Raymond Townsend's dream came true.
The former National Basketball Association (NBA) player, who also happens to be the first and only Filipino-American to play in the league dreamed of having a basketball arena in the U.S. a hearty cheering section of Filipinos and Fil-Ams.
His dream came true on the night of December 5, when more than 750 Filipinos turned out for the Los Angeles Clippers Filipino Hoops and Heritage night.
"This was the first-ever Filipino Hoops and Heritage ever in Los Angeles," said Townsend. "It's a great start in Los Angeles. I was very pleased with the turnout of the Filipino community and it's really exciting to be a part of this."
Los Angeles is home to the largest Fil-Am population in the US. And given their propensity to follow basketball, having the Clippers host a heritage night was a no-brainer for Clipper officials.
"We brought it up to everybody's attention that Filipinos love basketball," said Clippers' staffer Christian Cammayo, who helped organize the event. "We know that. I love basketball. My whole family loves basketball — and so reaching out to the Filipino community was a no-brainer."
Filipinos and the rest of the fans at the Staples Center got more than a chance to watch an exciting basketball game against the Indiana Pacers. Many also saw Filipino entertainers perform in front of a large stage.
The evening started with Townsend hosting a meet and greet with former NBA stars before cultural dancers from Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts took the floor prior to the game. Nine-year-old Fil-Am Ciana Pelekai sang the U.S. national anthem and received a rousing ovation. During halftime, the Infinite PASAbilities dance crew of Fil-Am students from California State University Fullerton performed for the crowd.
"I think it's awesome — it's finally time we're being recognized for the huge population that's out here in Los Angeles and Southern California in general," said Jill Reyes, a Fil-Am in attendance. "And for the them to have a night dedicated to us it really feels a little bit more special and important."
Townsend said he's going to keep his dream alive. He's taking the Filipino Hoops and Heritage night concept on a tour around the league to introduce NBA fans to the Filipino culture.
"I truly have a vision of filling this place up," said Townsend. "If we're going to have a Filipino celebration, then we need to gather here, fill this place up, and show the Clippers or any NBA team how strong we are as a community. I think it's very important to take ownership in the NBA of this Filipino Hoops and Heritage night tour.
Joseph Pimentel is a writer for Asian Journal.
Photo of L.A. Clippers fans by Joseph Pimentel; archive photo of Raymond Townsend from hoopedia.nba.com.
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