LOS ANGELES – Raymond Townsend’s dream came true.
The former NBA pro, who also happens to be the first and only Fil-Am to play in the NBA, dreamed of having a basketball arena filled with Filipinos and Fil-Ams in the US.
Last Saturday, more than 750 Filipinos fulfilled that dream when they attended the NBA Los Angeles Clippers Filipino Hoops and Heritage night.
"This was the first ever Filipino Hoops and Heritage night ever in Los Angeles," said Townsend. "It’s a great start in Los Angeles. I was very pleased with the turnout of the Filipino community and it’s really exciting to be a part of this."
Los Angeles is home to the most Filipinos in the US. And given their propensity to follow basketball, having the Clippers host a heritage night was a no-brainer for Clipper officials.
"As we brought it up to everybody’s attention Filipinos love basketball," said Christian Cammayo of the LA Clippers, one of the people who helped organize the event. "We know that. I love basketball. My whole family loves basketball and so reaching out to the Filipino community was a no-brainer."
Throughout the night, Filipinos and fans not only got a chance to watch an exciting basketball game against the Indiana Pacers but many also saw Filipino entertainers perform in front of a large stage.
The evening started with Townsend hosting a meet and greet with former NBA stars like Jamaal Wilkes before cultural dancers from Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts took the floor prior to the game.
Fil-Am nine-year-old Ciana Pelekai sang the US national anthem and received a rousing ovation.
During halftime, a California State University Fullerton dance crew, Infinite PASAbilities performed.
"I think it’s awesome it’s finally time we’re being recognized for the huge population that’s out here in Los Angeles and Southern California in general," said Jill Reyes, a Fil-Am in attendance. "And for the them to have a night dedicated to us it really feels a little bit more special and important."
Townsend said he’s going to keep his dream alive. He’s taking the Filipino Hoops and Heritage night concept on a nationwide tour around the league to introduce NBA fans to the Filipino culture.
"I truly have a vision of filling this place up," said Townsend. "If we’re going to have a Filipino celebration, then we need to gather here, fill this place up and show the clippers or any NBA team how strong we are as a community and I think it’s very important to take ownership in the NBA of this Filipino Hoops and Heritage night tour."
( Published December 9, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A1 )
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