This will be an open forum where attendees can share their feelings on The Atlantic story, and also perspectives on the situation of domestic servitude/slavery within the United States, the Philippines, and abroad.
We are deeply saddened and grieving for the loss of one of our own. Uncle Bob Santos was an icon to Filipino Americans and a hero to people seeking social justice. The Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society extends its deepest sympathies to his family and our extended community. We are with you during this time in heart and soul. Robert Santos has been a history maker in Civil Rights, Filipino America, and champion for multiple communities – especially Seattle’s International District. FANHS will continue to memorialize Uncle Bob’s history and his many achievements.
In October 2015 Uncle Bob received the Julita & Silvestre Tangalan FANHS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from FANHS National.
Condolences via Twitter:
There's karaoke in heaven today. Uncle Bob has the microphone and is singing the classic songs… https://t.co/U3ULh5qS3w
Seattle Protests – image via Flickr creative commons
Recent human rights offenses against communities of color in the United States are bringing Americans together again for social justice. The Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) recognizes events in Ferguson, MO and Staten Island, NY. The resulting civil disobedience throughout America are a thematic reflection of a continuous history of rightful democratic protest against social injustice.
The Greater Seattle Chapter of FANHS stands ready to gather and record these new eventsin the civil rights struggle as part of our shared culture and history. We will continue to preserve and present the truth of racial inequality that occurs in American events, such as those experienced presently. It is our continued belief that accurate historical documentation and promotion must occur in the often neglected and maligned narratives of people of color.
The history of the Filipino American community and the African American community share common threads in the continued struggle for freedom, dignity and equality. Through understanding history and using education, the Greater Seattle Chapter of FANHS seeks to enlighten the community and the rest of the United States. Black lives matter, Brown lives matter, all lives matter together.
In Peace and Solidarity,
Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society
We’re going far back with this post, all the way to August of the year 2014.
This post is about you Greater Seattle FANHS, and the time we had at the Kona Kai Resort for the national conference. There was a large contingent of us from Seattle for the conference. See the Storify below to travel down summer memory lane.
Share your great memories of any past conferences in the comments section.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring our Seattle events and online posts during this Filipino American History Month, we want you to join our membership or volunteer with FANHS Greater Seattle throughout the year!
Thanks for FAHM2014 everyone! TBT posts will convert to a monthly series.
In 1922 flyweight boxer Francisco Guilledo won the American Championship over Johnny Buff in Brooklyn. The knockout victory was favorably covered by the New York Times. By the summer of 1923 Guilledo became the World Champion after defeating Welsh fighter Jimmy Wilde. Guilledo was also known by his boxing name “Pancho Villa”. He is considered the first World Champion out of Asia. Throughout the 1920’s Pancho Villa’s boxing career took him through places like Australia, Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and of course Manila.
Back then the Philippines was a U.S. Territory, and Filipinos were considered American Nationals. There was a steady flow of commerce and interaction across the Pacific. One aspect of sports history was that the “sweet science” was brought over from the Seattle area by Eddie Tait of Tacoma to the Philippines. So Filipino boxing has its origins from the Pacific Northwest. Although Tait and his partners have been characterized as proto-Don Kings or profiteers, without them Filipino boxing may have come later. From Greater Seattle: “You’re welcome Manny Pacquiao.”
In music history DJ NastyNes Rodriguez can be located at the foundation for hip hop growth in Seattle. His Posse was on Broadway helping the scene happen in a pre-digital Seattle age. He ran radio shows, produced NASTYMIX Records, and worked with many local artists. This transpired in a time where music was on cassettes, vinyl, or radio only. (MTV wasn’t big yet. Don’t even try imagining iTunes.) Nes was honored by FANHS in 1992 with the Very Important Pinoy award for his contributions. When you look back at early Seattle hip hop history, Nes was there for hip hop culture.
“Not only am I the first (West Coast Rap show) DJ, but a Filipino DJ and reppin’ the 206!” – Nes Rodriguez
1985 Filipino Youth Activities Washington D.C. Tour Benefit Dance Flyer, FANHS Archive
Seattle’s Filipino Americans have had a continued presence in the Public Market for generations. Many people take a leisurely afternoon to experience the colorful culture of the Market. For snacking in the afternoon you can find longanisa with a local Filipino soap opera attitude. There are giant bouquets for sale by the Ilocano flower vendors here. Also, there’s the great Seattle past time of watching people throw fish at each other to experience .
The above image shows “Batango” blend coffee, which is likely a transliteration of Batangas. Kape Barako is still grown in the Philippines today. Whether Filipino beans or Starbucks, Seattle still has some of the best coffee around.
by Devin Cabanilla
(user photos via Flickr Creative Commons license)
FANHS - Greater Seattle Chapter 