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A Filipino American Story Since 1587

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LA.pinoybuilt.com October 2, 2017 at 07:00AM ❤️ After some soul searching, our team is committed to telling MORE borderless stories with heart and purpose. Support our work on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3J3PMhR ABOUT BORDERLESS STORY: We're excited to present "A Filipino American Story" - an animated video presenting the pivotal moments of courage, sacrifice, and triumphs of Filipino Americans since 1587 and how they paved the way for the current generation shaping the future today. This story is powered by NextDayBetter and AARP AAPI Community for Filipino American History Month. - Timestaps - 00:00 Intro 00:04 Philippine colonization 00:35 The Arrival of the Spanish Galleons, colonization of the Philippines 00:55 The Forgotten War Philippine-American War 01:53 Filipino Laborers in the US & Resistance 02:50 US and Philippines as Allies for World War II 03:43 A New Wave of Migration 04:26 Filipino Immigrant's Fight for Equality 05:14 Telling the Filipino American H...

Happy Anniversary, Tita Nene & Tito Jun 💕

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Happy Anniversary, Tita Nene & Tito Jun – July 6, 1990 💐🇵🇭🇺🇸 Posted on July 6, 2025 📸 July 6, 1990 – Pasadena, CA. Celebrating the wedding of Grace Perseveranda & Castor “Jun” Silvestre. Today we celebrate the 35th wedding anniversary of Grace Perseveranda and the late Castor “Jun” Silvestre — married on July 6, 1990 in the beautiful city of Pasadena, California. 💍🌴 It was a classic SoCal summer day when two beautiful families came together. My girlfriend at the time, Liza Franco, even flew in from Chicago to attend. I had just returned to California after living in the Windy City, and this wedding was one of the first family celebrations I was part of back in LA. In this special photo are: Vincent Putong (my future brother-in-law), my sister Joy, our dad Ronnie, mom Nati, BFF Liza, and me. We stood proudly by the window, soaking in both the sunlight and the joy of the day. Tita Nene, we remember your special day. And to Tito Jun —...

🎆 Happy Fourth of July, LA! 🇵🇭🇺🇸

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🎆 Happy Fourth of July, mga kababayan in LA! 🎇 Whether you're hitting up a rooftop party in DTLA, catching fireworks from Griffith Park, or vibing to OPM while grilling lumpia in someone’s backyard—today is all about freedom, fun, and Filipino pride 🇵🇭🇺🇸. For all the 20-something Fil-Ams out there repping LA—whether you're from Glendale, Carson, West Covina, Eagle Rock, or even out in the IE—remember that you carry a legacy of strength, culture, and creativity. This weekend, embrace both sides of who you are: American by birth or choice, Filipino by blood and soul. Let’s celebrate our freedom to be bilingual, bold, brown, and brilliant . “Celebrate your independence AND your heritage. Eat that BBQ, blast that Ben&Ben, and be loud about your roots.” 🇵🇭🇺🇸 📣 Calling All Filipino-Americans 🇵🇭🇺🇸 Whether you're a first-generation immigrant who journeyed here from the Philippines, a second-generation Filipino...

📣 Calling All Filipino-Americans

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Whether you're a first-generation immigrant who journeyed here from the Philippines, a second-generation Filipino-American born and raised in the U.S., or like me—a 1.5‑generation Filipino—you belong here.  LA.pinoybuilt.com is a space for all of us to celebrate our roots , share our stories , and build community . 📣 Calling All Filipino-Americans 🇵🇭 Whether you're a first-generation immigrant who journeyed here from the Philippines, a second-generation Filipino-American born and raised in the U.S., or like me—a 1.5‑generation Filipino —you belong here. PinoyBuilt is a space for all of us to celebrate our roots, share our stories, and build community. 🌟 Words That Inspire “I’m Olivia Rodrigo. I’m a Filipina, I’m a lumpia fan, I’m a daughter, a granddaughter and a great‑granddaughter.” “I wanna say proud Pinoy ako, my Tagalog isn't so good, but I'm working on it.”  — Olivia Rodrigo ...

I Found Out Cassie Was Filipino — Then the Sean Combs Verdict Shocked Me

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I tried not to get pulled into the Diddy case, but I found out Cassie was part Filipino. So it drew me in. I'll admit it: when the news broke about the verdict involving Sean "Diddy" Combs, I was stunned. Like many who grew up on Bad Boy Records hits, Diddy was a household name. Smooth, flashy, and seemingly untouchable — until now. Cassie: The Woman Behind the Story I’ll be honest — I’d always wondered what happened to Cassie. Her 2006 hit song "Me & U" was everywhere. Sultry, hypnotic, and minimalistic, it stood out in a crowded pop-R&B landscape. But after a few features and sporadic appearances, she seemed to fade from the spotlight. Now I understand that a big part of that absence was tied to her relationship with Combs. Cassie started dating Diddy around 2007, when she was just 21. The relationship was long-lasting but marked by rumors of manipulation and imbalance. Her career never fully took off, and now we know part of the reason: she w...

Ethnolinguistic Groups of the Philippines (With Population Estimates)

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I’m a 1.5 generation Filipino immigrant — I left the Philippines at 9 years old and grew up in the United States. Like many others who moved young, I still find myself learning more about the history and cultural richness of our homeland. One of the most fascinating and often overlooked aspects of the Philippines is just how diverse it truly is. The Philippines is home to over 175 ethnolinguistic groups , each with its own language, culture, and history. Below is a more detailed look at the major groups, including where they live and approximate population sizes. Luzon Tagalog (~28–30 million) – Central & Southern Luzon, Metro Manila, Mindoro Ilocano (~9–10 million) – Northern Luzon, Ilocos, Cordillera, migrants in Mindanao Kapampangan (~2.9 million) – Pampanga, Tarlac, parts of Bulacan, Bataan Pangasinan (~1.5–1.8 million) – Pangasinan Province Bicolano (Central Bikol) (~4–5 million) – Bicol Region Ibanag (~500,000) – Cagayan Valley Ivatan (~30,0...

Kurt Vonnegut: "Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. "

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"Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” Kurt Vonnegut "Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” Kurt Vonnegut Photograph: Edie Vonnegut/AP pic.twitter.com/2wfrgmGNjR — Pearl Annie (@with_love_pearl) April 15, 2025   Join us & help build this Los Angeles Filipino-American community. Please leave a comment, and  click to follow our website   LA .pinoybuilt.com. Click on a tag below to browse.

Liza Franco & Frances Pacis: Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Flashback to Summer 1985 This was summer before my freshman year at UC Davis. It should be September because I was supposed to be moving into the dorms. But Tita Myrna lost an expensive bracelet in our house and I found it under the sofa mattress in the den. Tita Myrna asked me to fly down, with both Liza and Frances having offered to pay for my flight. How can I refuse that?! LOL Tita Myrna was my mom's coworker in Illinois Masonic Hospital, and our neighbor in the 20-story Barr Tower. She lived on the 2nd floor, while we lived initially on the 8th floor and moved to a 2-bedroom apartment on the 12th floor. Frances had been my classmate in 6th grade in St. Sebastian in Chicago. But Liza and I both remember that Tita Myrna had taken us to something with our siblings, maybe a movie when we were younger. I have always admired Sophia Loren, so we took a photo with her. Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA Join us & help build this Los Angeles Filipino-American ...

LA City Hall declares June as Immigrant Heritage Month

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June is recognized as Immigrant Heritage Month in the United States, a time to celebrate the contributions and diverse backgrounds of immigrants. This month-long observance, established in 2014, aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the immigrant experience and the positive impact immigrants have on American society. It's a chance to acknowledge the rich tapestry of cultures and stories that immigrants bring to the nation.   More than half of Los Angeles is comprised of immigrants, which is why the city found it fitting to honor them in a special way. Steve Angeles tells us how the City of Angels has dedicated the month of June for its foreign-born residents. While the Trump Administration attacks immigrant families, we fight for the dignity they deserve and the shared prosperity they create. This Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate those who boldly choose and strengthen the California Dream. - Gavin Newsom While the Trump Administration attacks immigrant fa...

The Mavericks select Cooper Flagg with the 1st overall pick | 2025 NBA Draft

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Watch as Adam Silver announces that the Dallas Mavericks have selected Duke's Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Happy National Leon Day!

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National Leon Day is celebrated every June 25th , and it marks exactly six months until Christmas Day . The name “Leon” is simply “Noel” spelled backward , and “Noel” is a French word meaning “Christmas.” 🎅 Is It a Real Holiday? Leon Day is not a government holiday , but it's widely recognized online and in certain niche communities. Think of it like “Star Wars Day” (May the 4th)—fun, unofficial, but real to fans. Lots of Filipinos mark September 1 as the start of the Christmas season at the start of the "ber" months. I guess there are some who start earlier on June 25! 🔔 Common Leon Day Activities Start working on handmade Christmas gifts Plan or preview holiday decor Begin holiday budgeting or shopping Run "Christmas in July" teaser sales or announcements Join us & help build this Los Angeles Filipino-American community. Please leave a comment, and  click to follow our website   LA .pinoybuilt.com. Click on a tag below to browse.

Why Chess Should Be a Required Skill for Presidents and World Leaders

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In a world of high-stakes diplomacy, economic uncertainty, and military brinkmanship, one ancient game stands out as a powerful metaphor for leadership: chess . More than just a pastime of intellectuals and strategists, chess is a discipline that demands foresight, patience, courage, and adaptability—traits that are essential for anyone entrusted with the fate of a nation. So, what if presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders were trained in the art of chess? Not as a public relations stunt or photo op, but as a serious tool for sharpening their decision-making skills. Here's why chess might just be the skill every head of state needs. ♟️ Strategic Thinking Over Short-Term Reactions In chess, every move must be part of a larger plan. Success comes not from reacting impulsively but from anticipating your opponent’s responses, preparing defenses, and setting traps. Sound familiar? It's what great leaders do daily—balancing urgent demands with long-term goals. Leaders who thi...