By: Throy Catan
October is celebrated as Filipino American History Month across the U.S. because the earliest documented Filipino presence in the U.S. was on October 18, 1587 in Morro Bay, California.
In 2009, the United States Congress had passed subsequent resolutions recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, urging people across the U.S. to celebrate the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the enrichment of the country.
TFC takes part in four celebratory events during the meaningful month of October.
9th Annual Filipino American History Month
Where: October 6, Saturday, 8:00 AM
When: Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument outside the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. in Carson, California
What to expect:
Headliners for the program are singers Fe de los Reyes and Miguel Vera. Other performers are the CSU Long Beach Filipino American Coalition, Shane Selloria, Jason Farol, Kindreds of Carson, and former “Fil-Ams Got Talent” champions Charishma Marquez, Shekinah Austria, and Therese Masangcay. Keynote speaker is Asian Pacific Studies Professor Dr. Mary Talusan-Lacanlale. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and Councilmember Elito Santarina will also grace the kick-off.
Kasayahan Sa Daly City 2018
Where: Marchbank Park, Daly City
When: October 13, Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4 PM
What to expect:
There will be food trucks, a family fun zone, arts and crafts, a jump house, a beer garden, several vendor booths, a bubble machine, and entertainment from homegrown talent. Parking is free at the DC Station Garage on 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard, and Marchbank Park is accessible on the second floor. This is a free event, and everyone is invited.
Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by Melvinsings! Maddie B, Kariktan Dance Company, American Center of Philippine Arts, Rudy Kalma, Mike Dayao, Guji, and more.
Headliners to perform at the TFC Hour are “Queen of Freestyle” Jocelyn Enriquez and rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra.
12 Million
Where: Aratani Theater at Little Tokyo on 244 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA and Terra Nova Theater on 1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, San Francisco, CA
When: October 20, 6:30 PM (Los Angeles); October 27, 5:00 PM (San Francisco)
What to expect:
Through artistic expressions of music and drama, the show will offer a glimpse into the real-life experiences of Filipinos from across the globe. Written and directed by Jed Fillarca, one of the scriptwriters for Rizal ATBP., and with original songs and compositions, including those of noted composer/producer Victor Nino Salazar, “12 Million” is an artistic collaboration of songwriters, actors, and musicians from the Filipino Diaspora.
9th Annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration
Where: Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Avenue, also in Carson, California
When: October 27, Saturday, 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM
What to expect:
Speakers for the day are: Johnny Itliong, director of the Larry Itliong Foundation through Education, and son of labor leader Larry Itliong; Fernando Chavez, founder of the Chavez Law Group and son of union leader and labor organizer Cesar Chavez; and Historian Roger Gadiano, who is also a member of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) – Delano chapter.
Silakbo sa Mik Tinig, a local group who performs socially relevant raps about immigration, women, and demilitarization will be performing on that day.
