Larry Itliong, a Filipino-American labor leader, was the spark behind the 1965 Delano Grape Strike in California — a major turning point in U.S. labor history. Long before it became a national movement, Itliong organized Filipino farm workers to demand better wages and conditions, forcing growers to recognize migrant laborers' rights.
He later joined forces with César Chávez to form the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, but history often overlooks Itliong’s crucial role. In fact, Filipinos were at the heart of the farm workers’ rights revolution — but many textbooks leave his name out.
Larry Itliong stood tall for justice — and helped change the course of American labor history.
Meanwhile, Did you know....
General Vicente Lim was the first Filipino graduate of the prestigious West Point Military Academy in the U.S., blazing a trail for generations of Filipino soldiers. During World War II, he led troops under the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), bravely fighting Japanese forces in both local and joint Allied operations.
Despite being captured, Lim refused to betray Filipino positions — a stand that cost him his life. He was executed by the Japanese, but his courage and loyalty left a legacy that lives on. Today, General Lim is honored both at the Philippine Military Academy and in U.S. military archives as a symbol of valor, leadership, and patriotism.
He wasn’t just a hero in the Philippines — he was a global hero in the fight for freedom.
Meanwhile, here's a news that will inspire young and poor Filipinos!
Raised by a mother who sold snacks on the streets and a father who worked long hours as a taxi driver, Ticar’s journey to the top of the country’s most prestigious military academy is nothing short of inspiring.
“My mother stood for hours under the sun just to give us a chance at education,” Ticar shared in his emotional valedictory speech. “Today, I stand in uniform because she never gave up.”
Ticar, who led 224 graduating cadets, received the Presidential Saber, Army Saber, and several academic and leadership awards. His rise from modest beginnings to PMA’s top honor serves as a beacon of hope for many Filipino families striving to overcome poverty through determination and education.
As he enters the ranks of the Philippine Army, Ticar’s story is now part of the academy’s rich legacy—proof that the courage of a mother working the streets can raise a soldier who will serve the nation with honor.
Jessie’s journey is one of resilience and determination. The youngest of four siblings from Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, he grew up in a family facing significant financial challenges. His mother sold ball pens and envelopes on the streets, while his father, a former taxi driver, became a person with a disability after falling ill. 
Despite these hardships, Jessie remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. He initially studied at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines before passing the PMA entrance exam. Throughout his time at the academy, he supported his family by sending home part of his monthly cadet salary and allowances. 
Jessie’s story is a powerful reminder that one’s background does not define one’s future. Through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his goals, he has transformed adversity into achievement.
Personal Note: Regarding the US West Point Military Academy and US Naval Academy:
My idol and role model growing up as a teenager in a small town in the Philippines was our next door neighbor who was 10 years older than me. He was accepted to The US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD when I was still in high school. A very, very rare event in the life of majority of Filipinos. Only two Filipinos were accepted to either the USNA or WPMA during that time after a national competition all over the country. To be selected to the Naval Academy or West Point was the dream of millions of young filipinos at that time.
My neighbors life and academic accomplishments inspired me to dream of going to the US and obtain my Ph. D. Degree. Needless to say, I believe this neighbor of mine was not even aware that his academic achievements was responsible for my inspiration and attainment of my goal in life.
On the other hand, I have a younger neighbor who informed me later, that I was his idol and role model during his teenage years. Because of my educational accomplishment, He was inspired also to obtain his PhD degree. I posted his story in my blog as follows:
"Several years ago, while visiting my hometown in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, I asked my sister who was still residing there at that time, if she knows of any Ph.D. graduate from our small town besides myself. She said there was a recent Ph.D. graduate from our town who is now teaching at the University of the Philippines in Miagao. The guy was our former neighbor's son. So, I ask her if I could met this guy and my sister said, let us look for him at the university right now. We immediately drove back to the city and then to Miagao. We went directly to the Administration Office and they gave us directions to his office and classroom. He was not there, but his secretary said he is at home on sick leave. We ask the secretary to call him and ask if we could visit him. To make the story short, we met him at his residence and start introducing ourselves.
The moment, I saw him I felt very close to the guy, even though this is the first time I've seen this guy. He was very friendly in spite of his cold. After 5 minutes of preliminary talk, he blurted out. He said, "I have been wanting to meet you also in person all these years. Without you knowing, you have been my role model during my childhood years and your story has been my inspiration".
The moment, I saw him I felt very close to the guy, even though this is the first time I've seen this guy. He was very friendly in spite of his cold. After 5 minutes of preliminary talk, he blurted out. He said, "I have been wanting to meet you also in person all these years. Without you knowing, you have been my role model during my childhood years and your story has been my inspiration".
I was shocked and surprised. Then he explained that his grandmother that raised him has been brainwashing him with my life story in the US. His grandmother told him, he must also study for his Ph.D abroad. He said yes to his grandmother, without even knowing what is the meaning of Ph.D.
It turned out that my mother and his grandmother were good friends and my mother has been informing his grandmother all the details of my life and graduate work at the University of Illinois in Chicago ( 1960-1964).
Lastly, my video of the Day- Luscious Guavas of the Philippines
And My Quote of the Day- By Helen Keller
