The Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (HFJCC) traces its history back as early as 1970, when Geminiano “Toy” Arre, Jr. was serving as the first non-Japanese president of the Honolulu Japanese Jaycees. Arre, a successful Filipino in his own right, was instrumental in extending a new chapter that was then named the Bayanihan (a word that translates to the spirit of camaraderie) Jaycees. The aim of this group was to bring the concept of providing young individuals (ages 18-40) personal, professional, and community involvement opportunities. The Bayanihan Jaycees actively participated in a variety of projects including coordinating the United Filipino Council of Hawaii’s Miss Filipino Scholarship Pageant. The organization, however, was renamed due to the policies of the U.S. Jaycees back then, forcing the removal of the ethnic connotation from its name. The result was the creation of the Metropolitan Jaycees.

After a period of hibernation, the organization came back to life and evolved to become the Oahu Filipino Jaycees. Despite the second change in name, the focus remained a strong resource for young leadership in the Filipino community in the 1970’s up into the 1990’s through projects like the Ten Outstanding Filipino Students (T.O.F.S.) scholarship banquet, the Miss Sampaguita Pageant, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.) workshop. Many notable community leaders today such as State Senator Willie Espero, radio personality/successful entrepreneur Larry Ordonez, Judge Rey Graulty, and Roland Casamina, founder of the FilCom Center, all led the Oahu Filipino Jaycees at some point in time. In addition to providing a source for community involvement by young persons, the Filipino Jaycees experienced amazing growth and was highly regarded as a leading chapter member in the Hawaii Jaycees during this time.

In the late 90’s, the organization re-emerged, and evolved once again as the Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (HFJCC). The HFJCC continues the rich tradition that was practiced in the past. This is evident through the many community activities in which the members participate annually, such as the Filipino Fiesta and Parade benefiting the Filipino Community Center, the HFJCC/L & L Drive-Inn/Goodwill Industries Christmas Party, the Goodwill Fishing Tournament, and the annual Installation and Scholarship Banquet.

In 2005 & 2006, an influx of new members resulted in new ideas, new projects. Members took part in different volunteer opportunities like the Hats off to the American Red Cross Day and the Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society, Weed ‘n’ Seed Graffiti Paint-over in Kalihi, and Flavors of Technology. New individual improvement and membership projects include Inferno, hikes to Makapu`u Lighthouse, Aiea Loop Trail, and a Volleyball Night at Susannah Wesley Community Center. The perpetuation of the Filipino Jaycees is strong!

The Honolulu Filipino Jaycees, like its predecessors, is a vibrant, active organization providing leadership development through community service. Its visibility in the community becomes more apparent as membership awareness increases through tools such as our website, coverage and announcements in local publications.

Undoubtedly, the accomplishments of the Bayanihan Jaycees and the OFJCC presented the HFJCC with high standards. We are ready for the challenge to be the leading force for young professionals in the Filipino community. As the Filipino population steadily grows, the imperative to have such an organization as the Filipino Jaycees, to develop tomorrow’s future Filipino community leaders, also becomes evident. We are grateful for the contributions of the earlier Filipino Junior Chamber and are determined for the legacy to live.