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Stories and Lessons about us & for us.
10 things to know about Rechie Valdez | FIRST Filipino-Canadian WOMAN to Serve Cabinet in Canada
We are so proud of Rechie Valdez, such a huge, significant milestone for Filipinas, taking on the role of Minister of Small Business in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new Cabinet. Valdez has always been a huge advocate for her Filipino heritage, so much in fact that before reciting her oath, it was noted by the Rappler that she uttered “Mabuhay.”
Learning Tagalog Made Easy with Joi Barrios-LeBlanc
If you’re like me, you’ve always wanted to learn how to speak the native tongue of the Philippines, Tagalog, but you didn’t know where to start. Lucky for us, University of California, Berkeley professor Joi Barrios has written a book for beginners to easily learn and understand Tagalog, the exact language that is spoken in Manila today.
5 Filipino Alcoholic Spirits You Should Try At Your Next Party
We are all familiar with San Miguel and Red Horse but how often have you had Calamansi liquor or Alcohol made from lava rocks in the Philippines? Well maybe it’s time to shake up your next get together with 5 Filipino alcoholic spirits you should try at your next party.
The Top Most Spoken Languages in the Philippines
August is celebrated as “Buwan ng Wika” or roughly “Month of Language”. So let' us take a look and appreciate the rich and diverse tapestry of culture that are the native languages of the Philippines.
The Origins of the Iconic Philippine Jeepney: A Symbol of Filipino Culture and Heritage
Taking center stage on the streets of the Philippines, the jeepney is an icon to both culture and perseverance of the Filipinos. These one-of-a-kind cars have become symbols of Filipino culture, embodying the country's ingenuity, tenacity, and feeling of community. Let us take a look at the history, design, and significance of the famous Philippine jeepney.
5 Ways To Get Plugged into the Filipino Community in your City
Finding your place in a new community can be overwhelming and scary at times. Good news, the Filipino community has been waiting for you and all your “cousins” are there! Here is a list of 5 ways to get plugged into the Filipino community in your city.
Continuing the Torch | The Inspirational Journey of Darleen Bohulano Mabalon, Carrying on Her Late Sister's Legacy In the FilAM Community and Beyond
Darleen Bohulano Mabalon is involved in the Filipino American community in Stockton through her work as an entertainment coordinator for up and coming non profit organization, Kommunity Hub and through promoting her sister’s life work. In addition to this, she is a mother to three game changers, who are leaving a mark on and off the (basketball) court.
Hoops and Heritage | A conversation with Author and former Hoop Nation Host Rafe Bartholomew
Rafe Bartholomew is an author who’s work on Pacific Rims contains generations of basketball history that Filipinos across the globe have enjoyed reading for the past twenty years. Despite not being from the Philippines himself or having any connection to the motherland whatsoever, Rafe embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to immerse himself in our culture and learn about the ins and outs of Philippine Basketball.
FilAm Owned Winston’s Cafe Spicing up the Napa Food Scene
When people think of Napa, Filipino food isn’t necessarily the first cuisine that comes to mind. But, there is a spot in downtown Napa that serves Filipino-American food: Winston’s Cafe!
We had the chance to sit down with Alex and Casaan Macaraig, owners of Winston’s Cafe along with their partner Paulie W. Brown of Paulie’s Bagels.
10 Influential Filipino Women That Have nurtured our country and our spirits
In honor of Mother’s Day, I think it's only fitting to highlight 10 of the most influential Filipino women, to honor our Mom’s from the homeland. Our list consists of inspiring role models to young Filipina girls around the world. Here is our list of 10 influential Filipino Women You Should Know.
The Origin and History of Banana Ketchup
Have you ever thought about how and why banana ketchup was invented while dipping your lumpia in said dip? When you think of a substitute to replace tomatoes a banana is not the first thing that comes in mind. Technically speaking both Bananas and Tomatoes are not even a fruit but a berry but let’s leave that discussion for another time.
Giving The Gift of Music | The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra
The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) was founded in 2008 by a group of musicians and community leaders who recognized the need to celebrate the booming Filipino American community through music and the arts. It is also the first and only Philippine orchestra outside of the Philippines.
5 Filipino Children's Books To Help Shape Your Child’s Mind
It’s no secret that children are literally sponges, they absorb the environment around them figuratively and at times, literally. Well of course they’ll need to learn nouns, adjectives, their ABCs but here is a list of 5 Filipino Children’s books that will help them stay connected to their Filipino roots and shape their minds for the better.
6 Filipino Inspired Pieces You Need to Represent WITH PRIDE at your School's Culture Night
We know that culture nights at schools provide major opportunities for students (and teachers) to represent their roots, loud and proud. We know it can be tough to decide what to wear, so we’ve put together a list of items that can help you say you’re Filipino without saying you’re Filipino, if you know what we mean.
4 Ways to Celebrate Filipino food month EVery Year
Since the official signing of the Presidential Proclamation No. 469, mainland Philippines has been finding countless ways to celebrate our cherished cuisine and I think it’s time we step up our game and eat as many meals as possible with a purpose. At least that’s what I’ll tell myself as I feast through these top 4 ideas to honor the soul of our culture.
10 Things to Know about Loida Nicolas-Lewis
Loida Nicolas Lewis is a Filipino-born American businesswoman. Businesswoman, civic leader, motivational speaker, author, and lawyer. On top of all this, she has a new book coming out called “Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?” An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running A Billion Dollar Empire.
The Most Common Filipino LAST NAMES and their Meaning
At birth we are given a right to a name. It can be derived from a number of sources our parents, notable family members, future asperations, desired characteristics…etc. Filipino names have evolved and changed through out time as has become a melting pot of inspiration from indigenous origins, to western influences. Let’s take a dive to origins of Filipino last names.
5 Self Help Books To Reverse Unhealthy Filipino Cultural Norms For Future Generations
Navigating life as adolescents, we know nothing, we can only inherit traditions and mannerisms that are passed down to us from our parents, which have been passed down to them from their parents, and so on and so on. Well let's take a look at 5 Filipino cultural norms that might be affecting your mental health and lifestyle but more importantly, 5 books that can help reverse the damage for future generations.
From Passion to Purpose | Interview with Community advocate and entrepreneur Mariah Taloa
Having a strong community and support system around you can make all the difference in just about any aspect of life. Mariah Taloa has made it her mission to empower those around her in any way that she can through her business, Taloa’s Bakery, nonprofit Kommunity Hub, and all of the events that she organizes.
The Unluckiest US Battleship To Ever Serve The Philippines
Have you ever heard the story of the military mishaps of the USS William D. Porter (DD-579), AKA the "Willie Dee"?
The tale of this Fletcher-class destroyer named after Commodore William D. Porter will surely be a great icebreaker in your next family dinner with you Titos and Military cousins.