Growing up in a Filipinx family has many perks such as the rich culture of food, music, and dance but there are certain impacts of colonialism and western beauty standards that have negatively influenced the way Filipinx Americans are treated and walk in life.

There is rich history in beauty products from the Philippines with skin lightening formula.

Why is that?

Have you experienced this or something similar in your own culture?

We're here to have a conversation on just that. We want to break down barriers and discuss the personal impact this has had on the lives of Filipinx Americans.

Manny's never turns away anyone for lack of funds. To receive a complementary ticket just email the word "grapefruit" and the title of this event to darian@welcometomannys.com.

About the Speakers:

About Jessica Rae:

Jessica Rae is a Filipino owner and educator around movement and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Rae Model & Talent Agency LLC and Rae Studios, a brick and mortar dance studio and talent agency in downtown San Francisco, California. Jessica is a graduate from San Francisco State University with a BA in Speech and Communications, completed in just three years prior to starting her entrepreneurial journey.

Her career started with pageantry; titles include Miss World Peace, Miss San Francisco Bay Area, Miss Congeniality, and Miss Hawaiian Tropic – and the practice of special skills in piano playing and different styles of dance. Jessica's natural and strong public speaking ability and passion for the arts, specifically for making dance accessible to everyone, has captivated audiences. After her successful pageantry career, her experience led her into film and print productions. Jessica has been working on and off camera for companies including Muscle Milk, Fitbit, Acura, Facebook, 24hr Fitness, and Apple, along with artists such as Ludacris, Lady Gaga, Kid Rock, Too Short, and Bebe Rexha. This experience as an on-set talent has sparked her mission to become a talent agent and provide the same opportunities for other performing artists.

Jessica recently judged for Miss America in 2021 and is looking to build her businesses to the next level following the pandemic.

About Frances Belleza:

Frances Belleza felt called to yoga after a tumultuous childhood led her to explore holistic healing. Her practice marries movement, sound, breath-work and devotion. She believes that everyone can tap into divine self through their mind, body and soul. Frances supports this discovery through classic yoga styles like Hatha and Vinyasa, centering practices like meditation and elevates collective frequency through music and chant. She incorporates vocals, different types of drums, singing bowls and the harmonium in her sound practices.

Bhakti is at the heart of her teachings. As a child, Frances struggled to accept her strict Catholic upbringing as the only truth. A catastrophic life event opened her up to the profound teachings of Sufism, Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, and she learned to distinguish religion from philosophical thought. She believes that hardships are a catalyst for introspection, healing and growth, and her mission is to hold space for people to manifest their highest selves.