October was Filipino American History Month (FAHM), a month of celebration to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of the Filipinos who have made America what it is today. This is not to be confused with Filipino Heritage Month, which is in June. Filipino-American History Month aims to acknowledge the history of Filipinos, specifically in America, marking the presence of the first Filipinos who entered the continental U.S. on October 18, 1587.
The first Filipinos came as part of a Spanish expedition that was led by Spanish soldier and sailor, Pedro de Unamuno, on the galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza, a large, armed sailing ship. Unamuno was the viceroy of New Spain, which included the Philippines and some parts of North America at the time, such as what is now California and Louisiana. On Oct. 18, 1587, the ship landed in modern day Morro Bay, California. The Filipinos were part of the crew as sailors and deckhands, often referred to as “Luzones Indios,” which translates to “indigenous peoples of Luzon” in English. Luzon was the largest island in the Philippines, and where many of the sailors for the Manila Galleon trade would come from. This first group of Filipinos touched North American soil about 30 years before the pilgrims even landed at Cape Cod.
Flash forward to when the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 was passed and Filipinos were among the many non-European groups to be given passage to America, opening many opportunities to pursue work as nurses, physicians, teachers and engineers, just to name a few. Since then, Filipino-Americans have greatly contributed to causes in healthcare, the arts, labor and civil rights, the economy and the military.
Some examples include the formation of labor unions, such as the Alaskan Cannery Workers Union in 1933, and leading the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, which inspired the formation of one of the most prominent labor unions in the U.S. — the United Farm Workers Union. Additionally, in 1948, Filipino American Olympian Vicki Manalo Draves not only became the first Filipino-American woman to win two gold medals in diving, but she was the first Asian American woman to do so.
Filipino-Americans, although often criticized for losing touch with much of their cultural roots (due to assimilation), are much more powerful than they are given credit for. They have earned their place in America while still maintaining their Filipino identity. There are many ways to celebrate and honor Filipino-Americans. Here are a few Fresno-area businesses to try out by yourself or with friends and family.
Hapa California Coffee is a local coffee business founded by first-generation Filipina American Jessica Piland. The business specializes in selling Filipino coffee, with its beans directly sourced from Batangas in the Philippines. “Hapa” is Pacific Islander slang that refers to those who are mixed-race, but it also describes Piland’s legacy — her family: “half Asian, part American.” The business sells more than just Filipino coffee. It also sells matcha and lemonades that are a fusion of beloved Filipino flavors, such as ube. Hapa started out selling coffee from a tent at local community events and farmers markets, but as its second anniversary arrives, the business has expanded to include a permanent spot at Reclaimed Mt. Goods, another Filipina-owned vintage business, and as a permanent vendor at Nourish, a market being constructed in Old Town Clovis that will contain a kitchen and food market.
Instagram: @hapacaliforniacoffee
Tiktok: @hapacaliforniacoffee
Established in 2020, Reclaimed Mt. Goods is a Filipina-owned vintage clothing and furniture store located in Madera, off Highway 41. The store takes its time to provide customers with the best quality secondhand collections. The moment you walk into the establishment, you are greeted by a cozy atmosphere, where you can enjoy some Filipino coffee while you look around or sit and hang out with your family and friends. Reclaimed prides itself on the community it’s built throughout the years, often engaging with their customers by organizing monthly events to show their appreciation. On Oct. 29, Reclaimed threw “Hapa Halloween,” a Halloween event for the community to celebrate the second anniversary of its partner, Hapa California Coffee. If you want quality secondhand goods and a nice place to chill, go to Reclaimed and expect a greeting from the owners.
Instagram: @reclaimedmtgoods
Address: 11180 Highway 41 Suite 101A, Madera
- El Jabalito
El Jabalito sells authentic Filipino cuisine in Fresno County. It is owned and operated by Chef Jake. Chef Jake’s culinary background stems from his studies in Spain, the Philippines and here in the U.S. The business sells many traditional Filipino foods, such as pancit, lumpia and chicken adobo, however, they also sell classic Filipino dishes fused with Spanish and American food. One of its most popular dishes is the sisig fries. El Jabilito also sells an ube horchata. You can catch El Jabalito from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays at Goldstein’s Mortuary & Deli in Fresno and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays at Reclaimed Mt. Goods. Check El Jabalito’s Instagram page for more updates on where it will be located throughout the rest of the week.
Instagram: @el.jabalito
- Bread & Butter
My mom and I first came across Bread & Butter at the River Park Farmers Market, where it sold fresh, soft Filipnio bread. The owners, Mark and Jam Torres Sanchez, make their bread fresh from their kitchen, offering delicious quality Filipino treats, ranging from ube pandesal and ensaimada. Pandesal is a soft bread roll that is a staple in the Philippines. Its name comes from the Spanish phrase, “pan de sal,” which translates to “salt bread.” The bread itself isn’t salty, but rather subtly sweet. Ensaimada is a sweet and buttery pastry that is served on soft, brioche-like bread with butter and sugar on top. Bread & Butter has a storefront and caters many local events, sharing a taste of the Philippines with the Central Valley.
Instagram: @559breadandbutter
Address: 4573 N. Fresno St. #102, Fresno
- Fil Fiesta 559
Early last month, Fil Fiesta 559, a celebration of Filipino culture, took place at Fresno City College. It was a free community event that united many members of the Filipino community from across the Central Valley. There were food vendors, small businesses, cultural workshops, performances and guest speakers — all happy to share the wonders of the Philippines with the public. Speakers included California Attorney General Rob Bonta, author Christina Newhard and clubs that attended included the UC Merced Pilipinx American Alliance and Fresno State’s Magkaisa Club. Keep an eye out for Fil Fiestra 559 next year!
Instagram: @filfiesta559