Over 1,000 Attend First Ever Filipino American History Month Little Manila Parade and Celebration in Queens

WOODSIDE, NY (October 21, 2026) — Over a thousand Filipino Americans, community leaders, elected officials, artists, and neighbors gathered in Woodside, Queens, on Sunday, October 18, for the first-ever Filipino American History Month (FAHM) Little Manila Parade and Block Party, celebrating more than four centuries of Filipino American history and honoring individuals and organizations whose contributions have helped shape New York.

Hosted by Assemblymember Steven Raga in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Woodside on the Move, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York State Chapter (NaFFAA NY), and the Filipino American National Historical Society Metro New York Chapter (FANHS-MNY), the event began with a parade along 69th Street, followed by an afternoon of performances, cultural demonstrations, community activities, and awards on 41st Avenue.

Assemblymember Raga leads the historic parade and delivers welcoming remarks. (Photo by Kielan Santos)

Four hundred thirty-nine years ago, on October 18, 1587, Filipino sailors aboard a Spanish galleon landed in what is now Morro Bay, California, marking the first documented arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States. The Little Manila parade commemorated this milestone in Filipino American history and the generations who followed.

The program also included a moment of silence and a call for justice for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Black and Filipino man whose death and the lack of accountability surrounding it have prompted widespread calls for racial justice.

Emcee Jason Hortillas leads moment of silence and call for justice for Nolan Wells. (Photo by Kielan Santos)

The event recognized Filipino Americans across advocacy, arts and culture, business, community service, education, entertainment and media, healthcare, and public affairs. Among those highlighted were Edwin Josue, real estate professional and community advocate; Joelle Lingat Santiago, immigration attorney and community advocate; Cristina Pastor, journalist; Michael Dadap, composer and guitarist; Ching Valdes-Aran, actress and theater artist; Paul Pfeiffer, artist; Gina Apostol, novelist; Patrick Rosal, poet and educator; Orlando Pabotoy, actor and director; and Kris Reyes of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The celebration also featured New York State Assembly Proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Kevin Leo Yabut Nadal, psychologist, scholar, author, and advocate.

Cultural performances by the Cordillera Cultural Ensemble and Kinding Sindaw. (Photo by Kielan Santos)

Special guests included State Senator John Liu and New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who delivered greetings.

The parade was emceed by Anna Lucente Sterling, journalist and former NY1 correspondent; Ernabel Demillo of CUNY TV’s Asian American Life; and Luis Pedron of the International Film Festival Manhattan. Anna and Ernabel hosted the first portion of the block party, with Jason Hortillas, a writer, event producer, and host who has advocated for Filipino American voices for over 20 years, taking over for the latter portion.

Migrant Workers Association, and the Asian American Federation. Participants marched through Little Manila in a celebration of Filipino American history, culture, and community. A full list of parade participants is attached.

The celebration was supported by the Event Advisory Council, chaired by Juliet Payabyab, and by participating community organizations, local businesses, artists, volunteers, and residents.

QUOTES FROM EVENT LEADERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

“October 18 was a day our community will remember for years to come,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “For the first time, we marched through the streets of Little Manila to celebrate a Filipino American history that stretches back 439 years, and to recognize the artists, educators, advocates, business owners, and community leaders who have helped shape New York. 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. My deepest thanks to our community partners, volunteers, and everyone who made this first parade possible.”

“Our borough’s Filipino Americans have done so much to help make Queens the wonderful place it is today,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “That’s why I was so proud to co-sponsor the Filipino American History Month Little Manila Parade and Block Party alongside Assemblymember Raga on Sunday. The Filipino community of Queens came out in force for this great event, and I thank Assemblymember Raga for his partnership in making it such a success.”

“For 50 years, Woodside on the Move has brought neighbors together to serve and celebrate the communities that enrich our iconic borough,” said Leslie Smith, Senior Director of Programs at Woodside on the Move. “The Little Manila Parade and Block Party was a wonderful opportunity to honor the Filipino community’s immense contributions to Queens culture. We are grateful to collaborate with Assemblymember Steven Raga on this historic event, and we will continue to uplift the Filipino community and all immigrant communities. 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.”

“This milestone event was a joyful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together,” said Rachelle Peraz Ocampo of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York State Chapter (NaFFAA NY). “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. We’re proud to stand with our partners and neighbors in celebrating and preserving this legacy, particularly Assemblymember Steven Raga, whose leadership consistently advocates for equitable resources for the Filipino community across New York State.”

“It is truly amazing to see the community show up to support this historic event,” said John Sapida of the Filipino American National Historical Society, Metro New York Chapter (FANHS-MNY). “As we continue to grow, we continue to learn more about the stories of our kababayans here in New York. A special thanks to all of the organizations that work to organize, mobilize, and activate our community. We know that oftentimes this is a labor of love, but your work and leadership only strengthen our bonds and inspire generations to come. From the first-ever to the second-ever Little Manila Parade and Block Party and beyond!”

“Mabuhay!!! It was pure delight and joy to see so many first-time visitors enjoy Little Manila Park and discover our ‘mini-Pilipinas’ tropical paradise community green space!” said Noel Gamboa, Overall Director of Little Manila Park Inc. “With our continued bayanihan spirit, we will continue to work together and make more good memories of Little Manila as a prime cultural and foodie destination in NYC! Do check out our website, www.littlemanilapark.com, to learn more and support!”

ABOUT ASSEMBLYMEMBER STEVEN RAGA

Assemblymember Steven Raga was born and raised in Queens and is a lifelong tenant and the son of Filipino immigrant workers. Elected in 2022, he became the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature and the first person of color to represent Assembly District 30. Before taking office, he led nonprofit initiatives advancing immigrant rights, language access, and working families. In Albany, he has secured critical investments in affordable housing, immigration legal services, and food security for Queens communities.