Our Lolos and Lolas' Neighborhood in San Francisco

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Today, San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) is known for its trendy restaurants, world-class museums, sports arenas, and million-dollar homes. But in the mid-20th century, long before redevelopment transformed the area, SoMa was home to generations of Filipino immigrants who built their lives in the shadow of the city’s prosperity.

In our lead story this week [Growing Up Filipino in San Francisco's South of Market], Dr. Alex Fabros, Jr. brings to life the SoMa our lolos and lolas knew: a close-knit community of merchant mariners, farmworkers, cooks, hotel employees, and laborers. Filipino restaurants, groceries, barber shops, and small businesses became more than places of commerce; they were lifelines where jobs were found, news was shared, children grew up, and strangers became family. Churches served as gathering places, while schools and playgrounds helped young Filipinos find their footing in a new country.

This was a community built not on wealth or privilege, but on bayanihan—the quiet, everyday generosity of people who looked after one another far from home. SoMa’s Filipino story is a testament to the grit, resourcefulness, and enduring spirit of our people. As the neighborhood changes, may we never forget those who laid its foundations—not with grand buildings, but with hard work, sacrifice, and the courage to make a home in America.

This Week’s Stories

Growing Up Filipino in San Francisco’s South of Market by Alex S. Fabros, Jr.

PinoyPals: Sharing Concerns Across the Ocean by Scarlet Tabuena

Who Will Care for Arnold?  by Rudy D. Liporada

Baguio’s Horror Festival Sparks Clash Over Art, Faith, City’s Identity by Rene Astudillo

[Read It Again]

‘Siya’ Is My Pronoun – Let’s Make Oxford Put It In the English Dictionary by France Viana

We Stand on Their Shoulders, Part 1 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

We Stand on their Shoulders, Part 2 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

[Video of the Week] Filipinos in the U.S. Navy - From Stewards to Flag Officers

In The Know

Hundreds of Filipino seafarers caught in widening US deportation crackdown
https://www.therebelyellow.com/p/hundreds-of-filipino-seafarers-caught?

Dialysis at home: How two UP graduates developed an affordable, handy treatment option for CKD patients 
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/10/17/how-2-up-grads-developed-an-affordable-handy-treatment-option-for-ckd-patients-1153? 

Dubai visa scam leaves hundreds of OFWs in financial, legal woes 
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/overseas-filipinos/dubai-visa-scam-financial-legal-woes/?

LOOK: Baguio City Is Opening a New Park With a Forest Boardwalk This Month
https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/look-baguio-city-is-opening-a-new-park-with-a-forest-boardwalk-this-month-

Small PH towns in Mars 
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2291497885024014

Christensen Hsu 
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1838203157194401

Save your seat now for Philippine International Aid's 40th Anniversary! Featuring Martin Nievera and friends! Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco.

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Staff

Remembrance and Gratitude

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This week, we remember those who have left us, celebrate journeys of perseverance, explore the power of imagination, and confront the challenges facing our communities.

We honor 74 notable Filipinos and Filipino Americans who passed away in the third quarter of 2026. Though the world is dimmer without them, may their legacies bring comfort to loved ones and remain forever in our collective memory. [In Memoriam, 2026 Third Quarter]

North Texas-based PF writer Jocelyn Alvarez Allgood profiles Greta Boac Pardue, a nurse, mentor, and community leader whose journey from poverty to a distinguished career in health care inspires us to believe in the power of perseverance and dreams fulfilled. [Nurse Greta’s Successful Journey]

PF Southern California correspondent Anthony Maddela introduces Riotbones, a Filipino-British queer illustrator and human rights activist whose graphic novel Strange Cases blends Victorian England with Filipino mythical monsters in a striking new take on gothic horror. [Riotbones’ Odyssey Into Gothic Horror Graphic Novels]

Three school shootings in the Philippines between July and September have brought home a grim reality long familiar to Americans. Cebu-based communications professor Ivy Marie Abao examines how these tragedies have changed what teachers carry into their classrooms—not just lessons, but fears for the children in their care. [After the School Shootings: What Teachers Must Now Carry Into the Classroom]

As Filipino American History Month continues, we revisit PF’s three-part Living Legends series, compiled by publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco. The series honors the pioneers and barrier breakers who opened doors for generations of Filipino Americans. Since its 2021 publication, eight of these luminaries have passed on: Dolores Sibonga, Peter Jamero, Roman Gabriel, Estela Matriano, Stephanie Castillo, Emme Tomimbang, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and Dr. Recto de Leon.

We remember them with gratitude—not only for what they achieved, but for the paths they cleared for those who follow. Their stories remain part of our shared heritage, reminding us that a legacy lives on in every life it touches.

[Read It Again]

Living Legends, Part 1 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

Living Legends, Part 2 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

Living Legends, Part 3 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

[Video of the Week]

1 on 1 with Bruno Mars: On his Filipino roots and his 'Romantic' return to PH

In The Know

How Hawaiʻi Sugar Workers Challenged Unequal Pay
https://asamnews.com/2026/10/13/hawaii-sugar-strikes-1909-1920-japanese-filipino-workers/

Why did so many Filipinos join the U.S. Navy?
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dea84lSG3tT/?

Meet Antonio Miranda Rodriguez Poblador, the Filipino who co-founded Los Angeles
https://www.facebook.com/thePHdestination/posts/pfbid0kLtMkSzyuZnKnqCBWPztt4m54ZnUphEE1howsR1sVgBpFF4wHPxSyVaFYkuTojjwl 

Rapping for a Change
https://www.facebook.com/reel/4048369995464193 

Filipino Space Mangoes 

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?

Save your seat now for Philippine International Aid's 40th Anniversary! Featuring Martin Nievera and friends! Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco.

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Staff

Celebrating Our October

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October comes around once more, and with it Filipino American History Month—a time not only to look back, but to celebrate the growing Filipino American presence in the American story. Positively Filipino joins the more than four million-strong FilAm community in honoring the generations whose struggles and sacrifices helped open doors, while celebrating those who are enriching America today through their work, creativity, leadership, and achievements.

Throughout the month, we will bring you stories of Filipinos who came before us, as well as those who are making their mark today—in the arts and sciences, health care, education and public service, business and community life, and in countless other fields. For those of us in the diaspora, Filipino American History Month is a reminder that our story has become an integral part of the larger American tapestry—and that every generation adds something of its own.

Our issue this week comes in two parts. Today's first part features history ["Pledge of PH Independence Act Turned Filipino U.S. Nationals Into Aliens," from AsAmNews], a celebration of both culinary excellence and cultural milestone ["Kalye NYC Restaurant Brings the Spirit of ‘Forgotten Island’ to Life" by Elaine Joy Edaya Degale], and information ["What Children's Authors Are Reading for Fil-Am History Month"] by Tracy Badua.

Tomorrow, we will bring you the latest iteration of Positively Filipino's Filipino American History Timeline, a panoramic view of the community's presence in the US.

Enjoy today's stories and stay tuned for tomorrow's special issue. 

[Read It Again]

When Hilario Met Sally: The Fight Against Anti-Miscegenation Laws by Alex S. Fabros, Jr.

How Black and Filipino Unity Was Forged in the Pullman Workers Union by Don Villar

Pieces of the (Midnight) Sun: Sketches of An Alaskero by Oscar Peñaranda

[Video of the Week] Viva Filipinas!

Save your seat now for Philippine International Aid's 40th Anniversary! Featuring Martin Nievera and friends! Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco.

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Staff