We are excited to share that we’ve been building out the research and social purpose arm of Archipelago. We understand that Archipelago’s work to bring stories of the FilAM experience to life through food is much greater than us alone. From opening day until 2022, we told Maria Orosa’s story every single night. When our friend Carmel of @kalsadacoffee found her in the archives at FAHNS almost a decade ago, few knew her story. Now, her story has appeared everywhere and we couldn’t be prouder.

We realize though, that there are MORE stories that must be found or further uncovered. Sadly, our history here in the U.S. can’t simply be googled. We’ve been searching through archives, gathering oral histories, connecting with farms, as well as working with FANHS, FilAm Educators and local schools to share. We hope to do more - because increasing our understanding of food is just as important as food itself.

We are relaunching our Bayani Kollection to raise money for this work. Each drop will focus on a Bayani from our previous experiences, using their contributions as powers for our community. We start with the woman who inspired our concept and empowered us to see ourselves both in Seattle and globally – Maria Orosa. Her superpower for our kollection, is education, just in time for graduation. We will be auctioning/selling one of a kind limited shirts, each embroidered with the hero and number, making every single one unique. 001 of each size will be auctioned giving the owner special access. We will also be selling different tiered shirts at a fixed price.

With your support Archipelago will continue to build out the future of cultural food systems, making sure community and social impact is always at the center.

This program has already supported:

• Filipino/a/x curriculum in Seattle Public Schools in partnership with Filipino American Educators of Washington

• Student educational dining experiences

• FilAm and BIPOC archival and documentation work through UW Special Collection Archives and in partnership with Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

• Strengthening relationships between FilAm organizations and our city’s institutions—reclaiming and naming histories that have not been shared, allowing them to live on in community

• Farm outreach, support, and collaboration

• Community events such as Malaya’s Golden Years photo exhibit, Justice for the United 6 community forum, Field to Table SPS Curriculum Fundraiser and Awareness event, and Millcreek Middle School’s Future Fest

• Student lunches
  

We hope to do so much more!