Ten years ago, the thought of a mainstream sports team hosting a Filipino Heritage day would have been a pipe dream for many members of the Filipino-American community. But now, Filipino awareness and culture is gaining ground. Last week, reports Asian Journal, the Oakland Raiders paid tribute to Filipino Heritage Month by holding its second annual Mabuhay Fiesta when the team faced the Philadelphia Eagles at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Raider officials said a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales would be given to non-profit organizations such as the ABS-CBN Foundation to help the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims and survivors of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines.
About 1,000 Filipino Americans dressed in silver and black celebrated the occasion. Philippine flags hung in certain areas of the coliseum, towels promoting the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto fight were given to fans, and the Raiders made special Filipino Oakland Raider T-shirts commemorating the event.
The Raiders are the third team this year to celebrate Filipino Heritage. The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated a Filipino Heritage night in the summer, and the San Francisco Giants held one earlier this year. The NBA Golden State Warriors will host a Filipino Heritage night in November.
Source: New America Media
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