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Summary
October 2025 celebrates Filipino American History Month (FAHM), honoring over four centuries of Filipino presence and contributions in the U.S. From Morro Bay’s 1587 landing to modern cultural celebrations across California, FAHM highlights Filipino resilience, migration, and unity, showcasing stories of strength that continue to shape Filipino-American culture today.
October marks Filipino American History Month 2025—a celebration of the strength and solidarity of Filipino Americans whose presence in the U.S. began more than 400 years ago. Their stories reflect the enduring spirit of a people who never forget their roots.
Patuloy nating ipakita ang diwa ng bayanihan, saan man tayo naroroon. This month invites every Filipino-American community to honor our past while shaping a stronger, united future.
The History Behind Filipino American History Month
The roots of Filipino American History Month trace back to October 18, 1587, when the Luzones Indios—Filipino sailors aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza—landed in Morro Bay, California, during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. This event marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental U.S., centuries before American independence.
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 1988, later receiving national acknowledgment in 2009. The celebration honors Filipino migration, resilience, and the community’s lasting impact on American society.
Why October Matters: From Morro Bay to Modern America
Today, more than 4.4 million Filipino Americans live in the United States, making them the third-largest Asian American group nationwide and the second-largest in California. This population reflects generations of Filipino migrants who contributed to healthcare, education, military service, and advocacy.
In September 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors—led by Janice Hahn and Hilda L. Solis—unanimously approved a motion proclaiming October as Filipino American History Month in the county. This recognition aligns with H. RES. 774, a congressional resolution expressing support for recognizing October 2025 as FAHM nationwide and honoring Filipino-American arts, leadership, and service.
How Filipino American History Month Began
The first FAHM celebration took shape through community activism. FANHS sought to educate younger generations about Filipino-American history, which had been largely absent from textbooks. Their advocacy led to state and local recognition and national acknowledgment through a U.S. House resolution.
Since then, Filipino-American culture has been celebrated through festivals, art exhibits, and educational events that promote Philippine languages, Filipino-American arts, and the legacies of community leaders like Larry Itliong, a labor organizer who helped unite Filipino and Mexican farmworkers during the 1965 Delano Grape Strike.
2025 Filipino American History Month Events in California
California remains the heart of Filipino-American festivals and Cultural Celebrations, featuring food, music, dance, and advocacy. Here are some of the most anticipated events this October:
Event | Date |
October 10–12, 2025 | |
October 11, 2025 | |
October 12, 2025 | |
October 12, 2025 | |
October 24, 2025 | |
October 25, 2025 |
Beyond California, FilAm Fiesta events and community-led programs are growing nationwide—from Nevada and Washington to New York and Hawaii—demonstrating that Filipino-American festivals continue to unite generations through culture and compassion.
Celebrations Across the United States
While California hosts the largest FAHM gatherings, other states are joining the movement. Filipino-American communities in Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia are unveiling their FAHM programs, each celebrating Filipino migration stories and the shared experiences of Filipino migrants who built lives across the country.
Across campuses, student organizations and cultural centers—often in partnership with institutions like the U.S. Department of Education and state universities—host workshops exploring Filipino-American culture, history, and identity evolution in today’s diverse America.
Honoring Our Heroes: Larry Itliong and the Filipino-American Legacy
One of the most celebrated icons during FAHM is Larry Itliong, whose leadership in the farm labor movement transformed American labor history. His story reminds every Filipino-American that unity and courage can drive meaningful change.
FAHM also highlights Filipino-American artists, educators, and frontliners whose daily contributions embody the values of kapwa—the shared humanity that connects us all. These stories inspire future generations to preserve and elevate Filipino-American arts and advocacy.
FAQs About Filipino American History Month
Why is Filipino American History Month celebrated in October?
It marks the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the U.S., when Luzones Indios landed in Morro Bay, California, in October 1587.
Who organizes Filipino American History Month?
It was established by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in 1988 and recognized nationally in 2009.
Is FAHM the same as Filipino Heritage Month?
No. FAHM focuses on historical contributions and community impact, while Heritage Month emphasizes cultural expression and traditions.
How can I participate in FAHM?
Attend local events, share Filipino-American stories, support Filipino-American artists, and educate others about the Filipino-American legacy.
Kapwa Justice and the Power of Shared Stories
Filipino American History Month 2025 celebrates more than history—it’s a testament to resilience, migration, and identity. From the first Luzones Indios to the growing Filipino-American community today, these stories remind us that our heritage is a living force.
At Kapwa Justice, our mission continues—to help Filipinos across California by uplifting our voices, preserving our stories, and empowering our shared journey toward justice, unity, and belonging.
