The festival will be held from Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11, 2019 between 11 AM to 5 PM at the Yerba Buena Gardens in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas.
Hermana Mayor: Pati Navalta Poblete
Pati Navalta Poblete is a longtime San Francisco Bay Area journalist, previously serving as Editorial Writer and Columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle, where she was twice nominated for the Pulitzer prize for her editorial series on the need for foster care reform in California.
She later worked as Asia Regional Director for an international organization that works with national governments and intergovernmental agencies on shaping sustainability policies.
She is the author of "The Oracles: My Filipino Grandparents in America" (2006, Heyday Books) and "A Better Place: A Memoir of Peace in the Face of Tragedy" (2018, Nothing But the Truth Publishing).
Today, Pati is Executive Director of The Robby Poblete Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce gun violence through its gun buyback program, and transform the weapons into instruments of hope and opportunity through its art and vocational programs.
She is also the NEW Editor-in-Chief of San Francisco Magazine.
Mabuhay Folkloric Society at last year's Pistahan. Photo by Three Cheers Photography.
Perform at the Festival!
The Pistahan festival showcases world-class entertainment on the main stage at the Yerba Buena Gardens. From dance, hip-hop, jazz, to martial artists, there will be something for everyone!
Complete the Pistahan Participation form by Sunday, July 7. You will be asked to provide your press bio and photos and links to social media sites or online videos.
7 PAVILIONS FOR EXPLORATION, DISCOVERY AND LEARNING PLUS 4 FOOD CONTESTS FOR FAMILY FUN, FAME AND PRIZES
DANCE PAVILION
Ready to move at our SoMa Pilipinas Dance Party? Learn about various ethnic, modern, hip hop and ballroom dance styles. Instructors from local folk dance groups and local choreographers will make sure you will have a great time with their dance moves and music! Learn how to Zumba with Cess of Migrante and Princess Ryan! Learn Filipino line dance with Allen, Filipino dance with Johnny, and Tango with Natasha! All ages and dance experience are welcome!
ART PAVILION
The Art Pavilion team is excited to present the following exhibits and activities: (1) The Hinabi Project: Philippine textiles and artifacts exhibit. (2) "Ube Trade" and "Ube Way" interactive and "delicious" art project using the popular Ube dessert as the source of inspiration to create art. (3) SoMapagmahal is a mentorship photography project that engages and mentors youth participants of the Galing Bata Afterschool Program at Bessie Carmichael Filipino Education Center to learn and use photography as a tool for self and community advocacy.
CULINARY PAVILION
What's a Filipino festival without the food?! For all things masarap, the Culinary Pavilion is where you want to be! Join us for a culinary cooking competition and food demos featuring local chef talent like The Lumpia Company and Sariwa's Chef Aileen Suzara. Of course, let us not forget our annual eating contests! Speed eating is taken to a whole new level at everyone's favorite Balut Eating Contest. Like ice cream? Join the Magnolia Ice Cream "Purple Freeze" Challenge and Heavenly Ice Cream's Tasting Bee! Come see what it's all about!
Sports PAVILION
Ever wanted to learn more about the Philippines' ancient forms of Martial Arts? Come visit our pavilion located above the waterfalls and learn the history, culture and traditions hidden in the Filipino Martial Arts, such as Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis. Hands-on, audience participation workshops, such as the usage of the short stick in quick defensive and offensive techniques, will also be offered.
Innovation PAVILION
This year's Innovation Pavilion on August 12th and 13th is going to be epic! Come learn all about the latest technology and participate in TED Talk discussions at Jessie Square! Will Robots take over Humans? What is coming next on the technological horizon? Get to know mixed reality, pitch your idea and get feedback from investors, get human resources professionals to review your resume, try an Oculus Virtual Reality demo, win fantastic door prizes and have fun along the way! A special workshop is available for all the Lola's and Lolo's, Tita's and Tito's to learn more about their mobile devices. Come join us!
"Kaiser Permanente"
HEALTH PAVILION
Proudly presented by our partner Kaiser Permanente, various medical services will be offered, including glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, "Talk with a Doc" Consultations, healthy living tips and disease-prevention info. Get a reward upon visitation of all service tents by filling out the health passport! Get healthy and thrive!
leadership PAVILION
Pistahan has always believed in working with the next generation as to collaborate on events and to bridge the communication gap. We wanted to start a conversation and what we ended up having is a solid foundation for the future of Filipino leaders. With the 24th Pistahan parade and festival we wanted to provide an area for the college students to not only promote their events but an opportunity to get to know the community on a more personal level. Thus, making way for the first ever Leadership Pavilion within the festival this year. We are lucky enough to have local college groups including, CSUEB Pilipinx American Student Association (PASA), SFSU Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE), Skyline Community College's Filipino Student Union, and many more be a part of the pavilion this year. We encourage everyone from community leaders to high school students to come and learn about what the next generation of college students have planned for this year.
PISTAHAN TAVERN
Showcasing the best in Filipino wine with Genevieve Wine and lambanog with Infanta Lambanog, Pistahan pulls out all the stops for the newest pavilion at the festival - the Pistahan Tavern! Enjoy a meet and greet with actor and restaurant owner Marvin Agustin. Check out the newest fashion innovations using wine bottle corks. Check out the demos by San Francisco's BaoDown and Oakland's SoMar Bar. The party won't start until YOU arrive, so see you there!
“Excited to announce that we are proud to be a part of SOMA Pilipinas. The newly established Filipino cultural and heritage district honors the rich history and legacy of the filipino community in the South of Market in San Francisco.”
