Represent AAPI with the Sarap Now x Adapt 5th Anniversary Limited-Edition T-Shirt

Sarap Now March 9, 2023

Hi, it’s Kenny and Katrina 👋

Sarap Now is celebrating five years of bringing you AAPI-made goodies!

To start the party, we’re dropping UNDERREPRESENTED – our call for more AAPI representation through a 🔥 limited-edition T-shirt collab with Adapt.

Do you ever feel unseen by the mainstream? Us too. This tee is for you.

It’s also our tribute to the new generation who’s reimagining what AAPI representation can be. Young Asian Americans are stepping up and we’re here for it.

A landscape collage of three images: left image: A man drinking bubble tea while wearing Sarap Now and Adapt’s limited-edition black T-shirt with “underrepresented” printed on the front, bottom left corner. Middle Image: A close-up of Sarap Now and Adapt’s limited-edition black T-shirt collaboration with “underrepresented” printed on the front, bottom left corner. Right Image: A woman holding bubble tea while wearing Sarap Now and Adapt’s limited-edition black T-shirt with “underrepresented” printed on the front, bottom left corner

Source: Rolando Ramirez, @roloedolo

We placed the design at the bottom and pushed it to the side, reflecting how underrepresentation can feel for Asians in America.

We used color contrast to call out “represent” because pride - in yourself, your community, and your creativity - is your power.

It was a great time co-creating this concept with Evan at Adapt, the AAPI maker behind the Golden State Warriors’ Gold Blooded campaign. He’s a force in the community and we admire how he goes hard for what he believes in.

WHAT AAPI REPRESENTATION MEANS TO US

Sarap Now founders Kenny and Katrina Camarillo wearing Sarap Now and Adapt's limited-edition “underrepresented” T-shirts

Kenny and Katrina Camarillo, Sarap Now Co-Founders

Five years ago, we started Sarap Now to make it easier for Filipinos to find the staples they grew up loving. We’re talking ube, banana ketchup, bagoong… all the good stuff!

It was our way of satisfying a burning desire to connect deeper with our heritage.

We represent two parts of the diaspora - Katrina immigrated from the Philippines and Kenny was born and raised in L.A. Every day, we recognize how little America knows about our culture and history.

It pops up everywhere: in the grocery store where we can’t find Filipino products; in our schools where they don't teach Filipino history; and as entrepreneurs who face discrimination as we forge our path.

Instead of getting us down, it lights a fire in us. We fight to be seen because we know that better representation opens doors for the generations that come after us.

That’s why representation matters. That’s why UNDERREPRESENTED matters.

Every day, we see new AAPI makers rising. Their creativity is unlike anything we’ve seen before. They’re loud, proud, and redefining what AAPI-made products can be.

Over the next five years and beyond, our mission is to create a bigger, better future for up-and-coming AAPI creatives. Our platform embraces who they are and amplifies their voices.

WHY AAPI REPRESENTATION IS IMPORTANT

Sarap Now founders Kenny and Katrina Camarillo and Adapt founder Evan Lessler wearing limited-edition black “underrepresented” T-shirts

Katrina Camarillo, Kenny Camarillo, and Evan Lessler in front of the Adapt store in SF

There are 22 million Asians in America, but a study found that only 29% of Asian Americans feel belonging or acceptance in the U.S. - the lowest of all racial groups.

Yes, we’ve seen progress in recent years (raise your hand if Everything Everywhere All At Once blew your mind ✋🏽). It’s good momentum, but it’s not enough.

Mainstream culture boxes us under one label and a handful of harmful stereotypes. In reality, Asian Americans represent more than 20 countries. We all have distinct experiences and histories.

At Sarap Now, we believe in telling diverse AAPI stories – YOUR story – with nuance and integrity. We refuse to be erased.

Together with Adapt, we empower you to embrace your story through self-expression.

When we elevate each other, we grow. The bigger we get, the more we’re able to represent the real Asian American experience.

Real AAPI stories look like us. It looks like Evan. And it looks like you. We want to hear your story.

HOW TO SUPPORT MORE AAPI REPRESENTATION

2 Picture Collage: Left photo: A woman standing on the street, wearing Sarap Now and Adapt’s limited-edition black T-shirt collaboration with “underrepresented” printed on the front, bottom left corner. Right photo: A man standing against a staircase railing, wearing Sarap Now and Adapt’s limited-edition black T-shirt collaboration with “underrepresented” printed on the front, bottom left corner

Source: Rolando Ramirez, @roloedolo

Here are a few ways you can advocate for better AAPI representation today:

Believe in yourself, AAPI friends

We know it’s easier said than done, but if you take away anything from reading this, know that your story matters and deserves to be heard. Share it loud and proud. More AAPI representation starts with you.

Share AAPI stories

Subscribe to our email list to be the first to see Sarap Stories - our NEW series that delivers AAPI representation straight to your inbox. You’ll get inspiring insights, advice, and perspectives from Asian makers in the Sarap Now marketplace.

Invest in your community

Shop AAPI-made products you believe in. At the end of the day, AAPI makers need resources and demand to grow their businesses. It’s the only way they can make a real impact on how Asian Americans and immigrants are represented.