Manila Munchies set for this Saturday at Shenandoah Park
What: Manila Munchies/Global Pinoy
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Shenandoah Park, 100 Sonoma Creek Way
American Canyon celebrates Filipino American History Month this weekend with a homegrown festival featuring food, music, art and plenty of children’s activities.
The second annual “Manila Munchies” festival is set for 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Shenandoah Park. It takes place days after the City Council honored Filipino American History Month with a proclamation.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Pierre Washington read the proclamation before asking the audience to stand as students from American Canyon Middle School and American Canyon High School sang the Philippines’ national anthem.
Karla Ivan, one of the organizers, on Tuesday thanked the city for celebrating Filipino American History Month, which she said was a “time to honor our stories, our culture and the generations of Filipinos who have helped shape this country.
“Filipino American History Month reminds us that our community’s presence in the U.S. goes back for 400 years, to 1587, when the first Filipinos arrived in California. Since then, our people have contributed so much from education and healthcare to art, food, and public service,” Ivan told the City Council.
It is also a time to celebrate “who we are today,” Ivan said.
“That’s exactly what ‘Manila Munchies’ is all about,” Ivan added. “This year’s theme, Global Pinoy, showcases how our culture continues to evolve, blending traditional Filipino roots with new influences from around the world.”
Jodl Cruz, president of Fil-Am of American Canyon, a non-profit organization, thanked the city for its recognition of Filipino American History Month.
Washington in return thanked Cruz. “The Filipino community means a lot to us as well,” Washington said. “And thank you for all you do for our city.”
Filipino Americans are the nation’s second largest Asian American group and California’s third largest ethnic group, according to the city proclamation.
The event is organized as part of Friendors, Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises money for schools and charities. Ivan hopes to raise about $2,000 Saturday via sponsors.
The group is planning a second event for early November. The second fundraiser is set for Nov. 8 at Boys and Girls Clubs’ American Canyon Clubhouse, 50 Benton Way. It will bring the community together “the Filipino way through food and laughter,” Ivan said.
“Manila Munchies Kamayan & Comedy,” features comedy and food. The fundraiser, for up to 200 people, is 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $125. “Manila Munchies Kamayan & Comedy” is for anyone 21 or older. For information: https://bit.ly/4h2l8lb.
