PRESS RELEASE NO. 49-2025
Consul General Talbo (2nd from left) and Vice Consul Caasi (leftmost) tour the Filipino Community Center grounds with FilCom Center Executive Director Caymo-Kauhanen (rightmost) and Program Director Carmona (2nd from right).
14 May 2025, Honolulu – Consul General Arman R. Talbo visited the Filipino Community Center (FilCom Center) in Waipahu on 9 May 2025 to explore areas of collaboration between the Consulate and the biggest FilCom Center outside of the Philippines.
Accompanied by Vice Consul Leizel Caasi and Cultural Officer Mia Gaspar, the Consul General was warmly welcomed by FilCom Center Executive Director Andrea Caymo-Kauhanen and Program Director Shelly Carmona.
Ms. Carmona highlighted a prominent painting that she described as an ode to the past, present, and future of Filipinos in Hawai‘i. The artwork captures the journey and resilience of the Filipino community—from early migrants who worked in plantations, to present-day leaders and youth shaping the future. It serves not only as a decorative piece, but as a powerful visual narrative that honors heritage, celebrates community achievements, and inspires forward-looking aspirations.
The consulate officials were given a comprehensive tour of the FilCom Center’s sprawling 50,000-square-foot facility. A landmark institution, the FilCom Center stands as a testament to the legacy of the first Filipinos in Hawaii, and continues to serve as a hub for cultural preservation and community engagement.
Ms. Carmona guided the group through the Center’s key areas and installations, each accompanied by captivating stories that highlight the Filipino experience in Hawaii. One of the tour’s highlights was the striking 10.5-foot bronze statue of Dr. José Rizal at the Center’s entrance, which was inaugurated in 2002 and stands as a proud symbol of Filipino heroism and intellectual legacy.
The FilCom Center also offers spaces for rental for organizations providing services in social welfare, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Consul General Talbo admires the striking 10.5-ft bronze statue of Dr. José Rizal, prominently located at the entrance of the FilCom Center. Inaugurated in 2002, the statue stands as a proud symbol of Filipino identity, intellectual legacy, and national pride
On 3 May 2025, the FilCom Center successfully staged the 2025 Filipino Fiesta and Flores de Mayo, which highlighted the strength and diversity of the Filipino diaspora in Hawaii. The fiesta was made possible through the support of various Filipino organizations and businesses across the state, the contributions of community volunteers, and the local government.
Consul General Talbo reaffirms the Consulate’s commitment to support the events and initiatives of the FilCom Center.
In a meeting following the tour, Consul General Talbo reaffirmed the Consulate’s continued support for the Filcom Center’s programs. Among the initiatives discussed was Palaro 2025, an upcoming project which aims to rekindle interest in Philippine traditional games and sports. The Consul General expressed enthusiasm for co-organizing and promoting community activities and programs that empower the Filipino diaspora.
For more information on the FilCom Center’s programs and upcoming events, visit https://filcom.org/communityprograms. (END)
