Hawaii Filipino Center Sets Weeklong Fiesta

HONOLULU– For the first time since its inception 21 years ago, The Filipino Community (FilCom) Center is expanding its annual Filipino Fiesta into a weeklong Flores De Mayo (Flowers of May) celebration from May 5 through May 11 at various locations across Oahu.

“May is the traditional fiesta month in the Philippines, when local towns celebrate with colorful cultural festivities to ensure a successful harvest and planting season, as well as honor their

patron saints,” said FilCom President Rose Churma.

Churma also explained that besides sharing “our culture and traditions” the event will present opportunities for doing business in the Philippines, “which is now experiencing more than seven percent growth.”

The Flores de Mayo features three major events free and open to the public:

• Santa Cruzan Pageant & Parade, Sunday, May 5, 3:30 -7:30 p.m., at the FilCom Center (beautifully dressed

queens and princesses representing biblical characters parade under colorful flower arches with their escorts to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great;

• annual fiesta with live entertainment will take center stage at the Filipino Community Center grounds;

• Philippine Trade Forum & Expo, Tuesday, Ma y 7, 9 a. m. to 4 p.m., at the FilCom Center.