October is a special month as we celebrate Filipina/o/x American (Fil-Am) History Month, a time to pay tribute to Filipina/o/xs' rich history, achievements, and lasting impact in the United States. This commemoration also serves as a bridge connecting Filipina/o/xs in the U.S. with their roots in the Philippines, showcasing the shared culture and heritage that binds them.

Did you know that Filipina/o/x Americans are the second-largest Asian American community in the country, and in California, they are the second-largest ethnic group? The significance of celebrating Filipina/o/x American History Month in October goes back to the very first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. It was in 1587 when Luzones Indios, native Filipino sailors forced into service by the Spanish navy during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, made landfall from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza at what is known today as Morro Bay, California, on October 18.

After years of relentless advocacy by dedicated individuals and organizations, the United States Congress officially recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009. This recognition has since been embraced by various states, counties, and cities across the nation, with many proclaiming October as a time to honor and reflect upon the incredible contributions of the Filipina/o/x-American community to our shared history and culture.

Join the EVC ASPIRE Program, ASPIRE+PLLUS, and Associated Student Government for a Filipina/o/x American History Month celebration that centers on preserving the Fil-Am history in San Jose! Enjoy spoken word, musical performances, and free food.

Wednesday, October 25

12:15-1:30 PM

Gullo II

Featured Artists

Kulintang Dialect performs for festivals, cultural events, educational programs, art projects, and our own shows or parties. We strive to play traditional kulintang that is beyond reproach, even as we enjoy mastering original compositions. We perform the traditional kulintang music passed down by the late Master Danongan Kalanduyan with fidelity while also exploring with joy and courage how this music can express itself through new ways that are nourished by our own specific context on this American soil.

Kenneth Tan is a second-generation Filipino American living in his San Jose, CA, hometown. He has shared stories about his grandmother, Crescenciana Tan, on NPR and StoryCorps. Kenneth and his grandmother, or “Lola” in Tagalog, started an art project called The Lola and Kenneth Collaboration. When Kenneth moved home to help care for Lola, she made watercolor paintings, and then Kenneth drew her memories on top of them. When Lola passed, she left her paintings with Kenneth, and he decided to finish everything she started. He promised. 

Melvin Sings! is a singer/songwriter raised in Daly City, CA. His love for the islands of Hawaii has molded his unique style, blending his soul and R&B background with his ukulele. Using YouTube and his social networks as his platform, he has been able to share his music with millions. Melvin continues representing his culture and love for music through his simple yet memorable performances. 

Commonality (profession is a culmination of passion, expression, and inclusivity. We strive to provide a space where ideas are cultivated, and individuals feel empowered to push boundaries and foster innovation. 

Mar (she/her) is an immigrant from the Philippines residing in unceded Muwekma Ohlone Land. She serves as Project Coordinator for Leadership, Education, Activism, and Dialogue (L.E.A.D) Filipino (Inc.), supporting major local initiatives and statewide coalitions. Driven by students, adults, and families out of San Jose since 2015, LEAD Filipino organizes at the intersection of civic innovation, culturally responsive education, grassroots leadership development, and local economic development efforts to increase the representation of FilAms in public leadership. On a soul level, Mar likes to help teach the community to recognize colonizer mindsets, find their own way of liberation, and offer ways to tap into Third World Consciousness. 

Co-Sponsored by EVC Civic Engagement, ASPIRE, and ASPIRE+PLLUS

Sign up to hear from the first speaker in the series this Monday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be virtual; you can sign up at this link.

Dorothy Advincula

Global Head of Audience, Insights & Measurement

UBER

About the Speaker: 

Dorothy Ann Advincula is Uber Advertising’s Global Head of Measurement and Insights, where she is tasked to build the long-term vision for measurement and insight for Uber Advertising. Prior to Uber, Dorothy was SVP of Media Strategy at Ipsos, a Top 3 market research organization, where she led strategy, insights, and audience measurement for brands, media, streaming, and social platforms, gaming, and the metaverse. 

Dorothy started her undergraduate studies at Evergreen Valley College and transferred and earned her BA in Political Science and Psychology from UC Berkeley. At EVC, she was a founding member of ASPIRE and was on the core leadership team of the Associated Students of Evergreen Valley College. She also holds an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications with a specialization in Global Marketing Innovation and Media Economics from Northwestern University.

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