Filipino American National Historical Society Oregon Chapter

03/23/2026

Press Release 2026 03 22

Kulinarya Festival 2026: Celebrate the Flavors of the Philippines
Honoring Culinary Excellence and Cultural Heritage

Portland, OR — In celebration of Filipino Food Month—and to launch FAAPVI’s 2026 Filipino Cultural Immersion Program—the Filipino American Association of Portland and Vicinity, Inc. (FAAPVI) invites the community to the Kulinarya Festival on Sunday, April 26, 2026, a full day dedicated to the vibrant flavors and traditions of Filipino cuisine.

The festival begins with Kulinarya: Filipino Culinary Classes from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offering participants the chance to learn, taste, and experience Filipino dishes through hands on instruction and guided demonstrations.

The celebration continues from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a bustling marketplace of Filipino food vendors, showcasing regional specialties and modern interpretations of classic recipes, accompanied by live music throughout the afternoon.

“We are so excited to join this festival!” said Tryzen of Grindwittryz, one of Portland’s most beloved Hawaiian–Filipino comfort food spots known for generous portions, long lines, and signature favorites such as Ono Chicken, poke bowls, and Lechon Kawali.

This year’s festival also serves as a fundraiser for the first phase of FAAPVI’s Capital Campaign, supporting essential repairs to its historic 1941 building and sustaining its cultural and community programs.

FAAPVI extends its gratitude to the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry–Silicon Valley and the Philippine Department of Tourism–San Francisco for their support of this event.

Event Background
This Kulinarya festival was created following the success of last year’s Filipino cooking classes, which introduced participants to the origins, history, ingredients, and preparation of featured Filipino dishes.

It is a core component of FAAPVI’s Filipino Cultural Immersion Program, which offers three pathways—Culinary Arts, Language & Storytelling, and Music & Arts (theater, music, visual arts)—running annually from April to July.

Festival Highlights
• Filipino Culinary Class in the morning featuring four stations, each presenting a different Filipino dish
• Food and non food vendor booths in the afternoon
• Live music throughout the event

Event Details
DATE: Sunday, April 26, 2026
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Kulinarya: Filipino Culinary Class (limited tickets available for this session)
• 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Food Vendors & Live Music
VENUE: FAAPVI Event Center
8917 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216

TICKETS:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kulinarya-festival-celebrate-the-flavors-of-the-philippines-tickets-1985209391731?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come taste, learn, and celebrate Filipino cuisine with us as we kick off our 2026 Cultural Immersion Program.

Contact Information
Lorelei Hosmillo, 1st Vice President & Program Chair
Email: [email protected]

About FAAPVI
The Filipino American Association of Portland and Vicinity, Inc. (FAAPVI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first Filipino American organization established in Oregon (1959). It is also the only Filipino American organization in the state that owns its own building. FAAPVI is dedicated to “collaborating with local communities and our global network, helping Fil Ams and their families live, work, and thrive in America, ensuring the creation of generational wealth and the preservation of our cultural heritage for our future.”
Its programs span arts and culture, health and wellness, professional development, youth engagement, and small business support, in collaboration with both Filipino American and broader API communities.
For more information, visit www.filamportland.org

10/26/2025

This 2pm- Join FANHS, FAAPVI, and other Fil-Am associations to celebrate Filipino American History Month🎈

✨ THIS AFTERNOON: Free admission – Everyone is welcome and free food!

At the Filipino American History Month Symposium Today! 🇵🇭

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 FilAm Event Center, 8917 SE Stark St. Portland

Join us for October Symposium — “Beyond 1587: Celebrating Filipino American Legacies and Leadership.”

Let’s honor our past, empower the present, and shape the future together!

🎤 Inspiring panel discussions
🙏 Invocation by the Bishop from Bukidnon
🎶 Special number by “Paring Bukidnon” (8 Priests from Bukidnon)

See you this afternoon! Bring your family and friends and be part of this meaningful celebration. 💙❤️💛

10/23/2025

This Sunday (Oct 26) Join FANHS, FAAPVI, and other Fil-Am associations celebrate Filipino American History Month with a celebration of Filipino American legacies, music, and most of all- Filipino cuisine.
FREE and open to the public🎈🎈🎈
Oct 26 (Sun) at 2pm at the FAAPVI Event Center (8917 SE Stark, Portland, OR 97216)

This Sunday (Oct 26) Filipino American History Month Symposium🎈

Join FAAPVI, FANHS, and other Fil-Am associations at the FAAPVI Event Center at 2:00 PM for a meaningful gathering as we celebrate our heritage and community!

✨ Honoring the Past, Empowering the Present, Shaping the Future ✨

Let’s come together to recognize our trailblazers, celebrate our achievements, and continue shaping the bright future of the Filipino-American community in Portland. 🇵🇭💫

🕑 Event Time: Sunday, October 26 | 2:00 PM
📍 Venue: Fil-Am Event Center, Portland
🎟️ Admission: Free event — no entrance fee!
👗 Recommended Attire: Semi-formal / Barong / Filipiniana. Refreshment provided
👥 Call Time for Team & Volunteers: 12:30 PM

Let’s show the same unity, pride, and hospitality that made the Sarimanok event a success! 💖

See you all this Sunday!

09/29/2025

Watch magic unfold on stage😍 World class Filipino artistry at its best at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Oct 19🎈

09/27/2025

This is "Sarimanok_LA and Portland" by P & L MEDIA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

09/22/2025

Join us Oct 26 for this special symposium🎈 Food and beverages will be served

Join this Symposium by FAAPVI, FANHS (Filipino American National Historical Society), and various Filipino American organizations, to celebrate October's Filipino History Month on October 26🎈

Filipino community leaders will be honored, Filipino heritage celebrated with cultural performances, sharing Filipino food and delicacies with the community.

DATE: October 26, 2025 at 2pm
COST: Free and open to the public
TO REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1727571505879?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/30/2025

SPELLBINDING😍

Review from CHEETAH RIVERA, Fashion Designer, Educator

"A spellbinding performance that speaks
volumes about love. It was so moving, really magical."

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Sarimanok Ballet + Pinamulan Exhibit + Iconic Filipino Fashion Designers Exhibit
WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Exhibit opens at 4:00 PM | Performance begins at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

TICKETS: https://thereser.org/event/philippine-ballet-theaters-sarimanok-pinamulan-exhibit-iconic-filipino-designers-exhibit/
NOTE: Early bird rates end September 5

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2025

A NIGHT OF WONDER: Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Sarimanok Lands in Oregon

Portland, OR — On Sunday, October 19, Oregon will be swept into a night of wonder as the renowned Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT)—the award-winning premier ballet company of the Philippines—takes the stage at The Reser with Sarimanok, the centerpiece of their U.S. tour.

This breathtaking ballet transforms the stage into a mythical realm, where the legendary SariManok, a radiant bird of folklore, soars through dazzling landscapes. Audiences will be immersed in a feast for the senses, with intricate choreography, stunning costumes, and evocative melodies that celebrate the richness of Filipino heritage.

THREE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES, ONE UNFORGETTABLE EVENING
🧲Aside from PBT’s Sarimanok, guests will enjoy the:

🧲 Pinamulan Exhibit
An immersive showcase of Mindanao’s artistry, featuring live demonstrations by master weavers—known as “dream weavers”—who will share the delicate techniques behind their craft. Guests will engage directly with artisans, gaining deeper appreciation for the stories and traditions woven into each piece.

🧲 Fashion Exhibition
A curated display of visionary works by iconic Filipino designers, including Pitoy Moreno, Christian Espiritu, Ben Farrales, Ramon Valera, and Aureo Alonzo. Their creations blend tradition and innovation, honoring the diversity and elegance of Filipino fashion.

Together, these three experiences form a cultural trifecta—an evening of artistry, heritage, and pride.

SUPPORTING A COMMUNITY LEGACY
This extraordinary event is a cornerstone of the Filipino American Association of Portland and Vicinity, Inc. (FAAPVI) Capital Campaign. In its first phase, FAAPVI aims to raise $100,000 to preserve and uplift the only Filipino community-owned space in Oregon.
🔑 75% of net proceeds will fund urgent repairs to the beloved—but aging—community center, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming home for generations to come.
🔑 25% will support program expansion in arts, music, STEM, after-school support, workforce development, and economic empowerment—honoring heritage and nurturing future leaders.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FAAPVI invites you to support this meaningful event. Your participation fuels a future where Filipino and Asian American culture flourishes, opportunities grow, and communities thrive.

08/15/2025

For urgent and critical repairs of Oregon’s only Filipino community-owned building, built in 1941⏰

WHY donate and/or sponsor Phase One of our Capital Campaign?
🎀The FAAPVI Event Center, built in 1941, is Oregon’s only Filipino community-owned space—a cultural cornerstone that has served generations. Your support ensures it continues to thrive for decades to come.

FIRST PHASE NEEDS:
🧰 Replacement of the building’s 30-year-old central cooling and heating system
🧰 Repair ceiling
🧰 Update electrical system
🧰 Update kitchen
🧰 Replace floor (instead of vinyl flooring)
⏰ The first phase of the Capital Campaign is from August 2025 to October 2026 (1 year)

For better finacial accountability, the Building Fund is separate from the operational fund

WAYS TO SUPPORT:
1. Come to Oct 19's PBT's Sarimanok + Pinamulan Exhibit https://thereser.org/event/philippine-ballet-theaters-sarimanok-pinamulan-exhibit-iconic-filipino-designers-exhibit/

And/or
2. Donate: https://www.filamportland.org/

FOR MORE INFO: [email protected]

04/09/2025

APPLICATIONS OPEN: Come participate in this Filipino Cultural Immersion Program (program made possible by Metro’s Community Placement Grant)🎈

It has 3 pathways:
a) 🥇CUISINE (Culinary Arts): Filipino elders/ mentors will teach, instruct, and share traditional Filipino cooking methods passed on from generations, with the younger generation doing the actual cooking, with both generations partaking of the meal they created, creating a sense of unity. (1x/ month, starts April 26, Saturday at 10am)
April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19

b) 🥇LANGUAGE & STORY TELLING: Filipino (Tagalog) language classes will be provided, coupled with storytelling, gathering the community in one place creating harmony, peace and contentment. (Wednesdays 7pm, starts April 16 to July 16)

c) 🥇MUSIC & ARTS: local artists to share performance art, song, dance and art skills, with an end product of one collaborative project (1x-2x/ month, dates vary per instructor)

The program starts in April to coincide with the Filipino Food Month and will culminate in one big celebration in July.
This cultural immersion program seeks to teach, honor and preserve elder traditions, and bridging it with a unique cultural immersion experience for the next younger generation, invigorating and celebrating cultural ties that enrich our community in general.

TIMELINE: April 12, 2025 to July 30, 2025 (You can join at any time within these dates)

TO PARTICIPATE AS FELLOWS/ MENTEES:
https://forms.gle/eFnZnAun6aFiMDEWA

📌 No previous skills needed
📌 You can choose any one (1), or two (2), or all three (3) of the pathways
📌 There is no mandatory number of attendances. You can attend one (1) session or all the sessions. This is designed to fit busy schedules. However:
a. You must attend at least 55% of the sessions in the pathway you have chosen to receive recognition for participation in that pathway.
b. You must attend at least 90% of the sessions in the pathway you have chosen to receive a certificate of completion for that pathway.

COST: No cost to join this program

FOR MORE INFO:
Lorelei Hosmillo, Program Manager
[email protected]

03/24/2025

Out of 203 applications received by Metro, only 23 were selected for its Community Placemaking Grant😮
And out of those 23 recipients, FAAPVI's 4-Month Cultural Immersion Grant is one of the fortunate ones to receive a $25,000 grant, the maximum allowed😍

This 4-month Filipino Cultural Immersion Program has 3 pathways:

a) 🥇CUISINE: Filipino elders/ mentors will teach, instruct, and share traditional Filipino cooking methods passed on from generations, with the younger generation doing the actual cooking, with both generations partaking of the meal they created, creating a sense of unity. (1x/ month, starts April 26)

b) 🥇LANGUAGE & STORY TELLING: Tagalog classes will be provided, coupled with storytelling, gathering the community in one place creating harmony, peace and contentment. (4x/ month, starts April 16)

c) 🥇MUSIC & ARTS: local artists to share performance art, song, dance and art skills, with an end product of one collaborative project.

The program starts in April to coincide with the Filipino Food Month and will culminate in one big celebration in July.

This cultural immersion program seeks to teach, honor and preserve elder traditions, and bridging it with a unique cultural immersion experience for the next younger generation, invigorating and celebrating cultural ties that enrich our community in general.

TIMELINE: April 12, 2025 to July 30, 2025

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
🧲 INSTRUCTORS (teaches, instructs, shares knowledge to fellows/ mentees)
🧲MENTORS (guides and support, shares knowldge to fellows/ mentees)
🧲FELLOWS/ MENTEES (learns, participates in one (1) or all three (3) pathways- NO COST)
🧲VOLUNTEERS (to assist in the program)

TO APPLY:
Lorelei Hosmillo, Program Manager
[email protected]