nwasianweekly.com
June 7, 2008

Photoby George Liu

(From left) King County Executive Ron Sims, Filipino Community of Seattle President Bert Caoili, Vice President Alma Kern, Ron Sim’s wife, Cayan Topacio, and Rep. Bob Hasegawa.

By Evangeline Cafe

Northwest Asian Weekly

Get ready to do a double-take when you head down Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Seattle!

The pristine, gold-coated building with arched walkways and royal green trimmings is the newly renovated home of the Filipino Community of Seattle association.

The “new” FCC is the product of seven years of hard work, $2.8 million in fundraising, and collaborations between community members, the city of Seattle, King County, Washington state and the federal government.

Hundreds came together for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 30 — a truly historic day in Filipino American history.

“It is, indeed, a dream come true,” said FCS President Bert Caoili.

Several local dignitaries who played a role in renovation attended the inauguration. They included Gov. Chris Gregoire, King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. Bob Hasegawa, King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, former Seattle City Councilmember David Della, Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and local church leaders.

“I think it’s always important that there be a place where people can celebrate their culture,” said Sims — who has always had a soft place in his heart for the community in part, perhaps, because his own wife is a proud Filipina.

The money raised to fund the construction came not only from government sources, but also from private foundations and personal donations. An estimated $600,000 came from Filipino community members alone.

The new facility includes a two-story addition that includes two large classrooms on the upper floor, which will be used for WASL prep, Tagalog language and computer classes for youth.

“I love the fact that they’re being so open to young people and getting more young people involved,” said Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske.

“If kids are here and they’re learning, then they’re not going to be problems on the streets,” he said.

“It really represents all the dreams of our young people,” said Madison Middle School counselor Lauren Divina.

“There’s more to do; there’s more community building to do,” she said.

The flattering entryway is now located on the south end of the building (it was formerly on the east). A large, embellished mirror hanging over a small table greets you — perhaps a sign of Filipino hospitality, on a larger scale.

The main floor houses a small information center and modest library, packed with display boards chronicling local Filipino American history. A small seating area is equipped with crisp, modern furniture.

The center’s main hall also underwent upgrades, which were completed in 2004. They include a renovated stage and brighter light fixtures.

The Sound Transit light rail project raised some fears in the community that the center would be lost. Filipino American leaders lobbied hard to make sure that didn’t happen.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said that he is proud the building was not only saved, but was transformed.

“We will be partners,” he said. “We will make sure that this community always has a place to call home.”

“It means a lot,” said former Seattle Councilmember David Della, who is Filipino.

“The Filipino community has come together with the city, state and federal government to make sure that the center that served many generations of Filipinos is now a legitimate center, expanded and beautiful for future programs for future generations,” said Della.

FSC Vice President Alma Kern says the completed project has been a tremendous learning experience.

“It has given us confidence to work with our government and private foundations. Now we’re confident that we can get better and have better programs,” said Kern.

Kern says their next goal is to expand the community center even more, into what she calls “Filipino Village.”

The Filipino Community Center has come a long way from its humble beginnings, when leaders purchased the old “Empire Bowling Alley” in 1965.

Rep. McDermott remembers the dingy old building and says he is inspired by its transformation.

“This is absolutely unbelievable, the re-creation that they’ve done here. And it says something about the power of the community and the growth and the maturity of the community,” said McDermott.

McDermott said it is vital for members of any culture to have a central meeting place wherein they can learn about and celebrate their heritage.

“One of the problems in every community is the losing of the language, and the losing of the culture,” he said.

“The community center makes it possible to keep the language classes going, teach the dances, teach the geography. It’s important to remember where you came from. It’s not only where you are today, but where we came from, and who got us here,” he said.

The Filipino Community Center is located at 5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle. For more information, call 206-722-9372.

Evangeline Cafe can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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