Photo: Courtesy of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
THere’s plenty to see, do and eat at this year’s Flores and Philippines Fiesta on Saturday, May 2 in Waipahu. The annual event has long been a gathering place for the local Filipino community, with food vendors, live entertainment, games, workshops, a Santacruzan parade, cultural programming and a balut eating contest, all at the Filipino Community Center.
This year’s theme, “Rice: Where Each Grain Tells a Story,” means rice features in dishes, drinks and desserts. It’s a reminder of how central rice is to Filipino life, carrying flavors and traditions across generations.
More than 20 food and beverage vendors include:
Photo: courtesy of Minasa
mash—Inasal chicken skewers have a slight char from the grill, with smoky edges and a citrus marinade. A bed of garlic rice with calamansi lemongrass adds a bright, aromatic layer enriched with annatto oil. The bites are smoky, spicy and salty.
Photo: Courtesy of Shawarma Break
Shawarma break-Towereric Rice dishes will include Filipino-style shawarma, which leans slightly sweet and savory with a creamy garlic sauce. The beef shawarma rice features seasoned ground beef and fresh cucumbers, onions and tomatoes that add crunch and brightness. The grilled chicken version has a more savory bent, with the garlic yogurt sauce tying it all together.
Photo: Courtesy of Sama Sama
welcome—Ginataang Bilo-Bilo Matcha is inspired by the traditional coconut milk dessert with glutinous rice balls. The drink is creamy and slightly sweet, with chewy bits that echo the original dish. It’s a different way to experience rice.
Also:
Photo: Courtesy of Grill N Eats
Grill N’ Eats—Ube brioche burgers
The Halo Halo site—Halo-halo full of ice cream and mix-ins
One Three—Taho street snack option with hot tofu, sweet syrup and chewy sago
Chillex Pops—Biko Matcha Latte
Mixed by Mother—Champorado cheese cake
Blue Teppanyaki Truck—Meat, chicken, shrimp and fish dishes
Sugah Daddeh—Kane juice pressed fresh on site
Photo: Courtesy of Macadero’s Cocina
Macadero’s Kitchen—Filipino-inspired homemade dishes
Replaced catering—Filipino-inspired homemade dishes
Kitchen of two sisters—Filipino-inspired homemade dishes
There is a lot going on beyond the food. Santacruzan brings a colorful procession rooted in Filipino history, while Kabataang Barangay creates a space for keiki with games and activities. Ligaya’s Sari-Sari Shop offers a nostalgic stop for snacks and small wares, and the Filipiniana Market showcases traditional clothing. The Balut Eating Contest brings even more energy to the day.
Filipino singer and TV personality Jake Zyrus headlines the list of live acts. Zyrus rose to international fame after appearing The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007. Throughout the day, local artists will also take to the stage.
May Flowers & Filipino Festa
When: Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Where: Philippine Community Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu
Entry: free of charge
Information: filipinofiestahi.com, @thefilcomcenter
Eric Baranda He has been a longtime contributor to Frolic Hawai’i.
