Rocky Mountain States

NaFFAA 16th NEC 2026

Aurora, Colorado — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference after two days of national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building. Held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region, the conference brought together Filipino American leaders, founders, professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, artists, health advocates, and emerging changemakers from across the country.

Under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With Us,” NEC 2026 moved from reflection to action. Sessions examined how Filipino Americans had built influence through relationships, representation, entrepreneurship, civic participation, cultural preservation, mental health advocacy and cross-community partnership. The gathering remained nonpartisan and emphasized informed participation, public service, safety, belonging, and shared responsibility.

 

Past Events

 
 

You are warmly invited to “Likha ng Lahi: Moda at Kultura”, a showcase of Filipino fashion, heritage, and artistry.

Date & Time:
10:30 AM | October 19, 2025

Venue:
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway, Denver, CO

On October 22, 2023, the Filipino American History Month was celebrated for the first time at the History Colorado Center in Denver. There were over 40 vendors, free food samples, dance performances, and film screenings including A Long March by Tammy Botkin! The day of celebration included presentations from various Filipino American organizations in Colorado.

NaFFAA’s 16th National Empowerment Conference (NEC) on August 14-15, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center in Aurora, CO. Co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region, this landmark event will bring together Filipino American leaders from across the nation for two days of inspiration, empowerment, and community building. Hear from visionary speakers, participate in dynamic activities, and connect with fellow trailblazers dedicated to making a difference. 

Filipiniana Gala
Hyatt Regency DTC
October 14, 2023

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Rocky Mountain Region (NaFFAA Region V) will host the annual Filipiniana Gala to celebrate the various Philippine Regional Festivals on October 14, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E Tufts Ave, Denver CO, 80237-3001. Celebrating a 25 year legacy of excellence with our community leaders from 1998 to the present.

Join the #FilipinoFoodMonthChallenge and WIN BIG!

Post, tag, and celebrate Filipino food all April long for your chance to win these amazing prizes:

GRAND PRIZE: A delicious experience at CocoLoco – includes cocktails, food, and more!

Other Prizes Include:

A limited-edition Magna Kusina Shirt (L)

Two $50 gift cards + free cocktail coupons to Magna Kusina

An exclusive cookbook & Pinoy goodies from Amihan Artisans LLC

A cookbook + gift pack from culinary champ Jo Ann Antenor

3 amazing books courtesy of PCG San Francisco

A Long March Film
Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival
March 9-12, 2023

Many Philippine migration stories, here in Colorado and across the nation, are linked to the thousands of Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who went to war to defend the United States and the Philippines during World War II. In an honest and heartfelt directorial debut, TS Botkin follows Filipino American veterans as they emotionally trace their paths from war to erasure by the U.S. Government, marching from an obscured history to the Federal courts, right up to the steps of Congress in search of promises denied.

 

Food as Culture: The Role of Gastronomy in Filipino Identity

​April is Filipino Food Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.  The month-long event honors the country's culinary heritage and highlights its diverse dishes. The Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement headed by Chef Jam Melchor spearheaded this initiative and was signed into law in the Philippines in 2018. 

In Colorado, the Filipino food scene offers a variety of authentic and fusion culinary experiences. Here are some establishments where you can immerse yourself in Filipino flavors:​

1040 Cafe 

A Taste of Lumpia Philippine Fusion

Baon Supper Club

Cakeheads

Coffee Sarap

Homemade by Kreng

Hopia Love

Ilokana's Panaderia

Iyang's Pasalubong

Kamayan Hideaway by Lumpia Lheas

Kath Asian Food Truck

Kusinerang Cavitena

Magna Kainan

OFAM Tropical Grill

Paborito Filipino BBQ

Sarap! Filipino Restaurant

Salve's Assorted Goods 

Tata's Anything & Everything from Pinas

The Filipino Food Truck 

Mechanics:
Supporting these establishments during Filipino Food Month not only offers a delicious culinary experience but also helps preserve and promote Filipino culture within the Colorado community. Whether you're indulging in traditional dishes or exploring fusion creations, each meal is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage.

  1. Colorado Filipino Food Festival Passports can be obtained from participating establishments. Diners get a stamp/punch from participating establishments when they dine or pick up orders. 

  2. One passport stamp/visit.  However, to be able to ensure that participating establishments are given equal opportunity to be visited, there will be a maximum of 2 visits per establishment per passport (individual members of a family can have passports but the 2 visit rule applies).

  3. Complete passports to be entered into a giveaway drawing where they can win gift certificates from restaurants/vendors, product packages,cookbook,  etc.

For further details, contact Shiela shiela.deforest@naffaa.org.