From a small gathering of Filipino businessmen in 1947 to one of Hawaiʻi’s most respected ethnic chambers — seven decades of building community, forging partnerships, and championing Filipino business.
Our Roots
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi’s history dates back to a time when a group of Filipino businessmen — civic-minded and fueled with the desire to unite the then-fledgling Filipino business community — met in 1947. Through their gathering, the Filipino Businessman’s Association was formed and began to promote the common aims of the Filipino community.
The gathering of businessmen continued in the coming years, providing much-needed leadership for perpetuating the rich Filipino heritage in Hawaiʻi. The organization provided regular networking meetings, valuable workshops, and outreach trade missions to the Philippines. This attracted many businessmen and women such as Eddie Flores, Jr. (Founder, President & CEO of L & L Hawaiian Barbecue), Lito Alcantra (President, Group Builders), and Roland Casamina (President, House of Finance) among many others.
The ingenuity of the leadership helped birth many great community endeavors such as The Filipino Community Center (FilCom Center), the “A Taste of Kalihi” Festival, and the Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Significant Milestones
A group of civic-minded Filipino businessmen met and formed the Filipino Businessman’s Association to promote the common aims of the Filipino community in Hawaiʻi.
Formally established with 47 charter members, adopting the Philippine coat of arms with the initials FCC as its logo.
The Chamber was formally incorporated, establishing its legal foundation as an organization.
Held its first community event — the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company tour — and sponsored a Trade Mission to Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Established a scholarship fund and Chamber President Barney Menor led the 1st Trade Mission to the Philippines. The Chamber also helped create a National Association of Filipino Community Council of America.
Celebrated “Decade of Progress” with 88 members.
Presented “Pasko sa Pilipinas – Christmas Yuletide” at McKinley High School.
Hawaiʻi Governor George Ariyoshi led the 2nd Trade Mission to the Philippines.
Membership in the Chamber was extended to non-Filipinos, broadening the organization’s reach and impact.
Congressman Cecil Heftel led the 4th Trade Mission to the Philippines.
Elected Isabel Tagala as the Chamber’s 1st female President — a landmark milestone in FCCH history.
Together with Japan’s Prince and Princess Hitachi, planted trees at the National Cemetery of the Pacific.
Changed name to Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi and amended the by-laws to elect a President and President-Elect for a one-year term.
The Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Awards program was launched, honoring outstanding Filipino entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi — a tradition that continues today.
After a 7-year hiatus, the Trade Mission was reinstated. The Chamber also initiated various business seminars and workshops.
Reinstated the Scholarship Awards program. Under Chamber leadership, the Filipino Community Center (FilCom Center) was started.
Organized the 1st incoming trade mission from the Philippines with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted its 1st Legislative Breakfast Seminar. Received $25,000 grant from Bank of America for Affordable Housing seminars. Maui Chapter established. Hosted the 1st joint meeting of the Philippines-Hawaii Business Council in Manila.
The 1st Scholarship Golf Tournament (FORE!) was launched. Big Island Chapter was established. Mayor Jeremy Harris led the 12th Trade Mission to the Philippines.
Received $20,000 from American Savings Bank and $15,000 from Equitable to conduct a Women Entrepreneur Symposium.
Established affiliate relationship with the Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber. Launched the Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Adopted a new logo. Lt. Governor Mazie Hirono led the 16th Trade Mission to the Philippines.
Hosted the Trade Mission Delegation from Cagayan de Oro and established a Sister-Chamber relationship with the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce.
Initiated aggressive membership recruitment, successful fundraising events, and awarded eight college scholarships. Launched the first FCCH website.
Became a member of NaFFAA, Region 12. For exceptional contributions to the Philippines, the Chamber was presented with the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Established the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Hosted the International Trade Expo in Honolulu in cooperation with the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission. Governor Linda Lingle led the 20th Trade Mission.
Through the FCCH Foundation and in cooperation with Mayor Mufi Hannemann, launched the 1st “A Taste of Kalihi” (ATOK) event — a beloved community tradition.
Acquired 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. Relocated office to 1125 North King Street.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann led the 21st Trade Mission. Signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) to promote, strengthen, and expand trade and business relations.
Created the Hawaii-Philippines Business Economic Council (HPBEC) to implement the MOA with the PCCI and its affiliates to strengthen links between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines.
Mayor Peter Carlisle led the 22nd Trade Mission. Renewed sister-city relationship of Honolulu with Baguio City. Signed MOU with Saint Louis University (SLU) Baguio City.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell led the 24th Trade Mission. Renewed sister-cities relationships with Laoag, Vigan, Baguio City, Manila, and Candon. Hosted the 1st Annual Leadership Development Summit and 1st Annual Gathering of the Hawaiʻi Ethnic Chambers of Commerce.
Partnered with Hawaii Business Magazine for the 1st Hawaii Business Leadership Conference. Staged the 1st Annual Adobo Cooking Contest. Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui led the 25th Trade Mission. Signed MOUs with Palawan Chamber, Hawaii Korean Chamber, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
Formed the Quad Chamber Alliance between the four biggest Ethnic Chambers in Hawaiʻi: Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho of Kauai led the 26th Trade Mission. Record-breaking Installation Banquet. Newsletter and Legislative Breakfast reinstated. Awarded $26,000 to 9 scholars. Organized Restaurant Week with 50+ restaurants and culminated with an Adobo Festival at the Philippine Consulate.
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