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A Simple Conversation, A Big Spark

Post-pandemic days were heavy—we had just come through a season of isolation, and there was a yearning in our hearts to serve again. I was sitting in the car with my friend Mariflor, sharing ice cream and conversation, when we began to talk about how we could do something meaningful—something small that could bring people together and support a cause we cared about.

From Six Vendors to a Community Gathering

We thought of hosting a small tiangge-style event at our church. The social hall could fit maybe six vendors—that seemed just right. We shared the idea with our close friends, and to our surprise, they loved it.
Ideas started flowing. Michelle suggested using a more cultural theme; Emily proposed taking it outdoors so people could see us. What began as a simple indoor fundraiser quickly started to grow.

A Yes That Opened Doors

We asked the church for permission to use the space—and they graciously said yes. We chose to support International Care Ministries (ICM), a nonprofit we had previously worked with through our church and former ministry. Their mission resonated deeply with our hearts and aligned with what we truly hoped to do.

The First Fil-Am Spring Fest (2023)

From there, we just kept moving. We posted the event on Facebook, invited local vendors, and used whatever skills we had to spread the word. What was meant to be a small gathering turned into a full-blown community event with 28 vendors.
Inside the hall, we hosted “One-for-Juan, Together for the Better Philippines,” a conversation among local Fil-Am leaders about giving back. Outside, vendors filled the church lawn while local talents kept the crowd engaged.

I remember praying for 500 people—that already felt like a stretch. But more than 1,000 showed up. Even with a sudden downpour, people stayed. They lingered. They connected.

The Real Impact

Through the generosity of attendees, donors, sponsors, and vendors, that first event uplifted over 1,000 ultra-poor individuals and families in the Philippines. In partnership with ICM, we supported eight Transform communities in Bacolod, Dumaguete, Palawan, and General Santos—helping them with nutrition, savings tools, business training, and spiritual encouragement.

Growing Beyond Expectations (2024)

We didn’t even plan to do it again. But people kept asking. And what guided our decision most was remembering those who had benefitted—and those still praying for hope.
In 2024, we moved the event to Graham Road Elementary School, with the church used for parking and overflow. From 28 vendors, we grew to over 60, and attendance climbed to around 5,000—drawing guests from across the East Coast, including one vendor who traveled all the way from Florida.

A New Chapter Begins

That’s when we knew we had to take things more seriously. We could no longer operate informally. After much prayer and discernment, we officially registered as a nonprofit.
On September 19, 2024, Filipino-American Fellowship for Empowerment, Service and Transformation Incorporated (Fil-Am FEST Inc.) was born.

Who We Are

Fil-Am FEST Inc. exists to celebrate Filipino-American culture and heritage, while supporting faith-rooted outreach that uplifts extremely poor families in the Philippines and underserved communities in the U.S.

Fil-Am Spring Fest 2025: Our Biggest Yet

By 2025, through prayer, hard work, and God’s favor, we partnered with local authorities, industry professionals, businesses, and community leaders.
Fil-Am Spring Fest 2025 was held at Fair Oaks Mall—our biggest venue yet—with 90+ vendors, cultural performances, and a crowd estimated at 25,000 people.

Volunteer-Driven, Mission-Focused

None of this could have happened without a team of volunteers who willingly and generously poured their time, skills, and energy into this mission.
We are deeply grateful for every person who has believed in our work and offered their support—big or small. This is a volunteer-driven movement, and we honor the hearts behind it.

In the Master’s Hand

It wasn’t always smooth. There were challenges, worries, and moments of uncertainty.
But God provided. He delivered. Every gap, every need, every open door—He made it possible.

One of my favorite poems, The Touch of the Master’s Hand, reminds me of this truth:
“Little becomes much when you place it in the Master’s hand.”

We look back in awe, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what God has done through ordinary people who were willing to say yes.

The Road Ahead

We know this isn’t a formula. We don’t always know what’s ahead—and that’s okay.
We don’t place our hope in outcomes, but in the One who holds the future.

Our dream is simple: to do what God calls us to do, to do it with excellence, and to build a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders who will carry the mission forward.
Whether through culture, community, or compassion, our prayer is that everything we do reflects His love and goodness.

Join the Journey

We press on—not because the path is clear, but because God is faithful.
We do what we do not to make a name, but to lift His name.
Not to grow a platform, but to grow His kingdom.
Not for credit, but to say,
“Lord, this is Yours. Use it for Your glory.”

Because when we give Him our little,
He turns it into more than we could ask or imagine.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
— Ephesians 3:20

If you’d like to be part of what we’re building, we welcome your prayers, ideas, or support in any way you feel led.
Let’s keep doing good work—faithfully, together.