Filipino street food, lechon (roast pork) and a variety of local favorites will be the highlight of the 24th annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade on Saturday.
The free, one-day event is being staged by the nonprofit Filipino Community Center and kicks off with the fourth annual Flores de Mayo parade from 9 to 10 a.m. from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park, with the fiesta to follow until 5 p.m.
Cruising down Kalakaua Avenue will be Janine Marie Tugonon, a former Miss Philippines and the first runner-up for Miss Universe 2012, Miss Filipina Hawaii and her court, singer Martin Nievera, marching bands, floats and various Filipino civic, cultural and community organizations.
FILIPINO FIESTA AND FLORES DE MAYO PARADE
Parade: 9 a.m., Kalakaua Avenue
Fiesta: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kapiolani Park
Cost: Free
Info: 808ne.ws/1XdrxvZ
This year’s theme is “Sama-sama sa saya,” said Paul Alimbuyao, the event chairman. It means “happy together,” to reflect “the nature of us Filipinos,” he said. Despite struggles and challenges, “we still can afford to smile.”
After the parade the Kapiolani Park Bandstand will be humming nonstop with performances by Nievera, described as a homegrown Las Vegas headliner and “concert king” of the Philippines; Sam Milby & Gelo; Elvis tribute artist Leo Days; Al Waterson; Jordan Segundo; and more.
Sure to elicit smiles are several booths showcasing Filipino food, including Seafood City, a Waipahu grocery store specializing in Filipino food items; Dick’s Lechon, roasting pork during the fiesta; and San Nicolas, offering chicharon (fried pork rinds) and typical Ilocano sausage with different sauces.
“For the first time this year, we’ll have L&L as a participant,” Alimbuyao added. L&L Drive-In is a title sponsor of the event. Additional vendors include Red Ribbon Bake Shop, Olay’s Thai Food Express, Crazy Country Corn and Wow Wow Lemonade.
Vendors will offer handcrafted goods, product samples and cultural, educational, business and health care services.
The goal of the Filipino Fiesta “is to showcase the culture … telling the community this is who we are, our culture and tradition,” Alimbuyao said.
