Members and friends of the Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Filipino-American Friendship Monument, a community-based and supported project, on April 28 at the Adult Recreation Center, located at 201 E. Colorado St.
FABAG-GLAC past President Edith Fuentes shared how the project went from being a dream to a reality, while also explaining that the monument is meant to be:
- A tribute — a way to remember and in honor of one of the late founders and past presidents of FABAG-GLAC, Ruby De Vera, and thank all past presidents.
- A commemoration of FABAG-GLAC’s more than 30 years of community service and collaboration with the city, businesses and intercultural relations among the many ethnic groups in Glendale.
- A symbol of gratitude and friendship with the city and its residents for many years of help and support, warm welcome and embrace of Filipino heritage and culture.
“I am more than elated to have joined the Filipino American community in the city of Glendale on the first-year anniversary of the Filipino-American Friendship Monument, the first of its kind in the city of Glendale and probably in the rest of Southern California,” said Edgar Badajos, L.A. Philippine consul general.
“Some may say this monument is a mute witness to the great relationship that exists between our two countries and peoples. But, I say, it is eloquent proof of the great strides we have made in advancing our mutually beneficial relationship though the years.
“Just as this monument is made of granite, a strong material that can last several lifetimes, so is the Philippine American friendship founded on a strong footing that is guaranteed to last for many years to come.”
This project was spearheaded by Fuentes and De Vera, who passed away during the pandemic. This monument is part of Filipino American heritage and history, not only in Glendale and L.A. County, but in the state of California.
Among those who celebrated the monument were state Sen. Anthony Portantino, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman and Councilmembers Elen Asatryan, Paula Devine and Ardy Kassakhian, as well as Rep. Adam Schiff’s representative Michael Aguilera-Gaudette, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman’s representative Christopher Khachadour and Glendale YMCA President/CEO George Saikali.
The monument’s donors and supporters — now called Friends of FABAG-GLAC — helped bring the project to life. They attended the event alongside FABAG-GLAC officers and board members, including Marlene Cagatao, Marnie Lacsamana, Celia Diaz Defato, Rose Linda Gonzales, Olivia Lopez, Gloria Morelos, Nelly Neri Aquino, Cora Aragon Soriano, LolitaLolita Bandong, Ami Bautista, President Jo Solomonson and Fuentes.
First published in the May 6 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
