Lamesa: Cultural Exchange
About this Event
In many languages in the Philippines, lamesa means “table.” Across Filipino culture, so much of life happens around the table. It's where stories are shared, traditions are passed down, ideas are exchanged, and community is built. It's where we celebrate, eat well, solve problems, welcome new faces, and care for one another.
(Pilipino American Community Endeavor in Dallas-Fort Worth) invites you to join us for Lamesa, a day of Filipino culture, learning, connection, and community, culminating in our 4th Annual DFW Filipino Community Town Hall & Opportunity Fair, proudly supported by
This FREE, family-friendly event is designed for everyone. Whether you're looking to connect with fellow pinoys, learn something new, discover local organizations, meet new friends, network, or help shape the future of our community, there is always a seat for you!
What to Expect
Throughout the day, enjoy interactive experiences including:
- Yoga & Wellness By Jasmine Hunt
- Self-defense By Guro Mike
- Career and Professional Development
- Filipino Language & Cultural Workshops
- Arts & Storytelling
- Family-friendly activities
- Community Organizations & Nonprofit Resources
- Local Businesses and Networking Opportunities
Following lunch, join community leaders, nonprofit organizations, business owners, and members for our interactive Town Hall. Together we'll discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future of the Filipino-American community in North Texas. Every voice matters, and your ideas help shape the work PACE does throughout the year.
Dress Code
Comfy casual attire if you’re participating in our Yoga or Self Defense workshops.
Closed toe shoes and clothing that allow for easy movement are highly encouraged for Self-Defense. If you have a kalistick, you may bring it, but one will be provided for you.
For Yoga, please bring your own mat (BYOM)!
Event Schedule
9:00 AM | Doors Open, Community Fair, Family Activities & Yoga
Morning–Afternoon | Interactive workshops, cultural experiences, and community networking
1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch & Networking with Community Partners and Sponsors - Lunch provided , donations appreciated! : https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ac128373-842b-44ce-8ed3-95a5b6f32cb4 )
2:00–4:00 PM | 4th Annual DFW Filipino Community Town Hall
Why Attend?
Lamesa is about building a stronger Filipino-American community through connection, conversation, and collaboration. Meet new friends, support local businesses, discover community resources, celebrate our culture, and help shape the future of Filipino life in DFW.
PACE DFW is the organization behind Lone Star Palengke and Community Days, working to strengthen Filipino representation, culture, and opportunity across North Texas.
Your attendance and donations help us continue creating events like these and move closer to our long-term vision of establishing a dedicated Filipino Community Center in DFW.
Have questions or ideas you'd like shared BEFORE Town Hall? We'd love to hear from you (please be kind). Please submit them here:https://forms.gle/ttEYVkyKUsXfBBei8
Come pull up a chair.
There's always room at the Lamesa.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Kapwa Yoga Flow
Host: Jasmine Hunt
Info: Led by Jasmine Hunt, this all-levels yoga session offers a gentle space to breathe, move, and reconnect before a day of conversation, culture, and community. Jasmine is a yoga teacher, leadership and inclusion strategist and course writer whose work explores the intersection of identity, wellbeing, and human development. She is passionate about creating wellness experiences that empower individuals to better understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and build stronger communities. Jasmine is a native Texan who loves being in the outdoors with her husband, drinking her watermelon juice, and playing with a lovely Yorkie named Bear. Learn more at lifeonamat.com or @iamjasminehunt Title: Jasmine Hunt: Yoga Teacher/Inclusion Strategist/Course Writer
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Kuwento at Kulay: Filipino Storytime
Host: Jana Sarmiento
Info: Celebrate Filipino culture through an interactive storytime featuring a Filipino-inspired children’s book. Children will learn a few Filipino words, explore Filipino traditions, participate in engaging discussions, and enjoy a creative activity inspired by the story.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Let's Talk About Mental Health - A Conversation about wellness and resilience
Host: Melanie Tan
Info: Mental health affects all of us, yet it's often one of the hardest topics to talk about. This interactive workshop will explore the importance of emotional wellness, stress management, self-care, and community support while creating a safe space for open conversation and reflection. Participants will leave with practical insights and tools to supoort their mental well-being and that of those around them.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Babalik ka ba? A Call to Serve our Kababayan
Host: Unipro
Info: What does it look like to go home and learn about the everyday realities of kababayan? Last month, 20 US organizers immersed with communities in Bicol and Mindanao to distribute disaster relief and interview peasant farmers and fisherfolk who are defending their homes and livelihood. Join this workshop to hear their stories and see how you can apply to NAFCON's next humanitarian mission.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
K-Pop Dance
Host: Christine
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Ano Ba Ang 'Midterm Election?'
Host: Asian Texans for Justice
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Family Painting
Host: Dede Grace
Info: Inspired by healing, transformation, faith, and the beauty found in everyday life, Dede’s workshop explores contemporary abstract art through expressive layers of color, texture, and movement. Drawing from human emotion and nature, participants will create with intention while reflecting, connecting with their own muse, and discovering how art can express what words often cannot. Through this creative experience, Dede hopes to inspire peace, creativity, and a renewed sense of possibility.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Beyond the Bedside: A Wellness Experience for Filipino Healthcare Professional
Host: Grace Robles
Info: Filipino healthcare professionals are known for their compassion, resilience, and dedication to caring for others. Through guided reflection, practical wellness tools, and meaningful conversation, this interactive experience invites participants to recognize the early signs of burnout, reconnect with themselves, and explore sustainable ways to continue serving without losing themselves in the process.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Autism: Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion - Changing the Filipino Narrative
Host: Grace Siller
Info: This workshop opens up an honest, relatable conversation about autism within the Filipino community, moving beyond just awareness into real acceptance and inclusion. We'll talk through common misconceptions, cultural perspectives, and everyday ways we can support autistic individuals and their families. You'll walk away with practical ideas and a fresh, more compassionate lens to help shift the narrative in your own circles.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Between Worlds: Growing Up & Rooting Down
Host: Shadia Lee
Info: Cultural roots play an important role in family growth, but in today's diasporic world, it's easy to feel disconnected. This class will focus on open discussions and exercises for parents aiming to teach their children about family legacies and cultural foundations. Though family-focused, this class also serves as a welcome space for anybody who may feel adrift and looking to deepen their understanding of our Filipino identity.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Pamilya Finances an Overview
Host: Our Infinite Company
Info: Lamesa's Presenting Sponsor, Our Infinite Company will be sharing Financial Fundamentals for Babies, Students, Professionals, and Retirees to establish a strong foundation and building millions in wealth for your Family.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
The Fighting Filipino: A Self-Defense Workshop
Host: Guro Mike
Info: Guro Mike Pana is a Filipino-American self-defense instructor, who specializes in teaching everyday civilians how to be better prepared for violence.
Drawing on the Filipino Martial Arts, he teaches self-defesne using weapons and methods against weapons.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Corporate Career Q&A Panel
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Fil-Am Writing Workshop
Host: Jered Mabaquiao from DAAAHS
Info: The Fil-Am Writing Workshop, hosted by DAAHS, will address approaches to drafting culturally informed written reflections. On the basis of community-forward engagement, participants can expect to contribute to discussions, practice responsive listening and deploy innovative writing methods, and critically learn from each other’s spectrums of experiences and perspectives.Through this workshop, participants will be better able to employ storytelling through the lens of their personal Filipino American identity, culture, and community.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Bridging Filipino Food and Health
Host: Joyce Manalo, Founder of Kala Health & Wellness
Info: Traditional Filipino dishes are high in protein, as well as, fat, sodium, carbs and added sugar. How can we continue to eat our cultural foods without sacrificing our health? Join the Culturally Conscious Health Coach for this nutrition workshop to learn how to celebrate our health, history, and heritage with a balanced plate.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
DFW Town Hall & Interactive Discussions
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
