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WHO WE ARE
The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACC), founded in 1963, is one of the oldest Filipino American organizations in the country. WE HAVE HISTORY!
Today, with strength and support from our volunteers, the FACC remains the most established Filipino American organization in Greater Chicago with headquarters at the Rizal Heritage Center. |
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OUR HISTORY
The first FACC building, located at 1113 W. Webster Avenue, was purchased in 1963. It was then called the Filipino Community Center. As club memberships grew, the FACC searched for a larger facility to accommodate their social and cultural events.
To fund the new building, bonds were sold which ranged between $10-$5,000. In 1974, the FACC purchased 1332 W. Irving Park Road for $225,000. The final mortgage installment was paid in 1989. It was followed by a mortgage-burning celebration!
Interestingly, much of the funds raised to help pay off this mortgage came from festive community events like banquets, celebrations, and beauty pageants. Today, the FACC continues to hold events like the weekly Friday night Kamayan, monthly Dinner-Ballroom Dances, the annual Mrs. Philippines Beauty Pageant and the Kasarinlan Philippine independence celebrations primarily to raise funds to maintain the center and run its various social service programs. |
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FACC ARCHIVES: The first FACC building 1963; FACC council meeting at Webster Avenue 1964. Photos collection of Maria Acierto.
BOOK: Building Community: The Filipino American Council of Chicago by Dr. Maria Guillen Acierto, the first Filipino teacher in the Chicago Public School system. She has been a member of the FACC Board of Directors since 1965. |
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Book Description: In her large, photo-filled book, Acierto recounts the long history of the FACC with fine tooth-combed detail, listing the names of each officer and club which belonged to the FACC. Acierto tells about the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino community in trying to find a place to call its own.
LEGACY
Many FACC members, who were around during the Rizal Center's purchase 30 years ago, remain active in the care of the center today. Their names can be found set in bronze on a 1998 Hall of Fame plaque hanging in the lobby. Its inscription reads:
"In recognition of the individuals who have demonstrated a new essence of commitment in community service and contributed invaluable services to the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago since its founding in 1963."
Alfredo Acierto, Maria Acierto, Estrella Alamar, Annie Aldecoa, Angeline Ali, Rose Almazan, Max Baldoza, Carmen Baldoza Banez, Plaridel Balmaseda, Thelma Bascos, Dionisia Battung, Nora Beltran, Asteria Bhandari, Ben Bhandari, Orly Bernardino, Romy Bongat, Andres Botuyan, Irene Boyutan, Manny Buenafe, Leonora Bueno, Willi Buhay,Virgilio Castillo, Lourdes Ceballos, Belen Cruz, Julita Cruz, Rosauro cruz, Les dela Cruz, Pedro de Leon, Ved Diamante, Nora Duldulao, Julie Dumo, Rey Elazegui, Paula Breneta, Jean Espinoza, Eddie Fernandez, Eustaqio Florendo, Don Fortich, Thelma Fuentes, Romy Gatan Sr., Emil Garcera, Ben Giovanelli, Alex Gonzales, Severo Guerrero Sr., Romy Gumila, Frances Hicaro, Virgie Jaranilla, Ting Joven, Mae Lant, Jose Leonidas, Florante Llanes, Anne Llapitan, Carmello Llapitan, Toy Mancenido, Delfin Masangcay, Rosemary Mittenthal, Fe Monterola, Socorro Obaob, Oscar Oboza, Remedios Oliveros, Arsenio Oloroso, Gloria Oloroso, Ignacio Palad, Remy Pamintuan, Merly Perricone, Herminio Poblete, Luis Reformado, Ruben Reyes, Lydia Rhoton, Paz Saladino, Hermie Sanchez, Rodolfo Sanchez, Del Sapaula, Rey Sapnu, Joe Sarmiento, Plaridel Seneris, Silverio Sol, Aracel Somera, Romy Somera, Cora Sopena, Rodolfo Tapalla, Jennifer de los Trinos, Fred Urian, Jean Valdez, Oscar Valdez, Dely Villalon, Vil Villanueva, Ray Villar, Buddy Vivit, Soledad Yague, Telesforo Yague. |
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2007
No part of this website may be copied without permission from the FACC.
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