Liza Soberano Reflects on Emotional First Pitch Experience at Dodgers-Mets Game During Celebratory Filipino Heritage Night in Los Angeles
Filipino-American actress and global star Liza Soberano delivered a heartfelt and memorable ceremonial first pitch during the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets game, held at Dodger Stadium in celebration of Filipino Heritage Night. The moment marked not just a personal milestone for the actress, but also a significant cultural statement that resonated deeply with the thousands of Filipino fans in attendance and countless more around the world who witnessed it unfold across social media platforms.
Soberano, known for her work in both Philippine television and international projects, was beaming with pride as she took the field in front of more than 50,000 fans on a night dedicated to celebrating the contributions, heritage, and pride of the Filipino community. Wearing a custom Dodgers jersey with “Soberano” emblazoned on the back and paired with traditional Filipino embroidery detail as a tribute to her roots, she stepped onto the mound amid cheers, waving flags, and chants of “Mabuhay” echoing through the stadium.
After the pitch, which she threw confidently and with commendable form, Soberano stood for photos with Dodgers players and team staff, her face glowing with the emotion of the moment. While many celebrities have taken the mound at Dodger Stadium over the years, what set Soberano’s pitch apart was the deep cultural significance behind it. This was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a reflection of identity, belonging, and visibility for a community that has long made meaningful contributions to American society yet has often been underrepresented in mainstream sports and entertainment.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the pitch, Soberano shared how honored she felt to be chosen for such a momentous role. “It’s honestly a dream come true,” she said. “To be here in Los Angeles, surrounded by so many members of the Filipino community, and to represent our heritage on a stage like this—it’s something I will never forget.” She went on to express how much preparation she put into making sure her pitch was more than symbolic. “I practiced for days,” she laughed. “I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of the whole stadium.”
Beyond her physical preparation, Soberano was also mentally and emotionally invested in the occasion. She spoke about how meaningful it was for her to see the stadium filled with Filipino flags, traditional attire, and fans waving banners with Tagalog messages. “It felt like a celebration of home, even though we’re in Los Angeles,” she noted. “Filipino Heritage Night isn’t just a baseball game—it’s a moment for our community to be proud of who we are.”
This was not the first time Liza Soberano had publicly expressed her pride in her Filipino heritage, but it was undoubtedly one of the most high-profile instances. As someone who straddles two cultures—Filipino and American—Soberano has often spoken about her unique experience growing up between worlds. Born in California and raised in the Philippines, she has long seen herself as a cultural bridge, a role she now embraces more openly as her career continues to grow on an international scale.
Her participation in Filipino Heritage Night also comes amid her increasing visibility in Hollywood. After making her mark in Philippine entertainment with acclaimed roles in romantic dramas and comedy series, Soberano recently crossed over into the global spotlight with roles in international productions and brand partnerships with major fashion and beauty houses. Her presence at Dodger Stadium, then, was not just about baseball or cultural identity—it was also a marker of her growing status as a global ambassador for Filipino talent.
Fans in attendance were visibly moved by Soberano’s appearance. Many families dressed in traditional barong and Filipiniana outfits, waving both American and Filipino flags. Children held up signs bearing her name and messages of support. One attendee, a Filipino-American nurse named Rina Mendoza, shared how much the moment meant to her. “Liza is someone my daughter looks up to,” Mendoza said. “Seeing her on that field, standing tall and proud, made us feel seen. It reminded me that being Filipino is something to celebrate every day.”
The Dodgers organization has long hosted cultural heritage nights to celebrate the diversity of Los Angeles, a city renowned for its rich multicultural population. Filipino Heritage Night, now an annual tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of many Angelenos, especially those with deep ties to the Filipino diaspora. In addition to Soberano’s ceremonial pitch, the evening featured Filipino musical performances, food trucks offering traditional dishes like adobo and lumpia, and a special giveaway of Dodgers caps embroidered with the sun and stars from the Philippine flag.
The convergence of sports, culture, and entertainment made the night uniquely powerful. Liza Soberano stood not only as a celebrity but as a representative of millions—an embodiment of success, resilience, and cultural pride. She acknowledged this responsibility during her post-game interviews, saying, “I know I carry the hopes of a lot of young Filipinos, especially those who dream of making it big in industries where we haven’t always been visible. I hope tonight gave them courage to keep dreaming.”
This sentiment echoed throughout Filipino social media communities, where her pitch quickly went viral. Hashtags like #LizaAtDodgerStadium and #FilipinoHeritageNight trended in the Philippines and among Filipino diaspora circles. Fans shared messages of support, admiration, and national pride, with many noting how emotional it was to see a Filipino woman center stage at one of America’s most iconic sports venues. For many, it wasn’t just a pitch—it was a moment of representation, a symbolic win for a community that continues to strive for greater recognition and inclusion.
Soberano’s involvement also caught the attention of Filipino and American celebrities alike. Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao tweeted his congratulations, calling the moment “a proud day for every Filipino.” Hollywood actor and fellow Filipino-American Darren Criss posted on Instagram, “Liza killing it at Dodger Stadium! Representing with pride. We love to see it.” The support further underscored how far Filipino representation in global spaces has come—and how much further it can go when figures like Soberano take bold, visible steps forward.
As the Dodgers took the field and the game got underway, the energy remained electric. But for many in the crowd, the highlight had already occurred. Soberano stayed to watch the game, occasionally captured on the stadium’s jumbotron, waving at fans and soaking in the moment. Later, she visited with local Filipino-American youth groups invited by the team as part of the night’s community engagement efforts. Speaking to a group of aspiring performers, she reminded them, “You don’t have to choose between being Filipino and being successful. You can be both—fully, proudly, and unapologetically.”
The impact of her message lingered long after the final pitch of the night was thrown. For the Dodgers, Filipino Heritage Night had succeeded in its goal of celebrating one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant communities. For the fans, it had become a memory to cherish. And for Liza Soberano, it was a milestone—one marked by emotion, pride, and a newfound sense of visibility not just for herself, but for her people.
In the days following the event, Soberano reflected further in an Instagram post that quickly amassed millions of likes. “Last night was more than I ever imagined,” she wrote. “Thank you, Los Angeles Dodgers, for allowing me the honor of throwing the first pitch on Filipino Heritage Night. Thank you to every fan who cheered me on, every child who smiled up at me, and every kababayan who came to celebrate who we are. This one’s for all of us.”
That simple yet powerful message captured the essence of what the night meant: a celebration not just of baseball, or celebrity, but of identity. In a world where representation matters more than ever, Liza Soberano’s pitch became more than just a ceremonial gesture—it became a moment of shared pride, resilience, and belonging for Filipinos everywhere.
