PH Consulate Graces Pinole’s Inaugural Filipino American History Month Celebration

PH CONSULATE GRACES PINOLE’S INAUGURAL FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

From L-R: Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros, Pinole Mayor Cameron Sasai, Mr. Johnny Itliong, Executive Director of the Larry Itliong Foundation on Education and Community Advocate and son of Labor Movement Leader Larry Itliong, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Hannah Go during the Filipino American History Month program (San Francisco PCG photo)

PINOLE, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, joined the Filipino American community in Pinole in celebrating their inaugural event for the Filipino American History Month held at the Senior Center Hall in Pinole, California, on 11 October 2025. The event was co-hosted by the City Government of Pinole and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) – East Bay Chapter.

Hon. Benjamin Reyes II, Judge of the Superior Court of Costa County in California and former Pinole City Attorney; Mr. Mel Orpilla, Senior District Representative for U.S. Congressman John Garamendi and former president of FANHS; and Mr. Johnny Itliong, Filipino American history advocate and son of renowned labor leader Larry Itliong, served as keynote speakers during the event.

Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, who delivered a speech on behalf of Consul General Neil Ferrer, highlighted the importance of understanding the diaspora’s roots and stories, as well as honoring the sacrifices of our forebears. She also encouraged the Filipino American community to actively participate in building bridges of inclusion, equity, and cultural pride within their communities.

Mayor Cameron Sasai presented the “Larry Itliong Day Proclamation” in honor of the renowned Filipino American labor leader, Larry Itliong, whose legacy continues to inspire advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice.

The program also featured engaging martial arts demonstrations; a kulintang musical performance by Ms. Titania Buchholdt, a Filipino American practitioner of kulintang music and tradition; a series of traditional Philippine dances performed by young members of the Kultura International Dance Ensemble; and song numbers rendered by Filipino American community members Ms. Zia Dela Cruz and Ms. Ederlina Reyes. END

Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil addressing the Filipino American community in Pinole (San Francisco PCG photo)

Left photo: Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil with Pinole City Mayor Cameron Sasai at the Consulate booth; Right photo: Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil and Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros meet Hon. Benjamin Reyes II and Madam Susan Reyes at the event (San Francisco PCG photos)

Group photo with the keynote speakers, Ms. Linda Canlas (2nd from left), President of FAHNS, officers and members of FAHNS, and members and the Philippine Consulate team (San Francisco PCG photo)