June 13, 2026
2 min read
LOS ANGELES - Following the successful North American launch of the Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC), renowned Filipino broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas experienced one of Los Angeles' most vibrant Filipino communities through the Pilipino Workers Center's (PWC) signature Historic Filipinotown Jeepney Tour.
Led by PWC Director of Communications Hannah De Castro-Abinuman, the tour began aboard PWC's iconic restored Sarao jeepney, driven by PWC worker leader Ryan Sotto. Joining the tour were BNC Los Angeles correspondent Steve Angeles, members of the Filipino-American Press Club of California, and the BNC news team.
Steve Angeles, who has covered PWC's work over the years through his reporting on Balitang America, joined the group in exploring the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles. "It's nice to show them a piece of the community that I've been covering for so long." said Angeles.
Throughout the tour, Korina Sanchez-Roxas visited Historic Filipinotown's most significant cultural landmarks while learning about the history of Filipino migration, labor organizing, and the community's enduring contributions to Southern California.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to Unidad Park, home to Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva's monumental mural, Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana (Golden History, Golden Legacy)—the largest Filipino American mural in the United States. Sanchez-Roxas was struck by both the scale of the artwork and the stories it tells about generations of Filipino Americans whose sacrifices and achievements have shaped California and the nation.
The group also stopped at the Valor Monument, where they reflected on the sacrifices of Filipino veterans who fought during World War II, including those who endured the Bataan Death March and spent decades advocating for recognition and equity.
The tour concluded at Temple Plaza, where Sanchez-Roxas explored Filipino-owned businesses, visited a neighborhood grocery store, and met with community members at Dollar Hits Plaza, taking time to connect with residents and experience the warmth and hospitality that define Historic Filipinotown.
For PWC, the jeepney tour is more than a sightseeing experience—it's an opportunity to preserve history, amplify community voices, and strengthen pride in Filipino heritage.
"Through our HiFi tours, we're not just bringing visibility to Historic Filipinotown, we're making our mark in the United States. Every stop tells a story of resilience, sacrifice, and community," said Hannah De Castro-Abinuman, PWC's Director of Communications. "We want people to understand that Filipino American history is Los Angeles history. By sharing these stories and continuing to support Filipino-owned businesses in the area, we help ensure that our community's contributions continue to be recognized and remembered."
PWC's Historic Filipinotown Jeepney Tour continues to welcome community members, students, visitors, media professionals, and partners who want to experience the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage while supporting the local businesses, landmarks, and stories that make Historic Filipinotown a vibrant center of Filipino-American life.
For more info about PWC's HiFi Jeepney Tours visit www.pwcsc.org/pwc-jeepney-club