Category: Immigration
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A Legacy of Resistance: Filipino Americans, Martial Law, and the Fight for Democracy
By Grace Fitzgerald As we approach the 54th anniversary of President Ferdinand Marcos’ proclamation of martial law over the Philippines, we must remember the hostile political state that drove hundreds of thousands of Filipinos to seek sanctuary in the United States, and we should recognize the courageous, innovative FilAm activists who persistently fought against the…
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Covering News during Martial Law Years
By Willie Jose Working in a newspaper during those early years of martial law in the 70s was not so hard or fearsome; all the papers had to do was publish “positive stories” about the workings of government and the country —and follow Malacañang’s directives. Those martial law years were the heyday for press releases,…
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An Adventure of a Lifetime: Riding a jeepney back home
By Willie Jose During my recent visit to the Philippines, I couldn’t help but notice the apparent breakdown in drivers’ discipline and their little or no regard for traffic laws — it’s a free-for-all over there. Drivers could pick up passengers anywhere on the streets, even stopping in the middle of the road. While driving,…
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Pinoy’s Tabo culture
By Willie Jose When we think about our Filipino culture, many things come to mind: Bahay Kubo, Tinikling, Kundiman, Kalesa, Jeepneys, Singkil, Fiesta, Parol, Baro’t Saya, Barong Tagalog, Balikbayan Box– and the handy Tabo. Of all these cultural icons, tabo is doubtless an indispensable fixture of the culture. And whether we are working abroad, living…
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Grace to Organize
by Gabriel Catanus Recently, an activist contacted me on behalf of a workers’ rights organization. One of the unions this organization supports represents several Filipino American factory workers in a nearby suburb, and these workers were upset that their employer was forcing them to work under poor conditions. Also, their collective bargaining agreement had expired…
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“Tuli”(circumcision) — a Rite of Passage
By Willie Jose I remember my “Tuli” ( circumcision) rite of passage, which took place in the summer of 1960, right after I finished elementary school. Before entering high school, I wanted to make sure “everything was done” so I wouldn’t have to worry about being teased by my classmates for being “supot” (uncircumcised). Being…
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Bahay Kubo, a known Pinoy Icon
By Willie Jose These days, the popularity of the bahay kubo is once again finding its way into the hearts and minds of our countrymen. Despite the rise of modern concrete and hardwood houses, many people are now choosing to buy ready-made nipa huts and set them up in available spaces on their properties. Being…
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Tara na! to Springfield — where decisions shape Filipino Americans’ future
Maraming Filipinos, kasama ang fellow Asians at determined community supporters ang tutungo sa Springfiled Illiois, seat of state government, sa Miyerkules, Mayo 6, 2026 para ipadama sa mga legislators ang collective concerns at hinaing ng mga Filipinos at kapwa Asians ukol sa mga pangangailangan ng mga pamilyang migrante sa Chicago. State legislators control essential aspects…
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Civic Engagement Beyond the Ballot: How Filipino Americans Can Make Their Voices Heard
By Angela Ebreo, Ph.D. I read Connie Triggiano’s article in a previous issue of Bayanihan with great interest. Her appeal for community members to become more civically engaged is timely, especially given the many ways policies affecting us are being implemented both nationally and within individual states. But what does it mean to be civically…
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A celebration of life while it’s still being lived
A farewell party. A final hurrah. A profound swan song. An advanced goodbye. It’s when a loved one is getting ready to write “30,” like when a news story ends. It’s a celebration of life while it is still being lived. They’re called many endearing terms – these celebrations of life as it veers towards…