Filipino Sci-Fi, Community Stories, and New Drops for AAPI Month

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting bold Filipino stories that imagine our future while honoring our roots. From a powerful sci-fi film screening at the San Francisco Public Library to the launch of Maharlika Vol. 2 and fresh restocks, here’s what’s happening this week at Hot Tropiks.

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Honoring the Victims of the Vancouver Tragedy

Before we dive into celebrations, we must acknowledge the devastating news out of Vancouver.

At least 11 lives were lost during a Lapu-Lapu Day festival after a car drove into the crowd. We’re heartbroken by this tragedy, and our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and Filipinos around the world who are grieving.

If you’d like to help, SoCal Filipinos has compiled a list of verified GoFundMe links to support the families directly:
👉 Support the Families

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Alimuom Screening and Director Q&A at SF Public Library

Saturday, May 24 | Koret Auditorium, SF Main Library

Hot Tropiks is proud to partner with the San Francisco Public Library to present a special AAPI Month screening of Alimuom (Vapors) — a groundbreaking Filipino science fiction film exploring climate collapse, cultural memory, and resistance.

Directed by Keith Sicat, Alimuom is set in a future where farming has been banned and ecosystems are replaced by artificial bio-domes. Amid this dystopian world, a Filipino botanist risks everything to preserve not just plants, but the cultural knowledge they carry — from ancient farming traditions to forgotten songs.

This is more than a movie — it’s a lens into what Filipino futurism can look like.

Event Schedule:

12:00 – 2:00 PM
PreScreening Market
Browse indie zines, eco-conscious products, and local org booths.

2:00 – 4:00 PM
Film Screening + Live Zoom Q&A with Director Keith Sicat

📍 Koret Auditorium – SF Main Library, 100 Larkin Street
🎟️ Free Admission – Limited Seating

RSVP & Event Details

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Maharlika Vol. 2 Launches in Manila

Last week, we officially launched Maharlika Vol. 2 in the Philippines — and now it’s available online for everyone.

Maharlika is our digital-first Filipino sci-fi series that blends rebellion, ancestral memory, and myth with a fresh, genre-defying narrative. Volume 2 takes the series deeper into the heart of resistance and the future of the archipelago.

Check out photos from the Manila event, read our behind-the-scenes breakdown, or shop the latest release:
– View Event Photos
– Shop Maharlika

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Team Manila Tapsi Tee Now Available

Team Manila is back with a new drop — and this one’s straight from the heart of Filipino food culture.

The Tapsi Tee pays tribute to the iconic silog breakfast combo, with bold graphics that celebrate everyday Filipino life. Whether you grew up eating tapsilog or just love design with meaning, this shirt hits the spot.

Shop the Tapsi Tee

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Restocks Are Live

Some of your all-time favorite books are now back in stock. If you've been waiting to grab these titles, now’s your chance:

• Cabinet of Curiosities

• Tulog Na

• Rizal Without the Overcoat

• Aswang High

• Sa Wala

• TK Nosebleed

• 11:30 to Baguio

• Gigil

• Tikim

• What Kids Should Know About Filipino Culture

• Sorry Po

• Isa Dalawa Tatlo

• My Family

• Immortal Wings

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About Hot Tropiks

Hot Tropiks is a California-based cultural platform dedicated to bringing bold, original stories from the Philippine Tropiks to the world. Through books, media, events, and creative collabs, we spotlight indie creators and cultural voices that push storytelling forward.

Follow us for more updates and releases:
– Website: www.hottropiks.com
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hot.tropiks
– TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hot.tropiks
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hot.tropiks
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hot-tropiks