SIPA Well-Being Center Opens at Lucena on Court
On Friday, March 29, 2024, the SIPA community welcomed a first of its kind well-being center at the new Lucena on Court housing development in Historic Filipinotown. The celebrations began with an opening performance by Malaya Dance Troupe performing kulintang music and Sagayan dance. Followed by the performance was a Filipino Indigenous blessing by Katuuran Lyn Pacificar, owner of Herbalaria, spiritual healer and albularya.
Kimmy Maniquis—SIPA Executive Director, welcomed the audience, followed by remarks by Ivana Wang from Meta Housing, Jonathan Russo from Foundation for Affordable Housing, and Kenneth Mejia, Los Angeles City Controller.
Certificate presentations from LA City Council District 13, Regina Mallare—Field Deputy for Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis’s Office, Anthony Cespedes— Health Deputy, Senator Maria Elena Durazo’s Office, and LA Mayor Karen Bass’s Office, David Nguyen— Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement.
Community members Artnelson Concordia, a former SIPA volunteer & Historic Filipinotown resident, and Joselyn Geaga Rosenthal, a resident & HiFi Coalition Neighborhood & Community Economic Development member, also shared stories and marked the importance of this milestone.
After the program, the event continued on with a performance by the Rondalla Club of Los Angeles. To keep the energy going, Filipino coffee roaster Teofilo Coffee Company, and treats by Cafe 86 and Brown Baked Desserts were enjoyed.
The day ended with a sound bath and yoga class, giving the community a sample of some of the programming that will be available at the well-being center. For more information on programming visit https://www.sipacares.org/health-and-wellness.
Opening Highlights!
