Richard Radford/Capital City Weekly From left to right: Rafael Castaños, who helped organize the nomination; Sam Simbulan of ABS-CBN; FCI President Jenny Gomez Strickler; Carlos "Mouse" Munoz of ABS-CBN.
Story last updated at 10/6/2010 - 12:56 pm
JUNEAU - The Filipino community in the capital city has more than just their heritage and culture to celebrate this month. October, marked by the state of Alaska as Filipino American History Month, also sees Juneau's Filipino Community Inc. (FCI) winning a major award by ABS-CBN, the Philippines' biggest media group.
ABS-CBN presents the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Samahan Sa Amerika Award each year to honor exemplary Filipino communities across the globe. The FCI won the award along with five other groups in North America. They were selected out of more than 40 communities across the continent.
The award was found "accidentally" by Juneauite Rafael Castaños, who helped organize the nomination, when he saw the announcement on an ABS-CBN television program.
Castaños and the FCI have accomplished several notable things both for the Filipino community and Juneau as a whole, making them a standout for the award. They aided in the establishment of the Office of Citizenship Assistance in Juneau, helping residents to become citizens locally, without extensive travel. Their Alitaptap Philippine Folkloric Group has educated the public about Filipino dances across the state of Alaska. They have provided funding to Filipino students and international aid organizations. "Manila Square," a public park in Juneau, was created to recognize the assistance Filipinos have made towards the growth and development of the capital city.
The FCI was also instrumental in bringing recognition of Filipino History Month to Alaska.
Two producers from the ABS-CBN, Sam Simbulan and Carlos "Mouse" Munoz, came to Juneau last week to create a short documentary that will become part of the awards ceremony in Redwood City, Calif. Both expressed being impressed by what they had found so far in their few hours of arriving.
"It seems to me there is a gold mine of Filipino stories here," Munoz said.
Many living in the Philippines aren't really acquainted with Alaska geographically, let alone the long cultural heritage Filipinos have in the region.
Munoz said that the FCI would be putting Juneau on the map for them. The name "Alaska," to residents in the Philippines, is immediately associated with a brand of milk.
"Then there's the 'Alaska' basketball team, which is of course sponsored by the milk company," he said.
In Tagalog, one of the primary languages spoken in the Philippines, "Alaska" is also a term meaning "to ridicule." The awarding of an Alaskan community will undoubtedly bring new meaning to the word.
Filipinos have been working in Alaska since the 18th century, having joined the work forces in whaling, canning and mining industries. Growing up in the Philippines, Munoz said he remembered canned salmon being a rare treat. He recounted his father bringing a can home once, and his family making soup out of it in order to be able to share it with the most people.
FCI President Jenny Gomez Strickler will be heading out this week to represent the FCI at the awards ceremony in California. It is also possible that Juneau's community will be selected to represent North America at the International awards ceremony in the Manila next month. Although she is delighted and honored to be attending, she addressed Juneau's Filipino community as the real awardees.
"The honor is all yours," she said.
New book will chronicle 'Filipinos in Juneau'
The FCI is also working in conjunction with the Filipino American National Historical Society to publish a pictorial history of Filipinos in Juneau. The book is the first in a series for the Filipino communities throughout the state of Alaska.
Strickler said she is looking for help from residents to provide the approximately 200 photographs needed, covering Filipinos in Juneau from the earliest possible date to present.
Strickler said the project is important to preserve both the history of Alaska's oldest Filipino community, as well as the personal histories of regional families. They are looking for old pictures of family, friends, events, building, parties and gatherings. People can also provide captions of up to 70 words describing each picture. The originals will be returned to the owner after being scanned.
Anyone interested in aiding with the project can contact Strickler by calling 723-9053, or by e-mail at Jenstrickler@aol.com.
FCI kicks off celebration of Filipino American History Month in Juneau
State Rep. Cathy Muñoz and state Sen. Dennis Egan came to dinner at the Filipino Community Hall last week to congratulate the FCI on winning the ABS-CBN award.Filipino Community
The nomination for the award was submitted by Rep. Muñoz.
They were also there to announce and read from the Executive Proclamation signed by Governor Sean Parnell declaring October to be Filipino American History Month. They joined in the lively meal of copious delicious treats, a compulsory honor bestowed on all who visit with the Filipino Community.
The proclamation cites the myriad impacts Alaska's Filipino community has had on the state's past, present and future, and encourages "all citizens to recognize the importance of Filipino Americans in our communities today, and the vast contributions they have made over the last two centuries."
The FCI will be holding various events at its hall in Juneau (251 South Franklin Street) throughout October in honor of Filipino American History Month. Strickler invited the community to participate in attending the festivities.
"We always feed you good food, right?" she said.
October 9: "Filipino Games, Storytelling & Karaoke." At 4 p.m., members are encouraged to participate and share games, stories and songs. The General Membership Meeting will follow at 6 p.m.
October 16: "Regional Food Competition, Dances and Songs." At 4 p.m., members can prepare and sell their regional food specialties, with proceeds going to the seller. Customers will be able to vote on their favorite dishes.
October 23: "Filipino Garments Fashion Show." At 5 p.m., people are encouraged to come see a fashion show displaying the various cultural styles of Filipino dress. Members are again encouraged to make and sell food items. The FCI is also looking for a member to cater the event.
October 30: "Halloween Masquerade Costume Party." At 5 p.m., FCI will hold its annual costume party. Awards will be given for the best costumes. Food will be provided by FCI.
October 31: Raffle winners for Bayanihan tickets to Anchorage will be announced at the bingo games.
For more information about FCI, go online at www.filcomalaska.org.
Richard Radford may be reached at richard.radford@capweek.com.
