Top 5 FPAC Musical Peformances

The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture is known for its ability to be a unifying
space for all elements of Filipino culture – food, literary arts, martial arts,
clothing – and most notably, the eclectic performances that take place over the
two-day duration of FPAC. The Main Stage is known to showcase the talents of
artists and groups that hold a solid presence in the Filipino community and
have also crossed over to represent our culture as Filipino-Americans. The
Generations Stage presents a variety of up-and-coming performers that are sure
to be “the next big thing.” As the 20^th Anniversary of the Festival
of Philippine Arts and Culture quickly approaches, let’s take a look back at
some of the most memorable and notable performances from the past two decades. 

5.
(Tie) Native Elements, 1999 and Golda Supanova, 2001: A real reggae
fan my entire life, I became downright emotional upon seeing and hearing a true
reggae band of Pinoys. Rumors persist of video evidence of me ‘skanking’ for
hours, but I deny that. By way of Alaska and the Bay Area, vocalist
extraordinaire Golda Supanova's haunting rendition of Radiohead's
"Creep," performed mid-day literally caused a packed, crowded
festival venue to stop and listen.

4.
Moonpools and Caterpillars, 1997: Elektra
recording artists and Billboard charters, Moonpools and Caterpillars, with its
infectious alternative pop and humor transformed FPAC into a singular, dance
happy collective at the beach.

3.
Rachel Alejandro with Monica Parales, 2003: A
huge star in The Philippines, Rachel was FPAC's highest profile act from across
the Pacific. Her fans came in droves and provided one of, if not, the largest
audiences ever. Her cover of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" backed by
9-year-old dance sensation Monica Parales, star of Missy Elliot's videos,
brought perhaps the most boisterous audience noise in FPAC history.

2. Premiere,
1997: Fresh
off its historic appearance on "Soul Train” (a first for a Filipino
group), the female vocal trio rolled into Cabrillo Beach for a hugely
anticipated performance. They energized and electrified even when the sun gave
up. Performing well into sunset and buoyed by a single, improvised spotlight as
a light source, the sight—and sound—were to behold.

1.
"Ordinary Guy;" Extraordinary moment. Joe Bataan, 2001: Imagine being a
wildly popular, known musical commodity who, for decades performed everywhere
and before everyone with the exception of one's own. Joe Bataan finally did,
and FPAC was the proud venue. The result was extraordinary.

Each year, the Festival is graced with the finest performers,
musicians, movers and shakers within the community. After a plethora of
artists’ submissions and hours of artist curation, the highly anticipated
lineup for the 20^th Anniversary FPAC will soon be announced via
website at www.filamarts.org.

Over the years, FPAC has grown to present over 600
artists to an audience of 25,000 attendees in collaboration with 100 community
partners and 400 volunteers. FPAC also features the 4th Annual Tinikling Battle, the
12th Annual Vegetable Growing Competition in the Seniors Village which features
Upo taller than you, the Annual Ati-Atihan Parade, Balut eating contest, health screenings
at the Health and Wellness Pavilion, performances on two stages, the
Marketplace by the Sea, Filipino and Asian cuisine, and much more!

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. 

The Top 5 Countdown is brought to you from FilAm ARTS Board of Directors member, Winston Emano

(In Photo: Winston Emano and Joe Bataan)