Philip Vera Cruz: A Personal History of Filipino Immigrants and the Farmworkers Movement, Third Edition

I ordered Phlip Vera Cruz: A Personal History of Filipino Immigrants and the Farmworkers Movement to gain insight into Filipino farm worker culture in America. What I got was more than I ever expected. I learned about the differences between generations, of the vast sea of Central Valley and Delano culture, and the history of Filipinos in America, whose hardships were endured by transplanted and misunderstood culture.I've since learned that generational gaps in understanding Filipino culture exist that tear the rooted fabric of Filipino culture, making its historic transformation to Americanism nearly forgotten by many of the younger generation. Craig Scharlin's book of Cruz's memoirs provided a means through which I could research and begin to understand what many Filipino youth have never gained.

This book opened my eyes as to how important a role the Filipinos played in the farm labor movement in California particularly during the Delano grape boycott and strike. Unfortunately, their role has been diminished by the emphasis on Cesar Chavez and the Mexican involvement. That is not to criticize Mr. Chavez' role but rather to show that activism for human rights is shared by all downtrodden minorities in their struggle to achieve the American dream. I consider this a must read for any student of Asian American studies and American history in general.

Little-know info about the part Filipinos played in the farm-workers movement. Well presented, with personal insights and history of the Filipinos in the U.S. Should be required reading for California history classes.

It was a pretty easy read, and very interesting. It gives a different perspective on the farm worker movement...it is an autobiography after all. Nevertheless, I feel like I learned a little more about Filipino history, and their story of immigration.

I am often dismayed when college aged Filipina/o Americans, many of whom are the children and grandchildren of post-1965 immigrants, cannot appreciate the lives of the Manongs, early Filipino immigrants from the the 1920's & 30's. I realize that it was a long time ago and there are many other Fil-Ams to recognize and honor, but I believe that this first large wave of immigrants to the U.S. is a part of Fil-Am history that should not be ignored. The life of Philip Vera Cruz epitomizes the lives of many of these immigrants who came to the U.S. as migratory and service sector laborers but became activists by protesting labor exploitation. Further, Vera Cruz and other Filipinos played an integral part in the formation of the United Farm Workers. Young Filipinos often complain about not knowing their history or the role Filipinos have played in U.S. society. This biography is a good place to start learning about where we've been and what we've done.

I picked up this book because I am a Filipino-American and knew little of the contributions of Filipino-Americans to American society and even had non-Filipino friends tell me of this man and the contributions to the UFW and labor laws in America. It's a sincere story of an honest man who bridged people and cultures and stood up for what was right and worth fighting for. I read it over one weekend and had a hard time putting it down. It's a great read for anyone interested in the UFW, Cesar Chavez, Filipino-American contributions, labor laws, and/or inter-racial relations.