All the Food You’ll Eat at This Saturday’s Filipino Fiesta

Photo: Courtesy of Filipino Junior Chamber Of Commerce

There’s a lot to see, do and eat at this year’s Flores de Mayo and Filipino Fiesta, coming Saturday, May 2, to Waipahu. The annual event has long been a gathering point 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 Every Grain Tells a Story,” means you’ll see rice featured 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 drink vendors include:

Photo: Courtesy of Minasa

Minasa—Inasal chicken skewers have a light char from the grill, with smoky edges and a citrusy marinade. A bed of calamansi lemongrass garlic rice adds a bright, aromatic layer richened with annatto oil. Bites are smoky, tangy and savory.

Photo: Courtesy of Shawarma Break

Shawarma Break—Turmeric rice plates will feature 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 adding crunch and brightness. The grilled chicken version leans more savory, with the garlic yogurt sauce tying everything together.

Photo: Courtesy of Sama Sama

Sama Sama—Ginataang Bilo-Bilo Matcha is inspired by the traditional coconut milk-based dessert with glutinous rice balls. The drink is creamy and lightly 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 smash burgers

The Halo Halo Place—Halo-halo packed with ice cream and mix-ins

One Three—Taho street food snack option with warm tofu, sweet syrup and chewy sago

Chillex Pops—Biko Matcha Latte

Mixed by Mare—Champorado cheesecake

Blue Truck Teppanyaki—Steak, chicken, shrimp and fish plates

Sugah Daddeh—Kane Juice pressed fresh on site

Photo: Courtesy of Macadero’s Cocina

Macadero’s Cocina—Home-style Filipino-inspired dishes

Sinublan Catering—Home-style Filipino-inspired dishes

Two Sisters Kitchen—Home-style Filipino-inspired dishes

There’s plenty happening 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 Store offers a nostalgic stop for snacks and small goods, and the Filipiniana Market showcases traditional clothing. The Balut Eating Contest adds even more energy to the day.

Filipino singer and television personality Jake Zyrus headlines the slate of live performances. Zyrus rose to international fame after appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007. Local performers will also take the stage throughout the day.

Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta

When: Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Filipino Community Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu
Admission: Free
Info: filipinofiestahi.com, @thefilcomcenter

Eric Baranda is a longtime contributor to Frolic Hawai‘i.