Fil-Am students discover Pinoy culture in SoCal summer school program

NORWALK, Calif. – At Filipino Cultural School (FCS), young Fil-Am scholars are finding a sense of Pinoy pride and identity through a seven-week summer school program.

Founded in 1965, FCS features three courses: one for dance, one for music, and one called “halo-halo” because it mixes multiple traditional subjects, including history and Tagalog.

According to many of the students, the classes are both enlightening and enjoyable.

“I just love being surrounded by my fellow Filipinos,” FCS student Nouchka Apostol said. “I love talking about our culture and learning more about our culture.”

Another student, Cameron Szendzial, said the program can be very beneficial to Fil-Ams, especially those who have grown up in the States.

“It can help you to know where you come from and why you are who you are,” he said.

For one of the school’s administrators, helping students get excited about their Pinoy roots is an important part of FCS.

“I really want to see the kids spark that interest in terms of what it means to be Filipino, what’s happening in the Philippines, what’s happening to Filipino-Americans in terms of currently, in terms of politics, also entertainment,” FCS president Paolo Roca said.

By the end of summer, FCS teachers will have educated more than one hundred students ranging from 5 to 18 years old.

In the future, they hope to expand the program beyond summer school by establishing Saturday language classes as well as after-school programs.