October is recognized nationally as Filipino American History Month, a time where we celebrate the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their many contributions to our society. Since its inception in 2011, Chicago communities and organizations have marked the month with events, performances, and gatherings.
The month also commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587 when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California.
–Filipino American National Historical Society
While we may celebrate a bit differently this year, there are plenty of ways you can join in. We’ve got the latest for you from our favorite local Filipino American businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as activities happening IRL and online. For more events and programming throughout October, follow the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) on Facebook.
The History of Filipino American Activism
For 2020, the Filipino American National Historical Society has incorporated a theme of celebrating The History of Filipino American Activism. The theme highlights the myriad ways Filipino Americans have participated in social justice movements, including the United Farm Workers Movement, the fight for Ethnic Studies, Hawaii Sugar Plantation strikes, Washington Yakima strikes, and Anti-Martial Law Movements across multiple decades.
We honor the history of Filipino American solidarity with other communities in their fights for our equity and justice, including the Black Lives Matter Movement, American Indian Movement, Civil Rights and Voting Rights, Women’s Rights, LGBTQ Rights, and Environmental Justice.
-Filipino American National Historical Society
FAHSC is partnering with several other local groups to present a weekly virtual podcast on Zoom called Stories of Filipino Activism and Heroism. Taking place at noon on 10/14, 10/21 and 10/28, the show will cover topics like Filipino labor activism and organizing, the fight for representation in ethnic studies, and stories from health care and essential workers during the pandemic. For information on how to join, contact Ginger Leopoldo at gingerleopoldo@yahoo.com.
Filipino American History Month Pop-Ups at Side Project Coffee
One of Ravenswood’s newest businesses is Side Project Coffee (5139 N Damen Ave), located just across the street from from beautiful Winnemac Park. Their menu features coffee house staples alongside creative specials like the Manila Matcha (Ube simple syrup, macadamia milk, matcha) and the Sketchbook (espresso, lavender, honey, charcoal, candied lemon zest). Since opening this summer, owner Francis Almeda has been faithful his cafe’s name and made it a priority to use his space to showcase side projects from the community.
In celebration of Filipino American History Month, Side Project is hosting a series of weekend pop-ups featuring Filipino creatives. The list includes visual artists, clothing designers, crafters and eateries. Follow Side Project on Instagram for details on future pop-ups.
Be sure to check out fellow Ravenswood newbies Milky Milky Ice Cream, who are popping up on Saturday, October 24. Milky Milky specializes in small batch, handcrafted ice cream in flavors like Strawberry Basil, Ube, and CTC (think Cinnamon Toast Cruch). For their visit, they’ve collaborated with Side Project on a new flavor: Ube Bae Matcha! Check out current and past batches at milkymilkyicecream.com/yumyums.
Other upcoming pop-ups include the debut of a new series of prints from illustrator Illi Ferandez (10/11), decadent sweets from Tita Ubaekery (10/17), and a showcase of the latest works from artist Conrad Javier (10/25).
Flavors of the Philippines in Ravenswood
One of the must-try restaurants in Ravenswood is Bayan KO (1810 W Montrose Ave), a Filipino-Cuban mash up founded by Chef Lawrence Letrero and his partner Raquel Quadreny. Their menu fuses family recipes and Chef Lawrence’s experience with modern American cooking. Highlights include Lumpia Shanghai (pork, carrot, scallion, Lola’s garlic sauce), Ginataan Gulay (zucchini, eggplant, green beans, bok choy, swiss chard, coconut), and Bayan KO Lechon (crispy pork belly, mojo sauce, mang tomas).
Bayan KO’s adorable street-side patio is open for dine-in, even on rainy days thanks to their new canopy. To help keep you safe, Bayan KO is offering online pre-ordering and payment through Tock, as well as contactless table side ordering. Want to enjoy your Luglug (scallop, uni, saffron, chicharron, egg yolk) at home? Review the menu at bayankochicago.com/menu and place an order for pickup or delivery.
Just outside of Ravenswood lies Mariegold Bake Shoppe (5752 N California Ave), where they’ve been serving traditional Filipino dishes since 1994. Freshly baked sweets rotate regularly, so it’s best to check Mariegold’s Facebook page for the latest menu items. Recent treats include Ube Butchi (purple yam jam-stuffed rice balls, rolled in sesame seeds and deep fried until golden and crisp), Cassava Cake (moist cake made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and condensed milk with a custard layer) and several flavors of Hopia (bean-filled, moon cake-like pastry originally introduced by Fujianese immigrants).
Filipino American History Month: Clothing Celebration and Lingua Franca Netflix Party
On Friday, October 30, the Midwest Pilipino American Coalition and Filipino Young Leaders Program are hosting a Netflix movie-viewing party featuring Lingua Franca. The film chronicles the struggles of an undocumented Filipina transwoman working to stay in the United States and get a green card. Filipino Grammy and Tony Award winning movie producer Jhett Tolentino will lead a discussion before and after the movie. For information on how to join, contact LouellaCabalona at louella.cabalona@fylpro.org or Everett Icao at icaoe93@gmail.com.
