Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved going to the library. Even though some people in my school perceive it as “uncool”, I didn’t care. I would ask my dad to drop me off to the nearest library to read books and magazines, do homework, borrow movies and cds, or just browse. Come to think of it, libraries carry so much knowledge all in one place. Not to mention you don’t have to spend money compared to visiting bookstores and coffee shops. I had no idea that one day my photo will be displayed at the place I’ve always admired, let alone the San Francisco main library!
The photo is part of an exhibit called “Kodakan, Pilipinos in the City” which aims to explore Pilipino cultural identity from past to present. Modern photos were juxtaposed alongside vintage photos dating back in the 1920s (or earlier). The photo exhibit was put together by Kularts, a non profit organization working to promote and celebrate contemporary and tribal Pilipino arts in the United States. Kodakan is directed by Wilfred Galila featuring works of Peggy Peralta and Cece Carpio.
When Peggy called me and asked me if I could be in the project, I hesitated. The project seemed so wonderful but I felt unqualified for it. I live in San Francisco half of the time with my partner Chris, the other half with my family in Hayward. I thought Chris would be a more ideal candidate because he is born and raised in the city, a true San Francisco native. Peggy explained that it would be an interesting photo (and interview) to get two different perspectives from Chris and I. She also explained that Chris and I will be photographed juxtaposed with another couple in a vintage photo. Chris and I felt so honored to partake in the project so of course we said yes.
(Wide shot of our photo spread)
(Left: vintage photo a Filipino couple in San Francisco. Right: Chris and I at Dolores park, San Francisco. I learned that the couple from the old photo are the grandparents of one of the artists in involved in the project).
Aside from couples, Kodakan also features photographs of Filipino families, artists, musicians as well as war veterans and community activists, and “gallivanting dandies” (it won’t be a Filipino event without the word “gallivant”! ).
The opening of the exhibit was presented with a video screening and an artist talk. The screening showed interviews of some of the subjects. I hope Kularts will eventually upload the video online because I believe the film will resonate not just to Filipinos but to anyone with a cultural identity or those who pursue it.
Thank you to the folks at Kularts, Alleluia Panis, Wilfred Galila and Peggy Peralta. for including Chris and I to Kodakan. Chris and I are truly honored and overwhelmed.
(Chris and I with Alleliua Panis, the head of Kularts)
(Chris and I with Alleluia and Peggy)
To check out Kodakan, feel free to visit the San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin St. San Francisco.
Kodakan is located at the 3rd floor, it will be up there until January 23.
Richgail Enriquez 