Heritage.

Apologies for being late on my blog it has been awhile but from now on I will be consistent in posting my blogs! So last Tuesday our class went down to city college to attend Judy Patacsils book fair and panel event promoting her book Filipino's in San Diego. It was raining, parking was horrible but we pulled through, grabbed some seats and listened to Judy Patacsils and co-author Felix Tuyays presentation about a book titled  "Filipino's in San Diego".
Judy Patacsil shared with us about Filipinos in San Diego and had a slide show full of pictures of Filipino's which was divided into five chapters 1)Early pioneer and settlers 2)Foundation and community 3)Military life 4)Forging identities 5)Contribution to the community. The collection of each picture had an individual story behind it which she interpreted to us. She spoke about how the Gas Lamp Quarter use to be the former Phillipines town in San Diego owned by Filipino business owners. She spoke of as well the history of how Filipino's played silent roles in history including the workers union strikes, fighting alongside with Caesar Chavez in demanding better working conditions and compensation. The Filipino's aided in World War II with allied forces fighting in the Phillipines, foreign lands and continued contributing to future affairs to present day. We can honestly say that Filipino's are regularly disregarded for their contributions to society as well as represent just as much significance as other nationalities. Judy Patacsil, Felix Tuyay and the other members speaking in the panel have helped me realize how much my culture effects who I am now much more than before. I'm more culturally aware and proud of my heritage.