Iconic Las Vegas Sign Lights Up in Red, Blue, and Yellow to Honor Filipino American History Month
LAS VEGAS, October 15, 2026 — The world-famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign was illuminated in the vibrant colors of the Philippine flag—red, blue, and yellow— Thursday morning to celebrate Filipino American History Month and honor Southern Nevada’s thriving Filipino American community.
The special ceremony brought together county officials, civic leaders, and advocates representing the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)—the nation’s largest affiliation of Filipino American institutions, organizations, and individuals, founded in 1997.
Hosting the ceremony, Clark County Commissioner April Becker opened the remarks by emphasizing the deep cultural and economic ties between the county and its Filipino residents.
"Lighting this landmark in red, blue, and yellow is Clark County's way of saying thank you and inviting everyone to learn this history and join the celebration," Commissioner Becker said.
Philippine Honorary Consul Amie Belmonte highlighted the pride and visibility this milestone brings to the diaspora.
"To see our heritage and our colors reflected on one of the most recognized landmarks in the world fills our community with immense pride," Belmonte stated during the live presentation. "It stands as a testament to the enduring bond, dedication, and service Filipinos have brought to Nevada and across the United States."
Closing out the official addresses was Gloria Caoile, co-founder of NaFFAA and a staunch national community advocate, who reflected on the long journey of grassroots empowerment and civic visibility.
"We stand on the shoulders of pioneers who paved the path for our community to be seen, heard, and valued," Caoile shared. "When this sign glows in our colors, it represents not only our vibrant past, but the thriving future of our youth and our rightful place in the American story."
The morning tribute built upon earlier remarks from Sally Balecha, president of NaFFAA’s Desert Mountain Region, who underscored the historical significance of the illumination.
"Lighting the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in red, blue and yellow is a meaningful celebration of Filipino American History Month and a tribute to the generations of Filipinos who have contributed to the strength and diversity of our Southern Nevada community," Balecha stated. "We are proud to honor our history, celebrate our culture and heritage, and recognize the many contributions of Filipino Americans who continue to make a positive impact throughout Nevada. On behalf of NaFFAA Nevada and the Desert Mountain Region, we thank Clark County for joining us in this special celebration."
In a separate interview conducted during the lighting ceremony, NaFFAA Nevada leader Michael Sta Juana conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Clark County Commission for making the milestone possible, sharing how uplifting it was to see Filipino Americans uplifted on such an iconic stage.
"We are so grateful to the Clark County Commission for this recognition," Sta Juana expressed. "It brings so much joy and pride to our hearts to see our Filipino American community celebrated and recognized in this way."
Filipino American History Month is celebrated nationwide every October to commemorate the documented arrival of the first Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587, and was officially designated by the U.S. Congress in 2009.
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