REFLECTIONS
October 2025 & Filipinx American History Month
*Long Exhale*
Today is the last day of Filipino American History Month, yes history, not heritage month. The difference is import to note. Heritage, is a conversation that highlights the tip of the iceberg, visibility and representation of culture, history on the other hand includes heritage and extends the conversation to social, scientific, economic, political etc. contributions to US & world history. Not as a footnote. But as integral contributors.
As a mixed Filipina American (Mestiza) I have participated in several initiatives to help decodify systemic oppression since I was a teenager. But, over the past 9 years I have dedicated a lot of time and focus in the establishment of Cannabis Equity Programs in the country and continue to participated in fighting and building framework, awareness and resources as a co-founder of a women of color organization Supernova Women and the creation a diverse ecosystem of small businesses as the co-founder of the Equity Trade Network.
I have also served as the 1st Chair of the Cannabis Oversight Committee and helped to deepen the understanding of challenges of implementation and organize around the evolution and efficacy of Cannabis Equity (deeper reflection on this soon to come). I know this first paragraph is giving Snoop “I’d like to thank me.” vibes, but a lot of people I talk to still think I’m Latino, and ChatGPT thinks that I’m Black. So, I felt it was significant enough to insure the digital record understands the importance of a Filipino American’s contribution to the history of cannabis policy and industry.
The following is my first roll call of other Fil-Ams that I have met along this road that have contributed to the history of cannabis in the US.
Sarai Ricciardi
Sarai was one of the first pinays I saw highly visible in cannabis culture and movement as an out spoken advocate for compassionate care and open about her use of cannabis to manage her epilepsy. She is a great example of a highly productive stoner. Her career in event production in Hollywood, a mother, the President of the Central Massachusetts American Association that helps to coordinate humanitarian aid to the Philippines and co-founder of Kuya Jay’s Ube Kafe. Sarai is helping to break barriers and build bridges across the US and in the PI.
Geraldine Mae Cueva
Geraldine is another bi-coastal pinay baddie (LA-NY) and self-proclaimed chillanthropist. Her commitment to community building by elevating the platform of cannabis hospitality and culture through Art and Times of Chill & Our Chill Spaces, has been a compass point for us to remember the wisdom of the plant. As host of Pinay Fresh she continues to uplift the visibility and contributions of pinay.
Nic Magbanua
Nic I met navigating the waters of regulated cannabis he holds the position of Head of Growth for Embarc. One of the most consistent multi-dispensary cannabis and cannabis events companies in California. His upbeat attitude for the growth of this industry even in the face of all the policy and regulatory challenged could be fueled by the electronic music soundtrack he produces.
Joseph Gilmore
Joseph Gilmore, was the inaugural manager of Massachusetts $25M Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund. I’ve witnessed him develop from passionate student advocate to community organizer to his career in compliance and equitable systems building as his contribution to the history of the development of Massachusetts regulated cannabis industry.
Pia Barton & Rolo Martin
Malaya Botanicals was the first Filipino branded CBD company that I saw EVERYWHERE, sometimes covering 4 events in one day. Pia and Rolo have a vision to help connect people to the meaningful medicinals and community events from their night markets at their store in Alameda to Filipino Island Fest of Alemeda.
There are many more Fil-Ams that are helping to shape cannabis as an emerging regulated US industry. But they will have to be saved for another round.
October’s Filipino History Month Celebrations felt more significant this year than in years past. With the rising authoritarianism and attacks on immigrants, celebrating our humanity, power and community feels like the right course of action.
The Night Markets at Seafood City was a phenomenon that I’m glad I witnessed check out Rocky Rivera’s KQED recap.
To Juxtapose the vibe of Seafood City’s Night Market I also some how made it out to Kaytranada at the Oakland Coliseum thanks to my Supernova Co-Founder Amber Senter to celebrate the launch of her new hemp derived THC beverage Landrace Origins Cooler. The energy of Kaytranada’s set was dope but nothing in comparison to the the energy that the DJ’s set up at the cash register in front of isle 5 was able to invoke.
Kaytranada anointed the crowed with his joint smoke then casually asked, “Who’s got that Bubba?” And it got me thinking … who does got that cut of Pre-98 Bubba Kush that we used to get back in 2015?
There is so much more I wish to share but the post is running long and Substack us telling me I’m reaching my length limits.
I’m ghost. May your Lola’s Prayers (translation: Grandmother’s Prayers) protect you.
