BARYO HIFI: A Celebration of Filipino Culture and Community
The first ever Lumpia Eating Contest took place at BARYO HIFI. The winner, Jon representing the Bay Area, went home with a $1000 Postmates check and Magnolia prize pack. Photo credit HiFi Coalition
Historic Filipinotown recently witnessed the vibrant and successful inaugural BARYO HIFI event, a celebration that brought together the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, and beyond. The event was held on May 4th, 2024 and was a success, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring a dynamic mix of food, music, art, and community activities. The event was presented by the HiFi Coalition to kick off AANHPI Heritage Month, and dozens of community leaders and creatives came together featuring some of the top Filipino restaurants and legacy establishments, live performances and DJ sets hosted by rapper PLO and DJ Noodz, an art exhibition curated by @hikristofferson, and a marketplace curated by @sarisaristudio and @allpurposesaucela.
The festival, which took place on Beverly Boulevard between Union Avenue and Union Place, was a lively showcase of Filipino culture. Attendees enjoyed a diverse array of Filipino cuisine from renowned local businesses such as Dollar Hits, Kuya Lord, Lasita, The Park’s Finest, Big Boi, and Wanderlust Creamery. The event also featured performances by Filipino DJs , dancers, and musicians, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with pride and joy.
Power 106 Karaoke Contest winner Kristin Corpuz. Photo Credit HiFi Coalition
In addition to the culinary delights and musical performances, Baryo HiFi included an art exhibition curated by local artist Kristofferson San Pablo. This exhibit, focusing on contemporary Filipino American perspectives, added an enriching cultural dimension to the festival. A marketplace of Filipino American pop-up shops offered unique items such as candles, plants, and apparel, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), the fiscal sponsor of Baryo HiFi, played a pivotal role in the event's success. SIPA’s mission to enrich and empower generations of Pilipino Americans and others by providing health and human services, community economic development, arts and culture, and a communal space was perfectly embodied in Baryo HiFi.
SIPA has long been a cornerstone in the Filipino American community, offering essential services and fostering a sense of unity and identity. By sponsoring Baryo HiFi, SIPA underscored its commitment to celebrating and preserving Filipino heritage while also promoting community engagement and economic development. The event provided a platform for Filipino Americans to share their culture with the broader Los Angeles community, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Baryo HiFi Jeepney on display for photo opps. Photo Credit Jennifer Taylor
The success of Baryo HiFi marks the beginning of what is hoped to be an annual tradition, celebrating Filipino heritage and fostering community spirit in Los Angeles and to usher in the next generation into getting involved with the HiFi community. SIPA’s sponsorship of this event highlights its ongoing dedication to empowering the Filipino American community and enriching the cultural tapestry of the city. Baryo HiFi was not just a festival, but a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Filipino American community.