2025 BAYANIHAN GALA

As Hawaii's premier Filipino community institution and the largest Filipino community space outside the Philippines, FilCom Center proudly serves 383,200 Filipino Americans in Hawaii—representing 26.33% of our state's population—through comprehensive programs that strengthen our community's cultural identity, health, economic prosperity, and future generations.

The Bayanihan Gala is the Center’s largest fundraising event, helping raise funds that are channeled in transformative community programs that make lasting impact. This allows FilCom Center to pursue its mission through six vital program areas:

  • Cultural Preservation (Kultura):  traditional dance classes, musical ensembles, language instruction and culinary arts education 

  • Health & Wellness (Kalusugan):  FilCom Cares Program, Smart Senior Programs, NCLEX review sessions for aspiring nurses, health fairs, and year-round wellness activities

  • Economic Empowerment (Kinabukasan): financial literacy programs, business incubator initiatives, immigration outreach, community fairs, and legal assistance services 

  • Environmental Stewardship (Kapaligiran): sustainability programs, community gardens, recycling initiatives, and environmental education 

  • Youth Development (Kabataan): Filipino4Kids programs, youth financial literacy classes, mentorship opportunities, and educational initiatives

  • Community Building (Kababayan): Filipino Fiesta, Pasko sa FilCom, FilCom Sundays, cultural exhibits, and community celebrations

Honoring Distinguished Leaders

This year’s Bayanihan Gala honored four (4) exceptional community champions whose dedication mirrors FilCom’s own commitment to service:

  • Chris Hause - Chief of Sales, Marketing, Business Development, & Community Health for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Hawaii and

    Board Chair for Hawaii Foodbank, transforming healthcare accessibility

  • Gabe Lee - Board of Regent Chair at University of Hawaii, shaping the future of education

  • Dr. Lawrence Tseu - Founder of The Tseu Medical Research Institute, pioneering medical breakthroughs

  • Russell Lau - Chair & CEO of Finance Factors, driving economic empowerment