A Star-Studded Evening in West Hollywood
The enchanting Filipino Forces Fiesta 2025 lit up the former mansion of Bette Davis in West Hollywood, as renowned personalities came together to celebrate the accomplishments of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) creatives. This gala, adorned with cultural richness, drew stars like Jo Koy, Shay Mitchell, and Brittany Hampton, each contributing to the colorful tapestry of the night.
An Evening of Unity and Heritage
Under the historic roof of the party house now owned by production company Wheelhouse, the gathering praised Filipino and AANHPI achievements across numerous fields including entertainment, philanthropy, fashion, beauty, STEM, and more. With imaginative twists on classic dishes like sinigang dumplings and kare-kare tamales, attendees enjoyed a flavorful ode to Filipino culture woven into every bite.
Humor Meets Homage with Jo Koy
Jo Koy, newly minted honorary doctor, arrived fashionably late, a term playfully coined as arriving on “Filipino time.” As he mingled with guests, Jo reminisced about his upbringing in Filipino communities where gatherings sprang from casual encounters at church events. His mother’s dreams echoed his hopes, “to inspire future generations and bring more Filipinos into the spotlight.”
A Toast to AANHPI Excellence
The festivities began with a special five-course dinner catered by chef Josh Espinosa, followed by tributes to powerhouses from various fields such as entertainment, politics, and STEM. Notable guests included actor Timothy Granaderos, rapper Akeem Hayes, actress Paris Berelc, and many others, each contributing to a night filled with laughter, inspiration, and unity.
Empowerment and Future Vision
Speeches throughout the night reflected a shared credo: uplifting marginalized voices and shattering the “bamboo ceiling,” as coined by Jane Hyun. The evening’s hosts, including actress Shay Mitchell and event founder Rembrandt Flores, encouraged guests to support and uplift the AANHPI community against the backdrop of current political challenges.
Music, Laughter, and Connections
DJ Samantha Duenas, aka So Super Sam, brought her iconic Filipino hospitality to the dance floor, concluding the event with an unforgettable karaoke session echoing the night’s celebratory spirit. Guests, high on a collective vision, left inspired to forge a path that champions diversity, pride, and cultural legacy.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this year’s Filipino Forces Fiesta not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced a vibrant call to uplift future generations through community, creativity, and solidarity.
