In October 2025, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco (KP SSF) proudly celebrated Filipino American History Month, honoring the vibrant heritage, compassion, and community spirit of the Filipino people, who represent a large portion of both the nursing workforce and the patients served at KP SSF. The celebration brought together more than 100 staff members across the medical center to recognize the power of culture, unity, and representation in health care.

The event was led by clinical nurses Victoria Palomar, MSN, RN, CCRN, Arline Bocaling, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pauline Uy, BSN, RN, Analyn Altamira, BSN, RN, Sharyln Guterres, RN, Joy Apostol, BSN, RN, CCRRN,  and Marilyn Castillo, BSN, RN, alongside nursing leaders Baby Lyn Abadilla, MSN, MBA, RN, ICU Nurse Manager; Leo Ruel Eusebio, MSN, MHA, RN, CEN, CPEN, Emergency Department Nursing Director; and Jay Frankera, MSN, RN, CEN, Medical Subspecialties Nursing Director. The two-hour event showcased the richness of Filipino culture through traditional food prepared by the nursing team, cultural dances performed by nurses and friends, and a gallery of hand-painted artwork created by Eusebio.

Beyond the food, music, and celebration, the event reflected the heart of care at KP SSF. Many of the hospital’s patients share Filipino heritage, and cultural connection plays an important role in fostering trust and healing. During the event, Shasta Addessi, FACHE, San Mateo Senior Vice President and Area Manager, shared a touching patient comment: “I’m in and out of Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco, but I love that those who care for me are of my own ethnicity, who look like me, and treat me like family.”

This celebration beautifully captured what makes KP South San Francisco special — a community of nurses and caregivers who lead with compassion, honor culture, and provide care that truly feels like home.