Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the sixth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Filipino, how the people arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and celebrations such as the Barrio Fiesta and Flores de Mayo.
Filipino Arrival in Hawai‘i
In the mid-1800s, the first few Filipinos (called “Manila men”) settled in Hawai‘i, finding work as cooks and musicians in the Royal Hawaiian Band. These men were some of the first sakadas (overseas migrant workers).
In the early to mid-1900s, an estimated 125,000 Filipino workers immigrated to Hawai‘i from the Ilocos and Visayas regions of the Philippines. Many of these workers were recruited to work on sugar plantations due to their agricultural knowledge, where they worked long hours under intense heat for little pay. In the beginning, most sakadas were single males, but as time went on, more workers brought their families with them. Today, people of Filipino descent make up the second largest ethnic group in Hawai‘i at 25.1% of the population.
Culture and Tradition
The Filipino culture is heavily family-oriented, emphasizing respect for elders, hospitality and bayanihan, or a spirit of communal unity. Filipinos in Hawai‘i often pack and send balikbayan boxes (care packages) full of clothes and snacks for family in the Philippines, and bring pasalubong (souvenir gifts) from Hawai‘i.
Perhaps the most pervasive feature of Filipino culture in Hawai‘i is the cuisine. Go to any family gathering or graduation party, and more often than not, you’ll see at least one of the following: lumpia, pork or chicken adobo, pancit and halo-halo. And who can forget about ube (purple yam)—in lattes, pastries, ice cream—sweetening up our lives?
Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta
The culture is heavily influenced by Catholicism, introduced during Spanish colonization. Filipinos celebrate many Catholic holidays with several events held throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This past May, the 56th annual Barrio Fiesta was held on Maui with cultural performances, food and a pageant. Next May, the Filipino Community (FilCom) Center will host the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta, the largest celebration of Filipino culture on O‘ahu. Traditionally celebrated as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the upcoming celebration will feature a balut eating (fertilized duck egg) contest, a cultural clothing market, tinikling (bamboo dance) and more.
For more information, see the FilCom Center’s website (filcom.org) as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of Samoan culture in Hawai‘i.
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