The San Francisco Bay Area is home to people from different countries and Filipinos make up a large percentage of that. The Filipino community is a major ethnic group in Northern California and is well represented in major companies, local politics and government jobs. This is evident in the annual Pistahan Parade and Festival where the Filipino food and culture are showcased.
There was a thick marine layer that day so the day was gray and on the cool side. Mijo was wishing it was sunny but I consider this kind of weather perfect for watching a parade or going to a street fair or festival.
The Pistahan Parade and Festival happens in the month of August. I do not know the significance why the month of August. I think I've seen the parade only three times and last weekend was the third time. However, I've been to the festival many times.
Here are some pictures from the parade and festival that will take you on a virtual tour of the event.
The parade started from Civic Center through Market Street and ended on 4th St.
These kids are great dancers!
These are called barrelmen. Barrelmen are popular wooden souvenir items sold at tourist places in the Philippines.
Contingents from major islands like Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Mijo liked the colorful traditional wear.
Magnolia Ice Cream was also giving away goodies to parade watchers.
I enjoyed the dancing part of the parade.
It amazes me that lots of Filipinos are part of major industries and companies in the Bay Area. Maybe I'll see Filipino contingents from Google, Facebook, Apple, Visa, etc. in the future.
There were signs that remind us to continue to help rebuild Visayas after parts of it was flatened by the super typhoon.
The costumes are also quite colorful.
I was told by two contrymen next to us that one of the actresses on the TFC float is Zsa Zsa Padilla's daughter Karylle.
The parade ends on 4th St and everyone converges at the festival area at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
This is the view of the Pistahan Stage.
As always, there are booths selling Filipino tshirts and handicrafts.
Here is another view of the Pistahan Stage from the nearby Metreon mall.
Of course, there won't be a Filipino event without food.
Mijo and I shared a light lunch of chicken adobo, sisig and vegetable lumpia.
To wash down the savory taste, we opted to share this carioca.
On the other end of Yerba Buena Gardens is the Bayanihan Stage. I think this is where the young ones are congregating.
On the Second Level terrace of the gardens is the Culinary Pavillon. For a donation of $20, you'll get this cute tshirt.
The Filipino Food Movement was also promoting an upcoming food event called Savor Filipino which is happening on August 30, 2014 at the Justin Herman Plaza. That sounds like something to check out.
There was also Zumba dancing.
Here's a view of the festival area from the Second Level terrace. I heard that Gary V. will be performing the following day.
There was also a boxing ring across the street near the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
There is truly strength in numbers. I am glad that the Filipinos in the SF Bay Area are organized. Parades and Festivals like Pistahan provides a positive image of the Filipinos in the community. I'm so proud to be a Filipino!
~rl
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