On the Town: Event celebrates Filipino community with dinner, fashion show
The acronym “FABAG” doesn’t do justice to the Filipino-American Business Assn. of Glendale. And “FABAG” certainly didn’t indicate the value of the organization’s event on Oct. 28 titled “Philippine Heritage Arts and Culture Celebration.”
“Filipino-Americans are the third largest ethnic group in Glendale,” said state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who was at the event. Also, according to Friedman, the city’s Filipino community is growing here.
It was standing room only in the auditorium at the Glendale Central Library as association members and guests were served from a buffet of Filipino food to start the evening. Co-hosting were members of the Alexis Louise Quiza Foundation.
Edith Fuentes, member of the association’s board of directors, was mistress of ceremonies for the night’s activities. Joy Quiza, founder of the Alexis Louise Quiza Foundation, joined her. Fuentes introduced the dignitaries present, including Friedman.
Among those attending were Glendale Mayor Vartan Gharpetian, City Council members Paula Devine and Vrej Agajanian, Armine Gharpetian, members of the Glendale Unified school board, and Evette Kim, from Portantino’s office.
After introductions came a lively program of dancing, singing and a fashion show of Filipiniana-inspired formal gowns and headdresses modeled by title holders from the Miss Young Filipino USA Pageant held earlier this year.
The models included teenagers Alyssa Guevara, Jazlynn Dizon, Alexandra Dalumpines and Shelley Quinn. Quinn’s proud mom, Fely Quinn, must have worn out her smartphone, taking photo after photo of the girls. Pageant finalist Erica Rose Madlangsakay from San Fernando posed prettily with Devine.
Friedman has co-authored a resolution making June 12 Filipino Independence Day. Oct. 28 is considered Filipino Heritage Day.
On display were certificates of recognition from the legislative offices represented at the event, including one from the office of U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).
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“Please Help Us Raise Money,” read the flier. To that end, the St. Vincent de Paul Society recently teamed up with the St. James/Holy Redeemer Catholic Communities to put on their fourth annual fundraiser. The New Moon restaurant in Montrose hosted the event and donated 15% of its proceeds to those in need who contact the Catholic churches for help, which can include rent assistance and help with paying utilities as well as clothing, food, various kitchen appliances and car repairs.
Conference committee members of the twin parishes of St. James and Holy Redeemer hold interviews with those who need help. Supervising is Rev. Edward Dover. Conference committee member and La Crescenta resident Faith Holland was present at the fundraiser.
La Crescenta resident Eleanor Spaziano also attended and celebrated her birthday at the same time. Her guests were Tujunga residents Julia Vera and Yolanda Broutin. A hit at their table was the overflowing Chinese chicken salad.
Other La Crescenta residents attending the fundraiser were Stephanie Chong and Dolores Bromberek, who is the president of the St. Vincent de Paul, St. James/Holy Redeemer conference.
“We don’t care if [those in need] are Catholic or not,” Bromberek said.
According to Spaziano, the day’s proceeds were about $400.
RUTH SOWBY RANDS may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.