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Bookstore Survives Eviction

Marie Romero, owner of Arkipelago bookstore. Photo by Bob Hsiang / Asian Law Caucus

By Ji Hyun Lim

The Mint Mall, once a bustling cultural haven for the Filipino community is now barren. Non-profit arts organizations, a travel agency and a beauty salon have closed their doors and changed locations. Foot traffic is almost non-existent and quietude pervades. The hub of the Filipino community in South of Market (SOMA) has been transformed drastically from what it was three years ago.

Arkipelago bookstore is one of the only existing businesses left. Situated in the basement, it’s easily overlooked. The once thriving business that relied on foot traffic from other adjacent businesses is barely able to keep its head above the water. Arkipelago’s neighbors — a Filipino newspaper called the Filipino Guardian, a nonprofit organization that focused on youth, and a silk screen and photography shop — are now defunct.

One can see the remnants of the old Mint Mall upon entering the Arkipelago bookstore. The predominately Filipino clientele will feel a tinge of nostalgia for the motherland. Ethnic handicrafts and original artwork like wooden carvings, woven shoulder bags, beaded indigenous necklaces from Southern Philippines, and some antiques are sold here. Filipino music and song books along with history, reference and children’s books are available in Tagalog and English. Wind-chimes made of shells from the Philippines barely sway in the empty, breezeless room.

Marie Romero, owner of Arkipelago, points out that her store is a full-service, community-based bookstore with resources, as well as a place where the community can meet and mingle. Her store is stocked with some books imported from the Philippines, some published in California and one title published by the store.

“We showcase artists, and up-and-coming writers and people can display their work-literary, watercolor, etc… and people can discuss what’s in the air,” Romero said. “People can relate to literature, food, children’s books, martial arts, communication.”

Romero explains that, in the last few years, many Filipino businesses were asked to leave the premises and were replaced with dot-com offices. Arkipelago bookstore was lucky enough to sign a binding lease, leaving Romero’s store intact. She explains that many businesses were forced to leave suddenly and many shop owners discovered eviction notices on their doors with a threat to impound their belongings if they refused to leave.

“It’s insulting,” Romero said. “We did not feel welcome by the management anymore and that gave me a lot of uncertainty. Our privacy and rights were not respected. [Right now], management has not indicated whether they’re going to extend my lease and I have eight months left. I can’t plan on long range goals. There is a wait-and-see attitude.”

So far, Arkipelago has been able to sustain itself from various sources. A Web site, patronage from various schools, universities, libraries and mail order helps maintain Romero’s business.

“I would love to be able to have a store on the street level,” Romero said. “I would like management to improve working conditions like bathroom maintenance and provide security without increasing rent.”