San Francisco Mayor Leads Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off
A photo opportunity for the partcipants of the event at the San Francisco Hall on 09 October 2019. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO 22 October 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco supported the kick-off celebration of Filipino-American History Month led by San Francisco City and County Mayor London N. Breed on 09 October 2019 at the San Francisco City Hall.
On behalf of Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano represented the Consulate General at the celebration.
Deputy Consul General Solano acknowledged the milestones and honorees being celebrated this year, including the 75th anniversary of the landing of Filipino and American troops led by General Douglas MacArthur on the island of Leyte on 20 October 1944; the 25th anniversary of United Playaz, a non-government organization that works for the prevention of violence in San Francisco’s communities; and the 30th anniversary of Bindlestiff Studio, which nurtures Filipino performing artists and their craft.
Deputy Consul General Solano likewise underscored the importance of remembering the heroism of Filipino forebears who fought in the Pacific war as well as present-day heroes who continue to influence their adoptive communities positively.
Meanwhile, Mayor Breed highlighted her support for the San Francisco Filipino community and acknowledged the accomplishments and legacy of Filipinos in the United States, especially in San Francisco. In particular, she recognized the achievements of Filipino-American organizations that cater to the needs of the local community, such as United Playaz, Bindlestiff Studio, and 51-year-old West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center.
United Playaz (http://unitedplayaz.org/) is a San Francisco-based violence prevention and youth development organization that holds programs on school violence prevention, while Bindlestiff Studio (https://www.bindlestiffstudio.org) is a permanent community-based performing arts venue dedicated to showcasing emerging Filipino American and Filipino artists. West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center (http://westbaycenter.org/) offers various culturally-sensitive services for underserved youth, seniors, and their families, especially those located in the San Francisco Filipino cultural district of SOMA Pilipinas.
Mayor Breed presented letters of recognition to United Playaz, Bindlestiff Studio, and retired Judge Ronald Quidachy, the longest-serving judge of the San Francisco Superior Court who served up to his retirement in 2018.
Judge Quidachy was the first judge in California who is of Filipino descent. Along with a couple of Filipino students at the San Francisco State University, then student-leader Quidachy and former student activist Ms. Juanita Tamayo-Lott led Third World Liberation strikes in 1968 that led to the establishment of Ethnic Studies at the state university.
Young Filipino American talents, including renowned Parangal Dance Company, a rondalla group, World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2017 Silver medalist singer Kelly Ricafort, and young members of United Playaz, performed indigenous songs, dances, and a rap number. A dinner reception featuring Filipino delicacies immediately followed. END
Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano delivers remarks on the occasion. (San Francisco PCG photo)
San Francisco City and County Mayor London Breed (left) gives keynote remarks with her Filipino American Senior Adviser Marjan Philhour (rightmost). (San Francisco PCG photo)
Filipino American students from Bessie Carmichael School sing the national anthem. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Registration booth manned by Philippine Consulate General personnel. (San Francisco PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/.