SAN FRANCISCO — On Saturday, August 30, the Golden State Valkyries created proud cultural history for the team, Chase Center, and the whole San Francisco Bay Area as they triumphantly defeated the Washington Mystics while also celebrating their first-ever Filipino Heritage Night.
The exceptionally sunny Labor Day weekend was made even more radiant as Filipino-specific festivities illuminated the Chase Center’s scenic waterfront. Beginning with a pre-game meetup, fans of Fil-Am NBA reporter Cassidy Hubbarth were able to meet and converse with her before she gloriously rode in a traditional Filipino jeepney.
Inside the arena, Filipino talent immediately took center stage as cast members of Larry the Musical: An American Journey Jocelyn Thompson-Jordan, Vida Mae Fernandez, and Kylie Abucay, evocatively belted the national anthem. Soon after, the beloved co-founders of Bay Area’s deliciously popular Señor Sisig Gil Payumo and Evan Kidera fired up the crowd with the ceremonial drum to officially signal a great night of sport and cultural appreciation ahead.
After a strong 1st half by the Valkyries against the Mystics, the crowd was further immersed in Filipino culture by the stunning performance of acclaimed local rapper Ruby Ibarra. Joined by the equally talented Ouida, they sang Ibarra’s Tagalog-centric “Bakunawa,” which recently won NPR’s 2025 Tiny Desk Contest and reimagines a traditional Filipino folktale. Ibarra commanded the court with confidence and the audience, whether or not they understood all of the language, still felt the same passion and fire behind her empowering lyrics.
Off the court, Filipino flavors were the VIPs in attendee’s stomachs. The Sarap Shop, highly demanded for their hearty portions and irresistible flavors, dished up sweet ube and crème brûlée snow cones to satisfy sweet tooths in unconventional Filipino style. Even the Valkyries’ mascot, Violet, joined in—humorously discovering ube which only fittingly matched her signature purple aesthetic.
Back on the court, aptly named “Ballhalla,” a special guest appearance by Jeremy Lin, Bay Area native and former Golden State Warriors guard, further energized the crowd and strengthened the night’s AAPI solidarity.
As for the game itself, Valkyries’s relentless pace and defensive pressure proved victorious with a mighty 99–62 final score against the Mystics. Among the highlights were Janelle Salaün contributing a grand 20 points, Carla Leite with 19 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting, and overall 15 turnovers. The Valkyries secured a two-game home win, strengthening their playoff chase.
However,the night didn’t just end at Chase Center. Fans kept the celebration alive at the official after-party at Victory Hall, where Cassidy Hubbarth and DJ LadyRyan spun the soundtrack to a community-wide dance floor until 10 p.m.
Along with the Valkyries’s stunning win, the other true victory was the widespread representation and appreciation of Filipino heritage. By providing a platform to celebrate the country’s resilience, accomplishments, cuisine, and artistry, fans left the arena Saturday night with greater unity across the SF Bay Area.
