Behind the Lens: Filipina on the Rise | San Diego, California

OMG, What a Night!
Filipina on the Rise Was EVERYTHING!!!

Guys, I'm still on cloud nine from this incredible event! Last weekend at Second Chance Brewery was honestly one of those nights that just fills your heart to the brim. The "Filipina on the Rise" event was absolutely AMAZING and I'm so grateful I got to capture all the magic through my lens!

But first, let me give you some context - this was my FIRST EVER Filipina on the Rise event, and wow, what an introduction!

Why This Hit Different for Me

Okay, real talk - living in SoCal with zero family around can be tough sometimes. Like, you know that feeling when you're surrounded by people but still feel a little lost? That's been me for a while. But stepping into this event felt like coming home in the best way possible.

Filipina on the Rise's mission is everything - bringing Filipina women together - and honestly, we NEED this! There's something so special about being surrounded by people who just GET you, you know? Like, they understand the struggle of explaining to your non-Filipino friends why you call every older woman "Tita" or why family dinner means feeding 20 people even when only 5 are coming, haha!

The Filipina Magic Was Real

Can we talk about the energy these women brought?! That nurturing, empathetic vibe that you only get with Filipinas was everywhere. You know what I mean if you've been around your titas and ates - it's that instant "you're family now" energy that makes you feel so supported and loved.

And yes, there was definitely some quality chismis happening (but the GOOD kind, okay!). The kind where we're all hyping each other up, sharing opportunities, and being genuinely excited about each other's success. No drama, just pure support and celebration!

From the Second I Walked In...

The vibes were immaculate! Second Chance Brewery was the perfect venue - that industrial look but with all the warmth from our beautiful community filling up the space. And can we talk about how ganda everyone looked?! The outfits, the confidence, the pure joy on everyone's faces - photographer's paradise, y’all!

The Vendors Were EVERYTHING!

OMG, THE VENDORS! I was like a kid in a candy store, hopping from booth to booth and discovering all these incredible Filipina-owned businesses. From handmade jewelry to skincare products that my Ate senses were tingling over (you know we love our glowing skin!), to the most adorable small business finds - I was taking notes and already planning my next purchases!

Each vendor had such a beautiful story too. Meeting these entrepreneurial queens and hearing about their journeys while browsing their amazing products? Pure inspiration! And of course, I had to get photos of all their gorgeous setups because the aesthetics were *chef's kiss*.

Giveaways Had Me SCREAMING!

Okay but the giveaways though! I may or may not have gotten a little too excited when they were announcing prizes. The prizes were so good too, featuring products from the vendors and some seriously amazing local businesses. Watching everyone get hyped during the announcements was so fun to capture on camera!

But Let's Talk About the FOOD!

GUYS. THE FOOD! I cannot even begin to describe how incredible it was! You know how Filipinos don't mess around when it comes to food? Well, this event was NO exception! I'm talking about flavors that transported me straight back to childhood, comfort food that hugged my soul, and dishes that had me going back for seconds (and thirds, no shame!).

The spread was absolutely beautiful - and you KNOW I had to get the food shots because that's just photographer 101, right? But honestly, I spent more time eating than photographing because everything was just too good to put down! There's something about Filipino food that just hits different, especially when you're surrounded by your community. It felt like being at a giant family gathering where everyone's lola contributed a dish!

The Connections Were Everything

This is where I got emotional, guys. I met some truly incredible people that night! Like, these women just welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family from minute one. We're talking business collaborations, new friendships, and even some potential mentorship situations - all because of this one beautiful evening.

What blew me away was how every single woman there was amazing, successful, and talented in their own unique way. From entrepreneurs to artists, nurses to tech leaders - the diversity was incredible but we all had that shared understanding, that Filipina bond.

Picture Perfect Moments Everywhere

The photographer in me was absolutely living! Everyone was so natural and genuine - no awkward poses needed. The titas were giving me life with their animated kwentuhan over craft beer (which, iconic behavior honestly). The younger professionals were networking like queens, and watching the different generations connect was just chef's kiss.

The lighting at Second Chance was perfect too! That warm, golden hour vibe even though we were indoors? Perfect for those candid shots of people laughing, sharing stories, and just being authentically themselves.

More Than Just Pretty Pictures

Look, I love taking beautiful photos, but this event was about so much more than that. For me, it was about finding my tribe in a place where I'd been feeling a little lonely. Every click of my camera was capturing not just history being made, but my own journey of finding community and belonging.

As someone living far from family, events like this remind me that family isn't just blood - it's the people who embrace you, support you, and make you feel like you belong. And let me tell you, I felt SO much love that night!

Until Next Time, Loves!

As the night ended and everyone was taking those final group photos (you know we love a good group pic!), I couldn't help but feel so grateful. This wasn't just my first Filipina on the Rise event - it was my introduction to an incredible community of strong, supportive, amazing women who are now part of my SoCal family.

To all the incredible women I met that night - salamat for welcoming me with such open hearts! You have no idea how much that meant to someone who's been navigating life solo out here. To the organizers - you created something truly magical! And to Second Chance Brewery - maraming salamat for hosting such a beautiful gathering!

I'm already counting down the days to the next event because you KNOW I'll be there with my camera ready and my heart full!

P.S. - If you see yourself in any of my photos and want copies, just DM me! Always happy to share the love with my new Filipina fam! 💕

Mabuhay to all our rising Filipinas! The future is bright, it's female, and it's beautifully Filipino! ✨