Kreative Growth Events

January 25, 2025 — February 28, 2025

At Balay Kreative, we're committed to more than just creating an artistic haven in SOMA Pilipinas. We're embarked on a profound journey to transform this community into a vibrant epicenter of Filipinx creativity that resonates far beyond its borders. We firmly believe that art is more than brushstrokes on canvas or melodies in the air; it's a potent catalyst for change, forging connections, empowering communities, and bridging cultures. With unwavering dedication, we're nurturing the fertile ground of Filipinx creativity to ensure that art becomes the driving force behind the remarkable revitalization of the SOMA Pilipinas neighborhood.

Join us on this extraordinary journey and become a part of the Filipinx artistic renaissance – because, in the vibrant tapestry of creativity, every thread counts, and together, we weave a masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on SOMA Pilipinas and the world beyond.

January 25, 2025 - “Makabagong Kumparsa” by Matthew Espina Harris

Makabagong Kumparsa is a performance piece that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Philippine Rondalla Music. This production works to honor the Rondalla music of our past, while also pushing the art form forward by exploring contemporary OPM (original pinoy music) through the lens of traditional Rondalla instrumentation. Makabagong Kumparsa was produced by Matthew Espina Harris and features musicians of the renowned Agos Rondalla Ensemble.

February 1, 2025 - “In Bituin” by Allan S. Manalo

“In Bituin” is a semi-autobiographical performance about a Filipino American comic in search of his cultural identity finds the love of his life only to tragically lose her 29 years later. Staged in theatrical standup comedy form (ala John Leguizamo, Mike Birbiglia, Tig Notaro), Samson explores his core journey to find his Filipino identity, falling in love with his soul mate Joyce Juan in Manila, and grappling with the transformations of living with the grief of losing her.

February 8, 2025 - “Everyone's Busy” The Debut EP by Pinay Voltron

“Everyone’s Busy” - the EP is Pinay Voltron’s debut of original sound recordings. We will host a final live performance where live renditions of the songs from the EP will be performed in-person for the first time ever!

This EP is a reflection of our true experience figuring out how to make music during a time when we were navigating so much life. Between busy schedules, learning to explore our inner creative processes, and finding ways to communicate and collaborate creativity as a group, it has been a journey of growth and intention. Despite the challenges of coordinating different schedules, being miles away from each other, and holding space for the emotional journeys we were each experiencing, our shared commitment to creating music together remained at the heart of it all.

February 13, 2025 - “Third Culture Songs” by Sampaguitas

The Sampaguitas sing Filipino folk songs in three-part harmony. Together, Jenevieve Francisco, Cristina Ibarra and Aireene Espiritu explore their third culture identities through original music and songs from their roots. The Sampaguita is the national flower of The Philippines and only fitting to describe the sweet sounds coming from their melded vocal textures, tones, and tight harmonies.

This special pre-Valentine's Day concert will feature traditional songs, inspired originals, and a preview of new music recorded at Women's Audio Mission, made possible by the Balay Kreative Growth grant.

February 22, 2025 - “Oakland Ilokana” by Elenita Makani O’Malley

Celebrate intergenerational storytelling, Filipino American history, and the power of film.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at “Oakland Ilokana,” a documentary-in-progress. Balay Kreative filmmaker Elenita Makani O’Malley shares the story of her grandmother, Lola Marie — one of the first Filipinas born in 1930s Oakland — and offers a model for intergenerational healing through oral history. 

Then, dive into an interactive activity that showcases how personal and collective stories are preserved.
Leave inspired to explore your own family’s history! 

February 23, 2025 - “Ripples Make Waves” by Dana Sabaria

Join us for a special day of celebrating the art of weaving. We will be hosting a panel talk with weavers in the community who will share their personal journeys in weaving, a poetry reading to showcase the power of woven stories through words, and an open weaving station for participants to experiment through their own creations to take home. This project invites the audience to reflect that no matter how small the ripple you create, it can inspire someone else, who may inspire another person, until, before you realize it, you’re making waves.

February 28, 2025 - “High Tides” by Carla Grace Fajardo

A showcase of the current progress of Jasmine X Lavender's newest film "High Tides" with a talk back with the production team and cast.The film is about Kaia (They/She), a Filipinx nonbinary lesbian artist, who builds a surreal world in their own mind to detach and escape from their reality through their drawing that come to life. They experience heartbreak after Luna (She/Her), their Filipina bisexual best friend whom they are in love with, tells them they are interested in dating someone else. As Kaia becomes overwhelmed by this, their grasp of reality spins out of control as their inner world becomes more and more surreal and begins to affect how they act in the friendship. Kaia's sense of power and motivation alludes to a Philippine myth of the Bakunawa; a yearning of sea serpent deity whose desire for the moon leads to the eradication of the moon's light. Kaia and Luna's story parallels the natural phenomenon of ocean tides changing due the gravitational pull of the moon. The film uses 2D rotoscope animation, 3D animation, and VFX to reflect the push and pull of this relationship. 

Read Our Blogs

Explore the vibrant and diverse world of Filipino artistry, one captivating story at a time. Join us in supporting these talented individuals and be a part of the Balay Kreative community today!

Explore the Program

Join us on a transformative journey at Balay Kreative! Our Kreative Growth program goes beyond creating an artistic haven in SOMA Pilipinas – it's a commitment to turning this community into a thriving hub of Filipinx creativity that reverberates far and wide. We firmly believe that art is a powerful force for change, uniting communities, and bridging cultures. With unwavering dedication, we're cultivating the fertile soil of Filipinx creativity, making art the driving force behind the remarkable revitalization of the SOMA Pilipinas neighborhood. Come be a part of this vibrant movement and witness the magic of art in action.