Bay Area Filipinos in the 2008 U.S. Elections. Photos By Raymond Virata

Filipinos for Obama Chair Angelica Jongco (left) squares off with Milipitas mayor Joe Esteves who represented the McCain supporters in a symposium sponsored by the Philippine American Press Club at the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center in San Francisco, last August 30, 2008. The event was moderated by Pep Vasquez (standing).

Rodel Rodis, candidate for San Francisco Community College Board, at the symposium sponsored by the Philippine American Press Club at the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center in San Francisco, last August 30, 2008. He failed in his reelection bid for Community College Board member.

Noelani Sallings, running for a seat in the Santa Clara Unified School District TA2, introduces herself to the Philippine American Press Club members at at the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center in San Francisco, last August 30, 2008. She lost.

At the San Francisco campaign office of Barack Obama, nurse Michelle Sison convinces an undecided voter to cast her ballot in favor of the Democratic candidate, November 3, 2008.

First time voter Clarita Santos Martinez arrives early at the San Francisco City Hall polling center on Election Day, November 4, 2008.

Voters show up early on Election Day at the San Francisco City Hall.

Erwin Ventura votes for the first time in this historic presidential election.

Volunteers man the phonebank at the office of San Francisco District 11 Supervisor candidate Myrna Lim.

San Francisco District 11 Supervisor candidate Myrna Lim. The District 11 race was won by John Avalos.

Obama supporters watch the CNN projections on the wide screen at an election night party at the Mezzanine in San Francisco.