Filipino Cultural School in Cerritos, California marks 50 years

Filipino Cultural School anniversary attendees. FCS PHOTO

CERRITOS, California — The Filipino Cultural School, which provides history, dance, language, music and lifestyle classes each summer, celebrated its 50^th year, at Cerritos Performing Arts Center on April 12.

The school welcomes Filipino and non-Filipinos who are interested in learning about the heritage and culture, operating in the South Bay area and City of Cerritos in Los Angeles County and the neighboring City of Anaheim in Orange County of Southern California.

It has a unique all-youth leadership: Paolo Roca and Czarina De Jesus as co-presidents; George Preno, internal vice president; John Feri, external vice president; Samantha Pepito, administrative coordinator; Lewis Kingman, logistics coordinator; Ian Luna, financial coordinator; Erika Castro as volunteer coordinator.

The hyphen

“FCS is that hyphen that bridges that gap between Filipino and American,” said Co-President Roca.

He added: “FCS brings more awareness of the politics, anything in the media, arts and the history and experiences of the first generation so that when we explain what the Filipino is it doesn’t just translate to adobo and Pacquiao. We want to provide a deeper sense and understanding of the history such as the Delano Manongs.”

FCS  anniversary banner. PHOTO BY HIYASMIN QUIJANO

“It is kind of like a summer school, but its fun and kids actually want to do it. We try to see each other quite frequently throughout the year,” stated Co-President De Jesus.

The program is divided into three age groups. Group A is ages five to eight; B is 9 to 12 and C is 13 to 18 years old.

“As a group C student, we serve as role models, and for me I want to be a dance teacher after I graduate from FCS,” said 16-year-old Jillian Guzman.

Getting in touch with culture

FCS student Inah Mangahas said, “I get more in touch with my culture; I am not just an American, I am a Filipino American

As for student Matthew Menchavez, “What I learned most about Filipino culture is that, as Filipinos, we started from rags to riches type of thing. We had to start from literally working on the farm, migrating to America to give children a better future.”

Menchavez added that the school has helped him “be more appreciative of what I have and it taught me to always look back at where my roots came from and through hard work and dedication I can accomplish anything.”

The school originated from the Sampaguita Women’s Circle, Inc., which sponsors it to this day with the help of other organizations, providing resources such as costumes, transportation and food.

“Your interest in providing continued (Filipino cultural) education to our younger generation even younger than yourselves leaves a special place in our hearts,” acknowledged Sampaguita Women’s Circle  in its 50^th anniversary statement.

De Jesus said the school’s leadership and volunteers “empowered me by showing that giving back matters and not to fear opportunity because of its stress, its hard work, and if I wanted to do something, it didn’t matter how old I am.”

Someday, a year-long program

De Jesus has been with the FCS since she was nine and stuck with the program each summer, eventually progressing to volunteer dance teacher and board member, along with Co-President Roca.

“Our main goal is to expand and become, someday, a year-long program that doesn’t have to cut off in the summer,” added De Jesus.

US Rep. Ted W. Lieu, 33^rd District, praised the school: “FCS’ achievements and outstanding contributions to the Filipino American and local communities serve as an inspiration to everyone.”

California State Treasurer John Chiang, in a statement sent to FCS, noted, “This 50^th year celebration pays tribute to the organization’s founders and leaders, who because of their vision and spirit, helped to preserve the vibrant culture of California’s Filipino American community.”

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