About HALO-HALO

A moving and eye-opening window into San Diego. Drawn from historical research and personal interviews, Halo-Halo tells stories that explore Filipino American's culture and traditions, along with the struggles and triumphs every audience shares with this fascinating and fast-growing community. Themes include pageants, politics, and celebrity, plus historical firsts, comedy, dance and some serious social issues! This original production was taped March 2017 at the Lyceum Theatre.

(DVD now available!)

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Program Information

HALO-HALO is a collaborative project produced by Asian Story Theater in conjunction with
the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Honorary Consul of the Philippines

Act I

October
by KL Brisby

Magdadagát ~ PJ CImacio
Jejomar ~ Edward delos Reyes
Unamuno ~ Thomas Villegas
Father Loyola ~ Rhys Green
Salinan ~ James Shelledy, Andre Urbano, Claudette Santiago

Halo-Halo
by Gingerlily Lowe

Gina ~ Gingerlily Lowe

Rhumba at the Rizal
by Marivi Soliven

Benny the Bouncer ~ Thomas Villegas
Lucinda ~ Claudette Santiago
Eli ~ Alex Keodara
BettySue ~ May Esteban
Honorato ~ Andre Urbano
Paloma ~ Carol Cabrera
Dancer ~ Eduard Cao
Tino ~ Rhys Green
Mamie ~ Gingerlily Lowe

Matters of the Heart
by Carol Cabrera

Groom ~ Eduard Cao
Bride ~ Carol Cabrera
Bartender/Sharp ~ James Shelledy
Andrea ~ Caludette Santiago
Sylvester ~ Rhys Green

Baby Ruth & Uncle Sam
by KL Brisby

Bert ~ PJ CImacio
Karaoke Singers ~ the company

First Salute
by Thelma Virata de Castro

Gilbert ~ James Shelledy
Younger Gilbert ~ Alex Keodara
Dennis ~ Andre Urbano
Younger Dennis ~ Eduard Cao
Drill Sergeant ~ Rhys Green

Lapu-Lapu
by KL Brisby

Mercito ~ Alex Keodara
Father ~ James Shelledy
Teacher ~ Thomas Villegas
Filmed ~ Eduard Cao
Bully ~ Andre Urbano
Gangster ~ PJ Cimacio
Classmates ~ Madeline Tulagan, Carol Cabrera

Hula-Armi-Paola-Fresas
by Carol Cabrera

Hula Ramos ~ Edward delos Reyes
Armi, Paola, Fresas ~ Claudette Santiago, Gingerlily Lowe
Mom ~ May Esteban
Dad ~ PJ Cimacio

Rebel with a Cause
by Carol Cabrera

Emcee ~ Edward delos Reyes
Marlene ~ Carol Cabrera
Activists ~ Claudette Santiago, James Shelledy, Gingerlily Lowe

Changes
by Alicia Deleon-Torrez

Julia ~ May Esteban
Adrian ~ Eduard Cao
Baby ~ Madeline Tulagan
Sonny ~ Andre Urbano

Grape Playground
by Joe Nogra

Junior ~ PJ Cimacio
Toto ~ Andre Urbano
Manong ~ Thomas Villegas

Act II

House of the Philippines
by Thelma Virata de Castro

Marie ~ Claudette Santiago
Juan dela Cruz ~ PJ Cimacio

TNT Knows Drama
by Jon Briornes

Felicia ~ Claudette Santiago
Ernie ~ Alex Keodara

Skinny Wrists
by Amanda Solomon Amorao

Taba ~ Carol Cabrera
Payat ~ Madeline Tulagan

Nanay With Attitude (NWA)
by Joe Nogra

Nanay ~ May Esteban
Rick ~ Alex Keodara
Christine ~ Madeline Tulagan

Testimony
by Thelma Virata de Castro

Norma ~ Gingerlily Lowe
John ~ Andre Urbano

When I was Young in the Philippines
edited by Gingerlily Lowe

Angelika ~ Madeline Tulagan
Rafael ~ Eduard Cao
Audrey ~ Carol Cabrera
Aiden ~ Andre Urbano

Ha-Li-Ka
by Carol Cabrera

Juana ~ Gingerlily Lowe
Younger Juana ~ Carol Cabrera
Principal ~ Rhys Green

Peanut Butter Soup
by Joe Nogra

Chris ~ Thomas Villegas
Adam ~ Edward delos Reyes

Bayanihan
by Carol Cabrera

Mom ~ May Esteban
Pop ~ Thomas Villegas
Tony ~ Alex Keodara
Uncle ~ James Shelledy
Grandmother ~ Gingerlily Lowe
Kids & Relatives ~ the Company

The Dance
by KL Brisby

Mom ~ Carol Cabrera
Dad ~ PJ CImacio
Angela ~ Georgina Spelvin
Samahan Teacher ~ May Esteban
Pasacat Teacher ~ Claudette & Madeline
Dancers ~ the Company

~

Written by
Jon Briones, Amanda Solomon, Alicia DeLeon-Torres, Marivi Solivan,
Gingerlily Lowe, Joe Nogra, Carol Cabrera, Thelma deCastro, KL Brisby

Directed by
Kent Brisby

Assistant Directors
Edward delos Reyes, Gingerlily Lowe

Stage & Production Manager
Suanne Pauley

Community Program Coordinator
Thelma Virata deCastro

Choreography
Michelle Camaya

Assistant Stage Manager
RJ

Costumes
Cheryl Lindley-Lopez

Set
Jay Newington

Carpenters
Steve Levine
Jay Newington

Poster Design
Jessie Zelayandia

Social Media Support
Chrysanne Lowe-Rafferty
Kalí Kamaria

ThankYou!
Ron Padua
Teatro Máscara Mágica
Connie Viado
Myrna Ablana, Jacquilin Magat-Lapid, and the Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture (CTFLC)
Cesar Adan and Filipino American Retirees of Southern California
Alastair Agcaoili
Rommel Alberto, Rom Sarno and House of Philippines
Amanda Solomon Amorao and Kuya Ate Mentorship Program (KAMP)
Captain Elsa P. Ang and Filipino-American Military Officers Association (FAMOS)
Roberto Andrade
Wendy Aragon-Mills and Filipino American Veterans Association (FAVA)
Catherine Asuncion and Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego (FALSD)
Chris Aure and Zarlitos
Tress Balch and Happy Sushi
Anne Bautista
Anamaria Cabato, Gemma Cabato and PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company
California Humanities
Michelle Camaya and Samahan Philippine Dance Company
Jonathon Camitan, Lorena Dominguez and de Castro P.C.
City Councilman Chris Cate and the Staff of District 6
City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture
City of San Diego through Horton Plaza Theatres Foundation
Audie de Castro, Honorary Consul of the Philippines
Dr. Bernard Ellorin
Dr. Alexander Khalil
Michael Lapid and Filipino American Educators of San Diego County (FILAMEDA)
Mitz Lee and the Mira Mesa Senior Center
Julia Legaspi
Joe Mazares, Vangie Meneses, and the Council of Philippine American Organizations (COPAO)
Dr. Juanita Nacu
Tony Olaes and The Filipino School
Dr. Judy Patacsil, Herb Delute, Tina Barlolong, Felix Tuyay and Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)
Jeff Rafferty
Hula Ramos
Jayrell Ringpis and SNOICE
Jessica Santos and AB Samahan at SDSU
Marlene Tuyay Scott
Dr. Lily Ann B. Villaraza
Emilio J. Virata
Ditas Yamane and Mabuhay Foundation
Melanie Tulagan
Rey Monzon, Sal Flor and Florante Ibanez

NOTES ON THE PLAYS

“Rhumba at the Rizal Dance Hall” is inspired by the1935 murder of taxi dance hall owner Paul Arriola.  The play assembles key elements from The Rizal Dance Hall Murder, Marivi’s novel that depicts the lives of Filipino farm workers and their struggles with anti-miscegenation and other racist laws of the period. The novel draws on extensive archival research of newspaper articles, business directories and court transcripts to portray Depression era California and the diverse communities that once inhabited San Diego's Stingaree district. ~Marivi Soliven

"When I Was Young in the Philippines" features the excerpted recollections of four 5th grade students from Nye Elementary in San Diego:  Audrey Urbano, Angelika Dano, Rafael Halabaso, and Aiden Duque.  This was an outgrowth of a student writing assignment paying homage to Cynthia Rylant’s story, When I Was Young in the Mountains. ~Gingerlily Lowe

“Matters of the Heart, Family, Government” is based on research on anti-miscegenation laws in the United States, and in particular, laws affecting Filipinos in California. This piece seeks to explore how the past and the present are connected and how laws that existed long ago still linger here with us today. There will be a Legal panel discussion following the April 6 performance at 7:30 p.m. ~Carol Cabrera

“TNT knows DRAMA” is a snippet of the life of an undocumented Filipino living in America. TNT is an acronym for the Filipino phrase tago ng tago, roughly translating to always hiding. This play was based on an interview with a local undocumented Filipino American, Alicia Ricafrente, sharing her hopes and her fears as well as her desire for immigration reform. Undocumented Filipinos in the US is not a new phenomenon, but is not a popular conversation among Filipinos in America. Bringing stories like this to light hopefully sparks sympathy for reform. ~Jon Briones

“Skinny Wrists”was based on my personal experience with depression and suicidal ideation within my family, which lead me to perform further research. The work of Diane Wolf and Yen Le Espiritu were most helpful. In particular, their 1999 essay “The Paradox of Assimilation: Children of Filipino Immigrants in San Diego” analyzes the context and consequences of a CDC study that found 45.6% of Filipina students in San Diego public schools at that time reported contemplating suicide while 23.3% actually attempted.~Amanda Solomon Amorao

"Halo Halo" is a celebration of the beautiful mix-mix inherent to our diverse San Diego communities, and dedicated to Gina Sevilla who always puts out such a great spread and introducing me to so many yummy Filipino foods. ~Gingerlily Lowe

“Hula, Armi, Paola, Fresas” is based on interviews with radio personality Hula Ramos, and Ms. Philippines pageant winners from various years, including Armi Guzman, Paola Rodelas, and Fresas Flores Balistreri. Hula will speak on the Pinoy Pride panel following the April 8 performance at 7:30 p.m. ~Carol Cabrera

“Rebel with a Cause” is based on material gathered in an interview with pageant protestor Marlene Tuyay Scott. Marlene's story is also featured in the FANHS Filipinos of San Diego book published by Arcadia Publishing. Marlene will speak on the Cultural Activism panel following the April 2 performance at 2:00 p.m. ~Carol Cabrera

“Changes” is based on an interview with Julia (Jhigs) Legaspi, owner of Jhigs Hair Salon and longtime human rights activist for the LGBTQ community. She served on San Diego’s Human Rights Commission in 1997, when she, along with others, advocated for the abolishment of municipal code 56.19 (aka “cross dressing law”). The law prohibited people from appearing in a public place, or in a place open to public view, in apparel customarily worn by the opposite sex with intent to deceive another person. Activists argued that the law discriminated against cross-dressers and transgender individuals. Ms. Legaspi completed her male-to-female transition in 1991. She will speak on the Cultural Activism panel following the April 2 performance at 2:00 p.m. ~Alicia Deleon-Torres

“The Grape Playground” was loosely based on an interview with Herb Delute, who grew up in Delano and was a farm worker in his youth, before getting his education and becoming an educator himself.  The story shows a day in the lives of migrant workers after the Grape Strike of 1965. The manongs (older, often single male laborers) prided themselves in hard work and passed this onto the next generation.  Although Cesar Chavez received the most attention regarding the strike, the efforts of Filipino farm labor leaders Larry Itliong, Phillip Veracruz, and others should be recognized. Herb will speak on the Filipino American National Historical Society panel following the April 8 performance at 2:00 p.m. ~Joe Nogra

“House of the Philippines”--I interviewed Wendy Aragon-Mills about her late father, Ray Aragon, who was active in numerous San Diego organizations, including Filipino American Veterans Association and House of Philippines.  Mr. Aragon was extremely proud of his Filipino heritage, and passionately worked to share his culture with others. House of Philippines volunteers Alexander Areta and Christine DeGuzman likewise shared their enthusiasm for the culture. Their stories became the basis for “House of the Philippines”, a comic take on the breakup between House of Philippines and House of France, and a look forward to the future stand-alone House of Philippines. ~Thelma Virata de Castro

“N.W.A – Nanay with Attitude” was based on an interview with Tina Barlolong.  Although the play is set in the 90s, it addresses the tension found between working parents and the Filipino teenager.  Add church, friends, rap music, siblings and the tension has the potential to boil over. Tina will speak on the Filipino American National Historical Society panel after the April 8 performance at 2:00 p.m. ~Joe Nogra

“Testimony”—“John” (a pseudonym) sought me out to share his story of domestic abuse, a subject not always talked about in Filipino American culture. John’s father had abused him physically and emotionally since John was a child. The abuse culminated in a life threatening incident in which John tried to protect his mother “Norma” (also a pseudonym). Police were called, charges were filed and a trial was held. I interviewed John a second time, along with his mother, about a year after the trial. The healing continues. John wants others to know--“You are not alone.” Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-385-4657. There will be a Legal panel following the April 6 performance at 7:30 p.m. ~Thelma Virata de Castro

“Ha-Li-Ka” is based on an interview with Dr. Juanita Nacu, founder of the Filipino language program in North County, San Diego. Dr. Nacu will speak on the Education panel following the performance on April 1 at 2:00 p.m. ~Carol Cabrera

“Peanut Butter Soup” was based on an interview with Chris Aure.  Chris is one of many that left a promising career to pursue his passion.  He and his father are now successful restaurant owners (Zarlitos Family Restaurant, National City, www.zarlitos.com) and they provide arguably the best food for the masses--Filipino food! ~Joe Nogra

 “Bayanihan” is based on an interview with Tony Olaes, businessman and President of Olaes Enterprises, Inc. He is co-founder of The Filipino School. www.TheFilipinoSchool.com Tony will speak on the Cultural Activism panel following the April 2 performance at 2:00 p.m. ~Carol Cabrera

“First Salute” was based on interviews with Dennis Alcazar and his father Gilbert. I met Dennis at a meeting of the Filipino-American Military Officers Association (FAMOS). He was the youngest member of the organization and was a special guest at FAMOS’s 25th Anniversary Gala. Dennis served in Afghanistan as an officer; his enlisted father served in Desert Storm. What I thought would be a generational military piece became a story about a father trying to raise a son, and a son trying to make his father proud. Both spoke with great emotion about that first salute. ~Thelma Virata de Castro

"October 1987" episodes are based on the ship's log written by Captain Unamuno, who led his crew south along the coast of California in search of suitable ports for the fluorishing Manila Galleons to resupply or repair. Over just 3 days in Morro Bay, Unamuno managed to make enough of an impression that Spanish ships steered clear of California for more than 100 years. His visit ended in tragedy, with several of his crew and one "Luzon indian" killed in skirmishes with the local Native Americans, believed to be the recently-recognized Salinan Tribe. This contact and first documented evidence of Filipinos in what would eventually be the United states is now memorialized by a small plaque and monument in Morro Bay, near San Luis Obispo. Of course, the details in Unamuno's actual logs are sparse--liberties have been taken to use these few historical facts as a metaphor for the experiences of future visitors and immigrants. ~Kent Brisby

"Lapu-Lapu" is based on the experience of Mercito Gesta, a boxer who moved to California to train as a protege of Manny Pacquiao, and to San Diego in 2011. In his first match in nearly two years, Mercito is boxing in Las Vegas on April 1. Mercito will spek on the panel following the April 8, 7:30pm performance. ~Kent Brisby

"The Dance" features a visit to the studios of San Diego's premier Philippine Dance companies: PASACAT and Samahan. What starts as a playful lesson for a young student evolves into the idea of dance as a metaphor for finding our own community, in whatever pursuit we choose. ~Kent Brisby

"Baby Ruth and Uncle Sam" is based on interviews with National City's own Roberto Andrade. "Bert" personifies many Filipino Americans' experience coming to San Diego through the military, and is now often called on to represent a Filipino WWII Veteran's perspective on contemporary and historical issues. Plus, he is a fixture in local karaoke and dance. ~Kent Brisby

COMPANY BIOS

Amanda Solomon Amorao, Writer - Amanda received her PhD in literature from the University of California, San Diego. Her research and publications focus on the development of Filipino American literature during the period of U.S. colonial control of the islands. Currently, Dr. Solomon Amorao is the Associate Director of Writing for UCSD's Culture, Art, & Technology Program. She is also the proud Executive Director of the Kuya Ate Mentorship Program, a grassroots organization providing educational workshops on Filipino history, culture, and identity in local San Diego high schools and middle schools.

Jon Briones, Writer - is a middle-aged desk drone for the State of CA Unemployment Department. He is a UCR alumnus. He volunteers at St. Mary’s Parish in National City as a catechist. He occasionally writes and paints. When he’s not working his day job or preparing students for confirmation, he’s procrastinating over his next art piece or making up possible titles for his (yet to be written) novel. He has contributed his writings and has performed for VAMP, a production of So Say We All in San Diego. Jon frequents local bars, cafés, and taco shops. 

Madeline Tulagan, Performer - Madeline is excited to be on stage at The Lyceum Space Theatre. She was last seen as Young Nala in THE LION KING JR at Coronado Middle School, Matthews/Saleswoman in ELF JR and Mowgli/Lizard in Kids Musicals Live at Ocean Beach Playhouse. Previously: WIZARD OF OZ, Witch Islander Youth Theatre and The Jungle Book Kids, Baloo SDCAP. Recently, she won first place for 6th grade vocal soloist at Musical Theatre Competitions of America. Thanks to Mr. Kent, Ms. Suanne and all the rest of her cast members for teaching and inspiring her!

Michelle Camaya, Choreographer - Michelle is grateful to be a part of the creative team for HALO-HALO. She has recently relocated back to her San Diego hometown after almost a decade in New York as a performer on Broadway, also teaching and choreographing for Mark Stuart Dance Theatre (NYC). Currently the Vice-President for Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center, she also teaches jazz dance as well as yoga throughout San Diego. Credits include: THE LION KING (Broadway, National tour, Las Vegas). TWYLA THARP’S- COME FLY AWAY/SINATRA, DANCE WITH ME (Vegas, Natl tour, Japan), SWING! (1st Natl tour, Japan), FAME (1st Natl tour). Movies: Memoirs of a Geisha, Enchanted. TV: Bravo's Step it Up & Dance (finalist). This August she will perform in SD Repertory Theatre's production of EVITA. Endless love and deep gratitude to Samahan, family, friends and Mon Julian!

Thelma Virata de Castro, Writer - is a playwright, Community Programs Coordinator for Playwrights Project, and founder of San Diego Playwrights. She first worked with Asian Story Theater as part of the writing team for Stories of the Sun Café, which focused on the Chinese American and Japanese American communities of San Diego. She served as Community Liaison and playwright for Halo-Halo. She loves hearing people’s stories, transforming them into theatrical works, and sharing them with the community.  Thank you to AST’s Kent Brisby and Gingerlily Lowe for producing Halo-Halo. Audie, Carlos and Enrique—You are my favorite story.

Alicia DeLeon-Torres, Writer - is the daughter of Rosie and Gil DeLeon, both of who were active in San Diego’s Filipino American community for almost four decades.  Alicia’s community service spans 30 years including Operation Samahan, Union of Pan Asian Communities, NAPAFASA and Survivors of Torture, International. She served on California Attorney General’s Civil Rights Commission on Hate Crimes, and City of San Diego’s Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention. Alicia is a fellowship recipient of The California Wellness Foundation Violence Prevention Initiative, USC Annenberg Public Health Journalism, and The Old Globe’s Community Voices.  She also writes for the Filipino Press.

Gingerlily Lowe, Writer, Performer - Gingerlily was recently featured in STORIES OF THE SUN CAFE with Asian Story Theater, here at the Lyceum. Other local appearances include shows at the San Diego Zoo, at the Old Globe Theatre with Playwright's Project, Magic Machine, Marquis Public Theater, and many others. She has toured with National Theatre for Children, and appeared at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia.  Gingerlily is one of the founding producers of the Asian Story Theater, where she also serves as Education Director.

Jessica Ordon, Dramaturg - Jessica is a freelance dramaturg and teaching artist. She currently serves as the Literary Manager for Native Voices at the Autry, and is the Resident Dramaturg for Scripps Ranch Theatre's New Works Series. Jessica holds a B.A. in Theatre from Florida State University, and an M.A. in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University.

Joe Nogra, Writer - Joe is a playwright and avid theatre fan, is honored that his work is being showcased at Halo-Halo.  When he’s not writing, you can find him enjoying all the blessings that San Diego has to offer.  Read his other works at www.storiesbyjoe.com.

Carol Cabrera, Writer, Performer - is a maker, teacher, and learner. She is a social practice artist and uses mediums like photography, theatre, and music to interact and respond to people, places and events. She is a high school Humanities teacher and drama club advisor at High Tech High North County. Carol holds a degree in theatre and writing from UCSD, where she graduated with the Robert Gaffney Scholarship for her socially engaged theatre work. She founded Nomads Theatre Company, a student organization dedicated to producing new works by young writers. She also holds an MA in Art, Education, & Community Practice from New York University. Website: www.CarolCabrera.com.

Marivi Soliven, Writer - has authored 17 books and taught creative writing at the University of the Philippines and  UC San Diego. Prior to publication, her debut novel The Mango Bride (Penguin, 2013) won the Grand Prize at the 2011 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippine counterpart of the Pulitzer Prize. The Mango Bride later won Best Contemporary Fiction of 2013 at the San Diego Book Awards. Grupo Planeta released a Spanish edition, Hace Una Eternidad en Manila in 2014 and National Book Store published the Filipino edition in 2015.

Kent Brisby, Director, Writer - Kent focuses mainly on original work, appearing in 2015 in THE PITCH starring Paul Rodriguez and in 2017 the upcoming original musical THE GEEZE AND ME.  He has toured nationally, and appeared on more than a dozen local stages as an actor.  As a playwright and director he has many more local credits, including projects at the Old Globe and San Diego Zoo.  He currently serves as Artistic Director for Asian Story Theater.

Jescel May Esteban, Performer - Jescel May started her theater experience in 1996 when she joined the cast of “Noli Me Tangere, The Musical” staged by Tanghalang Pilipino (Cultural Center of the Philippines). Jescel May also performed in other Tanghalang Pilipino productions: Ryan Cayabyab’s Musical, “El Filibusterismo” and “Ilustrado … Ang buhay ni Rizal,” “Aguinaldo, 1898,” arranged by Jessie Lucas all directed by Nonon Padilla and the Sarsuwela “Walang Sugat” directed by Dennis Faustino. In 1998, she played the Lead role of Dalisay in the musical “Kalinangan” (Philippine History) produced by the University of Regina Carmeli staged at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and also internationally at Brisbane and Sydney Australia. Her love for theater and arts continued when she moved in San Diego. She worked with Teatro Pilipino in restaging Ryan Cayabyab’s “Noli Me Tangere, The Musical” on 2015 (Aratani Theater, Los Angeles) and 2016 (Cerritos Performing Arts, Cerritos) where she portrayed the role of “Sisa.” Jescel May treasures the opportunity of becoming a part of inspired group of artists who brings culture and arts to thousands of her countrymen in the provinces and far flung areas in the Philippines as well as abroad. “Doc May” as she is fondly called, finished her education as a Doctor of Medicine and Medical Technologist at University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. She is currently working as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, County of San Diego.
Jescel May is very grateful for the support and understanding of her loving husband Jonathan, daughters Jomaiah and Jenamae, mother Cely and mother-in-law Enoy.

HUMANITIES ADVISORS BIOGRAPHIES

Bernard Ellorin received his PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Since the age of 10 Ellorin has been involved with the San Diego-based Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center as a rondalla string band and kulintang gong chime ensemble musician. Being active in Samahan was essential to his family’s resolve to always be aware of our cultural heritage. His research interest is on traditional ensemble music from the northern and southern Philippines. He has been educating both Filipino American communities and non-Filipino American communities about Philippine music in academic settings for various institutions and community-based non-profit organizations. 

Dr. Judy Patacsil is a tenured Professor and licensed psychotherapist. She is Coordinator of Mental Health Services at San Diego Miramar College and also teaches Filipino Studies. As the lead author for the Arcadia published book Filipinos in San Diego, Judy has focused her writing on the Filipino American experience. She’s the current national President of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and past President of FANHS San Diego. She is the proud daughter of her WWII Veteran father and her mother who immigrated as a War Bride; proud mother of her son, Michael; and proud partner to her husband, Herb.

Lily Ann B. Villaraza was raised in San Diego, and is a proud graduate of Bell Jr. High and Morse High school’s Filipino language programs. She is currently completing her PhD in history at Northern Illinois University with a specialization in Southeast Asian and Philippine history. Lily Ann is also former lead coordinator of FilAmFest (2007, 2008); former spoken word artist and open mic organizer (WORDsilog 2003-2005); PAYO advisor; and language and education advocate. She currently serves as the chair of the Philippine Studies Department of the City College of San Francisco.

PRODUCING PARTNER DESCRIPTIONS

The mission of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) shall be to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. FANHS is the organization responsible for declaring October as Filipino American History Month because of the documentation of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States, dating back to October 1587. FANHS celebrates and commemorates 430 years of Filipino American History this year.

Audie J. de Castro is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Philippines.   He is the official representative of the Philippine government in San Diego County, where over 200,000 Filipinos and Filipino Americans reside.   His office is responsible for promoting diplomacy, trade, and tourism between the two countries, providing consular services, protecting Filipino nationals, and promoting the interests of the Filipino American community.   Honorary Consul de Castro was sworn into office in 2014 at Malacanang Palace in the capital city of Manila.

This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a
non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.calhum.org.

 

Lyceum Info.