A FILIPINO AMERICAN SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

JULY 2026

RECENT EVENT:

FILIPINO FIESTA

To everyone who attended, supported, and celebrated with us—thank you. Whether you came for the food, music, cultural performances, fashion show, pageant, or simply to experience Filipino culture, your presence made the day special.

To our sponsors, vendors, performers, cultural participants, pageant contestants, and community partners—thank you for sharing your talents, culture, and passion with thousands of attendees.

Filipino Fiesta continues to grow each year because of all of you. Seeing thousands come together to celebrate our heritage, build community, and create lasting memories reminds us why we do this work.

Calling All Photographers

We are looking for volunteers to help during our upcoming Annual Gala on Saturday, September 12.

This is always a beautiful evening filled with culture, community, formal attire, and special memories — and we’d love a few helping hands to assist with photos throughout the event. You don’t need to be a professional photographer. We’re looking for friendly, dependable volunteers.


If you’re interested in volunteering, please send us a message at fas.iowa@gmail.com

MEET SHEENA GREEN
FAS' Newest Board Member



Where are you from?

"I was born and raised in Corydon, Iowa. I'm currently in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines."

What does FAS mean to you?

"FAS has been a wonderful way connect with my mom’s culture and be part of an organization that is helping to create and sustain the Filipino(a) community here in Central Iowa. When my mom came to Iowa back in the 70’s there was no one in Corydon who shared her Visayan background. She assimilated a lot, to the point that she didn’t teach my sister and myself much about her culture. My hope is that those who come to Central Iowa can find community in FAS and keep their roots to their culture alive."

What's something you enjoy doing in your spare time?

"I enjoy gardening and tending to my houseplants along with being outdoors and traveling.

What's your go-to karaoke song?

"I’m not much of a public singer but I’ll be your interpretive dancer in the background while you sing!"



A Filipino Tennis Titan

Alexandra Maniego Eala is the first Filipina to break into the top 30 in the singles rankings, have wins over top-10 players, reach the fourth round of a major, and reach a Women's Tennis Association final in the Open Era.


On July 13, 2026, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 28, making her the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA Tour history.

Making the Gooooal

Although the FIFA World Cup is over, we want to highlight two Filipinos who made it to football's largest stage. 

Austria captain David Alaba and Australian midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler both trace part of their family roots to the Philippines.



Join the Biniverse

Watch the Bini Docuseries on Netflix to follow the Filipino pop group during a pivital point in their music career. 

Bini continues to take the world by storm, making their Coachella debut this year. This year they were also as named Powerhouse of the Year by the Billboard Philippines Women in Music.

On July 3, 2026, the Department of Tourism officially designated Bini as one of the Philippines' tourism ambassadors.



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*Disclaimer*

Advertiser messages are their own and are not indicative of idealogical or financial support from FAS or its board members.