Filipino American History Month

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: American Appreciation
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October
Holiday emoji:: 🇵🇭

Filipino American History Month honors the enduring legacy and profound impact of Filipino Americans every October. This month marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental U.S. in 1587. Engage with local communities, learn about historical milestones, and support Filipino American businesses.

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Expected Filipino American History Month Deals

Throughout October, Filipino American History Month inspires a variety of community-driven events, cultural showcases, and special promotions. Look for local Filipino restaurants offering tasting menus or special discounts, and Filipino-owned small businesses hosting open houses or online sales. Organizations like the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will likely partner with corporate sponsors for awareness campaigns and educational programs. Retailers such as Sephora or Target may feature Filipino American beauty brands or products, while food brands like Ube Creamery or Mama Sita’s could see increased visibility and special offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and events as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Filipino American History Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FAHM. Share stories of Filipino American professionals and their achievements.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth. Share community events, cultural insights, and historical facts.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth. Post vibrant photos of cultural celebrations, food, and community gatherings.

Filipino American History Month Hero

Larry Itliong

Larry Itliong (1913-1977) was a Filipino American labor organizer who played a pivotal role in the West Coast farm labor movement. He initiated the Delano Grape Strike in 1965, which later merged with César Chávez's movement to form the United Farm Workers. His leadership brought national attention to the plight of Filipino and Mexican farmworkers.

History of Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587.

Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios back then, and they were primarily the Filipino sailors who were enrolled into the Spanish navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at the shores of present-day Morro Bay, California.

Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In 2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.

Filipino American History Month timeline

1910

Welcome

Filipino immigrants arrive at Angel Island, San Francisco.

1931

Citizenship Eligibility

Filipinos serving in the U.S. Armed Forces become eligible for applying for U.S. citizenship.

1945

More Resolutions and Acts

A new act allows Filipinos to get married to personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces.

1991

First Observance

The board of trustees of the Filipino American National Historical Society declares October 1992 as the first observance of Filipino American History Month

How Businesses Can Celebrate Filipino American History Month

Local businesses can honor Filipino American History Month by highlighting the contributions of their Filipino American employees and customers. Restaurants can feature Filipino dishes or special menus, while retailers can showcase products from Filipino American-owned brands. Host educational workshops or cultural events, and consider partnering with local Filipino American community organizations for joint initiatives. Authentic engagement and support for the community are key.

Filipino American History Month FAQs

When is Filipino American History Month?

Filipino American History Month runs throughout October 2026, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in what is now the continental United States on October 18, 1587. It’s a time to reflect on a rich cultural legacy.

How many Filipino Americans live in the U.S.?

As of recent estimates, there are over 4 million Filipino Americans in the U.S., making them the second-largest Asian American group. Their presence is particularly strong in California, where they constitute a significant racial demographic.

Why is October chosen for Filipino American History Month?

October was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587. This historic landing marks the earliest documented presence of Filipinos in the continental United States.

Is Filipino American History Month recognized federally?

While not a federal holiday, Filipino American History Month has been recognized by the U.S. Congress. It is also officially recognized by several states and cities, and widely celebrated by community organizations nationwide.

How to Observe Filipino American History Month

Honor the Filipino Veterans from World War II
Learn about the experiences of Filipino veterans during World War II and the struggles they faced in its aftermath.
Discover Filipino-American artists
Many prominent Filipino-American artists have left their mark on American culture. See their great works in art, music, literature, and more.
Celebrate Filipinos in America
Join in the celebrations of the Filipino-American community with parades, songs, festivals, and feasts!

5 Facts About Filipino-Americans That You Don’t Know

The second-largest group in the U.S.
Filipino-Americans make up a large part of the Asian-American population in the United States.
The largest Asian-American group in some states
Out of 50 states, Filipino-Americans are the largest group in 11 of them.
Filipinos were the first to be documented
Filipinos were the first documented Asian people to arrive in the United States.
Many of our favorite celebrities are Filipino-Americans
Many Hollywood celebrities are Filipino-Americans, including Nicole Scherzinger and Vanessa Hudgens.
Many have served in World War II
A quarter of a million Filipino-Americans are veterans of World War II.

Why Filipino American History Month Is Important

Celebrating the Filipino-American community
It’s as simple as that. This whole month is dedicated to celebrating the Filipino-American community, as we should!
Celebrating diversity
One of the reasons why America is the great country it is is because of its diversity. We celebrate this diversity and Filipino-American History Month is one such celebration.
Recognizing the achievements of Filipino-Americans
The outstanding contributions of Filipino-Americans to not only our country during wartime, but also in arts, culture, and entertainment is celebrated throughout the month.