Piyesta sa Pamayanan!

It's been over a week since Piyesta sa Pamayanan and we are still deeply moved by the energy of the community. Thank you to everyone who made this community gathering a great event during Filipino-American History Month!

We've spent a lot of time at AFIRE having conversations between staff and board reflecting on what we’ve seen happening for the past few months and navigating the impact it has had on our work and capacity, as well. In the weeks and months post-inauguration, our communities have been struggling and suffering against horrific atrocities and increasingly unjust conditions. When we envisioned Piyesta, we had questions about whether it was ok to even host such an event - maybe it wasn't appropriate given the state of terror individuals have been experiencing. But it also seemed really important to offer something, even for just a few hours, where we could slow down, reground, and just breathe together. Inspired by others who have also invested in healing spaces, and in great part to members of our community coming together, we hosted a festival with and for the community on 10/11!

Thank you to our facilitators: Crystle, Jean, Michael, Myles, and Tomo! It was incredible seeing our elders practice chair yoga and young and old darting in and out of the kali circle, calling out numbers in Tagalog as they practiced strikes with bamboo sticks. The passionate world-building that emerged in the signs and art pieces, as well as in the writing that took place in the classrooms were also powerful reminders of our visioning and collective desire for more. 

Thank you to our sponsors and donors: Bayan Ko, Camelia Bakes, InBar, Panlasa, Ruby's Fast Food, Tropicake, WonderPlay & Coffee! There was no shortage of delicious foods and conversations taking place in the food hall were striking in their comfort and familiarity. The delectable scents that filled the space served as indelible reminders of home, and affirmed the power of innovation in our cuisine. With so much food and donations, it was an abundant space for everyone and there was more than enough for baon all around! 

Thank you to the staff and board! The second floor was festive, colorful, warm, and inviting! Folks felt safe and welcome because there was always someone able to greet them and chat. In addition to the activities above, participants also engaged in a scavenger hunt that showcased historic and current Filipino landmarks in Chicago, put together by one of our board members. Our programming between the morning and afternoon activities was brief, but we heard that several folks were at an AFIRE event for the first time. Wowwww!!! 

Thank you to all of you for believing in our work and supporting us along the way. Many told us directly it was meaningful to have this space and important to celebrate one another during FAHM. Not to mention they would definitely attend something like this again. We don’t know what the future will look like, but we look forward to connecting with you again!