Filipino American HISTORY Month: Why it's History and not Just Heritage

Like many people, I am on the road to learn more about my Filipino roots and culture. When you're just learning you go all out and are so so proud of your heritage and roots. Years ago, when I saw on social media that people were emphasizing Filipino American History  and making a shift from people placing Heritage at the center.

After a deeper understanding, there are various reasons why this is necessary. First, there are so many heated debates between Filipinos of the Diaspora and those in the island over who gets to lay claim to the "Filipino" identity or "heritage".  Heritage can emphasize bloodline in a a way that can obscure the wider picture.

History provides the context for the heritage and therefore includes our common experiences and lineages that have intertwined through space and time.

I like this more inclusive idea of a cross-diaspora history. In fact, the first time I really felt Filipino was when I took a summer course and found my personal story in the history that was taught. I saw my last name in the books where the Spanish designated names, My grandparents are connected with the Bataan death march and suddenly it is no longer about where I was born or how I look, but rather about the historical context that connects me with others with a shared history.