THE FILIPINO FORUM 2026
CHANGE, NOT JUST RESILIENCE
For generations, Filipinos in Hawaiʻi have been celebrated for our resilience—the ability to endure, adapt, and keep moving forward. But as we mark 120 years since the arrival of the Sakada in Hawaiʻi, it’s time to ask a bigger question: What happens when we turn resilience into change?
The Filipino Forum brings our community together for an evening of honest conversation, inspiring stories, food, and action. Hear from Filipino leaders, entrepreneurs, workforce voices, and changemakers who are challenging the status quo, taking risks, creating opportunities, and making a difference in their communities.
Through The Modern Sakada, we’ll reflect on 120 years of the Filipino workforce in Hawaiʻi—what challenges have remained, how immigration and work have changed, and what new opportunities are emerging for the next generation.
Our second panel brings together Filipino leaders who have challenged the status quo—people who saw an opportunity to do things differently, took a risk, made a move, and saw that change create real results. Their stories will explore what it takes to question “the way things have always been” and turn an idea into action.
We’ll also experience SUKA: Agent of Change, a special culinary conversation exploring Filipino vinegar as a metaphor for transformation, featuring a live food demonstration and tasting. We’ll close the evening with our Change Circle—an opportunity for everyone in the room to reflect, make a commitment, and turn conversation into action.
Whether you’re a longtime Chamber member, a young professional, an entrepreneur, a community leader, or simply curious about where our Filipino community is headed, you belong in this conversation.
Come talk story. Come be challenged. Come meet people who are making moves.
And most importantly, come ready to ask: What can I change?
Light refreshments will be served. A nominal registration fee helps support this community event.
Join us for a meaningful, thought-provoking, and hopefully fun evening of conversation, connection, and action.
- Sponsorship opportunities coming soon -
