PRESS RELEASE
WDC-82-2024
24 October 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON D.C. – In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) this October, the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., together with the George Washington University (GWU) Philippine Cultural Society, hosted an intimate human library titled “Filipinos in America: Filipino Stories Across Generations” for the Filipino American GWU undergraduate students and their friends with a special curation of “books” on 22 October 2024 at the GWU Multicultural Student Services Center. The event showcased stories of different age ranges and walks of life, offering an intimate exploration of Filipino culture and stories across different eras and perspectives of the Philippines.
The event sought to strengthen the connection between young Filipino-Americans born and raised in the United States and their cultural heritage, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding with American students. Participants engaged directly with the speakers in a conversational format, sharing stories and exchanging insights. Filipino-American students were encouraged to ask questions about the Philippines—questions they may have felt too embarrassed or thought too “basic” to ask their parents, relatives, or friends—creating a safe space for curiosity and learning.
“Books” featured during the event revolved around Filipinos living in America and their personal narratives, offering diverse perspectives on Filipino heritage and the migration experience. Mrs. Alice Andam, founding president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro D.C. (PNAMDC), shared her experiences organizing medical missions to the Philippines and emphasized how, throughout her journey in the U.S., family has remained the most important and defining aspect of her life. Mr. Erwin Tiongson, co-founder of the Philippines on the Potomac (POPDC) Project and author of Philippine-American Heritage in Washington, D.C., discussed the historical ties between the Philippines and the U.S., particularly of landmarks found in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Maria Cecilia Ascalon, a family and pastoral counselor, recounted her experiences supporting families in crisis while also providing a Filipino mother’s perspective on raising children with Filipino values in the US. Mr. Dion Romano, a Philippine lawyer now working with the World Bank Inspection Panel, reflected on his advocacy for affected communities and giving the students the latest news on Filipino culture such as his personal list of karaoke favorites. Each speaker brought their unique contributions, emphasizing the impact of their Filipino identity in their respective lives in the US and how they stay connected to the Philippines.
Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is observed every October by the Filipino diaspora across the United States. It commemorates the rich history, cultural contributions, and lasting impact of Filipino Americans in the United States. This initiative was introduced by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in 1992, and the U.S. Congress officially recognized October as FAHM in the United States in 2009. This month honors the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in America in 1587 and highlights the community’s contributions to American society in various fields like education, labor, the arts, healthcare, and public service. ###
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-283-2024
24 October 2024
