Filipino Food Month: Food trucks act as gateways to Filipino cuisine's growing popularity

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Wherever Señor Sisig sets up in the Bay Area, a line is quick to form.

One of the reasons there is a growing curiosity and demand for the flavors of the Philippines is the friendly, accessible and non-intimidating food truck.

The rise of Filipino food trucks is a masterclass in how a diaspora's culinary heritage can evolve into a Gen Z obsession. By blending traditional, bold flavors with "street food couture" and high-impact digital storytelling, these mobile kitchens have moved from the "fringe" to the mainstream, positioning themselves as both budget-friendly indulgences and high-concept cultural experiences.

The Blueprint: Señor Sisig’s Bay Area takeover

Nowhere is this evolution more evident than with Señor Sisig. What started in 2010 as a single truck roaming San Francisco has become a cultural juggernaut. Founders Evan Kidera and Leo Quintana cracked the code by marrying the citrusy, vinegar-laced heat of Kapampangan Sisig with the handheld convenience of a Mission-style burrito. In other words, they did what Filipinos do best — adapt.

Their trajectory—from the curb to a coveted spot in the Chase Center—represents a victory lap for Filipino American visibility. Seeing fans crush a California Sisig Burrito while cheering on the Warriors at a world-class arena proves these flavors are no longer "niche"—they are the main event.

Señor Sisig didn't just wait for an invitation to the table—they built their own, put wheels on it, and eventually parked it right in the heart of the Bay’s most prestigious arena. For every young foodie documenting their ube taco under the arena lights, it’s a reminder that the flavors of the diaspora are no longer "fringe"—they are the main event.

The Gen Z Playbook

Filipino food trucks are introducing their cuisine to Gen Z by blending bold, traditional flavors with modern "street food couture" and high-impact social media strategies. They position their menus as both a budget-friendly indulgence and a "visually aesthetic" cultural experience.

The popularity of Filipino food trucks have spread from Honolulu to Queens, NYC and are capturing the "foodie" generation through several key strategies:

• Short-Form Video: Trucks leverage TikTok and Instagram Reels to show the "sizzle" of the grill and the vibrant colors of ingredients like Ube and Pandan.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with food writers and Gen Z influencers who crowdsource locations and review "lit" dishes like Sizzling Sisig topped with a fried egg.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Modern trucks prioritize "Instagrammable" presentation, focusing on the vibrant purples of ube or the communal "Boodle Fight" (kamayan) style of eating.
• Mexican-Filipino Fusion: Using burritos, tacos, and nachos as vehicles for traditional flavors like Sisig (citrusy pork hash) or Tocino (sweet cured pork).
• Loaded Fries & Tacos: Vendors like Pinorrito combine Filipino staples with mainstream "comfort food" favorites.
• Progressive Pairings: Offering innovative items like Sinigang sweetbreads or Kaldereta shepherd's pie to appeal to adventurous palates. 

Some Filipino food trucks across the nation 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This list is far from comprehensive but the Filipino food truck phenomenon has spread to almost all parts of the US and Canada where Filipinos have formed communities. 

San Francisco (SF) & Bay Area

• Señor Sisig: The gold standard for Filipino-Mexican fusion. Famous for their Sisig Burritos and Crunch-a-dillas.
• Jeepsilog: Known for serving traditional "silog" meals out of a truck designed like a Jeepney, the iconic Philippine public transit.
• The Lumpia Company: Specializes in creative lumpia flavors like Bacon Cheeseburger or Pizza Lumpia. (Co-owned by E-40!).
• Rita’s Catering: An old-school favorite offering authentic, affordable home-style meals like pork adobo and BBQ skewers.
• The Sarap Shop: Known for their residency at Oracle Park and their famous "Very Veggie" options, making Filipino flavors accessible to plant-based diners.
• Pinorrito: A Sacramento transplant that has made waves in the Bay with their "Filipino-Mexican Fusion," specifically their Sisig Fries and Lumpia-stuffed burritos.
• Jeepney Guy: Famous for their slow-roasted Lechon (crispy roast pork). They focus on "low and slow" traditional techniques served in modern rice bowls.
• Buri Buri: A newer player focusing on Filipino-Japanese fusion, blending items like Sisig into sushi rolls or "Poke-style" bowls.
• Adobo Slayers: Specializing in modern riffs on the national dish, offering Adobo-smothered wings and bowls that prioritize tender, high-quality meats.

Los Angeles

• White Rabbit Truck: One of the most famous trucks in the city, beloved for its Sisig Fries and innovative Filipino burritos.
• Amor y Limón: A newer truck gaining popularity for blending Mexican street food with Filipino influences, often seen at events like the Wine + Food Truck Fiesta.
• Mano Po: Frequently found at festivals, they are known for their Pork Liempo and Longanisa Lumpia.
• Lia's Lumpia: Known for appearing on The Great Food Truck Race, this San Diego truck offers modern Filipino fusion, including diverse lumpia flavors and Kamayan feasts.

New York City (NYC)

• Swabe Food Truck: A newer addition to Queens Blvd known for its nostalgic menu, specifically the Fried Pork Belly Rice Bowl and Beef Tapa.
• Kabayan Food Truck: Often found near hospitals like NYP Cornell, serving classics like Oxtail Kare-Kare and crispy pork.
• YUM BRO: Operating in areas like Yonkers and Manhattan, they offer a mix of Filipino favorites and fusion bowls like Huli Huli Chicken.
• So Sarap: A popular vendor at night markets (like ThinkChinatown) specializing in traditional Filipino skewers and street bites. 

Hawaii

• Merienda (Oahu/formerly Maui): Known for refined, roadside Filipino fusion, including pork sisig tacos, lumpia sticks, and tocilog (tocino, egg, and rice).
• Kam&46 (Oahu): Located in Honolulu, this truck/restaurant focuses on comforting Filipino and local dishes.
• Food Trucks at Kahuku Roadside Food Court (Oahu): While diverse, this area frequently features pop-up Filipino food stands and nearby favorites like Mike's Huli Chicken, which serves local favorites.
• Mom’s Filipino Comfort Food: Located at the Harbor Mall (Kauai), this popular truck is famous for its ube crepes, skewers, and massive lumpia.
• Fillo's Kauai: A mobile favorite that blends traditional Filipino roots with Kauai’s local identity. It is known for bold grilled meats and layered seasonings.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: A staple at the Big Island's Food Truck Friday (near the old K-Mart/Macy's parking lot). They are known for traditional BBQ and are highly sought after by the Kona community.
• Leo’s Kitchen LLC: A highly-rated truck on Hawaii serving flavorful, comforting dishes like crispy pork belly in generous portions.

Pacific Northwest

• Sauced (Kitsap County, WA): A Filipino-American food truck known for its fusion of Pacific Northwest flavors with traditional Filipino dishes, offering items like tacos, burritos, and lumpia.
• Fil Up! (Seattle/Bothell, WA): Known for Filipino-Asian fusion, including crispy pork belly, lumpia, and pancit.
• CheBogs (Seattle, WA): A popular food truck serving classic and authentic Filipino comfort food.
• Captain Adobo (Lakewood, WA): Known for its spicy adobo and other Filipino specialties.
• Northwest Lumpia (Tacoma, WA): Specializes in a variety of lumpia.
• Lechon Loco (Tacoma, WA): Focuses on Filipino roast pork.
• Rommel's (Washington): A food truck known for its popular Filipino dishes.

Las Vegas

• kanto.LV: A popular food truck often found at Filipino Town events in Las Vegas, specializing in fusion items like longganisa burgers and ube tiramisu lattes.
• Beyond Ilocos: Focused on bringing authentic Ilocano food from the Philippines to Las Vegas.
• Kusikero Pinoy BBQ: Known for Filipino-style barbecue, particularly pork belly and chicken skewers.
• Oming's Kitchen: A popular staple for Filipino comfort food that recently expanded from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location.
• Nogakes Kitchen: Known as a popular mobile food truck that has also transitioned into a permanent restaurant.

Chicago

• Pinoy Grill: Known for serving authentic Filipino street food, including pork and chicken BBQ, in-house, and offering boodle feasts that can be found in Chicago and Naperville.
• Stix and Noodles: A family-owned food truck specializing in traditional dishes like BBQ sticks and savory pancit.
• A Taste of the Philippines: Offers catering and a popular, specialized food experience often seen at pop-up events and markets.
• "Lumpia Lady" (Kathy Vega Hardy): Known for serving Filipino lumpia at the Daley Plaza summer farmers' market.

Toronto

• Naimas (Naima's Cafe): Offers, such as Filipino street food platters (TikTok video) and empanada tacos, featuring popular items like Filipino hot dogs, lumpia, garlic rice, and ube drinks.
• Pinoy BBQ: A dedicated Filipino street food vendor known for BBQ sticks, as described on their website.
• Eats Manila: A notable vendor serving Filipino favorites in the city, noted in Yelp reviews.
• Glen's Kitchen: Known for serving authentic Filipino comfort food like pancit and lumpia, as mentioned on Facebook.
• The Filipino Food Truck: Listed among specialized food trucks, as seen on Best Food Trucks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

More Asian American Catholics take action against Trump policies

Many Catholic churches have added Vietnamese services to the Spanish and English masses.

For years, many AAPI Catholic parishes operated under a "quiet faith" model—focusing on family, liturgy, and integration. But as the 2026 deportation machinery grinds into high gear, that silence has shattered. 

What's the catalyst for this activism? A searing, rare public condemnation from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) regarding the "dehumanizing and immoral" treatment of immigrants by ICE and Donald Trump's attacks against the anti-war Pope Leo.

Continuing his running criticism of the first American Pope because the Pontiff cited the relevant Gospels of "welcoming the stranger" and being against unjust wars referring to Trump's Iran war, Trump said: "We believe strongly in law and order, and he seemed to have a problem with that, so there's nothing to apologize for. He's wrong.

"He's a very liberal person, and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime. He's a man that doesn't think that we should be going with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world" Trump continued. "I'm not a fan of Pope Leo."

The US Bishops are finally throwing some real heat, and it’s about time they stopped playing nice. For a long while, the USCCB felt like it was stuck in a safe, predictable loop, but the recent "Special Message" coming out of Baltimore is a straight-up vibe shift. We’re seeing a Church that’s finally waking up to the fact that you can’t claim to be "pro-life" while turning a blind eye to the "indiscriminate mass deportation" of our neighbors.

Archbishop Paul Coakley  in red state Oklahoma and the crew are dropping the polite diplomatic talk. They’re calling out the dehumanizing rhetoric coming from the White House for what it is: an affront to the Gospel. From the threat of ending birthright citizenship to the saber-rattling toward Iran, the bishops are essentially telling the administration that "America First" doesn't mean "God Second."

Even Washington, DC's Archbishop Timothy Broglio — not exactly a radical — is out here saying troops have a moral right to disobey orders that violate their conscience. It’s a bold, gritty moment for a hierarchy that usually prefers the safety of the sacristy.

Asian American Catholics response

The reaction from the Asian American Catholic community has been swift, particularly because these policies hit home for a demographic that is disproportionately impacted by shifts in immigration law.

Groups like the Asian Pacific Catholic Network have echoed the bishops' concerns. For many Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean American Catholics, the threat to birthright citizenship isn't a theoretical debate — it’s a direct attack on their families' stability.

There is a growing movement among Gen Z and Millennial Asian American Catholics who are pushing their parishes to become "sanctuary spaces." They are moving beyond the "model minority" myth to stand in fierce solidarity with Latino brothers and sisters.

Key issues and official stances

Mass Deportations: Leaders have condemned the "climate of fear" created by the administration's immigration enforcement. They have highlighted how fear of ICE raids has suppressed Mass attendance in some Asian American and other immigrant communities.

Foreign Policy: Asian American Catholic voices joined the broader U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in criticizing what they termed "foreign policy adventurism," specifically regarding threats to civilian infrastructure in Iran.

Human Dignity: Leaders like Archbishop Paul S. Coakley (President of the USCCB) have emphasized that national security policies must not come at the expense of "God-given human dignity," a sentiment strongly supported by the National Catholic Network for Asian & Pacific Islanders.

Clergy and parishes on the front lines

Many Catholic parishes, often attended by immigrant families, are becoming centers for organizing against deportation policies.

In predominantly Filipino and Vietnamese parishes, where respect for hierarchy is deep, the Bishops' stance transformed political dissent into a religious obligation.

We are seeing "Blue Masses" replaced by "Solidarity Masses." Clergy are now explicitly naming the "sin of indifference" from the pulpit, linking the suffering at the border to the families sitting in the third row.

Catholic parishes and organizations in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area are actively supporting immigrant communities against intensified ICE actions,, including providing for families, offering sanctuary, and pursuing legal action, according to the National Catholic Reporter. Key actions include supporting impacted families, organizing prayer services, and advocating against surveillance. Some clergy have reported ICE surveillance of churches.

Across the US, the Catholic Church is moving from quiet prayer to public protest. As the Trump administration’s policies on mass deportation and foreign intervention ramp up, a growing number of Asian American bishops—leading some of the most diverse flocks in the country—are drawing a line in the sand. For these leaders, "immigrant rights" isn't an abstract policy debate; it’s the lived reality of their parishioners.

The first Filipino American bishop to head a US diocese, Bishop Oscar Solis, has emerged as a steady voice of resistance in the Intermountain West. Just last week, Solis called for a statewide prayer vigil to protect migrants from what he termed "indiscriminate" enforcement actions. 

DIOCESE OF SALT LAKE CITY

Filipino American Bishop Oscar Solis supports the Pope's anti-war stance.

Solis' message to Utah Catholics is clear: we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of those seeking safety. He has also aligned his diocese with Pope Leo XIV’s urgent calls for peace, linking the plight of refugees abroad to the struggle of migrants at home.

In Honolulu, Bishop Larry Silva has fostered a "spirit of Aloha" that stands in sharp contrast to the exclusionary rhetoric coming from Washington. Silva has been a vocal advocate for recognizing the fundamental dignity of all persons, regardless of documentation. By prioritizing human dignity over national security tropes, Silva has helped mobilize one of the most ethnically diverse dioceses in the nation to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.

Leading a (Stockton) diocese that is the literal "breadbasket" of the country, Bishop Myron Cotta (of Portuguese-Azorean heritage, deeply connected to California's Central Valley's immigrant roots) has issued some of the most direct pastoral statements to date. 

In December 2024 and throughout early 2025, Cotta warned that mass deportations would tear apart the very fabric of society. His diocese has partnered with Catholic Charities to provide legal resources and safe spaces, explicitly telling migrant families: "We will shepherd you... and continue to advocate for your dignity."

Parishes in Southern California and the Bay Area—many with large Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean congregations—have been advised on "sensitive location" protocols, essentially preparing to treat churches as sanctuaries if federal agents attempt arrests on church grounds.

View from the edge

As the Church enters the 2025-2026 Jubilee Year, these bishops are framing their opposition not as partisan politics, but as a "moral voice" essential to the American character.

This could have implications in this year's midterms and even in the 2028 Presidential elections. Based on early 2026 data, American Catholic support for Donald Trump has shown signs of declining, falling below 50% according to recent polling. This shift is driven by tensions between his administration and Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran, which has created a "divide among Catholics."

The tension has created a dilemma for some conservative Catholics who, despite favoring Trump's position on abortion and affirmative action, are uncomfortable with direct attacks on the pope leading to questions about Trump's true values.

According to the Pew Research Center, Catholics made up 22% of the voters who cast their ballots for Trump and the Republican Party in 2024. If even a sliver of those voters decide they've had enough of the Trump regime and its anti-immigrant stance, the rising price of groceries and gas, the Iran war and Trump's catering to the multi-bilionaires, that could spell trouble for the GOP's control of Congress.

For those Catholics still struggling about chuch vs. state and who believe that the pope should not be involved in politics: It is not about politics; Iits about values. Pope Leo is merely espousing Catholic beliefs and quoting the Bible. On this, It is clear: "Blessed are the peacemakers." and Matthew 25:35 ("I was a stranger and you welcomed me") and Leviticus 19:34.

As Bishop Oscar Cantú of San José recently noted, the Church is no longer hesitant to "offend" if it means standing up for the truth. For the Asian American faithful, these bishops aren't just administrators — they are the front line of a moral movement that refuses to let the "stranger" be treated as an enemy.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Look out world: Bini explodes on Coachella stage

BINI drew loud cheers and sing-alongs when they appeared at Coachella.

BINI just didn’t step onto the Coachella stage; they kicked the door down. As the first Filipino act to grace the festival, the pressure was immense. Could a P-pop group actually command the Mojave Tent at 4:15 PM? The answer was a resounding, crystal-clear yes.

From the second they emerged in those shimmering golden warrior outfits and traditional salakots, it was obvious we weren't just watching a concert—we were witnessing a cultural shift. 

"The goal was always to show that P-pop has its own soul. It’s not just about the glitter; it’s about the heartbeat of the Philippines," said Sheena, one of Bini's eight members.

Formed through the Philippines' grueling Star Hunt Academy in 2018, BINI underwent two years of intensive training in singing, dancing, and personality development. In  English, BINI translates as "young lady" or "Miss"

What separates Bini from the host of K-pop groups is its cdeliberate elebration and inclusion of indigenous culture in their music and fashion.

Forbes highlighted this cultural mission, stating that the group's "commanding presence is rooted in a deep, unwavering commitment to their Filipino identity," which separates them from being mere "K-pop clones."

The intentional inclusion of indigenous elements—like the shimmering gongs of the kulintang or the rhythmic pulse of the dabakan—is a cornerstone of their musical identity. By weaving these ancient sounds into modern pop tracks, BINI aims to modernize the Filipino image for a global audience while preserving its heritage.

The group’s Coachella set was a deliberate showcase of "Modern Filipiniana." From their debut single "Born to Win" to their viral hits, the group has consistently used their platform to elevate Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Based on the audience's wild response, waving the Philippines' flag, singing along in Tagalog, BINI’s debut as the first Filipino group to perform at Coachella was the definitive "moment" of Coachella 2026. 

Mid-afternoon sets are usually for casual fans seeking shade. Not this one. The Mojave was packed with a sea of Philippine flags and "Bloombilyas," creating an energy that felt more like a headlining stadium show than a festival discovery set.

If you need data to back up the hype, look at the socials. With a bare minimum of advance publicity, their performance clip pulled 21 million views in a heartbeat, rivaling only Justin Bieber for the most-talked-about moment of the weekend.

While many festival acts struggle with the desert heat, BINI’s vocals remained rock-solid. They balanced the bubblegum energy of "Pantropiko" with a fierce, high-octane debut of their new track, "Blush."

The group’s ability to balance commercial appeal with cultural depth has made them the darlings of international music critics.

Forbes noted that their rise is a testament to their "commanding presence and an unwavering commitment to their Filipino roots," asserting that BINI has successfully branded P-pop as a unique genre rather than a K-pop carbon copy.

Rolling Stone praised the group's "sonic bravery," noting that "by centering indigenous instrumentation, BINI provides a blueprint for how global pop can remain hyper-local and universally accessible at the same time."

"We don't want to just follow the global trend; we want to set it by bringing our own flavors," said the group's leader Jhoanna. "When people hear a BINI song, we want them to feel the tropical breeze of the Philippines and the heartbeat of our ancestors."

Beyond the instruments, the group’s visual identity — from their salakot-inspired headwear to their modern takes on the Baro’t Saya — is a deliberate effort to reclaim Filipino fashion.

"Our outfits are a mix of 'street' and 'heritage,'" says lead dancer Stacey. "We want the Gen Z audience to see that our traditional clothes can be high-fashion and powerful. It’s about wearing our history with pride."

Bini will be back at Coachella today, April 17, but they will be performing in Los Angeles April 21 att the Grammy Museum as part of the prestigious "Global Spin Live" set. They will launch their world tour in June with stops in the Australia, US, Canada and the UK.

The Coachella experience wasn't just a win for the girls; it was a massive signal to the global music industry that P-pop has arrived. Seeing legends like G-Dragon acknowledging their content on social media only cements the fact that BINI is the new standard.

"The goal was always to show that P-pop has its own soul," says Sheena. "It’s not just about the glitter; it’s about the heartbeat of the Philippines."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Filipino Food Month: Americans are discovering the joy of eating with your hands

KAMAYAN

Abaca is one of the restaurants offering the Filipino experience of eating without utensils.

Eating at Francis and Dian Ang's Abaca restaurant in San Francisco, amid the usual clatter of plates and conversation, there is a sudden pause followed by "oohs" and "aahs" as servers bring out a planks laden with Filipino food including lechon, adobo, smoky grilled fish, lumpia, marinated  beef on sticks, accompanied by a plethora of tropical fruit  and vegetables and, no Filipino meals would not be complete without mounds of rice.

But there are no utensils. It is a "kamayan" meal being brought out to a group of excited and perhaps anxious diners anticipating the experience they are about to have. 

As more diners lean into the vibrant, soulful world of Filipino cuisine, they are waking up to a realization that has anchored Southeast Asian culture for centuries: the best way to eat is with your hands.

There is something undeniably primal about the way we engage with a meal when we finally ditch the fork and spoon. In the Philippines, this isn't just a casual habit; it’s a communal ritual known as Kamayan.

At its core, Kamayan — literally "by hand" in Tagalog — is a sensory middle finger to the rigid formalities of Western dining. Forget the clinking of forks or the frantic search for a steak knife. Forget the one dish at a time for Here, the table is your plate, lined with the waxy, emerald sheen of banana leaves. On top of that canvas, a landscape of garlic-heavy sinangag rice, charred liempo, and crispy lumpia is laid out in a glorious, unpretentious heap.

Although some Filipino families use their hands to eat at every meal, the art of kamayan is perhaps best exemplified in the "Boodle Fight."

A typical Kamayan meal at Abaca.

To eat Kamayan is to participate in a "Boodle Fight," a term born from Philippine military mess halls where soldiers of every rank ate together from the same pile. It is a Great Equalizer. When everyone’s fingers are stained with the juice of a grilled pork or the salt of a dried fish, the social barriers simply melt away.

FYI: Not all Filipino restaurants offer a Boodle Fight. Those that do offer the experience usually require advance notice in order to prepare the feast.

There is a specific, tactile art to it, too. You don’t just grab; you curate. You use your fingertips to compress a small mound of rice against a piece of adobo, creating a perfect, bite-sized parcel. Then, with a quick flick of the thumb, you launch it home. It changes the way food tastes. You feel the temperature, the texture, and the heft of the meal before it ever hits your palate.

The contrast between a Filipino Boodle Fight and a Euro-centric Formal Sit-Down Dinner is the ultimate case study in how two cultures define "respect," "order," and "connection" in diametrically opposite ways.

One is a rebellion against boundaries, while the other is a masterclass in maintaining them. 

The Boodle Fight: Radical equality

Originating from the Philippine military, where soldiers ate together regardless of rank, the Boodle Fight is a spatial and social takeover.

• The "Plate": There are no individual plates. Long banana leaves cover the entire table, turning the surface into a single, shared canvas of food.

• The "Utensils": You eat with your bare hands (Kamayan). This removes the "clink and clatter" of silverware and forces a tactile, primal connection with the meal.

• The Layout: Rice forms a "mountain" down the center, flanked by grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. There is no "yours" or "mine"—there is only "ours."

• The Message: "We are all the same." By eating from the same leaf with the same hands, you are physically manifesting the concept of Kapwa (shared identity).🍽️ 

The Formal Sit-Down: Disciplined sophistication

The Euro-centric formal dinner is built on segmentation, sequence, and distance.
The "Plate": Each guest has a designated zone (the place setting). Crossing into another person’s zone is a major breach of etiquette.

• The "Utensils": A specialized tool exists for every task—salad forks, fish knives, soup spoons. These act as mechanical barriers between the human hand and the "mess" of the food.

• The Layout: Food is brought out in timed intervals. You do not see the dessert while you eat the soup. This creates a controlled, intellectualized experience of flavor.

• The Message: "We are refined." The meal is an exercise in self-control and social grace. Order is maintained through strict adherence to unspoken rules.

Kamayan meals, or Boodle Fights, are increasingly offered by various Filipino restaurants in the US. 

The experience of eating with one's hands requires a certain amount of losing inhibitions. The side benefit is that once one starts to use your hands to eat, you have to put down your cell phone and instead discover the art of conversation and being present.

In Abaca's dining room, the table that ordered a kamayan meal is loud and there's plenty of laughter as the diners figure out how to eat rice with their hand. They're having a good time. 

In an era where we are increasingly insulated by screens and sterile environments, Kamayan offers a rare, grounded intimacy. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s deeply human. It reminds us that at the end of the day, a meal isn't just fuel — it’s a connection to the earth and to the people sitting across from us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Filipino showdown: Fernandez takes down Eala

Alexandra Eala and Leylah Fernandez  right, after their first match in Stuttgard, Germany.

Leylah Fernandez took down Alex Eala in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, in the opening round of the 2026 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart on April 14, 2026. The highly anticipated clash between the two left-handers saw Fernandez’s experience on the WTA circuit prove too much for the rising Filipina star.

There was a fascinating cultural divide in the stands. Many fans expressed a "win-win" sentiment, noting that they would be happy regardless of the outcome because "Filipino blood is rising up the entire world." 

In a battle where the "Pinoy Pride" was split right down the middle, experience trumped youthful exuberance. 

Fernandez controlled the first set with sharp angles and aggressive play, racing to a 6-1 lead.

Eala fought back in the second, keeping the score close at 4-5 before Fernandez sealed the win.

Fernandez reminded us why she’s been a fixture in the top 30, showcasing a clinical brand of tennis that simply gave Eala no room to breathe in the opening set. For Eala, it’s a "welcome to the big leagues" moment—proof that she belongs on the red clay of Stuttgart, even if the scoreline didn't go her way this time.

The fan atmosphere in Stuttgart 📣

Reports from the Porsche Arena noted that as the match progressed, the "Pinoy Pride" shifted toward the underdog. Eala’s supporters were described as having a "fire" that "the Porsche Arena had no idea was coming." The crowd was "loud, passionate, and overwhelmingly behind Eala."

Eala’s fan base has become known as a traveling "caravan" on the WTA Tour. In Stuttgart, this included fans who traveled hours—including a heavily pregnant fan who drove four hours—just to see her debut in the main draw.

The Philippine flag was visible throughout the stands, and the "familiar noise" of Filipino support often erupted after Eala's winners, particularly during her second-set fightback.

While Fernandez is widely respected by the community, the preference was clear: Eala represents the "homegrown" dream, while Fernandez is seen as a Canadian star with Filipino heritage.

Alexandra Eala , left, moves onto Madrid and Leylah Fernandez remains in Stuttgard, Germany.

What’s Next? 

On Monday, Fernandez of Laval, Que., and partner Fanny Stolarz of Hungary advanced to the doubles quarterfinals at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix with a 6-3, 6-2  win over the Chinese duo of Jiang Xinyu and Xu Yifan.

With her victory over Eala, Fernandez moves into the Round of 16. She is scheduled to face World No. 8 and tournament fifth seed Jasmine Paolini. That match is likely to take place on Thursday, April 16, depending on the tournament's official scheduling.

Eala and Fernandez are currently in the most critical stages of their singles careers. Eala, 20, is in her first year in the WTA circuit and she's pushing to break into the Top 40, while the 23-year old Fernandez is aiming to return to the Top 10 after reaching the US Open finals as a teenager.

While Fernandez remains in Stuttgard, Eala will move on to the next clay court tournament in Madrid. Her impact in Europe demonstrates how widely dispersed the Philippines diaspora is. Fans reportedly traveled hours to watch her match in Linz, Austria and Stuttgard, Germany.

The Stuttgard tournament said that Eala's autograph was the "most wanted" in the Porsche Village. The Eala Effect will likely be even more evident at the Madrid Open (WTA 1000) from April 21 to May 3.

"I'm focused when I need to be focused. I'm very professional," she said. "It's my first year on tour, but I feel I'm able to handle these things really well. I know that if I don' put in the work, everything else won' follow."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Vatican and Trump at odds presents a dilemma for Asian American Catholics-

The image of Donald Trump as a Christ-like figure that he posted on social media may be the last straw for his followers.

The rift between the Trump regime and the Vatican appears to be widening and has conservative Asian American Catholics who voted Republican questioning their political and religious allegiances.

The chill between the Trump administration and the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV has left many in our communities — from the pews of Orange County’s Little Saigon to the parishes of Daly City — feeling caught between our deep love for America and our unwavering devotion to the Holy See. For conservative Filipino and Vietnamese American Catholics, this isn't just a headline; it’s a conflict of the heart.

The gap between Trump and the Pope widened into the Grand Canyon proportions  Sunday when he directly attacked the Pontiff.

“He’s a very liberal person and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime. He’s a man that doesn’t think we should be toying with a country that want a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world.” Trump continued his criticism of Leo  Monday, refusing to apologize and insisting, “Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result.”

Pope Leo told the Associated Press, “the things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone, and the message of the Gospel is very clear: blessed are the peacemakers.” Rhe pope later added “to put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is.”

“I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for,” the pope said Monday, while aboard the papal plane, according to the Associated Press.

For the faithful in our community, the spiritual rift between the Trump administration and the Vatican has deepened into a series of painful exclusions and international incidents. This past Holy Week, the tensions felt less like a policy debate and more like a direct targeting of Catholic practice.

The result of a high-level meeting between Pentagon officials and the Vatican's Ambassador to the US resulted in perceived mob-like "threat" to the Vatican, immediately followed by the cancellation of the Pope's summer visit  to help celebrate America's 250th birthday.

The spiritual rift has moved from the headlines into the pews, and the recent explanations from Washington and Jerusalem have only deepened the "crisis of conscience" for our communities.

For many of us, the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, was a moment of immense pride.  But the honeymoon ended quickly. Trump's harsh immigration policies and the administration’s "militaristic" posture in the Middle East have been strongly criticised by the Holy Father thus creating "house divided" feel. That feeling is especially felt in the Filipino and Vietnamese communities which have the largest percentage of Catholics among Asian Americans.

The 'Avignon' threat

In a meeting between the Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's Ambassador to the United States and the Pentagon, reportedly to clear the air about the Iran war, resulted in the "chill" turning into a freezing blizzard.

The meeting was prompted by Pope Leo XIV’s urging world leaders to to drop the “desire to dominate others" in his speech on Easter Sunday.

Without specifically mentioning Trump or Iran, the message was clear who he was alluding to. "Enough of the idolatry of self and money!" Leo said. "Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"

Reports of the Vatican diplomat being lectured by US officials — with references of "Avignon" style dominance — feel like a slight to the moral authority of the Church we were raised to defend.

Avignon refers to the  seven decades, popes lived under the "protection" (and heavy influence) of the French crown, turning the Holy See into a perceived tool of French foreign policy. At the time, the Holy See was forced to move out of the Vatican and rule  out of Avignon, France. That dark period is now known in Catholic history as the "Babylonian Captivity of the Church."

Vatican officials reportedly interpreted the mention of Avignon as a "veiled military threat" rather than a history lesson. In the context of the January meeting at the Pentagon, the subtext is clear.

It was interpreted as a warning of force. By referencing a time when a secular king used military power to "bend the Bishop of Rome to his wishes," the implication is that the US could similarly exert its will over the Church.

Reports suggest Under Secretary Elbridge Colby told the Vatican's ambassador that the US has the military power to do "whatever it wants" and the Church "had better take its side."

The idea that a secular government would remind the Church of its military vulnerability is a direct hit to the "moral authority" we look to for guidance. That Cardinal Christophe Pierre — the Pope's own ambassador — was reportedly subjected to this "bitter lecture" makes the affront feel personal to American Catholics.

Although the Vatican was Initially alarmed, officially Cardinal Pierre has backed off on his first reaction and recently denied that the term "Avignon Papacy" was used, calling the meeting "frank and cordial."

The fact that the Pontiff subsequently canceled his scheduled US visit suggests the Vatican took this "Avignon" talk as a sign that they are no longer welcome as an independent moral voice in Washington. 

Hegseth's anti-Catholic snub

Earlier in what the Catholic Church calls Holy Week, the Pentagon's snub of Catholic service on Good Friday piled on the growing antagonism between Catholics and the current administration.

Allegations that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth holds anti-Catholic views have recently intensified following administrative decisions at the Pentagon and his association with a controversial Protestant denomination. 

While Hegseth has not publicly identified as "anti-Catholic," several of his actions and the teachings of his spiritual mentors have drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and organizations.

Hegseth is a member of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) and has hosted its co-founder, Pastor Doug Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist, to lead prayer at the Pentagon. Wilson has historically advocated for the banning of public Catholic rituals, such as Marian processions and public Masses.

The Pentagon held a Protestant-only Good Friday service, marking the first time in recent history that no Catholic Mass was offered at the Pentagon Chapel for the holy day. An internal email sent by Air Force leadership explicitly stated: "There will be a Protestant Service (No Catholic Mass) for Good Friday today at the Pentagon Chapel."

While the Pentagon claimed that it was the result of scheduling conflict, the fact that the invited clery were known for their Christian Nationalism fueled the controversy blurring the lines between church and state.

The clergy involved in the Pentagon’s 2026 Good Friday service, specifically evangelical pastor Brooks Potteiger invited by Hegseth, delivered a message focused on Christian nationalism, framing the military’s actions as a fight for righteousness. The services emphasized "overwhelming violence of action" against enemies and praised political leadership, while notably excluding Catholic services.

For a military service where roughly 25% of US troops identify as Catholic, the message felt like a deliberate snub. One anonymous Pentagon employee told reporters the move signaled to Catholics that "their kind ain’t welcome."

The Pentagon described recent reports of religious friction as "grossly false and distorted," maintaining that they hold the "highest regard" for the Holy See and continue respectful dialogue with Vatican officials The Pentagon described recent reports of religious friction as "grossly false and distorted," maintaining that they hold the "highest regard" for the Holy See and continue respectful dialogue with Vatican officials.

The White House and the Pentagon have officially dismissed the outcry over the Protestant-only Good Friday service as "exaggerated and distorted". A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the absence of a Catholic service was due to a "personnel shortage", claiming the priest assigned to the chapel was out of town.

Anti-Catholicism in the Holy Land?

If Trump and Hegseth's actions were not enough, Israel, America's ally in the war against Iran, poured salt into the wound by banning services on Palm Sunday (a week before Easter Sunday) at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a high holy site among Catholics who believe it built on the site of Jesus resurrection.

Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa described the initial blocking of Palm Sunday services as a "grave precedent" that ignores the rights of Christians globally. Services were eventually held but only 15 clergy were allowed in. The public was barred.

On Good Friday, Pope Leo personally called the presidents of Israel and Ukraine, urging them to "uphold international and humanitarian law" and protect civilians.

During his Palm Sunday homily, the Pope issued a searing rebuke that seemed to target both Jerusalem and Washington: "Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."

Meanwhile, Catholics in the Middle East feel uneasy: A Catholic caravan carrying aid to Gaza residents was forced to turn back; there are also reports of clergy and worshiippers being subject to intimidation and aggression; Iand, the  Rossing Center and other think tanks warn of a "surge in overt animosity" towards Christians in Jerusalem.

The refusal of the Vatican to join Trump’s "Board of Peace" for Gaza did nothing to bridge the widening gap.

Immigration Flashpoint

The tension between the Vatican and Washington has been building since Day One  of the Trump's second term.

The friction isn't just about foreign wars; it’s about how we treat the "stranger among us." Pope Leo has not held back in his critique of the administration’s immigration agenda, framing it as a direct challenge to Catholic identity.

The Pope said every Christian will be judged on how they "welcomed the foreigner."

In a bold move, the Pope explicitly linked the treatment of migrants to our foundational "pro-life" stance. He famously questioned: "Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the inhuman treatment of immigrants... I don’t know if that’s pro-life."

Filipino American Catholics are prominent at this Newark, N.J. church.

Following the ramp-up of ICE raids, the Holy Father described the current approach as "extremely disrespectful" to human dignity, noting that many targeted families have lived peacefully in the US for decades.

The Pontiff has publicly urged the administration to allow priests into ICE detention centers, expressing deep concern that some detainees are being barred from receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Views from the Edge: Flag vs. faith

For many Filipino and Vietnamese Catholics, these statements present a dilemma.
Although there a wide spectrum of beliefs among the faithful, many conservative Catholics often base their voting preference on a single issue: supporting pro-life values. Yet, seeing the Trump regime and the Vatican at such odds makes it harder to reconcile political support with spiritual obedience.

Although the majority of AAPI voters still align with the Democrats, a new Pew Research Center report reveals that about 22% of those who voted in the 2024 election and cast their ballot for Donald Trump were Catholic. That's huge. A good portion of those votes come from Filipino and Vietnamese Catholics, considered to be the most conservative Asian American constituents among the AAPI umbrella and may be the basis of the so-called "shift to the right" of AAPI voters in the 2024 elections. 

When the Pentagon claims Hegseth's Good Friday snub is just a "scheduling glitch" but invites pastors who call Catholic processions "idolatry," we know what we’re seeing. We are witnessing the rise of a version of Christianity that has no room for the universal, global nature of the Catholic Church.

The Pope’s focus on peace and migrant dignity—from the Middle East to Minneapolis —is increasingly seen as a necessary counterbalance to a world where Catholicism's holiest sites are becoming "militarized zones."

The Trump regime's apparent pivot toward a specific brand of evangelical Protestantism is causing even conservative-leaning Catholics to wonder if they still have a seat at the table.

The threat of "Avignon" interpreted as a veiled threat to the Vatican, only adds fuel to the fire during  the time of increasingly heated tension between Trump, who is leaning more and more into Christian Nationalism, and the Vatican.

And the Catholics of the Asian American community face  a decision that  is growing less and less black and white, a choice between flag and faith.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.