Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

All roads lead to Beverly Hills on May 17, 2009. The excitement unfolds. At long last, it is happening -- the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles, California and elsewhere from across America and around the world gathers. The red carpet is rolled out, the lights are flashing, the stage is set at the historic Saban Theatre, which curiously, by the dictates of one’s memory, is still fondly referred to by its old, more familiar name: the 1910 art deco landmark Wilshire Theatre.

The Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the first and only orchestra of its kind, is playing the music of our heritage, alongside high-caliber performers: multi-awarded recording artist Joey Albert; stage actress Stephanie Reese ; and vocalist Christopher "Pete" Avendaño.

On this night commences what months of passion, hard work and determination built: FASO’s highly anticipated gala performance in this prestigious epicenter of culture

Born of sheer ingenuity, FASO is fueled by love for one’s country as expressed through the arts. This event, like all other historical milestones, will forever define the chapter of history it is cradled in.

From the backporch and beyond

What began as a casual conversation between friends at a back porch one summer has evolved into a full-fledged symphony orchestra now entering into the mainstream.

Roger Oriel, publisher and CEO of The Asian Journal and Lito Ocampo Cruz, Editor-at-Large for The Asian Journal and Editor-in-Chief for Balikbayan Magazine, felt the need for a symphony orchestra that showcases the talents of Filipino-Americans.

"There are many outstanding Filipino musicians out there, " observed Roger. "The need was for someone or for one group to gather the musicians together and just form the orchestra."

Roger and Lito, both music lovers and visionaries, decried this lack. There were, of course, Filipino musicians who played for orchestras of other ethnic groups, such as the Chinese and the Koreans, but a symphony orchestra composed mainly of Filipino-Americans was still not in place.

"Let’s do it ourselves," challenged Lito. "A Filipino orchestra in America will cultivate the artistry of Filipino musicians." And such artistry, Lito believes, is innate in Filipinos.