THE Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI), a non-profit organization in Historic Filipinotown dedicated to serving the Filipino community, will kick start a year of raising funds to support on-going programming. In its 40th anniversary, FASGI has helped millions of individuals through programs that include mental health education, naturalization application assistance, arts incubation, health and wellness, and assistance to WWII veterans. FASGI has also implemented programs to deal with COVID protocols and prevention.
Together with Individual Health Care Services, Inc., FASGI will be executive producing its first concert featuring actress/singer Becca Godinez. Entitled “Becca Godinez: In My Life,” the concert is Becca’s most intimate show to date as she revisits her time as one of the Philippines’ most in-demand performers during the 1970’s and 1980’s. This musical journey will trace Becca’s career from hit-music recording artist, concert singer, television host, and thespian with Repertory Philippines. Joining her on stage are special guest artists Mike Monserrat (dancer/choreographer and member of the original “Penthouse 7” crew), Spanky Rigor (co-founder/musician of the 70’s hit group VST & Company), Broadway actors Jennifer Paz (“Evita,”and “Songs for a New World”), Red Concepcion (“Miss Saigon,”and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”), Nicole Santiago (“Mama Mia” and “Criers for Hire”) and Natasha Kaiserman (Becca’s daughter), who will be making her L.A. concert debut.
Becca will also be joined by guest vocalists Charmie Morales, Leah Auditor and Tina Cruz. Myke Gonzaga, one of the most in-demand musical directors, leads the band which also features Abe Lagrimas, Jr. (drums), Bryant Simpson (bass), Sandro Rebel (keyboards) and Michael Seaman (piano). The concert will also feature a special virtual appearance by Cocoy Laurel, one the Philippines’ legendary actors and Becca’s co-star in many theatrical productions. When asked what the audience will experience, Becca said, “Gosh, my career spans about 50 years!! I chose each guest because they were all part and parcel of what I’ve done as a performer – from hosting TV shows, to being a theatre artist.”
FASGI’s Executive Director Yey Coronel-Alcid stated, “The FASGI Board wants all our fundraisers to be memorable and fun. We know that this concert will truly entertain because it combines Becca’s talent, charisma, and energy with her showmanship, creativity, and style. More importantly, Becca understands and shares FASGI’s passion in helping those in need to lead richer and more fruitful lives.
It is important for FASGI to raise additional funds because most of our programs have either limited or no funding. Our clients become part of the FASGI family, so we commit to care for their needs and provide the utmost quality in services. We embrace our motto, “Happy to serve; Honored to help!” Any funds raised will go towards additional services for seniors, human trafficking survivors, and artists/performers with our Arts Incubator Program. We will also create a revolving loan fund for US citizenship applicants who find costs prohibitive; and resume the Kalayaan Festival, a whole day of medical and holistic healing for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Co- Executive Producer Trinity Foliente, owner of Individual Health Care Services said, “I have known and partnered with FASGI since Yey Coronel became Executive Director in 2015. Under her leadership, I have seen FASGI’s dedication to serving the Filipino American community increase and expand. FASGI always goes the extra mile to help the community in any way possible. They are dependable and efficient and never cease to amaze me.”
Tickets for the one-night-only concert on Saturday, March 12 are $100/$60/$45 and can be purchased by contacting Yey Coronel 818-271-0901 [phone/text] and Trinity Foliente 818-455-2132 [phone/text] or via email at [email protected]. Special balcony pricing of $25 is available for seniors, military, and students by calling 818-271-0901. Tickets are also available at the Aratani Theatre website by visiting www.jaccc.org or by calling 213-680-3700.
FASGI’s Acting Board Chairperson, Celina Taganas-Duffy is excited for the concert. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see Becca perform. She’s truly amazing and we’re honored she’s headlining this benefit concert to raise funds and further FASGI’s mission to provide vital services to our community.” She is joined on the Organizing Committee by Co-Chairperson Ronnie Cross (FASGI Board Member), Mae Abeleda (FASGI Board Treasurer), Ferdinand “Bong” Soriano (FASGI Board Member), Ethel Provido (FASGI Program Director), Evelyn Andamo (Principal, Westin Enterprises, Inc.), Ethel Rubio (Principal/Owner, Ethel G. Rubio Assoc. AIA, PRO, Kalayaan Incorporated, Community Leader), Rosalie Caratao (Community Leader) and Thelma Sugay (President, Filipino American Press Club of California).
FASGI and Individual Health Care Services are honored to have LA City Commissioner Dr. Cris B. Liban and his wife, Benel Se-Liban (Managing Partner of JBC Group, LLC) as the presenting sponsor for the show. Other sponsors include Asian Journal; Joel & Luchie Pengson, Eleos – The Cognitive Center of Southern California, MVCMG – the Moreno Valley Community Medical Group; Joel A. Pengson, M.D., A Medical Corporation; Josie Jones, Admiral Home Health Inc., Admiral Hospice Care and Alpha Hospice Care; Ronson Provido, P.E., Century Engineers, Inc.; D-1 Productions, MonteMaria Cellars; and BayaniPay.
The Aratani Theater strictly follows current State, County and City COVID protocols, which change daily. To maintain a safe environment for the artists and the audience, patrons should be prepared to wear masks once inside the theater for the duration of the entire show and may be asked to present valid vaccination cards. The venue will not accept negative COVID tests results. Patrons should be vaccinated and/or boosted prior to entering the theater.
For more information on the concert, please visit The Filipino American Service Group, Inc. at www.fasgi.org. Becca Godinez: In My Life is produced and directed by LXV Enterprises, LLC to benefit the Filipino American Service Group, Inc.
