Kumusta Emerson, and happy Filipino American History Month!
Filipino American History Month celebrates the culture and contributions of people from the Philippines in honor of the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in present-day California on October 18, 1587. The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) established Filipino American History Month in 1992.
The 2025 theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement,” emphasizes the important distinction between heritage and history, and the need to “transform the meaning of migration by turning movement into memory, struggle into strength, and history into a living legacy,” (FANHS Instagram).
Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American population in the United States. Today, several Filipino Americans are in the spotlight, bringing joy to all of us, including:
Jessica Sanchez2025 America’s Got Talent Winner
Susie Ibarra2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music for Sky Islands
Ruby Ibarra2025 NPR Music, Tiny Desk Contest Winner
Emerson’s community includes many who are connected to Filipino history and culture. This month, we celebrate you and invite all Emersonians to come together to explore the events and resources below.
Massachusetts Events
4th Annual Filipino American Festival at Harvard Square
Presented by the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance in partnership with the Harvard Square Business Association, the Filipino American Festival promises performances, karaoke, games, food, and fun!
Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
If you’re interested in going as an Emerson group or connecting as a community throughout the year, reach out to Emi Bague, Associate Director at the Career Development Center.
California Events
SoCal Filipinos
Many events are scheduled in October across Southern California, organized by the online social network SoCalFilipinos.
Learn More
Dr. Kevin Nadal
Scholar, professor, and advocate Dr. Kevin Nadal, explores the intersection of LGBTQ+ History and Filipino American History. Learn more about Nadal’s work and background.
Susie Ibarra
Asia Society New York hosts the world premiere of Filipinx-American composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra’s Sky Islands, which is inspired by the rainforest habitats of Northern Luzon, Philippines.