FilCom Community Mural

This commissioned mural stands proudly at the Filipino Community Center (FilCom) in Waipahu, Hawaii.

This design was inspired by the blankets my grandma used to make sew for my siblings and I. Before retiring, she was a seamstress and used her spare fabric to make these blankets. This mural carries the same vibrancy and thoughtfulness she had with her blankets. A blanket for Filipinos in Hawaii consisted of history and people while woven with Kalinga & vibrant colors.

PYTHON INTRODUCTION
Stylized cursive design & Python Kalinga (Omen of good fortune & blessings of the ancestors)
An introduction to acknowledge those who have come before us.

“CENTER OF GENERATIONS”
Place for photos between 4 figures (pairs of men & women) to represent your parents/ancestors
The diamond in the center where you will stand, flanked by the colors of the Philippine Flag & Moringa patterns

FILCOM BRANDED WALL
Most centered part of the wall (Perfect for ppl to gather and take photos)
Picnic blanket pattern to add familiarity & large modern-retro font to reflect the cohesion of generations
Kappi crab Kalinga (Marking of those of Austronesia/Pacific Islands)

MORINGA / HIMIG NA INDAK TRIBUTE
The silhouettes of the members of Himig na Indak are shown in blue & red as they celebrate/support/cheer on Tinikling dancers
Right half of the wall is an aerial view silhouette of Waipahu from 1942
Moringa patterns line the backdrop of the scene


“THE PROUD SAKADA”
Ancestor/Anthropomorphic Kalinga (Rows of ancestors joining hands, pointed in the direction to the sky to send them praise & guidance on their journey after life)
Plant Kalinga (Fertility, Prosperity, & Growth - Things that our ancestors left us for our lifetimes)
Tall Sakada figure on the left looking out into a sugarcane field full of other Sakada
Buwaya (Crocodile) Inabel Pattern (Protection from bad spirits - The Sakada worked to give us hope & opportunity)

SMOKESTACK MONUMENT
A reflection of modern day Waipahu Depot Street
A reminder that the roads we walk were once walked by many before us
Stylized script & repeat of the Python Kalinga (to conclude/appreciate our journey with our ancestors)




ARTIST MESSAGE
Thank you for enjoying this walk with me through acknowledging ancestry and celebrating heritage. I could not have completed this mural without the help of many many volunteers that took time out of their day to make history with me. It is truly an honor to serve my Filipino community while celebrating creativity and culture through artistry. Whenever you read this, lift your chin high and have an amazing morning. Mabuhay & Agyamanak unay unay.