Having worked with FilAm ARTS in multiple capacities, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the leadership development I received from the organizations staff and board. Through all four of their programs - FilAm ARTS always strives to engage emerging leadership in order to sustain the development of the community. The organization is consistently growing, even with limited capacity, yet is still thriving due to the community buy-in and need of their services and programming - not only in Southern California but nation wide. Living on the east coast now, I realize that there is nothing like FilAm ARTS and what they do to engage, further, and strengthen the greater Filipino American community.
Review from Guidestar
Hosting the largest Filipino American Arts & Culture festival annually is just a taste of what FilAm Arts as an organization has to offer the community. FilAm Arts has a rich history in sharing, engaging, and exposing the Pilipino culture and heritage to US born Pilipinos, Pilipinos from abroad, mixed heritage, and non-Filipinos alike. They have really integrated the involvement of Pilipinos in the community thru their events, workshops, annual festival, internships, etc. FilAm Arts has played a major role in my life and artistic development, as I have served as an intern for the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC). I have been a participant for FPAC first as a cultural dancer for Sining Ginto, then as a senior's village volunteer, poetry slam volunteer, dj battle organizer, Kali/Arnis/Eskrima demonstrator, etc. I have assisted with FilAm Arts as a member of Balagtasan Collective, a member of their Kali Klub, and even as a temporary yoga instructor for the community. I just wish that they had more funders, community support, involvement and organizational structure to sustain the valuable work that they do. Nevertheless, I truly value the significance of this organization and would love to see it continue in its existence.