February 28, 2009

  • It has been a culture-filled couple of days for me. Last night, I attended a culture event put on by Chi Rho Omicron,, Inc. (XPO), Kappa Psi Epsilon, and Mga Kapatid at the University of California, Davis. The speakers were Herb Jamero, Arthur Villarruz, Robert Luna, and Mel Lagasca, four members of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). A couple of questions stuck with me: "My grandfather was a Filipino World War II Veteran and he received money; How come other Filipino World War II veterans did not?" and "Why is so much linked to Stockton?"

    Today, I went to the Sacramento Kings Filipino Heritage Night with Anita Bautista--also a FANHS member--and manned a table displaying her exhibit on Filipinos in the military. So many people came by and talked to us about their links to the Filipino American community. It was a very rewarding experience. Both Anita and I were interviewed by The Filipino Channel (TFC) and I saw so many friends and family members.

    Altogether, these two days further demonstrated to me how important culture and history is. It also reemphasized for me how integral FANHS is to this effort.