Mabuhay!
If you’re looking to get more involved with the Filipino community or the city of Philadelphia in general, you came to the right post!
Meet Brad Baldia
Recently, I was put in contact with Brad Baldia. He’s an influential and very active member within the Filipino community. Brad is motivated by his Filipino heritage and his love for his heritage. He wants to promote, support and improve Filipino culture and businesses and in turn Asian culture in general. He believes that we can and we should make a bigger impact. He’s involved in many different organizations that you can also be a part of!
“There needs to be more… there is so much potential for so much more... We need mentors to create a pipeline of leaders.”
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of PA & Southern NJ
The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of PA & Southern NJ was created about five years ago with support from the Philippine consulate. Their mission is to inspire the spirit of economic relations and activities between the Philippines and the United States. They encourage Filipinos to start their own businesses and provide resources for businesses already started. Economic growth for Filipinos in the United States also affect Philippine’s economic growth.
They also sponsor a lot of events that bring about awareness and wealth to Filipino culture such as The Taste of the Philippines at Reading Terminal, which happens usually around October during Filipino American History Month. And a little sneak peek for my readers, they are currently in talks to have Miss Universe 2019, Catriona Gray, come to Philly. This is definitely an event you should keep an eye out for!
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
PAAFF is a volunteer run non-profit organization founded in 2008. Through year round screenings, tastings, meet and greets, mixers and other cultural experiences they educate and expose Philadelphia and nearby regions to films by and about Asian Americans therefore increasing awareness. PAAFF hosts an annual award winning film festival in November, a first of its kind in Philadelphia, where they present dozens of culturally relevant films and exciting programming to broad and diverse audiences. PAAFF is always open to new people willing to volunteer their time and help in the various events they host!
As one of the founders of PAAFF, Brad Baldia stated that there was a sheer lack of Filipino film festivals. The idea was thought of by his friend Joe Kim and with the right group of people working together, they were able to give birth to the idea. They chose Philly because they believe that the city of Philadelphia will maximize their impact. And with help from sponsors such as The Asian Arts Initiative, Comcast and more they are able to make the impact they strive for!
Get Involved!
There are many ways to become more active in the Filipino community or Philadelphia’s community in general. One of the best way is to volunteer! As I mentioned above, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is always looking for volunteers. Many other local organization in the city are also non-profits and are always open to those who want to donate their time for their cause. Students can also get involved in Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Incorporated (FIND, Inc.) It is a student-led non profit organization dedicated to promoting unity and cooperation among Filipino & Filipino- American students all over the East Coast.
I think being involved in your community is a great way to stay connected with your culture. If you have the time I would definitely urge you to become involved in your local organizations.
It’s also a great way to connect with others and expanding your network!
“Give back and get involved with the community… Identify your mentors and follow their advice but always be open to opportunity. Don’t limit yourself”
PS: Thank you Brad Baldia for taking the time to chat with me about Philly’s growing Filipino culture. I look forward to what the years will bring!
Hangaan sa muli,
Nicah
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