FPAC - SOCAL’S LARGEST FILIPINO EVENT RETURNS FOR ITS 20TH YEAR: LEA SALONGA, JOE BATAAN AND REX NAVARRETE HIGHLIGHT POPULAR WEEKEND FEST, SEPT. 10-11 AT PT. FERMIN PARK, SAN PEDRO.
(LOS ANGELES) – The region’s biggest Filipino party and most fun-filled, annual tradition, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), celebrates its 20th Anniversary with its grandest event yet, September 10-11, 2011 at beautiful seaside Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.
Iconic singer and stage actress Lea Salonga, who first gained artistic and international acclaim for her historic Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon and first-ever Filipino winner of a Tony Award, will be awarded one of two special FPAC20 Awards for Artistic Excellence during the weekend.
Also to be honored with the special FPAC20 Award of Artistic Excellence, The multi-faceted Faustino Caigoy, a painter, noted illustrator of children’s books, author of his own collection of poetry, and teacher in traditional Filipino arts of baybayin and martial arts Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. Additionally, DJ E-Man, of top rated Los Angeles radio station Power 106 will receive the 2011 FPAC Media Artist Award.
FPAC20 will also see encore performances by two of its most-requested artists to ever grace FPAC stages in Latin Soul Legend, Joe Bataan, direct from Harlem, New York and premiere Filipino American Comedian, Rex Navarrete who returns stateside after a successful mini tour of Singapore and The Philippines.
The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), a successful venture into staging world class Pinoy classical musicianship, will make its festival debut.
“I feel like it’s a part of my home,” said Joe Bataan about the Festival where he last performed in 2008. “It’s always gratifying to go back there because it’s an opportunity for an artist like myself to meet my own people.”
The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11. Admission is $7 pre-sale or $9 at the door. Children 5 and under are free.
Now celebrating two decades of tradition, FPAC annually features a variety of pavilions and stages for Filipino artists to showcase their work. Two stages present traditional to contemporary artistry in music, dance, spoken word, and comedy. The Pilipino Artists Network (PAN) Pavilion highlights visual artistry and craftsmanship in live painting, book readings, Baybayin (Filipino script) workshops, and artwork for sale. At the Seniors’ Village, one enjoys Harana (serenading) and story-telling. The Youth Pavilion engages youth in kite-making, dance workshops, and Pustura (Dress-up in traditional Filipino costumes), and arts and crafts. FPAC is truly a family event with something for every age to enjoy.
In a nod toward Southern California foodie culture, FPAC will again feature the highly popular Filipino food trucks as part of its culinary stage/food booth area where delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine can be sampled.
New to the festival, and testament to the rise of Filipino Americans on the culinary landscape, a stage within a stage called “Sweet Naman” will feature popular, high-end artisanal desserts from Delicieuse (gourmet ice cream), Tasty Clouds (gourmet cotton candy) and CrèmeCaramel (leche flan and bread pudding).
All three are Filipino-owned businesses and all will be making their respective Filipino community debuts – another FPAC hallmark through the years.
The festival continues to celebrate with festival-goers’ favorites such as the youth Ati-Atihan parade, the Annual Vegetable Growing Competition, the Balut-Eating Contest, the Hip Hop Dance Showcase, and the Annual Tinikling Battle.
The City of Los Angeles first initiated FPAC in 1992. After seven years, its stewardship
transferred to a non-profit organization now known as FilAm ARTS – the Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts & Culture.
"(The festival) still remains true to its original intent since its inception: It was designed to be a common
ground.The aim of FPAC is to be as inclusive in every which way possible," explains Executive Director Jilly Canizares. "This is seen in the conscious programming to include the rich diversity of Philippine artistic expressions – from old to new, traditional to contemporary, visual arts to performing. Coming to the Festival gives a true slice of the Filipino American community."
FPAC receives government support through the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the City of LA Department of Cultural Affairs, the LA Department of Recreation and Parks. It is also funded in part by the California Community Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, the Getty Foundation, and individual donors. This year’s media sponsors include LA 18 KSCI-TV, Asian Journal Publications, Bakitwhy.com, Oishi Media, as well community sponsor the Southern California Pilipino American Student Alliance.
Free parking with complimentary shuttle service to Pt. Fermin Park is available at the spacious parking lot on 22nd street and Sampson Way.
For more information on ticket sales, parking information, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor booth and table, and volunteer opportunities, log onto www.filamarts.org, or call (213) 380- FPAC.