Inside the 4th Annual Filipino Forces: A Celebration of Heritage and Impact
Silk butterfly sleeves flared under string lights, the warm tempo of Tagalog embraced the night air, and there was a profound sense of belonging that comes with joining a party where joy is the central theme. Looking around at the crowd, adorned with slick reimaginings of the Barong Tagalog and the sublime silhouettes of the terno, it was clear that the attendees were united by a shared pride.
Once a year, Filipino leaders across industries—including music, film, fashion, politics, science, and sports—gather for the Filipino Forces Feast and Fiesta, a recognition of collective achievements and the community’s evolution. Founder Rembrandt Flores recently hosted the 4th annual Filipino Forces in West Hollywood at the Wheelhouse. The event featured a star-studded guest list, including singer J. Rey, Bay Area rapper Guapdad 4000, actress Kristin Villanueva, Miss Universe 2022 and fashion designer R’Bonney Nola, girl group H3Rizon, and rapper-producer P-Lo.
The event’s host committee served as a testament to the community’s reach, with Flores collaborating with Revolve’s Chief Brand Officer Raissa Gerona; Lena Salatinjants, Sr. Director of Nike Celebrity and Entertainment Marketing; Cousin Music co-founder Marisa Pizarro; and Melissa Magsaysay, host of the Los Angeles Times’ Live + Well podcast.
Following a four-course dinner by Sampa Chef Josh Espinosa—highlighted by calamansi ricotta and 24k gold-adorned key-lime pie—guests shared personal stories of how they have challenged and celebrated their Filipino identity.
“What began as a dinner to bring together Filipinos I admire has evolved into a platform that celebrates the extraordinary impact in our community,” Flores told Rolling Stone. The publicist, who wore a custom barong pinned with a Jewelmer brooch shaped like the Philippines, emphasized that “Filipino Forces is about honoring those who have opened doors, amplifying those creating the future, and reminding the world that Filipino culture is one of the most influential and dynamic forces shaping global conversation today.”
J. Rey, who has toured with the Black Eyed Peas since 2018, noted that the event “feels like home.” Reflecting on her journey from her hometown in San Pedro, Laguna, to Los Angeles, the Filipino and African American artist shared that she is currently working on new music that reflects her roots, describing the upcoming tracks as “soulful, empowering, and resilient.”
“I am a proud Filipino. That’s the first thing I tell people: I’m from the Philippines. I carry that with me as a form of giving back to the parents and the family that raised me,” she said.
Guapdad 4000 echoed these sentiments, noting that the invitation felt deeply personal. “I love inclusion. I love representation,” he said. “To see other Blasians there, like Aleali May, J. Rey Soul, and fellow Bay Area people like P-Lo, made it feel even more personal. It always feels like heritage in high definition.”
As the night unfolded, the energy reached a fever pitch, culminating in the kind of spontaneous musical celebration that defines a true Filipino gathering—complete with karaoke.
