Page 2 - SINING SAMAHAN 44 PROOF_Neat

The Art of Coming Together

SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose
mission is to preserve and promote Filipino culture through the arts.
We offer to the community, dance and music classes rooted in research-based material
and lived experiences directly from the Philippines. We provide an avenue to appreciate the Filipino culture
through performances of dance, music and living traditions, while enriching cultural diversity in the community.

Originally named SAMAHAN Philippine Dance Company, SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts &
Education Center (FAPAEC) was organized in July 1974 under the direction of Lolita Diñoso Carter, Ph.D. Dr.
Carter, a dance instructor at Grossmont College at that time, volunteered her services to organize a performing
ensemble as a contribution to the growing Filipino community in San Diego county. Her knowledge of Philippine
Dance and Music came naturally from her experiences growing up in the Philippines and being involved in all
facets of Filipino life in a small town including activities of a large extended family, church and its numerous
religious observances, school programs and community celebrations specially town fiestas. Formal education in
Philippine Folk Dance at the University of the Philippines and classes with Francisca Reyes Aquino, eminent
authority on Philippine folk Dance provided Carter with a solid background in Philippine folk dance.

Since the founding of SAMAHAN FAPAEC, Dr. Carter served as its Executive Director, performing various tasks,
such as, grant writer, choreographer, dance teacher, concert and event producer, and costume creator. She
was instrumental in the development of SAMAHAN FAPAEC into what it is today. She passed away in July 25,
2011, leaving with us a rich legacy of Philippine cultural arts. Today, as we come together to celebrate our 44th
Concert of Philippine Dances and Music, let's commemorate Dr. Carter's 10th year death anniversary.