A Simple Conversation, A Big Spark

It all started with a simple conversation over ice cream.

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. Mariflor and I were sharing ice cream and conversation in her car when we began talking about how we could do something meaningful—something small that could bring people together and support a cause we cared about.

We thought of hosting a small ‘tiangge’-style event at our church. The social hall could fit maybe six vendors—that seemed just right. When we shared the idea with our close friends, they immediately got behind it. Ideas began to flow—some suggested adding a cultural theme, others thought it might be better held outdoors where more people could see and join us. What began as a simple indoor fundraiser quickly started to grow.

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 with six vendors turned into a full-blown community event with 28 vendors. The church hall was transformed into a venue for nonprofit discussions called “One-for-Juan, Together for the Better Philippines,” attended by local Fil-Am leaders, where the conversation centered around the importance of giving back. Outside, vendors filled the church lawn while local Fil-Am talents kept the crowd engaged.

I remember praying for 500 people—that already felt like a stretch. But on the day of Fil-Am Spring Fest 2023, more than 1,000 people showed up. Most vendors were sold out by 11 a.m., and even with a sudden downpour, people stayed. They lingered. They connected

The Real Impact

What amazed us even more than the crowd was what came after. Through the generosity of attendees, donors, sponsors, and vendors, the first-ever Fil-Am Spring Fest helped uplift the lives of over 1,000 ultra-poor individuals and families in the Philippines. In partnership with ICM, we were able to support eight Transform communities across Bacolod, Dumaguete, Palawan, and General Santos. Families received nutrition, savings tools, small business training, and spiritual encouragement. Many started microenterprises and discovered renewed hope.

It was far more than a fundraiser—it was a movement of compassion, powered by ordinary people saying yes to something greater.

Growing Beyong Expectations (2024)

We didn’t even plan to do it again. But people kept asking for more. And what guided our decision most was remembering those who had benefitted—and those still praying for hope.

In 2024, we moved the event next door to Graham Road Elementary School, with the church now serving as a parking area and extension of the venue. From 28 vendors, we grew to over 60, and attendance climbed to around 5,000—drawing people 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.

Fil-Am FEST Inc. exists to celebrate Filipino-American culture and heritage, while supporting faith-rooted outreach efforts that uplift 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 it would have been possible without the people behind the scenes. Fil-Am FEST Inc. is completely volunteer-driven—built by hands and hearts that serve not for recognition, but out of love for God and others. We’ve been blessed with a team of people who generously give their time, talents, and resources to help bring this mission to life. Their dedication and humility continue to inspire us. We’re also deeply grateful for every volunteer, supporter, and friend who has believed in what we’re doing and joined us along the way. You are a vital part of this story—and we thank God for you.

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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.”

As we look back, we’re filled with awe—not because of what we’ve done, but because of what God has done through ordinary people willing to say yes. And still, we know this isn’t a formula or a promise of ease. 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 rise and carry the mission forward. Whether through culture, community, or compassion, our prayer is that everything we do reflects His love and goodness.

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,
according to His power that is at work within us…”
—Ephesians 3:20

We’re grateful for how far God has brought us—and we know there’s still more ahead.

Join the Journey

If you’d like to be part of what we’re building, we welcome your prayers, your ideas, or your support in any way you feel led.

Let’s keep doing good work—faithfully, together. Contact Us!