THD Celebrates Filipino-American Month Today ( October 7, 2026)

The day started with a Display in the Lobby. Three Items were Displayed: Wood Carvings from Northern Philippines, the cultural icon of the Philippnes- a mini jeepney and a mini native Filipino art in a Bottle ( see above photo).  

This was followed by Philippine Travel Talk at our Cinema

The Day culminated with a Special Filipino Dinner, planned several weeks ago. The following is the menu.

The milk fish ( bangus) will only be served at the Comets Room for my 12 special guests. 

Cod will be served to the rest of Residents, but the rest of the menu is the same;

Personal Note: THD is a five star rated active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. It has currently over 160 residents. As far as I know, I am the only resident with Filipino-American Ancestry. 

THD has been celebrating FAHM month for the last three years with special Dinner and Program. Two years ago, I gave a talk about the Philippines.   

I am thanking THD Management under the able leadership of Acting General Manager, Jenny Shively. Kudos to Laura Gaither for initiating the Display. Kudos to Alexis for the Travel Talk.  

Last But not Least: To Joel Torres, Our Chef for the special Dinner Menu, that I will always remember.  

Related Articles on the THD Celebration of FAHM:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/10/a-preview-of-our-special-filipino.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/10/some-hides-their-filipino-american.html

       

Some Hides Their Filipino-American Heritage- NOT ME

Heritage can be something you love and still feel unsure about showing in every room.

In a nationally representative U.S. survey conducted in 2022 and 2023, 16% of Filipino American adults said they had ever hidden part of their heritage from people who are not Asian. That could mean food, clothing, cultural customs or religious practices.

The word ever matters. The finding can include something a person did once in the past, and it does not mean 16% are hiding their heritage today.

It also does not give us one Filipino American reason why. The survey did not publish a Filipino-only breakdown of causes, so we should not turn the number into a story that everyone was bullied, ashamed or trying to fit in.

What it does reveal is quieter: for some adults, there has been at least one moment when sharing less of themselves felt like the choice they made.

I keep thinking about how much a person can edit without anybody noticing: a food left at home, a tradition not explained, a part of faith kept private. None of those choices makes someone less Filipino American.

Belonging should leave room for the whole person, not only the parts that feel easiest for everyone else to understand.

Source: Pew Research Center, 2022–23 survey of Asian American adults

Meanwhile, Here's my Take Why I am super proud of Filipino Heritage

I am super proud of my Filipino heritage because it is the foundation of who I am. I was born with my roots in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, and spent the first 26 years of my life surrounded by the Filipino language, culture, family traditions, and values that shaped me. My first language was Hiligaynon, and later I learned Tagalog and English. My Filipino identity has followed me throughout my life from my education at the University of the Philippines, to my years as a chemist and scientist in America, to my marriage to Macrine, my children and grandchildren, great grandchildren  and my lifelong connection to Marinduque. Even after more than six decades in America, I never felt that becoming an American meant giving up being Filipino. Instead, I became both: a Filipino by heritage and an American by citizenship and experience. Philippines give me roots, America give me Wings! 

At nearing 92,  I realize that heritage is more than a name, a birthplace, or a collection of old photographs. It is a living memory that we pass from one generation to another. That is why I continue to write about Filipino food, Marinduque, my family, Philippine history, and the experiences of Filipino-Americans. Recently, displaying my Philippine wood carvings and jeepney collection at my senior community for Philippine-American History Month made me think about how these simple objects have become symbols of my past. My blogs have become my own little time capsule-a way of preserving the stories, values, humor, faith, and memories of the Filipino boy from Iloilo who eventually became a scientist, husband, father, grandfather, great grand father and now, at almost 92, a blogger looking back with gratitude. I am proud of where I came from, proud of what America allowed me to become, and especially proud that after all these years, the Filipino in me is still very much alive.

Finally, Did You Know how October became officially designated as Filipino American History Month?

Why "History" Matters

Official Title: The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) established the observance in 1992, and the U.S. Congress officially recognized it in 2009 as Filipino American History Month. 
The Distinction: While often called "heritage" by mistake, organizers emphasize historybecause the focus is on recording and honoring specific historical events, struggles, and the socio-political impact of Filipino Americans in the U.S. 
Historical Significance: October marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, when "Luzones Indios" landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of labor leader Larry Itliong

Reminder: Tonight is Special Filipino Dinner Night here at THD. If you responded to My-Email, our group of 12 has a two tables reserved at the Comet Room, Newtons Restaurant at 5PM.   

The Movie- One Chance -A Review

Another heart-warming movie, worthy of my time and highly recommended- Streaming in Amazon Prime Video for Free

One Chance Directed by David Frankel

True story of a talented singer who yearns to sing opera and is encouraged in his dreams by a caring, creative, and enthusiastic wife. 

Film Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

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As a fat youngster growing up in Wales, Paul Potts (James Corden) loves singing in the choir but his secret passion is opera. As a working-class teenager (Christopher Bull as young Paul), he is constantly bullied by a gang of boys. His life is an "endless drama full of music and violence and romance and comedy." While is adoring mother Yvonne (Julie Walters) encourages her son's vocal talent, his father Roland (Colm Meaney) thinks that the boy should give up his fairy tale dreams of becoming an opera singer and join him working at the steel mill.

Paul's best friend Braddon (Mackenzie Crook) gives him a job at his mobile phone shop. When he learns that his shy buddy has been corresponding online with Julie-Ann (Alexandera Roach) for a year, he convinces him to ask her to come for a visit. She is a bright-eyed and enthusiastic young woman who is very patient with Paul's social awkwardness. At lunch, she easily wins his parents' approval. Before parting, Julie-Ann gives him the moral support he needs to apply for a master class in opera in Venice. The goal is to audition for Luciano Pavarotti. But things do not pan out as Paul had hoped.

This crowd-pleaser is directed by David Frankel who has a knack for films which emotionally connect with audiences such as The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me. The screenplay by Justin Zackham (The Bucket List) is based on the true story of Paul Potts whose tenor performance on the TV show Britain's Got Talent in 2007 has gathered 115 million YouTube views; he went on to win the contest.

It is easy for us to root for Paul given his nightmarish school days, the repeated humiliations by his controlling father, and the large number of health issues and accidents he endures. We join him in hoping that the day will come when he fulfills his dream as a well-respected opera singer.

The real miracle in One Chance is the light and life that Julie-Ann brings to their marriage. Alexandra Roach gives a flawless performance as a sensitive, caring, and creative wife whose big heart is a perfect match for Paul's pure heart!

Yes, the 2013 movie 

One Chance is based on the inspirational true story of British opera singer Paul Potts. It details his rise to fame, from working as a mobile phone salesman to winning the first series of Britain's Got Talent in 2007. 

Meanwhile, More about Paul Potts

Early life and background

• Childhood: Born in Bristol in 1970, Potts was a shy and often-bullied child. Singing in church choirs was a solace for him during these difficult years.
• Early career: He worked various jobs, including in supermarkets, and served as a Bristol city councilor as a Liberal Democrat from 1996 to 2003.
• Amateur opera: Before his television fame, Potts performed in amateur opera productions, including leading roles in operas like Don Carlos and Aida. He also paid for opera masterclasses in Italy, where he once sang for Luciano Pavarotti.
• Health issues and financial struggles: A series of health problems, including a burst appendix and a benign adrenal tumor, along with financial difficulties, caused him to give up his amateur singing career in 2003. He was working as a manager at a Carphone Warehouse mobile phone store when he decided to audition for a new talent show. 

Fame on Britain's Got Talent

• Audition: In March 2007, Potts auditioned for the first season of Britain's Got Talent in Cardiff. He stunned the judges—including a skeptical Simon Cowell—and the audience with his powerful and moving rendition of "Nessun dorma". The video of this performance became a viral YouTube sensation.
• Win: He went on to win the competition, earning £100,000 and a contract to perform for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance. 

Post-Britain's Got Talent career

• Debut album: His first album, also titled One Chance, was released in 2007 and quickly reached number one in the UK charts. It sold millions of copies worldwide and was certified platinum in several countries.
• Continuing success: Despite initial skepticism about his longevity in the music industry, Potts has continued to tour internationally and has released multiple albums. He insists he is singing better than ever before.
• Further television appearances: He has appeared in several other talent shows, including America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, and the German version of The Masked Singer in 2022.
• Net worth: As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around £8 million, though he has remained in his modest Welsh home. 

Meanwhile,

#ShowBuzz : Latin-pop superstar Enrique Iglesias shared a throwback photo of himself with his mother, writing on Instagram: "Congratulations to my mom on her autobiography. What an incredible life." The post spotlights Isabel Preysler, the Spanish-Filipino socialite and television host celebrated for her elegance and global influence.

Born in Manila, Preysler grew up in a prominent family—her father, Carlos Preysler y Pérez de Tagle, was executive director of Philippine Airlines and a board member of Banco Español de Manila, while her mother, María Beatriz Arrastía y Reinares, ran a real estate company. She attended Assumption College before carving her path as a style icon and independent public figure.

Regarding her autobiography, Preysler writes on Instagram: "Dear friends: I am very excited to share with you my most personal project. On October 22nd my autobiography, My True Story, from #espasaeditorial. will arrive in bookstores. In these pages I travel through the different chapters of my life, from my childhood in the Philippines to almost today, and I share, for the first time, some of my most intimate memories. Hope you like it."

A Preview of Our Special Filipino Dinner Tomorrow Night - The Milk Fish

I had a special preview ( tasting) of one of the Dishes that will be served at our Special Filipino Dinner tomorrow WED, Oct 7 celebrating Filipino-American History Month. A few weeks ago, Joel asked me what fish dish I may suggest for the special Filipino dinner he has been planning for weeks. Without hesitation, I told him 💚Bangus or milk fish, unofficially the national Fish of the Philippines. I suggested, he purchase the deboned and all ready-marinated fish, so the kitchen can just fry it and served hot. He did and I tasted it tonight. 

It was exactly the taste that reminded me of my younger years in the Philippines. Thank Joel and THD for making my stay here at THD, the happiest years at the last stage of my life here in Planet Earth. The photo above is my dinner tonight. I did not need any lemon, since the fish is well marinated with vinegar and a little garlic. For Preparation of the Fish see bottom of this page. 

To residents who may not like the Fish, other Filipino Dishes, Chicken Adobo,  Giniling ( ground beef with vegetables) and Filipino mixed vegetables ( eggplant, okra etc..) is available. Joel said the dessert is leche flan ( filipino custard) and puto ( rice cake). I believe there is lumpia for appetizer and a side dish.    

 

The following is more information about the Deboned and Marinated Milk Fish.    

Contrary to popular belief, bangus (milkfish) is not the official national fish of the Philippines. While it is widely celebrated as a cultural and culinary staple, there is no Philippine law that officially declares it or any other fish as a national symbol.

The Difference Between Cultural Tradition and Law

• The Popular Myth: Because bangus is deeply woven into the country's aquaculture industry, economy, and everyday meals (like sinigang or daing na bangus), schools and textbooks have long referred to it as the "national fish".
• The Legal Reality: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has clarified that its status is completely unofficial. 

What Are the Official National Symbols?

According to Philippine heraldic laws, only a select few icons are legally recognized national symbols. These include: 

• Narra (National Tree)
• Sampaguita (National Flower)
• Philippine Eagle (National Bird)
• South Sea Pearl (National Gem)
• Arnis (National Martial Art and Sport) 

Even other popular cultural symbols like the carabao (water buffalo), mango, and ** Rizal** (as the singular national hero) share the same status as bangus-they are beloved cultural icons, but lack official legal proclamations. 

Meanwhile, here's the Preparation for the Fish

💚Marinated deboned bangus, commonly known as Filipino daing na bangus, is a savory butterflied milkfish soaked in a mixture of vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and peppercorns before being pan-fried until crispy.

Ingredients and Preparation

Milkfish (Bangus): One whole medium-to-large bangus, scaled, gutted, and butterflied with the backbone and small bones removed.
Marinade: ½ to 1 cup of cane or white vinegar, 5 to 6 cloves of crushed or minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cracked black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Process: Coat the fish in the marinade and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight so the flavors soak into the meat. 

How to Cook

Drain: Remove the fish from the liquid and pat it dry with paper towels to prevent excess splattering.
Fry: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fish skin-side down first and fry for 4 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side.
Serve: Enjoy hot with garlic fried rice (sinangag), a fried egg (bangsilog), and a side of spiced vinegar for dipping
Finally My Photos of the Day- The Flowering Calamansi Tree in My Patio: 





The calamansi fruit is an excellent substitute for lemons, as a souring agent.
Personal Note: When I was a teenager in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo my parents owned a small fish pond (not commercial ) raising bangus. We harvest from about 100 to 200 bangus per year for our personal consumption. We preserved most of it by drying in the sun ( bislad), as well as marinating it in vinegar and spices.   During this Harvest Season, we will bangus every day for almost a month.