According to a 2019 Pew Research study, San Diego has the fifth largest Filipino population and it continues to grow.
"It's hard work, it's dedication, it's passion," said Fina Surdilla, owner of Fina's Fashion Boutique and Alterations in National City.
Fina’s passion for fashion is what drove her to start her own alterations and traditional Filipino clothing business.
"It’s a dream for me, really, to be in the United States because of opportunities of course. Life in the Philippines is so hard it made me have a dream," said Surdilla.
Her dream began with just one sewing machine, a table and very little cash. Twelve years later, she uses the same sewing machine.
"Since I came here, since I'm new here in America, and I don’t have anything, there was a lady who helped me. She bought a sewing machine and I paid every month $20 to afford it," said Surdilla.
Her sewing machine has never let her down and neither have her loyal customers.
Not too far away in National City is a popular Filipino restaurant, Goldilocks.
The bakery chain based in the Philippines started by two sisters in 1966 has a full Filipino menu including cakes, steam buns, and more.
The store manager worked in the Philippines before immigrating here.
"It's a better opportunity. It's my dream since I was really young," said Goldilocks store manager, Imelda Tan.
Now, she’s worked there for nearly 20 years, yet she says the food never gets old.
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