FASO’s first gala benefit to be held in Hollywood legend’s estate

The beautiful estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford will be the majestic venue of FASO’s first gala on June 17. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES — The only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines – the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) — will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on June 17 in the majestic estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford in Hancock Park, Los Angeles.

The special evening will honor FASO’s first Excellence in Music awardees and distinguished contributors to the pioneering orchestra’s mission and objectives. The names of the honorees will be announced soon.

This will be a unique chance to be on the sprawling grounds of the former home of Mary Pickford, the original America’s Sweetheart, and the location of movies, including the 2011 Oscar best picture winner, “The Artist,” and “Rocky IV.”

Edwin Raquel, one of FASO’s board members, and his family will graciously open their home for the event, which will raise funds to sustain FASO, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Filipino music and artists and for its music education programs.

Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Filipino cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner.

The sprawling grounds of the Mary Pickford estate where FASO’s first benefit gala will be held. CONTRIBUTED

Guests will be serenaded by FASO, which has been giving enthusiastically received concerts over the years, under the baton of musical director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder. Select performers and the Excellence in Music awardees will also entertain the guests.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid and win unique auction items, including a week’s stay at an apartment on Champs-Elysees in Paris; a round-trip ticket to Manila via Philippine Airlines plus a trip to Coron, Palawan; a stay at the Handumanan estate in Kalibo, Aklan, with complimentary river cruise and sightseeing to coincide with the popular Ati-Atihan Festival, and a stay at Boracay; and a chance to conduct FASO, no less.

Another highlight will be the Rigodon de Honor, the traditional Filipino dance by couples.

The gala, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor, the awardees and other distinguished guests.

The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For inquiries, contact FASO board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson (818-602-3214, [email protected]), or Jose Luis Garcia (310-936-2988, [email protected]). More details are also available at www.fasogala.org.