GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – A Filipino American group in south-central Nebraska celebrated their heritage this evening, showcasing their culture more than 8,000 miles from their homeland.
The Filipino American group in south-central Nebraska formed over 30 years ago when a small group of Filipinos met at a house. They brought homemade traditional Filipino food, bringing a taste of home to where they lived.
“I just came from the Philippines. And so I needed friends to be with. And so I slowly contacted Filipinos that I know in town. So that’s how we were able to make this group,” said Josefa Thomas, one of the first members.
That sense of community was missing from their lives. Building a group that can come together to celebrate their values makes the group one of a kind.
“It’s heartwarming that I get to know everybody. And not just from Grand Island. People from the neighboring cities. And also come to Grand Island to join us. And be a part of the celebration of the Filipino-American community,” said Jeanne Espina, an organizer with the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations.
Preserving culture for children
The group celebrates for multiple reasons, but one main reason is the children.
“More than anything else, okay? It is our children that we want to show. Then it becomes big, you know, that, because to us, that’s the way we’re gonna give, you know, to, to get our kids to know our culture,” said Loy Einsel, a member for 30 years.
The dancing and songs that were displayed were very different from what we traditionally see in the United States. Culture lets people know the heritage and traditions they come from.
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