Best of Fil-Ams to headline landmark ‘Filipino Island Fest’ in Alameda
filipinoislandfestalameda/Instagram
ALAMEDA, Calif. – It’s high time: For the first time ever, the City of Alameda is sponsoring the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October with a grant for what is expected to be a grand enterprise.
“Filipino Island Fest” will unfold on Saturday, Oct. 5, at what was once called the Taxiway Runway at Alameda Point, with entry through Alameda Waterfront Park on 2151 Ferry Point in Alameda. Free and open to the public, the revelry will begin at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies featuring Fil-Ams who have served on the City Council – Tony Daysog, Stewart Chen, Malia Vella and Rob Bonta.
Topbilled are Filipino Americans – or people who were born or live in the United States, trace their beginnings to the Philippines and contribute significantly to the greatness of the nation. They are performers in diverse arts, practitioners in various fields and leaders in efforts toward the greater good.
Food and music will flow, stories will amaze and games will thrill as minds and hearts open to the wondrous culture and history of the focus population.
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Everything to know about Filipinos will be showcased at the landmark extravaganza, organizers promise.
From their origin story and their remarkable journey through centuries as one of the most populous people of this country, the virtues and values of the heirs of Lapulapu, Silang, Bonifacio and Rizal, and now Tobera, Itliong and Vera Cruz will impress.
Besides the “friendly smiles, warm hospitality, genuine generosity, (and) love for freedom and self-determination” that await, according to organizers, attendees will experience the delights of Senor Sisig and Cafe 86, visit the Center for Sports and Social Justice, Likha and Mabuhay Folkloric Society of Steps Styles and Spotlights or experience traditional Filipino healing practice called “hilot.”
FANHS (Filipino American National Historical Society) Museum exhibits will show which wave of immigration from the Philippines families belong.
Kiana V and One Voice will be among the performers who will bring forth interactive entertainment.
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Transformative role
Cynthia Bonta of the multigenerational organizing team says it best. “Filipino Island Fest is about creating a space for community, cultural exchange, deep reflection of our past, present, and future so we can reimagine our role in transforming our world so together we can live in peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation,” the pioneer organizer and social justice champion frames the event.
Alameda resident since 2003, Cynthia Bonta built the beginnings of what will be the grandest celebration of Fil-Am history in her home city. CONTRIBUTED
Filipino American community events have taken place in the city since 2010, she recalls, “but not on this scale,” she gave a peak into the upcoming spectacle.
The founding chair of the Alameda-Dumaguete City Sister City Committee and co-organizer of Filipino Island Fest has always touted her ancestral background.
“Our history and culture have much to teach us to become the best human beings we can be,” she says, offering the event as a “time not only to hear, see, smell, taste and feel our culture but also learn the stories behind their origins.”
Multitalented transplant Pia Barton shines the light on Alameda’s hidden treasures. CONTRIBUTED
Case in point: co-organizer Pia Barton, founder and CEO of Malaya Botanicals and Malaya Collective, described as a “woman-owned and family-operated CBD wellness and beauty company seeking to designate cannabis and empower women of color to take charge of their health and healing.”
Dancer and Reiki practitioner Barton moved to Alameda from San Francisco less than five years ago. As a new resident she noticed few Filipino businesses around and found opportunity to shine the light on hidden treasures, so to speak. Her company has hosted the popular night market in the city.
“Representation is very important to me, so I am really excited to share our heritage and culture with everyone,” she explained her motivation for heading the event organizing team.
Co-organizer Joann Guitarte models the entrepreneurial spirit, having opened Bowzer’s Pizza named after her dog in San Francisco 23 years ago. Armed with expertise from her successful venture, she empowers potential leaders by mentoring and supporting their innovative initiatives. Currently she chairs the board of the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance and Harbor Bay Business Park.
Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance Board Chair Joann Guitarte empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs. CONTRIBUTED
Key insider
Meanwhile, Commercial Operations Manager Kristoffer Perez makes time to observe and participate in local politics and community activities while on the job. A member of the Alameda Point property management for a dozen years, the fellow Fest organizer keeps an eye on 1,500 acres of assorted real estate, overseeing operations. He is an Alameda native.
Alameda native Kristoffer Perez keeps an eye on 1,500 properties on The Island. CONTRIBUTED
Called “The Island” by locals, the city of Alameda is home of the state’s highest ranking elected Filipino American – Attorney General Rob Bonta, also the first Filipino American elected to the State Legislature from 2012-2021 – and long beloved to Filipinos who lived or worked there when it was a naval base and shipyard. Over 30 percent of residents identified as Asians in the 2020 U.S. Census.
The city is eponymous to the county on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Filipinos are visible as residents and workers of Alameda County cities – Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro and Union City – and unincorporated communities – Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo, and Sunol.
In 2022, there were 1.09 times more Asian (non-Hispanic) residents (or 531,000 people) in Alameda County than any other race or ethnicity, according to DataUSA.
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