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Robins AFB Library: Filipino Heritage Month

Filipino Heritage Collection

Mango Languages Spotlight

YouTube Video about the History of the Philippines

About Filipino American Heritage Month (FAHM)

Filipino American History Month is observed in October every year to mark the anniversary of the first recorded evidence of Filipinos in America. Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian-American community in the U.S., and are the third-largest racial group in California. Their contributions to our country are exemplary and their achievements are recognized and celebrated throughout this designated month.   


Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587. 

Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios back then, and they were primarily the Filipino sailors who were enrolled into the Spanish navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at the shores of present-day Morro Bay, California. 

Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. In  2009, Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.

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Pancit Bihon Recipe from Panlasang Pinoy *No endorsement intended*

Pancit is a savory noodle dish that comes in all sorts of variations. From stir-fried to soupy, pancit is a beloved noodle dish in Filipino cuisine that’s not just about filling your belly, but also about celebrating good times with family and friends.

Guisado, from the word “gisa,” literally means stir-fried.

And bihon, is the star player in many pancit recipes. These super-thin rice noodles have a delightful, slippery texture that soaks up flavors. When cooked, bihon gets this perfect, slightly chewy bite that pairs wonderfully with savory meats and crunchy veggies.

Pancit Bihon Recipe

 
Author: Vanjo Merano

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pancit bihon Rice Noodles
  • 1/2 lb. pork cut into small thin slices
  • 1/2 lb. chicken cooked, deboned, and cut into thin slices
  • 1/8 lb. snow peas
  • 1 cup carrot
  • 1/2 small cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup celery leaves chopped finely
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons chicken powder
  • 5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 to 4 cups water
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large wok. Saute garlic and onion
    1 onion, 1/2 tbsp garlic, 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • Add the pork and chicken then let cook for 2 minutes
    1/2 lb. pork, 1/2 lb. chicken
  • Add the chicken powder and water then simmer for 15 minutes
    2 teaspoons chicken powder, 3 to 4 cups water
  • Put in the carrots, snow peas, cabbage, and celery leaves and simmer for a few minutes
    1/8 lb. snow peas, 1 cup carrot, 1/2 small cabbage, 1 cup celery leaves
  • Remove all the ingredients in the pot except for the liquid and set them aside
  • In the pot with the liquid in, add the soy sauce and mix well
    5 tbsp soy sauce
  • Add the pancit bihon (makes sure to first soak it in water for about 10 minutes) and mix well. Cook until liquid evaporates completely
    1 lb pancit bihon
  • Put-in the vegetables and meat that were previously cooked and simmer for a minute or two
  • Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

Alternative ingredients:

Chinese sausage: This is also known as "Chorizo Macau". You can also make use of this ingredient in addition to the proteins listed in the recipe above. This will add flavor to your pancit. Slice it crosswise into thin pieces before sauteeing with the chicken and pork in step 2. Snap Peas: While peas can be optional for this recipe, you can use snap peas an alternative for snow peas.

Bell Peppers: I personally know some home cooks that add bell peppers to their pancit. It is not common in traditional Filipino pancit, but more of a preference. Feel free to use if desired.

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