FilAm ARTS

Imagine a warm summer night. The streets are illuminated with the vibrant colors of lanterns made of paper and capiz-shells; the glittering lights are guiding you home to family. For many Filipinos the trademark of the Christmas season is not snowy weather and the glow of a fireplace, but the glow of parol lanterns. The parol, or star lantern, is a folk art form that symbolizes the Filipino Christmas spirit. The word parol originated from the Spanish word for lantern, farol. Traditionally parols were used to light the way to church for the Misa de Gallo midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

The Association for the Advancement of Philippine Arts & Culture (FilAm ARTS) would like to extend an invitation to all Filipinos and Filipino Americans to participate in a Parol Making Workshop on August 6, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bahay Kubo Center in Granada Hills. The Parol ng Pinoy workshop is a partnership project of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Bahay Kubo Center, FilAm ARTS and Western Union in Los Angeles. The purpose of the workshop is to bring life to an old Philippine craft and preserve the art form for younger generations. “By doing this project not only are we tapping into our cultural identity, but we’re doing things together,” said artist Faustino Caigoy who teaches parol-making, “I think it’s important for parents and children to work together.” A goal of this project is to increase consciousness, both of the individual and of the inter-generational community, of Filipino identity and the richness of Philippine culture.

During an earlier workshop in July, community members learned and created parol frames. At the upcoming workshop participants will decorate the parols. The finished products will be part of the Parol Competition at the 20th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC20) on September 10 and 11 at Pt. Fermin Park. 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of FPAC, a tradition that brings together Filipinos from across California to celebrate community and heritage. The parols will then be showcased as part of the “Simbang Gabi parade” in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Los Angeles on December 15, 2011. The Parol ng Pinoy workshop is a free event, and anyone interested in attending can register online at www.filamarts.org or call Melissa at 213-380-3722.

By Justine Calma

This year's PAN Pavilion will include a mural project led by the Beatrock Artists Kollective.  The Kollective loosely formed in 2009 when a group of friends noticed that they have been live painting at the same gigs, showcasing at the same galleries, and slamming shots from the same liquor bottle.  Some of the members participating are David Araquel, Stuter, Manila Ryce, Mark Canto, Christ Santos, Anthony Montemar and Alfie Numeric.  The Kollective will paint a mural during the FPAC weekend, dedicated to the 2010 theme- "Katibukan: One heartbeat.  Shared Being."  They will also facilitate a separate community mural that any festival-goer can contribute to.

A special thanks goes out to Raw Materials in Downtown Los Angeles!  Raw Materials has donated $200 in credit at their store for the Beatrock Artists Kollective to purchase materials for the FPAC mural project.  Check out the Raw Materials ad in the FPAC program, they are extending a 15% discount on digital printing and custom framing for customers who mention "FilAm ARTS," and 10% off merchandise on their online store (Enter code "FPAC2010" for discount).

The 19th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture is almost
here!  Look forward to the diverse talent that will be featured at the
PAN Pavilion!

The PAN Pavilion is a space within
FPAC that showcases Filipino artists from around the world and within the
Pilipino Artist Network to provide artists with an opportunity to network, show
and market their work.  At the PAN Pavilion Festival goers can participate in interactive workshops, purchase fine art and prints, and meet Filipino authors
and book editors.  The Beatrock Artists Kollective will also be “live
painting,” creating a community mural throughout the duration of the
Festival. 

Workshops

• Baybayin with artist
  Christian Cabuay - 1pm Sat. & 3pm Sun.
• Spoken Word
  by Faith Santilla of AF3IRM / GABNet - 2pm Sat.
• Art workshop
  with Kabataang maka-Bayan (Pro People Youth) - 3pm Sat.

Book Signings

• Babaylan: Filipinos and the Call of
  the Indigenous with
  editor Leny Mendoza Strobel - 12pm Sat.
• Growing Up Filipino II with editor Cecilia Brainard - 12pm Sun.
• A History of the Philippines: From
  Indios Bravos to Filipinos with
  author Luis Francia - 1pm Sun.
• Unrecognized American Veterans with author Arturo Garcia - 2pm Sun.

Visual Artists

• Christian Cabuay
• Jasper Marquez Santos
• Manila Ryce
• Arni Tecson
• Mark Canto
• Loralei Rose Bingamon
• Raul de Arellano
• Sistargirl
• Rick Bergancia
• John Bacoy
• Manny Falcon Padua
• Mike Friolo
• Jerry The Shoe Maker
• Malaya Designs
• Alfie Numeric
• Anthony Montemar
• Laine Guerrero