Filipino-American History Month 2025

a word from kaels

With immigration at risk in the United States and government corruption in the Philippines, now is more time than ever to come together to, not only learn about the history of Filipinos in America, but to resist the injustices that are being violently displayed in both the United States and the Philippines.

It’s incredibly important that I keep my fight for justice, in both the United States and the Philippines. Though I am not a citizen of the Philippines, I am of Filipino descent and I am with them: I see them, I hear them, and I feel for them. They deserve to fight for what’s right, and they deserve justice. Corruption in the Philippines, unfortunately, isn’t new. These protests coincide with martial law that took place in 1972 against president Marcos. What’s happening now is history repeating itself, with the nepo babies of the government officials directly reaping the benefits of the corruption. The people of the Philippines are demanding democratic rights and for the government to be held accountable for their actions.

As for the United States, the rise of fascism is being slapped in our faces. There’s always something happening in this dumpster fire, yet we fight and find small ways to resist. I know it seems like a long, hard fight, and it is, but the small forces of resistance matter.

Well, that’s the current reality of the countries that bridge my identity! It all seems so negative, but there’s light in celebrating identity. There’s resistance in recognizing and pushing against these injustices. I’m using my voice to not only celebrate who I am, but to learn where I come from and acknowledge those who have fought for us to be here today.

I take pride in my culture - I never think about what it means to be Filipino-American because I embody it every single day. It impacts me because it’s all of who I am: Filipino-American.

I am incredibly grateful to be in the position that I am today, to be able to use my voice and platform to discuss and start important conversations.

I am who I am because of my ancestors. Happy Filipino-American History Month!

mahals,
kaels
too bad ain’t me <3

(mahals: our abbreviation for “mahal kita” translating to “i love you” in Tagalog)