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FSA at HBU is partnering with NAFCON Texas and many Filipino organizations all over Texas for TX FAHMilya: Celebrating Culture, Bayanihan, and Solidarity. Organizations all over Texas have so many amazing events planned for this month, so stay up-to-date by following any of these accounts!
If you are interested in attending any events visit the TX FAHMilya Linktree to sign up!
"My Story"
Read the stories of some of our members about what it means to be Filipino-American.
Kwento Ko
Reian Monique Lagundino Rivera
Age: 20
Currently Attending Houston Baptist University
Major: Nursing
Born: Manila, Philippines
”I was born and raised in the Philippines. My parents both grew up in Metro Manila, where they met and got married. I was born in Manila on September 3, 2000 in the middle of a typhoon, which is typical in the Philippines because July to December is considered the rainy season. 1 year later my parents built a house in Bulacan, a province close to Manila. The next year, my brother was born. Growing up, my parents both worked in Manila, so my lola and yaya (nanny) were the ones who took care of me and my brother. I became very close to my cousins in Manila because my lola and I would visit every weekend, allowing me to experience both the provincial and city life. I lived in Bulacan for 15 years, experiencing the best childhood consisting of school from 7am-3pm, taking a nap right after, and then playing Filipino street games with my neighborhood friends. On the weekends, we would go to church and visit our relatives in Manila. My favorite time of the year in the Philippines is definitely Christmas. Christmas season in the country starts on September and lasts until the first two weeks of January (super long, but I love it.) It’s the season where everything is so merry and bright, and relatives and family from everywhere would gather. If I could go home to PH every Christmas, I would. In 2015, we moved to the US after 8 years of waiting because my parents believed we would have better opportunities here. We first lived in Minnesota for 3 months, then moved to Athens, Texas for two years, and then we moved here to Houston. It was one of the toughest seasons for my family and my life. However, by the grace of God and the support of my family here and in the Philippines, we have finally adjusted and settled here in Houston. And that’s also what I love the most about the Filipino culture, it’s their compassion for their families and their kapwa. No matter where you are, once you meet Filipinos, you would have a family in them. It does not matter if you are related by blood, Filipinos are supportive of one another. Now, I’m blessed to have a family through FSA and although we may come from different backgrounds, we are united by “isang mahal”(one love).”
Bethel Garriel
Age: 20
Currently Attending Houston Baptist University
Major: Nursing
“My dad is from Negros Occidental, and my mom is from Antique! I was born on January 29, 2000, in Detroit, Michigan. However, due to not having enough money, I was sent to live in the Philippines so my parents could work. A significant experience for me in the Filipino community are the bonds. Someone always knows someone else, and it’s like everyone is one big friend/family group, and I love it!”
Glenn Bentulan
Age: 23
Currently Attending Houston Baptist University
Major: Nursing
Ultimate Frisbee Captain
His father was raised in Cebu, a province in the Philippines’
Central Visayas region, and attended school to eventually study
computer engineering. His mother was raised in Manilla,
Philippines and pursed a career in nursing. Both of his
parents, but specifically his father, like many other
Filipinos, moved to the United States in search of more career
opportunities where he would eventually meet Glenn’s mother in
Houston, Texas. They would then have two sons, with the
youngest one being Glenn who would be born on November 12th , 1996. Some of the things that he shared that were his most
cherished and most memorable moments throughout his childhood
came from family parties where he would find “tons of food and
smiles all around,” like any good traditional Filipino
gathering. Growing up he was referred to as “Intoy,” but now we
just know and refer to him as Glenn, an amazing ultimate
frisbee player and captain and an all-around great guy.
“[Although,] I have never been to the Philippines[,…] Filipino
family values [have genuinely] influenced my upbringing[,…] and
I hope to visit there one day.”