It will be an unbridled celebration of sight, sound and scene that will collide with the Filipino-American community of Los Angeles at Temple Street on April 25-26. It will be a glorious celebration, of all the nuances of growing older, grappling as individuals with multifaceted experiences on human development, recognizing growth potentials inherent in turning 70.
On April 25, the Glowing Goldies will take center stage. It will be a fun-filled gaiety of gift giving, singing and joyful camaraderie‚just like Christmas in April. By midday, the dance floor will be open for everyone as Buddy Reyes and his band bangs music away for seniors to throw themselves in the dance like unrestricted magical creatures whirling in the wind, in an almost magical fun. Be it simply by jumping up and down in rhythm: it affords fantasies that can take them to a place where no one hurts and everyone dances the merry ladies in Temple.
The quest of every heart is the deepest human yearning of acceptance and recognition in the noisy confusion and pressure of today’s world, against the great canvas of economics and politics and far reaching world affairs. It makes us long for warmth, tenderness, understanding, kindness—if not love and affection! This is one of the goals of FACLA
For President Austin Baul, whose best friend is peace, has watched and listened to tales of both tears and laughter. His gift was the sureness of his instinct, his ability to focus on people’s weaknesses and strengths in order to illuminate a sense of openness on larger issues. His mind was an exquisite mechanism, a whim of wit. Watch out for his repartees warmed by the reserve of passion, but in a tranquil view.
“I have learned some good lessons that I needed, learned gratitude and everyday of all the decades was filled (still, am) with wonder at all the beautiful things that are left to me, my ever supportive family, and the kind friends and the blessing of the Almighty. I belive that any materialism coarsens the soul, so that aspect was never a problem.”
Officers and members, who are open about the management of the office, brilliantly relayed that the office reflects the full dimension of perseverance, honesty and hard work. Bound by strength of their number and locked with their devotion to FACLA, it is not surprising seeing them during their meetings laugh together, discussing survival, current events, who are making waves. It creates a grand feeling of gratitude.
“That is how we do it,” Pres. Baul said.
The April 26th polished affairs will highlight the Gala Dinner Dance night with the off-the-scene folks toiling quietly, without, braggadocio or event a hint of hubris. Susan Oca is the overall chairman, assisted by a formidable team.
Those who have already RSVP-ed include the who’s who in the community, elected officials, civic leaders—from the simple folks to the mighty.
For Linda Neri, the heart and core of the Gala Dinner, her team of quiet toilers is indeed a blessing. “It is enchanting—shared experiences cutting through bureaucracy, and everyday goals are met, with parallel efforts and common goals—before the day shifts dramatically into evening.” she said.
She promised that the event will come alive, which will bring the community together into one big family!
The Gala Dinner, Linda added will be humane, sensous, soulful in a fanciful mixture of the brightest lights in the porch of the Fil-Am Community. When we asked her what makes a perfect 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner her witty reply was “there is no correct or incorrect answer to that question, only an honest or dishonest one.”
“It will be a life changing celebration about dignity, about respect, about caring, about whatever. Let it be!” she added.
