Filipino American History Month

“Celebrated in October, Filipino American (Fil-Am) History Month honors the history, pursuits, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. It also serves to provide a link between Filipinos in the U.S. and Filipinos in the Philippines by showcasing their shared culture and heritage,” shares the Asian Art Museum. 

Filipino Americans make up the second largest Asian American group in America. However, the history between America and the Philippines has often been lost with time. In 1898, America was given the Philippines from Spain after Spain’s 500-year reign over the island country. Filipinos fought back against the change in colonizers and started a war against America. The war lasted three years and left the Philippines with significant casualties (U.S. Department of States). After the war, America kept the Philippines as a colony until 1946. During this time, America established colleges, primary schools, and disaster relief to their colony. Even now, America has invested more than $50 billion to aid in relief with Covid, climate change, and energy conservation efforts in the Philippines. The partnership between America and the Philippines has been mutually beneficial as many Filipinos become overseas workers here in America and send their money or goods back to the Philippines (U.S. Department of States). For example, my Tito and Tita (Uncle and Aunt) are currently building a balikbayan box. Balikbayan boxes are filled to the brim with clothes, food, shoes, any essentials that families back in the Philippines would not have readily available.

My mom immigrated from the Philippines in 1987. Growing up with an immigrant mother has led to many wonderful blessings in my life. I’ve been able to grow up experiencing what it fully means to be a Filipino American. My mixed race has been an identifying factor in my life. I used to feel confused about where I fit in between the white side of my family and the Filipina side of my family. As I became an adult, I started digging into my roots in the Philippines. I learned Tagalog, I asked my mom to share stories from her childhood, and I lived in the Philippines for two months enrolled in language building and culture courses. Now, I feel more connected to my culture, I’ve been able to find myself by learning about my family history in the Philippines. If you ever feel lost or confused, connect back to your roots. Learn one of the dishes of your culture or talk to relatives and find those stories that will get lost in time.

Written by
Jade King
Victim Advocate at Mutual Ground