By: Kyrie Sismaet
Monday, August 28- Culture and sports joyously came together for a night of celebration in the Bay Area as the San Francisco Giants hosted a jam-packed Filipino Heritage Night presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort at Oracle Park. From stunning performances by the Mabuhay Folkloric Society, Parangal Dance Company, and the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and inspiring appearances by winning athlete Sarina Bolden and more, the Filipino American Post was on the scene to provide a full coverage of all of the highlights.
Dancers perform outside at Willie Mays Plaza before the on-field shows.
As soon as Monday afternoon came to 5pm, baseball fanatics from far and wide began to flock to San Francisco’s Oracle Park to witness the Giants face off against the Cincinnati Reds. Many also attended to partake in the special Filipino Heritage Night festivities, which all kicked off via two pre-show performances out on both the Willie Mays Plaza with the Mabuhay Folkloric Society, and at O’Doul Plaza with the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts.
Filipina singer Tracy Cruz delivers the national anthem.
Dancing under the bright and pleasant sun truly warmed up the audience for the shows inside the arena, becoming further energized by DJ Umami’s music set that incorporated other famous Filipino American musicians like Olivia Rodrigo and Toro Y Moi. The performers then presented a lengthier show on the field with traditional dances, music, and intricate Tinikling choreography before having singer Tracy Cruz brilliantly delivered the national anthem.
Sarina Bolden poses with her proclamation of San Francisco’s official Sarina Bolden Day.
A truly special guest gracing the field was Sarina Bolden, the Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder and Philippine soccer team representative who has been garnering triumphant recognition with her victories in scoring the Philippines’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal and first historic World Cup win. Bolden was honored with having the day officially named after her in the proclamation by representatives from the Mayor’s office, and when asked about her take in being an inspirational role model, particularly for queer, Filipino, and mixed visibility in sports, the Santa Clara-born 27 year-old told the Filipino American Post, “now I’m being noticed as this role model and I hope I can represent the queer and Fil-Am community as best as I can. It’s a surreal experience being here for people to be supporting me and are so proud of me, so I’m just very happy to be here.”
Bolden served the ceremonial first pitch, and after the “Play Ball Kid” Harley Pullen announced her famous line, the game was on.
An attendee proudly poses with his commemorative “Barong Style” t-shirt.
The Filipino cultural celebration was not limited solely to the field, as during the game, spectators proudly displayed their exclusive commemorative “Barong style” t-shirts, posed for photos with Bolden, and gave particular attention to a specifically relevant food booth for provisions.
Tracy Cruz poses with The Lumpia Company’s owner Alex Retodo.
A fixture to both Oracle Park and the Bay Area, The Lumpia Company saw tremendous lines all night for their famous lumpia and unique Ube Ale and Calamansi Pilsner. Owner Alex Retodo was seen reveling in the crowd’s adoration with national anthem singer Tracy Cruz, who shared with The Filipino American Post her experience live performing. “I was so happy, excited, and nervous but it was a really beautiful experience and I’m so honored to perform! I was born in Quezon City, Philippines and just being on the field and being able to represent for my people was such an honor.” Cruz continues, “I actually had to hold back tears, but it was such an unforgettable experience that I will never forget and I’m so thankful to be able to have that moment.”
The SF Giants ended the night remaining victorious against the Reds in a final score of 4-1, with Kyle Harrison making his home debut Overall it was a fantastic and heartwarming night filled with a unified sense of community and solidarity celebrating the past, present, and future of intersectional Filipino heritage through music, dance, food, and powerfully inspiring athleticism.
