Filipino American History Month celebrates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental US when Filipino sailors aboard a Spanish galleon landed at Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. Now every October is Filipino American History Month, a celebration of Filipino American achievements, contributions, and influence on America’s history and culture.
Riot’s Filipino employee resource group, Filipinos At Riot (FAR), led festivities for the company and hosted a range of activities around the theme: A Quest for Emergence. This theme was chosen by national leaders to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Young Filipino People’s Far West Convention which featured the same theme.
How We Celebrated
FAR explored incredible Filipino flavors at our NOMs Food Lab, learned from Rioters about growing up Filipino American, and were inspired by Filipino American storyteller Dante Basco.
NOMS Food Lab Episode 4 Featuring Riot Unidos & Filipinos At Riot
In a joint celebration of Latinx Heritage Month & FIlipino American History Month, we fused together a delicious meal showcasing ingredients from our diverse backgrounds. Our employee resource groups Riot Unidos and FAR partnered with our NOMs staff to put on an in-house virtual cooking course. We learned how to make Lechon Paksiw Pupusas, Curtido (El Salvador Slaw), and Mang Tomas Salsa Roja with Brian Bellicourt, Riot’s Executive Sous Chef.
FAR Community Night: FAHM Edition
The FAR community got together to hold an online, interactive Filipino party. We shared a meal together virtually and played classic Filipino party games like “Bring Me!”
FAR Perspectives: Paglaki Ko
We asked some of our Rioters from FAR to (virtually) sit down and chat about growing up Filipino American. In this lighthearted chat we cover fun Filipino games, traditions, and some of our favorite foods.
Fireside Chat with Dante Basco
Last but not least, we had an intimate conversation with Filipino American actor Dante Basco. The event was moderated by Justin Hulog, Riot’s General Manager of the SEA region. You might know Dante as Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender or Rufio in Steven Spielberg’s Hook.
In addition to his accomplished acting career, Dante has also been a trailblazer in telling Filipino American stories. He starred in the first Filipino American feature film, The Debut, and made his directorial debut this year with The Fabulous Filipino Brothers. Dante discussed his experiences navigating the entertainment industry as a Filipino American and how he’s advocated for greater representation of his culture throughout his career.
And More
Finally, FAR highlighted fun and interesting facts about Philippine-made games and Filipino American History Month.
Beyond Filipino American History Month
Although the month of October is over, Riot will continue to support FAR’s mission of empowering, unifying, and celebrating Filipinos at Riot and throughout the worldwide gaming community.
