‘Flipping the Boat’ celebrates Filipino maritime heritage

As part of the “Flipping the Boat” project, the Manilatown Heritage Foundation hosted free monthly intergenerational workshops at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. CONTRIBUTED

SAN FRANCISCO – The Manilatown Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the San Francisco Maritime Museum, has launched “Flipping the Boat,” a year-long community engagement project and event.

This project aims to foster intergenerational connections and empower the Filipino American community to reclaim their maritime heritage.

“As stewards of pre-colonial Philippine art and culture, we recognize the significance of our maritime history,” said Caroline Cabading, executive director of the Manilatown Heritage Foundation. “Flipping the Boat” aims to revive our community’s maritime leadership and provide a platform for creative expression and cultural education.”

Park Ranger Sabrina Oliveros gives a lecture at the Maritime Museum, offering an overview of exhibits that reflect the age of Manila galleons, the industry of Manila rope, 20th-century American colonization, Philippine immigration and the experiences of first-generation Manongs. CONTRIBUTED

As part of the project, the foundation hosted free monthly intergenerational workshops from November 2023 through July 2024 at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. These workshops taught participants to create and decorate small boats, symbolizing their dreams and wishes for themselves and the city of San Francisco. The small boats have formed an art installation at the Center, reflecting the community’s aspirations.

“Flipping the Boat” highlights the rich maritime history of the Fil-Am community, drawing parallels to their role as master navigators and boat builders in Philippine ancient times. It addresses the current socio-economic challenges, advocating for greater Filipino representation in leadership roles within the maritime industry.

This initiative not only commemorates the historical significance of Manilatown and the I-Hotel but also strengthens community bonds through shared cultural experiences. The workshops and events offered opportunities for families to learn, create, and celebrate together, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

The public is invited to join the Manilatown Heritage Foundation on Aug. 4 for the grand release of the boats at Aquatic Park. The event kicks off at the Maritime Museum. Participants will launch their miniature boats, symbolically reclaiming ancestral connections to the waterways. CONTRIBUTED

The workshops incorporated Philippine ancestral art, culture and environmental sustainability practices, providing an understanding of maritime traditions and sharing personal maritime family histories and connections.

This initiative will culminate in a commemoration of the 1977 eviction of the I-Hotel tenants on Aug. 4, 2024. Many of these tenants were merchant seamen, longshoremen and fishermen. The Aug. 4 event will begin at 3 p.m. with a gathering at the Maritime Museum.

Participants will launch their miniature boats in Aquatic Park, symbolically reclaiming ancestral connections to the waterways.

In honor of the use of the Ramaytush Ohlone land, special guest Ramaytush Ohlone elder Gregg Castro will sing the Fog Song at Aquatic Park. Participants will walk together through Aquatic Park, North Beach and Chinatown to the International Hotel Manilatown Center, with the event culminating in a screening of Curtis Choy’s classic documentary, “The Fall of the I-Hotel” and a ceremony in remembrance of the I-Hotel evicted tenants.

For more information about “Flipping the Boat” and the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, you may visit manilatown.org.