ARE YOU READY FOR A distinctive cultural event that will draw out the best in you as well as also entertain you?
The Bayanihan Gala is coming up on May 2, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park.
The event is co-hosted by the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM), Alagad ni Maria (AM) and the B Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center (PJNFCC).
The gala is a fundraising event to generate crucial funds and resources that will help ensure the stability and sustainability of the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center. The PJNFCC, inaugurated by Bishop Kevin Vann on July 21, 2025, is currently the only Filipino Catholic Center in the United States.
The center sits on a 1.4-acre property in Anaheim purchased in May 2025 for $5.2 million. The outstanding loan balance is $2.4 million, the amount that the DOSJFM, AM and PJNFCC are hoping to pay off in the shortest time possible.
Bayanihan reflects the Filipino spirit of unity, where everyone comes together as “bayani” (heroes) through generosity and service — a concept that inspires people to give not just as donors but as partners in a shared mission to uplift the community and make a lasting impact. The decision to establish the Filipino Catholic Center is grounded in this principle — to uplift the community and make a lasting impact. Bayanihan is a call to help each other grow together in unity and to flourish because by working together we can accomplish more. The biggest aspiration in this gala is the maximum participation of everyone in the faith community, working together united in faith, principle and conviction.
In addition, the “Bayanihan Gala: A Celebration of Faith and Culture” aims to foster Filipino cultural and religious traditions and values as well as to develop an appreciation of things Philippine in art, faith and culture. At the gala, these goals will be addressed partly by showcasing Filipino native dances and music. The Barkdahan Dance Troupe (BDT), established in June 2024, will perform during the evening’s program.
The BDT consists of school children (aged 7 to 18). On an invitation they have performed recently in pregame and halftime shows during Filipino Heritage Nights at Angel Stadium, the Intuit Dome and the Galen Center at USC. Rondalla Ni San Jose will provide background rondalla music before and during dinnertime. The Rondalla, an ethnic string ensemble, was organized two years ago and has performed at several Simbang Gabi receptions in December at the request of various parishes. A mini-Santacruzan is also being planned at the gala as a cultural and religious display of a Filipino tradition that usually takes place in May. Young people are also the participants in this short procession. A silent auction will be held for guests to have additional opportunities to express their support and generosity.
Dancing follows to music provided by Alex Lagman’s First Choice Band. For tickets, call Tess Quiaoit at (714) 920-8527. Tickets are $110 per person, early bird at $100 if purchased by April 15, 2026.