In an email titled “Celebrating Filipino American History Month 2021,” Michael Nixon, the Andrews Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, describes the birth of Filipino American History Month (FAHM). According to Nixon’s email, “in 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) first introduced October as Filipino American History Month with a formal resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. The U.S. Congress later recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009.” The purpose of FAHM is to commemorate the first recorded appearance of Filipinos in the United States; specifically, on Oct. 18, 1587, when the Filipino sailors, called Luzones Indios by the Spaniards, came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza and landed at present-day Morro Bay, California.
Our school’s Filipino club, the Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA), has organized events for the celebration of FAHM 2021. I interviewed Zach Alignay (sophomore, biochemistry), a member of AFIA, about the events of the month. Here is what has been planned for this month:
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 11:30 a.m., there was a “Filipino Stick Choreography,” a co-curricular program that was located in the Recreation Center (underneath Campus Center). “Stick choreography is a Filipino traditional form of martial arts called Kali. It uses wooden bamboo sticks as a weapon,” says Zach.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 11:30 a.m., there was a “Filipino Tinikling Dance,” another co-curricular program also in the Recreation Center. Zach says, “Tinikling dance is a traditional dance that uses two bamboo sticks (or for those on a budget, pvc pipes) it’s common to see tinikling at any form of celebration alongside karaoke.”
From Oct. 17 to Nov. 7, there will be the “AFIA Rice Run,” a virtual event. As Zach describes, “The AFIA Rice Run is a self paced marathon that people can participate in to help raise funds for Doctors without Borders. Alongside that if you complete the marathon you can recover a medal.”
On Thursday, Oct. 28, at 11:30 a.m., there will be “AFIA Chapel” at a location to be determined. In Zach’s words, “AFIA chapel is a chapel that will close out Filipino American Heritage Month with an alumni speaker and an introduction to the Halo Halo vespers being held that evening.”
On Sunday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., there will be “White Rabbit Night Market” at the Flag Mall. According to Zach, “The White Rabbit Night Market is a KASA x AFIA collab that will have food, games, and music from both the Philippines and Korea that will be held at the Flag mall.”
FAHM is a month that celebrates Filipino American culture and the rich culture that they have brought with them from the Philippines. Those who help celebrate FAHM help to keep the Filipino culture alive in the U.S. Happy Filipino American History Month!
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