GLENDALE, CA — On July 27, the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC) and Glendale YMCA co-hosted its fifth annual Fil-Am Friendship Day summer luau.
Performances by the awesome hula dancers from “HULA HALAU NA MAMO O’PANAEWA,” an award-winning school in Glendale, wowed the attendees. Guests saw a first-time showing of all the competitive halau dancers. The makuas with their winning auana, the wahines with their winning kahiko, solo Kane competed with an older Kane, solo by Manu, a 1st place auana winner and lastly, 2nd place winner Kiana solo.
More than 100 guests, dignitaries and representatives from legislative offices joined in the celebration, among them state Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who inducted the over 30 new members, and Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan, who installed the new officers, joined in by Councilmember Brotman. Consul Ma. Cris Chieng, Cultural Diplomacy Team from the Philippine Consulate General,presented the Gavel and Pin to New President, Arleen Lapid Penaflor (proxy Maria Joy Garcia, BMT).
Many civic and community leaders, boards and commissioners and representatives attended from GUSD, FASGI, PNASC, FACLA, RotaryHiFi, UAPSoCal, Kiwanis, and the YMCA attended.
FABAG board members present were Jo Solomonson, Ami Bautrista, May Mallari, Theresa DeVera, Mary Joy Garcia, Robert Howard, Edith M. Fuentes and assistants Emett Carr, Josie Inacay, Beth Cobarrubias, Nelly Costanios and many other members.
The afternoon was filled with song, dance, food, prizes and fun. FABAG extends its gratitude to Linda Deveraturda-Weaver, Dave Weaver, and Noelani Pieprzyca for providing the hula halau, and to its donors and sponsors: Tri-Counties Bank, Red Ribbon, Portos, Trinity Foliente and several board members. (Contributed by Edith Fuentes)
