Like the numerous grains of rice, thousands came to enjoy the free 14th Flores de Mayo & 34th Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. Notable attendees included Philippine Consul General Arman R. Talbo, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Founder Eddie Flores, Filipino Community Center Chairman of the Board Edmund Aczon, several Filipino and local VIPs and pageant royalty.
This year’s Fiesta theme focused on “Rice—Where Every Grain Tells a Story.” Rice, which symbolizes perseverance, abundance and unity, and has sustained Filipino families and communities for generations, even in times of hardship, was featured prominently throughout Fiesta through rice-inspired dishes, decorations and artistry, cultural performances and workshops, educational activities, interactive games and creative vendor offerings.
Geral Asuncion was crowned “The Chosen Grain” at “Crowns of Grain: An Inapoy Showcase,” a rice-themed fashion, talent and dialogue competition. The audience also cheered on participants in “Bilao Blitz,” a rice sack race and rice impurity challenge.
A new program at this year’s Fiesta was the “Tawag ng Entablado,” an online talent show where contestants submitted an audition video and the public voted on Facebook. Finalists were then invited to perform live on the main stage at Fiesta. Singer Kyrie Aguilar won 1st place, singer Christina Blay came in 2nd place and flutist Jathryn Racas was 3rd place.
Other signature programs returned, as these favorite traditions make Fiesta special every year: Santacruzan (a royal and religious court procession commemorating the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena and her son Constantine the Great); Cultural Village (immersive experiences showcasing Filipino heritage, regional food, traditions, language and performances); Filipiniana clothing market; Street Food Experience; Kabataan Barangay (Keiki/Children’s Village); Ligaya’s Sari-Sari store for snacks; and balut eating and ube ice cream eating contests.
There were lucky draw prizes for roundtrip flights from Southwest Airlines and Philippine Airlines.
International Filipino star/singer/actor Jake Zyrus was the headline entertainer at the event’s finale.
The annual Fiesta is the largest celebration of Filipino culture on O’ahu and a flagship project of the Filipino Community Center. This year’s event was spearheaded by the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu in partnership with the Filipino community. The 2026 Fiesta was sponsored by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Southwest Airlines, with the generous support of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
For more 2026 Fiesta photos, see the online album at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSJhg.
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