Filipino American Community Shows Solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities During AAPI Heritage Night
Stage of Destiny performers with other members of the Filipino community showcasing a variety of Filipino attire such as the barong and the terno. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Filipino Americans joined fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the AAPI Heritage Night celebration graced by Mayor Daniel Lurie, who also signed a Proclamation declaring the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Mr. Al Perez, San Francisco Arts Commissioner and President of the Filipino American Arts Exposition, served as one of the Co-Chairs of the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee, while Ms. Gabrielle “Gabbie” Listana, President of the SF Youth Commission, served as the Lead of the AAPI Youth Advisors, which implements the AAPI Youth Change Maker Awards.
Filipino talent was also highlighted during the event as Filipino-American performance group The Stage of Destiny, composed of Josh Marquina, Anne Sang and Rommel Alindogan, Jr., performed popular songs, including OPM hits, during the Awards Night at the Herbst Theater and at the Gala Reception at the San Francisco City Hall. Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco congratulated the organizers and conveyed to committee co-chair Mr. Al Perez their appreciation for leading the Filipino-American community in the celebration. The Consulate also took the opportunity to meet San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and several Filipino-Americans including the members of the Manila-San Francisco Sister City Committee, led by Ms. Carmen Colet, and Ms. Kiki Lopez, who received the Emerging Leaders Award during San Francisco’s Filipino American History Month (FAHM) celebration in October 2025.END
Above: (L-R) Mr. Al Perez, co-chair of the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee, greeting the attendees to the Awards Night; Ms. Gabbie Listana, Lead of the AAPI Youth Advisor introducing the AAPI Change Maker Awards; Mayor Daniel Lurie and Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon