“Made With Mahal” Two new murals show love for Filipinx Culture in SoMa

UNDSCVRD 10-year anniversary season finale brings fashion show to downtown

San Francisco, CA - Kultivate Labs will unveil two monumental murals, on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6-10 PM, in SOMA Pilipinas, the city’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District. Located in front of Jessie West on Mission and 5th St. These bold new works created by artists Venazir Martinez and Andre Sibayan, are shaped by visions of love, belonging, and Filipino culture. A third mural by Francesa Gamez will be completed in 2027. The unveiling is also a block party with the theme “Made With Mahal” and is the third installment celebrating 10 years of UNDSCVRD SF, the nation’s first Filipino inspired night market.

“My piece, Pamana (Heirloom), explores the double meaning of mahal: it means both "love" and "expensive." For me, Love is Family. Our strong familial ties are one of the greatest strengths of the Filipino community, rooted in the selfless sacrifice of immigrant parents. The "expensive" is the gold of our ancestors, a richness in our bloodline and cultural traditions that many in our community don't realize we carry. That's why you'll see gold smeared across the subjects' faces. The gold of ancestors is our inheritance, infused in our blood.” - Venazir Martinez

““Isang Mahal” Tagalog for “One Love,” is my interpretation of the MAHAL theme—a visual love letter to the Filipino diaspora in San Francisco and beyond. The artwork takes the shape of a postage stamp, symbolizing the letters and money Filipino immigrants sent home while working toward a better future for their families. In the upper right corner, the Baybayin reads “Habang Buhay,” meaning “Forever”—a nod to the U.S. Forever Stamp and the enduring love that connects families across generations and oceans. It’s an honor to be able to partner with 1AM Projects to render my vision. They’re OG’s in the game, and they absolutely did an amazing job bringing my vision to life. ” - Andre Sibayan

The night kicks off featuring a fashion show with local Filipinx American talent from art mediums of fashion, dance, and music. The Bay Area-based designers, Calixta Lehman, Johny Cariño Marquez, Iz and JH of Emordes Studios, and Nicole of Niana Collection are the featured designers making moves in their respective fields. Opening and closing this fashion show is the Filipinx American dance collective, Kapwa Pula (Francis Aquino, Jenelle Gaerlan, Francis Cailles, and Joshua Reyes), whose dancers come from established dance companies such as Embodiment Project, Kularts, and the Bounce Back Hip Hop community. DJ ETIV of Astig Sound brings undeniable energy throughout the program.

Photo 1: Designer Calixta Lehman | Model Jenelle Gaerlan
Photo 2: Designer Emordes Studio | Model Francis Aquino
Photo 3: Designer Niana Collection | Model Francis Cailles
Photo 4: Designer Johny Cariño Marquez | Model Joshua Reyes
Photo 5: L-R Pauline Maccay, Joshua Reyes, Jenelle Gaerlan, Francis Aquino, Francis Cailles, Jawa Lee

Photographer: Joseph Johnson
Jewelry and Stylist: Pauline Maccay
Creative direction: Jawa Lee

Attendees of the fashion show can expect stunning design, movement, and an experience made with Mahal. A special appearance from Jollibee, the infamous Filipino fast-food chain mascot, will be made buzzing down the cat walk. A love-song themed karaoke session ends the night in a big way with lyrics projected on the side of the building.

“The UNDSCVRD Made with Mahal event itself feels like such a big celebration of the Filipinx American experience. I grew up in the Bay Area but never knew about the cultural district until I heard about UNDSCVRD. So for an event like this to bring awareness to our Filipino history in San Francisco is really amazing and makes me want to lean into this side of my culture more.” - Jawa

Since 2017, UNDISCOVERED SF has served as the nation's first Filipino inspired night market, a launchpad for small businesses and a gathering place for San Francisco's Filipino and broader API and BIPOC community. What began as a seeded pilot has grown into a decade-long incubator, helping food and retail entrepreneurs turn business ideas to pop-ups, market stalls, and lasting storefronts and trucks across the city; serving as a model of success for communities nationwide.

Event Details:

What: UNDSCVRD Made With Mahal Mural Unveiling

Where: Jessie West on Mission and 5th St, San Francisco

When: Friday, November 13, 2026, 6 - 10 PM 

Age: All ages

Cost: FREE to attend, RSVP suggested

RSVP LINK: https://luma.com/uvfqed21

Meet The Designers:
Calixta Lehman is an emerging Filipina American designer who debuted her first collection this year in May at The Eden Gallery, which she also directed and produced. A powerhouse of a designer and community organizer.

Johny Cariño Marquez is a Filipino American designer who is known for his creative take on a work jacket. He focuses on upcycled fabrics, creating color blocking and using interesting patterns and textures to make each jacket a one-of-one piece. His craftsmanship is impeccable, and the work is highly recognizable on the street.

Iz and JH are the duo behind Emordes Studio and create worlds within their collections. Founded by a designer-stylist and biochemist weaver, they operate at the intersection of science, culture, design, and the collective.

Nicole from Niana Collection. Niana blends the traditional silhouettes of the Filipiñiana and modern styles of clothing. The pieces they make are something you'd want to wear on an everyday basis or on a special occasion.

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ABOUT:
Kultivate Labs is a Non-profit Economic Development and Arts Organization. We create thriving commercial ecosystems by accelerating businesses that preserve culture and community. We provide space and opportunities for the arts to flourish so that commercial activities are activated and reflect the community at large.

Make It Mariko (pronounced MAH-ree-ko) is an award-winning creative events agency based in San Francisco, and proudly led by women of color. With community building at the heart of our work, we center diverse voices, cultivate connection, and create joy through intentional event experiences.