The San Francisco Giants hosted a sold-out event to celebrate Filipino Heritage Night.
- Community
- PH Chronicle
- August 31, 2024
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- 2 minutes read
The San Francisco Giants celebrated their annual Filipino Heritage Night for the 2024 season, drawing a sold-out crowd. This special event included a commemorative jersey inspired by the traditional Barong Tagalog. Since its inception in 2008, Filipino Heritage Night has become a cherished tradition for the Giants. Fans showcased their Pinoy pride at Oracle Park as they rallied behind the Giants in their matchup against the Chicago White Sox. However, even after entering the stadium, those with special event tickets had to queue again to collect their commemorative jerseys designed by Fil-Am artist Andre Sibayan. “Filipinos got swag,” Sibayan stated. “When they come out, they want to show out. I aimed to create something that was not only stylish but also easy to wear and pair.” While Filipino Heritage Night occurs at least once each season, the vibrant culture and talent of the Filipino community are consistently highlighted at the ballpark. Fil-Am Ieanna Cruz, known as DJ Umami, serves as the resident DJ for the Giants, playing a crucial role in the in-game entertainment at Oracle Park. As a child of Filipino immigrants and a lifelong fan, Cruz reflected on her journey: “I grew up going to American sports games. Working here and witnessing our representation brings joy to my inner child. It’s incredibly special for organizations to honor us in this way.” Additionally, fans can enjoy lumpia and other beloved Filipino dishes among the diverse food offerings at Oracle Park. Fil-Am Alex Retodo proudly operates The Lumpia Company, the sole Filipino food stand in all of professional baseball. The celebration also included Filipino folk dance and martial arts performances both outside the park and on the field. The Giants secured a victory against the White Sox, winning 4 to 1.