After years of advocacy by individuals and organizations across the country, in 2009, October was declared Filipino American History month by the United States Congress, and proclamations were sent out. The celebration of Filipino American History Month commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos on the North American Continent which occurred October 18, 1587 when the Luzones Indios came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed in what is now Morro Bay California.
Across the country millions share in commemorating Filipino American History Month to celebrate and honor the history, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipino individuals and communities across the country.
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Chapter in Seattle, opens a new window is proud to share this year’s theme for 2023: "1898: Recognizing 125 Years of Philippine-American History.” The year 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris – an agreement between Spain and the United States that ended the Spanish American War and led to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines. With the signing of the treaty, Cuba was also granted independence from Spain, while Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the US. Notably, the Philippines was purchased for $20 million.
The first Young People’s Far West Convention was held at Seattle University in 1971 and brought together 300 young Filipino American participants from the United States West Coast. The convention helped bring issues like farmworkers’ rights and anti-marital law to the forefront. This year FANHS is honoring youth from the past and present who have advocated and continue to for their communities for the past 50 years.
Learn about Filipino History, Language and Culture
Online Resources
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Learn Tagalog with Pronunciator Language Learning, opens a new window
Courses in 160+ languages, instruction in 130+ home languages, ESL, American Sign Language, and Mexican Sign Language. No app is required, it can be used in any browser. Bluebird App also available (register at browser-based App, opens a new window before downloading Android | iOS, pin: TIMB) (Pronunciator Tutorial, opens a new window) -
Read The Global Filipino Magazine, opens a new window with PressReader, opens a new window
Get access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines. Find content from over 120 countries in 60 different languages. Read online or download. Save publications to read later, listen to content out loud, and instantly translate up to 19 different languages. Newspapers include up to 3 months of back coverage. (PressReader Help, opens a new window) (Press Reader Tutorial) -
Explore Filipino Films with Kanopy, opens a new window
On-demand streaming platform with over 30,000 indie and classic films. Users are allowed 8 plays per month.- Islands:, opens a new window "Joshua, a shy middle-aged Filipino immigrant, has lived in the comfort of his parents' home his entire life. As their health declines he longs for a partner, terrified of being alone."
- Honor Thy Mother, opens a new window:, opens a new window ""The untold story of 36 Aboriginal women from Canada and Native women from tribes in Washington and Alaska who migrated in the 1940s to Bainbridge Island."
- Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers, opens a new window: "The Delano Manongs tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers who instigated one of the American farm labor movement’s finest hours – The Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW)."
Booklists for All Ages
A retrospective interview with Filipino American National Historical Society co-founders Dorothy Laigo Cordova and Fred Cordova (interview in 2008). Reflections on how FANHS began, the core priority of researching, documenting, and sharing Filipino American history, and milestones of the FANHS organization. (40th Anniversary- 2022). Cordova Family Archival Collection. FANHS Seattle, WA.
National Resources
- Filipino American National Historical Society, opens a new window
- Filipino Veteran’s Recognition and Education Project, opens a new window
- FilAm Arts, opens a new window
- Filipino American National Historical Society Museum, opens a new window
State Resources
- Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound, opens a new window
- Filipino National Historical Society –Seattle Chapter, opens a new window
- Filipino American Community of Yakima Valley , opens a new window
TRL is committed to the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. TRL Celebrations recognize significant events throughout the year to promote a culture of inclusion, representation, and belonging that reflects communities we serve, and encourage connection to the richness and diversity of our communities and the world at large.
