Kahayágan art project honors 23 Fil-Am changemakers, leaders

SAN FRANCISCO – The South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) through its Reclaiming Our Space (ROSe) program presents Kahayágan, an art installation on the windows of the Children’s Creativity Museum honoring 23 Filipino/a/x changemakers and leaders.

In partnership with the Children’s Creativity Museum and artists Wilfred Galila and Ramon Bonifacio, SOMCAN is set to unveil Kahayágan on Friday, July 12 at 6 p.m. at the Children’s Creativity Museum.

“Kahayágan (kah-hah-yáh-gahn) is from the Hiligaynon/Visayan language meaning clearness, lucidity, intelligible, visible and manifest,” SOMCAN said in a press release.

“Kahayágan is a project dedicated to legacies that have helped build, empower, engage,and inspire our communities to promote a just society.”

The mixed media art installation by Galila and Bonifacio, evoking stained glass portraits, highlights 23 Filipino/a/x individuals who have manifested progress and change through their invaluable work and contributions to the Filipino community.

They are honored for their work in diverse areas, including history, art and culture, health and wellness, youth and families, safety, Filipino studies, language access, workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

Honorees

• Alexis David
• Andrea Almario
• Arlene Daus-Magbual
• Bernadette Herrera
• Christopher Cara
• Conrad Benedicto
• Evangeline Naredo
• Gayle Romasanta
• Glesaree Valdez
• Helen Serafino-Agar
• Herna Cruz-Louie
• Joyce Juan-Manalo
• Kali Diwa Lebon Ildefonzo Redondiez
• Kevin Nadal
• Maria Luz Torre
• Maya Masagca
• Necolasa Tuthill-Delute
• Rico Reimedio
• Rogelio “Roger” Gadiano
• Ruby Turalba
• Teresa Dulalas
• Tim Figueras
• Tina Alejo

This project was made possible with funding from the Specific General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural & Historical Endowment.

SOMCAN’S ROSe program uplifts Filipino language, culture and history by combining art and design with community planning to educate, organize, empower and strengthen the Filipino community’s civic engagement in shaping their neighborhood and city.

Established in 2000, SOMCAN is an organization that nurtures the lives of youth, families, individuals and workers. They address a wide range of issues – from tenant rights, community planning and Filipino language access to workers’ rights – and provide culturally competent direct services ranging from tenant counseling and family support to youth empowerment and employment.