Although often overlooked, Filipinx-Americans have had a hand in American history for centuries. Currently, they are the third largest population of Asians in America, only surpassed by Chinese and Indians. In 2009, Congress commemorated their efforts and designated October as Filipinx-American History Month. It falls in October because that is when the first documented Filipinx immigrant arrived on American soil way back in 1587. The month serves to honor the 4.2 million Filipinx-Americans living in America, the sacrifice of the 250,000 Filipinx soldiers of World War II, and other contributions of Filipinx-Americans to the culture of this country.

IMAGE BY AANYA MANGLA