By: Isabel Coroza
In the season of growth and harvest, the month October is dedicated as Filipino American History Month. In the United States, Americans from all over the country come together to commemorate and recognize the significant impact this ethnic group has given to the U.S, in both body and spirit.
Why October?
October is a crucial month in Filipino American history because it marks not only the first recorded Filipino presence in America, but as well as the first Asians to set foot in the U.S. On October 18th, 1587, the first Filipino Americans arrived on Californian soil in Morry Bay, America. These Filipino sailors were called the Manila Galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, which was lead by a man known as Pedro de Unamuno. However, Filipino immigrants didn’t fully settle into America until the late 1700’s; these immigrants were named "Manila Men," who came to North America through the Spanish galleon trade. They created a small fishing village in St. Malo, Louisiana.
How was Filipino American History Month created?
Filipino American History Month first began when the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) introduced the idea of October as the Filipino American History Month in 1992. In California, 2006 Filipino American History Month was finally acknowledged statewide; by the time it was 2009 it was recognized worldwide. Present day, more than 4 million Filipinos live across the U.S, and Filipinos are the second-largest ethic group in the whole nation.
Why do we celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month?
The people of the Philippines have had a difficult and grueling history. But despite all the challenges brought to them along the way, they were able to become a strong and proud nation with an intimate yet welcoming community. No matter if they were a sugar-cane farmer to a nurse or an engineer, Filipinos have constantly contributed to America in many ways, being a key instrument in its history. It is extremely important that countries support and acknowledge the groups that have helped them grow as a society. It also creates a link between the Filipinos from the U.S and the ones from the Philippines, despite some differences; this can help Filipinos who grew up without much of their shared heritage to have a better sense of their culture. Filipinos deserve to have their voices heard and their experiences told. Other ethnic groups also deserve the opportunity to educate people on their stories and the Filipino American National Historical Society keeps Filipino legacies alive with that in their hearts. Even if you are not American, Filipino American History Month is still something you should appreciate and accept as a pivotal step for humanity.
Every year, Filipino American History Month has a theme: this year's theme is Past, Present and Future which is meant to focus on celebrating people’s legacies. Some activities you can participate in according to the FANHS are:
Read Filipino American Studies books of the past and present. For example, 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the edited text Filipino Americans: Transformation and Identity, (edited by Maria P. P. Root) – regarded as a foundational comprehensive text in Filipino American Studies.
Support arts and media that advance Filipino American Studies, such as Lumpia with a Vengeance (film) or Larry: The Musical (theater).
In Canada
Filipino Heritage Month is a widely celebrated commemoration held annually in June to honor Canadians with Filipino descent. This month-long festival brings together the Filipino community with food, music, dance and art. As a whole continent, I can proudly say that although we still have a long way to go, society has taken a step forward, not backwards.
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