The Golden State Valkyries Filipino Heritage Night on Sunday brought in a slew of Filipinos with a long history in SoMa.
“If you look at the history of the development of the cultural district in SoMa Pilipinas, it’s really a lot of women leaders, whether it be our grandmas, our lolas, or women community workers,” Raquel Redondiez, said director of SoMa Pilipinas, which cohosted the event. “I think it’s really important to support women’s sports, and of course, Filipinos love basketball, and there is really a groundswell of support for Pinays and also Filipino families coming out for this game.”
Prior to the game, Chase Center’s Thrive City featured live art painting in the theme of Filipino Heritage Night by Filipina muralist Venazir Martinez, Pre-Philippine script calligraphy by Filipino artist Kristian Kabuay, and a set from Filipina DJ Bitesize.
“I love the fact that we can celebrate and acknowledge different cultures, I’m really big on that,” said Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase after the event. “It also educates people on different cultures and I love the fact that we’re super intentional about that because I think we have to do that more than not.”
During the game against the Toronto Tempo, Filipina performer Fatima Wright sang the national anthem and Filipino-American rapper and Bay Area native P-Lo performed at halftime. Redondiez was also recognized as the PG&E “Power Forward” honoree of the game, which is awarded to “everyday champions in the Bay Area who are working to make their communities a better place.” She was given a custom Valkyries jersey with her last name on the back.
Before the game, Mission Local asked attendees what Filipino Heritage Night means to them.
“It means family and celebrating our representation in these spaces,” Tina Solano said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“The Filipino community is very integral to Bay Area and California history, tonight is about being together and recognizing that,” Amanda Wilson Bergado said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“It means everything,” Anabelle Hermosura said. “The culture, the family aspect, the food, the dancing, the music — I’m very proud to be a part of it.” Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“As a first generation immigrant, it means supporting my culture and being unapologetically proud of it,” Erika Ventura said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“It means to be proud of your heritage and teach your kids about where they come from, telling them what shaped their family history,” Holly Bayani said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“It means caring about the community you’re servicing and lifting them up,” Aaliyah Gilliard (left) said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“It’s really all about the family and the community within the family,” Gabriella Garcia (right) said. “To be part of the village, you have to be a villager.” Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
“Identity, culture, community — it’s everything to Filipinos,” Kiana del Rosario (middle left) said. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
Filipina DJ Bitesize poses during her set at Thrive City. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
Filipino artist Kristian Kabuay does Pre-Philippine script calligraphy at Thrive City. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
People gather near the SoMa Pilipinas table at Thrive City. Photo by Aaliyah Español-Rivas. 
Violet Vibez dance team performing with Filipino rapper P-Lo at the Valkyries versus Tempo game on August 2, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen. 
Filipino rapper P-Lo performing at the Valkyries versus Tempo halftime show on Filipino Heritage Night, August 2, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen. 
Director of SoMa Pilipinas, Raquel Redondiez, getting recognized at the Valkyries versus Tempo basketball game on Filipino Heritage Night, August 2, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen. 
Director of SoMa Pilipinas, Raquel Redondiez, celebrating in her suite with the SoMa Pilipinas group after getting recognized at the Valkyries versus Tempo basketball game on Filipino Heritage Night, August 2, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen.
