More a cultural hub and place of the heart for Filipino Americans than a neighborhood where most hang their hats, Historic Filipinotown -- or Hi-Fi, as locals call it -- is now home primarily to Latinos. Yet Filipinos still gather there for commemorations, camaraderie, singing and folk dancing or some down-home cooking at Bahay Kubo restaurant.
Beginnings
In 1920s L.A., when the first wave of immigration from the Philippines began, many of the newcomers settled in what now is the historic district, bounded by the 101 Freeway, Hoover Street and Glendale and Beverly boulevards. In the 1940s, Filipinos began purchasing homes in the 2.1-square-mile district, where restrictive covenants did not apply. Another surge of immigrants arrived in the '60s.
Today, immigrants from the Philippines often settle in Eagle Rock, Long Beach or Carson.
What it's about
How's this for a melting pot? Amigos Market, in the heart of Hi-Fi, is owned by Tom Yoon, a Korean. His clientele, he says, is mostly Latino.
Designated "Historic Filipinotown" by the Los Angeles City Council in 2002 to spotlight the area's heritage, its Philippine population makes up only 15% of the residents. At least 65% are Latino.
But Filipinos maintain a presence. In addition to the restaurants, markets and medical facilities that draw Filipino Americans, there are murals along Beverly Boulevard, including one by artist Eliseo Art Silva titled "A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy," which chronicles the Filipinos' history in America.
Drawing card
Filipino Americans maintain their ties with fellow immigrants through the myriad social, political and service organizations in Historic Filipinotown, such as the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, of which retired physician Jose B. Baldonado serves as president.
A great spot for Filipinos to reconnect, the center also reaches out to the neighborhood's other ethnic groups, says Baldonado, who immigrated here in 1986.
"We host ballroom dancing for Filipino residents," Baldonado said, "and rent out the hall for \o7quinceaneros\f7 for Latinos. Everyone's welcome here."
Insiders' viewpoint
Iluminada Dimapilis, 73, arrived in Hi-Fi in 1974, rented an apartment and worked at clerical jobs within an easy commute by bus. Retired now, she has remained in the district because of her close ties to her church and because of the enclave's proximity to downtown and shopping.
