Celebrate Filipino American History Month With Local Events This October

October is Filipino American History Month to celebrate the history and culture of Filipinos in the United States.

There are many Filipino things to celebrate in October. October 18 is the anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipinos in 1857 in what is now Morro Bay, California. Filipino American labor rights leader Larry Itliong was born on October 25, 1913.

The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is hosting several events this October to highlight Filipino American contributions to American history, culture, and society.

Filipino American History Month History Fest featuring Eskrima
October 18, 10am to 2pm
Learn about Eskrima, the traditional Filipino martial art that represents centuries of Philippine history and fighting spirit. Filipino American Historical Society of Hawaii will have educational exhibits, live demonstrations and cultural presentations about how Eskrima embodies the resilience and strength of Filipino American communities. For more information, visit givebutter.com/fahmescrima.

Philippine Rural Dance Workshop with Ray Rausa
October 14, 21, and 28, 5 to 7pm
Join Bayanihan Philippine Folk Dance Company member Ray Rausa for a class on the rural folk dances that Filipino plantation workers performed during community celebrations in Hawaii camps to sustain their cultural identity across generations. To sign up, visit givebutter.com/filcomfall2025.

Rondall Workshop with Dr. Joy Marfil
October 14 to 20, 3:30 to 5:30pm
Led by international award-winning composer Dr. Joy Marfil, this workshop continues the rondalla (Filipino string instruments) tradition brought by Filipino immigrants. To join the workshop, visit givebutter.com/filcomfall2025.

Two-Day Intensive Workshop with Parangal Dance Company
October 16 to 17, 9am to 12pm
This is a rare chance to learn from the internationally acclaimed Parangal Dance Company from San Francisco. These world-class artists bring centuries of heritage to life through movement, teaching traditional folk dances passed down through generations of indigenous groups in the Philippines. To join the workshop, visit givebutter.com/filcomfall2025.

ADHIKA: Philippine Dance Showcase featuring Parangal Dance Company
October 18, 6 to 9pm
This showcase demonstrates how traditional Philippine dances have been maintained, adapted, and celebrated by Filipino Americans, serving as powerful expressions of cultural pride and identity across generations. For more information, visit givebutter.com/parangal.

Kamayan Experience
October 19, 5:30 to 8:30pm
The kamayan tradition is a communal hand-to-mouth dining that is practiced by Filipinos. In partnership with Ramar Foods and Cools in Catering, this feast celebrates how Filipino culinary traditions have enriched Hawaii’s food culture scene. To join the kamayan, visit givebutter.com/ffwkamayan.

Filipino for Kids
October 25, 9am to 12pm
Fil4Kids Hawaii will host age-appropriate cultural activities that will connect the next generation of Filipino Americans to their heritage. Keiki ages 5 to 12 are welcome to join and explore Filipino culture, language, and traditions. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/fil4kidsfa25.

The Filipino Community Center is a cultural cornerstone for Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Hawaii. Visit filcom.org/fahm2025 for more information on this year’s Filipino American History Month celebration.