Filipinos grow, weave into mainstream Utah

The history of Filipino migration to the “Beehive” state of Utah dates back to the mid-‘20s and ‘30s, identifying our kababayan, particularly Ilokanos, as among the earliest Southeast Asian settlers.  Filipinas who  became wives of Mormon missionaries and U.S. military servicemen assigned in the Philippines later joined them.

Then came the ‘60s.  A burgeoning job market turned the United States into a mecca for immigrants from all over the world. As their numbers grew, and while many Filipinos settled in Hawaii and California, quite a few chose Utah to be their second home and to join the Mormons’ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is endemic to the state and has had a following in the Philippines.  Still, about half of the Filipinos living in Utah have kept their Catholic faith.

With the advent of the ‘90s, more Filipinos decided to settle down in Utah;s urban areas, like Salt Lake City, where many continue to thrive as professionals, holding down jobs as physicians, lawyers, teachers and state government workers.

But whatever they do, Filipino communities around the state have never forgotten their roots, and have made successful efforts in keeping alive our culture.  Various activities — fiestas, dances, sports competitions, and just about every reason to celebrate – are held year-round, and promote not only Filipino heritage, but also friendship and camaraderie among themselves as well as native Utahns.

A few well-known Asian restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City – Bayleaf Café, T’s Grill, E Café —  help our kababayan bring the Pinoy culture to Utahns, with their delicious offering authentic Filipino dishes like adobo, lumpia, sisig, and ‘kakanin’ like ‘bibingka.’

Today, more than ever, the Filipino population in Utah has seen a tremendous spike; the Pinoy population has multiplied by more than 100 percent in the last decade.

Based on the recently released census data, the Filipino population in Utah has jumped from 3,106 in 2000 to 6,464 in 2010, making the Filipino community one of the biggest ethnic groups in the state.

Though the rise in population can be seen in different areas of Utah, especially along the Wasatch Front, a large majority of them is concentrating in Taylorsville and the ever-popular Salt Lake City.

Said Filipina American Teena Jensen to KSL.com, an affiliate of a local TV station in Utah, “Salt Lake is quiet, clean, and a bit laid back.  Filipinos like the slow pace here.”

Because of the innate ability to adapt to different cultures and situations, Filipinos in Utah have successfully integrated themselves in all facets of life in the state.

Not wanting to lose sight of their own roots and customs, Filipinos in Utah maintain their ties with their kababayan by joining at least one of several organizations.

The Philippine-American Association of Utah, Filipino American Association of Northern Utah and the recently established Mabuhay Filipino American Association of Davis County are just a few of organized groups actively sponsoring and conducting events that showcase and preserve cultural identity.

“It’s exciting,” said Eunice Jones, a real estate broker, to a local paper in Salt Lake City.  “I love seeing new people and welcoming them to our growing community.”