Philippine Consulate Joins “Kultura”, West Contra Costa County’s Philippine Independence Day Celebration
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco set up a booth to share information on consular services during Kultura, a community-led cultural festival to celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day in Pinole, California.
PINOLE, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined the Filipino American community of West Contra Costa County in celebrating the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence during “Kultura,” a community-led cultural festival held at the grounds of St. Joseph Parish in Pinole, California on 20 June 2026.
The event brought together Filipino American residents from Pinole, Hercules, Richmond, San Pablo, and neighboring communities for a day of cultural pride and fellowship. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant program featuring Filipino songs and dances, zumba dance performance, a fashion show showcasing traditional and contemporary Filipiniana attire, and a variety of Filipino food offerings. Small businesses, civic organizations, and community groups also participated through information booths and exhibits, while a polvoron eating contest added a festive and lighthearted element to the celebration. The Consulate also set up a booth to share information on its consular services and other activities.
The event was organized by St. Joseph Church, ABS-CBN Foundation International, the Philippine Cultural and Historical Association, Life Matters International, Kaiser Permanente, ThinkFilipino, the Hercules Rodeo Crockett Rotary Club, and Sue’s Place.
Representing the Philippine Consulate General, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil conveyed the Consulate’s greetings and emphasized that cultural events such as “Kultura” play an important role in preserving and promoting Filipino heritage abroad. Through music, dance, traditional and modern Filipino attire, and Filipino cuisine, such celebrations help strengthen Filipino Americans’ connection to their roots and foster a deeper appreciation of their cultural identity.
She likewise highlighted that this year’s celebration is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 80th Anniversary of Philippines–United States diplomatic relations, underscoring the enduring friendship, shared democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties that continue to bind the two nations.
She also recalled that the celebration followed the commemoration of the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, whose vision of an enlightened, empowered, and united Filipino people continues to inspire Filipinos around the world to uphold the values of patriotism, civic responsibility, and service.
“As we celebrate our independence, let us reaffirm our commitment to these ideals and continue strengthening the bonds that unite us as Filipinos, wherever we may be in the world,” she added. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco expressed its appreciation to the organizers and participants of “Kultura” for promoting Filipino culture, strengthening community ties, and honoring the enduring spirit of Philippine independence. END.
Top photo: Members of Barcelona Boyz render Filipino songs during the event.
Bottom photo: Members of Darling Zumba Fanatics and young Filipino Americans don their modern Filipiniana during the fashion show.
Left to Right: Fr. Geoffrey Baraan of St. Joseph Church Pinole, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, community leader Ms. Alma Benitez Yee, Pinole Councilmember Cameron Sasai, and community leader Ms. Lynette Ravanera.