Filipino Community Center honors leaders for spirit of ‘bayanihan’ — unity and cooperation

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu hosted its annual Bayanihan Gala on Saturday night in Waikiki.
Hundreds gathered to honor attorney Bryan Andaya, government leader Bennette Misalucha, tech entrepreneur Theresia McMurdo and nonprofit advocate AJ Halagao for their decades of service to uplifting Filipinos in Hawaii.
The honorees were recognized for embodying the spirit of “bayanihan” — communal unity and cooperation.
“Having a common purpose, goals and values, and being together in that journey, the ups and the downs,” Andaya said.
“I think I’ve been to all 15 or so Filipino galas, and I think this is the most beautiful,” Halagao said.
“I challenge all of us to reconnect with our Filipino roots, always deepening the ties that unite us and bind us, let’s tell our stories,” Misalucha said.
The event takes place every October in time for Filipino American History Month, which honors the contributions of Filipinos and Filipino Americans to the United States.
Gala attendees donned traditional attire and enjoyed Filipino food from local eateries.
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