Inside the 4th Annual Filipino Forces: A Celebration of Heritage and Impact

Silk butterfly sleeves flare out under string lights, the warm tempo of Tagalog embraces the night air, and there is a profound sense of belonging that comes with joining a party where joy is the thing being celebrated. Looking around at the crowd, with slick reimaginings of the Barong Tagalog and the sublime silhouettes of the terno, it is clear that we are all very happy to be here.

Once a year, Filipino leaders across industries — music, film, fashion, politics, science, sports, and beyond — gather for Filipino Forces Feast and Fiesta, a recognition of our achievements and how far we have come as a community. Founder Rembrandt Flores recently held the 4th annual Filipino Forces in West Hollywood at the Wheelhouse, joined by singer J. Rey, Bay Area rapper Guapdad 4000, actress Kristin Villanueva, Miss Universe 2022 and fashion designer R’Bonney Nola, girl group H3Rizon, rapper-producer P-Lo, and more.

Following a four-course dinner by Sampa Chef Josh Espinosa, guests shared their stories of how they challenged and celebrated what it meant to be Filipino. For Flores, what began as a dinner to bring together Filipinos he admires has evolved into a platform that celebrates the extraordinary impact of the community. The publicist, who sported a custom barong pinned with a Jewelmer brooch, emphasized that Filipino Forces is about honoring those who have opened doors and reminding the world that Filipino culture is one of the most influential 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 San Pedro, Laguna to Los Angeles, she shared that her upcoming music is deeply rooted in her identity, describing her new sound as soulful, empowering, and resilient. “I am a proud Filipino. That is the first thing I tell people,” she said.

Guapdad 4000 echoed these sentiments, noting that the invitation felt special as an entertainer who identifies as both Black American and Filipino. “I love inclusion. I love representation,” he said. “It always feels like heritage in high definition.” As the night concluded, the atmosphere shifted to a classic Filipino celebration, complete with karaoke and the communal spirit that defines the Filipino experience.