Filipino Queer Art Shines at YBCA San Francisco

“`html

YBCA Celebrates Filipino Queer Art in San Francisco

Get ready to be dazzled as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) unveils a lively showcase of Filipino queer talent with MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy. This dynamic exhibition, thoughtfully curated by SOMA Pilipinas and Trisha Lagaso Goldberg, is more than just art, it’s a spirited declaration of resistance and pride that reverberates through San Francisco’s SoMa district.

A Sparkling Tribute to Resilience

Drawing inspiration from the Tagalog phrase “makibaka,” meaning to fight or struggle, the exhibition weaves together the rich collection of Filipino stories that challenge displacement, racism, and erasure. Among the standout pieces is a moving collage by the talented Erina Alejo titled “The Older I Get, The More I Remember.” This nostalgic piece captures immigrant roots and community memories. Other notable artists include Kimberly Acebo Arteche, Rea Lynn de Guzman, England Hidalgo, Johanna Poethig, Weston Teruya, Lucille Tenazas, and Jenifer Wofford, whose works blend contemporary energy with ancestral themes, such as Cristine Blanco’s spiral brick designs intended to ward off harm.

Celebrating Queer Joy Amidst SoMa

The timing of MAKIBAKA couldn’t be more perfect, as it coincides with the fall 2025 season at YBCA. This aligns with the Pistahan and Parol Lantern Festivals, as well as the debut of SOMA Pilipinas Pride: MAKIBEKI on October 12. This event boasts a parade, mini pageant, and performances to honor the resilience of the Filipinx LGBTQIA+ community during challenging times. Raquel Redondiez, Director of SOMA Pilipinas, describes it as a “reclaiming of our shared story,” emphasizing the importance of resistance in today’s climate.YBCA Fall Season

Highlights and Must-See Features

Chiwang Chi Biyeg/River of Life Mix: This piece connects SoMa’s I-Hotel activism with Philippine indigenous resistance, creating a powerful narrative of woven resilience.
Don’t miss the curator-led tours with Trisha Lagaso Goldberg, offering intriguing insights and hidden stories.YBCA Tour
The brilliance of queer Filipino-American artists is featured prominently, as highlighted in local media outlets like the Bay Area Reporter.eBar

Running until January 4, 2026, at YBCA’s Second Floor Gallery, with free entry on Wednesdays, this exhibition invites you to be part of the movement. And a little tip: dress to impress, history has its eyes on you! Don’t miss this sparkling event; let it inspire your own fight for change.YBCA Makibaka

“`