Zelda Williams, Rob Bonta among Fil-Ams at ‘Filipino Forces Feast’

Photo from Attorney General Rob Bonta/Facebook

“Magiliw na pagtanggap.”

This sentiment echoed through the halls of a Beverly Hills estate on May 29 as the second annual “Filipino Forces Feast” concluded Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI).

Attendees were encouraged to embrace the Filipino value of welcomeness by making “an ask” of their community.

“An ask” invites individuals to participate actively in advancing community goals or values. It can involve actions such as political advocacy, support for Filipino artists, mentorship for aspiring talents or promoting cultural works like books or music.

Sponsored by Nike, the 2nd Annual Filipino Forces Feast & Fiesta celebrated Filipino heritage, bringing together influential Filipino Americans from various fields.

Distinguished attendees included filmmaker Zelda Williams, actor Harry Shum Jr., “Lovecraft” Country star Jamie Chung, “Dancing With the Stars” pro Cheryl Burke and actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.

The event was hosted by Rembrandt Flores, Marisa Pizarro, Melissa Magsaysay and Jose Antonio Vargas.

One highlight of the “an ask” event, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, was when California Attorney General Rob Bonta – the first Fil-Am to serve in the California state legislature – emphasized political engagement by supporting Fil-Am Jessica Caloza’s bid for the California Assembly. If elected, Caloza will make history as the first Filipina to serve in the state Assembly

In a Facebook post, Bonta shared some photos from the event, with the caption, “Joining FilAm community leaders to discuss Filipino American history, our culture of activism, our legacy of leadership and changemaking—and eat some incredible food at the Filipino Forces Feast.”

“It’s critical that leaders of all industries reflect CA’s beautiful diversity.
We will rise together, or not at all,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marisa Pizarro also asked attendees to support Filipino musicians by streaming their music, specifically mentioning artists like Kiana V, Bella Poarch and Saweetie.

The event also served as a platform for mentorship and community building.

Attendees showed their support for each other and living the true Filipino values by purchasing fellow guests’ books, including Wanderlust Creamery co-founder Adrienne Borlongan’s “The World of Ice Cream” cookbook and Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan’s “Mighty Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son.”

The “Filipino Forces Feast” not only showcased the cultural richness of the Filipino American community but also reinforced the values of unity, support and mentorship.