Archive for the ‘Updates’ Category

Tatay’s Day

This is a belated Father’s Day post due to the fact that I was busy spending time with my dad. In the U.S., Asian father’s are usually perceived as strict, uncaring, and cold hearted people. This usually applies to Americans who don’t understand our culture or what is accepted as a proper upbringing for Asians. [...]

WTF: President Arroyo Appoints Manicurist and Gardner to High Gov’t Positions!

Out of all the ridiculous things that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has done during her presidency, appointing her manicurist and gardner to high government positions takes the cake. Arroyo was previously criticized for having a lavish $20,000 dinner at an upscale French New York restaurant in August 2009. According to CBS News, barely three weeks before a [...]

Adam Carolla, the Face of Ignorance in America

Looking at my messages and e-mails this morning, an article from the Examiner on Adam Carolla discriminating against Manny Pacquiao and Filipinos caught my eye. I guess a lot of people around the world still can’t take the fact that the best pound for pound boxer in the world is a little brown guy from [...]

No Filipino Left Behind: 2010 US Census

As many of you are probably rushing to meet the deadline for tax season in April (I have yet to fill out my forms), don’t forget to also submit your census forms. With Filipino appearing in the race category in the 2010 national census many Fil-Am organizations like FANHS are reminding Americans that ALL Filipinos [...]

The Asian American Literary Review

I was recently informed about a new literary journal by Lawrence-Minh Davis, the editor of  The Asian American Literary Review. The Asian American Literary Review (AALR) is a space for writers who consider the designation “Asian American” a fruitful starting point for artistic vision and community. In showcasing the work of established and emerging writers, the [...]

Miguel Syjuco’s Ilustrado

I recently got in contact with Miguel Syjuco, author of Ilustrado a novel that won him the Man Asian Literary Prize. To my surpirse, Miguel Syjuco is a fan of Fil-Am Ako and wanted me to inform everyone of the upcoming release of Ilustrado in the U.S.  The Filipino writer’s debut novel is set to [...]

Jennie Kwan & California Dreams on Jimmy Fallon

Last night, Jimmy Fallon was able to reunite the entire cast of California Dreams. California Dreams was a popular teen oriented show back in the 90s which had a slightly more diverse cast compared to Saved by the Bell. One of the shows stars was Jennie Kwan, (born Jennifer Trinidad Fernando; September 9, 1973)  a Fil-Am [...]

Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO)

It’s common knowledge that Filipinos are a talented group individuals when it comes to music and the establishment of the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra hopes to showcase these Fil-Am musicians. The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) is the very first symphony orchestra to be established outside the Philippines. Roger and Cora Oriel, the publishers of Asian [...]

Fil-Am Documentary: The Hidden Dream

The much anticipated Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was something that had everybody talking and interested in their family’s roots in the U.S. I was very impressed with the PBS series but it left me thinking that Filipinos are probably still not recognized as an important ethnic group in America. To my [...]

Filipino Group Empowering Victims of Trafficking

A recent article from CNN focuses on an issue that I like to discuss on Fil-Am Ako which is human trafficking and how it’s been a major problem in the Philippines. This past January was declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month by President Obama but I feel we should not stop there when [...]

J.R. Celski’s Pinoy Pride Tattoo

This belated update is of J.R. Celski’s tattoo which is a fusion of the Philippine flag’s sun & stars and the White Eagle of Poland. I’m sure all you ladies out there are probably searching up on this Fil-Am Olympian after taking one look at this photo. After his disqualification on Saturday night JR Celski took off [...]

Lt. Gov. Mona Pasquil FANHS Conference Speaker

The Filipino American National Historical Society recently announced that California’s Lt. Governor Mona Pasquil will be making an appearance as the principal speaker at the FANHS 13th National Conference on July 24th in Seattle. Simeona (Mona) Viernes Pasquil is the first woman and Filipino-American to be appointed acting Lieutenant Governor of the State of California on November [...]

Vincent Who? Screening at DePaul University

Vincent Who? is coming to Chicago and the event is going to take place at my alma mater DePaul University on Friday February 26th. DePaul’s Asian American Studies, Cultural Center and Diversity & Equity are co-sponsoring this week’s visit with Curtis Chin, producer and co-director of the documentary.  DePaul will be premiering Vincent Who? which [...]

Air on Laughs for Lives & March Comedy Madness

Our friend, Fil-Am comedian Air Tabigue is back for more laughs in Laughs for Lives and wants your help for the March Comedy Madness Competition.  In honor of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament, 64 comedians go one-on-one in this 4th annual comedy competition hosted and refereed by Bryan Kennedy and Josh Filipowski. In each round, [...]

Filipino Kami: We are Filipino

As you can see, Fil-Am Ako has a brand new banner featuring Filipinos who have been influential to this blog. The baybayin artwork is courtesy of Christian Cabuay from Baybayin.com and PinoyTattoos. The Baybayin characters are translated as “Filipino Kami” (We are Filipino). Christian Cabuay is also featured in the banner along with fellow baybayin [...]