Mabuhay! October is, among many things, Filipino American History Month: a time chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos to the United States on October 18, 1587, landing in what is now Morro Bay, California. Filipino American History Month was nationally recognized on a congressional level in 2006, and marks a time to honor the history, achievements, pursuits, and contributions of Filipinos in the United States. It is a way to preserve Filipino legacy and showcase the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.
Connecting to My Culture
My maternal grandparents are Filipino-American immigrants. Some of my earliest and favorite childhood memories include their stories, food, music, and even learning a little Tagalog. Eventually, my family moved to Hawaii, and exposure to that part of my heritage was still readily available since Filipino culture remains prevalent in the islands. The Filipino culture in Hawaii dates back to the immigrants who arrived from the Philippines in 1906 to work on the sugar plantations. Therefore, many Hawaii locals, like me, are at least part Filipino. I even learned traditional folk dances as part of a small troupe that performed around the community as a way to share that part of my culture.
Attending college in the Midwest included the frequent question, “But what ARE you?” While there were some flattering guesses; the more accurate ones were that I was part Asian, but never specifically Filipino. Filipinos are the second largest Asian group in the United States, and were responsible for organizing labor, partnering with Cesar Chavez to ensure and protect farm workers’ rights. Yet, general knowledge of the culture seemed limited to certain celebrities or Imelda Marcos’s infamous shoe collection.
However, the current landscape demonstrates things have changed: more Filipino restaurants have entered the mainstream cuisine scene, the Philippines is a world-renowned vacation hotspot, and the diversity of the Philippines (which includes not only a strong Spanish influence but Malaysian, Chinese, Austronesian, Arab and Indian) has intrigued contemporary academics, leading to more readily available educational resources about a fascinating history.
My maternal Great-Grandparents: Elena Garcia Dayanghirang and Jose Aguila Dayanghirang, late 1950s – early 1960s
Celebrating Filipino American History In The DMV
The DMV area is home to a fast-growing Filipino population, something I appreciate as a mom raising my son in a beautifully diverse, multicultural environment. It’s important to educate and expose children to all aspects of their heritage, and the best ways to do this are through reading, language, cultural events, and of course, food! My son loves learning about Filipino traditions, reading books about Filipino culture, and has his favorite foods (most of which he eagerly waits for my mom to make)! Finally, Filipinos are being recognized more broadly, not only for their contributions through professions and service, but also through their art, literature, and food that truly define a vibrant and joyful people. Here are some ways to experience and celebrate Filipino American History Month in our area!
Children’s Books about Filipino Culture:
- Dancing the Tinikling
- Pan de Sal Saves The Day
- A is for Adobo
- When Lola Visits
- Dancing Hands
- Sari Sari Summer
- Cora Cooks Pancit
- Martee Dares to Dance
- What Lolo Wants
- Pamilya
- Kailani’s Gift
- Our Nipa Hut
- Tony’s Wheels
- Bunso Meets a Mumu
- Maribel’s Year
- Holding On
Events in the DMV for Filipino American History Month
1. Barrio at UMD College Park, MD
October 13 from 5pm-9pm
Barrio is a cherished tradition that the Filipino Cultural Association (FCA) at the University of Maryland proudly hosts to honor the Filipino American Studies Program. This year, the theme, “Sa Kalsada Ng UMCP” or “On the Streets of UMCP,” is inspired by the song “Saan” by Maki, which beautifully captures the sentiment that home is where the heart is. In Filipino culture, music is home, and that theme resonates deeply throughout this event.
2. FANHS National “Solidarity & Resilience” Panel
October 20 at 8pm
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will hold its next educational Zoom panel centered on the theme of “Solidarity and Resilience” in Filipino American history. It will feature contributions from family members, scholars, historians, and community advocates, offering a comprehensive exploration of these critical narratives. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the enduring legacy of resistance within the Filipino American community.
Registration for this virtual event can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/FAHM-Solidarity to participate. Follow FANHS on Instagram for more information and updates.
3. Liwanag Filipino Lit Fest at Loyalty Books DC
October 27 from 11:30am – 6:00pm
Sponsored by Filipino American National Historical Society DMV, Loyalty Books has an amazing lineup of authors coming! Loyalty Bookstores, DCPL, and Kwento Collective are hosting DC’s inaugural Liwanag Filipino Lit Fest, a free event featuring a full-day program including author talks, book signings, poetry readings, Philippine indigenous ancestral art henna tattoos, karaoke afterparty, and more!
4. Umpukan at Metrobar
October 27, 12pm-6pm
Celebrate #FAHM2024 at metrobar! You will have the opportunity to shop local, support amazing vendors, check out the family-friendly art activation with Julie Wu, and enjoy live music by Isabelle De Leon and OPM+ (Original Pilipino Music+) with Les The DJ. All ages are welcome (under 21 with parent/guardians). Everyone is encouraged to bring neighbors and the whole pamilya (family)!
Additional Fun:
Follow these annual events for information on next dates:
Fil-Am FEST Inc. – Falls Church, VA
Philippine Independence Day Festival – Mosaic District, VA
Food: Filipino Restaurants and Bakeries in the DMV
D.C.:
The Game Sports Pub/Tiki on 18th
Philippine Oriental Deli and Market
Maryland:
Virginia:
So much joy can be found in sharing who we are, learning about others, and sometimes finding similarities. We are a community that values cultural diversity, and I proudly invite you to join us in celebrating Filipino American History Month with at least some of the offerings above. It is a cherished part of myself. Enjoy, and feel free to share any favorites!
