5 Ways To Get Plugged into the Filipino Community in your City
Finding your place in a new community can be overwhelming and scary at times. Whether you have just recently moved to a new city or maybe you just found out that you have Filipino roots and want to meet more people like you or perhaps, as an adult, you’ve all of sudden felt the sudden urgency of diasporic longing. Either way, belonging to something bigger is an indescribable and proud feeling that we all take joy in. But what to do when the your reality is residing in a city where the presence of fellow Filipinos is scarce. Or perhaps you just don’t know where to start? Good news, the Filipino community has been waiting for you and all your “cousins” are there! Here is a list of 5 ways to get plugged into the Filipino community in your city.
Photo courtesy of In Her Purpose and Mission Muay Thai Long Beach
1. Find a Filipino market, restaurant, business or non-profit.
This first tactic might be a stretch but if you are fortunate enough to have one of these Filipino establishments in your area, you’re basically home free. Lucky for us, we have the beauty of the internet to search for any Filipino business within a 100 mile radius. This is probably your most efficient way to find an active Filipino community near you, because even if you swing by and the business is empty, it’s safe to assume that they stay in business because patrons (probably also Filipino) frequent their store. Not only that, I’ve noticed how often these hubs can be a bulletin board for upcoming Filipino events.
2. Search for upcoming events
Speaking of events, every major city or suburb has a stadium, amphitheater, or even a mall that holds music events. I bet if you take a look at their calendar, you might find a Filipino concert or an Asian American concert that might be held at that venue in the near future. And I’m willing to double down and bet that if there is enough interest to see that specific artist, there is probably a strong Filipino community encouraging it. Maybe the music scene isn’t your thing, how about some hot dogs, a beer, and maybe some popcorn? Well I know that most, if not all,of the major sports teams, typically have a Filipino American night or Asian American night, where you and a few hundred people might be able to connect and bond over America’s favorite pastimes!
3. Use Facebook Groups
Join a club! Or in this case, an online club. Facebook is now being used more than ever, to build communities of like minded people, aka facebook groups. Opening my own facebook just now, I slowly typed out the word “Filipino” and by the time I reached the 2nd “i”, “Filipino community near me” is at the top of my suggestions list. After clicking on the suggestion, I am immediately funneled to Filipino groups of all types: Filipino American Community of LA, Justice for Filipino American Veterans, and Filipino Community United Presbyterian Church. Not only did that search proxy find me communities within 20 miles of my location but it also gave me specific like minded groups (Filipino American Veterans, Filipino Presbyterian church) that might resonate with me more than just any general Filipino group.
4. AAPIH or FAHM month
Wait for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month in May or Filipino American History Month in October. Your city hall or local college / high school might be putting on something special to honor those around them. Although you might not have any concerts nearby or major sports teams, most communities try to embrace their residents and will always honor each individual ethnic group as best as possible. So if you can wait a few months for May or October, keep an eye out for mentions from government organizations that have something special planned.
5. YOU start creating the buzz
Last piece of advice, maybe YOU can be the plug to get people involved. Even if it’s something small like a coffee night or an open invite to a bar, community is only established once connections are made and you can be the piece to bring it all together. According to a new report from the Washington-based polling firm, Pew Research Center, Filipnos make up 18% of the Asian population in the US, which roughly translates to 4.2 million Filipinos as of 2019. You might not be as alone as you feel, if you take a chance to invite people to eat or sing karaoke, you might get more traction than wasting time looking in all the wrong places.
The rest is history, you dance, sing, eat with your hands, and you’re in! Remember it is scary to put yourself out there but there is a whole world left undiscovered and waiting to connect with you too. If you have any other trouble finding your local Filipino community, just start by asking around, I promise it will be worth the effort.
Written By Nico Belasco
Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative
Filipino names are truly some of the most diverse names you’ll ever come across. Our last names alone can have Spanish influence, Chinese influence, and in some cases American influences due to the involvement of the U.S. during World War II.
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