T.G.I.F. (Thank God I’m Filipino) on Filipino American History Month

October is a significant month in Filipino American history because it commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States. According to the Filipino American National Historical Society, Filipinos first arrived in the United States aboard a Spanish ship that landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1597. When the Philippines were formerly ruled by Spain from 1565 to 1815, Spanish seafarers would often enlist Filipinos on sea voyages across the Pacific Ocean during the Manila galleon trade era.

Though Filipino Americans were the first Asian Americans to arrive in the U.S. in 1587 (33 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620), little was written about the history of the Philippines or of Filipino Americans in the U.S., though the U.S. had a long history with the Philippines (including the Philippine-American War, American colonization from 1899-1946, and much of World War II being fought in the Philippines).

Filipino American History Month was first proposed by the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1991, with the first celebration beginning in October of 1992 in California. On the national level, Filipino American History Month became federally acknowledged in 2009 when the Senate of the 111th Congress passed a formal resolution to recognize Filipino American History throughout the month of October.

Each year afterward, the United States recognizes Filipino American History during the tenth month of the calendar year. As the second- largest Asian American group in the country, Filipino Americans have played a critical part in the history and culture of the United States — and Filipino American History Month is a designated time for recognizing and celebrating those contributions.

The Philippines used to co-celebrate with the U.S. its independence day celebration every July 4th after the war, until it was decreed by President Macapagal in the 1960’s to be celebrated on June 12th, the landmark historical freedom date from the Spanish conquistadores. So these days, we celebrate the Filipino-American Friendship Day every July 4th to commemorate the long, undying friendship between these two friendly countries.

To sum it up, month of October commemorates the many ways that Filipino Americans have contributed significantly to American History ― from serving in World War II to strengthening our labor movement and to advocating for social justice issues.

As one of the largest immigrant groups in the country, we want our history to be recognized and our stories to be told.

Here’s wishing all a happy Filipino American History Month! We must all be proud! TGIF…Thank God I’m Filipino!## (Editorial Guestwriter)