The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates Filipino-American Heritage Month with a series of events during the month of October. The event is a nationwide observance throughout the U.S. to recognize Filipino-Americans, their historical advancement and contributions to the nation.
UH Hilo’s celebration kicked off with a Barrio Fiesta on Thursday, October 2. The event was a celebration of Filipino culture with the mood of a traditional Filipino fiesta celebration.
At the Barrio Fiesta, Iris Gil Viacrusis was honored with the Outstanding Filipino Leader Award. Viacrusis has made substantial contributions to UH Hilo. He is a historian and expert on the culture and geography of the Philippines. He has been an inspiration and mentor to many UH Hilo students and has served as a community member on the planning committee for the Filipino American Heritage Month. (read more about him)
More events
October 15: Community forums with Patricia Brown—A presentation and reading from her recent book, FILIPINAS! Voices from Daughters and Descendants of Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Era, 6–7:30 p.m. in UCB Room 100
October 16: Academic forums with Patricia Brown—A discussion of her recent book, FILIPINAS! Voices from Daughters and Descendants of Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Era, 12:30–1:45 p.m. in Student Services Center, Room 201
October 23: Film viewing of Documented with Jose Antonio Vargas, 5 p.m. in UCB Room 100
October 26: Hilo Filipino Fiesta, 10–3 p.m. (Subject to change) at Moʻomeheu Park Bandstand and Grounds
October 29: Drizzle—A showcase of traditional dances with a modern twist by UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College students, 6:30 p.m. at Hale Kehau turnaround
