(L-R) Jonas Tayaban, Jacque Manabat, Shayne Funcion, and Raymor Cuevas field questions to Ambassador Romualdez | Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Filipino content creators has begun a nationwide journey to uncover and share Filipino American narratives as part of the “Road to 250” initiative. The tour, organized in partnership with Spirit of America and Global Ties U.S., aims to highlight the contributions of Filipino Americans to U.S. history and culture in anticipation of two milestone anniversaries: the United States’ 250th anniversary of its founding and the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between Manila and Washington.
The project was formally launched at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., where Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez welcomed the influencers and underscored the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral relations. “Filipino Americans are one of our greatest assets in building bridges with the United States,” Romualdez said, encouraging the participants to amplify stories of resilience, service, and cultural pride.
Voices Behind the Tour
The group includes: Raymor Cuevas, TikTok creator and educator; Shayne Funcion, travel and culture blogger; Jacque Manabat, journalist and independent communicator; and Jonas Tayaban, long-form history content creator
Together, they will produce digital content that captures Filipino American experiences across generations, blending history, culture, and contemporary identity.
Destinations and Engagements
The “Road to 250” tour will take the influencers to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco, cities with deep Filipino American roots. Along the way, they will visit historic landmarks, meet community leaders, and document stories that reflect the enduring impact of Filipino Americans in shaping U.S. society.
A Bridge to 2026
By weaving these narratives into accessible online content, the initiative seeks to ensure Filipino American voices are prominently featured in the broader national commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial. Organizers emphasize that the tour is not only about history but also about inspiring future generations to recognize their place in the American journey.
