ANO? KAILAN? SAAN?

November 30, 2024

EVENT TITLE: Di Ullalim

TYPE OF EVENT: in-person

ORGANIZER(S): Manilatown Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Jennifer Bawer Young and Cirilo Bawer

WHAT: An afternoon of Philippine Kalinga epic poetry, music, and dance DESCRIPTION: Please join Jennilyn Bawer Young as she premieres her theatrical presentation, "Di Ullalim," informed by the Kalinga Epic Poem. Working in collaboration with her father, visiting Kalinga Culture Bearer Cirilo Bawer, this afternoon's performance will also feature visiting members of the Bawer family's performance ensemble, "Lumin-awa."

WHEN: Saturday, November 30, 2024

WHERE: International Hotel Manilatown Center

868 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

WHAT TIME: 1:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Free. Donations are appreciated.

RSVP TO: Inquiries only at mhf@manilatown.org

RSVP BY: Nov. 30, 2024 before the event

RSVP LINK: https://tinyurl.com/kalinga11302024 WEBSITE: https://www.manilatown.org/

November 23, 2024

EVENT TITLE: Club Mandalay

TYPE OF EVENT: in-person

ORGANIZER(S): Manilatown Heritage Foundation and Manilatown Arts

WHAT: An afternoon of live performances at this family-friendly event!

DESCRIPTION: Get ready to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience! The Manilatown Jazz Ensemble will take the stage featuring Caroline Cabading on vocals, Raymond Bambao on piano, Harold Ohashi on drums, Chris Planas on guitar, and special guests Ben Luis on bass and Melecio Magdaluyo on winds!

WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2024

WHERE: International Hotel Manilatown Center

868 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

WHAT TIME: 2:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Free. Donations are appreciated.

RSVP TO: Inquiries only at mhf@manilatown.org

RSVP BY: Nov. 23, 2024 before the event

RSVP LINK: https://tinyurl.com/clubmandalay11232024 WEBSITE: https://www.manilatown.org/

November 21, 2024

On November 13 and 14, 2024, the Philippine Trade & Investment Center - Silicon Valley (PTIC) and Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco successfully launched and presented "Tatak Pinoy: Likhang Laguna Goes to USA." Trade Commissioner Kitchie Umali and her team toured visitors during the unveiling and launch of the “Tatak Pinoy: Likhang Laguna Showcase” at the PTIC SV Lounge on the second floor of the Philippine Center on November 14, 2024.

Tatak Pinoy's goal is simple: Elevate Filipino products and services in the global marketplace. This initiative of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry's (PDTI) Competitiveness and Innovation Group focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises across the Philippines (MSME), whose high-quality offerings create jobs, drive and sustain economic growth. Pride in Filipino-made products and services is highlighted in the curated exhibits at the Lounge.

The Laguna entourage was headed by the Provincial Government of Laguna, the regional and provincial directors of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, and 15 exhibitors of heritage/artisanal/homegrown products and food delicacies from Laguna.

In 2023, the province of Laguna launched its "Likhang Laguna" seal of excellence. The exhibitors who visited San Francisco are among the gold and silver recipients of this government-issued seal, verifying that a product is made in the Laguna province of the Philippines and meets high-quality standards.

Trade Commissioner Kitchie Umali reiterated PDTI's mandate of promoting the Philippines as a destination for investments and a source of world-class products and services. She briefly touched on the key strategies to promote MSMEs, which include leveraging digitalization and artificial intelligence, encouraging product diversification, making available financing options, promoting franchising and mentoring, and presenting Philippine products in Philippine embassies and consulates. Inquiries about investments and business-to-business opportunities can be made through siliconvalley@dti.gov.ph or https://www.dti.gov.ph/overseas/silicon-valley/ .

October 17, 2024

Celebrating Filipinx Literature and Art: A Recap of the 7th Filipino American International Book Festival

The San Francisco Public Library recently hosted the dynamic 7th Filipino American International Book Festival, a free event that drew in a diverse crowd of book lovers, families, and curious attendees. Held on October 12-13, 2024, the festival showcased the rich tapestry of Filipinx literature and art, offering something for everyone.

Families with young children were delighted by the extensive selection of children's books, including "komiks," graphic novels, picture books, and coloring books, all brimming with Filipinx stories and cultural elements. Even culturally appropriate tarot cards, "The Decolonized Tarot," were available, reflecting the festival's commitment to inclusivity and representation.

This biennial event has seen remarkable growth since its inception in 2011, with an ever-expanding selection of books. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a postponement, the festival returned stronger than ever, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its organizers.

Engaging Discussions and Literary Insights

The festival featured insightful panel discussions and "Inkstorm" sessions, where authors and poets shared their freshly published works. Notable discussions included Ninotchka Rosca's observation about the vast potential market for Filipino writers and artists, highlighting the growing recognition and demand for their unique voices.

Chef Claude Tayag, a renowned culinary artist, graced the Opening Reception with his presence, launching the second edition of his book, "The Ultimate Filipino Adobo: Stories + Recipes from the Heart." He captivated the audience with a reading of a poem by Rio Alma, beautifully capturing the essence of "Adobo" in Filipino culture:

"A Hymn to Adobo: Oh! My Mother's adobo, Good for all seasons; Like a heart that loves, Gets better when it lasts."

This heartfelt tribute resonated with many attendees, evoking memories and emotions connected to this beloved Filipino dish.

Another insightful panel, "Poetics of Place & Transformation," featured poet Tony Robles, who shared his mother's wisdom: "Poetry exists wherever the poet happens to be." This simple yet profound statement emphasized the universality of poetry and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries.

Empowering Filipino Communities Through Literature

The panel on "Leading the Way: Filipinx in Publishing, Bookselling & Literary Organizations" offered valuable insights into the role of Overseas Filipinos in promoting Filipinx literature and culture. It emphasized the potential for partnerships with local libraries to organize book readings, "tertulias" (literary gatherings), and other events that showcase Filipino heritage.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of bookstores as "community connectors," encouraging collaborations between booksellers like San Francisco's Lily Prijoles of Arkipelago Books and emerging Filipino authors, poets, and artists. These partnerships can create a supportive ecosystem for Filipino creatives, fostering their growth and amplifying their voices.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Filipinx Literature

FilBookFest7 served as a testament to the thriving landscape of Filipinx literature and art. Driven by dedicated volunteers and spearheaded by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), a non-profit organization, the festival continues to provide a platform for Filipinx creatives to connect, share their stories, and inspire others.

As the Filipinx literary community anticipates the Philippines' special recognition as the "Guest of Honour" at the 2025 Frankfurt Buchmesse, the festival's impact extends beyond its immediate reach. It serves as a reminder of the power of literature and art to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and celebrate the rich diversity of Filipino experiences.

Join the Movement: Support Filipinx Literature

To support PAWA and their efforts in promoting Filipinx literature, consider volunteering for the next book festival in October 2026. Contact Edwin Lozada at pawa@pawainc.com or visit https://filbookfestival.org/ for more information.

Stay updated on the Philippines' participation in the Frankfurt Buchmesse at https://books.gov.ph/ . This prestigious event offers a unique opportunity for Filipino writers and artists to share their stories with a global audience, further solidifying the Philippines' place on the world literary stage.

*** FILIPINX: An alternative to "Filipino" or "Filipina." The key difference lies in its aim to be more gender-inclusive .

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EVENT TITLE: Philippine Mythology

TYPE OF EVENT: on-site

ORGANIZER(S): Manilatown Heritage Foundation

WHAT: Art Exhibit

DESCRIPTION: Don't miss this opportunity to explore the rich, vibrant world of Philippine Mythology! Manilatown Heritage Foundation presents an exhibition of drawings by San Francisco artist Jeanette Gandionco Lazam. Immerse yourself in ancient myths and legends featuring gods, mystical creatures, and Filipino folklore. Discover the stories of Bathala, the all-powerful creator, the bloodthirsty Sigbin, and the clairvoyant Dalikamata. These tales offer a glimpse into Filipino identity, values, and cultural heritage. (Lorna's note: There are no drawings of ghosts or the bogeyman, just some depictions of aswangs and Philippine deities.)

WHEN: From November 3, 2024 to January 31, 2025

WHERE: International Hotel Manilatown Center

868 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

WHAT TIME: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday

HOW MUCH: Free. Donations are appreciated.

RSVP TO: Inquiries only at mhf@manilatown.org

EVENT INFO: https://tinyurl.com/philippinemythologyexhibit

WEBSITE: https://www.manilatown.org/

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This Filipino community events announcement column is a community service project spearheaded by Lorna Lardizabal Dietz, a content curation of chosen events organized by community-based organizations and community events that benefit our diverse communities.

October 1, 2024

SFFACC hosts successful international chambers meet-up

The San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFFACC) and Bei Hotel hosted a successful International Chambers Meet-Up on September 24th, 2024. Held in the Bei Hotel lobby from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the event provided a valuable opportunity for chamber representatives to network, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. Each organization had a dedicated 2-3 minutes to present current projects, initiatives, and key opportunities that aligned with the attending chambers' goals.

This intimate gathering brought together key officers and board members from the following chambers: San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Council of District Merchants Association, Association of American European Chambers of Commerce & Business Associations / California-Spain Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Australian American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco, Business Association Italy America, French-American Chamber of Commerce California SF-LA, Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco, and Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce - North America.

SFFACC extends its gratitude to Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, for facilitating introductions. A huge thank you also goes to Bei Hotel's executives: Curtis Rusin (General Manager), Josh Cooprider (Director of Sales & Marketing), and Evelyn Cayaban (Hybrid Sales Manager).

Adding a touch of elegance to the event, Jeffrey Dumlao, a SFFACC member and founder of Chartreuse by Roje floral boutique, showcased a stunning floral arrangement in the hotel lobby. SFFACC board member Pearl Parmelee ("Tita Pearl") generously provided appetizers. The event was expertly coordinated by Jose Pecho, SFFACC board chair, and Raymond Garcia, SFFACC board member.

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Grow your business with the state of California!

We invite you to a transformative 3-part webinar series designed to empower your business journey. Join the California Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services, for insightful information and practical strategies.

This economic empowerment webinar series is facilitated by the California Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services, in cooperation with the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce.

Please RSVP for each webinar.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: “Your Next Client: the State of California”

We'll help you determine if selling to the state is right for your business. Join us to discover the tools and resources to conduct market research to learn what state departments buy and how to market your company to the state of California. We’ll share a small business success story in becoming state certified and securing a state contract. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/dgs10222024

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: “Become a Certified Small Business or DVBE”

Discover the opportunities and requirements to become a state certified Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. Join us to learn about state certifications and how to use Cal eProcure, California State Government Marketplace – your home for California's State Procurement and Certification Programs. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/dgs10292024

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, “I’m Certified. Now What?”

Take your certified business to the next level with state contracting! Join us to learn how to find out how to position your company to find contracting opportunities, connect with SB/DVBE advocates, and elevate your business’s chances of winning a contract. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/dgs11122024

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DISCLAIMER: This is my content curation of events, aka my choices, which are organized by community-based organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and community events that benefit our diverse communities. If you have questions about an event, click on the RSVP link or find the contact person or organizers mentioned in the announcement. There are some events included in this column that I help promote or organize.

I sometimes travel to places where there are few Filipino residents. However, I'm never surprised to find Filipinos wherever I go.

When you're in Humboldt County, you can always drop by and say hello to fellow kababayans , Juancho "June" Ignacio and his spouse, Feda, at the Eureka and Fortuna-based "Asia's Best Foods." Better yet, get to know more about ethnic studies from Stacey Ann Salinas, Ph.D. at College of the Redwoods. And yes, there are a lot of redwood trees in this county, and they are breathtaking!

Here's another SAVE THE DATE in October: The First Filipino Island Festival on October 5, 2024 at Alameda Point Taxiway H. It's FREE! Details at https://www.filipinoislandfest.com/ .

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

EVENT TITLE: Fil-Am Potluck

TYPE OF EVENT: on-site

ORGANIZER(S): Humboldt Asian & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity

WHAT: FilAm community potluck gathering with dinner, karaoke, and community building

DESCRIPTION: Bring a dish, snack, or drink to share! Karaoke provided by co-host, Stacey Ann Salinas, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, College of the Redwoods and Co-Founder of the Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies).

WHEN: Sunday, September 15, 2024

WHERE: Jefferson Community Center, 1000 B Street, Eureka, CA

WHAT TIME: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Bring a Filipino-themed dish or drink to share

RSVP TO: hapi.humboldt@gmail.com

RSVP BY: ASAP

RSVP LINK: Instagram @hapihumboldt

WEBSITE: hapihumboldt.org

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

EVENT TITLE: NaFFAA Northern CA Civic Leadership Forum

TYPE OF EVENT: on-site

ORGANIZER(S): National Federation of Filipino American Associations, NorCal

WHAT: A day of inspiring talks, engaging workshops, and networking with fellow leaders!

DESCRIPTION: Elevate. Equip. Empower. Whether you are a NaFFAA alumni member, an emerging or seasoned community advocate, or a student who wants to know what it takes to run for office, or work on legislative advocacy or on grassroots voter engagement, this is the place TO BE!

WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 2024

WHERE: Sentro Filipino: San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center

814 Mission Street, Mezzanine Level, San Francisco, CA 94103

Cross-street - Fourth Street (Parking Garage across the street)

WHAT TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Free. Donations are appreciated.

RSVP TO: Kevin Suarez, NaFFAA NorCal regional chair for inquiries at Kevin.Suarez@naffaa.org

RSVP BY: ASAP to reserve seats

RSVP LINK: https://tinyurl.com/civicleadershipforum09282024

WEBSITE: https://naffaa.org/

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DISCLAIMER: This is my content curation of events, aka my choices, which are organized by community-based organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area and community events that benefit our diverse communities. If you have questions about an event, click on the RSVP link or find the contact person or organizers mentioned in the announcement. There are some events included in this column that I help promote or organize.