What It Means to Be a Filipina in Gloucester and to Celebrate Filipino Heritage Day
I came to Gloucester nine years ago carrying more than just a suitcase. I brought with me the scent of my Mother’s kitchen, the sound of laughter over shared meals, and the warmth of a culture rooted in family and community. But I also carried homesickness, uncertainty, and the quiet fear of not belonging.
I was newly married and adjusting to life in a place that felt unfamiliar. The streets were quiet, the air colder, and although I was grateful for new beginnings, I missed everything I had left behind. I missed hearing Tagalog. I missed the taste of real adobo. And I missed the joy of spontaneous Filipino gatherings that made any place feel like home.
In those early days, I didn’t know a single Filipino here. But over time, Gloucester revealed its kindness. I found others like me. I found friendship. Through groups like Filgroup of Cheltenham n Friends and Gloucestershire Pinoys, I found connection. I found family again.
As the years passed, I became proud to call Gloucester home and even prouder to be part of something that brought the spirit of the Philippines into the heart of this city. Filipino Heritage Day became more than an event. It became a celebration of identity, unity, and resilience, a reminder that even far from our birthplace, we remain whole, proud, and deeply rooted.
On 11 May 2025, we marked the fourth year of this celebration. I’ve helped organise it every year since it began. The idea was first brought to life by Raymond Padilla, a proud Filipino community leader and former Gloucester councillor. His vision was simple and powerful: to share who we are, to bring our food, music, art, and joy into the centre of our new home so Gloucester could see what we bring to the table.
But what many don’t see is the work that happens behind the scenes. Organising an event of this scale is not easy, especially while working full-time for Gloucester City Council. I applied for Together Gloucester funding and thankfully we got it. I coordinated with suppliers, managed payments, ran the marketing, promotions, arranged performers, took care of the stage and stalls, and made sure everything aligned with city processes. Some days were tough and overwhelming, but we got there. And the sense of pride that comes from pulling it all together is something I will carry with me for a long time.
I still remember that very first event, standing in King’s Square surrounded by kababayans and local friends, hearing Original Pinoy Music echo through the city centre, and watching people eat, laugh, and dance together. It was the kind of joy that is hard to describe, the joy of being seen and truly belonging.
This year’s celebration carried even deeper meaning. It took place during Filipino Heritage Month and International Nurses Day, a time to honour the strength and dedication of Filipino healthcare workers across the UK. From the NHS to private care homes, our kababayans continue to serve with heart, compassion, and quiet resilience. This day was for them too, for the nurses, carers, and frontliners who have given so much to this country while proudly holding on to their heritage.
May 11 is also Mother’s Day in the Philippines. To all the incredible mothers out there, and especially to my own mom back home, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for your love, your strength, and for being the heart of everything I carry with me.
On our event, we welcomed everyone, from families and neighbours to new friends and curious visitors. We shared our food, our music, our stories, and our joyful spirit. This was not just a day for Filipinos. It was a day for Gloucester. A celebration of diversity, connection, and the beauty of shared community life. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us!
We were honoured to be joined by the Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Lorraine Campbell, the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor Cllr Pam Tracey, our local MP, Alex McIntyre, and many other dignitaries who took the time to celebrate with us. Their presence meant a great deal to our community, and we are deeply grateful for their support.
And as I stood once again in King’s Square, surrounded by the scent of lechon, menudo, the sound of Tagalog blending with English, and the sight of children dancing to songs they had never heard before, I knew something special had happened.
We brought the Philippines to Gloucester. And Gloucester gave us space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
That is what home truly means.
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