Why are Filipinos nothing more but a fun-fact in American history books? The U.S. has become home to the largest number of Filipinos outside of the Philippines, we are still only recognized through Jollibee and Bretman Rock. What a lot of people don’t know is that it was our community who successfully started national boycotts in 1965, bringing improvement to the lives of laborers in the country. Cool, right? It doesn’t stop there, of course! Many significant events in American politics and culture were contributed and participated by Filipinos. The parts where we challenge society should be equally celebrated as the times we go viral online as dancers or singers. It’s important to note that Filipino-American history IS American history.
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Let’s face it- Filipino culture and history is often forgotten and erased especially in the US where our people’s contributions are never really taught at lectures or mentioned in books. Even in media and entertainment, it’s very rare to see ourselves being portrayed or at least playing a significant part. But through an important event like PCN, we are allowed to look back and celebrate 600 years of Philippine heritage, as we share them with different types of people. Pilipino Cultural Night is an annual tradition held at many colleges and high schools across America. This is the one time of the year that Filipino stories get to be told on Filipino terms.
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What defines a Filipino? Is it the way we look or certain skills that we’re supposed to have? Does it matter if we speak Tagalog? A majority of the world knows our community as just enthusiastically hospitable or being in the medical field and while those are accurate, it doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re a born and raised local or a proud immigrant, being a Filipino means more than just being able to sing or dance. Just like everyone else, Filipinos are limitless.
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