jr.

The newly arrived Philippine Consul General to LA, Leo Herrera Lim, the former Consul General in Chicago, Illinois for six years, on his first foray into the Historic Filipinotown community was introduced by FACLA director Dr. Marc Caratao.

Consul General Lim said, “Your consulate is your partner in the community Please do not look at us as a patron but your servants.

He also said, “Be rest assured your are welcome to talk to us, come to the consulate and consult us and make us as your partner in building our community’

Ms.FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA 2014 Crowned.

The night of celebration as capped with the last canvassing of the Search for Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA . After the last cnavasing, the winner were announced by the Search Committee.

The winners for Ms. FACLA was Ms. Monet A. Marual while the Ms. Teen FACLA was Ms. Jasmine Morada.

The other winners for Ms. FACLA were Ms Emette underwood as Ms. Luzon, Ms.Cora Miller as Ms. Visayas, Ms. Priscilla Montero as Ms. Mindanao and Ms. Donna Canarez as Ms. Manila.

Winners for Ms. Teen FACLA were Ms.Mary Banawa as Ms. Justice and Ms. Caroline Jimenez as Ms. Charity.

Ms. Jovy Alejandrino, the Tagalog poetess of Historic Filipinotown recited a poem in honor of the winners while press photographers feasted on the newly crowned beauties of FACLA. Atty Roman Mosqueda danced with his equally vivacious partner in an exciting dance number that brought the house down.

The former Ms. Teen FACLA 2013, Ms..Stephanie Uy and Charlie Pura and former Mrs. FACLA 2013 winners; Lilia Guapa Lao ,Marilyn Ranchez and Terry Abdon crowned the winners of Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA 2014.

Maestro Buddy Reyes and his band played the music and the sumptuous dinner and the dancing went on through the night.

For more information about cultural events at FACLA, please contact Clarita Julian of FACLA or Bernie-Targa Ganon at (213)484-1527. Or please email us at [email protected]

NEW FACLA NEWS
April 26, 2014

ALL SET FOR THE 69th FACLA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, April 26, 2014

Los Angeles—Everthing is set for the sixty ninth (69) Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) anniversary, today Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 6:00 in the evening.

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. announced the 69th FACLA anniversary celebrations to be held today, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the FACLA Social Hall at 6:00 PM. There will also be a dinner/dance party with Buddy Reyes and his band playing.

The night of celebration will be capped with the last canvassing of the Search for Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA , the announcement for Ms. Talent Contest that was held last April 20 during the 2nd canvassing and the coronation of the winners.

Guests of Honor

Confirmed guest of honor is the incoming Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles, Hon. Leo Herrera Lim who will grace FACLA’s 69th Anniversary. Also invited were Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, the first Filipino-American Mayor of the City of Cerritos and City Councilmember of District 13, Mitch O’Farrel.

FACLA was founded by four farm workers ( three men and a woman) in April 26, 1945. The FACLA building was built afterwards in 1965. Since then, FACLA championed the interests and work for the empowerment of the Filipino-American community.

Coronation Night

The 2nd canvassing for Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA was held last Saturday, April 20, 2014. According to FACLA Director Bernie Ganon, besides the 2nd canvassing, the search for Ms. Talent was also be held at the event.

The result of the Ms. Talent will also be announced today, April 26 with the results of the last canvassing and the winners for Ms FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA.

The winners will be crowned at the dinner-dance party with Maestro Buddy Reyes and his band performing.

The public is invited to the 69th FACLA anniversary dinner and dance party and the coronation night. Tickets for the dinner –dance is only for $ 10.00 and are available at the door.

For more information about this cultural event at FACLA, please contact Clarita Julian of FACLA or Bernie-Targa Ganon at (213)484-1527. Or please email us at [email protected]

EPCC NEWS
April 26, 2014

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

By the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) and BANTAY –PILIPINAS-USA

The elections at Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) was held last April 12, 2014.

The turn-out of voters was one of the lowest in its 14 years history. Only 500 people voted during the GEPENC elections.

Besides the low turn-out of voters, a more serious problem rear its ugly head during the GEPENC elections

Why is there an apparent efforts to marginalize the Filipino-American community in the GEPENC 2014 Elections ?

We may have these answers for you:

1. The former GEPENC Board (2012-2013) changed the rules without even informing the public. They remove the voting by absentee ballot thus denying a lot of Fil-Am senior citizens their opportunity to vote.

This was a time honored tradition since the GEPENC held its first election last 2001. Why the change? Is it because some members of the GEPENC leadership and some politicians in the district fear the Filipino-American community?

They know that the Filipino-American community is active in the political process and they device ways to clip the emerging political empowerment of the Filipino community particularly in District 5 or the Historic Filipinotown district and District 13.

2.Another step to marginalize the Filipino-American community, they changed the definition of ‘ a stakeholder” sowing confusing on the stakeholders. The GEPENC required a “stakeholder to live or work in district 5”. They specifically declared FACLA members can only vote for a FACLA member.

A change they did not publicized in the community creating confusion among FACLA members and everybody else. It was good that somebody raised this question in the last GEPNC candidates forum and DONE representative was force to change the rules and remarked, “they will even honor a gym card.”

3.. What is more revealing is the letter from the former GEPENC treasurer Connie Acosta tells about something that is going on. Let’s read it:

“Terrence,

What person at DONE sent you Jose’s (Sigala’s withdrawal on Friday, March 24) as you stated in your email, when I knew about his Election’s withdrawal on March 25th.

Whomever was working at DONE and accepted the withdrawal form forgot that this was an important election to the stakeholders of our community. As a result, this only brought confusion to Echo Park and people are now more separate than before.

Even in your disorganization, by Friday, once you knew that Jose was not running, you could have crossed out Jose’s name on Saturday morning before the elections so not to mislead the stakeholders.

See a copy of the email sent to [email protected]

Sincerely,
Connie.”

***

4. The last and the worst is that there was no Filipino-American who speaks and can interpret or translate in the poll machinery of Empower LA that conducted the elections.

Instead the poll clerks were former GEPENC officers and the bad thing is that they were extra cautious and to the point of harassing Filipino-American seniors menacingly asking for ID cards.

Mrs. Jovy Alejandrino, an 86 senior and a member of FACLA remarked; : ” I see this as racial discrimination. There was no Filipino-speaking poll clerk and they are harassing us.”

We are calling the attention of the City Mayor, Our Councilman Mitch O’ Farrell and the Department of Neighborhood and Empowerment (DONE) on this matter.

Is the DONE now becoming an agency of racial discrimination and disempowerment? Is DONE becoming a tool of politicking and vested interests/

So, it begs the question, why were we marginalized at the 2014 elections in GEPENC?

It’s easy to see. The former GEPENC Board change the rules without even informing the public. They remove the voting by absentee ballot thus denying a lot of Fil-Am senior citizens to vote. Another thing, they changed the definition of ‘ a stakeholder” sowing confusing on the stakeholders.

It’s all tantamount to marginalizing and discriminating against the Filipino-American community.

Thus we have another GEPENC elections with the lowest turn-out. Only 500 people voted this GEPENC elections But we were able to put up a good fight.

No to the marginalization of the Filipino-American Community!

Fight for community empowerment!

****

NEW FACLA NEWS
April 24, 2014

NO TO US BASES IN PH WINS STRAW VOTE AT TALAKAYAN SA FACLA,
MANY FIL-AM LEADERS OPPOSE NAPOLES AS “STATE WITNESS.”

Los Angeles—After a passionate debate among Filipino-leaders at the TALAKAYAN SA FACLA, the advocates against US bases in the Philippines won over those who said yes for US bases in the country.

On-line journalist Sid Balatan called for a straw vote just to gauge the feeling of the Filipino American leaders on the issue of the proposed new agreement on the access of the US military of the military bases in the Philippines.

The US bases were discussed due to the forthcoming visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines were the new Access Agreement of the US military to the Philippines will be signed.

No to US Bases in the Philippines

Dr. Leo Pandac, the president of the Historic Filipinotown Rotary Club and Alliance leader Art Garcia led the No votes while journalist Larry Pelayo and Dr. Vic Agatep led the Yes votes.

On the discussions, Dr. Marc Caratao and Agatep argued “ the US military presence and their bases will serve as a deterrent to China’s active threat to Philippine territories like the Kalayaan Islands”.

On the other hand, Lino Brutas of FRICALA said, “ China has the temerity to threaten the Philippines because they know that there are no US bases in the Philippines and we are weak.”

On the other hand, Dr. Orly Cagampan argued that the US bases would serve as a magnet to US enemies like China to conduct nuclear attack to the Philippines. Art Garcia on the other hand pointed out that, “Its time for the Philippines to be self-reliant and fend for itself and not be dependent on the American umbrella.

At the end of the discussion journalist Sid Balatan and Larry Pelayo remarked, “ that even in the United States, Filipinos are still nationalistic and are highly patriotic and do not want US bases in the homeland.”

NO to Napoles as a “State Witness”

On the subject of the DOJ proposal to make perceived PDAF scam mastermind Janet Napoles as a state witness, Historic Filipinotown Chamber of Commerce leader George Prado said, “the Philippine Justice system will suffer if Napoles becomes a state witness. Justice in the Philippines will lose its credibility.”

On the other hand, Marc Caratao questioned, “Does Napoles meets the requirements of a state witness? If the DOJ continues with its line of favoring Napoles I can say, they have a different agenda. Especially the 2016 elections is coming.

Meanwhile Dr. Cagampan questioned the list purportedly given by Napoles to former Senator Ping Lacson. He also said, “ we all know that Lacson is an” attack dog of Enrile “according to Senator Miriam Defensor- Santiago, why will we believe him?”

Businessman Tommy Jones said, “I wonder why everybody is talking about the Napoles case when it is already in court. It think that is what is wrong with the Philippines. Everybody talks and the people are confused.”

Dr. Pandac on other hand said, “ let us presume everybody is innocent until proven guilty by the court. The Senate investigations are only made in aid of legislation. Therefore the DOJ statements are all for grandstanding because the case is not yet on the docks.”

The TALAKAYAN ended well despite the heated discussions at times. The TALAKAYAN also thanked the food donors, Larry Pelayo, Dr Orly Cagampan and FACLA for their donations.

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

****

Komunidad
April 23, 2014

ISINABUHAY NG MGA PILIPINO ANG TRADISYONG PABASA SA AMERIKA

By Arturo P. Garcia

Bilang paglilIingkod bayan ng Filipino American Community of Los Angeles inc. o ng (FACLA) sa panahon ng Kuaresma o Mahal na Araw, idinaos ng ng FACLA ang dalawang araw na pabasa ng PABASA ANG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO.

Mahigit na 30 tao ang lumahok sa PABASA SA FACLA ng may 213 pahinang aklat ng PASYON sa loob ng dalawang araw noong Abril 16 at 17, 2014 sa Social hall ng FACLA.

Para sa komunidad ng mga Pilipino-Amerikano sa LA ang pagsasabuhay ng gawing ito mula sa Pilipinas ay lubhang makabuluhan at gawaing makabayan. Isa itong matagumpay na pagdidiriwang ng Mahal na Araw,

Kasaysayan ng PABASA

Ang pabasa ay anging tadisyon ng Pilipinas mula ng sakupin ng mga Kastila ang ating bayan. Ginamit nila ang tradisyong pakanta ng mga Pilipino upang palaganapin ang Katolisimo sa loob ng kanilang 333 taong pananakop.

Ginamit ng mga KAstila ang istorya ng pasyon ni Kristo sa paggamit ng wikang nakasulat nating BAYBAYIN at nang malaganap na ito, unti-unti nilang inalis ang nakasulat na wikang BAYBAYIN at sa halip isinalin nila ito sa wikang Kastila gamit ang ABAKDA o anglisadong Pilipino .Dahil ditto mabisa nilang naalis ang BAYBAYIN bilang isang nakasalat na wika at naplitan ito bagamt nanatiling isang sinasalitang wika ang BAYBAYIN..

DAhil ditto, hindi inaasahan ng mga Kastila na sa kabila ng pagkawal ng BAYBAYIN bilang isang sinasalitang wika, pumaloob naman sa iba’t ibang wikang Pilipino ang mga salitang Kastila. Nagsilibi toing mga salitang hiram na nagpayamin sa ating pambansang wika- ang Pilipino, na ibinatay sa Tagalog.

Dahil mayaman ang iba’t ibang tribo sa Pilipinas sa inawit na tradisyong oral tulad ng DALLOT at DAN-DANIW ng Ilocos at Cordillera, PUNI ( sa Pampanga o ng mga Kapampangan), KUNDIMAN at KUDYAPI ng Katagalugan, dahil dito ,lalo pang yumaman at napanitili ang mga tradisyong ito sa ating bayan.

Ang mga probinsya ng Katagalugan tulad ng Bulacan at Batangas gayundin ng Pampanga ang mga pinakasugid na nagpanatili ng tradisyong magdaos ng PABASA sa kanilang mga pamilya at bayan at dinala pa nila ang tradisyong ito sa Amerika.

Ang mga pormang ito ay pinayaman pa ng mga ibang pormang pangtanhal tulad ng DUPLUHAN, SARSUERLA, MORO-MORO at ng PABASA o ng PASYON noong panahon ng Kastila at ng mga Amerikano, magpahanggang ngayon.

Bakit Nanatili ang Tradisyon?

Bakit nanatili ang tradisyong pabasa sa Pilipinas sa loob ng mahigit na 450 taon? Ito ba ay dfahil malakas ang simbahang Katoliko sa Pilipinas? O dahil ito ay isang bagay na kulutral?

Ang sagot ay hindi. Tulad ng komunidad ng mga African-American sa Amerika, ang mga Pilipino, tulad ng lahat ng baying nasakop ng panginoong dayuhan, ay nagkaroon ng malalim na pagnanasang lumaya t ipinahayag nila itp sa kanilang pambansang kultura. At isa na rito ay ang PABASA ng PASYON. Ang PABASA ay nagging isang protesta nila laban sa pananakop ng mga Kastila at ng mga Amerikano.

Katulad ng bansang Hudyo ng sila ay masakop ng mga Romano, ginamit nla ang kanilang paniniwala laban sa mgas dayuhan upang manatiling nagkakaisa at ipahayag ang kanilang pag-asang lalaya din sila sa pangaapi ng mga dayuhan. Isinabuhay nila ito sa kanilang mga awit, salmo at iba pang paniniwala, kaya lumaganap at nanatili ang kanilang paniniwala dahil dito.

Sa Pilipinas,kahit na nagapi ang mga Pilipino sa Digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano noong 1899-1916, ang gma relihiyosong grupo tulad ng Santa Iglesia sa Norte at nila Papa isio sa Kabisayaan ay nagpatuloy na lumaban sa mga Amerikano. Pinaglahok nila ang pagmamahal sa bayan at ang kanilang paniniwala sa diyos.

Salamat sa mga lumahok sa PABASA

Mahigit 20 taon ang nagbasa sa PABASA sa long ng dawlang araw sa loob ng mahigit sampung oras at kalahati mula noong Abril 16 hanggang Abril 17. Walang nagging PABASA noong Bieyernes Santo, Abril 18.

Pinasalamat ni Austin Baul Jr, Presidente ng FACLA ang lahat ng lumahok sa PABASA. Sila ay nagdala ng pagkain, nagbasa, tumulong sa PABASA, kumuha ng litrato at naglinis sa FACLA sa panahon ng PABASA.

Ang mga lumahok sa PABASA.

Noong Miyerkoles Santo, Abril 16; Teresa Viray, Larry Pelayo, Art Garcia, Rudy Vallejo, Bernie Ganon, Marc Carato, Austin Baul Jr, Lorie Lee, Elisa Rosario ang mga nagsiba sa ng PASYON.

Noong Huwebes Santo, Abril17: Teresita Orcini, Aida Dy, Lagrimas Yumul, Caridad Pascua, Avelina Hall, Larry Pelayo, Marc Caratao, Austin Baul Jr, Cecile Pante, Mon Pante, Lorie Lee, Teresa Viray, Cora Miller, Rudy Vallejo, Jasmine Morada, Rey Ganon, Bernie Ganon and Art Garcia.

Ang mga hindi nagbasa ngunit tumulong sa FACLA sina: Sid Balatan, Miriam Balatan, Paul Julian, Clarita Julian, Nila Jamias, Linda Nery, Rene Villaroman, Jun Dos Pueblos, Concordia Dos Pueblos, Fender Santos, Danny Adlawan, David Garcia at Jen Morada

Kulang ang Paglahok ng mga Kabataan

Nakalulungkot lamang na kulang at kakaunti ang mga kabataang Pilipino na dumalo sa PABASA. Marahil dahil hindi nila alam o hindi sila interesado. Lubos itong kaunaunawa dahil mas nalululong ang maraming kabataan sa porma at hindi sa esensya ng mga bagay na kultural.

Mas mahilgi sila sa mga tattoo, hip-hop at labas dito ang PABASA na sa kanilang pakiwari ay isang bagay na relhiyoso. Patunay lang may “cultura; gap” o pagitan ang mga bagay na luma at bago. ISAng natural na hadlang sa pag-unawa sa mga tradisyong Pilipino.

Ngunit sa kabila nitp, isa na naming patunay na ang tradisyong ito sa Kulturang Pilipino ay nanatili at mananatili sa loob ng mahigit na 450 taon. Ang pagsasabuhay nito ay isangmakabayang tungkulin, hindi lamang isang bahagi ng ating relihiyon. Patunay ng maruddob na pgamamahal ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang bayan at kutura.

HAPPY EASTER O MALIGAYANG PASKO NG MULING PAGKABUHAY SA LAHAT!

***

NEW FACLA NEWS
April 22, 2014

ALL SET AND GO FOR THE 69th FACLA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, April 26, 2014

Los Angeles—It’s all set and go for the sixtyninth (69) Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) anniversary on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. announced the 69th FACLA anniversary celebrations to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the FACLA Social Hall at 6:00 PM. There will also be a dinner/dance party with Buddy Reyes and his band playing.

The night of celebration will be capped with the last canvassing of the Search for Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA , the announcement for Ms. Talent Contest that was held last April 20 during the 2nd canvassing and the coronation of the winners.

Invited Guests of Honor

Confirmed guest of honor is the incoming Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles, Hon. Leo Herrera Lim who will grace FACLA’s 69th Anniversary.

Also invited were Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, the first Filipino-American Mayor of the City of Cerritos and City Councilmember of District 13, Mitch O’Farrell.

FACLA was founded by four farm workers ( three men and a woman) in April 26, 1945. The FACLA building was built afterwards in 1965. Since then, FACLA championed the interests and worked for the empowerment of the Filipino-American community.

Last Canvassing for Ms.FACLA and Ms Teen FACLA

The 2nd canvassing for Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA was held last Saturday, April 20, 2014. According to FACLA Director Bernie Ganon,also the Chair of Ms. FACLA /Ms. Teen FACLA Search Committee, besides the 2nd canvassing, the search for Ms. Talent was also held on the event.

The result of the Ms. Talent will also be announced on April 26 with the results of the last canvassing and the winners for Ms FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA.

The public is invited to the 69th FACLA anniversary dinner and dance party and the coronation night. Tickets for the dinner –dance is only for $ 10.00 and are available at the door.

For more information about this cultural event at FACLA, please contact Clarita Julian of FACLA or Bernie-Targa Ganon at (213)484-1527. Or please email us at [email protected]

***

Komunidad
April 20, 2014

RELIVING THE FILIPINO TRADITION OF “PABASA” IN THE UNITED STATES

By Arturo P. Garcia

In a public service feature of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) on the Christian dome celebration of Holy Week, FACLA did the the two days of the Filipino tradition of the PABASA ANG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO or the singing oral tradition of the Philippines during the Holy WEEK.

More than 30 people joined in singing or chanting the 203 page book for two days, April 16 and 17 in the FACLA Social Hall

History of the PABASA

The PABASA became a tradition when the Spanish colonizers of the Philippines used the oral tradition of singing of the Filipinos to spread Catholism for the more than 333 years they occupied the Philippines.

The Spanish used the passion of Christ and the Tagalog Language written in BAYBAYIN for the PABASA or the PASYON during the Annual Holy Week of the April. When the people were used to the PABASA, slowly the Spanish eliminated the BAYBAYIN as a language and introduced the ABAKADA or the Anglicized Spanish alphabet liquidating the BAYBAYIN as a written language.

But the payback was that the oral language, in different dialects like the Tagalog survived and integrated the Spanish language in the now national language, Pilipino based on the language of the center-Tagalog.

Different Tribal traditions in the Philippines have a rich oral tradition like the DALLOT and DAN-DANIW of the Ilocos and the Cordillera, PUNI ( in Pampamga or Kapampangan), KUNDIMAN and KUDYAPI of the Tagalog regions during the Pre-Spanish period.

The Tagalog provinces of Bulacan and Batangas as well as Pampanga are the strongest bulwark of the tradition of PABASA. Individual families conduct PABASA in their homes and even brought the tradition overseas even here in North America.

This was continued with the new forms that the Spanish introduced and enrich, integrating this oral tradition with the DUPLUHAN, SARSUERLA, MORO-MORO and the PABASA or the PASYON.

Why the PABASA Tradition Endured

Why did the tradition endured for more than 450 years? Is this because the Catholic Church is strong in the Philippines? Or is it cultural?

The answer is no. Like in the African American community, the deep seated oppression and colonialist transgression provided the Filipinos a valve or an outlet to express their protests and feeling against the Spanish and American occupation of the Philippines.

Like the Jewish nation reeling from the Roman empire, their faith was their way to channel their energy to live under occupation and their longing for freedom. Thus, the passion of Christ was an great example for them.

Even after the defeat of the Filipino revolutionaries during the Filipino-American War from 1899-1916, religious millenarian groups led by leaders like PAPA ISIO and others fought the authorities holding on to their faith and deep sense patriotism. Mixing religion and love of country.

Thank you, PABASA Participants

Reliving the event as a Filipino cultural event, PABASA SA FACLA, ANG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO from April 16 to 17, 2014 was a resounding success!

More than 30 people sung the PABASA or the singing oral tradition of the Philippines for two straight days, for 10 hours and a half from 11:00 AM of April 16 to 10:00 PM of April 18. There was no PABASA on the Holy Friday, April 18, 2014.

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. thanked the Filipino American community for coming to support the PABASA. People besides singing in the PABASA came to support the event by bringing food, drinks, taking photographs and staying during the PABASA.

FACLA also thanked the more than thirty PABASA patiently participated and who sung the 213 page book PASYONG MAHAL about the passion of Christ continuously and alternately for two days.

The PABASA Participants

For Holy Wednesday, April 16; Teresa Viray, Larry Pelayo, Art Garcia, Rudy Vallejo, Bernie Ganon, Marc Carato, Austin Baul Jr, Lorie Lee, Elisa Rosario.

For Maudy Thursday, April 17: Teresita Orcini, Aida Dy, Lagrimas Yumul, Caridad Pascua, Avelina Hall, Larry Pelayo, Marc Caratao, Austin Baul Jr, Cecile Pante, Mon Pante, Lorie Lee, Teresa Viray, Cora Miller, Rudy Vallejo, Jasmine Morada, Rey Ganon, Bernie Ganon and Art Garcia.

Also present and who provided technical support for FACLA were Sid Balatan, Miriam Balatan, Paul Julian, Clarita Julian, Nila Jamias, Linda Nery, Rene Villaroman, Jun Dos Pueblos, Concordia Dos Pueblos, Fender Santos, Danny Adlawan and Jen Morada

The FACLA also provided the space, sound system ,food ,drinks and coffee drinks the two days and nights PABASA. FACLA open the social hall for two nights and two days for 24 hours of non-stop singing of the PABASA ( Reading which is actually reading by singing or chanting ).

They brought cooked foods and refreshments for the PABASA readers at FACLA to keep them awake and strong during the two 24-hour period of non-stop reading.

The only big let down was there were only few Filipino-American youth who participated in the event. Maybe the big Cachuela Fair was held at the same time.

Or there was really a lack or dearth of interest in Filipino culture among the present day youth. They are more interested in the forms of culture like hip-hop and tattoos and not keen to understand the tradition which is understandable. It’s known as a the big “culture gap.”

Reliving a cultural tradition that has endured for more than 450 years is really fulfilling. It is not only religious but also patriotic to sing in one’s own language and fell that you are one and you belong to your community.

HAPPY EASTER!

****
1

NEW FACLA NEWS
April 19, 2014

PABASA OR THE PASYON AT FACLA ON THE HOLY WEEK, A SUCESSS

Los Angeles—The cultural event, PABASA SA FACLA, ANG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO from April 16 to 17, 2014 was a resounding success!

As a public service feature of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) on the Christian dome celebration of Holy Week, the Filipino tradition of the oral reading /singing of the 123 page book, PABASA ANG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO was a resounding success.

More than 20 people sung the PABASA or the singing oral tradition of the Philippines for two straight days from 11:00 AM of April 16 to 10:00 PM of April 18. There was no PABASA on the Holy Friday, April 18, 2014.

Thank you, PABASA Participants

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr announced this April 19 as he thanked the Filipino American community for coming to support the PABASA. People besides singing in the PABASA came to support the event by bringing food,drinks, taking photographs and staying during the PABASA.

FACLA launched the event in cooperation with LA Fil-Am journalist Larry Pelayo who provided the PABASA books during the period. FACLA also thanked the more than twenty PABASA participants who sung the 123 page book PASYONG MAHAL about the passion of Christ:

The PABASA Participants and Supporters

For Holy Wednesday, April 16; Teresa Viray, Larry Pleayo, Art Garcia, Ridu Vallejo, Bernie Ganon, Marc Carato, Austin Baul Jr, Lorie Lee, Elisa Rosario.

For Maudy Thursday, April 17: Teresita Orcini, Aida Dy, Lagrima Yumul, Caridad Pascua, Avelina Hall, Larry Pelayo, Marc Caratao, Austin Baul Jr, Cecile Pante, Mon Pante, Lorie Lee, Teresa Viray, Cora Miller, Rudy Vallejo, Jasmine Morada, Rey Ganon, Bernie Ganon, Art Garcia.

Also present and who provided technical support for FACLA were Sid Balatan, Paul Julian, Clarita Julian, Nila Jamias, Linda Nery, Rene Villaroman, Jun Dos Pueblos, Concordia Dos Pueblos, Danny Adlawan, Jen Morada

The FACLA also provided the space, sound system ,food ,drinks and free coffee the two days and nights PABASA. FACLA open the social hall for two nights and two days for 24 hours of non-stop singing of the PABASA ( Reading which is actually reading by singing).

For more information about this cultural event at FACLA, please contact Clarita Julian of FACLA or Bernie-Targa Ganon at (213)484-1527. Or please email us at newfaclayahoo.com

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NEW FACLA NEWS
April 17, 2014

PABASA OR THE PASYON AT FACLA ON THE HOLY WEEK, APRIL 16-18, 2014

Los Angeles—In celebration of the SEMANA SANTA or the Holy Week, the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles Inc. (FACLA) has started last Wednesday, April 16, the Filipino-American Community three days of the Filipino tradition of the PABASA NG PASYON NG POONG HESUKRISTO or the singing oral tradition of the Philippines during the Holy Week.

FACLA invite all people who knows to sing the PABASA to join in this tradition. FACLA will be open from 9:00 AM in April 16, Holy Wednesday up before 3;00 PM on the Holy Friday for 24 hours from April 16 and 17.

A Call For the PABASA

We also call on the public not only those who knows the PABASA but also especially the younger Fil-Am youths and students and their organization to learn and participate in the PABASA .This is agood opportunity for them learn more about their culture.

They can also bring cooked foods and refreshments for the PABASA readers at FACLA to keep them awake and strong during the two 24-hour period of non-stop reading.

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr announced this today in anticipation of the next two weeks of the Holy Week celebrations of the Filipino American community.

The FACLA president also announced that FACLA will open the social hall for two nights and three days for 24 hours of non-stop singing of the PABASA ( Reading which is actually reading by singing).

History of the PASYON or the PABASA

The PABASA became a tradition when the Spanish colonizers of the Philippines used the oral tradition of singing of the Filipinos to spread Catholism for the more than 300 years they occupied the Philippines. The Spanish used the passion of Christ and the Tagalog Language written in BAYBAYIN for the PABASA or the PASYON during the Annual Holy Week of the April.

Different Tribal traditions in the Philippines have a rich oral tradition like the DALLOT and DAN-DANIW of the Ilocos and the Cordillera , KUNDIMAN and KUDYAPI of the Tagalog regions during the Pre-Spanish period.

This was continued with the new forms that the Spanish introduced and enrich, integrating this oral tradition with the DUPLUHAN, SARSUERLA, MORO-MORO and the PABASA or the PASYON.

For more information about this cultural event at FACLA, please contact Clarita Julian of FACLA or Bernie-Targa Ganon at (213)484-1527. Or please email us atnewfaclayahoo.com

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