EXHIBIT SHOWCASES FILIPINO IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

GLENDALE - When Lynda Reyes left the Philippines in 1981 to study in the United States, her mother gave her a leather-bound 19th-century Bible, a veil and some fabric as mementos.

And when Virginia Flor-Agbayani emigrated to this country from the Philippines, she brought along heirlooms - including her grandmother's antique necklaces.

Proud to share their heritage with the community, both women have loaned their collections for a special exhibit at the Central Library, titled ``Keepers of the Stories: Solace for the Migrant's Soul.''

Scheduled to last through June, the exhibit offers intimate glimpses into Filipino culture and history by telling the personal stories behind each item.

``By telling stories, we become introduced to an era, a people and the values of a time,'' said Connie Zamora, curator of the exhibit. ``History and culture become very much alive for the listener. It's almost like you are entering another world.''

In rediscovering their roots, Zamora hopes, immigrants find solace in the familiar and affirmation of who they are.

``Who we are is the result of all these decisions people in the past made. When we lose touch of that understanding, then we can very easily flail about,'' she said.

Accompanying the exhibit are scrapbooks filled with first-person narratives about the eras, memories, experiences and people the mementos evoke.

In addition to Reyes and Flor-Agbayani's pieces, the exhibit features traditional ethnic outfits, purses, indigenous tribal art, gold coins, postcards, books and historical photographs.

On loan from Zamora's mother-in-law, the penny-sized coins date back to the reign of Queen Isabella II of Spain, who was in power from 1833-68. They are stamped with profiles of the queen and were among the first coins minted in the Philippines.

Another highlight of the exhibit are wood carved sculptures and utensils from the Ifugao Filipinos, a mountain tribe renowned for its artistry. The pieces have been in the family of Los Angeles resident Hospicio Dulnuan for seven generations.

Displayed next to the indigenous artwork is a baro't saya - a traditional Filipino blouse and skirt ensemble.

The baro, or sleeved, collarless blouse, is made of a sheer lightweight fabric decorated with embroideries. The saya, a long skirt, is cut with opaque fabric painted with flowers.

The baro't saya belongs to the mother of Maria Singzon Froilan, who brought the outfit back on a trip to her homeland last year.

``When you wear the baro't saya with butterfly sleeves, you look different. You look so elegant,'' said Froilan, who recalled how even as a small child she wanted a baro't saya of her own.

Flor-Agbayani's antique necklaces - called tamborins because of their needleworklike craftsmanship - also are distinctly Filipino.

A re-interpretation of rosary beads, the tamborins are made with gold, coral and other precious materials strung together with a thin wire, featuring a cross or reliquary as a pendant.

Today, Flor-Agbayani said they are coveted collectors' items.

``Now it's really a status symbol. Anyone who still has a tamborin would be the talk of the affair,'' she said.

Zen Lopez, project director, hopes the exhibit will inspire visitors to become conscious of their obligation to preserve their culture.

``My intention is for the exhibit to touch people's lives so when they go back to their own families and communities, they will be aware of their unique roles as cultural bearers and caretakers of future generations.''

IF YOU GO: ``Keepers of the Stories: Solace for the Migrant's Soul,'' a Filipino cultural exhibit, will be on display through Sunday at the Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St. The library is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

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