By: Kyrie Sismaet
San Francisco, CA – October 26, 2023- San Francisco City Hall’s Rotunda came alive on the evening of October 26, 2023, as the city hosted its 19th Annual Celebration of Filipino Heritage and Culture. After a rescheduling to honor the late Diane Feinstein, kicking off at 5:30 P.M., the grand venue echoed with the vibrant spirit of the Filipino community through performances, moving speeches, lifetime recognitions, and delicious cuisine. Talented hosts NBC Bay Area reporter Ginger Cornejo-Saab and former Mister GAPA Christopher Romasanta consistently enlivened the audience as she was joined on stage by several esteemed guests from the Golden State Warriors Hypeman Franco Finn, to San Francisco Philippine General Consul Neil Ferrer, Mayor London Breed, and so many more.
The evening commenced with a burst of energy, courtesy of the Parangaal Dance Company‘s captivating performance, setting the stage for an enchanting journey through Filipino history, traditions, culture, and diaspora.
Adding to the evening’s significance was the presence of Juslyn Manalo, a notable Daly City government trailblazer now working in alongside Mayor Breed in her office. Manalo’s dedication and contributions to the community served as an inspiring example, demonstrating the potential for positive change when passion meets purpose.
A pivotal moment of the night was the heartfelt recognitions. Chef Francis Ang and Dian Ang of Abaca were honored as Emerging Leaders, while SF Municipal Executives Association President Jocelyn Rodis was awarded as Community Champion, and Oscar Peñaranda, the founder of the Filipino American Arts Exposition was recognized as this year’s Trailblazer. All honorees underscored the night’s theme of “bringing the past forward” through his innovative gastronomy.
The event was not merely a celebration; it was a testament to the rich Filipino heritage thriving in the heart of San Francisco. Mayor London Breed, in her address, outlined the Filipino diasporic journey beginning in the 16th century, and expressed her gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the Filipino community’s resilience, strength, and solidarity to the city’s development and cultural mosaic. “We know there’s so much more work to be done,” she strongly emphasizes, “but tonight we celebrate the inclusivity and resiliency of this community, and the excitement of what’s to come. She cements the importance of commemorating such movements in fostering understanding, respect, and unity.
As the end of the formal festivities concluded, the vibrant energy of the evening only intensified. Attendees transitioned seamlessly into an enchanting afterparty, filled with the aroma of Filipino classics like the irresistible scents of not one, but two beautifully prepared lechons. Guests indulged in a culinary journey, savoring the flavors of crispy lumpia, decadent halo halo, and more. There was also a nearby community marketplace featuring local Filipino vendors and crafters showcasing their handmade arts and textiles.
In this lively afterparty, the celebration of Filipino heritage extended beyond the boundaries of City Hall’s Rotunda. Outside, City Hall was illuminated in the Philippine flag colors of red, yellow, and blue, a beloved and highly-anticipated tradition. With the shining colors boldly radiating through the foggy October night sky, this evening serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit, unity, and stories of the San Francisco Filipino community.
