Our STORY

We honor our founders who established the Filipino-American Community of Puget Sound in the early 1920’s and 1930’s. During that time we were part of the minorities that were trying to be recognized in the United States of America. In 1937, the first Filipino club was formed in Auburn then named “The Filipino Brotherhood.”

When the war broke in 1941 Many Filipinos were called to serve the military, while others concentrated on farming, hence, the club became dormant. Thanks to the burning desire to form a Filipino community, the club was revived on 1944 and the name of the organization was changed to “Filipino American Club of Auburn and Vicinity.” Back then all meetings and events are being held in the members houses, and The Fraternity Hall in Auburn , respectively.

Kent also had a club formed by the farmers and Tacoma had a club dating back as far as 1915. When the Independence of the Philippines was declared on July 4, 1946 the three Filipino Clubs formed an alliance and became united as one under the name “United Filipino Communities” who spearheaded the participation of the Filipinos in the Seattle Parade on the 4th of July that year. Unfortunately, the organization experienced some struggle as a result the organization was dissolved in early 1947.

A natural Filipino at heart wanting to establish the Filipino community, on December 27, 1947, a meeting was held that resulted to the merging of the three Filipino Clubs, and called as “The Filipino and American Council of Puget Sound.” Through the hardworking of efforts of the Presiding President, Officers and Members the constitution and by laws of the organization were ratified and four acres of land was purchased on February 1950. Soon enough through their efforts and dedication, the organization was incorporated and certified in the name of ‘FILIPINO and AMERICAN Community of Puget Sound (FACPS) on May 7, 1950 and this left a lifetime legacy. Fundraising for the Community Hall started on 1951 though 1954, the officers and members hardware and perseverance to see the First Filipino Community Hall paid off as in 1955, the building was finished and the grand opening was held.

Due to the construction of the freeway the property where the community hall resides, the land was bought out by the Federal Government. Through efforts and strong negotiation skills of the seated President at that time, the community was awarded with our building. Two (2) acres property adjacent to the old property was bought by the organization, and our building was moved by the dedicated officers and members at that time. Through the help and efforts of all the members for fundraisings and donations the building was completed and the grand opening of the new building was held in June 1974.

Our hall is a reminder of how our early Officers and Members worked so hard to have this Community last more than their lifetimes. Some of the pioneers are no longer here with us, however, their dreams lives in our hearts forever.

Our Mission

Further Charity & Goodwill

We uphold the Filipino-American heritage & other ethnic groups’ traditions by providing an affordable place for meetings & events with benevolent intent.