The San Francisco Giants will hold their annual Filipino American Heritage celebration to highlight the Filipino culture and community on Tuesday, April 21, when the Giants face the San Diego Padres at 7:15 p.m.  Five-division boxing world champion and boxing’s No. 1 attraction and pound for pound fighter, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

            Fans who purchase a special Filipino Heritage game ticket will receive a limited edition Manny Pacquiao bobblehead and a seat in the Filipino Heritage section at AT&T Park. A portion of the special ticket proceeds will benefit Filipino non-profit organizations including the Filipino American Arts Exposition, Manilatown Heritage Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation's Bantay Bata program.

“We are extremely grateful for this relationship between the Giants and the Filipino community. This heritage event has grown to be one of the largest programs of its kind, bringing together a celebration of athletics, community and culture,” said Tom McDonald, Giants senior vice president of consumer marketing. “We expect nearly 10,000 Filipino Americans at our event on April 21 with close to $50,000 in charitable proceeds being raised.” 

            Live cultural entertainment will take place at AT&T Park beginning at 3 p.m. Hosted by Franco Finn and Jason Mateo, performing artists will include, Mango Kingz, Gabe Bondoc, Legaci, DJ E-Rock (from Wild 94.9), The Company of Westlake School of Performing Arts (hip-hop dance performance), Te Orama (Polynesian youth company of WSPA), Honey Circuit, Eye Eighty, Audiology, Escrima Serada and many others. There will also be a special guest appearance by Manny Pacquiao and head trainer Freddie Roach on the festival stage.

            “On behalf of the community organizations, I would like to thank the Giants for their commitment in celebrating and honoring the Filipino American community with this event,” said Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “This year's Filipino Heritage game is shaping up to be the best ever with all-star entertainment during the Filipino Festival and a special tribute to Filipino American veterans during the pre-game ceremonies at homeplate. This will be a great day to see Giants baseball and celebrate Filipino culture with the whole family.” 

WHAT:            Giants Filipino Heritage Game

            Giants vs. San Diego Padres

WHEN:            Tuesday, April 21

                        3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  (First Pitch at 7:15 pm)

WHERE:          AT&T Park, San Francisco

$20 Filipino Heritage Game ticket package includes a seat in Filipino Heritage section, access to pre-game Filipino Festival and a limited edition Manny Pacquiao bobblehead – available only at www.sfgiants.com/Filipino or (415) 972-2298.

FESTIVAL LINE UP:  

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Filipino Festival at Seals Plaza. Live variety Filipino American entertainment. 20+ community, vendor and exhibitor booths. 

6:15 p.m.     Welcome performance at Willie Mays Plaza by Mabuhay Folkloric Group 

6:15 p.m.    Welcome performance at Lefty O'Doul Plaza by Mango Kingz 

6:45 p.m.   Pre-game entertainment at homeplate by the Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble and a special tribute to Filipino American veterans.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO AMERICAN ARTS EXPOSITION

The Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) is a vital part of the rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic communities of the San Francisco Bay Area through its promotion of Filipino American art, music, film, theatre and dance.  Founded in 1994, FAAE is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that contributes to the artistic and cultural pride of the Filipino American community through its production of community events such as the annual Pistahan Parade and Festival at the Yerba Buena Gardens (held on every second weekend in August) and the San Francisco Giants Filipino Heritage Game at AT&T Park.  For more information go to www.pistahan.net.

ABOUT MANILATOWN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The mission of Manilatown Heritage Foundation is to promote social and economic justice for Filipinos in America by preserving our history, advocating for equal access, and advancing our arts and culture.  For more information go to www.manilatown.org.

ABOUT ABS-CBN FOUNDATION

Bantay Bata 163 is a child welfare program of ABS-CBN Foundation that not only rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused children, but also provides shelter, therapy and quality home care for rescued children until they can be reunited with their families or referred to proper child-caring agencies.
BB163 gives emphasis on the family through the following services: training and advocacy on child abuse prevention, rehabilitation of families in crisis, educational scholarships, livelihood, community outreach and medical and dental missions.  For more information go to www.abscbnfoundation.org.

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4-17-2009