Mirastar Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

As a Filipino, I celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a time to honor our culture and heritage. This month reminds us of the struggles and achievements of Filipinos and other Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. It encourages us to share our traditions and stories with others, which helps everyone gain a better understanding of our experiences. This month is important for making sure that Filipinos are seen and valued in American society. It is a time to recognize our roots and pay respect to our ancestors while highlighting the contributions Filipinos have made to America. By celebrating and sharing our stories, we strengthen our voices and honor the legacy we build together.

How do you celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others celebrate it?

As a Filipino, we often celebrate by hosting potlucks, where everyone brings a dish to share. It’s a time to gather with family, friends, and community, enjoying our favorite Filipino foods like adobo, sinigang, lumpia, and pancit. It’s not just about the food; it’s about bonding, laughing, and sharing stories. We talk about our childhood memories, family traditions, and the experiences that shape who we are. It’s a way to pass down our culture and history and keep our Filipino values alive, such as kapwa (togetherness) and bayanihan (helping one another). It’s a beautiful way to connect, celebrate, and honor our heritage! Yes, some people celebrate by attending cultural events, festivals, or online celebrations during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. These events showcase traditional dances, music, food, and art from different AAPI cultures. It’s a fun way to learn more about each other’s heritage and enjoy performances, exhibitions, and activities that highlight AAPI contributions. Whether it’s a local festival or an online event, it’s a great way to connect with others and celebrate the rich diversity of the AAPI community!

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? How has it influenced your career?

My Filipino heritage has deeply shaped who I am today. Growing up, I learned the importance of resilience—facing challenges head-on and always pushing through, no matter how tough things get. Hard work is something that was always emphasized in my family, showing me that success is earned through dedication and perseverance. The strong family ties in Filipino culture taught me the value of supporting and relying on each other, which has helped me build meaningful relationships in both my personal and professional life. The concept of Bayanihan, where communities come together to help one another, has influenced my approach to teamwork and collaboration. I always strive to be there for my colleagues and encourage collective success.

Respect and hospitality are also core Filipino values that guide my interactions with others, creating an open and warm environment in everything I do, whether at work or in my community. These values shape my career by making me adaptable, dedicated, and empathetic. I’m able to handle pressure, work well in teams, and connect with people on a deeper level. My heritage has made me someone who is not only committed to my own success but also to helping others and working together toward a shared goal. It’s these qualities that I carry with me every day and that drive me to contribute meaningfully to my career.

Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?

My biggest role models and mentors are my parents. They’ve influenced me in so many ways, teaching me the values of hard work, resilience, and family. My parents always lead by example, showing me how to stay dedicated, no matter the obstacles, and how to support those around you with love and respect. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to our family have shaped my work ethic and the way I approach challenges in life. They also taught me the importance of humility, gratitude, and respect for the elderly. Growing up, they always emphasized the significance of honoring and caring for older generations, and I’ve carried that lesson with me throughout my life. Their wisdom and guidance continue to inspire me in both my personal and professional life, helping me navigate decisions and challenges with confidence. They’ve been my foundation and continue to be my greatest support, guiding me every step of the way.

One such tradition is the Filipino practice of pagmamano, a gesture of respect where we take an elder’s hand and press it to our forehead. This act reminds us to always honor and show respect to our elders, which is a cornerstone of Filipino culture. My parents taught me that respecting older generations isn’t just a custom—it’s a way of recognizing their wisdom, experiences, and contributions to the family and society.

Lastly, the importance of family in Filipino culture is central to everything I do. We celebrate family milestones, birthdays, holidays, and even the smallest achievements together. These celebrations are full of laughter, shared meals, and stories passed down through generations. The strong sense of connection to our family and our roots has given me a deep appreciation for relationships and community. These Filipino traditions have shaped my character, guiding how I interact with others and how I view the world around me. My parents, through their example and teachings, have passed on these values to me, ensuring that I continue to honor and carry them with me throughout my life.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Yes, one of the most important traditions in my family is the belief that “family that eats together, stays together.” This tradition has always been a cornerstone of our family life. Growing up, every meal was an opportunity for us to come together, share food, and connect with each other. No matter how busy or hectic our lives became, we made it a point to sit down and enjoy meals as a family.

This tradition not only brought us closer together, but it also allowed us to share stories, laugh, and offer one another support. It taught me the importance of bonding over simple moments and made me appreciate the value of time spent with loved ones. Even now, whenever we have family gatherings, whether for a holiday or just a regular weekend, the table is always at the center, and everyone is invited to sit, eat, and enjoy each other’s company.

The act of sharing a meal together goes beyond just food—it’s about creating memories, fostering a sense of togetherness, and making sure that no matter where life takes us, we remain grounded in our love and connection as a family.

Which Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month figure inspires you and why?

A Filipino figure who inspires me during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is Larry Itliong. He was a labor leader who played a key role in the Delano Grape Strike of 1965 alongside Cesar Chavez. Itliong was a champion for workers’ rights and helped bring attention to the struggles of Filipino farmworkers. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice made a lasting impact on the labor movement and helped bring about important changes for workers, particularly in the Filipino community.

His story is inspiring because it demonstrates the power of perseverance and standing up for what is right. He worked hard to improve conditions for those who were often overlooked and marginalized, and his legacy reminds me of the importance of fighting for equality and making a difference, no matter the obstacles.

What are your favorite traditional dishes? Do you have recipes for any of them to share?

Here’s a simple recipe for Pancit Canton, a popular type of Pancit in Filipino parties:

Pancit (Filipino Noodles)

Pancit is a savory noodle dish often served on birthdays and special occasions, as it symbolizes long life. There are many variations, but my favorite is Pancit Canton, a stir-fried noodle dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pansit canton noodles
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup snow peas or green beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon or calamansi for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan and sauté garlic and onions until softened.
2. Add the chicken and shrimp, cook until the chicken is browned and the shrimp is pink.
3. Add the carrots and snow peas, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles absorb the sauce and are evenly cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with lemon or calamansi slices.