The brand new Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway structure, called Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star, was unveiled in the neighborhood northwest of downtown Los Angeles, this past Saturday, May 7th. 

The structure spans 82 feet across and 30 feet high over Beverly Boulevard, the eastern entrance into the neighborhood.

The Los Angeles area is home to more than half a million Filipinos. The project to install the gateway has been in the works for nearly 20 years, according to councilman Mitch O'Farrell. It first was underway when Mayor Eric Garcetti represented the 11th District, now represented by O'Farrell. In 2018, O'Farrell initially committed $152,000 for the Eastern Gateway Project, but cost savings on another project enabled the councilman to provide an additional $452,000 for the landmark.

The gateway was designed by Filipino American artists Eliseo Art Silva and Celestino Geronimo Jr. They incorporated Filipino cultural symbols including a parol, which is a Filipino ornamental lantern; the Gumamela flower also known as hibiscus to pay tribute to frontline workers; and the Sarimanok, which is a legendary bird originating on the Filipino island Mindanao. 

The celebration began at 4 p.m. this past Saturday (May 7th) with music and community booths at Beverly Boulevard and Belmont Avenue. It featured music and dance performances and speeches from elected officials including Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilman Mitch O’Farrell.

The Hope LA team was there to attend the event and show support for the Filipino community and also the efforts of the City of Los Angeles, especially Councilman Mitch O’Farrell. Thank you to all city officials and workers and thank you to Councilman Mitch O'Farrell for your continuous efforts to build a beautiful and culturally rich and inclusive City of Los Angeles.