A Recap of the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta

by Edna Bautista, Ed.D.

Pinoy pride was everywhere at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on May 4, 2024, as this year’s Flores de Mayo and Filipino Fiesta showcased the best of our culture and traditions and the resilience of our community.

The annual event was organized by the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu and sponsored by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HEI, Kaiser Permanente, U.S. Renal Care and Y.Hata & Co.

Despite intermittent showers, an estimated 8,000-10,000 attendees enjoyed browsing at the Habi at Baro (exhibit of artifacts, clothing and textiles curated by fashion designer Iris Gil Viacrusis); observing the Santacruzan procession; watching the martial arts demonstration; shopping at the Filipiniana market, sari-sari store and various vendor booths; and eating tasty festival foods.

Other Fiesta features included a balut speed eating contest, children’s cultural activities and games, informational booths for community and service groups, generous door prizes and lively entertainment, such as folk dances and musical performances.

Reggae artist and former American Idol contestant Eli-Mac (Camile Velasco) was the headliner.

Several beauty queens, local media personalities, government officials and VIPs attended, including Philippine Consul General Emil T. Fernandez, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and L&L restaurant and Filipino Fiesta founder Eddie Flores.