Ethel Alikpala Ward, the secretary to the board of directors, called today's opening "an historical milestone ... the fulfillment of a dream now a reality," and "the hopes for empowerment and cultural preservation and enrichment."

Dignitaries from Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono to Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris, from Filipino undersecretary of foregin affairs Merlin Magallona to Filipino Counsel General Rolando Gregorio untied a maile lei as part of a scheduled day full of events.

Roland Casamina, the community center's president, said he always knew the center would be built in the scheduled 10 years.

"I just didn't think it would be this beautiful," he said. "I'm so happy."

Hundreds of people have visited the FilCom Center in the days leading up to today's official dedication of the $14 million facility, and all have been impressed, an official says.

"A lot of Filipinos, especially, have read the stories and taken ownership," said FilCom Center executive director Eva Laird Smith.

There's been a steady flow of visitors going through the center daily for the past week, Laird Smith said.

Other representatives of the Philippine government, including secretary of local government Joey Lina, were expected to be among the dignitaries at the dedication of the facility at 94-428 Mokuola St.

Today's activities began with blessings from the Rev. Joseph T. Junio of St. Joseph Church in Waipahu and Kahale Richardson Naki.

This afternoon, the Knights of Rizal unveiled a new statute of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, at the Waipahu Street entryway to the center.

Mandell Andres, Melissa de Leon, Romolo Valencia, Leo Laxa and Milfeer Araneta are among Filipino-American artists whose works are displayed at the center.

Festivities marking the 104th anniversary of Philippine independence as well as a trade expo will headline the week-long Mabuhay Festival activities at the center.