PRESS RELEASE ASC-122-2017

PHL CONSULATE GENERAL ATTENDS “MUTYA NG LAHI,” 2017 CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF FIL-AM ASSOCIATIONS OF SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, INC.

Consul Rea G. Oreta delivering her welcome remarks. Los Angeles, 08 November 2017 – In celebration of Filipino History Month and in support to Filipino Artists and Talents, the Philippine Consulate General, represented by Consul Rea G. Oreta and Cultural Officer Wilma G. Bautista attended the 2017 Cultural Festival of the Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), Inc. dubbed “Mutya Ng Lahi” on 21 October 2017 at Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, California.

“Mutya Ng Lahi” showcased Philippine history, tradition, music as well as the beauty, richness and diversity of the country through performances of local Fil-Am artists. The program featured Philippine folk dances performed by Barkada’s Cultural Dance Troupe of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and by the California State University of Long Beach Philippine Cultural Network, and a medley of classic and pop Pilipino Music rendered by members of Back On Track, a popular Fil-Am quartet.

The cultural festival was well received and appreciated by the Filipino-American community in Santa Clarita Valley, as well as by local government officials. Mayor Cameron Smyth of the City of Santa Clarita, one of the key speakers during the event, highlighted the importance of the growing Fil-Am community in Santa Clarita.

The celebration was concluded by a fashion show, which featured the evolution of Philippine dress such as the Tapis, Maria Clara, Baro’t Saya, Balintawak, Barong Tagalog, Traje de Mestiza and Terno. Modern Filipiniana dresses designed by Mul Tayoba was also presented during the fashion show. Mul was a Licensed Civil Engineer and a Development Planning Officer in the who reinvented himself to become one of the distinguished Fil-Am fashion designers in Southern California.

Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. is a non-profit 501-C3 association of Filipino-Americans residing in the Santa Clarita Valley with a mission to promote, preserve and maintain Filipino culture through cultural, civic and sports activities; to sponsor and engage in various outreach, charitable and humanitarian programs for the well being of the community; and to provide scholarship grants to less privileged and deserving students both locally and in the Philippines. END.

(L) Designer Mr. Mul Tayoba and (3rd from R) Consul Oreta with "" by The Barkada's Cultural Dance Troupe of Cal Poly models showcasing his modern Filipiniana dresses. Pomona University.

Evolution of Philippine "Barong Tagalog". Photo shows evolution of Philippine costumes featuring the "Maria Clara Gown".