Both the American and Philippine national anthems echoed as Filipino residents watched the flag of their motherland rise above City Hall, marking 128 years of independence from Spain on Friday, June 12. Attendees marked the historic occasion dressed in traditional barongs — formalwear finely woven from piña, or pineapple fibers — as well as elegant Filipiniana outfits and ternos, the traditional formal gowns instantly recognizable by their structured butterfly sleeves.
While Daly City is widely known for having the highest concentration of Filipinos in the region, the broader San Jose metropolitan area boasts a thriving community of about 109,000 Filipino Americans, according to Pew Research data. Other major Filipino American hubs in the Bay Area include Union City and Vallejo. During his opening remarks, Councilmember David Cohen noted that a significant portion of San Jose’s Fil-Am community resides in District 4, the North San Jose area he represents. Statewide, California holds the largest Filipino population in the United States, serving as home to roughly 1.7 million individuals.
The City Hall commemoration was co-sponsored by prominent local organizations, including the Bayanihan Filipino American Foundation and the Filipino American City Employees of San Jose, known as FACES.
Michelle Amores, a division manager for the San Jose Public Library who helped organize the celebration, spoke to the community’s enduring spirit. Reflecting on a City Council meeting held earlier in the week to honor Philippine Independence, Amores shared that Filipinos “continue to thrive” in the United States, adding, “No matter what struggles they face, they remain resilient.”
The event was spearheaded and sponsored primarily by District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, the first Filipino American ever elected to serve on the San Jose City Council. Following the formal ceremonies, the gathering transitioned into a vibrant cultural celebration. Attendees enjoyed classic dishes like pancit and lumpia alongside musical performances and traditional folk dances hosted by legacy Filipino American social clubs from across the South Bay.
The flag of the Philippines is raised during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at San Jose City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Letty Oineza, of San Jose, left, and Josie Santos, of San Jose, right, dance with the FilCal Heritage Dancers during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at San Jose City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Arriane Del and Arvin Tristan Monfero sing during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at San Jose City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Arriane Del and Arvin Tristan Monfero sing during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at San Jose City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Lerma Garcia, of San Jose, center, dances with the FilCal Heritage group during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
FilCal Heritage Dancers are awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the City of San Jose during a celebration of the Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
FilCal Heritage Dancers perform during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
FilCal Heritage dancers line up for food during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Evangeline Sangalang is cheered for after receiving a Certificate of Recognition during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Evangeline Sangalang expresses gratitude after receiving a Certificate of Recognition during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Councilmember Anthony Tordillos gives a Certificate of Recognition to Rose Wenceslao during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day at City Hall in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
Councilmember Anthony Tordillos speaks during a celebration of Philippine Independence Day in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)