While Minnesota Vikings safety Cam Bynum danced his way into the hearts of football fans across the world, the celebrations also put a spotlight on the love he has for his Filipino culture.
A strong presence in the Twin Cities Filipino community, Bynum and his family in December hosted his third annual Filipino Fiesta where they celebrate Filipino culture with food, dance and karaoke. This year, $12.5K was raised for typhoon disaster relief in the Philippines. A goal of the foundation's this year is to buy new fishing boats for the community.
Back in 2022 at The Thielen Foundation Softball Tournament Cam met the De Los Santos family, who eventually became his second family.
"The De Los Santos family really changed my life, me as a rookie alone having them welcome me into their house and a part of their family changed my life as far as seeing the way that people are so generous. They opened their home to my family and friends, as well, and that was huge for me to have people out here to eat with and have community; there's no way to measure my gratitude to them."
"Creating a community in Minnesota is huge for me with my family being in California and the Philippines. Having a Filipino community out here makes me feel like I'm home ... In the busyness of football season, it's really important for me to step back some days of the week and be able to have community that feels like family."
Never does a game go by without Bynum paying tribute to his Filipino roots, whether it's on his towel, cleats or waving a giant flag of the Philippines postgame.
Vikings photographer Alli Rusco tells the story.
View photos of Vikings S Camryn Bynum showcasing his Filipino culture by Vikings photographer Alli Rusco.
Cam meets the De Los Santos family at the Thielen Foundation Softball Game in May 2022.
"The De Los Santos family really changed my life, me as a rookie alone having them welcome me into their house and a part of their family changed my life as far as seeing the way that people are so generous. They opened their home to my family and friends, as well, and that was huge for me to have people out here to eat with and have community; there's no way to measure my gratitude to them."
After every early home game, Cam and his family go to the De Los Santos' house for dinner.
Cam cooking chicken adobo with his Auntie Tina.
Cam pouring sinagang.
Manny Pacquaio, former professional boxer, is an idol of Cam's.
"I was super inspired by what Manny did with his background of coming from poverty and be able to make it big in sports and work as hard as he did, but also give everything back to his community, putting himself last and representing God. That's the biggest thing I want to do — be a representation of the Lord. But on top of that, be able to help my community and be a hero to people looking up to me."
The first-ever Bynum Faith Foundation's Filipino Fiesta was held at Apoy in Minneapolis in December of 2022.
"Karaoke is, it's a running joke in the Filipino community that karaoke is an Olympic sport there — the culture out there is just music, dancing and enjoyment. I didn't get the trait that every Filipino can sing," Cam says. "Every house has a microphone and a karaoke machine; it's how they bond."
Cam singing with the community at the second annual Bynum Faith Foundation's Filipino Fiesta in December of 2023.
The Bynums, De Los Santos, Mendoza, and Yang family praying over the food after the Falcons game. The families were preparing for the third annual Bynum Faith Foundation Filipino Fiesta that was happening the next day.
Marissa Roque and Jen, Cam's mom, preparing for the third annual Bynum Faith Foundation Filipino Fiesta. Marissa brought boxes of goods from the Philippines for the event. They are holding parol.
More than 120 of people from the Filipino Minnesotan Association group were invited to the Lions game earlier in the season.
The Bynum Faith Foundation was created in 2023 with the mission is to provide aid and holistic relief to underprivileged communities across the U.S. and the Philippines by means of food distribution and psychological first aid to disaster victims, helping rebuild homes, distributing educational supplies, and inspiring youth in athletic activities like American football camps.
Dancers performing traditional Filipino dances at the Filipino Fiesta.
Cam and his wife, Lalaine, performing tinkling, a traditional Filipino dance.
Photo of Cam's pads with the flag of the Philippines.
These cleats were designed by Ant Kai and features the star on the flag of the Philippines.
Cam's impact on the Filipino community reaches fans outside of the state of Minnesota and is often seen at away games.
