Taste of the Philippines attracted over 250 people to the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The evening event, celebrating the culture, couture and cuisine of the Philippines, raised more than over $10,000 for charitable causes, according to the organizers.
“This event is near and dear to my heart, and to see it come alive is a dream come true,” Jane Clement, event chairperson for Taste of the Philippines, said in a press release. “I am overjoyed to see so many people come together to become immersed in the Filipino culture and raise funds to support our Filipino community.”
Taste of the Philippines included performances by La Galería: Compañía Baile Filipino, a Maui-based cultural dance group. Renowned designer Iris Viacrusis took couture to the next level with over a dozen ensembles inspired by traditional and modern Filipino fashion.
Attendees also experienced the flavors of the Philippines. Eight locally based Filipino American chefs presented their interpretations of beloved Filipino dishes, including lechon kawali, crispy lumpia, sinigang and ube cheesecake.
The funds raised at Taste of the Philippines support the Kona Visayan Club and its affiliated nonprofit, the Fil-Am Hawaii Foundation, whose mission is to advance social, economic and educational opportunities for Filipinos in Hawaii.
A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce to aid families affected by wildfires in August.
October is Filipino American History Month. This was the first year of Taste of the Philippines on Hawaii Island.