Smithsonian exhibit in Hawaii honors Filipino migrant workers
Photo from RepEdCase/X
In celebration of Filipino American History Month, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is presenting “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” an exhibit on view at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu through Nov. 3.
The exhibit highlights the experiences of two Filipino migrant workers, or “sakadas,” Eusebio Maglinte and Epimaco Fariola Mansueto, whose stories reflect those of thousands of Filipinos recruited to work on Hawaii’s sugar plantations in the early 20th century.
Exhibit curator Ethan P. Johanson was also the curatorial assistant for the exhibit, “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories,” which runs until November 2027.
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“We are excited to work with Consul General Arman R. Talbo and his team to bring our exhibition to Honolulu,” said Yao-Fen You, APAC’s acting director. “At the Smithsonian, we are committed to sharing the histories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals and communities. The story of the sakadas constitutes a vital chapter of Asian American—and American—history.”
Talbo also welcomed the partnership, highlighting its significance to Philippine-U.S. relations.
“It is especially meaningful for the Consulate General to host the exhibition this year to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first sakadas in Hawaii,” he said. “This partnership with the Smithsonian is also fitting as we commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines.”
