On October 18, 1587, Filipinos made their first recorded arrival on the North American continent, landing in Morro Bay, California. This historical moment is now recognized by Filipino Americans who are striving to maintain their cultural legacy through the establishment of designated "Filipino Towns" across the United States. These areas serve as cultural districts similar to Chinatowns and Little Italys, highlighting the unique contributions of Filipino communities to the cities they inhabit.
In honor of Filipino American History Month in October, many Filipinos are advocating for their cities to recognize these cultural neighborhoods officially. This recognition can take various forms, such as landmarks, community events, and permanent signage. Notably, Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown was designated in 2002 and constructed a gateway arch, while Little Manila in Queens, New York, revealed an official street sign. Recently, Las Vegas also achieved this distinction with the unveiling of a "Filipino Town Cultural District" street sign.
The excitement was palpable when Rozita Lee, the former board president of Filipino Town Las Vegas, reminisced about the Clark County commissioners' unanimous decision to affirm the cultural district designation. Lee, who has resided in Las Vegas for nearly five decades, has witnessed the growth of a vibrant Filipino business corridor. With over 200,000 Filipinos in the metro area, the Filipino community is the largest Asian demographic in Las Vegas.
To promote the Filipino Town initiative, Lee emphasized the importance of community engagement by visiting local business owners and securing their support for the proposal. Her involvement has sparked plans for a Filipino American Museum, paving the way for a cultural hub in the city. Current board president Bernie Benito envisions Filipino Town becoming a tourist destination that showcases Filipino culture and attracts investors.
Historically, Filipinos began settling in the United States around the 19th century, with early enclaves formed primarily by single men. While Filipino communities did not flourish as prominently as Chinatowns or Japantowns, U.S. colonial rule from 1898 to 1946 facilitated English language education, enabling Filipinos to assimilate more easily into American society. As a result, many found employment in various professions, such as nursing and accounting, without relying heavily on ethnic economies.
Today, approximately 4.5 million Filipinos live in the U.S., with registered nursing being one of the most common occupations among them. The growing desire for cultural pride among Filipino Americans has led to the establishment of several Filipino Towns across the nation. Some communities, however, have faced challenges, such as Stockton, California's Little Manila, which was largely destroyed by urban development in the 1970s.
In Seattle, residents celebrate their Filipinotown, formally recognized by the city council in 2017, through visible markers like a specially branded streetcar. Devin Cabanilla, the executive director for Filipinotown Seattle, highlights the need for tangible symbols of their cultural identity, promoting landmarks such as the Dr. Jose Rizal Bridge. Community events, including poetry sessions and block parties, are also part of Filipinotown's future vision.
The establishment of Filipino Towns allows for a representation of Filipino culture and serves as an acknowledgment of the historical presence of Filipinos in American society. As these cultural districts evolve, they play an essential role in preserving the heritage of Filipino Americans while fostering a sense of community and pride.
