12/03/2025
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Florante Peter Ibañez — activist, scholar, librarian, photographer, community organizer, mentor, and beloved member of our FANHS family – on November 30, 2025.
Florante dedicated his life to uplifting Filipino American history. He received his BA in Comparative Cultures from UC Irvine in 1977. After working and raising a family, he completed the joint degree program for a Master of Arts in Asian American Studies and a Master’s in Library Information Science at UCLA in 2006, later serving as an adjunct professor at Pasadena City College and Loyola Marymount University. For more than two decades, he worked at Loyola Law School as Manager of Library Computer Services, where his archival expertise helped preserve countless community stories.
As a young person, Florante was the epitome of a youth leader. He was a cofounder of both UCLA’s Samahang Pilipino and UC Irvine’s Kababayan. He was deeply involved in the Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP) and the struggle for justice and anti-martial law movements. He attended the first Filipino Far West Convention (FWC) in Seattle in 1971, and continued to attend, organize, and later write about the annual conventions. He met his life partner, Rose Estepa Ibañez, at the third FWC in San Jose in 1973. As key organizers of FWCs, they were married after the 4th FWC in Los Angeles, in what would often be referred to as “The People’s Wedding”.
Florante served as President of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) from 2010–2011. He was active in the California Library Association, American Library Association, City of Carson Historical Committee, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), FilAm Arts, FANHS-Los Angeles Chapter, the Filipino American Library, Association for Asian American Studies, Kayumanggi Lions Club, and more. He served for six years as a City of Carson Environmental Commissioner. In 2014, Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the California State Library Services Board, recognizing his decades of service in librarianship, technology, and community advocacy.
Florante was a prolific community historian. He and Rose co-authored the book, Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay. He wrote many papers and news articles about Filipino American history and contemporary events. Within FANHS, Florante was so much more than a leader. He was our volunteer FANHS National Conference photographer, our archivist of memories, and a mentor whose activism and generosity shaped generations. He embodied what it means to be an activist–scholar–historian.
We extend our deepest love to Rose, their daughters Gabriela and Mikaela, their grandchildren, and the entire Ibáñez family. Salamat for sharing Florante with us and our communities.
Rest in Pinoy power, Florante. Your light, your lens, and your legacy will forever guide our community.
