$14 million Filipino center to be dedicated today
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hundreds of people have visited the new Filipino Community Center in Waipahu in the days leading up to today's official dedication of the $14 million facility, and all have been impressed, an official says.
Advertiser library photo • June 1, 2002
"A lot of Filipinos, especially, have read the stories and taken ownership," said FilCom Center executive director Eva Laird Smith, who expects a huge crowd at today's ceremony, which starts at 10 a.m. "We issued 500 invitations but we're expecting double that to show up."
The FilCom Center, in Waipahu next to the old Waipahu Sugar Mill, will draw Filipino dignitaries and entertainers for its official dedication ceremony today.
There's been a steady flow of visitors going through the center daily for the past week, Laird Smith said.
Representatives of the Philippine government, including undersecretary of foreign affairs Merlin Magallona and secretary of local government Joey Lina, will be among the dignitaries at the dedication of the facility at 94-428 Mokuola St. Traffic on Waipahu Street is expected to be heavy and parking in the area between Hans L'Orange Field and the old sugar mill will be limited.
Today's activities will begin with blessings from the Rev. Joseph T. Junio of St. Joseph Church in Waipahu and Kahale Richardson Naki.
One of the highlights will be the bayanihan. In the Philippines, people help a family to move by literally carrying their bahay kubo, or grass hut, to the new location.
Members from the FilCom Center's community support group today will carry a small nipa hut into the central Consuelo Courtyard to symbolize bayanihan. The program will include a welcome dance performed by Filipiniana Dance Troupe, directed by Corazon Mendoza.
At 1:30 p.m., the Knights of Rizal will unveil 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 will be 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.
"There are many, many activities going on from workshops to the trade expo," Laird Smith said. "Plus we have people going in and out, just looking around. The interest and pride is terrific."
