The 4th Annual Filipino & Pacific Islander Festival Brings a Taste of Home to San Antonio
Written by Jonathan "V" Villanueva | August 30, 2025
photos by Hongtao Jin
I had the pleasure of attending Saturday’s 4th Annual Filipino & Pacific Islander Festival held on August 30–31, 2025, at the Garden Ridge Civic Center in San Antonio, Texas.
It was a scorching mid-afternoon, and the parking lot was so packed that I ended up parking on the grass. The lively aromas and the vibrant atmosphere immediately immersed me in the festival’s energy.
There were a few familiar favorites from the recent Otaku Food Festival. I stopped by NJOY Thai for their delightful green curry dumplings, as well as Le Sweet for their signature yakult soda. Near the entrance of the main hall, the outdoor vendor section featured small shops offering homemade treats, rare snacks, plush toys commemorating the festival, and exquisitely wood-crafted trinkets. A live cooking station hosted a local chef conducting an educational culinary demonstration.
Inside the hall, the cool air conditioning provided a welcome respite—and most of the attendees had gathered there. Onstage, performances included a traditional dance by Ka Lã Hiki Ola, karaoke sessions, and other live events. The festival’s Instagram showcased enthusiastic dancing and joyful moments from attendees, capturing the spirit of the celebration.
The festival featured about 40 vendors offering a wide variety of cuisine—from Filipino street food and boba tea to tanghulu, Korean BBQ, Thai dishes, and Hawaiian specialties.Other exciting activities included a lumpia eating contest (with a $100 cash prize, a year’s supply of lumpia, and more), a hula-hoop contest, family-friendly dance tutorials, a bouncy house, reading sessions, K-pop dance performances, and an idol singing contest.
Local businesses actively participated as well, with realtors giving back to the community, and vendors showcasing beautiful dresses, accessories, and handbags for sale. The festival brought together community members to celebrate rich heritage in a meaningful way.
Hiti Mahana Dance Group
In today’s cultural landscape, events like this play a vital role in fostering connection, appreciation, and unity. The 4th Annual Filipino & Pacific Islander Festival stood as a testament to that, offering immersive cultural experiences, delicious food, and spirited performances. I had an incredible time and eagerly look forward to attending again.
Find Out More About the Filipino & Pacific Islander Festival:
Instagram: @filipinofestivalsatx
Facebook: Filipino Festival SATX on Facebook
