Filipino American Heritage Month
Being a Filipino living in America, I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of Filipino Americans to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the United States and to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of our heritage among the general public. There are so many popular Filipino Americans who have had a positive effect on America.
“Where I’m from, everyone’s a hero.”
Why do Filipinos say that?
Bayani is the Tagalog term for “hero.” In the Philippines, a bayani is someone who is courageous, humble, and selfless. The country has a rich history of individuals who have fought for freedom, independence, and social justice. Filipinos are taught about these heroes early, and their stories are integral to the national identity. We’ve fought and got our independence after 300 years of Spanish colonization then the Japanese, then the Americans.
For those like me who have had the opportunity to work outside of the Philippines, earn a decent/living wage, and send money or remittance to the Philippines, we contribute immensely to the country’s economy and to the lives of our family. Our families have the ability to afford basic needs like medicine and school. A huge part of our income goes to sending money home. Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are coined as The Modern-Day Heroes of the Philippines.
The sacrifice to endure being away from family and the responsibility of being breadwinners make us resilient. However, there are realities that in many places, Filipinos are victims of modern slavery driven by the desperation to better our families’ lives that we all have to be aware of and fight against.
You may ask, “Why don’t they go home instead?” That would be a valid question coming from a privileged point of view because Philippines being a third world country, Filipinos would rather endure being a modern slave because the options in the Philippines are worse. That is the awful reality.
Four in every ten OFWs are in elementary occupations, doing the jobs that other nationalities refuse to do.
Majority of OFWs are women
Now that we know that, when employing Filipinos, ensure decent employment for them and not take advantage of their desperation or lack of knowledge they have the right to ask for better.
Origin
Filipino American Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place in October. It aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions, history, culture, and heritage of Filipino Americans. The month-long observance honors the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when "Luzones Indios" (Filipino sailors) landed in what is now Morro Bay, California.
Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.
How would you celebrate with us? Yes, you don’t have to be a Filipino to celebrate this month.
Attend Cultural Events:
Festivals: Look for local Filipino festivals, cultural fairs, and parades happening in your area.
Concerts and Performances: Attend concerts featuring Filipino musicians or dance performances showcasing Filipino traditional dances.
Art Exhibits: Visit art galleries displaying Filipino art and artists.
Explore Filipino Cuisine:
Cooking: Try your hand at cooking Filipino dishes. There's a wide variety of delicious Filipino recipes to explore.
Restaurants: Visit Filipino restaurants and eateries in your area. Explore traditional Filipino dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lumpia.
Learn Filipino History and Culture:
Read Books: Read books by Filipino authors or about Filipino history and culture.
Movies and Documentaries: Watch Filipino movies or documentaries that explore Filipino heritage and history.
Engage with the Filipino Community:
Community Events: Participate in events organized by Filipino community centers or organizations.
Workshops and Talks: Attend workshops or talks on Filipino culture, language, or history.
Support Filipino Artists and Businesses:
Artisan Markets: Buy handmade crafts and products from Filipino artisans.
Shop Filipino: Support Filipino-owned businesses, both local and online.
Learn Filipino Language:
Language Classes: Enroll in a Filipino language class to learn basic phrases and expressions.
Mabuhay means greetings.
Kamusta ka? means how are you?
Maganda means beautiful
Mabuti means I’m fine
Share on Social Media:
Hashtags: Use hashtags like #FilipinoAmericanHeritageMonth to raise awareness and share your celebrations with a broader audience.
Stories: Share stories and facts about Filipino culture and history on your social media platforms.
Educational Activities:
School Presentations: If you're a teacher, consider incorporating Filipino American history and culture into your lessons.
Guest Speakers: Invite Filipino American speakers to share their experiences and insights with students or colleagues.
Family and Community Gatherings:
Potluck: Organize a Filipino food potluck where friends and family can share homemade dishes.
Storytelling: Encourage older family members to share stories about their heritage and experiences.
Volunteer and Give Back:
Community Service: Volunteer with Filipino organizations that support community initiatives.
Fundraising: Participate in fundraising events for Filipino causes or charities.
We love to feed people, gather, smile, dance, and karaoke. Reach out to me if you’d like more information about this, mabuhay@joahanna.com
Happy Filipino American Heritage Month!
