For our First Readers, Jen reflects on this month’s community engagement and curation of FAHM Resources. 💭

Note: Audio Commentary is exclusively available to our First Readers.

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Here are our final week of FAHM recommendations!

Resources —

Filipino American Education

Filipino Americans make up one of the largest Asian American ethnic groups in the United States. They constitute the 2nd largest ethnic student group in Hawaii’s public schools and are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in our nation’s schools. Despite our large numbers, colonial past, and historical presence in the United States, Filipinos continue to be underrepresented in mainstream education, curriculum, and research. Educators have a responsibility to meet the academic needs of their Filipino Americans K-12 students. Representation and research on Filipino Americans can help promote academic achievement and students reach their fullest potential.

This site is a resource for educators to find Filipino curriculum, professional development, advocacy, and scholarship. Together, these resources show the importance of building a strong foundation of cultural identity and knowledge from curriculum and providing educators with the tools to incorporate diverse perspectives in their teaching. They also empower educators to dismantle inequitable systems through advocacy, policies, and scholarship. It is exciting to see the next generation of Filipino American students take charge of their own education and advocate for curriculum representation. The goal of this site is to share these Filipino American education resources so they are accessible and useful to diverse audiences.

View Resources

Letter —

Have you ever wanted someone back when, really, you wanted your identity back?

Reader discretion advised: This letter contains strong language and touches on themes of infidelity, betrayal, and references to violence, which may be sensitive or triggering for some readers.

Dear Kozy,

If I could say one thing, it’s this: You ruined the Philippines for me.

Leading up to my trip to the Philippines, I was looking forward to everything about it: sharing my adoption documents with you; telling you my adventures over the phone while I was there; seeing your expression light up when I returned; feeling how much you’ve missed me in our reunion’s kiss . . .

Wondering if you ever looked up the English translation of “Mahal Kita” after I shyly told you so before my trip. When I ended every text with “Mahal Kita” during my trip. When I whispered it in your ear after you introduced me to your parents.

Instead, in our 2-hour argument, you said, “You knew I don’t speak your language. Why didn’t you just say it in English?”

My voice-my heart-cracked, as I replied, “I was trying to be playful and cute by telling you to look it up. I was never gonna force you to say it back. I just . . . wanted you to know how I felt about you.”

Like everything else in our relationship, you assumed.

You said, “It felt like you were trying to manipulate me into saying ‘I love you’ back.”

Because of those words-and countless other things in our relationship-sometimes I forget I spent 3 weeks in the Philippines with my best friend and birth family . . . because it’s overshadowed by the things you said or didn’t say. It’s overshadowed by your disinterest in my culture, since the beginning. It overshadows my every attempt to celebrate Filipino-American History Month: I had class presentations planned; Filipino souvenirs and traditional clothes to show off; training sessions mapped out for “Kali” classes I want to start; enthusiastic dives into Filipino language, history, and culture.

I had Instagram reels planned-but instead, the reel of our whole relationship fogs my vision . . As I sit there in my bedroom, staring at the wall, surrounded by clutter, overdue laundry, and an apartment cleaned enough to not overwhelm my roommate nor me.

Nothing feels worth celebrating anymore. It seemed to take forever for my friends to welcome me back from the Philippines. None of my co-workers seemed interested in celebrating Filipino-American History Month with our students. It took weeks to rally my friends to go watch the first Filipino film, THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND-and when we gathered, more than half of them canceled. We managed to see it eventually, but the first attempt only reminded me of all the times you made promises you couldn’t keep, canceling . . .

You fucked up our reunion from the Philippines. You fucked up our anniversary. You even fucked up our break-up, if there was ever such a concept. You fucked up my ability to celebrate the little things or the big things that mattered most to me. You fucked up my ability to trust anyone, especially anyone white. Even my own white comrades in solidarity. Nowadays, I can’t trust that my friends will commit to plans they’ve made. I can’t trust anyone with my Filipino identity. You always assumed I never respected your neurodivergence or your gender identity-but you never respected my Filipino identity, either.

You barely thought about it. You barely thought of me, for I was “out of sight, out of mind”.

You never respected me because you cheated on me. Your polycule-my friends-encouraged it. Our comrades in solidarity. Even to the very end, none of you still think it was cheating.

You couldn’t be there for me even in my darkest time. Instead, you worried about her trauma over mine during the protest. Nothing was worse than expecting your partner to comfort you-only for her to keep bringing up the person she cheated on you with-and then saying, “It’s better to be shot on the streets as a brown person than tortured in prison as a trans person.”

Those words fucked me up. You fucked me up-and I let you. And I am so mad at myself for letting you hurt me repeatedly for a whole year. The strong me I know always told others to turn away from conflict-avoidant, condescending, selfish, non-communicative cheaters. She would’ve realized this relationship wasn’t serious when she recognized your lack of texts, especially at the beginning. She would’ve broken up with you the moment you cheated back in January. After her last relationship, it took her a decade to become confident again-to trust anyone with her body and her heart-to fall so easily for the one personality she said she’d always dodge.

You fucked me up.

But worst of all, if there’s one thing I could say, it’s this:

I still love you. And hate you. And miss you.

I want my ating-ating necklace back.

I want you.

But I don’t want you back.

I want me back.

Love you always.

Sincerely,

Robbed

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Filipino American History Month with us! 💙❤️💛

Jen will return in November to read aloud letters inspired by real conversations with you for the Holiday Edition. 🎁

Every letter begins with one line: If I could say one thing...

Because sometimes one thing is all we need to take up a little more space. 💛

💌 P.S. Letter Submissions are open to our subscribers.

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Remember to Vote on November 3rd!

Californians are currently voting upon 14 ballot propositions ranging from taxation (4 props), elections (4 props), housing (3 props), a rainy-day fund, bonds for immunology research and Prop 44, an attack on nonprofit community health centers.

Our Voter Guide was developed by our Filipina/x/o students, young adults and working families. While we attempted to capture the range of views that were expressed and shared, our Guide is not representative of the broader Filipina/x/o American community and we hope everyone also does their own research.

— LEAD Filipino

Voter Guide

FAHM Posts Wrap-Up

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This month is dedicated to engaging with YOU!

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And who knows, you might get something special for sharing! 🎁

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Curated by our Instagram community 💛

Simply search: #filipinoamericanhistorymonth or #fahm

Explore #filipinoamericanhistorymonth

Explore #fahm

Note: Our show is currently inactive on Instagram. Stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter. 📰

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This month is dedicated to engaging with YOU!

If you have any FAHM-related recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters for a chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter! 💌

And who knows, you might get something special for sharing! 🎁

If you’re not a subscriber yet, subscribe for FREE now!

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This Week’s Recommendations 💙❤️💛

Articles —

FAHM with PBS SoCal

Celebrate the history, legacy and contributions of millions of Filipino Americans in Southern California and discover ways Fil-Ams preserve and maintain pride in their culture and heritage through art, community and food.

Learn More

Books —

Little Manila Is in the Heart: The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California by Dawn Bohulano Mabalon

In the early twentieth century—not long after 1898, when the United States claimed the Philippines as an American colony—Filipinas/os became a vital part of the agricultural economy of California’s fertile San Joaquin Delta. In downtown Stockton, they created Little Manila, a vibrant community of hotels, pool halls, dance halls, restaurants, grocery stores, churches, union halls, and barbershops. Little Manila was home to the largest community of Filipinas/os outside of the Philippines until the neighborhood was decimated by urban redevelopment in the 1960s. Narrating a history spanning much of the twentieth century, Dawn Bohulano Mabalon traces the growth of Stockton’s Filipina/o American community, the birth and eventual destruction of Little Manila, and recent efforts to remember and preserve it.

💡 Tip: Use the search bar on TFAWLETTERS.COM and search “little manila is in the heart” to see our past discussions on Dawn Bohulano Mabalon’s book!

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Rizal Without the Overcoat by Ambeth R. Ocampo

This book is a collection of essays from Ambeth R. Ocampo’s newspaper column “Looking Back” that began in the Philippine Daily Globe and later moved to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He presents a readable and painless introduction to Jose Rizal and offers fascinating insights, lively anecdotes, academic intrigue, and little-known facts about the hero as human. Investigating Rizal’s own writings - his diaries, letters, and other papers – Ocampo attempts to strip the countless myths and rumors that surround the national hero.

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Non-Fiction Book List

Curated by the Los Angeles Public Library, which includes:

• A way home: a memoir of losing yourself and the beauty of returning by Cinelle Barnes

• Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self by Alex Tizon

• White House Doctor: Behind the Scenes With the Clinton and Bush Families by Dr. Connie Mariano

• Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo by Jo Koy

• The Philippines: What Everyone Needs to Know by Steven Rood

• Bound by War: How the United States and the Philippines Built America’s First Pacific Century by Christopher Capozzola

• …and much more!

View Now

Video —

What does it mean to be Filipino?

This month is dedicated to engaging with YOU!

If you have any FAHM-related recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters for a chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter! 💌

And who knows, you might get something special for sharing! 🎁

If you’re not a subscriber yet, subscribe for FREE now!

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This Week’s Recommendations 💙❤️💛

Activity —

Filipino American History Month Coloring Sheet

Celebrate Filipino American heritage through creativity and learning. Download this free coloring sheet and enjoy a meaningful activity with your family at home.

Free Download

Entertainment —

Forgotten Island (Movie)

Two best friends become stranded on the mystical world of Nakali, where their only escape might cost them their shared lifetime of memories.

“…as a Filipino film, I really appreciated how the culture was represented without making it overly explicit or relying on stereotypical clothing, customs, or mannerisms. Everything was handled with so much care.” — IMDb.com Reviewer

Learn More

Events —

Events by LEAD Filipino

LEAD Filipino is a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing the civic engagement, health equity, and grassroots action of Filipina/x/o and broader AAPI communities.

View Calendar

History —

The Filipino Story Animated Series

This six-part animated series carries the unifying story of the Filipino people.

In just thirty minutes, be reminded of who you are, and discover the hope of a global Filipino community united by one story.

Through history, culture, and language, come and see the beauty of the Motherland. Feel the heartbeat of our people. And know the story meant for every Filipino, wherever you may be.

Watch Now

October is also LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources.

Read More

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As a reminder: I will be taking a break from publishing letters for Filipino American History Month (FAHM) to engage with YOU! 💙❤️💛

Filipino American History Month is dedicated to curating FAHM-related content from our community.

So if you have any recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters!

And if you’re not yet a subscriber, subscribe for FREE now! 💌

Subscribe now

From the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

October is Filipino American History Month

Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and the third-largest ethnic group in California, after Latinas/os and African Americans.

The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 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.

In 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. Various states, counties, and cities in the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring observance of Filipino American History Month.

The late Dr. Fred Cordova, along with his wife, FANHS Founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, first introduced October as Filipino American History Month in 1992 with a resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees.

Across the nation, FANHS Chapters, colleges and universities, museums, and community groups will be commemorating Filipino American History Month with various activities and events to bring awareness of the significant role Filipinos have played in American history.

October 1992 was the first time that Filipino American History Month (FAHM) was celebrated in the United States – a year after FANHS passed a proclamation (spearheaded by Fred Cordova). Since then, FAHM has been celebrated annually all over the country – with initiatives by FANHS chapters, local community nonprofit groups, government organizations, and college student organizations.

In 2009, U.S. Congress declared October as FAHM, and in 2015, President Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House.

Learn More

Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories

The theme for FAHM 2026 recognizes the contributions, struggles, and lived experiences of Filipino Americans whose stories have been typically overlooked, underrepresented, or excluded from traditional historical narratives.

By centering intersectional histories (including but not limited to those of women, LGBTQ+ people, Indigenous Filipinos, Moro/Muslim Filipinos, people with disabilities, multiracial Filipinos, undocumented migrants, adoptees, and other marginalized communities), we move toward a fuller, more nuanced, and more inclusive understanding of Filipino American history.

How to Celebrate

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P.S.S. Depending on the number of replies, please note that I may not reply to everyone’s messages (thank you in advance for respecting my boundaries — mainly a one-woman band over here 🙋🏻‍♀️). Pay attention to our newsletters in October to see if your recommendation made it in!

For First Readers

Jen opens up Filipino American History Month with candid reflections and optimism. She shares why she chose to take a break from reading letters this month to engage exclusively with podcast subscribers.

She also shares her updated Vision Board for the final quarter of 2026—available to view in the Family Potluck Group Chat —along with resources to build your own vision board.

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Read more

October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM)!!! 💙❤️💛

This year, Filipino American History Month is dedicated to engaging with YOU! 🤗

If you have any FAHM-related recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters for a chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter! 💌

And if you’re not yet a subscriber, subscribe for FREE now!

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In the meantime…

Writer’s Commentary for Episodes 196 to 200

Note: Only available to our TFAW PenPals and First Readers. 💌

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• Episode 196 — Commentary on Mamma Maria’s Letter

• Episode 197 — Commentary on Dani’s Letter

• Episode 198 — Commentary on Mic’s Letter

• Episode 199 — Commentary on Emmy’s Letter

• Episode 200 — Commentary on Jen’s Letter

Relisten to the letters

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For our 200th episode, Jen writes to her senior dog, Stuggi, after a late-night shriek jolts her awake. For the next 48 hours, she grapples with how to care for him as he paces around, night and day, afraid to lie down without hurting himself.

If you’re a dog parent who loves your fur baby with all your heart, this letter is for you.

Letter 200 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations…

…and this concludes our Summer Edition! Thanks for listening! ☀️

As a reminder: I will be taking a break from publishing letters for Filipino American History Month (FAHM) to engage with YOU! 💙❤️💛

Filipino American History Month will be dedicated to curating FAHM-related content from our community.

So if you have any recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters!

And if you’re not yet a subscriber, subscribe for FREE now! 💌

Subscribe now

P.S. Be sure to save tfawletters@substack.com as a trusted contact.

P.S.S. Depending on the number of replies, please note that I may not reply to everyone’s messages (thank you in advance for respecting my boundaries — mainly a one-woman band over here 🙋🏻‍♀️). Pay attention to our newsletters in October to see if your recommendation made it in!

Our final letters for 2026 will resume for the Holiday Edition in November. 🎁

Here’s a recap of our Summer Edition letters:

Heads up that I will be taking a break from publishing letters for Filipino American History Month (FAHM) to engage with YOU! 💙❤️💛

FAHM will be dedicated to curating FAHM-related content from our community.

So if you have any recommendations (e.g., books, articles, your favorite influencers addressing FAHM, events, etc.), simply REPLY to any of our newsletters! And if you’re not yet a subscriber, subscribe for FREE now! 💌

Subscribe now

P.S. Be sure to save tfawletters@substack.com as a trusted contact.

P.S.S. Depending on the number of replies, please note that I may not reply to everyone’s messages (thank you in advance for respecting my boundaries — mainly a one-woman band over here 🙋🏻‍♀️). Pay attention to our newsletters in October to see if your recommendation made it in!

Our final letters for 2026 will resume for the Holiday Edition in November. 🎁

Then… I might have a big announcement regarding 2027. 🤫 Possibly more details to come!

💛 Jen

As for today…

Jen shares unfiltered, unedited commentary on the Summer Edition, letters 196 to 200! 📝💛

Timestamps

• (START) — Episode 196 Commentary - Mamma Maria’s Letter

• (00:18:40) — Episode 197 Commentary - Dani’s Letter

• (00:36:00) — Episode 198 Commentary - Mic’s Letter

• (00:56:00) — Episode 199 Commentary - Emmy’s Letter

• (01:07:10) — Episode 200 Commentary - Jen’s Letter

• (01:27:20 to END) — Jen’s announcements regarding FAHM and 2027.

Happy listening 🎧

P.S. Audio Commentary is exclusively available to our First Readers.

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Relisten to Letters 196 to 199

Note: Episode 200 releases next Friday! 📝

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Sorry, Emmy can’t make it to the phone right now. But if you leave a very detailed, mutually beneficial message, she will get back to you at her convenience. But rest assured, it’ll be worth the wait.

If you’ve ever been afraid to set boundaries with loved ones, this letter is for you.

Letter 199 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Mic writes to Ian, a dear friend who’s been part of her friend group since middle school, after he unexpectedly asks her out on a date. She thinks through everything that makes him the obvious choice: their blended community of Filipino family and friends, her parents’ unsolicited approval, the ease, and the entire future she can already picture in vivid detail. It just makes sense. But why can’t she say yes?

If you struggle to move past the friend zone with a childhood friend, this letter is for you.

Letter 198 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Dani has finally accomplished the impossible: making friends who don’t need saving. It should feel like winning. But after one ordinary dance class, she experiences uncomfortable feelings as a regular member she’s grown to like starts hanging out with the new girl. She navigates her feelings as she searches for new leggings on the clearance rack.

If you’re no longer saving your friends and you feel weird about it, this letter is for you.

Letter 197 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Mamma Maria replies to her daughter Ren (Episode 187) with pride and adoration, and reminds Ren to check her messages to stay up to date with her life. She can’t wait for her daughter to return home so they can be the dynamic duo once again.

If your daughter is your best friend, this letter is for you.

Letter 196 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

In the meantime…

Writer’s Commentary for Episodes 191 to 195

Note: Available to our TFAW PenPals!

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• Episode 191 — Commentary on Robin’s Letter

• Episode 192 — Commentary on Claire’s Letter

• Episode 193 — Commentary on Nance’s Letter

• Episode 194 — Commentary on Letter by Sofie’s Ate

• Episode 195 — Commentary on Wanda’s Letter

Relisten to the Letters

Read more

In the meantime…

Jen shares unfiltered, unedited commentary on the Summer Edition, letters 190 to 195! 📝💛

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) - Episode 190 Commentary - Trailer

• (00:05:00) - Episode 191 Commentary - Robin’s Letter

• (00:28:00) - Episode 192 Commentary - Claire’s Letter

• (00:47:30) - Episode 193 Commentary - Nance’s Letter

• (01:11:00) - Episode 194 Commentary - Letter by Sofie’s Ate

• (01:33:30) - Episode 195 Commentary - Wanda’s Letter

Happy listening 🎧

P.S. Audio Commentary is exclusively available to our First Readers.

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Read more

In this letter, Wanda (aka “Woke Woe”) replies to Nance (Episode 193). She acknowledges their fast friendship, activism, and the busyness that ultimately took Nance away, leaving Wanda with many unanswered questions.

If someone saying ‘I love you’ still left you feeling unloved, this letter is for you.

Letter 195 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

In this letter, an older sister writes to Sofie, her younger sister. Despite the older sister being raised to raise Sofie, they were often mistaken for twins growing up because of how much they enjoyed being sisters. Even as their paths diverged — different colleges, different cities, and a decade apart — they still felt fondly about each other. At least, that’s what the older sister thought.

When Sofie returns home, the older sister begins to see who her younger sister has become: a social justice warrior returning to save her oppressed mother. Soon enough, the older sister realizes who Sofie is saving their mother from.

If you ever grappled with a family member coming home completely changed from childhood, this letter is for you.

Letter 194 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

In this letter, Nance writes to Wanda, the loud-and-proud president of a Filipino student organization who felt like the big sister she never had. Even though she was too nice to say no, Nance found purpose and belonging with Wanda and the organization's members. But when the activism began to feel more than she could keep up with or express, she did what she’s always done when things get overwhelming.

If you ever got too busy to say what you really wanted to say, this letter is for you.

Letter 193 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Claire’s new friend invites her to a dinner party, a refreshing change from the Filipino parties she’s used to. That is, until she meets Marco.

The moment he finds out she’s Filipino too, the evening takes a sharp turn toward assumptions, unsolicited opinions, and questions she didn’t anticipate having to answer. Claire thinks very carefully about her response the next time her friend invites her to another party.

If you’ve ever felt stereotyped by another Filipino, this one’s for you.

Letter 192 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

In this letter, Robin writes to Lolo G, their late grandfather, who loved them deeply. But his love was expressed with gender expectations about how a girl should move, dress, speak, and carry herself.

It was in Robin’s young adult years that they discovered the language and pronouns to voice who they really are, who they’ve always been. Then, before their 30th birthday, they’re ready to come out to their grandpa and family.

If you’re finally ready to show and tell everyone who you really are, this letter was written for you.

Letter 191 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our PRIDE Month special and Summer edition.

I’m your host, Jen Amos, here to read aloud letters inspired by real conversations with you!

It all begins with one line:

If I could say one thing...

Because sometimes one thing is all we need to take up a little more space. 💛

First letter releases next Friday! Stay tuned! 🎧