HISTORY of the Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC) from 1990 to 2022

The Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG), was organized in September 1990 under the Cultural Exchange Committee of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Mary Hamilton, then President of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, helped found the organization at the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Headquarters. It was Hamilton’s vision, that in order to improve intercultural relations among the many ethnic communities within the City of Glendale, the Chamber of Commerce needed to reach out to the diverse communities.

THE BEGINNING: A group of SEVEN Filipino Leaders in Glendale, namely Past Presidents Ruby De Vera (RIP), Nini Maldonado, Marlene Cagatao, Celia Diaz De Fato, and active members Romy De Vera (RIP), Romy Arviso and Precy Perlas, made a presentation to the Chamber board and paved the way to the group’s humble beginnings. Marlene Cagatao was FABAG’s first President. Other Past Presidents were Lydia Soriano, Edith M. Fuentes, Bob Adams, Linda Weaver, Nacy Manzanares, Danny Reyes, Joy Quiza and Jo Solomonson.

CELEBRATIONS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Councilmembers Carl Raggio, Ginger Bremberg and Larry Zarian were cognizant of the potential of the association and gave it their blessings. The City of Glendale in 1991, under Mayor Ginger Bremberg, proclaimed for the first time the week of June 12th as Philippine Independence Week and the 93rd Philippine Independence Day Celebration kicked off with a number of activities including cultural presentations at the Glendale Central Library, an art exhibit at the Glendale Galleria and a variety of sports activities during the month of June.

During the past 30 years, we have sponsored many outreach programs and projects to foster the mission of FABAG including the delivery of relief goods to the victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines and was recognized by then Philippine President Corazon Aquino with the Humanitarian Award. Over 3,500 families received the assistance. We have also raised funds to assist students of Glendale Community College with scholarships as they pursue higher education. In addition, we have sponsored many Cultural Presentations at the Glendale Central Library, Incarnation Church, Art Exhibits featuring world re-known Filipino Artists, with credits from Dreamworks, Walt Disney, Hanna Barbera and Nickelodeon. We have founded the Filipino American Artists Guild, sponsored Filipino Literary Authors whose books are now part of the permanent Filipiniana collection at the Glendale Central Library, sponsored Fashion Shows at the Galleria during Philippine Independence months and hosted the Annual Celebrations of Jose Rizal Day in Glendale.

FABAG also organized Kultura Philippine Folk Arts in 1991 when a handful of former Bayanihan Dancers embarked on the importance of fostering the culture and tradition of the Philippines and began dance instructions at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center Auditorium. The group has since grown and through the able leadership of Past President Celia Diaz de Fato, hundreds of Filipino children who were born in the United States have had a chance to learn of their roots.

It was during the term of Past President Edith M. Fuentes, 1997-1998 and in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration of Philippine Independence that 100 trees were donated and planted at the Glendale Freeway Sports Complex to commemorate the event in the City of Glendale. A bronze plaque to memorialize this project was installed at the complex. It was also during this term that

FABAG’s Standing Rules/Regulations and By-Laws were officially finalized, adopted and the group was registered with the CA State as a 501c3, with the help of then City Councilmember and FABAG’s Counsel, Mr. Gus Gomez. Every year thereafter, FABAG celebrated Philippine Heritage in June and Philippine History Month in October.

FABAG celebrated its 28th Anniversary in 2018, with a Philippine Heritage Celebration, Chinese New Year and other events that were open to the public at different venues. Also, FABAG officially changed its name to Filipino American Business Association of Glendale-Greater Los Angeles County (FABAG-GLAC) to be more inclusive of other cities and renewed our not-for profit status. In 2019, our 29th Year Anniversary, another successful Philippine History celebration was held at Incarnation Church and other fun events were also held, including a fundraising Luau. Later on, discussion and plans for a proposed Filipino-American Friendship Monument to commemorate our 30th Year Anniversary started. Past President Edith M. Fuentes and Ruby De Vera will be in-charge of the Committee on this special project. In 2020, FABAG would have celebrated its 30th Year Anniversary, unfortunately, and due to Covid-19 pandemic, our hands were tied and we were not able to do much activities. A joint webinar for members was held in early 2020 with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAPSoCAL) on “Financial Planning for Businesses.” Board meetings are still held via Zoom. We still hope that we can mark this 30th Year milestone with our proposed memorable project.

In January 2021, sadly, Ruby De Vera, one of our Founders and Past Presidents, passed away. Losing one of our pillars and great Leader was a sad incident for FABAG. On July 16, 2021, FABAG- GLAC held its Installation of 2021-2022 Officers and Executive Board Members with Pres. Jo Solomonson taking on a 2nd term and with City of Glendale Hon. Mayor Paula Devine as Installing Officer at the residence of Past President Edith M. Fuentes. Thankful to other Past Presidents who took on a 2nd term as President, too. A mixer that was open to all was held on August 19, 2021 along with a presentation on Living Trust and Long-Term Benefits. We also launched the Friendship Monument project at this mixer.

AND OUR LEGACY LIVES ON:

August 2021 - Fundraising for the Friendship Monument continued on and virtual meetings with City Officials and Staff regarding the monument were held and worked on. Preliminary plans were submitted by Past President Edith, Chair of this Special Project Committee to the Arts and Culture Commission who gave the project a thumbs up. Then, on to Building and Safety for preliminary plans check and processing. And the process went on.

On October 23, 2021, another successful Philippine History Month event was held at the Pacific Community Center and Park. This year, FABAG-GLAC concurrently held a successful Business EXPO21, too.
On November 8, 2021, Celia DeFato, Founder and Past President, received the Women of Achievement Award from Business Life Magazine held in Pasadena.

On November 15, 2021, Edith M. Fuentes, together with other Board Members, made a virtual presentation of the Friendship Monument to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission gave it a unanimous okey and positive recommendation for approval to City Council.
On March 8, 2021, the project was presented before the City Council, and it was unanimously approved with positive comments by Council Members on Filipinos in Glendale.

It was on April 4, 2022, when the historical Filipino-American FRIENDSHIP MONUMENT was unveiled and presented to the whole community. Special Guests and Dignitaries came to participate in this momentous event and historical program. Reception followed.

NOTE: Membership is open to any business, professionals or group wishing to promote our vision and mission. Join us as we continue to provide exemplary business leadership and collaborative community services based upon the highest levels of trust and integrity.