October is Filipino American History Month! It commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States when “Luzones Indios” landed at what is now Morro Bay, California in 1587. Today, Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and an integral part of Portland’s vibrant small business community. To celebrate, we have put together a list of businesses that are Filipino American-owned or serve Portland’s Filipino American community. Show your support to them this month and every month.
- City Wide: The Filipino American Association of Portland and Vicinity (FAAPVI) is the first Filipino association established in Oregon (1959) and is the only Filipino organization that owns its own building, the FAAPVI Event Center.
- Alberta: For both Japanese and Filipino food, try Lu’s Teriyaki Bowl and Filipino Food. This food truck serves specially marinated meats as well as homemade sauces.
- Belmont Area: The Filipino Bayanihan Center provides culturally relevant programs and health services. It also helps community members access free and low-cost resources, and connects families to grassroots organizations and advocates.
- Central Eastside: Baon Kainan serves up new takes on classic Filipino dishes. You’ll find chicken adobo, kare kare fries and ube bibingka along with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes and specials. Currently residing at Deadshot Bar, Pulu by Sunrice serves dishes like crackly lechon, tender pork belly, and steak inihaw made with Carman Ranch rib-eye and tangy sinamak.
- Division/Clinton: Magna Cusina’s chef Carlo Lamagna plays with the Filipino cuisine of his childhood, incorporating techniques and tricks he picked up in Chicago farm-to-table favorites.
- Foster: Headstrong Hound is Foster’s neighborhood pet supply store, highlighting BIPOC and women-owned pet brands. They have food, treats, supplements, toys, and more for dogs, cats, and small animals. Treat yourself to an authentic Filipino meal at Tambayan Restaurant, where you’ll find many traditional favorites.
- Gateway: The American Filipino Christian Church was started by Pastor Carlos San Luis who is originally from Iloilo, Philippines. The congregation meets for service every Sunday at 10am. Founded in 1983, Lily Market sells high quality, reasonably priced items from Asian countries including the Philippines.
- Midway: Enjoy amazing food from fried pork lumpia to savory chicken adobo at Kuya’s Islander Cuisine. Owner Fred has been serving up classic Filipino food to the Portland area since 2015.
- Overlook: Through grants and technical assistance, the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) seeks to build generational wealth for historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.
- Parkrose: Fork and Spoon House has a tight menu of favorites like pork adobo, pinakbet, and kare-kare, plus sisig fries, a unique dish that uses the chopped, grilled pork and onions as a topping.
- St. Johns: With social media content, copywriting, blog writing services, and more, Bizzy Lizzie Social Media Marketing can help you market and promote your business online.
This list is only a snapshot of the great Filipino American offerings in Portland. What are your favorite Filipino American-owned businesses? Show us on Facebook and Instagram.