Over the Fog started back in 2010 when Melody Ybona Gawliu realized that there was a hole when it came to celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture. Gawliu has always loved attending events such as fairs and festivals and she noticed that many of these celebrate AAPI heritage and tradition rather than embracing the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders who now live in America. Gawliu felt her calling to bring together the community in safe and fun spaces and placing the spotlight on the locals in Daly City and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Over the Fog creates events and activities to highlight its mission.

In 2012, Over the Fog hosted the first Asian American Cultural Festival held inside Classic Bowling Center in Daly City, CA alongside Mayor David Canepa and local DJ Keith O. Not only was it an event to celebrate Asian American culture, it was also a time to celebrate Daly City’s centennial! The third and fourth Asian American Cultural Festival were held inside Serramonte Shopping Center in Daly City, CA. Over the next years, the festival went on hiatus and then the COVID pandemic hit. During this time, there appeared the need to celebrate life and togetherness and so Over the Fog is excited to bring back the festival that celebrates local AAPI culture and has decided to rename the celebrate to the AAPI Fest! The AAPI Fest is held Mother’s Day weekend and invites all to join to celebrate Mother’s Day, graduation season, and AAPI Heritage Month.

“Over the Fog exists to foster understanding and appreciation of all aspects of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture in Daly City and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.”