Pistahan Festival

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Be a volunteer.

The festival and performances are held
from Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11
between 11 AM to 5 PM at the Yerba Buena Gardens
in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas

 
 

HOW TO GET THERE

Public transportation is best to get to the Pistahan. Easily take the BART or MUNI to the Powell Street Station and walk only two blocks to the festival.

Paid parking can be found at 5th and Mission Street Parking Garage. Open 24 hours.

FInd your way around

Festival Map

 

It all started when…

The Pistahan was born out of the community's activism to honor and preserve the enduring legacy of the Filipino American community's struggles, triumphs and deep roots in SOMA Pilipinas: Filipino cultural heritage district.

The Pistahan Parade and Festival was founded by FAAE in 1994 after more than 4,000 Filipino families were displaced to accommodate the redevelopment of the Moscone Convention Center and the Yerba Buena Gardens Complex.

The Pistahan was the first outdoor event at the Yerba Buena Gardens and after 28 years, it continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and celebration.

 
 

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

All events subject to change.

To check out what’s happening at Pistahan’s unique Pavilions, click here.

  • Rebel

    DJ Pt1

    SOMA Seniors Cultural Performance

    St Augustine Children's Choir

    Maddie & Gabbie Hudson

    DATKD Demo Team KALI & Tae Kwon Do

    Jolene Lozano

    Arriane Del

    Likha - Pilipino Folk Ensemble

    Kariktan Dance Company

    Parangal

    Starry Eyed Cadet

  • Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble

    Jolly Bees

    Mabuhay Folkloric

    Jeovani Abenoja

    Sinulog Dance Troupe of Petaluma

    PIE

    Kaikasan Dance Company

    Rose Crelli

    TFC Hour

Magnolia Purple Freeze Challenge

Saturday, August 10th at 1PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

Magnolia Spicy Siopao Eating Contest

Sunday, August 11th at 11AM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

Skyflakes Sky high Bite Challenge

Sunday, August 11th at 12PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Skyflakes

Balut Eating Contest

Sunday, August 11th at 3PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

 

Featuring world-class entertainment on the Pistahan main stage at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

 

From dance, hip-hop, jazz, to martial artists, there will be something for everyone!

 

6 PAVILIONS FOR EXPLORATION, DISCOVERY AND LEARNING PLUS 4 FOOD CONTESTS FOR FAMILY FUN, FAME AND PRIZES

 

DANCE PAVILION

Festival attendees can catch the rhythm and participate in folk dance demonstrations. This interactive pavilion will teach traditional folk dances as well as ballroom and Latin dances for a memorable and immersive cultural experience.

 

ART PAVILION

Visual art exhibits showcase an eclectic genre and styles of Filipino art from local artists and abroad, through the cooperation of gallery owners, schools and art groups. Meet the artists and discover the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines.

 

INNOVATION PAVILION

A collaborative environment for creative and tech innovation, showcasing budding entrepreneurs and start-ups, in addition to established companies, institutions and local organizations. The common thread will be innovation and outside the box thinking through education, dialogue and interactive demonstration.

  • 11:00 AM Doors open to the Innovation Pavilion

    12:45 PM Welcome Remarks by Pavilion PMs

    1:00 PM Fireside Chat with Hydra Mendoza

    VP, Chief of Strategic Relationships in the Office of the Chair and CEO at Salesforce

    Moderator: John Morada

    1:30 PM Evolution of DEI in the Workplace

    A panel discussion on how to show up as your authentic self and navigate the complex climate in the workplace to feel empowered and thrive.

    Speakers:

    1. Leah Pimentel, UCSF

    2. Jimmy Hua, Salesforce & ALA

    3. Joseph Sapida, Live Nation

    4. Shari Balsi, Lincoln High School

    5. John Salazar, Filip[in]os at LinkedIn

    Moderators:

    Regina Finuliar, YFPA

    Charity Nicolas, FASTER

    2:30 PM Halo Halo Mixer

    Networking with Asian and Filipino Employee Resource Groups at the YBCA Atrium Bayanihan Stage

    Performances:

    Raquel Basco

    EDL

    Yasmin Malaya Villabrille-Largusa Kali System

    Hui Tarava Tahitian Dance Group

    Jolene

    4:00 PM End of Day 1

  • 11:00 AM Welcome Remarks by Pavilion PMs

    11:10 AM Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

    A fireside chat to discuss how to balance technical innovations, sustainable growth and environmental responsibility

    Speakers:

    1. Cormorant

    2. Tesla

    Moderator: John Morada

    12:00 PM How to Get Funding for your Startup

    Speakers:

    1. Philip King, Bay Angels (Pre-seed)

    2. Eric Milliken, Sutter Law (Legal)

    3. Christina Vernali, Kapwa Capital (VC)

    4. Christina Laskowski, Alquemie Ventures (VC)

    5. Murat Wahab, Hakimsaya (Debt Financing)

    Moderators: John Morada and Connie Villeta

    1:00 PM Innovation in New Media

    How to utilize new media tools to help create your personal brand and share our Filipino stories.

    Speakers:

    1. Raquel Basco, NY Model and Talent Management

    2. Jolene Lozano

    3. Mike Ang, Planet X

    4. Lyle Del Mundo, Filipinos Advancing Creative Education

    Moderator: Romeo Marquez, Kollective Hustle

    2:00 PM Batter Up! Give Us Your Best Pitch!

    Join us for a peek into the newest and coolest Filipino-founded companies since garlic rice and adobo.

    Startups:

    1. Erich Boehn, Nomsi

    2. Mark Javier, Plants Without Borders

    3. Darren Allarade, Salt+Light Gaming

    4. Marilen Villaneuva, Kabayan Remit

    Panelists:

    1. Andrew Villamor, Head of Global Channel Strategy & Operations, Asana

    2. Katrina Montinola, Lead of the AI Practice, COOs2Go

    3. Jon Festejo, CEO, salesbricks

    4. Josh Tan, Stanford grad and tech guy

    Moderators: John Morada, Regina Finuliar

    3:00 PM AI Tools for Business Owners

    During this workshop, we’ll guide you through the latest tools and technologies that are shaping the future of business.

    Presenters:

    1. Majeid Crawford, NCLF

    2. RJ Moscardon, AI Migos

    3. Michael Sharratt, 4SpotConsulting

    Moderator: Aaron Orcino, SF FilAm Chamber of Commerce

    4:00 PM End of Day 2

 

CULINARY PAVILION

Celebrating the many flavors of Philippine cuisine, local chefs and restaurants are invited to feature their specialty dishes in live cooking demos. Don’t miss the Balut Eating Contest, Ice Cream Eating Contests and the Adobo Cookoff!

  • 1:00 PM Magnolia Purple Freeze Challenge

    2:00 PM The Future of Filipino Food Trends

    Speakers:

    Ginger Dimapasok, Cafe 86

    Susie Quesada, Ramar Foods

    Joshn Dicolongon, KQED

    Moderator:

    Nicole Ponseca

    3:00 PM Podcast: Profiles in Flavor

    Live interview of White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford by Nicole Ponseca

  • 11:00 AM Magnolia Spicy Siopao Eating Contest

    12:00 PM Skyflakes Sky High Bite Challenge

    1:00 PM Zest for Life in a Restaurant

    Speaker:

    Jamil Rey, Fort McKinley

    Moderator:

    Sonia Delen, Filipino Food Movement

    2:00 PM Heavenly Ice Cream Tasting Bee

    3:00 PM Ramar Foods Balut Eating Contest

 

HEALTH PAVILION presented by KAISER PERMANENTE  

Community partners and organizations will provide free screenings and helpful information, and will address the various health care issues of our ommunity in a way that is approachable and culturally sensitive.

 

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.