PAGDIRIWANG PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL 2024
Filipiniana Multicultural Dance Troupe of Pierce County
The Filipiniana Multicultural Dance Troupe (FMDT) was originally formed in October of 2013 as an offshoot of the Filipino-American (Fil-Am) League of Lakewood, Washington. On February 22, 2014, with fewer than 10 member-dancers, FMDT launched its debut performance at the Fil-Am League event as an independent entity. Following its initial public performance, FMDT received numerous invitations from various community and private organizations to perform at different functions and events. FMDT had performed at the Veteran’s Nursing Home of the VA Medical Center in Lakewood WA, City of Lacey Cultural Celebration, Pierce College, Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood Racquet & Sport Club, Puyallup Fair, affiliated Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) events, Bicol Association in Seattle, Coalition of Filipino-American Organization (COFAO), Filipino event at Asian Referral and Counseling Services (ACRS) in Seattle, Pagdiriwang at Seattle Center, and other Filipino community events held at Seattle Center.
Inspired to make a difference by broadening and enhancing its activities and service to local communities, the group applied to become a Washington Non-Profit Corporation, receiving the Washington Certificate of Incorporation on September 10, 2015.
Comprised of Filipino-American members from the greater Tacoma area, FMDT’s mission is to promote, preserve, and educate their audience with Filipino cultural heritage through the performing arts by showcasing cultural dances and renditions of native songs that depict the saga of Philippine history and culture.
While supporting various Filipino-American and civic groups, FMDT is committed to demonstrate, through performances, the artistic beauty of the diverse Filipino and interpretative cultural dances—stories expressed through the art of dance.
After two years of inactivity due to the recent pandemic, FMDT is now in full gear and actively participates again in local organizations, community, and private events in the greater Puget Sound area.
FMDT is under the leadership of Mr. Ted Tayson from Graham, while the selfless and very energetic Ms. Cecilia V. Filio of Lacey oversees the choreography, costumes, and dance production of FMDT with the help of dedicated members that include Tony and Nitz Fontillas, Nitz Eligio, Boni Pancho, Nick Cahanding, Robi and Irene Buenavista, Emma Tayson, Vangie Hebron, Clemente Villalobos, Betsy Nabors, Rebecca Pope, Gemma Malig, and Dave and Rose Wilbur. The group’s intermittent members are William Wiles, Jhema Lucas, Sharon Spencer, Shaina Spencer, and Maui Spencer.
Affiliated with Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) based in Tacoma, FMDT regularly holds dance practice every Thursday at APCC facility from 6:00 until 8:45 in the evening, and due to upcoming APCC facility renovation, FMDT started utilizing available Pierce County library for practice on Sundays from 1:00 until 4:45 in the afternoon. To reach FMDT, please leave a message at 253-279-0593 or 253-861-9604.
