Every October since 1992 has marked the observance of Filipino American History Month, which commemorates the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States and recognizes the experiences and impact of Filipino Americans.
This Filipino American History Month, the UP community can take part in events hosted by the Filipino American Student Association (FASA) to learn about and celebrate Filipino history and culture.
Read on for more information on the club’s events.
Political Workshop: Anti-Asian Violence
FASA’s Political Chair Franceska Illinea Legaspi is hosting a political workshop titled “Unpacking Anti-Asian Violence: Understanding & Action” Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m in Dundon-Berchtold Hall 031.
The workshop will use education and peer dialogue to unpack the impact of anti-Asian violence on individual well-being and actions students can take to address the issue. Illinea Legaspi, a senior nursing major, says that she intends the workshop to be a space to affirm feelings of fear within Asian communities while educating the UP community on what factors are contributing to the issue of anti-Asian violence.
In an email to The Beacon, Illinea Legaspi said that she also sees this event as an opportunity to celebrate the Filipino American community and acknowledge its struggles.
“This month allows us not only to celebrate the rich history and legacy of Filipino Americans but also to confront the ongoing struggles faced by Filipinos and the broader Asian communities,” Illiea Legaspi said.
Night in Manila
FASA will be hosting their annual “Night in Manila” collaboration with Pilots After Dark (PAD) Oct. 25 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature a cultural workshop, a tinikling performance by club members and what Co-President of FASA Aidan Sanchez describes as “Filipino party games,” meant to bring together the community.
“If anyone’s ever been to a Filipino wedding or baby shower, it's going to look similar to that,” Sanchez said. “[The games will be] very interactive and engaging because we like to stay moving and include everyone.”
The collaboration will also feature desserts from St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery, a local Filipino bakery that sells traditional Filipino breads and pastries. Sanchez sees the PAD event as a way to uplift the greater Filipino community in Portland by supporting a small business with the club's choice in vending for the event and also sees an opportunity to reciprocate the support that those businesses offer to FASA, providing members with discounts and donations.
“We're blessed to be supported, and we're blessed to give support to small Filipino-owned businesses,” Sanchez said. “...They show up to our events, and in exchange, we go and support their businesses as well.”
Halo-Halloween
FASA’s annual “Halo-Halloween” will take place on Oct. 31 in the Quiet Side of Bauccio Commons. The event gets its name after the Filipino dessert Halo-Halo, meaning “mix mix” in Tagalog.
“Halo-Halloween” mixes American and Filipino culture by combining the largely Western holiday, Halloween, with Filipino mythology and culture for the Filipino American History Month event.
Though the Philippines does not typically celebrate Halloween, the country has a rich mythological tradition, leading FASA and collaborators such as the Korean Student Association (KSA) to provide programming on the spookier traditions of their respective cultures.
The club encourages attendees to arrive in costume to enjoy games, Halo-Halo and other desserts provided. Sanchez encourages those interested to keep an eye on the club’s Instagram for updates on when the event will take place and for information on how to RSVP.
Maggie Dapp is the Sports Editor at The Beacon. She can be reached at dapp26@up.edu.
