Last May 10, 2024, during BeChinatown Night Market’s monthly event (every second Friday of the month until November), the organizers, vendors, participants, shoppers, and merry makers celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the streets of Chinatown, San Francisco.
The event’s organizers invited the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, through one of the board members, Ben Menor, to participate in the night market. The Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble, based at the historic International Hotel Manilatown Center (Manilatown Heritage Foundation), filled Grant Avenue with the captivating sounds and dances of pre-colonial Philippine rhythms. Manilatown’s history in San Francisco is deeply significant. Notably, the International Hotel’s resistance against eviction in the late 1970s played a crucial role in safeguarding Chinatown from gentrification.
Thank you to all the vendors, volunteers, the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco, and the Philippine Department of Tourism-San Francisco in making the streets of Chinatown rock with the power of economic empowerment and cultural pride!
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MAY 18, 2024
EVENT TITLE: The Ube Festival
TYPE OF EVENT: on-site
ORGANIZER(S): District 6, Marley’s Treats, and Filipino Culture Club
WHAT: A festival where food, culture, and community converge! Featuring Gabe Bondoc, Shortkut, GTC Band, Senor Sisig, Al Pastor Papi, Marley’s Treats, and more!
DESCRIPTION: Imagine a day dedicated entirely to ube – that enchanting purple yam that’s taken the food world by storm. With over 20 vendors dishing out ube-infused creations alongside their regular hits, you’re in for a treat that’s both unique and mouthwateringly memorable. This isn’t just another event; it’s an ube extravaganza you simply can’t miss! To elevate your ube experience, we’ve lined up live entertainment and a DJ to keep the good vibes rolling. Sing along, dance, or simply bask in the beats as you indulge in the best ube delights the Bay Area has to offer. While you’re savoring the sweetness, don’t forget to support the amazing small businesses that make this event possible. From unique crafts to delectable treats, there’s something for everyone!
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2024
WHERE: 428 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
WHAT TIME: Family-friendly doors open at 12:00 noon; open up to 5:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: The Ube Festival is an exclusive, limited-space affair. Avoid the FOMO (“fear of missing out”) by securing your tickets ASAP! Remember, procrastination is not your friend here. Tickets are pre-sale only – a golden rule to ensure you don’t miss out. Children under 5 and dogs under 50 lbs. enjoy free entry. Per person. $7 + $2.31 fee for 12:00 noon entry; $5 + $2.18 fee for 1:00 p.m. (and beyond) entry.
RSVP BY: May 18, 2024 before the event; You need a valid RSVP to enter the premises.
RSVP LINK: https://tinyurl.com/ubefestival05182024
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MAY 25, 2024
EVENT TITLE: Club Mandalay at the I-Hotel
TYPE OF EVENT: on-site
ORGANIZER(S): Manilatown Heritage Foundation via Manilatown Arts
WHAT: An afternoon of live performances at this family-friendly free event!
DESCRIPTION: It’s non-stop fun at Club Mandalay! Get ready to smile, dance and enjoy an unforgettable experience! This in-person event will bring together jazz and Latin music lovers and community enthusiasts from all around the Bay Area. Our in-house band, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble, will start the show with Caroline Cabading on Vocals, Raymond Bambao on Bass, Chris Planas on Guitar, Harold Ohashi on Drums, Vincent Khoe on piano, and Special Guest Soloist Melecio Magdaluyo! And you will be hungry for more when our guest, Sofrito, the Afro Cuban jazz ensemble, takes the stage with Max Yoshimoto on drums, Jarmon Baldaron on congas, Reiko Hasegawa on keyboards, Sylvia Sherman on bass, Kim Walesh on flute and Dan Shulman on trombone.
WHEN: Saturday, May 25, 2024
WHERE: International Hotel Manilatown Center
868 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
WHAT TIME: 2:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free. Donations accepted.
RSVP TO: Inquiries only at mhf@manilatown.org
RSVP BY: May 25, 2024 before the event
RSVP LINK: https://tinyurl.com/clubmandalay05252024
WEBSITE: https://www.manilatown.org/