San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas district has begun restoring and updating a 90-foot mural: Ang Lipi ni Lapu Lapu. It was one of the first in the U.S. to highlight Filipino American immigration and contributions. Now it will return in full glory.
As 7×7 Bay Area reported, the mural restoration is part of SOMA Pilipinas’ ongoing mission to bring public art to the streets of the city’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District. It will be officially unveiled on October 13, during Filipino American History Month, at a block party called SOMA Sunday Streets.
According to the city of San Franciso’s website, the unveiling will feature traditional performances, an interactive parol-making workshop, and local Filipino delicacies, celebrating the vibrant community and rich cultural heritage of SOMA Pilipinas.
The mural was originally painted 40 years ago by artist Johanna Poethig. It incorporates Filipino resistance leader Lapu Lapu, World War II veterans, and Vicki Manalo Draves, the first Asian American Olympic gold medalist. With each figure, the mural tells a story of resilience, protest, and community strength—key themes that continue to resonate with the Filipino American community today.
According to PapaLoDown, the new version of the mural will also include WWII Comfort women, like Lola Narcisa Claveria, and WWII veterans who fought to receive proper benefits from the U.S. government.
The restoration of Ang Lipi ni Lapu Lapu is just one of many public art projects undertaken by SOMA Pilipinas, which aims to complete more than 30 murals by 2025. Among the most recent works is the Carabao Mural by Franceska Gamez and Cece Carpio, which intertwines Filipino history with contemporary scenes of activism and cultural pride. As PapaLoDown highlighted, SOMA Pilipinas has become a cornerstone of San Francisco’s recovery efforts, showcasing the contributions of Filipino artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.
The mural’s revival is not only a tribute to Filipino history but also a powerful reminder of the community’s ongoing presence and impact in the city. According to Poethig, the mural will continue to inspire future generations, preserving the story of Filipino resilience for years to come.
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