How long have you been a Filipino-American?
Since 2006, the Smithsonian Institution and various FilAm groups have been commemorating the centennial of Filipino-American presence in the United States. Apparently, that makes 1906 to be the first year a Filipino set foot on America.
Actually, we’ve been in the Americas much longer than that. 1700s - the Louisiana Manilamen stomped on the shells of dried shrimps. Ah, the very first OFW. There’s even mention of a Antonio Miranda Rodriguez from El Pueblo de los Angeles in the history books circa 1500.
Here is a website devoted to our long history on this wide continent. It’s really very interesting and one I hope to someday teach my children.
I remember when I first came here in 1998 - scared, excited, intimidated and yet wanting to prove that I can make it. Nine years is a short history compared to some of you.
How long have YOU been here? How long have your ancestors been here?
What’s your story?
What are your challenges and victories when you first embarked for the US?
We’d like to know. Let’s celebrate our Filipino-American life and heritage.
[logo design: LeRoid David]
Tags: Filipino-American, centennial, heritage
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POSTED IN: General: Philippine Culture, Language and History
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