Pilipino Graduation.  P-Grad.  Fil-Grad.  Filipina/o/@/x Grad.  Whatever the nomenclature, these ceremonies celebrate the educational accomplishments of Filipino Americans at many universities, colleges, and increasingly high schools.  P-Grads are more intimate ceremonies where FilAm graduates personally thank their loved ones, don Filipino regalia, and honor a community whose retention and graduation rates are historically not very high.  Unfortunately, many FilAm grads won’t get to celebrate P-Grads in the traditional way.  Nevertheless, amidst the chaos of COVID, deaths in our community, and civil uprisings, we still need to find room to celebrate Filipino American excellence.

In this TFAL episode, we discuss Pilipino Graduations – why we participated in them (or for Producer Mike, not participating in them), the importance of such ceremonies to our community, and whether non-Filipinos should participate in them. Listen as we relive memorable P-Grad moments and our own speeches.  Who cried?  Who coordinated a P-Grad?  How was drunk/high during their ceremony?  Tune in and find out!

This episode was inspired by, and therefore dedicated to the Class of 2020, who unfortunately have to celebrate their accomplishments virtually.  Congratulations on accomplishing great feats.  Please continue to strive for greater heights for your family and your community.

Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. For Folks who are on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.

Are you a member of the Class of 2020?  Want to give a P-Grad shoutout to your loved ones?  Let us know by emailing us at thisfilipinoamericanlife@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL.

PC: UH-Manoa