News Summary
The Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center has officially opened in Anaheim, marking a pivotal establishment for the Filipino Catholic community in Orange County. This unique center provides essential space for cultural programs and religious activities, supporting a community that previously lacked a dedicated venue. The facility includes a chapel, classrooms, and kitchen, and will host various programs aimed at cultural preservation and community connection.
ANAHEIM, California – The Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center officially opened on July 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Filipino Catholic community in Orange County. This center is noted as the only facility of its kind in the United States, according to officials from the Diocese of Orange.
The grand opening ceremony featured a dedication and blessing by Bishop Kevin Vann, highlighting the center’s role as the new home for the Diocese’s San Jose Filipino Ministry and its various cultural programs. The ministry has long faced challenges due to the absence of a permanent space, previously relying on virtual platforms like Zoom for Tagalog language classes and holding cooking classes in individuals’ homes.
The new center is equipped with essential amenities, including a full kitchen, six classrooms, and a mirrored dance studio, facilitating year-round operation of cultural programs. This new establishment will enable greater sustainability and growth for the programs that had previously struggled without a dedicated space.
The Filipino ministry was established in 2021 with the goal of fostering connections within the community and preserving Filipino ancestry and culture. Rebecca Tamondong, who serves as the ministry’s vice-chair, emphasized the significance of having a dedicated home for these cultural endeavors.
The property for the center was acquired in May 2025 following considerable fundraising efforts from supporters and members of the community. A notable feature of the center is the official replica of the Poong Jesus Nazareno statue, which represents Jesus carrying the cross. The original statue, believed to possess miraculous healing properties, was brought to the Philippines in 1606 by Spanish colonizers, and a local woman inspired by her own recovery from cancer donated this replica to the center.
The Barkadahan Dance Troupe, which had previously operated in temporary venues, immediately moved into the new center upon receiving the keys. This troupe focuses on teaching Tinikling, a traditional Filipino dance, and has observed a boost in success and participant engagement since establishing a more permanent practice location.
Looking forward, the center aims to broaden its existing cultural offerings, which include Tagalog language classes, cooking sessions, and educational programs about Filipino history. Ike Quiaoit, chair of the San Jose Filipino Ministry, remarked on the center’s potential in enriching community identity and fostering stronger engagement among Filipino-Americans in the area.
Approximately 90,000 Filipino-American Catholics in Orange County are expected to benefit from the various resources offered by the new center. The building features a chapel that can accommodate 180 individuals, where Mass will be held in both English and Tagalog. Plans are already in place for weekly practices for music and dance programs, and Tagalog language and cooking classes are set to commence in September 2025.
Before its conversion into the Filipino Catholic Center, the building served a Vietnamese congregation. Diocesan officials have expressed that this newly opened center symbolizes a commitment to supporting the Filipino community, providing an essential space for cultural preservation and spiritual growth.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Filipino American
- Catholic News Agency
- Google Search: Filipino Catholic Center California
- Street Insider
- Google Scholar: Filipino cultural centers
- NHL Ducks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Filipino American community
- Signal Tribune
- Google News: Filipino community Anaheim
Author: STAFF HERE ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
