Enjoy Filipino Food, Entertainment and Culture at the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta
by Edwin Quinabo
Interested in learning Filipino Martial Arts in a mini workshop? Want to purchase traditional Filipiniana clothing at a Filipiniana Market? Care to indulge in delectable ensaymadas, both classic and a modern twist? These are just a few of the new offerings and activities slated for the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 4, 10 am – 6 pm at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.
Hosted by the Filipino Community Center and organized by the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu, this year’s Filipino Fiesta’s theme is “Celebrating a Resilient Community” that some could say is hallmark of the Filipino spirit that transcends from the early plantation years to the rebuilding of Lahaina devasted by the wildfires.
Organizers said the theme “serves as a unifying call to celebrate the fortitude that binds us together, acknowledging that our shared journey is marked by the determination to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger together.” In Tagalog the theme is translated to “Pagbubunyi Sa Katatagan Ng Komunidad,” in Ilokano it’s “Panagdayaw Ti Kinapateg Iti Komunidad.”
Filipino history, culture, food and entertainment will shine brilliantly in a one-day extravaganza that’s expected to draw thousands of kamaʻāina from east to west Oahu, the neighbor islands and visitors to the beautiful quiet town of Waipahu (one of the most historical Filipino neighborhoods on Oahu) for this signature of events annually put together by the Filipino community.
“Hosting the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta holds immense significance for the FilCom Center and the community we serve. Being in the heart of Waipahu where many Filipinos call home, we recognize the importance of celebrating our heritage and fostering a sense of belonging among Filipino-Americans and the broader community. This annual event not only honors our traditions, but also serves as a platform for cultural preservation, education, and community engagement. By continuing this tradition, we uphold our mission to promote and perpetuate Filipino culture in the state of Hawaii, ensuring that future generations can proudly embrace their heritage,” said Edmund Aczon, chair of FilCom’s Board of Director.
The annual Filipino Fiesta and the FilCom Center’s histories have been intertwined from their genesis. The Fiesta — now in its 32nd year — started as a fundraising and awareness campaign to garner support for the construction of the FilCom Center. The Fiesta originally was held at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki and eventually made its home fittingly at the FilCom Center. The FilCom Center in Waipahu is the biggest Filipino Community Center in the U.S. and outside the Philippines. Hawaii’s Filipino Fiesta is one of the largest Filipino festivals in the world outside of the Philippines. Both have been centerpieces of local Filipino pride and blueprints for long-lasting success.
“The Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta enhance the visibility and reputation of the FilCom Center as a hub for Filipino culture and community engagement. While part of our mission is to perpetuate Filipino culture, we also aim to be a community center that provides social, economic and education services. By bringing together individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds, the event fosters collaboration, connection, and partnerships that strengthen our collective impact in the community,” Aczon said.
The Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu — a young professional’s leadership organization with a 50-year history of developing leaders and changemakers in Hawaii — has worked on organizing the event for years. Rovie Jay Dacumos is president of the Jaycees and this year’s Fiesta PR & Marketing chair along with Tiffany Marie S. Salvador.
Dacumos encourages the community to come together at this event “to celebrate the strength of the Filipino people.” He said, “This is the gathering to attend to meet your friends, enjoy some food, watch traditional and modern entertainment, and connect with local businesses.”
He said the event will feature diverse food options, non-stop entertainment, activities for the entire ʻohana, shopping, local businesses and community organizations, in addition to the cultural immersion experience we are known for.
Leonard Agbyani, Salt Lake, a cook in Waikiki, has been going to the Fiesta for years. “I go there for the Filipino food. I enjoy other people’s Filipino cooking and think about how these dishes are prepared different from my own. I don’t prepare desserts and usually there are some unique ones I enjoy tasting for a first time.”
His daughter, Norma, 28, said she enjoys watching the cultural performances, dancing and music. “My favorites are the dances of the Igorots from the Cordillera region. One year there was a stunning performance of the Singkil, the classic dance from Mindanao we all know, in which a suitor prince with his sword woos a princess who looks to be snubbing him the entire dance. I like the way the tempo accelerates, and it gets more dangerous for the dancers as they weave in and out of the bamboo poles.
“One year there was a kulintang ensemble (playing gongs). It reminds me of the Indonesian Gamelan that I saw once at a University of Hawaii concert performance. Both the Igorot and Mindanao cultures often don’t get the attention as the Spanish influenced culture in the Philippines. Maybe this is why I enjoy them most,” Norma said. Both Leonard and Norma plan to attend this year’s Fiesta.
While the word fiesta is a Spanish word and Spanish cultural celebration, Filipino historians say there were pre-Hispanic gatherings that were similar to a fiesta aimed at welcoming a bountiful harvest, which could explain why the fiesta season in the Philippines tend to start at or near the beginning of Spring.
Historically and up to contemporary times, the fiesta itself is steep in Filipino culture. Fiestas emote jubilation and a visceral response to the bright colors and enveloping sounds of laughter and whispered chismis. Some say, no matter how old we are, the Fiesta makes us feel young again, perhaps similar in the way adults feel at a carnival or Disneyland. But the Filipino Fiesta is uniquely ethnic with a pulsating invisible band that seem to connect each Filipino in attendance to other Filipinos – like former townmates from the Motherland meeting happenstance there for a first time after years – or to connect to one’s own sense of Filipinoness.
Organizers say the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta will bring to life popular events of the past and new ones.
Repeat Events
Dacumos highlights events making an encore at this year’s Fiesta.
*Kabataan Barangay – a space for keiki to learn about Filipino culture while participating in children’s activities.
*Consuelo Cultural Village – a space to engage with representatives from a variety of Filipino community organizations showcasing diverse aspects of Filipino heritage, traditions, and contributions.
*Best of Da Best Adobo Cook Off – family edition.
*Habi at Baro exhibit by Project Director Iris Viacrusis – a cultural exhibit tour inside the Filipino Community Center Ballroom. It will showcase indigenous fabrics, jewelry, and artifacts from different areas of the Philippines, collected over a three-year period by artist and designer Viacrusis. The 2024 exhibit is in its second year and is a major feature of the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta. The exhibit is made possible by grants from the Atherton Foundation, Bank of Hawaii and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
*Sari Sari store — a variety of Filipino products will be sold at the Sari Sari store. Products from Filipino snacks, seasonings, food and household items will be available.
New or events making a comeback this year
*Santacruzan procession – features keiki and teens 5-17 years old wearing traditional Filipiniana attire walking in a procession. The Santacruzan (from the Spanish santa cruz, “holy cross”) is a pageant-procession held in the Philippines on the last day of the Flores de Mayo. It honors the finding of the True Cross by Helena of Constantinople (known as Reyna Elena) and Constantine the Great. The Santacruzan procession will take place along Mokuola Street. Those wanting to participate in the procession and walk under a handmade bamboo arko (arch) are encouraged to wear Filipiniana attire.
*Filipiniana Market – attendees can buy brand new or gently used traditional Filipino clothing. Barong Tagalog, Maria Clara dresses, Kimonas, Baro’t Saya, Terno and other traditional or traditional-modern twist Filipino clothing will be sold or exchanged. Clothing will be available on a first-come first-served basis. All proceeds from the sales of donated items will benefit the FilCom Center.
*Balut Eating Contest
*Oral History Project – hear personal stories tied to family items or heirlooms that hold a significant place in our Filipino culture and the bonds we share with them. Organizers say, “the Project aims to explore the deep-rooted narratives and history attached to our precious family heirlooms and items, encapsulating our shared Filipino culture.” They say whether it’s a well-loved piece of jewelry or cherished folk recipe, or any heirloom, there are stories behind them that you will find fascinating.
Food to fill your tummies and bring about a big smile
Heaps of local food from plate lunches to street food style offerings is one of the highlights Fiesta-goers rave about.
First time food vendor Monaliza Ramos, Princess Liz Creations, will be serving what she calls a modern twist on the classic ensaymada. She said, “Our ensaymadas feature unique flavors and innovative toppings, blending traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. From traditional classic flavors to unique flavors, our modern ensaymadas are sure to delight taste buds and ignite curiosity.”
Ramos said she became a food vendor this year because it’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce her innovative creations to the local community and to celebrate Filipino culture through food. “My expectations for this event are high, as I anticipate a warm reception from both the Filipino community and locals, eager to explore new culinary experiences.”
Cools in Catering by Sinublan, an approved caterer at the FilCom Center, is back by popular demand and will be serving up pancit, chicken adobo and other Filipino popular dishes.
Corn Omoz Hawaii invites Fiesta-goers to try their corn on the cob with Filipiino-inspired flavors like ube horchata and calamansi fresca.
Hawaiian Honey Cones brings an innovative approach to ice cream cones that are made of organic corn cane shaped in a hollow J-shape and filled with ice cream from both ends. They’re healthy alternatives to traditional sugar-based cones because they contain no high fructose corn syrup.
Cultural booths and interactive participation
Master Ray Dela Cruz of Hawaii Defense Academy teaches Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) classes on self-defense techniques against edge and impact weapons as well as empty hands. FMA is also known as Kali/Arnis/Eskrima.
The Hawaii Defense Academy plans to have an educational booth about FMA, will perform a demonstration on the mainstage and conduct a mini workshop on the cultural stage.
“The goal is to promote, educate, and perpetuate the Filipino Martial Arts to the community. Through Filipino Martial Arts training we learn Philippine history, and combat techniques that have modern day self-defense application developing an appreciation of Filipino culture,” said Dela Cruz.
The cultural booths will be located in the Conseulo Cultural Village being hosted by the Philippine Living Heritage Initiative, Knights of Rizal – Aloha Chapter and the Hawaii Defense Academy.
Riveting Entertainment
Famous American Idol alumni Camile Roque Velasco, or known by her stage name Eli-Mac, will headline this year’s entertainment. Since her top 10 finish on the third season of American Idol in 2004, Eli-Mac has gone on concert tours throughout the U.S. and the Philippines. She’s headlined a variety of gigs after singing with Universal/Motown Records. As a Filipina performing for the Filipino community is dear to her. She’s led several headlining concerts, including the two-day Fil-Am Unity Jam (A Night with Camile Velasco) 3-Style Attractions, Jam Sessions, Lumpiapalooza 2 in California, Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in San Pedro, California, as well as a concert with Gary Valenciano and IBU in Chicago. One of Eli-Mac’s more notable television appearances was a live performance on the TFC series World Musikahan. She’s released several singles including “Hangin’ On” and “Da Da Da” and took part in filming the video for the iconic hit “Bebot” by the Black Eyed Peas.
Organizers said “the main stage will feature talents from our diverse community. From cultural performances to modern pop choreography, there will be performances for the entire ‘ohana to enjoy. To some performers, their appearance at Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta is much deeper than sharing their talents. It is a way to highlight the diversity in the Filipino community, and to bring them together in a place where everyone has a voice.”
Also scheduled to perform is Jehzan Exclusive, a Pinay rapper and Hip-Hop artist. She said she “wants to represent people and kids who might not fit the norm or status quo, especially in our local Filipino community.”
Filipino and non-Filipino culture enthusiasts will have a chance to see performances by Hawaii Rondala, the UH Manoa Kulintang Ensemble and the Mendoza Philippine Dance Group.
Local businesses and product showcasing
Organizers said another one of the Fiesta’s aims is to connect our community with valuable resources including local businesses and their services. Participating businesses this year include Valley of the Temples, Kabayan Remit, a convenient financial solution to send money to the Philippines, US Renal Care and National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi Kidney Mobile Medical Clinic that will offer on-site blood pressure screening, the Honolulu Police Department will provide kūpuna ID safety cards to the first 60 kūpuna who visit their booth.
Retailers include CristoMoon Designs’ enamel pins, greeting cards, and stickers; Cherry Lacsina’s bilingual Tagalog and English children’s book; and Subie.Hi’s apparel and accessories.
The event sponsors (as of press time) are L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, HEI, Kaiser, Y. Hata & Co. Ltd., US Renal Care, Aloha Petroleum.
The FilCom Center was formally inaugurated on June 11, 2002 (ground-breaking on March 18, 2000), almost a century after the first 15 Filipino farmers sailed for Hawaii on board the SS Doric in 1906. Roland Casamina and Eddie Flores, Jr. were its first president and vice president, respectively. Today Casamina is president emeritus and Flores, Jr. is chair emeritus. The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii initiated the FilCom Center in 1991 during the tenure of Lito Alcantra as president. The FilCom Center provides social, economic and education services and promotes Filipino culture in the State of Hawaii.
Parking and Updates
Parking will be available at lots in neighboring areas and shuttles will be provided to and from the FilCom Center. Attendees are also encouraged to ride the Skyline to the Pouhala Station and walk two blocks up to the event.
Schedule of events and performances are still being planned out as of press time. For updates on parking and event information, visit https://filcom.org/2024filipinofiesta. Events may be subject to change.
