11 October 2013 - The month of October has always been an exciting time for Filipino- Americans in San Francisco and the Bay Area as it is Filipino-American History Month.  This year’s celebration was kicked off during its opening weekend with a benefit concert by none other than Tony Award winner Lea Salonga on October 05 at the Nourse Auditorium in San Francisco.  The proceeds from the concert will go to PhilDev, a non-profit organization that aims to develop the infrastructure for science and technology in the Philippines.

The second day of the opening weekend witnessed a variety of programs at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.  This year’s theme is Farms to Tables: Filipino- Americans Then and Now.  During the opening ceremony, Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon stated that the Filipino story is part of the American story, including the tastes, flavors and toils of Filipino-Americans. 

California Assemblymember Rob Bonta also highlighted the contribution of Filipinos in the food movement in the United States and the importance of honoring the legacy of our leaders.  He also encouraged Filipinos to promote the state of Filipino-Americans in California.  The opening ceremony ended with a presentation of the Resolution signed by Assemblymember Bonta, recognizing posthumously Mr. Philip Vera Cruz and Mr. Larry Itliong, Filipino farm workers, for their leadership and dedication to working men and women throughout California.    

Among the other activities at the Asian Art Museum are artist demonstrations and hands-on activities, food presentations and tastings and short talks featuring Filipino-American artists and chefs in the Bay Area.  END