Born to Entertain: From Karaoke Nights to Magic Lights — A Filipino-American Story

Full circle moment. Sharing my magic with my family in the Philippines.

October is Filipino American History Month — a time to celebrate the stories, culture, and heart of a community that has entertained, inspired, and uplifted across generations.

And honestly, if you’ve ever been to a Filipino party… you already know why entertainment runs deep in our blood.

The music hits first — 90s hip-hop and R&B blasting from the DJ's two turntables run by someone’s cousin who swears he opened for the Jabbawockeez once. The titos (uncles) are gathered around a mahjong table. The titas (aunties) are in the kitchen, cackling between bites of lumpia and bursts of chismis (gossip).

Outside, the boys are either playing basketball or breakdancing to impress the girls — who are pretending not to care. And somewhere, without fail, one mom is performing “My Way” like she’s headlining in Vegas.

That’s not just a party. That’s heritage in motion.

It’s the kind of celebration that says: We may be small, but we’ll fill the room with joy.

What?! I Didn’t Know They Were Filipino!

Over the years, Filipinos have gone from the background to the spotlight, proving that talent knows no borders.

Bruno Mars – Half Filipino, all superstar. The man literally put “magic” in his biggest hit.

Olivia Rodrigo – The heartbreak queen proudly representing Filipino-American talent on every world stage.

apl.de.ap – Born in Pampanga, raised on rhythm, and made the world dance with The Black Eyed Peas.

Jo Koy, Nicole Scherzinger, Hailee Steinfeld, Vanessa Hudgens, Dave Bautista – all flying the Filipino flag in their own ways.

We were once the “underground Asians,” but now, we’re center stage — and we’re not giving the mic back anytime soon.

Magic, the Pilipino Way

Even in the world of magic, Filipinos are making quiet but powerful moves.

Names like Anna De Guzman (AGT) and Sean Does Magic (Social Media Influencer) have helped put Filipino magicians on the map.

At the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, only a handful of Filipino magicians have ever headlined — and I’m proud to be one of them.

When I step on stage, I carry more than props and cards — I carry my heritage.

Every laugh, every story, every moment of wonder is inspired by the warmth, humor, and heart of the Filipino spirit.

Mabuhay, my friends!

This Filipino American History Month, I celebrate the rhythm, resilience, and magic that define our culture — and the gift of sharing it with the world.

Because whether you’re Filipino or not, we all speak the same language when we laugh, connect, and make a little magic together.

So as you finish reading this, I’d love to know —💬

What’s your favorite part of your culture that brings people together?

Food? Music? Dance? Family stories?

Share it in the comments or tell someone today.

Because no matter where we come from, when we share our culture…we share a little bit of magic too.

-Jonathan Molo

The Man in the Purple Suit