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Stories and Lessons about us & for us.
Behind the Smile: The Hidden Weight First- Gen Filipino-American Graduates Carry
Graduation day marks the end of years filled with late-night studying, sacrifice, and striving to earn A’s to make their parents proud. Yet for many Filipino-American graduate students, this milestone also signals the beginning of a new kind of pressure.
The Whitening Myth: How Papaya Soap Scrubbed Our Skin and Self-Esteem
More than a bar of soap, it was a symbol of shame passed down through generations. We unpack the truth about papaya soap, colorism, and coming clean.
How FilAM Nonprofits Are Rewriting the Rules of Community Power and Why Backing Them Can Change the Future of our Culture
Nonprofits should not be singularly viewed as charity cases that communities must fund out of pity, but instead, be recognized as mission driven movements, transformative institutions, and caring systems of power and progress.
Filipino Art Doesn’t Have to Be Traditional And Abstract Artist Keith Lapuz Proves It By Making Art That Hits Different
Rising artist and a proud graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Keith Lapuz channels his heritage into his symbolic works and honors his roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
You’ve Heard of Comfort Women. But Did You Know About the “Comfort Gays”?
In 1975, during the time that the world had shunned homosexuality, columnist, former city councilor, and an AIDS activist in the name of Panfilo Justo opened his own home to provide care facilities for elderly gay men.
Why LA’s Filipino Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium Meant More This Year
We had one of the biggest social gatherings for Filipinos in the Los Angeles area as the world winning Los Angeles Dodgers hosted Filipino Heritage Night, making it one of the most memorable outings in 2025.
Filipino Coffee Is Having a Moment | 7 Must-Try Beans to Sip in 2025
Nothing beats a cup of coffee in the morning, the aroma of the roasted beans, that first crisp sip, and the pick me up you need to tackle the day. Did you know that coffee beans grown straight from the homeland of the Philippines have been on the up and up?
The 3rd Annual Filipino Forces Feast and Fiesta Was the AANHPI Dinner of the Year And the Kultura Was Served Hot
The 3rd Annual Filipino Forces Feast & Fiesta, founded by Rembrandt Flores and powered by Nike, brought together stars, community leaders, and culture shapers for an unforgettable AANHPI Month celebration—complete with sinigang dumplings, ube ice cream, and a karaoke mic drop.
Did the t-Rex Ever Roam Tagaytay? A Jurassic Look at Prehistoric Philippines
The Jurassic period was a pivotal time in Earth’s history. It was characterized by the diversification of dinosaurs. Modern-day Philippines did not yet exist during this time, but geological evidence suggests that portions of what would become the Philippine were already forming.
FIlipino American Susie Ibarra wins the Pulitzer for Music and Honestly, It’s About Time
Filipina American composer Susie Ibarra just made history as the first to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Her piece Sky Islands is a powerful fusion of Filipino heritage, environmental storytelling, and sonic innovation.
What My Mom’s Death Taught Me About Filipino Family Drama, Inheritance Fights, and the Silence That Keeps Us from Healing
Grief is heavy on its own, but what happens when it’s compounded by betrayal, silence, and family fractures that never healed? Our guest contributing writer, Jennifer Redondo explores the painful truths behind toxic Filipino family dynamics and the cultural patterns we urgently need to break.
Leveling up with LinkedIn | Asian Alliance Mixer Kicks Off AANHPI Month and Empowers Biz Owners to Build Community, Not Just Brands
Filipino American entrepreneurs, AANHPI small business owners, and Bay Area creatives came together at LinkedIn’s San Francisco HQ for a community mixer with Kollective Hustle—featuring LinkedIn branding tips, Filipino food, panel talks, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Bringing Philippine Folklore to Life: How Glenda Chiu Designed Mattel’s Manananggal-Inspired Doll
Born and raised in Cebu City, Glenda Chiu remembers growing up watching the news, where they’d sometimes report on chilling sightings of the Manananggal. It became the unexpected inspiration behind one of her proudest creations: Corazon Marikit, the first Filipina Monster High doll.
Exploring Traditional Filipino Musical Instruments: A Cultural Journey Through Sound
The Philippines is home to a vibrant tapestry of indigenous musical instruments, each echoing the cultural identity of its people. Let’s explores the key types of ethnic musical instruments in the Philippines.
Why Everyone’s Talking About the Philippines’ “Woven” Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Philippines showed up not with spectacle, but with soul. The “Woven” Pavilion — designed by multidisciplinary artist-architect Carlo Calma — is a living, breathing ode to Filipino identity, built with bamboo, rattan, AI, and ancestral pride.
Ligaw in the Time of WiFi: The Evolution of Filipino Courtship and Romance
Explore the evolution of Filipino courtship, from traditional harana to modern social media love, and learn how culture, respect, and patience shape Filipino romance today.
Based on Karaoke Machine Logs (Yes, Really): The Top 10 Songs That Dominate Filipino Karaoke nights
So, what exactly are the songs that dominate Filipino karaoke nights? From ‘90s R&B jams to dramatic power ballads, here are 10 hits you know will be sung at least once.
Pagpag, Prayers, and Porto’s | What Planning My Mom’s Funeral Taught Me As A Filipino American
Every culture has their own rituals surrounding funerals, mourning with death, and providing comfort to the grieving. In Filipino culture, we honor the departed with traditions deeply rooted in religion, family, and community.
The Forgotten Masters: 5 Filipina Artists Who Made History
Every time we hear about the greats of Philippine art history, it’s always Juan Luna this, Fernando Amorsolo that. But let’s be real, where are the women? The truth is, Filipina artists have always been creating, pushing boundaries, and defining artistic movements. They just don’t get the same spotlight.
THIS Year’s Top 20 Filipino baby names and their meanings. Did your name make the cut?
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.