Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month
Finding community at Cal: A Filipino first-gen student’s journey
Centering Philippine and Filipinx American Histories Exhibit and open house at Bancroft Library
Leading at Cal as a first-generation Filipina American
A Berkeley graduate honors his Filipino and Kankanaey roots
Study Filipino at UC Berkeley, from anywhere - Explore Filipino courses
This month, we honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipinx Americans to the United States.
Filipino American History Month (FAHM)*, established in October 1988, commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinx in the continental U.S. On October 18, 1587, "Luzones Indios" came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza, landing at what is now Morro Bay, California. As the third-largest AAPI group in the U.S. and the second-largest in California, Filipinx Americans have shaped and enriched this nation over generations.
At UC Berkeley, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse Filipinx community. This year’s theme, set by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), is Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories.
*We refer to the month as Filipino American History Month to align Congress' resolution that officially recognized October as "Filipino" American History Month and use "Filipinx" when addressing individuals and the community. We acknowledge the use of multiple “umbrella” terms, such as Filipino/Filipinx/Pilipinx and the many intersectional identifying terms people embrace. We respect and appreciate how community members choose to self-identify.
Thriving Initiatives Spotlight: AA & PI Thriving
At UC Berkeley, AA & PI Thriving works to build a more inclusive future by centering student voices, strengthening support systems, and celebrating cultural presence on campus. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives, connect with AA & PI communities, and take part in shaping a thriving Berkeley for generations to come.
Student Groups and Decals
- 10+ Pilipinx and Filipinx CalLink student groups
- Pilipinx American Alliance
- Pilipinx Academic Student Services
- MAHIWAGA A Cappella
- League of Filipino Students at UC Berkeley
- Maganda Magazine
- Pilipino Association for Health Careers
- Pilipinx Association for Scientists Architects & Engineers
- Pilipinx Basketball Association
- Partnership for Pre-Professional Pilipinxs
- GABRIELA at Berkeley
- Pilipinx American Graduate Student Association
- Pilipino American Law Society
- DeCal: Philippine Folk Dances
- DeCal: Pilipinx Resistance and Organizing
Alumni Groups
Student Resources
The College of Letters and Science Office of Undergraduate Advising has resumed virtual satellite advising services in collaboration with Asian Pacific American Student Development (APASD) and South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African Student Development (SSWANASD):
- Mondays 1-4pm (with Madalyn Morris Huerta)
- Tuesdays 1-4pm (with Arman Liwanag-Orpilla)
- Thursdays 9am-noon (with Mei-Chen Pan)
- Fridays 9am-noon (with Humah Bargzie)
L&S students who wish to deepen their connection to UC Berkeley's Asian American, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (AA/PI/SSWANA) communities and are looking for additional access points to get advising from L&S College Advisers may do so via APASD and SSWANASD satellite advising.
Academics and Research
Study Filipino at UC Berkeley, from anywhere
Explore Filipino language, history and culture through UC Berkeley’s online Filipino courses. Classes are open to Berkeley students, students across the UC system, and non-UC students, creating opportunities to learn, connect with community and deepen your understanding of Filipino culture from wherever you are. Explore Filipino courses
The Filipinx and Philippine Studies Working Group
Continues to foster scholarship, dialogue, and community around Filipinx and Philippine studies.
Filipino American History Month
A message from leadership to the campus community.
Events
- October 9, 2026 from 10am-4pm and October 10, 2026 from 10am-2pm: Centering Philippine and Filipinx American Histories exhibit and open house at the Bancroft Library
- October 10, 2026 at Cali’s Sports Bar & Grill: Pilipinx American Alumni Chapter (PAAC) Homecoming Gathering
- October 11, 2026 at MLK Building, Tilden Room: Grace Asuncion Celebration of Life
- October 15, 2026: Filipinx American Heritage Month dinner event at all dining commons (Café 3, Clark Kerr, Crossroads, and Foothill)
- October 17-18, 2026: FIlipino American International Book Festival at San Francisco Main Library
- October 17, 25, 27, 2026: local screenings of Oakland Ilocana, a short documentary by Elenita Makani O’Malley of UC Berkeley Strategic Communications
- October 21, 2026 from noon-1pm: Berkeley Book Chat with Lisandro Claudio
- October 22, 2026 from 4-5:30pm at the UC Berkeley Labor Center: Film Screening: Sunday Beauty Queen for Larry Itliong Day 2026
- Friday, January 15, 2027-Sunday, May 23, 2027 at Oakland Museum of California: Stephanie Syjuco: After/Images - Stephanie Syjuco is an Associate Professor in Sculpture at the UC Berkeley
- Jun 30, 2025 - Dec 18, 2026: Exhibit | Centering Philippine and Filipinx American Histories: Selections from The Bancroft Library
Past events:
- September 23, 2026 at 5:30pm: Filipinx Faculty & Staff Association presents Tagay Time: Back-to-School Edition
- September 24, 2026 at 5pm: Cal Alumni Association (CAA) Pilipinx American Alumni Chapter (PAAC) Open House
Read and Watch
- Finding community at Cal: A Filipino first-gen student’s journey via Berkeley Life Blog
- Leading at Cal as a first-generation Filipina American - Berkeley’s 2026 profile of ASUC President Abigail Verino is a really strong FAHM option. She discusses being the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, becoming the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, learning Filipino American history, and what representation means to her. via Letters and Science
- A Berkeley graduate honors his Filipino and Kankanaey roots via Berkeley News
- Concrete Colonialism: Architecture, Urbanism, and the US Imperial Project in the Philippines by Diana J. S. Martinez, assistant professor of architecture
- What counts as ‘Asian American literature,’ anyway? Berkeley research examines how the Asian American literary canon has changed over time, including a decline in the number of Filipino authors cited in scholarship. via Berkeley News
- Catherine Ceniza Choy gives lecture on “Inventor of magic food: The life and legacy of Filipina food scientist Maria Ylagan Orosa”
Task Forces/Advisory Bodies
Staff and Faculty Resources
This webpage is supported by the Division of Student Affairs, the Division of Equity and Inclusion, People and Culture, and the Vice Provost for Faculty.
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