The Filipino Community of Seattle is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Washington State Corporation organization committed to serving the needs of Filipinos and Filipino Americans since 1935.

The FCS Core Values: Excellence, Respect, Compassion, Justice, Stewardship.

Filipino Americans living in the Seattle and neighboring areas are encouraged to be active members of the organization. To become a member, you can fill out the Membership Form and bring or send it together with the $5.00 membership fee to FCS (Filipino Community of Seattle) at Filipino Community Center, 5740 M.L. King Jr. Way South, Seattle WA 98118.

Donations are accepted in kind or in cash and will be used to support the FCS's Programs and Services. Please make checks payable to: Filipino Community of Seattle. For inquiries, call us at 206-722-9372.

May is ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH.  It is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures of Asian American and Pacific Islanders and their contribution to Washington's economic, social, and democratic institutions.

A brief history of FCS on the next page.

FCS Past Presidents: L-R: Dr. Camilo de Guzman, Mr. Rick Beltran, Ms. Dolly Castillo, Mr. Vincent Lawsin, Retired US Army Major Urbano Quijance.

Right: Past President Bert Caoil.

Vincent Avestruz LAWSIN
Age 85, died March 9, 2010. Born in Leyte, Philippines. Guerilla fighter
during World War II, Merchant Marine, and retired Chief Engineer of the
Washington State Ferries. Past President of the Filipino Community of
Seattle, the Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington, the
Visayan Circle, the Jose Rizal Park and Bridge Preservation Society, and
St. Edward's Filipino American Guild. Worshipful Grand Master of the
Caballeros de Dimas Alang. Member of the Masons, Knights of Columbus,
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6599, and many other organizations. Loving
father of Zenaida Rosete, Carmelita Floresca (Jerry Maurice) Bridges,
Vincent Paul (Joseph Mahony), Emily (Scott Kurashige), and Ramon.
Grandfather of Marvin Allen, Thomas, and Jason (Leilani Diaz) Rosete of
Renton; Leandro, Isaiah, and Maxwell Bridges of Fredericksburg, Virginia,
and Tula Kurashige of Michigan. Great-grandfather of Teriel and Jaden
Rosete. Preceded in death by his wife Emma. 

Ella de Guzman

 Ella "Dayco" Bacolod de GUZMAN Ella 'Dayco' Bacolod de Guzman, age 75, passed away May 17, 2010 after a nearly two year battle with cancer (sarcoma). She was surrounded by her loving famil. She was the fifth of eight children. life, Camilo Oloresisimo de Guzman. She was very active in the Filipino Community of Seattle where she served as Vice President, council member, and volunteer. Manang Ella will be greatly missed.

Inauguration of the new Filipno Community Center.

L-R: Gov Christine Gregoire, King County Exec Ron Sims, FCS Vice President Alma Kern, Mrs Cayan Topacio Sims, and members to the Filipino community and friends.

A brief history

On November 15, 1935, delegates from various regional, civic, religious and fraternal organizations formed the "Philippine Commonwealth Council of Seattle (PCCS)" with Pio de Cano as president and Rudy Santos as vice president. Over the next 10 years the PCCS became the center of activity in the city's Filipino community. On July 4, 1946, the PCCS was renamed "Filipino Community of Seattle and Vicinity".

In 1952, due to the influx of the third wave of Filipino immigrants entering Seattle, the word "Vicinity" was dropped and the new name became "Filipino Community of Seattle, Incorporated".

During the administration of Major (Ret.) Urbano Quijance, a bowling alley building located along Empire Way South was purchased and renovated to serve as the Filipino Community Center (FCC). It was paid in full on November 16, 1973, with the continuous support of dedicated members and with Silvestre Tangalan, Sr. at the helm. A symbolic ceremony - the burning of the mortgage documents on February 2, 1974 - became a historic monument of Filipino solidarity.
The Filipino Community Center has been the hub of Filipino American multifarious activities. Every FCS president has worked to preserve this precious legacy.

Through the years, the Filipino Community of Seattle has changed its image from a strictly social organization to a service organization.

You are invited to visit the Filipino Community Center and learn about the new programs and services for seniors, youth, and families.  Welcome everyone.