The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh (FAAP) is an association of Filipinos, Americans, and friends.  It seeks to develop, promote and preserve the Filipino heritage among its members as well as acquaint the general public with the many facets of Filipino culture. 

First organized as the Samahang Pilipino ng Pittsburgh in 1957 when Jan Maramba and a small group of Filipinos joined together as an informal group.  Seven years later in 1964, the SPNP was formally organized with Dr. Ramon Gonzalez who was elected as the groups first President.  Founded as a social organization, it then evolved into one with three distinct pillars – charitable, cultural and educational, gaining recognition as a 501c3 charitable organization in the millennium year 2000.

Today, the FAAP is an active and dynamic part of the community, participating in year-round activities that benefit Philippine and American charities, as well as raise funds for Filipino academic scholarships.  It’s dance troupe  performs at various functions in and around the Pittsburgh area.  Some of our past charity works include the following:

Children’s hospital; Disaster Relief Funds for the Philippines; Ronald McDonald House; Food Bank Donations; WTAE Project; Bundle-Up; Soup Kitchens; Salvation Army; Mom’s House; Dogs for the Blind; Brother’s Brothers Foundation; Special Olympics; United Way Day of Caring; Western PA Conservancy Planting; Miryam’s House; Operation Safety Net; Medical Missions in the Philippines; Red Cross and many, many more!!!

In its nearly fifty years of existence, the association has performed and participated in a long string of cultural shows.  Most notably and loyally in the Pittsburgh Folk Festival.  In 1989 the Festival’s chosen performance group was the SPNP. This allowed it to showcase its colorful dance troupe and beautiful display booth exhibits.  The performers have participated in other area festivals as well as dancing for local hospitals, schools and Kennywood Park.  The FAAP has published a cookbook, now in its second printing, that contains many ethnic dishes of the Philippines along with a wonderful variety of tried and true recipes for home cooking.

Our third pillar, education, is a commitment that is never-ending.  In the late 70’s, early 80’s an endowment fund was created for a scholarship and named after its founder, Jan Maramba.  It seeks to honor the most outstanding Filipino high school student who is active in the organization.  The FAAP also participates in the Federal Executive Board’s yearly Asian American Heritage celebration.  Furthermore, the FAAP is planning to create an organized Filipino School that will provide students with a deeper understanding of the Philippines through its language, history, geography, and culture.

Currently, the FAAP is involved in a campaign to construct a Philippine Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.  This is a source of great pride for Filipinos here and abroad and will leave a lasting legacy of the Philippine culture to its many visitors for generations to come! 

We of the FAAP invite you to become a part of our organization.  Our devotion to the Filipino heritage through charity, culture and education make this a journey that we all should take!

To apply to join FAAP, click HERE for the application form.  http://www.faap.info/