Building on the success of last year’s UToledo celebration of Filipino American History Month, the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) and the Filipino American Association (FAA) have again joined forces to deliver a lineup of events to immerse everyone in the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and heritage.
Filipino American History Month acknowledges the first recorded presence of Filipinos in what is now the United States, which occurred on Oct. 18, 1587, and commemorates the contributions Filipinos have made to American history. Filipino American History Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage, culture and achievements of Filipino Americans. It provides a platform to highlight their contributions in various fields, including arts, politics, sports, academia, business and more.
UToledo kicks off Filipino American History Month from noon to 2 p.m Oct. 2 in the Office of Multicultural Student Success.
The FAHM Kickoff Event, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2, in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, is an opportunity to meet the members of the Filipino American Association, enjoy cultural food and learn about more events this month.
Other campus events and activities for Filipino American History Month include:
• Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. – Cultura y Historia / Kultura at Historya, a collaboration with Global Latinx Student Union in Thompson Student Union Room 2582
• Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. – FAAm Reveal in Thompson Student Union Room 2582.
• Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. – Philippine Street Games in Thompson Student Union Room 2582.
• Saturday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. – Philippine Culture Night in Thompson Student Union Auditorium.
• Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. – Halo-Halloween in Thompson Student Union Room 2582.
For updates on events and locations, visit the celebrations Invonet site.
In addition to the OMSS and FAA events, Carlson Library will be hosting an October-long exhibition that aims to create a sensory experience that transports visitors to the Philippines. Through these carefully selected artifacts and fashion treasures, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the culture, history and artistic expressions of the Filipino community.
“Being Filipino American and my upbringing in Filipino culture has immensely influenced who I am today and my outlook on life,” said Jillian Micua, co-president of the Filipino American Association. “Some of my best qualities are my love for music, service, connecting with others and treating others like family. I can confidently say that these qualities are rooted in Filipino culture.
“I am so proud to be Filipino American and to have an organization on campus where Filipino culture is taught and celebrated,” Micua added. “This Filipino American History Month, a time for honoring the history, accomplishments and legacy of Filipinos in the United States, I reflect on the rich history and many accomplishments of my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who all moved to the United States in the ’90s and have continually paved a path for my generation to find success.”
The Office of Multicultural Student Success also has a list of Filipino American History Month resources online as well as a site devoted to the campus celebrations of Filipino American History Month and all History and Heritage Months.
