Five Big Topics in Pilipino America - 2008

The most impactful Pilipino-American topics of 2008

Article by Kaywan Shiraz

December 30, 2008

Image by jenoosia

2008 marks the year of an emergence of Pilipino American involvement in mainstream culture and politics. It also marks the year that a ragtag group of scrappy Pil-Ams created BakitWhy.com in a crowded bedroom with a matress for a conference table. We were extremely fortunate enough to chronicle many of these inspiring and riveting showcases of talent, unity, and heart of Pilipino Americans. We combed the content over the past few months and found that you, the community, gravitated towards several reoccuring topics and trends. As we party our way into 2009, we present everyone the...

...Five Big Topics in Pilipino America - 2008

Hip Hop Dance Crews in the Mainstream

One thing that 2008 showed the world is that, yup, Pilipinos can dance. And not just by copying moves a la certain variety shows--Pil Ams have infused real, innovative, and entertaining art using body movement and expressions. Pilipino Americans have had a commanding presence shows such as MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, FOX's So You Think You Can Dance, and many national and regional hip hop showcases. These hip hop dance teams aren't a one-time trend--they're the product of years and sometimes decades of generations of Pil-Am dancers passing down their skills--are are just now getting the recognition they deserve.

Pacman Fever

"The Greatest Filipino Fighter Out of the Philippines," Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao represents across Ring Magazine's number one pound for pound fighter in the world, Pacquiao bested champions across multiple weight divisions in his career, currently capping the "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya after eight rounds. As one of the most dominating atheletes in the sport, Pacquiao has been seen by many Pilipinos across the globe of the fierce fighting spirit of the people.

LGBT Rights

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in both Asian America and Pilipino America has weathered through many obstacles and successes in the recent year in the struggle for equal rights under the law. If you recall that earlier this year, like in several other states, Gay Marriage was approved in California. However, with the passing of Proposition 8. There have been many debates corellating the election of the President-elect, increased minority voting in the election, and the outcome of LGBT rights initiatives.

Presidential Election 2008

Record numbers of voters across previously under-represented demographics came out for the 2008 United States Presidential election. The long battle between Barack Obama and John McCain became great test of not only the candidate's appeal to the public, but what the majority of Pilipino Americans value in the leader in the nation. The election drove millions to become active in their communities, conduct extensive research across a variety of issues, and even vote for the first time in their lives.

YouTube Stardom

The most popular video sharing site on the Internet has become one of the most active online communities in the world. Be it the smooth melodies of misscarolinexoxo or the wacky antics of HappySlip, Pilipino Americans have become integrated at all levels of the community, rapidly reaching audiences much further than one would expect through offline performances. Many of our own Vlogger team have utilized YouTube not only as a voice, but as a medium to create change in the world in efforts such as the YouTube Project for Awesome.

Agree or don't agree? Leave a comment on what you think were the big trends or topics in Pilipino America this 2008!

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