Celebrating Filipino-American History Month
Filipino-American History Month is typically not the first event that comes to mind when you think of October and what this month typically celebrates. Most of the time, the first thing that comes to mind is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, or even ADHD Awareness Month. I didn’t even know this month celebrated Filipino-American History Month, and I’m half Filipino!
If you’re like me and this is the first time you’re hearing about this month, then allow me to shed some light on the reason why we celebrate Filipino-American History Month. FAHM commemorates the first recorded Filipino-Americans in the continental United States. This event occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” (a name the Spanish called Filipino Sailors) came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California. In 2009, the United States Congress officially recognized October as Filipino-American History Month, creating an annual celebration.
Ways to Celebrate Filipino-American History Month!
Speaking of celebrations, if you’re ever curious about how to celebrate this month, then I have some great suggestions! The obvious one would be to immerse yourself in Filipino history and culture. I’ve included a link to a little snippet of information and ways to celebrate this month here.
You can also enjoy the Filipino arts, such as watching movies like ‘Lumpia With a Vengeance‘ or even just reading some books by Filipino authors. If you want to celebrate in a culinary way, I highly recommend trying out some recipes from Panlasang Pinoy! This Filipino-based cooking website features some seriously amazing recipes. Their fish, Sinigang, is to die for!
Another great way to celebrate Filipino culture is by supporting local Filipino businesses! Check out CMC Boutique, a local Filipino family-run business in Las Vegas where “Timeless Filipino culture meets modern fashion.”
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My Personal Experience as a Filipino-American
Not Acting or Looking “Filipino Enough”
Growing up FILAM, I had a much different experience than my cousins in the Philippines. I don’t know how to speak Tagalog or any of the other 170+ dialects spoken throughout the islands; I don’t call my full Filipino grandma “Lola”, for reasons unbeknownst to me; and to top it off, I don’t even look Filipino. I look 100% white. (Thanks a lot, genetics). It takes some convincing and a fairly hefty photo album of my grandma and siblings to prove to other Filipinos that I am, in fact, Filipino.
I typically get a follow-up question from other Filipinos that tailors along the lines of “Do you and your siblings have the same dad?” and to that I say yes, I’ve checked. Funnily enough, my mom got me a DNA test last Christmas because she was so tired of this question getting asked that she decided to put an end to it once and for all. I can proudly say I am, in fact, half Filipino.
Strength From My Roots
Regardless of all this, I still feel as if I am engulfed by this culture. I may not look Filipino, but I surely do feel like one. I’m proud of my culture and the many ways my family has shown resilience throughout our generations. I come from a proud and strong line of women who have faced many obstacles throughout their lives and have always prevailed. To say my family is strong would be an understatement. The women in my life, particularly my mother and grandmother, have always been a beacon of love, strength and resilience. Funnily enough, I feel this specifically through our cooking and the sharing of family recipes. In many Asian cultures, food is how you show your love, and that’s especially true for Filipinos.
I vividly remember entering my mom or grandma’s house and immediately smelling lumpia or fish sinigang. My mother and grandmother shared their love through cooking and kept us fed and strong so we could tackle another day. There was a point in time when my family went through some financial hardships, yet my mom still found ways to make us amazing, healthy, filling meals. Even if she herself wouldn’t be able to eat that night, she made sure her children wouldn’t go without a meal and would be able to focus on school the next day rather than feeling hungry. This is just one of many examples of the love and resilience my family has shown, and I can only hope I carry on this proud tradition.
So, if you’re Filipino-American or if you’re just wanting to celebrate this month, I wish you a happy Filipino-American History Month, and I hope you cook lots of good Filipino food!
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