SAN FRANCISCO - In time for Filipino American History Month, San Francisco Public Library invites everyone to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Filipino American community with vibrant cultural programs. Among the many free offerings, author talks, film screenings, traditional craft programs, food tastings and cultural performances provide an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about the rich history and culture of Filipino Americans.

Highlights include retired urban planner Ma. Teresa Ojeda, who will present about the geography of early Filipinos in the City. Her research, based on data and historical documents, challenge the long-standing narrative that the community was a transient bachelor society confined to a few blocks on the edge of Chinatown. Maps, census records and City directories  are part of the proof that document Filipino businesses and institutions serving the community outside Manilatown. Author Jen Soriano, Dr. Robyn Rodriguez and Alexis David lead an afternoon of reading and discussion about mental health care for Filipinx communities. Soriano will read from her debut book Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing, named a top 5 nonfiction debut of 2023 by Poets & Writers Magazine. The community discussion will cover questions including: Is there a common experience of Filipino historical trauma, and if so, how does it affect mental health? What does science tell us about transgenerational trauma and healing? What do we know beyond science about ancestral trauma and ancestral healing? How can we create culture and practice and policy shifts toward more and better mental health care for all of us?

The Library's celebration of Filipino American History Month is part of a larger effort to promote cultural awareness and understanding in San Francisco. The library is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the community.

For more information about the library's celebration of Filipino American History Month, please visit sfpl.org/filipino-history, or contact the Filipino Center at (415) 557-4430.

Filipino Weaving with Rachel Lozada 
October 7, 2023, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Learn about Ilocano traditional weaving led by local weaver Rachel Lozada. The Ilocano traditional weaving workshop is designed to give basic knowledge of its socio-cultural and historical significance to the Filipino American community. Location: Park Branch, 1833 Page Street 

Free Press Music EP Release Celebration 
October 7, 2023, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Free Press is a Filipina led ensemble whose sound was largely developed in San Francisco, in the Western Addition and Tenderloin; specifically the Cadillac Hotel run by Katherine Looper of Reality House West. The performance features vocals from Christie Aida, Dave Mihaly on percussions and Billy White on piano. Location: North Beach Branch, 850 Columbus Avenue 

Film: Bitter Melon
October 12, 2023, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
In this tragicomic twist on a "home for the holidays" movie, a Filipino-American family plots to kill an abusive member. Written and directed by Bay Area local filmmaker, H.P. Mendoza (Colma: The Musical). Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Koret Auditorium

Activity: Mini Pabitin 
October 12, 2023, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Learn about Filipino culture by crafting a mini-pabitin. A pabitin is a popular Filipino party game where treats, toys, and money are suspended from a wooden hanging. For children and their families. Location: Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue

Kwentuhan para sa Filipino American History Month/Bilingual Family Storytime for Filipino American History Month 
October 14, 2023, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories for children and their families, in Filipino and English, as we celebrate Kwentuhan para sa Filipino American History Month/Family Storytime for Filipino American History Month. A simple craft will follow the program. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Fisher Children's Center, 2nd Floor 

Author: Cindy Fazzi in Conversation, Multo: A Thriller 
October 14, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
In celebration of Filipino American History Month, we bring you a conversation with author Cindy Fazzi and Professor May-lee Chai about Fazzi's debut thriller, Multo. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Ketchup Wars 
October 14, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Learn Filipino history while taste testing varieties of ketchup, including a staple in many Filipinx kitchens– banana ketchup. How does it stack up against regular tomato ketchup? Which one will come out on top? Location: Ocean View Branch, 345 Randolph Street 

Performance: Barangay Dance Company 
October 21, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Watch traditional Filipino Folk Dance, learn its history and learn some dance moves of your own. Location: Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval Street 

Presentation: Locating Pioneering Filipinos in San Francisco, 1900-1940 
October 21, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ma. Teresa Ojeda will present the geography of early Filipinos in San Francisco (1900-1940), based on data and historical documents that challenge the long-standing narrative that the community was a transient bachelor society confined to a few blocks on the edge of Chinatown. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, 3rd Floor

Workshop: Ikat, Filipino Tie Dye 
October 21, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Design your own handkerchief  inspired by Filipinos' beautiful artwork of ikat (tie-dye). Wear comfortable clothes to work with the indigo dye vat. Location: West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox Way

Commemoration: Film Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, FACINE: Filipino Arts & Cinema International 
October 22, 2023, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
As part of its 30th annual Filipino film festival, FACINE presents a tribute to the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the most awarded female director in Filipino cinema. Often called a feminist filmmaker, her outstanding body of work not only entertains but compels the audience to re-examine their own beliefs and value systems as they grapple with the truths magnified on the screen. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Koret Auditorium

Workshop: Paper Flowers for Filipino Heritage Celebration 
October 22, 2023, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Make an everlasting bouquet of Philippine florals with ChiChai. We’ll use different paper cutting and folding techniques to make these flowers and leaves come to life. Workshop for ages 5-18. Location: Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Avenue 

Book Club: Tween Graphic Novels, Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina 
October 23, 2023, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 
Talk about recent graphic novels with fellow comics fans. Our October title is Halina Filipina: A New Yorker in Manila by Arnold Arre. Location: Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street

Filipino Snacks and Games 
October 24, 2023, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Filipino American History Month with snacks and games. For children and their families. Location: Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Avenue 

Ilocano Weaving with Rachel Lozada 
October 25, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Learn about Ilocano traditional weaving led by San Francisco-based weaver Rachel Lozada. The workshop is designed to give basic knowledge of its socio-cultural and historical significance to the Filipino American community. Location: Ocean View Branch, 345 Randolph Street

Film: Yellow Rose 
October 25, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
A Filipina teen from a small Texas town fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family and leaving the only home she has known. Location: Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street

Film: When the Storm Fades 
October 26, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This is a dramatic feature film with comedic elements, based on the tragic experiences of the Pablos, a real Filipino family that lost their home and several family members during 2013's Typhoon Haiyan. Location: Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green Street

Presentation: Solidarity Journalism 101 with Mahalaya Newspaper 
October 27, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Learn about the basics of solidarity of reporting and how to center the stories and perspectives of your community. Presented by Casey Ticsay, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Mahalaya Newspaper. Virtual Program, see website for more information. 

Jose "Chel" Diokno, Human Rights Lawyer presents Remembrance, Resilience and Resistance in the Time of the Marcos Restoration 
October 28, 2023, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Jose "Chel" Diokno, Philippine Human Rights Lawyer and Advocate, and Chair of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation will speak on why fighting to preserve historical memory is integral to the future of human rights in the Philippines. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level 

Performance: Barangay Dance Company 
October 29, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Watch traditional Filipino Folk Dance, learn its history and learn some dance moves of your own. Location: West Portal Branch, 190 Lennox Way 

Author: Jen Soriano with Dr. Robyn Rodriguez and Alexis David on Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing 
October 29, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Jen Soriano, Robyn Rodriguez and Alexis David lead us on an afternoon of reading and discussion about mental health care for Filipinx communities. Location: Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, 3rd Floor

Workshop: Meditative Painting 
October 29, 2023, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Learn the art of drawing banigs (Filipino woven mats) with Kenneth Tan, author of Crescenciana: A Memoir in Words and Illustrations. The process of drawing patterns can be calming, meditative and fun.  Location: Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission Street

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San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.