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Filipino American History Month well underway

Filipino American National Historical Society Photo

In a year when so much has shut down, the longest running celebration of Filipino American culture is coming back after a two year hiatus.

The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture will return virtually October 23-25 on Facebook Live, YouTube and on the filamarts.org website.

The line up includes such stars as musicians Apl.de.Ap, Ruby Ibarra, Klashy, Jocelyn Enriquez along with actors Jonjon Briones (Ratched), Isa Briones (Picard), Nico Santos (Superstore/Crazy Rich Asians), Alain Uy (Helstrom on Hulu) and standup comedians Rex Navarrete and JR de Guzam along with choreographer Phil Tayag (Jabbawockeez).

The Festival has a history of helping the community heal. It debuted a week after the Los Angeles Riots in 1983.

“We’re humbled to have our community celebrate its tradition once again and this year’s theme, ‘Tuloy Po Kayo’ couldn’t be more apropos.” said Winston F. Emano, FilAm ARTS Board Director. “Some may recall that the first-ever FPAC in 1993 also came after a period of much uncertainty and over a quarter of a century later, its return is a wonderful reminder to us all of the power of arts to heal and of our culture to affirm. It’s good to be back!”

Going virtual will mean the Festival will be available world-wide- “a blessing in surprise,” according to Giselle Tongi-Walters, FilAm Arts Programming Director.

The Filipino American National Historical Society has designated this year’s theme as the history of Filipino American activism.

Examples it has highlighted include the United Farmworkers Movement, the fight for Ethnic Studies, Hawaii Sugar Plantation strikes, Washington Yakima strikes, and Anti-Martial Law Movements across multiple decades.

It also singled out the work Filipino American healthcare workers on the front lines fighting the global pandemic.

Assemblyperson Rob Bonta (D) kicked off the month by proclaiming his pride Friday for being the first Filipino American legislator out of California. He released a video on social media saying “not only are we large, but we are strong. We are talented and we are a force to be reckoned with.”

You can hear is entire brief statement by clicking on the tweet below.

One book recommended for theater lovers this month is Barangay to Broadway: Filipino American Theater History by Walter Ang.

Barangay to Broadway-Filipino American Theater History

The book is described as an engaging look at how different Fil-Am theater makers and groups have constantly been a part or product of activism.

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