Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587. Filipinos arrived on the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza that landed on Chumash and Obispeño lands (Morro Bay, California). The Filipino American National Historical Society introduced October as Filipino American History Month in 1992. Today, many people in our community celebrate this month by organizing events to raise awareness about the role of Filipino Americans in U.S. history.
Filipino American history encompasses the effects of colonialism and war, labor, global migration and activism of the diaspora in this country. The official theme for 2026 is "Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories," which recognizes the contributions, struggles, and lived experiences of Filipino Americans whose stories have been typically excluded from traditional historical narratives. Read more about this theme from the Filipino American National History Society here.
At San Diego Public Library, we celebrate Filipino American history, heritage and culture through programs, book displays and collections.
Quick links:
Featured Programs
Filipino American History Month Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. | La Jolla/Riford Library
October is Filipino American History Month, a celebration and recognition of the achievements, contributions, history, culture, and resilience of the Filipino community. This FREE event will feature Philippine folk dancers, singers, food, and fun for the whole family!
Love, Murder and Taxi Dancers in the Stingaree District
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | San Diego Central Library
Welcome to the electrifying underworld of San Diego’s Depression-era taxi dance halls, where a dance could cost you a dime, a chance at romance, or a bullet in the back! San Diego Central Library welcomes Marivi Soliven, in conversation with Lee Ann Kim, for a presentation and book signing of her exciting new novel Taxi Dancer, based on a true story set in San Diego’s downtown historic Stingaree District. San Diego swing masters and jazz band, Zzymzzy Quartet, will be slinging Prohibition-era hot swing music to make you dance from 5:30 to 6:30. Period attire encouraged.
The Filipino Ethnic Enclave in the Gaslamp Quarter in the 1930s
Tuesday, Dec. 1 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | San Diego Central Library
The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation and San Diego Central Library present award-winning journalist-author Marivi Soliven in conversation with UCSD professor K. Wayne Yang about the history of the community of Filipino migrant workers who lived and struggled in downtown San Diego during the 1930s. What were the living conditions faced by the community while racial discrimination and anti-miscegenation law? Marivi’s exciting new novel Taxi Dancer is based on a true story set in the historic downtown Stingaree District.
More Filipino American History Month Events
Resources
Filipiana Collection at Skyline Hills Branch Library
The Skyline Hills Library features a special FILIPINIANA Collection that includes Adult and Juvenile Fiction, Non-fiction, paperback novels and CDs. Visit Skyline Hills Library to browse the collection.
Filipino Cinema on Kanopy
Stream classic movies from Filipino Cinema for FREE with your library card on Kanopy. Titles include Bamboo Dogs, Bitter Melon and Midnight Dancers.
Videos
Introducing City of SD Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez!
Conversations with Poets
Scary Stories and More with SDPL
Philippine Fright Night
Introducing City of SD Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez!
Conversations with Poets
Scary Stories and More with SDPL
Philippine Fright Night
Jen Soriano and Jason Magabo Perez in Conversation
SD Circuit Sustainability Author Talks