Towards a Cultural Community: Identity, Education and Stewardship in Filipino American Performing Arts
by Reme A. Grefalda, Lucy M. Burns, Anna M. Alves, and Theodore Gonzalves
A NaFFAA cultural project
with support from
The Ford Foundation
Soft Cover and Colored Illustrations
150 pp, size 8.27" x 11.89"
Copyright 2003
FIRSTFRUITS book design & publishing
Book design by Geejay Arriola
Printed in the Philippines
A Limited Edition Publication

Direct inquiries to The National Office
National Federation of Filipino American Associations
1444 N St., NW, Washington, DC 20005
Heredia@NaFFAA.org www.naffaa.org
(202) 986-9330 (W) (202) 478-5109 (Fax)

There is sparse information on Filipino-American demographics. For sheer numbers, try the cold lead figures in the Census. There is no existing reportage, analysis or survey of Filipino American communities. This is not a definitive study but it is a first. It is an attempt to map out and profile Filipino American communities as they relate to cultural stewardship and how it influences the growth of performing arts and how this cultural growth enhances community development.

The report is divided into 4 parts: a highlighted summary of the growth and direction of Filipino American performing arts and recommendations for the future; theoretical and historical contexts of Filipino American performing arts; a profile and analysis of youth involvement in the university event called Philippine Cultural Nights (PCNs) in California universities; and finally a sweeping study of immigrant communities, how and why they are formed, from social clubs, regional clubs to unifying movements with the mission of empowerment for Filipino American communities. The section highlights reasons for cultural / religious traditions Filipinos choose to sustain while abroad, and the spreading power of family-oriented activities in spawning heritage classes, language schools, dance groups and the ubiquitous rondallas.

Included in this 150-page study are profiles of selected communities, lists of cultural groups, annual festivals and Filipino community centers in various cities. (ngr)

OOV Bookshelf 2003

Towards a Cultural Community: Identity, Education and Stewardship in Filipino American Performing Arts by Remé Grefalda, Lucy Burns, Anna Alves and Theodore Gonzalves Understanding Mindanao Conflict by Patricio P. Diaz Not Home, But Here: Writing from the Filipino Diaspora edited by Luisa Igloria The Right Place and Other Stories by Rodney Dakita Garcia Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror by Frank Ephraim A Watch in the Night by Denis Murphy Ang Balabal ng Diyos / Ang Silid ng Makasalanan by Rosario de Guzman Lingat Lakas and the Manilatown Fish by Anthony D. Robles Gravities of Center by Barbara J. Pulmano Reyes TRI/VIA by Michelle Naka Pierce and Veronica Corpuz Love Gathers All by Singaporean and Filipino writers Not My Bowl of Rice by E.R. Escobar Growing Up Filipino: Stories for Young Adults edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard The Stranded Whale by Linda Ty-Casper Monster by Joel Tan