Transcripts For SFGTV Filipino 20240702

[music] [music] a beautiful evening to awful lets hear it for the beautiful dance. Has been a staple at commune events and they fwring all the time. A good evening to everyone here. Thank you so much for your presence. We are celebrating the ninthanual filipinoamerican History Month celebration with mayor london breed. Good evening to you mayor breed. And the city of San Francisco. I amming one of your hosts ginger from nbc bay area and along side me is this gentlemen franko finn. I cant do you justice. You did great. Good to see you, ginger. Come on this is one of my favorites ginger, i know each year how many been more then and there this year . 23, 4, a lot of supporters for thez now to this celebration, welcome this is one of the best celebration in my opinion especially in city hall. I look forward to im excited cohost with you again. We are the warrior season starting soon all right. Started this week. Im excited 21 seasons for me, i cant believe it. You must have started really young 8. The high school we went to. Exactly. Why we were young. You know tonight im proud, october Filipino American History Month there is so much to celebrate it is already the end of the month. We are so proud to collaborate with the Host Committee a round to the Host Committee. By the way. Working hard to make this possible for us tonight. Yes. And tonight is a moment us occasion we are excited celebrate filipino and filipinoamericans all overnight are world. Hispanic heritage. Italianamerican, give it up for that Indigenous Peoples day on october 9 this month. Initial coming out day october 11. Larry young birthday october 25th. Round of applaud for that. October is busy very busy and we live in an incredible city, place the bay area in general where we are blessed to see all those things every day and play out in october. And this is i time that we as filipinoamericans honor our past and present or call it, past forward. Past forward. Nice ring to temperature you get this joke. That was written in there. As thissiers theme we recognize 1 twitch years of filipinoamerican history. Since the signing of the treaty of paris by spain and the u. S. Treaty that lead to the u. S. Annexation of the philippines, port rico, guam. Cuba opened the doors for the people this came before you to immigrate here to the United States. Begin our narrative and start our american dream. Right . Absolutelies. It is in the a dream that has been easy. It has fair share of challenges as many groups had. On the opposite side coming out of that, we as a community built resilienceful perseverance, a lot of love and continuous hope. Which is always beautiful to the look and seat example that thes have been put forward by those before. If i may take this opportunity. Speak of hose before us. Before we do get started with our celebration. We like to take this time to honor the memory and legacy ofus senator and formy San Francisco mayor Diane Feinstein. And an esteemed Community Leader greg. First a round for senator feinstein. A quick personal share, i was very fortunate to be an intern for her office in dc my junior year in collegism met the senator. We exchanged brief words about San Francisco. She was always very prud. She is inspire to being a young woman a trail blazer not just on the National Stage but of course, how everything began here in city hall and i was honored to you have been report about her and her legacy an among ago we were up stairs and people liningum and signing the books outside city hall what a site what a site. And our second female mayor of San Francisco sittings there following right in her legacy and her first up in making her legacy mayor breed. Thank you for joining us. A great legacy thank you for sharing that story. She loved San Francisco as much as we do, too. And proud natives of this city i dont have a lot to celebrate. Thank you Diane Feinstein for everything you have done in the city. Nice words lets talk about trail blazers. She is i trail blazer we will have awards for trail blazers in our community. We have Community Champions this are here in the house tonight very talent the filipinoamericans here in the bay area. Of course the performances and all that in between. And tonight is about recognizing those that have paved the way for all across the United States and those continuing to create a legacy for us here in the Filipino Community. Stick around we got celebration here. My favorite part of any event capitol f, food. Come on, you know i dont come like this over night there is food. 2 you go tie Filipino Party that means it is a big deal. Yao dont get 1 every day there are 2, my goodness. Both are looking at mow saying when are you going to eat mow. I hope soon. We will have the north light court a pop up marketplace. All the food. Venders please stick around we have a celebration here. Lets support our local filipino artisans and Small Business owners. So im getting hung row. I am, too. Kickoff our festivities we are starting off with having lowon will sing the Filipino National anthem and the spark of creation choir sing the American National anthem. Welcome them on stage. [singing] [applause] o say can you see. By the the dawns early light. What so proudly we hailed. At the twilights last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight. Oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets red glare. The bombs bursting in air. Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. O say does that star spangled, banner yet wave. Oer the land and of the free. And the home of the brave. [applause] can you do that . No. But i need to learn from those young ladies. Beautiful. About how far thank you so much. Spark of creation choir as well as lowon pala that was beautiful. Beautiful. Ladies and gentlemen every year we celebrate Filipino American History Month in october established by filipinoAmerican National Historical Society back in 1992. Am now october was chosen the mont to commemorate the arrival of the first filipinos at marrow bay that happened way back in the day i did not know this as a girl. I learned it later on in life it is amazing the first filipinos came in 1587. Wow. October. And the us of america has one of the most complex cultural identities in the world. Millions ofim grants from all over the globe journeys to america since the europeans discoverd and colonized this place back in the 17 and 18th centuries the rich and long history of the United States. Now the blylevening of cultural backgrounds system specific and unique to the United States. Become a melting pot of the world. Philippinose are among the millions of immigrants. I see my dad there. He is one. Thank you. For your unending support. We. I gave a shout out. The meting pot of immigrants people made sacrifices to chase a dream here. Tonight we recognize the trail blazers, Community Champions and emerging leaders that continue to put filipinoamericans at the forefront of making this an amazing, great country. That we must continue to believe. But first it is my honor to introduce our Event Committee chair San Francisco entertainment commissioner, and the man this never sleeps mr. [inaudible]. Al come on. Round of applause. Thank you. Hello, everyone. It is my honor and fridge to introduce our honored host of the beautiful Filipino American celebration the last 6 years. She is a champion and friends of the Filipino Community. In many filipino events celebrating our community. Made it a point to attend year after year and serve as a parade grand marshall in 2019. She has been advocate for community and vital support in the purchase of buildings for filipino serving Community Organizations like united players and west bay. And has supported men initiate itches and communities with highest concentrations of under served residents including the soma neighborhoods. She lead the city through through the pandemic and use judgment and stewardship in our post pandemic recovery. Through her leadership, San Francisco the city this knows how, will be show case in the the world stage when we host the, peck summit next month. As a native to the beloved city she is addressing the Critical Issues facing San Francisco residence denials and focused on promoting opportunities for not just fill ponento commune but all. Join mow in welcoming our mayor madam mayor london breed. [applause] thank you so much. Al for your heard work and year after year for cordinating this event. And let me also say to the Filipino Community that is joining us today, and including our general of the pill philippines. Thank you, thank you all for your understanding and accommodating us and moving this festival this event to another day in order to honor the legacy of our mayor our senator Diane Feinstein. This event was planned a couple weeks ago and because of her unexpected passing, and the need to host her here in city hall, this communities went did not hesitate to agree to move it to this date today. In order to allow for this service to take place. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for what you did to make that possible. But also express my excitement to see so many people here tonight, in celebration of our filipinoamerican community at city hall. And let me start by rescue noising some of our lected leaders today i want to thank supervisor walton as well as supervisor matt dorsey. And supervisor engardio and mandelman here. Thank you to the board of supervisors for joining us here today. I want to thank our City Attorney david chu is joining us as well. Our fire chief Jeanine Nicholson and so many elected leaders. And will our chief of protocol who helps ensure the relationships that exist with our communities across the globe are in tact. Our chief of protocol thank you for being here today. And to our great host yling and franko you guys are doing a wonderful job we are glad to have you every year. And let mow just say to this commune that today is an opportunity to celebrate. The Filipino Community that descended on San Francisco in the early 1900s mostly lived in the south of market community. And what is so extraordinary about that time in comparison to now we are finally at a good place where we are investing in the Community Like never before. Yling and franko referenced the most recent, significant purchases that occurred. The purchase of Additional Space for u noticed players run by rudy corp us and the new permanent home of west bay im not sure if carla is here. But these extraordinary institution support the Filipino Community they embrace all of San Francisco with amazing programs for families, seniors and kids. This community is celebrating past forward. Celebrating what happened in the past but awfuls how far we come to move our neuroeveraffordability forward with our communities and children and history and culture. Today is a celebration of that of the resiliencey of this community the xoiment about what is to come. We want to appreciate you all for being here today at city hall to cell brit. We than there is so much more work but we appreciate the inclusiveness and how the community is coming together today. To not only celebrate your heritage but share your heritage with the rest us. I want to that i can take this moment to acknowledge and recognize the Host Committee and al perez for his leadership. Our Council General, neil ferrara being here and continuing to be a champion and add haveicate in the community. Our mc yling and franko. Todays keynote. We are looking forward to hearing from you. And all of the honorees being recognized tonight, thank you for being here and iment to ask al perez to come forward at this time even though he is working making sure everything is together. Come on up. On behalf of the city of San Francisco we are goo going to declare it filipino heritage month in San Francisco can we have our elected leaders in the Host Committee to come forward for a photograph, please . Lets have the dance company. Yawn mercado, neil to come up as well. If we can have the hest committee come up as well. Host committee. A roun, everybody. Putting this together Host Committee. Come up, please, please, if we can have neil ferera come up. Get awardees, come up to, not yet. Mayor. Not yet come on up. We have you up there who i we are the mayor here with us. That will be the last and then the next portion. Awardees come up with your families. Wonderful. Upon one last thing i wanted to acknowledge former mayor and former councilmember in daly city ma nalo now work nothing my office thank you so much. She is joining the team of the Mayors Office in San Francisco now thank you so much. Thats amazing. We can have Council General ferera come up and say your speech. Thank you. Thank you. Mayor. Neil ferera, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much. San Francisco Mayor london breed. Members of the San Francisco board of supervisors and federal, state, counts and he city officials present. San francisco entertainment commissioner al perez and members of the San Francisco filipinoamerican history among organizing committee our awardees for the filipino history among celebration. Members. Filipinoamerican community. Other guests. Good evening. Before i begin please allow mow to take this opportunity to pay electron to the late u. S. Senator and San Franciscos first woman mayor Diane Feinstein. A good friend of the philippines and champion of freedom and democracy for peoples around the world. Many Filipino Americans remember how mayor feinstein appointed people from the Asian American community in San Francisco including Filipino Americans in office. They remember how mayor feinstein attended many events including the philippine consulate general and took time to visit many homes with interest in knowing the condition of women of color including female filipinoamericans. Feinsteins legacy of trail blazing live on in the years to come. You in gives me great privilege to join you for the thenth celebration of filipinoamerican History Month in the city and county of San Francisco. The 31 years ago by filipinoAmerican National Historical Society. October has become the month long commencement rigz of filipinoamerican history. Which dates become to october 15, 1587. With the arrival of natives in california. Considered the first recorded presence of filipinos in the United States. Today this translates to 436 years of fill ponento presence in america predating the founding of the United States by 189 years. For filipinoamericans in california october also holds significance as you remember the life and legacy of filipinoamerican farm worker upon union leaderan verse row yesterday october of 25 celebrated state wide. Amplified call for better labor condition in california. And inspired a generation of Migrant Workers in america to fight for racial and social justice. Closetory home, the year 2023 marked mile stonan verse rows the filipinoamerican community in San Francisco mainly, the 15 years of the dance company. 30 years of the and raid of the filipinoamerican art exhibition. 30 years of fill ponento cinema festival. And 50 years of the know fran filipinoamerican chamber of commerce. For machine like mow born and raised in the philippines i believe it is important to celebrate filipinoamerican history machining to shine a spotlight on contributions of filipinos and filipinoamericans to so sight. Commend filipinoamericans in San Francisco and across the bay area when are active partners in fit penal development. Sharing the expertise, experience and resources with up and coming filipino [inaudible] ino have aors and change makers take pride in young filipinoamerican many broken the bamboo ceiling including vocabularya bowelen of the San Francisco night hawks who med history the 2023 fifa womens world cup philippines first ever goal scorer male or at the sock are world cup and digest northern Delegation Program asianamerican Community Leader nikki chan. Oak land. Vice mayor of daly city. Mental Health Proponent and fill ponento nurse advocate. Im confidence the relithes with the philippines and the United States will endure. Rot in the our shared history, have yous and aspoiration and it is our 4. 2 million filipinos in the United States who are nuts and bolts of the special rep. Commencement rigz of the month inspired us to preserve our shared history the merchandise ouran cestors not forgotten by future generations and may it u notice our local lead and community to fulfill the america promise of fair and just society for all regardless of land of birth or color of our skin. Gratitude to mayor breed in the city of San Francisco for your continued recognition of the vibrant filipinoamerican community in the city and for the investment you are doing in the south of market. We are proud of the contributions and, choef ams of our Thriving Community here. It is praise worthy more are joining the commissioners. In serving the San Francisco government. Including Kevin Benedict of the Police Commission and franko of Phil Commission and now i heard vice mayor ma nalo joining the Mayors Office. I acknowledge the year recognition of our Community Proud culture and history through events such as the San Francisco giants and Golden State Warriors and i note the warriors are hopefuling their first filipino heritage notice on november 18. Ladies and gentlemen, following the challenges of the past 2 years the San Francisco City Committee embark on a trade business, cultural and humanitarian venture from march 25 to april if i have this year headed by Mayors Office and sister city chair carmen collett. Renewal of sister city religions and the first woman mayor is a testament to the standing between manila and San Francisco and the philippines and the United States. The maiden flight ofaves director services to manila will take sfo this sunday october 29. To mayor breed and other local officials and friends we love to see you in a United Airlines or Philippine Airlines flight for manila to join the Sister Committee mission to the philippines like director Close Encounter with the [inaudible]. Hope you will discover for yourself why well is so nouch see and more to love the philippines. San francisco welcomeings this november for the Asia Economic Operation Leader meeting i look forward to the accel bragz of economic scientific and technological as well as educational and cultural exchanges with our 2 nation the philippine economy is innertwined we are committed to work with the u. S. To an inclusive sustainable 40 for all. Per inship im looking forward to is the signing of a multimission contract with San Francisco start up company not far from here on the side lines of the apeck meetings bringage internet sattelite to the fill poens benefitting millions back home. We heap to engage with more u. S. Companies. We invited business and executives in San Francisco in the greater bay area to the philippine economic of president marcus junior and his Economic Team on november 15 in San Francisco. It the president and his cabinet secretaries will discuss Philippines Investment and Business Prospects and the latest development on the philippine economy. Shareit cbsaustin. Com Philippine Government spending priorities. Infrastructure and programs and reports this open the economy to foreign investments. It was only in 2015 or 8 years ago manila hosted apeck we are aware of the challenges of hosting tense of thousands of officials and mode why. I join you in wishing for San Francisco successful hosting of the apeck this november. Finally i echo the statement of philippine president and u. S. President joe biden at the white house last prisoning when than i said and i quote, the philippines and the United States will remain the closest of al ice working together to deliver a better 40 for our citizens and tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We express the confidence tht special tight with our nation and people will only grow with time. Upon the fill ponents and the United States continue to realize their shared vision of partnership, pes and practice perity. Thank you very much for your attention. San francisco. [applause] thank you very much. One more time. Neil fer we have the pleasure to have our keynote address. Community leader, Small Business and community add haveicate take the stage. Give a round of applause hi. Everyone. Good evening. Im majorition and i have to say it is an honor to be here with all of you tonight. To be here with our Filipino Community that embodied so ump the resilience, strength and the love that we knoll this rotunda tonight itch want to take a mobile home to recognize mayor breed who embodies so much of our struggle and our power. Here in San Francisco. I know and i have seen first handled show sees our community and heres us the first thing she did when elect in the 2018 was to literally bring the entire community in the bay area and San Francisco into the Mayors Office. The first meeting of the kinds. Not so that she could talk to us. Or so talk at us. But to hear us and see us. And hear leadership has always centered the voice of our communities and others fighting in this fight. The voices of our families are voices this are demanding. With mayor breed safer streets and communities. I thriving economy. Thriving mall businesses. Many filipino businesses and organizations not just here in south of market but all over our city and a more common sense prop to our government. Thank you, mayor breed for your leadership and recognition of our community. I would like to thank and recognize our const. El general. You have been so enengaged and supportive offer Community Efforts and for the values of community and unity in San Francisco. Thank you for your support and always being there. E approximately San Francisco all the worldville eyes on San Francisco in just 2 weeks. Thank you for being here. So my parents immigrateed San Francisco in 1968. They met San Francisco state. And worked heard to provide for my brother and me in a country that was new and was strange. One things i noticed growing up in 70s and 80s whether here in San Francisco or in other parts of the bay area but not really in daly city. People would ask me. What are you, where are your parents from. I found out that sailing my parents were from iran and the philippines took a lot of explanation. During this time in the 70s, filipinos had been making their america for years special with the strugying of the international holing the most famous residence denials for fill ponentos and left standing after the neighborhood was demolished for the financial district. Symbolized the struggle for identity, Self Determination and civil rights and birth of Tenant Rights Movement in San Francisco. As a kid and i young adult i anyhow there were so men people who would work hard to provide for me and for my family. And also provide us with opportunity in my Immediate Community and neighborhood but in the communities this surrounded mow. Every where you locked fill ponentos were there and helping in the just become then it was through the opinion dem and i can daily lives. And we are still here it was not just in the 70s and 80s and mid 20th century we are here and fighting and going strong. Filipino americans the Fastest Growing americanasian growing population in the state of california. We are your local business ordinance. First responders. Teachers, police officers, neighbors and your lected officials. Today, we come together to reflect upon 125 years of shared history with fill ponento and americans and the history this in many ways i just learned more about over the course of this month as we cap off fill ponentoamerican History Month the events of the spanishamerican war. During this war, the span yards refused to surrender to the philippinose. Refused to accept tht philippinose could defeat them in war. They would rather vernaled to the United States which is what happened. So who i we come together tonight to celebrate our history and our community, it is i bit are sweet reflection of conclusion of the worry in 1898 resulting in the signing of the treaty of pair i guess. The treaty not only transferred fill ponents from pain at this time United States but also the other spanishical neils puerto rico and guam. The philippine delegation was barred from participating or a say about the 40 of their home left lane. Despite all they had built together and despite the culture and the industry and all that they had to build up their home land and done to fight the spanish they were refused a seat at the sabl and fighting for this ever since. Had began as a role by the span yards turned a challenging chapter of new identities for filipinos. We see the strength and resilience all original us. Her in san if fran as we come together under this dome and as we grow the crowd and the parid and enjoy a cheese burger at uncle boys in therism mondistrict. So good. Philippinose are making our mark. Today is not just about looking back. It is also about looking forward. Looking forward to the next jen raying of Filipino Americans the fill ponento americans in this room who are going to make history in the future. The Filipino Americans who are sitting in the room who are going to carry the torch of ancestors and define new chapters and carve new paths for our over community and the entire world around us. Well is Something Special in this room and special in our community. I know we will be seeing more of that in the years to come. As we reflect on the past within 25 years let us strengthen resolve and continue our fight for representation and not just for this seat at the table, but the life of our community. We owe it to our forefathers and foremothers to remember, celebrate and to continue building bridges. Understanding and unity. Thank you very much. [applause] that happens beautiful. All right. Ladies and gentlemen tonight we will be honoring and, warding those that have represented and contributed to our Filipino American community. But before we get to that, lets change up the pits i bit what is i Filipino Party without more music. Im happy to introduce tracie cruz performing i song the unofficial filipinoamerican anthem. [singing] [singing] [applause] good evening. Im budget director of municipal transportation. Im a deputy City Attorney with the City Attorneys office and pedestrian pedestrian President Bar Association of Northern California we have the honor of sprucing 4 inspirational leader in the bay areas pill phonoamerican community. The fact that the leaders nominated by pore system i testament to the respect and admiration they have earned through outstanding contributions to our community. This year horizonorees dedicated live in elevating food. Improving City Services and documenting and promoting history and culture in San Francisco. They in from the private, government and nun profit sectors showing the service can be done in all fold in our community. The leader award rescue noises successful leaders who have leadership. Thinking and vision and distinguished service to organization and community. Inferenceis and diane anxiety the heads and Wife Team Behind the successful restaurant. Francis was the winner of eater sf pop up of the year and i San Francisco chronicle rising star. Garred, worried from best new restaurant. Helped highway light filipino toed in the San Francisco restaurant theme. Hen i garthing place for filipino family in San Francisco. And a source of provide for the community. Aside from running her Small Business than i supported causes in their spirit. Including [inaudible]. Please join us in welcome diknow and francis anxiety as 2023 fill ponento american History Month e merging leader honorees. My anymore is inferenceis the own of the restaurant at the warwharf thank you for the honor of us being recognized as e merging leaders. A bit about the restaurant we are contemporary we visit back home and understand we grew up in philippines. As you know it is an island. It is a very complex cuisine. You know when is authentic to you minot be to our family. What is awe thennic to our family may not be vice versa. So we understands that upon we take that to heart. You know we we learn. When is traditional and this way we take it back here inspect california and San Francisco where we have the best produce and restaurants in the america. Really. And create authentic cuisine. A bit more we are a fell. Our personal mission is to credit know environment this encourages selflessness and growth. We are dedicated to educate our staff with the knowledge this we accumulate in the this industry. Miseem like we hear you look young to own a restaurant. I have been cooking for 20 years that it is a language time as a chef. Our greatest achievement is not from awards me and diane receive but our staff and family how they have grown and how you know they are the next generation of chefs and leaders and than i other next generation of filipinos represent the philippines beyond the philippines. And if you have in the been to the restaurant please in see us. Come feel you know our fill peno hospitality and a mom and pop restaurant. And [applause] [applause] next award recognizes outstanding individuals, leaders and advocates work to improust quality of life of the community and selfless low toward a goal that benefits many. Josalin service the director of issue counting operations and system for the controllers office. She is the president of the San Francisco Municipal Executive Association or the sfmta. For the past 2 democracied show has been the highest ranking fill ponentoamerican managers in San Francisco. In a model public serve an. A mentor to filipino City Employees and one of the most highly respected managers in the city. In recognition of her outstanding leadership she received a 2012 public manager Excellence Award by the San Francisco planning and urban Research Organization for spur. Josalin served the city. In her time at dpw, puc and the San Francisco controllers office. She has done project its make city prosecute cure am efficient, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. She has done her job with highest ethical standards and deep care. Many are here tonight. Many staff leaders themselves through her support and mentorship. These qualities the reason elected by mea to be their president for over 4 yers. As president she is ensured financial sustain ability and advocates for welfare of managers in the city. Join mow in welcoming judges listen the 2023 fill ponentoamerican History Month community champion. Joining here is Miguel Gerrero representing our experience the Golden State Warriors. Good evening a delightful night to celebrate filipino heritage im grateful to be here and so humbleed get this, ward i wanted to mention the important names that have supported myself and the Filipino Community. Starting with mayor breed who was the first mayor attended the first sfmea and general ferer is here. I have also the mea executive team. Chris romero, andrea and a lot of the Board Members are here tonight. Mea is consists 1500 Department Heads, senior managers and executive managers. Middle managers and we do a lot for the city suchace health care to public safety. And fiscal and policy. The 1 thing they also. Ed to thank my mom who is here tonight. This is her first formal event. Since covid has in the been out of the house. She does not always remember my name but knows i am her daughter. And i also wanted [applause] okay mom dont cry. I also. Ed to thank my husband. Our wedding was 20 years ago and signed the more tality agreement all duties assigned with you my husband i dont think i would have a balanced work and home life. I wanted rescue noise the distinguished member and Department Heads and burden of supervisors. And im just i reflect the my 25 years here in the city i started working for k pmg and worked for the control exert k fo in Patriot Industry the met fulfilling job is to work in public sector. Part of the work we do is to enhance the lives of every private citizen. Watch over every tax dollars are spent appropriate low. If there is one thing that i willment to do all over again is to start and work in Public Service from the first day i grut from college. I really think well is manage this come out of working for the gentleman. Not for profit you have to have a commitment to do Something Better for the community. Soy. San francisco now has so many problems like any big city. We have homelessness, crime, but it is the thing of big city. And with everyone helping together jointly, Small Businesses, private industry, big businesses. Nonprofits cbos. And government and private citizens, i think we and make it better. I men it is just part of if you come to the United States and you make San Francisco your home, it is your duty and responsibility to protect and make it prosper. With that i wanted end and saying to all the city and county employees here, most of them are all here i want to say, you make my job easy. Because you dot work i just go and sign the documents or approve them and thank you and have a nice evening. Thank you very much. [applause] last but not least the triblaze are aworried a lifetime of w from outstanding organizations and Community Leaders whose lives and stories exemplify courage, commitment despite obstacles made a positive impact in the community. Our final honoree oscar live exclude chronicled contemporary filipinoamerican history. Oscars story as an author, activist and educator of philippine culture. Begin in his birthplace and home of ancestors, farm workers a connection to the land. The age of 12, oscar migrited veteran cower and opened the First Philippine consulate of canadian moves to San Francisco when he was 17. Oscar graduated and attended school the San Francisco city college and obtained bachelor in arts and lit are tour and masters in creative writing at San Francisco state university. The first masters of english and creditive write negligent country. In the summer wed in farms picking fruit. Holings and restaurants. And gained position in list lapse canary and fisheries. Wing one sumner list lapse he was asked to teach a class in the new ethnic Study Department at sf state. There, oscar created the fill ponento study program. Throughout his career as an educator he played a significant role in institutionalizing philippine studies in the United States. Educator for 40 years and writer for more. He received the [inaudible] Writers Guild of the philippines for his efforts and writings and community projects. He founded the San Francisco chapter of Filipino American Historical Society. Lives at the historic institutional. Interinitial holing in San Francisco. Please gin mow in welcome oscar as 2023 Filipino American History Month trail blaze are honoree. Joining oscar on him and carmena. Thank you i want to express my thanks to the people that put this thing together. You know and wanted remind you that what would i trail blaze are be if there was not to be the path using that tri. The folk when is followd and refined that as they use today. Using occasions to proclaim and educate the public and the upbringing my elders impressed upon me. A trail blazer should make you remember. Close who had gone before yous well as those coming after. With deep gratitude to my aunties and mother for i like many was raised by most low women. Most everything i know i learned from women. There were not all nice things, either. But i thank them as well as you and you all anyway. I will tell you my other i guess institution i want it thifrng this is the city of San Francisco itself. In most of my writings and all of my characters know fran is always the main character. In the foreground or background but she is always there. I want to read manage from the city that i expressed to you i will have my next book out in city lights next among, book store go there and there is toed there, too. Let me look for it here because i dont know. Yea. Now. It is it is a crazy town issue San Francisco. Well it is. But i love her. Her wild wind. Her krez up and down streets, hidden and in the hidden beach and parks. And no matter how long you lived in the small big city you always run in a street you never seen before. A city where you put your jacket on then take it off again about 3 times walking 10 blocks. And in those 10 blocks you tr verse the diversity of the globe from all continents. I krez down. But with a spirit this breathes and attracts creativity and often times influence the trends and lifestyles. Of the times. I had a lawyers quarrel with the city for as long as i can remember. Memory like music and water. It only takes a moment and the light of her december moons make up with me again. I take comfort in her streets. In the chaotic madness of the world she is a hane, sometimes. And back in her arms again the city that broke my heart twice. There is a sunset like feeling about the place. As if you far away and home at the same time. This city is my city. I am a part of it as much as she is of me. There is no San Francisco without peoples footprints on it. Without the wordos temperature without the dancing foot steps all over it and my parents and Children Stories on it. This is how i finally came to see the city and how i found my own voice. A place for things to change quickly and memory is important. Thank you. [applause]. At this point i like to invite honorees and the presenters for a group photo. Thats hay love about our commune events. The left time i saw you you were in your moms belly. A round of applause. Congratulations france and is dionne. Josalin. I like to take this moment to honor the memory and legacy of prisoner of worry survivor during world war ii and a medal of honor recipient. As well as loved community volunteer. Ladies and gentlemen up next we have a performance by dana who will be sing her rendition veryament for this moment and celebration of hero. [music] [singing] [applause] thank you so much. Dana that was beautiful [applause] that is song 7622 on my magic sing. I know the number. I know. All right. Next year. All right. Thank you so much dana and to all of our awardees this evening and of course to everyone here tonight. Dont move yet i irrelevantment you to hear all the people this we have to thank that helped make this show. In this night happen. Thank you our planning committee. Manny and mason lee from mayor breeds office. Sfgovtv. Keep those cheers coming. 73 hall Events Department sa mantha carroll. Management team by robbery writer. Sheriffs department, sheriff paul and our asl experimenter nicole watson. [applause] also a special shout out to volunteers. Volunteers. Lit irrelevant that put in so much effort and heard work and their dedication to making tonight and events throughout the month happen. Your team work and collaboration med this one for the book happy 19th year. I would like to thank all of you our Event Partners thank you goaleden state warriors yea. Claudine chang, nbc bay area. Watch tomorrow, today in the bay from 57. I will get as much sleep as a can tonight. Thank you gma7, dj keith o. And of course, thank you im sorry check out more community evans the Filipino American History Month we have a couple more. Sunday this sunday the 29th fill ponento international aids fashion show fundraiser and as well as saturday november 18, i know it is no long are october but the warriors are paying tribute to our heritage. Check this out and before we leave we cannot end ouren without another fill ponento cultural performance. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the dance company. To close us out. [music]