More than 1,000 people gathered in Woodside, Queens, on Oct. 18 for the inaugural Filipino American History Month Little Manila Parade and Block Party, organizers said, bringing cultural performances, community honors and a celebration of Filipino American history to the neighborhood’s streets.

The parade traveled along 69th Street before an afternoon program on 41st Avenue featuring music, cultural demonstrations, family activities and awards. Artists, educators, advocates and business leaders were among those recognized for their contributions to New York.

State Assemblyman Steven Raga hosted the event with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Woodside on the Move, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations’ New York chapter and the Filipino American National Historical Society’s Metro New York chapter.

“October 18 was a day our community will remember for years to come,” Raga said in a statement. “Seeing generations of Filipino Americans, our neighbors, and friends come together in Woodside was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and what we can accomplish together.”

History takes to the streets

The celebration fell on the 439th anniversary of the first documented arrival of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States. On Oct. 18, 1587, Filipino sailors aboard a Spanish galleon landed at what is now Morro Bay, California.

In Woodside, participants marked that history by marching through Little Manila alongside civic and cultural organizations, including the Knights of Rizal, the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc., Damayan Migrant Workers Association and the Asian American Federation.

Performances by the Cordillera Cultural Ensemble and Kinding Sindaw brought Filipino cultural traditions into the afternoon program.

Rachelle Peraz Ocampo of the federation’s New York chapter said the gathering offered children a chance to learn about Filipino American history while celebrating with their families and neighbors.

“From the historic parade march along 69th Street to the family-friendly educational activities, this Little Manila celebration strengthened our community, taught our children about Filipino American history, and honored the cultural roots that make our community so special,” Ocampo said.

The celebration also introduced visitors to Little Manila Park, a volunteer-supported community green space that describes its mission as bringing nature and culture together.

Honoring contributions to New York

Honorees represented fields ranging from immigration advocacy and health care to literature, theater and journalism.

They included community advocate and real estate professional Edwin Josue; immigration attorney Joelle Lingat Santiago; journalist Cristina Pastor; composer and guitarist Michael Dadap; actress Ching Valdes-Aran; artist Paul Pfeiffer; novelist Gina Apostol; poet and educator Patrick Rosal; actor and director Orlando Pabotoy; and CBC journalist Kris Reyes.

The program also included state Assembly proclamations, with recognition for psychologist, scholar and author Kevin Leo Yabut Nadal.

State Sen. John Liu and New York City Councilman Shekar Krishnan delivered greetings. Journalists Anna Lucente Sterling and Ernabel Demillo and film festival organizer Luis Pedron served as parade emcees. Sterling and Demillo hosted the first portion of the block party, followed by writer and event producer Jason Hortillas.

The program paused for a moment of silence for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Black and Filipino man, and a call for justice in his death.

A neighborhood effort

An event advisory council led by Juliet Payabyab helped support the celebration, along with local businesses, community organizations, artists, volunteers and residents.

Leslie Smith, senior director of programs at Woodside on the Move, described the event as an opportunity to recognize the Filipino community’s contributions to Queens.

“If the last five decades of community service have taught us anything, it’s that neighbors are an unstoppable force in building a stronger, more united Queens,” Smith said.

John Sapida of the historical society’s Metro New York chapter credited the organizations whose work brought the inaugural celebration together.

“We know that oftentimes this is a labor of love, but your work and leadership only strengthen our bonds and inspire generations to come,” he said.