By: Kyrie Sismaet
Saturday, October 7- Sunshine and smiles illuminated Daly City’s Marchbank Park on a brilliantly sunny day as many flocked to attend the city’s Kasayahan celebration. In honor of Filipino Heritage Month, this community gathering was absolutely filled with a genuine sense of community as local Filipino food vendors, artists, businesses, and performers all came together to revel in cultural joy.
The Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center performs a traditional dance.
From creative books to bespoke crafts and delectable food trucks, there was no shortage of both Filipino and Bay Area pride, and it all kicked off right at 11am with the day’s hosts energizing the crowd with their witty banter and electrifying voices. Once the event officially kicked off, the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center welcomed the crowd with a traditional dance in stylish and synchronized form.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco also took the stage, with Consul General Neil Ferrer lauding Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura and the Daly City Government for their continued support and safety towards their Filipino American constituents.
Consul General Neil Ferrer gives a moving speech.
“I wish to echo the statement of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Ferrer quotes, “”the Philippines and the United States remain the closest allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackling the emerging challenges of the 21st century.'” Ferrer also thoroughly recognized the strides of past pioneers and those to come, affirming, “we also celebrate the achievements of younger achievements of younger Filipino Americans, many of whom have broken the ceiling, including the Bay Area’s very own Sarina Bolden.”
Vice Mayor Jusyln C. Manalo poses with singer Lani Misalucha.
Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura and Vice Mayor Jusyln C. Manalo also made their festival rounds and personally meeting with their local residents, all while sporting dazzling traditional regalia. When asked about he feels being at this event and representing the Filipino American community, Buenaventura intimately told The Post, “I look forward to this event every year because we get to bring people together, celebrate our history, explore diversity, and it’s just a good time because we have good vendors, great entertainment, we meet new friends, and it’s just a feel-good part of the year.”
Manalo added, “Kasayahan is always such a special event to celebrate Filipino History Month because it brings everyone together.” Prominent local artist Mikey Vee also talked with The Post, “it feels like an honor [to perform] because I grew up in Daly City. The community has been showing me so much support and it’s really great to see.”
The main stage acts showcased Innerlude, Francisco Martin, and Lani Misalucha, all of whom truly enlivened and unified the crowd. Misalucha shares, “it’s a really great opportunity for me to mingle and be one with our kababayans and to perform for them. It’s a great feeling to be a part of it.”
Overall, Kasayahan was as heartwarming and impressive as the warm weather and talent radiating the Saturday afternoon.
Nice Celebration!