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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Filipino American Academia

A college student and I had a conversation about creating a space and a venue where Filipino American college students can showcase their work, thereby reinforcing what they do and the paths that they have chosen.

I told them about an organization at the University of California, Davis called Filipino Cultural Reseearch Organization (FilCRO). It provided a space where students could share their research on Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

I also shared with them more about the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), which has produced the most commonly referenced materials in Asian American studies and ethnic studies classes. They are the premiere source of information.

As far as giving individuals reason to appreciate and be proud of the Filipino and Filipino American history and heritage, we need more organizations like these.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Oh crap. I'm "Fil-Am" (though I wouldn't associate myself as one; I'm actually much more Filipino than a typical Fil-Am), and darn it, I didn't know that UC Davis had such a program. I'm actually majoring in Sociology, with an emphasis on poverty and other cultural issues (the whole bit about Fil-Ams VS Filipinos) with the hopes of trying to help ease/end the problems in the Philippines. Kung na laman ko lang, I would have continued to apply to UC Davis instead of Berkeley, UCLA, and San Diego. Hey, that $60 application form cost a lot, so I had to limit myself to either my most desired or closest three. However, there must be other Filipino organizations in these three universities since there are so many Filipino students that attend them. So, no worries.