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WITH the vision to build an organization that could provide young people the opportunity to learn about Philippine history and culture through dance, music and the arts, two people – Herna Cruz-Louie and Jay Loyola – formed the American Center of Philippine Arts (ACPA). Founded just last February, ACPA’s mission is to provide a unique educational and developmental platform for multidisciplinary Philippine arts through innovative hands-on classes, collaborations, networking opportunities and showcasing events.
Co-founder Herna is a second generation Filipino-American, and was fortunate enough to be exposed to Philippine folk arts and culture through her parents, after-school programs and PASACAT Asian Pacific Arts in San Diego. PASACAT not only helped her discover her passion, it also provided her confidence, leadership skills, a sense of community, positive relationships and support in discovering her cultural identity. Feeling blessed with the opportunities given to her at a young age, she was however saddened to find out that there were many young Fil-Ams that weren’t exposed to their culture and heritage until after high school.
Jay (who is also ACPA’s Artistic Director) on the other hand, spent his formative years exploring the creative and colorful world of dance through a series of immersions to tribal communities, dance competitions and international dance festivals. As a former member of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company and Founder Emeritus of the Palawan Dance Theater, Jay’s enthusiasm and passion for dance has led him to share these art forms to young Filipinos in all the countries he visited. For Jay, it is imperative to engage young people to connect deeper into their roots.
"It is important for young (Pilipino) Filipino-Americans to learn about Philippine culture and history because family, culture and history are traditionally the backbone of one’s identity," he said. He also explained that public schools focus on western content that our young people are not well educated about their own personal ethnic history. "The basic materials of learning – the textbooks and lessons being taught in school – do not reflect the ethnic diversity of our public schools."
ACPA offers programs that can immerse students to a wide variety of Philippine arts. The Students Engaged through Education and Dance (SEED) Youth Program is a Philippine dance instruction for the youth aged 5 to 18. There is also an Adults Dance Program for ages 19 and up, as well as a Philippine Rondalla Music Program that can teach youth and adults on how to play the bandurria, laud, octavina, guitarra or bass. All classes are held every Sunday at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Although ACPA is a non-profit organization, their funding solely relies on donations and program registration fees. But ACPA hopes to keep enrollment fees low by applying for funding in its second year.
Funding is just one of the challenges that ACPA has to hurdle – gaining the community’s respect is another. Said Jay, "One of the biggest challenges we face is raising the quality of and respect for Philippine folk dance as a dance form. We are also frustrated about the lack of participation from our own community, as many parents are not willing to pay for Philippine cultural dance, but are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for ballet, jazz, Tahitian or modern dance classes."
Jay also would like to reach out to the Fil-Am community to consider ACPA’s youth program as a weekend activity for their children. "We’d like to be a part of helping them build their identities to grow into well-rounded young adults," he said.
ACPA is in the process of expanding their programs and is committed to keeping costs reasonable and accessible. They would appreciate any monetary on in kind donations, as well as introductions to organizations that support and fund youth programs such as theirs. Donations and information on ACPA’s programs can be directed to Herna Cruz-Louie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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