October 2024
According to historians, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza made landfall at Morro Bay on a foggy, overcast day in October, four-hundred thirty-seven years ago. That ship, part of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route, counted among its crew eight “Luzones Indios,” a term used to describe natives of the Luzon region of the Philippines. These Filipinos were part of the landing party that struck out on foot to explore the new world.
This event is recognized today as the arrival of the first Filipinos and modern-day Asians in what is now the continental United States — a full 33 years before the Puritans landed at Plymouth Rock. For this reason, we celebrate Filipino American History Month in October, commemorating the history, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of Filipinos in the U.S. From Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, one of the 12 settlers chosen to establish what would become the City of Los Angeles, to California labor leader Larry Itliong and pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, Filipinos continue to be an integral part of the American experience.
This year, Filipino American History Month focuses on “Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, and Resilience,” a theme that underscores the indomitable spirit of the Filipino American community. As explained by the Filipino American National Historical Society, this theme explores the many systemic challenges Filipinos have endured in the U.S., from unfair labor practices and unequal pay to racial covenants and anti-miscegenation laws. At the same time, the theme celebrates the many ways in which Filipinos have successfully overcome adversity throughout history.
Today, there are an estimated 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the U.S., making them the second-largest Asian American population in the country. An estimated 12% of those Filipinos live right here in Los Angeles County, making it home to one of the largest Filipino populations outside the Philippines.
This month, we encourage you to learn more about Filipino American history. If you live in Los Angeles, visit Historic Filipinotown (also known as HiFi), take a ride in a jeepney, or attend a local festivity. Check out one of our listed resources below. Mabuhay!
- Artesia Library, Film-Am Fiesta, 10/05/24, 10am – 12pm
- The Hangar Long Beach, LBX Little Aviators Kids Club – Filipino American History Month, 10/08/24, 10:30am – 11:30am
- Long Beach, Filipino American History Month Vendor Market Pop-Up, 10/12/24, 12pm – 6pm
- Anaheim Packing District, FilAm Fiesta at Anaheim Packing District, 10/18/24, 5-9pm
