Filipino American History Month poster at SouthBay Pavilion Mall in Carson, California. PHOTO BY HIYASMIN QUIJANO
CARSON, California – Filipinos in this Southern California city will celebrate Filipino-American History Month from October 4 to 25 at the SouthBay Pavilion Mall where community leaders will be offering activities, entertainment and business showcases.
“Our aim to commemorate the achievements, contributions and the historical presence of Filipinos in Continental United States since October 1587,” said in a statement by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA).
The Filipino-American History Month at SouthBay Pavilion is a 2014 ICSC Maxi Award winning event.
It is presented by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce – SouthBay Los Angeles Area (Facc Slaa), with the support of the City of Carson, California, and the SouthBay Pavilion, along with Maxx Promos as production consultant.
“The Chambers of Commerce play a role in helping to promote a Fil-Am perspective,” said Ted Benito, executive director of Apl.de.ap Foundation International. “We have to work together through existing networks in order to elevate the profile of Filipino businesses and professions.”
“I’ve been helping co-coordinate the Filipino American History Month events since 2011,” said Sweeney Montinola of SouthBay Pavilion. I want to spread awareness of Fil-Am talent whether it is in health, business or performing. I am glad I could help Filipino American History Month events by using the SouthBay Pavilion as a platform for the Filipino community.”
Richard Bis, a Carson community leader who drafted the proclamation to celebrate Filipino History Month, said, “This is a platform to unite Fil-Am’s to take a month out of the year to celebrate and embrace our history. “We should be proud of our own collective struggle. Filipino’s have been in the United States since 1565.”
The City of Carson proclaimed Filipino American History Month on October 2012.
CARSON EVENTS
Immigrants Day, October 4
Anything that concerns Filipino Immigrants – from immigration laws to health care to social services, money remittance, balikbayan boxes, banking, credit cards, buying a vehicle, phone cards, cellular, Internet and TV services and more.
Beauty, Health, & Wellness, October 11
Staying young and beautiful. Featuring beauty, good health and wellness, skin care and beauty enhancement products and services. All kinds of supplemental health products, hairstyling, make-up and fashion will be presented.
Career, Business, & Professionals, October 18
Achieving the American Dream. Filipino-Americans work hard to find their niches in the workplace or in the business world. How to be an entrepreneur in America. Business enterprises and ventures will be showcased on this day.
Generation 1 ½ +, October 25
The fame and stardom of Apl.d.Ap, Lea Salonga, Jennifer Sanchez, Manny Pacquiao and other world class Filipino-American talents have inspired the youth to follow their dream of gaining popularity and success. This weekend will offer a stage for Filipino-Americans to reach out for that dream.