Filipino American Culture and Art

This nineteenth day of Filipino American History Month brings information on Filipino American culture and art.

Filipinos have a long tradition of art. When one learns about musicians like Joseph “Flip” Nunez or Sugar Pie DeSanto, or painters like Eliseo Silva or Alfonso Ossorio, they learn about the multitalented Filipino American community.

In addition to the popular arts, Filipino Americans continue to push the boundaries outside mainstream forms and have achieved recognition for their work. For example, Ian Gamazon and Neill dela Llana, directors of the acclaimed 2005 indie film "Cavite" worked magic with a $7,000 budget.

Similarly, percussionist and composer Susie Ibarra is widely known for her incorporation of diverse styles and influences, such as blued, gamelan, and kulintang, a challenging and cutting edge part of contemporary culture.

In theater, Bindlestiff Studio, established in 1997 in San Francisco, CA, is the only permanent, community-based performing arts venue in the nation dedicated to showcasing emerging Filipino American and Pilipino artists. It provides the often under-served Filipino American community access to diverse offerings in theatrical productions, music and film festivals, workshops in directing, production, acting, stand-up comedy, and writing, as well as a children and youth theater program.
These individuals and groups continue to blaze new trails for Filipinos and Filipino Americans.