From left: Mario Alioto, Senior Vice President of SF Giants presents a check to: Sione Tangen from 600 Hands; Al Perez, President of Filipino American Arts Exposition; Marily Mondejar, President of the Filipina Women’s Network; Lou Seal; Cecile Ascalon; and Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon from the Philippine Consulate. FRANCIS ZAMORA
SAN FRANCISCO, California—Filipino Americans sporting blue, yellow, red, as well as orange and black were out in force as the San Francisco Giants hosted Filipino American Heritage Night at AT&T Park on May 12 for the seventh consecutive year. In return, a Filipino American helped the Giants beat the Atlanta Braves to stay in first place.
The Giants honored Filipino culture and history by designating two home games as Filipino Heritage Nights (FHN). This year, a local dance company Steps, Styles and Spotlights welcomed Giants fans at Willie Mays Plaza with a suite of festive Philippine folk dances. Additionally, Parangal Dance Company performed a medley of Barrio Fiesta dances – Binasuan, Subli and Tinikling – during the pre-game opening ceremonies at home plate.
Parangal Dance Company entertains the Giants fans with their lively and colorful Barrio Fiesta dance suite capped with the exciting Tinikling. VOLTAIRE YAP
“Dance and music tell the oral history of Filipino culture,” said Al Perez, president of Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE). “These traditions stand the test of time and can’t be erased by a typhoon or an earthquake. We are proud to partner with the SF Giants to help broaden awareness and deepen the understanding of Filipino heritage with SF Giants fans by showcasing Filipino folk dances during the game.”
The San Francisco Giants also presented a check for $120,000 to UNICEF and Feed the Hungry Philippines to assist with Typhoon Yolanda recovery efforts. Following last year’s devastating typhoon the Giant’s fans made donations at fundraisers hosted by the team.
“Countless Filipinos lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones after Typhoon Yolanda,” said Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon. “As a people we are resilient and will rebuild stronger. We’re happy to know we are not in this alone and we appreciate the support of the SF Giants organization and the Giants fans.”
Star pitcher and Filipino American Tim Lincecum pitched a masterful game by striking out 11 batters and allowing only two hits in the Giant’s 4-2 victory over the Braves. NEIL ENRIQUEZ
Star pitcher and Filipino American Tim Lincecum also performed a masterful piece of performing art himself by striking out 11 batters and allowing only two hits in the Giant’s 4-2 victory over the Braves. Lincecum’s winning performance was historic as it was his first time pitching at a Giants Filipino Heritage Night event.
The Giants Filipino Heritage Night started in 2008 as a partnership between the SF Giants, Filipino American Arts Exposition and Manilatown Heritage Foundation to feature Filipino American community and culture during a Giants home game and help raise funds for local nonprofit organizations.
Additional community partners include the Filipina Women’s Network and 600 Hands, who help make FHN one of the largest special events in SF Giants history. “I would like to sincerely thank the SF Giants, especially Faham Zakariaei and his awesome team for their leadership in championing Filipino Heritage Night and for their continued commitment to the event,” said Al Perez.
Filipino Heritage Night special event ticket included a commemorative Lou Seal bobblehead, with the SF Giants mascot dressed in Philippine barong tagalog and salakot, and dancing the Tinikling. PHOTO from SF Giants
The event has been so successful that it requires two dates during the Giants baseball season – one in the spring and one in the summer. Filipino Heritage Night #2 is scheduled on Friday, August 15. FHN #2 attendees will be treated to live Filipino entertainment from 5-7p.m. in Seals Plaza, located behind the ballpark, and a limited-edition Filipino-themed Giants texting gloves. Special Event tickets are subject to dynamic pricing, which means ticket prices can fluctuate based on factors affecting supply and demand. This event is also expected to sell out. To purchase tickets in advance go to www.SFGiants.com/Filipino or by calling 415-972-2298.
“Filipino Americans are proud members of the San Francisco Bay Area’s multicultural social fabric,” said Perez. “We invite all people, no matter your heritage, to step up to the plate, learn about Filipino traditions and enjoy a great time out at the ballpark with your family and friends!”
For more information visit www.pistahan.net.
