A FILIPINO AMERICAN SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

MAY 2026

Welcoming Global Neighbors

Polk County has established a new welcome center and program called Global Neighbors to support immigrants and refugees coming to Des Moines.

FAS president Luisita and Executive Director Larry toured the future home of Global Neighbors and spoke about ways to connect and bring the community together.

The goal is to provide a hub for refugees and immigrants to access services related to employment, housing, and education as well as help people and families transition to Iowa.

RECENT EVENT:

Night at TopGolf

Every year the Filipino American Society of Iowa offers an opportunity for students to apply for an academic scholarship and throughout the year, FAS raises funds that 100% supports student scholarships. At the most recent event, about 60 people attended and raised about $800. Be sure to join our next event.

If you missed the event, but still want to support the scholarship, check the bottom of this page.

BE PART OF THE LARGEST FILIPINO FESTIVAL IN IOWA

The Filipino Fiesta will be hosted on June 13 at Living History Farms in Urbandale, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Held each June in celebration of Philippine Independence Day, the Fiesta features an exciting lineup of local Filipino talent, showcases traditional Filipino attire, and offers authentic Filipino food that brings the flavors of the islands to Iowa. From lively performances to warm community connections, it is a day to honor heritage and celebrate culture together.

Watch this video to find out what to expect at the Filipino Fiesta.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us at fas.iowa@gmail.com

Help Supply Items From Our Wishlist

192 oz Vegetable Oil (x6)
64 oz Kikkoman Traditional Soy Sauce (x4)
25 lbs Jasmine Rice (x2)
22.5 oz Garlic Powder
16 oz Super Q Golden Bihon Noodles (x10)
1 Gallon Vinegar

Please email fas.iowa@gmail.com if you purchase any of these items. Thank you!

Help Raise Funds For Our Candidates

Support the Next Little Miss, Miss Teen, or Ms. Philippines of Iowa!

Every donation, sponsorship, shared post, and word of encouragement helps support their preparation, cultural programs, scholarships, and youth empowerment within our Filipino-American community.

Follow this post to meet this year's candidates.

Click here to give to the candidates.

Bring the Event to Life: Apply to be a Volunteer

It takes many hands and hours to make an event like this possible.

We need help with set up and tear down, making food, taking orders and serving food.

Please sign up for one or more slots using this Fiesta Involvement form.

MEET DIVINA GERDEMAN
Board Member

Where are you from?

"I'm from San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines. I live in Indianola, Iowa."

What does FAS mean to you?

"It's kind of like my second family. I feel like I'm home when meeting different faces of Filipino and American. And of course, the Filipino foods."

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

"Shopping, riding motorcycle with my hubby, going fishing, and playing cards with my sisters."

What's your go-to karaoke song?

" I love singing the song, "Right Here Waiting", and "The Woman in Me."

MAY IS ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH

After years of advocacy, May was annually designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992 under the George H. W. Bush administration with the passing of Public Law 102-450. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was renamed as AAPI Heritage Month in 2009.Click here to learn more.

Did you know In the 16th century, Filipinos who were escaping forced labor and enslavement during the Spanish galleon trade immigrated to North America? They eventually established a settlement in St. Malo, Louisiana in 1763.

Celebrate the Stories

This month, GMA Pinoy TV honors the journeys of Filipino-Americans and their stories of strength and pride.

Discover the stories of space biologists, actors, entrepreneurs and modern day heroes who find their roots in the Philippines. Read their stories and be inspired.

Honoring Filipino Sailors

In 1901, when the Philippines became a U.S. territory, the U.S. Navy began recruiting Filipinos into service.

Today, many Filipino-Americans still serve in the U.S. Navy. Learn more about the experiences that shaped our nation's naval history.

Behind the Ube Trend

Ube is large part of the Filipino heritage. Global demand is impacting farmers and Filipino communities.

CNN covers the growing popularity and pressure on the ube supply chain.

Support Filipino Authors

Check out this list from Penguin Random House highlights Filipino and Filipino American authors.

Genres span from romance, to politics, to mystery novels.

Advertise With Us!

For a small fee FAS members are encouraged to

share their business or nonprofit and advertise here.

Options:

$25 per newsletter

$150 a year (6 newsletters)

Send your Ideas to fas.iowa@gmail.com

*Disclaimer*

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