Culture

Guest Contribution by Claire Ramos

On a global scale, Pilipinos make up one of the largest percentages of the world’s population. With that knowledge, it should come as no surprise that in my experience, no matter where I’ve lived or traveled, there were always other Pilipinos to be found in the community.

Guest Contribution by Marc Malabanan

Being a Pilipino-American is an experience that is unique to each of us, so it doesn't make sense for us to try to generalize who we are and our culture in a few bullet points. I believe what is common amongst all of us is that, whether we are conscious of it or not, we are rooted in our "homeland" Pilipino culture; how we as individuals integrate that into our American experience is what makes us unique. Being able to express what we have experienced, network with those that share that experience, and learn from the experience of others is the definition of "culture". Therefore Pilipino-American culture is an ever-progressing and ever-changing definition that is influenced by those who are willing to contribute to it. 

Continuing a community-wide tradition, FilAm ARTS presents the 18th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), on September 12-13, 2009 at Point Fermin in San Pedro.  Widely known as Southern California’s largest and longest-running Filipino cultural celebration, FPAC will feature performances by a diverse line-up headlined by the premiere Filipino American comedian, Rex Navarrete; Geologic, of the rising hip hop group the Blue Scholars;  MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 2 finalist, Supreme Soul; YouTube sensation, AJ Rafael; and pop vocalist Ashley Robles. 

This year, FPAC introduces its first-ever Martial Arts Village, featuring IMB Academy, and South Bay Martial Arts Club to name a few. FPAC also includes the return of popular, annually-anticipated events and activities, such as the Balut Eating Contest, the annual vegetable competition, FPAC Tinikling Dance Battle, Pinoyvisions Films, the youth Ati-Atihan parade, arts and crafts by Pilipino Artists Network members, and of course Filipino and Asian cuisine and shopping at the Marketplace by the Sea. 

“Sulong Gabriela: Celebrating the Advances of the Filipino Women's Struggle!”