Philippine Social Movements

On February 28, 1949, more than 500 members of Local 7 United Cannery Agricultual, Packing, and Allied Workers launched a massive asparagus strike, demanding a wage increase. Larry Itliong was one of the srike leaders.

This is just one instance of the larger labor movement and social movement that Filipinos are a part of. It migrated to the United States from the Philippines and continues to this day, transcending space and time. The struggle for equal rights in various realms seem to be a constant in the history of individuals with a Philippine heritage. It is a proud history indeed.

Preserving History and Culture

Chi Rho Omicron,, Inc. (XPO), Kappa Psi Epsilon, and Mga Kapatid at the University of California, Davis collaborated to put on a culture event. The speakers were Herb Jamero, Arthur Villarruz, Robert Luna, and Mel Lagasca, four members of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). A couple of questions from the audience stuck with me: "My grandfather was a Filipino World War II Veteran and he received money; How come other Filipino World War II veterans did not?" and "Why is so much linked to Stockton?"

The Sacramento Kings hosted a Filipino Heritage Night. Anita Bautista--also a FANHS member--manned a table displaying her exhibit on Filipinos in the military. So many people came by and talked to her about their links to the Filipino American community. It was a very rewarding experience. Anita was interviewed by The Filipino Channel (TFC) and so many friends and family members were in attendance.

These two days further demonstrated how important culture and history is. as well as how integral FANHS is to preserving them.

Anti-miscegenation

On February 26, 1930, a Los Angeles Superior Court invalidated all Filipino-White marriages performed since 1921. It was a legal affirmation of anti-miscegenation laws, which were prevalent in the early part of the twentieth century. Labor laws, ownership laws, and different policies treated people differently. There is much pride to be taken in the Filipino American community surviving and getting through this challenge.

An Anniversary of the Changing of the Guard

In February 25, 1986, United States President Ronald Reagan withdrew his support of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos and his wife, Imelda, had to flee Manila for Hawaii. This was a result of the People Power protest, a nonviolent action of civil disobedience. It ushered in opportunity for Corazon Aquino to take office as the eleventh--and first woman--President of the Philippines.

As the United States looks forward to change, perhaps it can look to the Philippines for a model from history.

Delano Grape Strike

The Delano grape strike of 1965 is an event that has been appearing over and over in Sacramento County.

Earlier in the year, individuals could have attended a speaking engagement of Andy Imutan, who was present at the grape strike. A couple of chapters of Chi Rho Omicron, Inc. have had the grape strike topic as the focus of their cultural events. Different entries in Sacramento County History Day (SCHD) related the grape strike to this year's theme "Individuals in History: Actions and Legacies."

While the role of individuals of Philippine descent in the grape strike is often overlooked, it is a hope that every group's contribution to history is acknowledged.

Cristeta Comerford, Executive Chef

President Barack Obama has retained Filipino American Cristeta Comerford as White House executive chef. She has held the position since 2005, which made her the first woman to hold the title. Despite requests by distinguished foodies such as Ruth Reichl of Gourmet Magazine to replace Comerford, the Obamas chose to stay with the University of the Philippines graduate because they liked the fact that she's also a mom. Positive praise form former First Lady Laura Bush also seemed to help in the Obamas' decision; she has commended Comerford in the past for making "original dishes with American flavor." Comerford has a bachelor's degree in food technology and was trained in French cooking. She initially joiend the White House culinary team in 1995, serving as assistant chef.

American Legion Magellan Post 604

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.

Magellan Post 604 was originally formed and instituted by a group of California Filipino Veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. Many of the Filipino Veterans were decorated war heroes and have come and gone.

Today, the Filipino American Veterans who served in the conflicts of Korea, Vietnam, Panama, and the Middle East Gulf crisis have come together to continue the tradition and legacy left behind by the founders of Magellan Post 604.

Filipinos as United States Citizens

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a law that allowed Filipinos to become naturalized United States (U.S.) of America citizens. Prior to that, the only way for an individual of Filipino descent to be a U.S. citizen was to be born in the U.S.

Today, Filipino Americans play an integral part in every industry and sector. They have much to be proud of, including their strong roots and ideals and their survival in an unpredictable, even hostile, society.

Filipino World War II Veterans and the Stimulus Plan

February 18, 2009, markes the sixty-third year since the enactment of the Rescission Act, which deemed the service of Filipino World War II veterans as inactive, stripping them of all the benefits that were promised for their service under the United States flag.

For those that are not aware, House of Representatives Bill 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes provisions of provide lump sums payments to Filipino World War II veterans. The amounts will be $15,000 for American citizen veterans and $9,000 for Philippine citizens.

While this may appear to be a good deal, this is not full equity. Even with this bill, no bill has passed in Congress that fully honors and respects Filipino World War II veterans for active service. Their service and sacrifice is worth much more than a few thousand dollars.

$15,000 is equal to just under 18 months worth of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments at $850 per month. Veteranos have been waiting 63 years for their appropriate military pensions and recognition. There is also a release provision embedded within the bill which waives Filipino World War II Veterans from applying for further redress.

This makes a mockery of justice, of equality, and of the ideals that these United States of America stand for.

Filipino American Youth Leadership Conference (FAYLC) 2009

At the latest Filipino American Youth Leadership Conference (FAYLC) planning meeting, the attendees brainstormed different workshop ideas to conduct at the FAYLC. It is always such a challenge to choose workshops that relate to the students and also educate them about a new field. While doing an identity workshop is always a hit, finding a different way to address and present it is also important. One goal is to not bore those that attended the FAYLC before. Another goal is to advance their learning while not losing those that have never been introduced to the concepts before.

What prominent issues does the Filipino American community face?

Filipino Romance

For better or for worse, Filipinos have a reputation for having a flair for the romantic. From the harana tradition to their appealing sense of humor, Filipino romance is a unique blend.

It makes sense because of the unique history of Filipinos. The multiple cultures that have been combined and recombined with the indigenous culture, acculturation with the many different elements of various overseas contact worker (OCW) destinations, and strong belief systems of people of Filipino descent all contribute to the ideas and idealogies most often associated with them.

Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP)

A promising program called Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP) is facing a difficult year, where Mayor Gavin Newsome has cut more then $20 thousand of its funding. As a program that gets college students into the classroom to teach students about Filipino American history and issues, it is unique and original. However, being unique and original also means that it is constantly having to prove that it is relevant and applicable. That fact that PEP has educational programs at Longfellow Elementary School, Denman Middle School, Balboa High School, Burton High School, City College of San Francisco, and San Francisco State University should be plenty of evidence that it is relevant and applicable.

The group is holding a fundraiser called Winter Reveal 2009: Revealing Culinary Artistry from Three Filipino American Chefs to make up for the shortfall. You can find more information about it from the PEP Web site at http://www.pepsf.org/.

Filipino Figures

Filipinos can be found in any industry or sector, representing themselves and their people in unimaginable ways. From arts and entertainment to the sciences, or from manual labor to medicine, even from sculpting to body building, Filipino role models can be found anywhere.

One Filipina American body builder, Sherlyn Roy, is the National Physique Committee (NPC) United States Womens Figure Champion and ranked 12 in the world. Next month, the Sunnyvale, California native will be representing all individuals of Filipino descent in Columbus, Ohio, and competing in the Arnold Classic.

Pinoy

I was asked today by a cast member what Pinoy meant. My response expained the historical context in which the term originated, how it started as a derogatory term for Filipinos in America. In addition, I explained what it means today, how Filipinos all over the world consider themselves Pinoy. Even in the Philippines, people use the term Pinoy to describe themselves, even using the term in songs and other mass media. There is even a derivative of the word, "Noypi", which is simply a rearrangement of the letters that spell Pinoy.

Why Jose Rizal is Our National Hero

I visited a classroom today and spoke to a grade six student that is doing a History Day exhibit on Jose Rizal. This year's theme is "The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies." The encounter was a very inspiring one--to have a young student learn about the life of the most influential individuals in Philippine history. At that age, I was not thinking about heroes of Philippine descent. My heroes were of different cultures. There is power and understanding in knowing about a hero of the same ethnicity. It is empowering and inspiring.

Filipinos Staking Their Claim Within America

More often than not, when a leader is asked to stand up and be recognized in front of a large group of people, they quickly stand up and sit down, as if retreating from the attention. In a recent conversation, the head chef of Va De Vi, of Filipino descent, first introduced themself as a dishwasher. Another individual, who had recognized the self-proclaimed dishwasher as the head chef, immediately responded that the chef should stake their claim as the head chef.

Filipinos and Filipino Americans alike should be proud of their heritage, their contributions to the United States of America, and their accomplishments. It is okay, even encouraged, to take appropriate credit when it is due and to defer credit when it should be deferred.

Building Coalition in the Sacramento Filipino American Community

Presidents from several Filipino American organizations in the Sacramento area got together today, in hopes of building coalition among themselves. There has long been a reputation that the Filipino American community is fractured--over class differences, regional differences, generation differences, etc. While this may be present among every different group, communities like the African American community, the Chicano American community, the Chinese American community, and the Japanese American community have built political, social, and economic forces that throw their weight around those spheres.

While these communities have faced different challenges, there are commonalities among all of them. Each community dealt with their challenges in different ways, as well as in similar ways.

I personally believe that the Filipino American community has the resources to get to comparable positions, but that there has not been one issue for it to rally around, or one leader that they have all followed.

Is the Filipino American community in a position where it realizes its true potential?

Veterans Assistance Center

Filipino World War II Veterans are survivors of more than just World War II. They battle each and every day to support families back in the Philippines, for the full equity that they so very much deserve, and with the spectre of time and age.

Fortunately, they have allies in these battles--groups like the Veterans Equity Center (VEC), Filipino American Service Group, Incorporated (FASGI), the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE), the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Filipinos for Affirmative Action (FAA), Kappa Psi Epsilon, Filipino Association for Health Careers (FAHC), Chi Rho Omicron (XPO), Bayanihan Clinic, Rizal Lions Club, and countless other groups, individuals, and advocates.

A group here is trying to form a coalition among the many groups here in Sacramento--the Veterans Assistance Center--to assist in the well-being of Filipino American World War II Veterans. It is incorporated as a non-profit in the State of California and looks to be a promising coalition.

JabbaWockeeZ to Perform at the Sacramento Kings Filipino Heritage Night

Some special guests will be performing at the Sacramento Kings Filipino Heritage Night--the JabbaWockeeZ. The winners of the inaugural season of America's Best Dance Crew, they are another great reason to go to the game on February 27, 2009.

If anyone is interested in purchasing tickets, contact Michael Ramos by phone at 916-928-3634, by fax at 916-928-6936, or by e-mail at mramos@arcoarena.com. Please mention Chi Rho Omicron (XPO) when ordering.

Federal Stimulus Package Includes a Bouncing Check for Filipino World War II Veterans

During World War II, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos fought for the United States with the promise that after the war they would have a path to U.S. citizenship and qualify for full veterans’ benefits through their active service with the U.S. armed forces. Thousands of Filipinos died in the infamous Bataan Death March. But soon after the war, Congress reneged, and established that Filipino veterans would not be recognized as “active service” for the purpose of any U.S. law conferring "rights, privileges, or benefits." Filipino veterans activists have been fighting it ever since.

Fast forward to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the economic stimulus bill. In the 735-page version of the bill now before the Senate, there are a full seven pages dedicated to "Payments to eligible persons who served in the United States armed forces in the Far East during World War II." It details a plan to compensate Filipinos who fought for the U.S. during World War II with lump sum payments of $15,000 for those who are U.S. citizens, and $9,000 for those still living in the Philippines. There are an estimated 18,000 Filipino vets still living who might qualify for payments; about 7,000 of them U.S. citizens. The total cost: up to $198 million.

Oddly enough, the money for the program would not come out of the stimulus package. It was approved in another bill passed last year. However, one should note that this does not equate to full equity and does not correct the record of Filipino World War II Veterans.

Rights and History

The Philippines has long been associated with the United States of America. The relationship has been amenable at times and contentious at others. For example, on February 4, 1899, the Philippine American War began because one U.S. private, Willie Grayson, from Nebraska, shot at some Filipinos at the San Juan Del Monte Bridge. The war lasted three years, although the struggle for Philippine independence would extend until July 4, 1946.

During those years, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos came to the U.S. as "nationals", not aliens; but ineligible to become naturalized U.S. citizens. Also on February 4, but in 1942, the U.S. House of Representatives would hear and deny a bill to allow Filipino naturalization. Again, it would not be until after World War II and Filipinos were able to attain U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.

Today, I recognize these events to remember what and how much people before me had to endure so that I could enjoy the rights and privileges I, and my generation, have today.

Filipino American Community Centers

In various parts of the country, the Filipino American community has gotten together the resources to build various Filipino American community centers. These cities include Waipahu, Hawaii; San Francisco, California; and Anchorage, Alaska.

In Sacramento, California, there exists a Jose Rizal Community Center, which is ran by the Southgate Recreation and Parks District. This facility allegedly was owned and ran by the local Filipino American community at one point in its history. The Filipino Community of Sacramento and Vicinity (FCSV) continues to raise funds to build a Filipino Community Center of their own, less than two blocks away from the Jose Rizal Community Center.

Legionarios del Trabajo

I have felt for a long time that Chi Rho Omicron, Inc. (XPO) is a modern day twist on the different fraternal organizations that provided mutual assistance to Filipinos during the early twentieth century. One of those organizations is the Legionarios del Trabajo, which still exists today.

My line brother's father was a member of the Legionarios del Trabajo, and at his funeral they came and supported the family. Their traditions were powerful, their presence awe-inspiring. The original organization is based in Manila, and in 1924, they established their first lodge in America in San Francisco, California.

This is significant because individuals of Filipino descent were probably not allowed to own land during that time. However, as an organization, they were probably able to get around the racist policies of that day and age.

Dr. Steffi Filipino Archives Project

One individual that had a huge impact on my life was Dr. Steffi San Buenaventura. She was born on August 7, 1941, in Manila, Philippines. She attended Maryknoll College for her undergraduate work, earning a degree in English literature and a minor in journalism. Continuing her education, she did her graduate work at the University of Hawaii, Manoa and earned an American Studies Ph.D. in 1990. She told me once that as a person of color in academia, she had to work twice as hard and as a woman of color in academia, she had to work four times as hard.

In 1991, she was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship to the University of California, Los Angeles. She then went on to teach at the University of California, Irvine and the University of California, Riverside, before going to the Unversity of California, Davis in 1999. Her research interests were in American ethnicity, immigration history, race relations, social movements, religion, Asian American studies with an emphasis on Filipino American history, Asian diaspora, and Philippine-United States relations. However, her interests were always with her students first.

Before Dr. Steffi passed away on November 27, 2002, she planned to create an Asian/Filipino American archive that consisted of first-hand documents, pictures, correspondence, and published materials in the Shields Library Special Collections. She had received these items from the Filipino Federation of American and early Filipino immigrants in Los Angeles. The Asian American Studies Department is still raising funds to build this collection.