KalayaanSF to host concert, picnic, PH Independence Day crawl

San Francisco Bay Area’s KalayaanSF celebrates Philippine Independence Day each year with a grand production in the heart of the City, either on Union Square or at City Hall. This year, however, KalayaanSF Picnic and Concert at the Park will be held at 5M Park at 44 Mary Street (between 5^th, Mission and Howard streets) on June 26, 2022 from noon till 7 p.m.

After being derailed by the pandemic for two years, KalayaanSF has partnered with organizations in the newly designated Filipino Heritage District, SOMA Pilipinas in South of Market, and its constant collaborator, the Philippine Consulate General-San Francisco.

Added to the celebration is the SOMA Pilipinas Independence Day Crawl. Participating organizations whose centers are in close proximity to each other, open their doors to showcase their culturally themed arts, crafts and cuisine, and introduce visitors to “exciting opportunities.”

Crawl participants are the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center at 814 Mission Street, Balay Kreatives at 863 Mission St @ 5th Street across from the Westfield Mall, Kapwa Gardens at 967 Mission Street between 5^th and 6^th Street, and 5M Park at 44 Mary Street (5^th, Mission and Howard streets) where the picnic and concert will be held.

The 3-day festivity will commence with a celebration of Jose Rizal called “Tertulia: Rizal and Friends” at the SF Filipino Cultural Center on Thursday, June 23 at 6 p.m. (free to the public).

A Fashion Show and Gala, PINA COUTURE by eco fashion designer, Anthony Legarda and The Hinabi Project will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 6-10 p.m. at the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center; and the SOMA Philippine Independence Crawl on Sunday, June 26 including the KalayaanSF Picnic & Concert at the Park, an outdoor cultural and heritage event featuring live entertainment, Filipino food, arts & crafts, and a Gawad Bayani award ceremony honoring local heroes.

Picnic fun will include an Open Mic for the daring contestants. Concert performers include Maddie B, Retro Pop Band, Mika Gorospe, Rachel Bergado, Taraine Iana Jimenez, Lil Jordan, Zeyoncé Brown, Kariktan Dance Company, and surprise guests.