Along with being the start of the spooky season, October is also when we celebrate Filipino-American History! Like many other Filipinos, the pride I have for my home country and culture stays spilling at the seams. I miss the Philippines and my family every single day, but the community I have found in America has provided a home away from home.
Generations upon generations of Filipino-Americans have cultivated new definitions on what it means to be Filipino and how to pay homage to our roots. So this October, join me in supporting some Fil-Am businesses and organizations that celebrate the best parts of being us.
Mabuhay!
ORGANIZATIONS
- AFIRE | Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment
https://instagram.com/afirechicago
“As an organization founded by Filipino immigrants, we carry with us the legacy of People Power. We believe in supporting the leadership of people most affected by structural injustice and make space for them at the forefront of our movements. We seek to amplify the voices of those most silenced in our community: undocumented families, new immigrants and refugees, domestic workers, low-wage workers, seniors, and youth.”
- MAFA | Midwest Association of Filipino Americans
https://www.instagram.com/wearemafa/
“MAFA’s vision is to foster a safe, inclusive space for members in the Midwest to engage in social consciousness regarding Filipinx culture and issues, therefore defining and cultivating a Midwest Filipinx-American identity. Through this dialogue, we aim to bridge members to the greater network of the Filipinx diasporic community and to explore personal and professional opportunities and resources.”
- AKLASAN RECORDS
https://www.instagram.com/aklasanrecords
“Philippine and Filipino American hardcore, punk and Oi! distributor and DIY label based in the SF Bay Area.”
- KABAYAN COLLECTIVE
https://www.instagram.com/kababayancollective
“A queer-led, Pinoy music & arts space for amplifying diverse voices in the Filipino/a/x American diaspora.”
- BATASOLE
https://www.instagram.com/batasole/
“A Chicago based 501(c)(3) non profit. We aim to collect & distribute new & used athletic shoes to impoverished communities.”
- LONGANIZA BREAKFAST CLUB
https://www.instagram.com/longanizabreakfastclub
“Longaniza Breakfast Club is a local small business collective founded by Filipino American entrepreneurs who aim to highlight other local Filipino-owned small businesses in the Chicagoland area.”
BUSINESSES
- SIDE PRACTICE COFFEE
https://instagram.com/sidepractice.coffee
“A cafe that brews entrepreneurship, creativity, and collaboration.” Side Practice Coffee is a Chicago-based spot located just north of Ravenswood neighborhood open 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
- SALAMAT COOKIES
https://www.instagram.com/salamatcookies
“Bringing people together—one cookie at a time.” SALAMAT Cookies! just released their October menu, which includes flavors like Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato Praline, Caramel Apple Popcorn, and Whoa Philippine Mango (rolled oats, Philippine mango, and white chocolate). You can order variety packs of cookies via their website.
- LOVE, SERESA
https://www.instagram.com/loveseresa/
“I create goods the whole Pamilya will love.” Check out the Love, Seresa Etsy shop for some wonderful Filipino designs on stickers, totes, and more.
- MARHARLIKA
https://www.instagram.com/marharlika/
“Modern Philippine Accessories from San Diego, CA.”
- PHILANTHROBEAUTY
https://www.instagram.com/philanthrobeauty/
“PhilanthroBeauty is an innovative, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty brand. Our products are curated to welcome everyone no matter what your skill level may be, everyone deserves to show off their own beauty. Our other goal is to make sure that every purchase has a purpose. We believe in connection and community which is why we donate 10% of our profit to a new non-profit organization every month, that play a big role in todays current events.”
- THE DUSKY KITCHEN
https://www.instagram.com/theduskykitchen
The Dusky Kitchen is Abi Balingit, the author of a cookbook releasing next year called MAYUMU: FILIPINO AMERICAN DESSERTS REMIXED. Her Instagram account follows her baking, blogging, and community work.
- EIGHTFOURTHREE
https://www.instagram.com/eightfourthree/
Pinoy-inspired products + other fun stuff (like patches, stickers, and other lovely designs)! Chicago-based.
- LUYA POETRY
https://www.instagram.com/luyapoetry
“Luya means ginger. Ginger heals. Poetry for the people. Uplifts the voices & experiences of people of color.”
- SWEET LETTERS CALLIGRAPHY
https://www.instagram.com/sweetletters.llc/
A calligraphy & engraving company servicing live events, weddings, and custom product needs. Perfect for your special day (or someone else’s)!
- SHOP BAHALA NA
https://www.instagram.com/shopbahalana
“Bahala Na is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand celebrating Filipino culture through thoughtfully designed goods. This is a Tagalog saying that continuously inspires us because it captures the optimistic spirit of our people. We created this brand as a way to proudly represent our heritage while connecting with the Filipino community around the world.”
- SWEET DELIGHTS CHICAGO
https://www.instagram.com/sweetdelightschicagollc/
“Sweet Delights Chicago offers traditional and unique Filipino style pastries and desserts. We want to incorporate all Filipino flavors on our desserts. We are known for our delicious Filipino desserts like Sylvannas (crunchy meringue cookie sandwiches filled with luxurious French buttercream), Mango and Ube de Leche Fload, cake bombs, Ube & Mango Mochi Donuts, Pie Crusts, and more.”
You can order their desserts here, available for pickup Mondays through Fridays and deliveries on Saturdays and Sundays.
- CAMELIA BAKES
https://www.instagram.com/cameliabakes/
“Chicagoland (Certified Cottage Food Vendor) Cakes & other sweet treats baked to order.”
- VELORIA COFFEE
https://www.instagram.com/veloriacoffee/
“Online Coffee Roaster in Chicago’s Six Corners Neighborhood.”
- REPPIN PINS
https://www.instagram.com/reppinpins/
“Pins that #repwhatyoulove.” Chicago-based enamel pin designs.
- ABAKADA CLOTHING
https://www.instagram.com/abkdco/
“A clothing brand designed by Filipinos celebrating their roots.”
The Related Rabbit Hole
