Philippine Heritage Month celebrated

Buck Wargo

GLENDALE -- Glendale’s Filipino community is trying to reach out a

little more this year to the city’s other residents.

The Filipino-American Business Assn. of Glendale has expanded its

Independence Day festivities beyond its traditional celebration of June

12.

Instead of putting on a cultural event at the Central Library on one

day, the group will hold several programs and is encouraging residents

throughout the community to attend.

On Saturday, the organization will have a cultural celebration at the

Glendale Galleria. Other events will be held over the next three weeks.

The Glendale City Council has declared June Philippine Heritage Month.

“This is the first time Philippine Heritage Month has been done in

Glendale,” said Celia De Fato, president of the business group. “We

always had a one-day celebration. But we wanted to help people understand

the Filipino community more in light of the racial tensions with

Armenians and Hispanics. This is a way to do that.”

Glendale has about 9,000 residents of Filipino ancestry, De Fato said.

The city is becoming more of a hub for Filipinos who migrate to Southern

California because of the ethnic restaurants and grocery stores.

PHILIPPINE HERITAGE MONTH

Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- “Rediscover the Philippines” at the

Glendale Galleria Macy’s courtyard. There will be modern, ballroom and

traditional dance and music and an arts and craft exhibit. Children will

have games and entertainment, and there will be Philippine martial arts.

June 25 -- 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. -- Kultura Philippine Folk Arts will

start its eighth dance season with a performance at the Glendale High

School Auditorium.

June 27 -- An hour of Philippine storytelling focusing on family

customs and traditions at the Glendale Central Library.

July 1 -- The touring group Sining Kumintang from the Philippines will

appear at The Alex Theatre.

July 2 -- The annual Eagle Award of Excellence celebrates its ninth

anniversary at the Hilton Glendale. The event honors individuals and

organizations.