A Recap of the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta

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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.

The FilCom courtyard filled with attendees exploring various booths showcasing Filipino culture and heritage. The courtyard is decorated with fiesta streamers.
The staff of L&L restaurant ready to serve attendees at the Filipino Fiesta.
Event organizer, the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu.
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii booth showcasing Filipino products.
The street beside the FilCom Center was closed off to host the numerous booths and food trucks serving the attendees.
Cools in Catering by Sinublan serving various Filipino dishes at the event.
The event’s Santacruzan parade which honors Queen Helena or Constantinople, mother of Constantine the Great. The pageant parade showcases the pilgrimage Queen Helena led to find the cross Jesus was crucified on.
Sari-sari meaning variety, sari-sari store is a traditional Filipino convenience store that are in neighborhoods throughout the Philippines. The Filipino Fiesta recreated a sari-sari store where attendees can buy various Filipino snacks, seasonings and more.
Fashionable Filipiniana dresses on display available for purchase.
Filipino American singer Eli-Mac performs at the event.
Dr. Lindy Aquino holding a Hawaii Filipino Chronicle newspaper in front of the exhibit titled Urban Philippines: Looking Out of A Window.
An exhibit inside the ballroom that showcases Filipino fashion, accessories and textiles.

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