About Filipino American History Month
The celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California. In 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. Various states, counties, and cities in the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring observance of Filipino American History Month. The late Dr. Fred Cordova, along with his wife, FANHS Founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, first introduced October as Filipino American History Month in 1992 with a resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees (FANHS).
Although the month was first recognized and celebrated officially in 1992, Filipinxs/as/os have informally celebrated our community’s contributions and experiences in America.
Join us in San José all month for these exciting free and family-friendly events:
October 1
FAHM Proclamation
San José City Hall
1-2PM
October 2
Get Out the Filipino Vote Phonebanking
via Zoom
7-8PM
October 4
Flag Raising & Lighting Ceremony
San José City Hall
5-8PM
October 11
Flag Raising & Lighting Ceremony
San José City Hall
5-8PM
October 13
Delano Manongs Park Clean-Up
Gimelli Way, San José
10-11AM
October 13
Pinoytown Tour
San José Japantown
10-12PM
October 18
FAHM Jam
Garden at the Flea
5-9PM
October 20
Pinoytown Tour
San José Japantown
10-12PM
October 27
Pinoytown Tour
San José Japantown
10-12PM
Event Descriptions
The exhibit focuses on the “First Wave” Filipinos who immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Santa Clara Valley during the first half of the 20th century. Many worked in agriculture and settled in San José’s “Pinoytown,” an area nestled between Heinlenville Chinatown and Japantown. Attendees can expect a rich display of artifacts, historical photographs, traditional clothing, uniforms, and various materials generously loaned by the descendants of these pioneer families.
More Details
- When: September 8 – November 30, 2023
- Where: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Room, 5th floor
- Cost: Free
Join us as San José City Councilmembers David Cohen & Peter Ortiz recognize Filipino American History Month and Filipino Americans Coming Together in San José Coalition (FACTsj).
More Details
- When: October 3 from 1-2PM (during City Council Meeting)
- Where: San José City Hall, City Council Chambers in the Rotunda
- Cost: Free
Calling all professional yappers! 🗣️ We’re starting up our next round of Civic Engagement Work! Join us on October 2 to yap with a purpose while phonebanking FilAm & AANHPI community members in Santa Clara County.
We’ll be talking to community members about the importance of voting, having meaningful conversations about the issues that affect our kapwa the most, encouraging everyone to vote, and sharing resources they’ll need to submit an informed ballot!
Volunteer Sign-Up
bit.ly/24-LFGOTFV
More Details
- When: October 2 from 7-8PM
- Where: via Zoom
- Cost: Free
Filipino American History Month (FAHM) was first celebrated in 1992 and has become an annual tradition celebrated by Filipina/x/o Americans across the United States every October.
Please join the members and families of the Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) San Jose Coalition , San Jose Councilmember David Cohen, and San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz for our annual celebration of Filipino American History Month at the Filipino Flag Raising and Lighting Ceremony at San Jose City Hall!
The evening program will include community and civic leaders, a live Rondalla ensemble, Filipino cultural and artistic performances, and nonprofit service providers, and free food for the first 100 attendees.
For any questions, please email us at info@leadfilipino.org
More Details
- When: October 11 from 5-8PM
- Where: San José City Hall (200 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112)
- Cost: Free
- Attendees must RSVP (food is first come, first serve (registered attendees prioritized until 7:30PM)
- We recommend parking at the 4th & St. John Garage (Please bring your parking ticket to be validated)
- Register here
Our bi-monthly Delano Manongs Park Clean-Up in San José is happening on Sunday, August 11 from 10-11AM!
🍃We host our clean-up every 2 months on the second Sunday as we gather gather Filipinas/xs/os in Santa Clara County as an opportunity to connect over environmental wellness and the importance of community-run initiatives.
📩Volunteer with us by emailing us at info@leadfilipino.org
More Details
- When: October 13 from 10-11AM
- Where: Gimelli Way, San Jose, CA
- Cost: Free
FANHS-SCV and Robert Ragsac presents Pinoytown Historical Walking Tours every Sunday in October in celebration of Filipino American History Month.
A Pinoytown that once existed in San Jose’s Japantown, during the early 1930s and 1950s where Filipino families once thrived. They owned businesses and a community where majority of their residents were Filipino. We are here to revive the history….relive the stories..and keep the memories alive of our ancestors.
If you have any questions please email us at pinoytownsj@gmail.com
More Details
- When: October 13, 20, 27 from 10-12PM
- Where: San José Japantown (208 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112)
- Cost: Free
- Attendees must RSVP (first come, first serve)
October is Filipino-American History Month! Celebrate with us on Friday, October 20th at the Garden at the Flea. Showcasing the Bay Area’s Filipino American culture through live music, food, fashion, artists, small business, & more!
For event updates:
- Visit www.fahmjam.com
- Follow instagram.com/fahm_jam
- Volunteer Sign-Up Form: bit.ly/24-fahmjam
More Details
- When: October 18 from 5-9PM
- Where: Garden at the Flea (1590 Berryessa Rd. San Jose)
- Cost: Free
Special Acknowledgements
Our annual FAHM events are produced and hosted by the Filipino Americans Coming Together in San José Coalition also known as FACTsj. The partners in our coalition include:
We’d also like to thank the following sponsors and partners who support our programming and events. We appreciate your continuous partnership in helping celebrate the Filipinx/o/a American community in San José.
Volunteer with Us
Join us as a volunteer for any of our FAHM Events. Check out the different opportunities below. For any questions, please email us at info@leadfilipino.org