san francisco (Crohn’s) — Usually when a global star with millions of fans around the world arrives in your city, everyone wants to get to know this celebrity and learn more about him.
However, in the case of the Filipino actress Bill MarianoDuring her appearance in San Francisco on Wednesday, she wanted to get to know her fans and fans.
Inside the Marina Theater an intimate conversation took place between Mariano and the local community, most of whom were Filipino Americans. Mariano was supposed to be in town to promote her upcoming film “Meet, Greet & Bye,” a film highlighting the story of a Filipino family, but it ended up being more than that.
The panel discussion, which happened to fall during Filipino American History Month, was a one-on-one affair in which Mariano shared some of her personal family stories — in the presence of her mother, who came from the Philippines. Moderator Mark LaBella made sure every audience member spoke to make the event interactive.
Both Mariano and audience members shared their perspectives on growing up Filipinos in the United States, as the former grew up at home. Some members of the mostly American crowd spoke of reconciling the two cultures in an identity crisis tug of war.
“It’s a pleasure to hear your stories,” Mariano tells KRON4. “I rarely get this opportunity to interact with you (Filipino Americans) since you guys are so far away.
“I want to know what it’s like for you guys to grow up and connect with you too. It’s so beautiful how eager you are to learn about your culture, and our culture — to see the love we share with each other.”
The 23-year-old actress truly cherishes getting to know her fans abroad, and this is evident in her curiosity about the Filipino-American experience.
Even including where they do their grocery shopping. KRON4 asked what Mariano wants to do during her short time in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“Well, a lot of you guys mentioned Seafood City,” Mariano said with a laugh. “I’ve never gone, but I want to go.”
Mariano added that visiting the Filipino-American grocery chain would “immerse” herself in the culture.
Watch KRON4’s full interview with Mariano in the video player above.
Mariano wasn’t just interested in the Fil-Am lifestyle.
Some attendees are not Filipino or Filipino-American but can still relate to the culture and themes of the film, including San Francisco resident Cynthia Huang.
“Being Taiwanese American and Filipino American is similar in the sense that a lot of relatives and family are very far away, so I really connected with that desire for more connection and community,” Huang said. “Family is everything – and that’s something Filipinos really showcase. I feel like all my Filipino friends, they always talk about family. That’s something in my culture as well that I really relate to.”
The open-to-the-public event also gave panelists a sneak peek at the film, which also stars Filipino movie stars Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, and Marcel Soriano. The film producers asked them for their feedback and what they would like to see in the next film.
San Francisco was one of three stops on Mariano’s North American tour for a community panel discussion. She was previously based in Vancouver and Los Angeles.
“Even if no matter where you grow up, the values we uphold are the values. It’s the love we share. I think that’s what makes us all Filipino,” Mariano said.
“Meet, Greet & Bye” will premiere in North America on November 14. How to watch the film in Bay Area theaters near you will be detailed as the date approaches. Stay tuned to KRON4 for local show times.